Good morning! No matter what is ahead or what we’ve left behind, remember the Lord is faithful and still on the throne.

Earlier this week we talked about living out our belief in Christ Jesus despite of what we may be suffering or have suffered because of our beliefs.Today, we will continue in 1 Peter chapter 3. Enjoy your reading and have a wonderful weekend.

BIBLE VERSE – 1 Peter 3:18-22 NLT
“¹⁸ Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.

¹⁹ So he went and preached to the spirits in prison— ²⁰ those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood. ²¹ And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

²² Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.”

REFLECTION
These verses are a direct link to this week’s devotions. While we read about our own suffering as Christians, these verses reminded us that Christ suffered for us. His suffering was not in vain, it was to bring us back into relationship with God.

Ponder on this for a minute:

• Noah was given an assignment by God to build a boat.

• Noah was obedient in building the boat.

• God waited patiently while Noah built the boat.

• While people saw what Noah was doing and sometimes mocked him for preparing in advance, Noah remained obedient.

• After all his work only eight (8) people were saved from the flood.

Only eight (8) people were saved.

God didn’t finish his saving grace with Noah. God sent His son Jesus:

• Jesus was given an assignment.
• Jesus was obedient to the will of the Father.
• While people mocked Jesus, Jesus continued his mission.
• God loved us so much that he gave His one and only son Jesus Christ so that everyone (not just eight (8)) who believes in him will be saved (not perish, but have eternal life).

Sisters and brothers, we are called to obedience – to follow Christ. Despite the naysayers and even if only eight (8) people are saved in your lifetime, the call is to remain obedient to the call. If it’s only one (1), then that is good too. Allow the Lord to use you for His purpose and glory.

Today, give thanks to Christ Jesus, the One who has gone before us, who is at the right hand of God, and whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given. For in our time of suffering and on our best days, we who believe will be found in Christ Jesus – saved.

Question
Who are you praying for to be in Christ Jesus – saved?

List eight (8) people you want or know who need to be saved:

1. ______
2. ______
3. ______
4. ______
5. ______
6. ______
7. ______
8. ______

Keep praying for them.

PRAYER
Father God, thank you for sending your son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. Lord, thank you for the love you have shown us, through your suffering. Lord, when we were dead in our sins you came for us. Lord, forgive us for the sins we committed (known and unknown). Lord, teach us your ways and direct our steps. Lord, you know our needs and have heard our prayers.  Lord, we trust you and we surrender our will to you. Lord, we pray for those that do not know you. Lord, we pray for those who are choosing today to obediently follow you. Lord, we lift up those who came to the minds of the readers when asked, who they desire to be saved, and for those they know who need to be saved and found in you. Lord, you know their names and you know where they are. Lord, you can change anyone. Lord, you can do anything. Lord, have your way within us. Protect and shield us and our families from the attacks of the enemy. Lord, protect marriages. Lord, shield all our children. Provide for the widow and singles. Lord, continue to rescue children from harmful situations such as trafficking, abuse, domestic labor, etc. Rescue those who are trapped in human trafficking and set them free. Lord, continue to heal the sick and touch those who have been diagnosed with cancer – relieve them of their pain, heal them, comfort them, and remove their fears. We pray all these things in Jesus name, amen.

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SAVE THE DATE

Next Virtual Women’s Retreat – Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 9am-12pm. Our theme for the event is: Choose Joy. We have our first volunteer meeting for this event on Saturday, July 31, 2021 @ 9:00 a.m. Please email us if you are interested in volunteering for this virtual retreat.

SUMMER NEWSLETTER

Click to access mary-e.-white-ministries-summer-2021.pdf

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
Sisters, we are looking for volunteers for our upcoming events, we have openings for volunteer positions (e.g., coordinators, event planners, etc.) and also to fill a Board position that will be available soon. If you would like more information, please send an email to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

PRAYER REQUEST
Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://biblegateway.com

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