The Power of One

Good morning to all on this beautiful Saturday morning from Bainbridge, Georgia. I am working here over the weekend and Waine came and joined me last night. This is a quaint little town; I saw churches still being used that were probably built in the 1800's by exslaves. There are large trees with moss hanging and the people are very friendly. This part of Georgia is so remote Waine's GPS couldn't triangulate a signal. Pray for our safe travels as Waine heads back tomorrow and me on Monday morning.

I am continuing my travels in Matthew, chapter 14, verse 1-14, "At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, and he said to his attendants, "This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him." Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, for John had been saying to him: "It is not lawful for you to have her." Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered him a prophet. On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother.John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus." Amen and amen!

John preached the truth and was not afraid of the consequences of his truth telling. John had been preaching and making the way for our Lord. He had baptized Jesus and then was inprisoned specifically for preaching against the adulterous behavior of the Jewish "king" Herod. It would appear that Herod's lusts didn't stop with his brother's wife--Herod lusted after his neice. Now we know Herod, Herodias and this neice are now in hell where they belong for they neither obeyed the Law or were open to Christ but I don't think that is why John died. John died because it was his time. Regardless of the "power" of Herod, Herod's power was no match for the Power of the God we serve. John was not afraid of death, he knew where he would awaken. He knew his Saviored lived and that the Power of His life would provide the eternal rest and peace John so richly deserved.

Never fear the man that can harm your body--fear the God that can take your body and your soul. Hallelujah! If we are to be messengers for Christ, we must live boldly and confront the sin that exists in the lives of others. Satan will not be happy and at times you will feel threatened; take heart because that means you are on the right track!

Be blessed today in Jesus name, amen!

Stephanie