SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19
Scripture: Matthew 10:35-39

Jesus made it clear that by walking with Him in the last days, by fully following all that He has called us to do, there is a price. God is first and foremost a family-man. When we accept Christ, we are baptized into a new and eternal family. Acts 16:31 promises “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” When natural family refuses spiritual family, a sword becomes evident. It is not minor but it is major because the sword pierces our own heart. The stand we have to take often places us in opposition to people we love dearly, and possibly the most. Our willingness to apply the same judicial standard to family members as to the world is what qualifies us to walk where the prophets walked and to demonstrate the fullness of Christ in Revelation in the last days. Without that commitment we just cannot get there. Mercy triumphs over judgment is our heart-cry in this place. The greatest conflict falls in natural family. The Levites had to do the same thing when Moses came down off of the mountain. They had to execute God’s justice, even in their own families. But as a result, they were given the Priesthood. The standard has not changed, it is still the same. If you and I cannot exercise a judicial standard at home, we cannot take it to other people and take it to a nation. God’s heart is to save and family conflict keeps our heart leaning toward salvation reluctant in judgment!