Fraud Protection
Today, I had my Chiropractor appointment and then came home to plant some flowers in my garden. I have been a little more fatigued today than 
I anticipated. But fortunately my dog is always willing to keep me company if I need to lay down.
A big event for today was Steve Grimes, coming to take out the handicap ramp. We are leaving a platform outside the back door, but this is certainly a sign of increased mobility and progress in my recovery.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “ Do not let anyone deceive you in any way…. For God chose you…to be saved by the Spirit’s power to make you his holy people and by your faith in the truth…. to possess your share of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, our friends, stand firm and hold on to those truths which we taught you…” 2 Thessalonians 2:3.13-15
Paul speaks more about the second coming of Christ and the rise of the Anti-Christ in his letters to the Thessalonians than in any of his letters. These believers were growing in their faith, but had some concerns about “missing the day of the Lord.”
Paul also wanted them to know that the coming of the “Wicked One” was going to be a day of great deception. The Anti-Christ is a fraudulent, “Christ” and works to deceive many. We hear many warnings today about “fraud protection” when it comes to finances. In order for that to happen, the on perpetrating the fraud must appear to be legitimate and the one “taken in” must believe and place their trust in that person.
This scenario describes the work of the Anti-Christ in deceiving people. But just like financial fraud, people will set themselves up to be deceived by rejecting the real truth about Jesus Christ. Paul says of those who will be deceived:
“…They will perish because they did not welcome and love the truth so as to be saved. And so God sends the power of error to work in them so that they believe what is false.” (2 Thessalonians 2:10,11)
But we see that Paul has a better expectation for those who have placed their faith in Christ. The key to not being deceived is to hold on to the truth and your faith in the Lord and to continue to live a life pleasing to the Lord. Paul’s charge to the Thessalonians is similar to that to the Corinthians when he said, “…stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord…” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Spiritual darkness uses fear and deception to perpetrate fraudulent activities among people and in people’s lives. That is why confidence on God’s love and a strong faith provides the protection that is needed. The Lord is on our side and when we place our trust and confidence in Him, we are on the “winning side.” Paul’s benediction to the Thessalonians is one for us to accept for our lives as the protection against fraud.
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16,17)