Good morning! Last week we finished our reading with the apostles being arrested and one man within the Sanhedrin council speaking against killing the apostles for speaking in the name of Jesus. Today, we will continue our reading in Acts chapter 5
“40 The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go.
41 The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.[d] 42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”” – Acts 5:40-42 NLT
Although the apostles almost died, we never read about an emotion of fear, but we did read that the apostles left rejoicing and praising God for using them. In spite of the jailing, death threats, and flogging the apostles continued to teach and preach “Jesus is the Messiah.
Sisters and brothers, there will be times when we will need to make a decision to follow God or follow our own path. As you ponder on what God is calling you to do at this stage in your life, remember how faithful He has been in the past and trust that He will continue to be faithful as He leads you today and in the future. While it may be fearful, or it may cost you friends, or you may not get everyone or anyone to stand with you for the things God has called you to do, do it anyway. We should never do things for the sake of pleasing people, but for the sake of pleasing God – bringing glory to His name. Remember God is our strength, our protector, our rock and our refuge.
- What is God calling you to do?
- What is keeping you from following God’s lead?
- What can you do today to start working on the things God has called you to do?
Father God thank you for another beautiful sunrise. Thank you for another day to proclaim your glorious name. Thank you for sisters and brothers of the faith who stand in the gap for the things and people who concern you. Lord, there is a spiritual war in the atmosphere and we need for you to continue to disperse your angels to keep fighting the battle. Lord equip us with your armor so that we may withstand the battle. Lord, we know you win – Heavenly Father can you calm the fears and anxiety of your children and give them peace that you have everything under your control. Lord continue to work in the hearts of believers and nonbelievers, and change us to reflect the love that you reflect, to care for those you care for, and hold us steady in our faith. Lord you are the God of possible, we know you can change things. Continue your work in and through us. Use us and ignite our passion for the purpose you have for our lives. Lord continue to be with those who are ill, who have contracted COVID-19, and those suffering with cancer and other chronic conditions. Provide food and finances for the unemployed, and the employed who can barely meet their needs. Lord pour out your Holy Spirit on the land, shift the atmosphere, and help us to see you at work. 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
Mary E. White Ministries 
Although we know as Christians that church is essential, we have had to worship from home over these last few weeks, knowing that it is just not the same. We need God more than ever. Mary, this was a powerful message to hear today, as yesterday I attended church for the first time! Yes, GOD’s PEOPLE made a way even though our government has suggested otherwise:
On May 25th Governor Gavin Newsom announced that churches, temples, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship may now reopen in Riverside County as well as perform funerals following statewide guidance to allow religious services throughout the state.
Services may begin immediately, and state guidelines indicate attendees should be limited to 25 percent of normal room occupancy or 100 people, whichever is fewer. View state guidance.
Other guidelines issued by the state for places of worship include:
Conduct temperature checks
Strongly consider discontinuing singing or group recitations
Implement social distancing measures
Consider outside services
Discourage sharing of items, handholding, touching or kissing of relics
Disinfect common areas
Consider disposable seat covers
Install hand sanitizer dispensers
SO CHURCH WAS HELD OUTSIDE! Everyone who wanted to be there, could not be stopped and so when you stated, ‘While it may be fearful, or it may cost you friends, or you may not get everyone or anyone to stand with you for the things God has called you to do, do it anyway. We should never do things for the sake of pleasing people, but for the sake of pleasing God – bringing glory to His name. Remember God is our strength, our protector, our rock and our refuge.”
AMEN. THANKS MARY for this powerful reminder and the reality check that we must do every single day. What does GOD want me to do today? WHAT is it that he would have me do TODAY in this very moment?
LD
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