Good morning! Have you seen high-end purses or shoes and wondered why they were so expensive, for example, a Prada bag or red bottom shoes made Christian Louboutin? While those hand bags and shoes may range from $300 – $1,000, you can always find a knock off (fake replica) at a swap meet or garment district. Personally, I thought about painting the bottom of my own shoes red (laugh). However, the fake replica may bring you joy until someone stands next to you with the real thing, then almost immediately the difference is made known. Enjoy today’s devotion. 

“¹¹ “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. ¹² He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”” Matthew 3:11-12 NLT

It is clear John the Baptist was preparing the way for the Messiah/Jesus. He (John) knew his place in God’s plan, he was a humble servant and did not compare himself as equal.

Two Old Testament prophecies were also shared from Joel 2:28-29 which was the promise of the Holy Spirit and Malachi 3:2-5 which was baptism with fire, the judging and cleansing of those who enter the kingdom. It was a reminder of the coming day of the Lord, for all to repent and return to God. 

The day will come when the Lord will prepare his people (wheat) for the kingdom and cleanse them and those who he rejects (chaff) will be judged and cast into fire (Malachi 4:1).

Brothers and sisters the Lord is preparing us for his return, let us be as pure as the wheat and not like chaff amongst the wheat. Let us be a true representation of children of God not a fake replication or knock off that has no value.

Father God, thank you for today. Thank you for your love toward us and for preparing us for the day you return. Lord, prepare our hearts and minds to receive you and follow your plan for our lives. Lord, forgive us when we fall short and put us back on the right path. Lord, on the day you return we want to be as wheat and not chaff. Lord, help us to remain humble servants. Help us to live a life that pleases you, one that is fully surrendered to you, so that when others see us they know we are truly Christians and not a knock-off simply stating we are Christians. Lord, we pray for all the people around the world to come to know you in an intimate relationship. Lord, be with the brokenhearted. and those who are grieving, comfort them Lord and give them peace. In Jesus name, amen.

Keep seeking! Keep trusting! Keep praying!

Do you have a specific prayer request? If so, we would love to pray for you and/or your family. Send your prayer requests to: prayerrequest@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com