Daily Bread 1-27-17

Mark 6:27-29

27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

28 And he brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.

29 And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

ref. - Matt 14:12 - And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

We read this scripture today to be put in remembrance of just one of the many who were tortured, mistreated, and even killed for standing for the gospel. This is a story of John the Baptist. He was murdered because he told the truth to a man and a woman that were not supposed to be together. It was against the law and he wasn't afraid to state it. No matter what the outcome, he stood by his faith and did what God had called him to do. Today, we worry about how others perceive us to the point that we will actually condone their sin just to keep them around.This or we condone in ourselves to keep it from others. We tiptoe around afraid of this or afraid of that, all the while God is looking down and wondering where his soldiers are at. Today, our lives are not required of us, but some are more worried about feelings and rumors than even death. They are suffering but have chosen another path. A path that leads them away from God but closer to family and man. They are only worried about their own flesh and blood instead of realizing the great opportunity that God has put before them. Today, we are reminded that in order to fulfill the calling that has been given us of God we must not only be willing to tell the truth but we must also be willing to separate ourselves from family and friends if necessary. The word of God says that if we cannot do this we are not worthy of the kingdom of God. This meaning that we will never find the peace that is promised us. Sure, we might go on with the approval of a few people and seem to continue in his way, but inside he will be picking at the very core of our soul. There will be no rest when we open the word of God as it will prick us in our hearts every time it is opened. Today, let us search ourselves for the faith that we need to be willing to not only work our own salvations with fear and trembling but to also walk worthy of the vocation in which we are called. We have been called to greatness in something so much greater than the world!! So, let's not settle for the mediocrity of the world, but let's call on God to take us into that Spiritual place where our faith can flourish like a cedar in Lebanon!!! It is what we are here for so let us pray for God to increase our faith and be willing to accept it when he does!!! Have a great day!!!