Matthew 11:12 – ”From the moment John stepped on the scene until now, the realm of heaven’s kingdom is bursting forth, and passionate people have taken hold of its power.”

As I read, prayed, and pondered, I read Matthew from the Passion Translation, and some things leaped out and exploded in my spirit.  I realize some do not like this translation, and it may have flaws, but I like this particular rendering.

In Matthew 11, Jesus spoke of John the Baptizer and said something we read, but I wonder how it resonates.  He said that the kingdom was being manifested, and those with passionate hearts were tapping into and embracing it.  We need to do that!

The infamous and familiar “Take My Yoke” passage is powerful in this translation.    Matthew 11:28-30.  “Simply join your life to Mine and learn my Ways.”

Remember the Binding the Strongman passage? 

Matthew 12:27-29.  Jesus addresses the charge that He is casting out demons by Satan.  He says, 12:29 – “Who would dare enter the house of a mighty man and steal his property?  First, he must be overpowered and tied up by one stronger than he.  THEN, his entire house can be plundered.”

Jesus binds the strong man; He is the stronger man!   We operate in His power.   Remember the parable of the weeds in the wheat?   Do we grasp the real picture?   The wheat sown is those born again (Church, Body of Christ). 

The weeds are the lost pretenders and deceived.   Where are they planted?   In the church by the devil to harm and destroy.   No wonder we are told to mark those who cause division and to know those who labor among us.

Jesus said the fruit of the tree identifies the tree.  He said the overflow of the heart (words from the heart) reveals the character.   Words from the heart are important.  They reveal the hidden character of the heart.

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing comes by God’s Word (Rhema)—the personalized, direct Word from God that produces faith.  When Jesus walked on the water and bade Peter to join him, Peter started well, but when he shifted his focus (revealed his heart or what he was hearing), he began to sink and cried out for help. 

Jesus said in Matthew 14:31 – “What little faith you have!  (You had my Rhema), Why would you let doubt win?”  Wow!

What we hear and see, we believe.   What we believe determines our faith and fate.   Don’t let doubt win.   Focus on Jesus, not the storms.  He has the Word of life and faith.   We have been made more than conquerors, but we must stay focused.

I declare that today is Victory Day!  Have a great day in Jesus!