Our Life's Work Affirmed!

Good morning to all! The Blog, SojournSpirit is up but limping along. I need help with two things: 1) how to add a Guest Counter and 2) how to add spell check to my menu bar. Jillian and her family will be with us over the weekend and I am trusting that she will be able to assist me by adding the two things I need and this time I will pay attention. Sadly, one of my dear friends lost her husband on Saturday. Anthony and Brenda, pictured in white,  had been married for over 30 years and celebrated Waine and my 21st wedding rededication with us in Montego Bay in 2009. Brenda and I have been friends since college and Anthony is a second cousin. Anthony had been ill for a while but was a real optimist and felt that he was on the road to recovery. The great news is that Anthony knew Christ and will be waiting for Brenda and their children in glory. He will be missed in any number of ways by his family and friends so pray God's peace for them. God is good every day and when life gives us unexpected trials, He is the best.! Amen.

I am continuing my journey in Matthew 11 today verses 1-10, "And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding Hs twelve disciples, He departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John (the Baptist) had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee." This was the highest honor that Jesus could bestow on John the Baptist, the affirmation of John's life and ministry. He was letting John know that his sacrifices were not in vain; the contrary was true. John's life and ministry had PREPARED the way for Jesus, the Christ! Remember, John the Baptist's mother, Elizabeth, was pregnant with John when Mary her cousin came to visit. Mary was pregnant with Jesus and it is said in Luke 1: 39-45 "At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby (John the Baptist) leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

John had been waiting all these years for his Savior to come and now he could die in peace for his time was finished. John had "prepared" the way and his Lord proclaimed that he had done a GREAT job. John had fulfilled his mission and could comfortably go to Glory as a good and faithful servant. Boy I want that proclaimation as I am going on to Glory--You good and fiathful servant--rest now and be at Peace. John had waited all his life to meet his savior and he would be given a chance not only to meet Him but to also baptize Him. God is always good to His servants and will give us the SATISFACTION of our hearts. Just remain faithful through the dark and lonely days, the prison of our minds and hearts. Do not be discourage today but be encourage by the renewing of your minds. God loves you this day and every day hence forward!

Pray God's Peace for our sister Brenda and her family today. God is smiling on her and this day she will know that the love of God will transcend all her grief!

Stephanie