Happy Monday! First I want to give praises to God for an amazing women’s retreat on Saturday. Thank you for all your prayers for me, the ministry, the women, etc. The petition of your prayers were heard and the Holy Spirits presence was in the room. To see short clips from the retreat, visit our Facebook page @maryewhiteministries. Additional pictures will be added, along with each speakers bio.

Today, we will start the week in Matthew chapter 14 verses 22-23, these two verses lead us to one of my favorite sections in the book of Matthew. 

^“22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. ²³ After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.” – Matthew 14:22-23 NLT

Here in this NLT version you see the word insisted, Jesus insisted that the disciples get back into the boat… I can only imagine how that conversation went to make Jesus insist for them to go. The disciples may have said, Jesus – how are you going to get to the other side if we take the boat? In our case sometimes, Jesus insists that we go somewhere or do something, sometimes we respond Lord, I don’t think you are sending me or Jesus, I’m not going without you showing me exactly what to do or expect.

The other thing I noticed here, was often in Jesus’ ministry he got away by himself to pray. He took time to commune with God and pray. I can only imagine what Jesus was praying for or sharing with the Lord. 

I want you to take a way at least two things from these verses.

1. When God calls us and instructs us to do His will, do it. We will see Him show up and His presence will be with us.
2. Prayer is important. Jesus set the example, that no matter who we are, no matter who we become we must seek God in prayer, and because of what Jesus Christ (Our High Priest) did on the cross for our sins, we now have direct access to the Father to pray directly to Him. So brothers and sisters, pray often. Get away to pray when you can. This will also help you to hear Jesus’ call on your life and to get instruction from Him.

Will you listen to the Lord’s direction? Will you take sometime to pray? Will you get alone time with Him so that you are not alone in your situation?

Father God, in the name of Jesus we honor you and thank you for all that you have done for us. Lord, we want to follow your will for our lives and do things your way. Lord, we don’t want to be distracted by all the things of the world or stuck in place because of our own pride – we want and need more of you in our lives. So Lord, as we pray begin to heal our hearts and minds so that we can hear you, see things as you see them and accept without hesitation the call You have on our lives. Lord, be with us and increase our faith. Lord, use us, work in us and change us to be more like you. In Jesus name, amen. 

Keep seeking the Lord! Continue to trust His plan. Keep praying!

If you have a prayer request, we would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: prayerrequest@maryewhiteministries.com 

Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com