Good morning! Yesterday we read that all the apostles were arrested, released by an angel of the Lord, and continued to teach in the name of Jesus. Today we will continue reading Acts chapter five verses 26-32.
“26 The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them. 27 Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 “We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!”
29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross.[c] 31 Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. 32 We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.”” – Acts 5:26-32 NLT
The verse I want to focus on today is, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” The apostles had a choice, to deny the truth of this new life in Christ Jesus or speak truth and share the entire story which speaks life, truth (including the act of the high priest and Jewish leaders act in killing Jesus), call for repentance and follow Christ.
The apostles made the right choice, they decided to follow the Holy Spirit’s prompting and continued to teach in the name of Jesus. Sisters and brothers we are in a place in society where believers are being called to be obedient to God, to love they neighbor, to love one another, to seek justice, to love mercy, and one of my favorite verses in this season: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV).
Today if you find yourself in conflict on what to do, choose God he will always lead you. He is our firm foundation.
Father God thank you for another day. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you for the protection you continue to provide to your children. Father we come to you with humble hearts, with our face and knees bowed down before you in reverence of who you are and how great you are. Father we grieve over the loss of life due to racism, we grieve over the loss of life due to senseless acts of violence, we grieve over the loss of lives of our loved ones due to sickness, disease and natural causes. Lord, touch and comfort the families and all those who grieve. Lord, give them peace in their spirit. Lord be with our nation today as we continue to process the numerous events and tragedies that have plagued us this year. Lord give us wisdom and discernment on the best course of action to move forward- with the things that concern you. Lord unite us in heart and passion to change our nation. Change the way racism is tolerated in the world, on jobs, in churches, in institutions, and even in our homes. Lord, wake us up. Humble our hearts and help us to remain focused on the things that concern you. Teach us and equip us on how to change systems that continue to oppress people. Teach us how to be seen, heard and doing the work that needs to be done to change the status quo. Lord may everything we do or say bring you glory. Lord help those who are struggling with depression and with anxiety. Lord calm their fears, steady their thoughts and remind them that they are loved and to put their hope in You. In Jesus name, amen.
Registration for our next women’s retreat is open.
Theme: Hope Anchored by Faith – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19
When: Saturday, July 25, 2020
Time: 9:00 AM Pacific Standard Time
In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 the retreat will be held online as a virtual retreat. Register in advance:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h8mL9soyReqwrVZGjMx1gg
Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: prayerrequest@maryewhiteministries.com
Bible Reference: http://biblegateway.com
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