Matthew 11:7-9 (KJV) - "And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, what went ye out to see? ...A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet."
The garment of John the Baptist was not what some expected, but it represented more than just clothing—it was His assignment as a FORERUNNER. The raiment of the forerunner, spiritually, will be distinctive according to the Lord's mandate. Jesus said John was more than a prophet. He was set apart for the coming movement.
Today's forerunners will navigate through some troubled murky waters. They will work with those who've been forgotten -- they will help forgotten ones work through hardships and give them a hunger and thirst to pursue their calling in Christ. These forerunners will carry a heart that will not be intimidated while carrying the light and power of truth—breaking the people of God out of old patterns to move forward into the great possibilities of the day.
Luke 1:18 - And Zacharias said unto the angel. Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
Luke 1:34 - Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, since I do not know a man?
Both Mary and Zacharias asked how these miracles would occur, but it is evident that Mary asked "how" in faith while Zacharias asked "how" in unbelief. It is clear in scripture that unbelief doesn't please God (Hebrews 11:6), but the Lord doesn't mind us questioning Him for the purpose of instruction so we can cooperate with His will in our lives.
Abram knew that it was God's will for him to have a son, but Abram and Sarai came up with their own plan which caused them and the world much grief (Genesis 16:1-6), Abram would have avoided many problems if he had asked the Lord how He was going to accomplish this miraculous event.
If Mary had not questioned this angel, she might have reasoned that Jesus would be born through the natural union of her and Joseph. This would have been a grave mistake. It would have disqualified her from being used.
Affirmations:
I KNOW IT'S NOT ENOUGH JUST TO KNOW GOD'S WILL;
I CONTINUE TO SEEK THE LORD UNTIL I KNOW GOD'S PURPOSE FOR MY LIFE.
Matthew 12:43,44 - "Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places, seeking rest, and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came."'
JESUS REVEALED THAT THERE IS A DIMENSION TO HUMAN NATURE THAT ACTUALLY CAN HOST AN EVIL SPIRIT AND PROVIDE IT A TYPE OF REST.
THE ASPECT OF HUMAN NATURE WHICH IS MOST SIMILAR IN SUBSTANCE AND DISPOSITION TO THE NATURE OF THE EVIL ONE IS THE CARNAL THOUGHT-LIFE, WHICH IS A DIMENSION OF THE SOUL (MIND, WILL, AND EMOTIONS).
IT IS OUR UNCRUCIFIED THOUGHTS AND UNSANCTIFIED ATTITUDES THAT UNCLEAN SPIRITS (MASKING THEMSELVES AS OUR THOUGHTS AND HIDING THEMSELVES IN OUR ATTITUDES) FIND ACCESS INTO OUR LIVES.
ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
http://afministry.ning.com
