It is Friday! When God is in it, you can’t deny it. Join me as we continue our reading in Acts 5:33-39 NLT

“³³ When they heard this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them. ³⁴ But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while. ³⁵ Then he said to his colleagues, “Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men! ³⁶ Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400 others joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing. ³⁷ After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers were scattered.

³⁸ “So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. ³⁹ But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!” – Acts 5:33-39 NLT

Sisters and brothers, we have been talking about the apostles obedience to God. This was the third encounter that the apostles had with the Sanhedrin council. Yet, this time it was different. This time someone from within stood up and spoke out with logically examples, and it prevented the apostles sentencing to death.

God is always fighting for us. Our obedience to the call that we have on our lives and to the things that concern God is vital. There are people waiting for you/us to step into your/our purpose/calling so that they can know God’s grace and mercy, and be set free. Sisters and brothers Satan would like for us to believe our encounters and stand for the gospel message and for those whom we should stand with is hopeless, but God is fighting for us – we cannot lose when God is on our side.

Keep:

• praying
• looking to God for discernment and direction
• asking God to reveal His purpose for you at this time
• standing up for the things that concern God (e.g., unity in Christ, ending racism, the poor and marginalized, etc.)
• praying for our nation, world, leaders and churches to fight for racial reconciliation, for injustices to end, and for hearts to change
• praying for more people to know, believe and accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Father God thank you for this move from you. Father thank you for opening our eyes to the things that concern you. Lord forgive us for the times we turned away from the things that matter to you. Forgive us for the times when we let our own comfort get in the way of serving you and your people. Lord assess our hearts and point out the things within it that offend you. Lord expose areas that are contributing to the enemies cause and are counterproductive to what you are doing in the world today. Lord we are not perfect, but you are – transform us to be more like you. Father you are good. Don’t let this move against racism, police brutality, accountability and social injustice end until change – true change across this nation and our world becomes a permanent reality. Lord, protect those fighting for change, protect your innocent people and cover them as they go out and fight on your behalf and on the behalf of others. Help those who are grieving today. Comfort their hearts and give them peace. Help those who are fighting depression, anxiety and fear. Ease their minds and remind them of your love. In Jesus name we pray, 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