We read Matthew 3 in today's Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan. Look at verses 1-3:
3 In those days there appeared John the Baptist, preaching in the Wilderness (Desert) of Judea 2 And saying, Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 This is he who was mentioned by the prophet Isaiah when he said, The voice of one crying in the wilderness (shouting in the desert), Prepare the road for the Lord, make His highways straight (level, direct).
I love how the Amplified Bible defines what true repentance is! It is changing our thinking to agree with God! It is recognizing that when we differ from God, He is ALWAYS right! We need to find out more of what the Word says so that we can think like Him! John the Baptist was sent, before JESUS entered His ministry on earth, to prepare the hearts of the people to be in position to receive HIM! When YOU pray, asking the LORD to send laborers into the lives of those you desire to see born again, filled with Holy Spirit, loving the Word and serving the lord, make sure that you also pray asking that their hearts be ready to hear and see! We KNOW that this prayer will be answered because we are asking for something that we know is God's will for them! 1 John 5:14-15 tells us this:
14 And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. 15 And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.
AMEN! Your love for them, along with your prayer and the witness of your life, works to prepare the way for JESUS, just as John's ministry did then! You are valuable! Never doubt your importance in Kingdom of God business! Here is Hillsong with an older song called "The Love Of God Can Do":
Shalom in Him!
