| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “The Great Adventure” Our Bible verse for today: “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one now restraining will do so until he is out of the way, and then the lawless one will be revealed.” 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8 (CSB) Our thought for today: “You are making a difference” In recent devotionals I have encouraged you to resolve to simply do the next right thing, and then to keep doing that moment-by-moment, situation-by-situation, day-by-day, and don’t stop doing so. Don’t get discouraged and don’t give up. Your persistence and perseverance are more important and makes more of a difference than you might realize. In chapter two of 2 Thessalonians the Apostle Paul was writing about the antichrist and the spirit of the antichrist in the world. The antichrist will be an actual person who makes his appearance on the world stage in the end times. But the spirit of the antichrist is the spirit of evil at work in the world. In 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8 Paul explains that the spirit of the antichrist is here and is at work in the world, but there is also restraint being applied to that evil spirit. However, at some point in the future the restraint will be removed and then the actual antichrist (the lawless one) will appear. What Paul is describing in this passage is the truth that the Holy Spirit is now restraining the evil of Satan in the world, and He is doing it through the work and ministry of the followers of Jesus Christ. You have the Holy Spirit living in your heart. He is working in you and through you. As you bless people in the name of Jesus, as you share the Good News of the Gospel with them, as you live by Biblical principles and set a good godly example, the evil of Satan is restrained, pushed back, held back, and often defeated. The day will come (at the time of the rapture) when the saints of God will be removed from this world and the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit will stop. At that time all hell will literally break loose in the world. But until then, Satan is being opposed and held in check and you and I are the instruments of ministry the Holy Spirit is using to accomplish that. You are making a meaningful difference right there in your little corner of the world simply by being you and by being faithful. As much as it might seem as if evil is prevailing, that is much less the case than it would be if you were not right there where God has you and where the Holy Spirit is using you. Just continue being you. Continue doing the next right thing. Live by Biblical principles, bless people, and share the Good News of the Gospel. You are making more of a difference than you realize. Keep at it and don’t give up. God bless, Pastor Jim (If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville |
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Thank you for the encouraging message.
You’re welcome, Donna. I miss yours. Do you think you will begin writing again soon?
I do not know. I hope so. I just haven’t felt led to write anything. Thanks for asking and for your prayers.