Remain In Faith

Good morning! 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 beheaded in 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
Let me provide a bit more context to these verses. Herod of Antipas ruled 1/4th of Palestine, which included Galilee and Perea. He is also the one who judged Jesus when He was on trial. He was the son of Herod the Great (Matthew 2:16 – he ordered for the babies in Bethlehem to be killed). 

Herodias was the sister-in-law of Herod of Antipas. Herod of Antipas was living with his brother’s wife and John the Baptist publicly condemned Herod of having an immoral relationship with her. John the Baptist was placed in prison out of the public eye because of it – but he wasn’t killed because the people loved and respected the prophet John the Baptist. However, Herodias through her daughter had an opportunity to ask for John the Baptist to be killed.

Brothers and sisters, wickedness in the world has been going on for years. Sometimes the Lord calls us to do great things, at other times he asks us to do small things, and always has us stand for truth. There may be a time when His calling on our life may lead to being highly respected or to lose our 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, to stand for truth when the world is at opposition to it, and know God is always with you. 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 lost 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, we pray for those who are struggling with spiritual warfare today. Lord, give them clarity and discernment as they encounter the enemy’s attacks. Lord, help us all to stand firm in our faith and in the word of God. Lord, protect us from the plots and darts that have been made against us. Lord, bind the lies and those being used by Satan to cause havoc. Lord, shield us while making us stronger in our faith and trust in you. Lord, don’t let us lose traction in our relationship with you. Keep our eyes fixed on you. Keep our hearts humble but filled with faith and your truth. Keep us from falling away. Continue to write your word on our hearts so that we can stand against the enemy’s schemes. Lord, strengthen us so that we may serve you all the days of our lives. 

In Jesus name, amen.

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Updates

Women’s Retreat Information 

We added speakers:

  • Pastor Nicole Kalout
  • Susie Cortez
  • Panelist
    • Sherri Lucas
    • Sundae Sayles
    • Deidra Turner

We still have room for you to attend. The retreat will be a in-person with limited virtual participation. Tickets are $45.00 ( includes a light breakfast and lunch) and must be purchased prior to the event. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Tickets can be purchased online through our Online Ticket Account click below:

http://mewministries.betterworld.org/events/2025-women-s-retreat

Women’s Retreat Information 

Retreat themed t-shirts are on sale. There are two styles and two colors.

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