From The Days of John The Baptist

VERSE OF THE DAY:  Matthew 11:10-15 ~ “For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.’ “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.  And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

This is amazing! Jesus gives these words as part of His response to John the Baptist when he inquired of Jesus’ identity. After assuring John of His identity as the Messiah Jesus defends John because Jesus wanted the crowd to know that John’s questioning and doubt had nothing to do with his being weak, and certainly didn’t disqualify him as a man of God either. Jesus attributed John’s struggle with the extreme clash between two realms. Jesus described the violent nature of the spiritual battle that you and I are in.

There is a clash between darkness and light. The principalities and powers of sin, sickness and sorrow are violently opposing the invasion of life, love and freedom that comes through King Jesus. Scripture tells us that darkness doesn’t stand a chance but we can learn from John that the majority of the warfare is fought in the realms of thought and faith. We as believers must be aggressive even violent about keeping our minds, our spirits and our faith focused on the Lord and upon doing His will. He has overcome the world for us but we must be intentional about walking out that victory.

PRAYER: “Thank You Jesus for conquering sickness, sin, oppression and death on the cross and for the power of Your resurrection! Live in me Jesus lead and direct me on the path of victory, as You teach me to do Your will. Open the eyes of my understanding Holy Spirit that I can know and live the Word of God. Amen”

VERSE FOR FEARLESS LIVING!  ~Isaiah 51:7 “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, You people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, Nor be afraid of their insults.