Happy Thursday! Have you ever been in a situation where you have done everything you felt was right to do, and the situation still had  unexpected consequences? Today we will begin reading Matthew chapter 14, where we will read on John the Baptist’s final day on earth. Enjoy today’s devotion.

Bible Verse – Matthew 14:1-12 NLT
“_¹ At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, ² 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.”

³ Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, ⁴ for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” ⁵ Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet.

⁶ On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much ⁷ that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. ⁸ Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” ⁹ The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted ¹⁰ and had John beheadedin the prison. ¹¹ His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. ¹² John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it.Then they went and told Jesus.”

Reflection
Brothers and sisters, sometimes the Lord calls us to do great things and at other times he asks us to do small things. There maybe a time when His calling on our life may lead to loss of life on this earth, but remember what Paul wrote in Romans 8:38-39 NIV,

“ ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Therefore, don’t be fearful or afraid to share the gospel message with others. We don’t know what today or tomorrow might bring, but what I do know is – I would rather die serving the Lord, than living a life without Him.

Prayer
Father God, thank you for this message. Lord, while we don’t want to be beheaded like John the Baptist for serving you, we know many of our brothers and sisters in the faith are being persecuted daily. Lord, we ask in the name of Jesus that you release those held prisoner because of their faith. Lord, be with the families who have lossed their loved ones because of their faith in You. Lord heal their brokenness and restore their hope and faith in you. Lord, give us boldness to declare your truth. Lord, guide our thoughts, tongues and our actions – may our lives please you. May our work for the kingdom always bring you glory. Lord, strengthen us so that we may serve you all the days of our lives. In Jesus name, amen.

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