'Preparing the Way' — John 1:6-7

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony.— John 1:6-7 NLT

For most of us to have heard the message of Christ, there had to be a "John" for us! Who was your "John"? Who prepared the soil of your heart to receive the Good News? Who taught you the truth of God and called you to repentance and to excited expectation about what God would do in you through his Son Jesus and through the powerful Holy Spirit? Why not take some time today to write that person a thank-you note? Why not make a renewed commitment today to be "John" for someone else who needs to know the Savior?

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you so much for the following people who helped prepare my heart to receive the message of Jesus: ... . Please bless my efforts at sharing Jesus' message with others. In his name, I thank you. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings
Matthew 3:1-6
John 5:31-33
Matthew 11:1

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"Who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will."— Ephesians 1:11

Our belief in God's wisdom supposes and necessitates that he has a settled purpose and plan in the work of salvation. What would creation have been without his design? Is there a fish in the sea, or a fowl in the air, which was left to chance for its formation? Nay, in every bone, joint, and muscle, sinew, gland, and blood-vessel, you mark the presence of a God working everything according to the design of infinite wisdom. And shall God be present in creation, ruling over all, and not in grace? Shall the new creation have the fickle genius of free will to preside over it when divine counsel rules the old creation? Look at Providence! Who knoweth not that not a sparrow falleth to the ground without your Father? Even the hairs of your head are all numbered. God weighs the mountains of our grief in scales, and the hills of our tribulation in balances. And shall there be a God in providence and not in grace? Shall the shell be ordained by wisdom and the kernel be left to blind chance? No; he knows the end from the beginning. He sees in its appointed place, not merely the corner-stone which he has laid in fair colours, in the blood of his dear Son, but he beholds in their ordained position each of the chosen stones taken out of the quarry of nature, and polished by his grace; he sees the whole from corner to cornice, from base to roof, from foundation to pinnacle. He hath in his mind a clear knowledge of every stone which shall be laid in its prepared space, and how vast the edifice shall be, and when the top-stone shall be brought forth with shoutings of "Grace! Grace! unto it." At the last it shall be clearly seen that in every chosen vessel of mercy, Jehovah did as he willed with his own; and that in every part of the work of grace he accomplished his purpose, and glorified his own name.

*GET READY, GLORIOUS BRIDE*

*POINTS*
• Do not be in church and miss heaven. Be ready.
• Jesus is not coming for just the church, but for a glorious Church that is holy, without spot, wrinkle, or blemish.

*WHAT ARE SPOTS? (Jude 1:11)*
• Walking in the way of Cain.
• Running greedily after the error of Balaam for reward.
• Perishing in the rebellion of Korah.

*WHAT ARE WRINKLES? (Job 15:27; Psalm 106:13–15)*
• One who is driven by his own lusts.
• One who is controlled by the desires of the flesh rather than by the Spirit.

*WHAT IS BLEMISH? (Leviticus 21:17–20)*
• *Blindness* – Lack of spiritual sight in the Word of God.
• *Lameness* – Imbalance in one’s walk with God.
• *Flat nose* – One who has low spiritual sensitivity.
• *Anything superfluous* – One who carries unnecessary weight.
• *Broken foot* – One who is not reliable.
• *Broken hand* – One who is not productive.
• *Crooked back* – One who carries unnecessary burdens.
• *A dwarf* – One who is complete in form but falls below the required spiritual standard.
• *Blemish in the eye* – One who is spiritually short-sighted or long-sighted.
• *Scurvy* – One who is spiritually malnourished.
• *Scabbed* – One who has no spiritual covering.
• *Broken stones* – One who cannot produce or be fruitful.

*SCRIPTURES*
Matthew 22:1–14, Ephesians 5:21–27, Jude 1:11, Genesis 4:3–7, Job 15:27, Psalm 106:13–15, Leviticus 21:17–20, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Revelations 19:7-8

*DECLARATIONS*
• Lord, cleanse me from the way of Cain!
• Every spot in my life is cleansed!
• I am not a flat-nosed Christian!
• From today, I will be reliable!
• ⁠I receive a new garment this month!

*PRAYER POINTS*
• Lord, cleanse me of every spot.
• Lord, grant me grace to be ready.

*_Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men._*

(Matthew 5:13)

*Prayer :*

Remind us that we are Your beloved children—called, equipped, and empowered to be salt and light in the world.

Let our light shine before others, that they may see Your good works and give glory to You, Father.

Make us useful instruments for Your honor, Your glory, and Your praise.
In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

'Witness to the Light and Example to Me'

John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.— John 1:8 NLT

John the Baptizer was an incredible man. He was a prophet, inspired by God's Spirit. He spoke with an authority and authenticity long silent among God's people. He courageously declared the truth to everyone no matter that person's rank and no matter his own personal cost. But ... John was only a witness to God's light - Jesus, God's real Word and only Son. And as important as John was, his importance was as a servant to the light. John freely testified to his function. [1] He knew his role. He refused to be a point of contention. He is a great example to us of what we can and should be to our loved ones and friends - a witness, someone who points others to the truth and light of Jesus.
[1] John 1:15.

Today's Prayer

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for John the Baptizer. Thank you for such a powerful example and such a wonderful person of integrity and humility. Please use me to point those in my circle of influence to the truth about Jesus as I seek to live with integrity and humility before them. In the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen

Related Scripture Readings
John 3:26-30
John 1:29
Mark 1:1-4

Amen

STOP SINNING AND START REPENTING

Many people want God’s protection, provision, and blessings while continuing to live in deliberate disobedience. The Bible teaches that sin is never without consequences. What may begin as a private compromise can eventually affect every area of life; our relationship with God, our peace of mind, our physical well-being, our finances, and our relationships. God is holy, and He calls His people to walk in obedience rather than expecting Him to continually remove the consequences of willful sin.

The good news is that God’s mercy is greater than our failures. He does not reject those who sincerely repent and turn back to Him. Through Jesus Christ, there is forgiveness, restoration, and the power to live a transformed life. Instead of making excuses for sin, let us humble ourselves before God, confess our sins, and pursue righteousness. True freedom and lasting blessing are found in a life of obedience to the Lord.

Hallelujah