Good morning! Today we continue our reading in Acts chapter eight. In our reading we will find two men on a mission, but only one mission will prevail. Join me as we continue our reading. Enjoy your day and your weekend. Also, don’t forget to sign-up for the women’s retreat.

Bible verse:

“⁹ A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great. ¹⁰ Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as “the Great One—the Power of God.” ¹¹ They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic.

¹² But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized. ¹³ Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed.” – Acts 8:9-13 NLT

Key points:

• Simon the sorcerer was introduced.
• He used magic to astound the people and to maintain a great status in Samaria.
• People turned from Simon to Philip and began to believe the message of the Good News.
• Men and women (including Simon) believed and were baptized.

Reflection:

Simon the sorcerer used demonic powers to convince people of his greatness. He had a number of followers who sought after him because of who he claimed to be and the magic he could did.

But Philip was different from Simon the sorcerer. Philip preached the Good News – proclaiming Christ – drawing attention to the gospel. Philip performed miracles by the power of God. People were converted to Christ because of Philip’s ministry.

The power of God and the message of Jesus Christ changed the people and even a sorcerer. Those who were following the sorcerer began to believe and were baptized.

Philip didn’t stop his ministry because of persecution or the demonic powers used by another person. Philip remained committed to God, the call on his life and continued to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ. Although Philip had scattered, God made sure another group of people who were being led by demonic power heard the message of Christ, believed and were saved.

Sisters and brothers maybe you know someone who doesn’t believe, don’t give up. Keep believing in the name of Jesus Christ who saves. Keep praying for those who don’t know the Lord. Keep praying for those who have heard but hasn’t believed. Keep praying for those who believe but don’t walk in their belief. Keep praying for those who once believed and turned away. Continue to be an example of Christ in the way that you live. God is still in the business of changing hearts, leading people out of the deserts/wilderness, and saving lives.

Who are you praying for today, this weekend or this month? ____________

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for your love toward us. Father we thank you because no weapon formed against will prosper. Father you walk with us and talk with us, and we thank you for your presence amongst us. Lord, you have given us so much to be grateful for that we sometimes forget our blessings come from you. Lord forgive us for the times when we overlooked You – the source of our joy, salvation, protection, and provisions. Lord, you are always with us. You make away even when things seem impossible. Lord, we pray for healing in our nation and land. Lord, we pray for peace, reconciliation of race, and comfort for those who are grieving. Lord as we enter the weekend where there will be celebrations of America’s independence don’t let us be independent of you. Lord, may Your word, work, and presence be found everywhere. Protect the innocent, unveil the eyes of the blind, open the ears of the deaf, and renew a right spirit within us all. In Jesus name, amen.

Events:

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

Copyright 2020 Mary E. White Ministries, all rights reserved.