This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. So, God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth.

This week, the world will welcome a new year—new to humankind but known by God. My prayer for you this new year is to seek refuge in Jesus Christ. I pray you choose joy, because if you seek happiness, Satan will lead you to disappointment.  Having Joy is a choice , despite your circumstances or the world around you, you remain hopeful and confident in knowing Jesus is in control and that you are merely transient on this earth. Jesus reminded us, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16: 33). Hebrews 11:1 must be our daily affirmation as we wait for Jesus to complete what He promised. Let us spread the truth of God’s prophecy in the hope that many will not be deceived and condemned. Let us not add to or take away from the Holy Word of God as we preach grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, reconciliation, judgment, condemnation, hell, and heaven, all of which are equally important as we share the gospel (Revelation 22:18–19).

I apologize if my New Year’s message is not what you might have expected! There is no time to worry about the flesh’s reaction, only time enough to warn the world that Satan will continue to use whatever vessel he finds to lead you to the lake of fire reserved for him and those who believe his lies (Revelation 20:7–15). In the beginning, Satan used a crafty serpent to separate humankind from God’s protection, and scriptures warn us he will use his demonic spirit—a “powerful delusion”—to make us believe his lies. We know that Jesus is coming back. When? We do not know. However, one thing we know for sure is that His second return will be to rescue and reward those who live under his righteousness and to punish those who have chosen Satan and wickedness as their way of life (Revelation 19, Revelation 22:12–21). Live every hour that God has given you this New Year striving to be among the few who find that narrow gate (Matthew 7:13–14). Let us rejoice, knowing that true happiness awaits us when God restores Eden, that great city of light! (Revelation 22:1–5).

Weekly Scripture 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 NLT