Journal entry February 4, 2026

He (Herod) sent and had John beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus. Mathew 14:10-12

Heavenly Father as I read this account this morning I thought of Paul's words to the church in Philippi. "I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him, Sharing in His death.

I think of how often the desire of my heart has been to know Christ intimately. To be conformed unto His likeness. But somehow in my mind I think that means gentle, kind, loving, and tender, and I leave suffering out of that picture.

The reality is it's only suffering that conforms one into the likeness of Jesus. Lord may I embrace the hardships of this life and the suffering that conforms me into the likeness of You. May I be willing to share in Your death as John the Baptist did.

John spoke out against and unlawful marriage and it cost him his life. He offended the new royal couple and Herodias took advantage of the opportunity to permanently silence the prophet, and had him executed.

Heavenly Father, John's crime was speaking the truth. We live in a day when truth offends. You do not promise us freedom from pain in this life. We are promised, rather, the resources we need to endure our trials. This world may do to us whatever it pleases, but if we are in Christ, we not only share in His sufferings, but we will one day share in the complete restoration that comes with resurrection. Oh may I have faith to press on.. In Jesus name. AMEN