Happy Tuesday! Sisters and brothers, we have been reading about living our lives in Christ. We have reviewed the importance of our behavior as Christians and we have been encouraged to continue our hope in Christ even when we suffer. We also understand our hope is in Christ Jesus; and as we eagerly await His return, we must be prepared for that day. Join me as we continue in 1 Peter chapter 4.
BIBLE VERSE – 1 Peter 4:7-9 NLT
“7 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.”
REFLECTION
As we prepare for the day the Lord will return, it is important for us to invite the Holy Spirit to live freely within us. Because, even, in the midst of our waiting for the Lord, we will experience suffering and hear about suffering around us. However, instead of living in fear, Peter is telling us in these verses to let be diligently disciplined in our prayers. As believers, we know our prayers are a direct connection to the Lord. Because of what Jesus (our High Priest and mediator) did on the cross for our sins, we can now go directly to God in prayer. There is nothing holding us back or stopping us from having prayerful communication with God. Therefore, let us pray and allow those prayers of faith and strength to develop us into the godly people God has called us to be. Here’s how you can start, pray for your:
• faith to be renewed
• family (e.g., spouse, ex-spouse, child(ren), parents, in-laws, siblings, cousins, etc.), fiancee or girlfriend or boyfriend.
• neighbors and schools
• co-workers and friends
• church, the pastor, leaders, widows and orphans
• state, country and its’ leaders
• health and wellbeing, and of others
• life to be an extension of God’s love and grace to those around you.
Sisters and brothers our continued prayers for those listed above will expand our hearts to extend selfless love and compassion toward others, but most of all it will change us. Prayer changes everything.
Who or what else do you need to pray for or about today? ______ Tell the Lord, he’s waiting to hear from you.
PRAYER
Father God, thank you for your word today. Lord, thank you for your tender mercies that go above and beyond what we can see or know. Lord, forgive us and cleanses us from the things that do not please you. Lord, open our hearts and our minds to hear from you today. Lord, hold and comfort us as we step out in faith to live our lives fully dependent upon you. Lord, equip us with your wisdom and discernment. Help us to be a light in the midst of chaos and confusion. Lord, hear our prayers for the sick, for our fellow believers, for those who are lost and restore them unto you. Lord, break the chains that have us bound. Lord, continue to change us. 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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