Good morning! Have you seen high-end purses or shoes for example, a Prada bag or red bottom shoes made Christian Louboutin, and wondered why they were so expensive? While those hand bags and shoes may range from $300 – $1,000, you can always find a knock off (fake replica) at a swap meet or garment district. Personally, I thought about painting the bottom of my own shoes red (laugh).
For the sake of saving money or to simply fit in, the fake replica may bring you joy until someone stands next to you with the real thing, then almost immediately the difference is made known. Enjoy today’s devotion. 

Bible Verse – Matthew 3:11-12 NLT
“¹¹ “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.¹² He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.””

REFLECTION
It was clear that John the Baptist was preparing the way for the Messiah/Jesus. He (John) knew his place in God’s plan, he was a humble servant and did not compare himself as equal.

Two Old Testament prophecies were also shared from Joel 2:28-29 which was the promise of the Holy Spirit and Malachi 3:2-5 which was baptism with fire, the judging and cleansing of those who enter the kingdom. It was a reminder of the coming day of the Lord, for all to repent and return to God. 

“The day will come when the Lord will prepare his people (wheat) for the kingdom and cleanse them and those who he rejects (chaff) will be judged and cast into fire (Malachi 4:1).”

Brothers and sisters, the Lord is preparing us for his return, let us be as pure as the wheat and not like chaff amongst the wheat. Let us be a true representation of children of God not a fake replication or knock off that has no value.

PRAYER
Father God, thank you for today. Thank you for your love toward us and for preparing us for the day of Your return. Lord, prepare our hearts and minds to receive you and follow your plan for our lives. Lord, forgive us when we fall short and put us back on the right path. Lord, on the day you return we want to be as wheat and not chaff. Lord, help us to remain humble servants. Help us to live a life that pleases you, one that is fully surrendered to you, so that when others see us they know we are truly Christians and not a knock-off simply stating we are Christians. Lord, we pray for all the people around the world to come to know you in an intimate relationship. Lord, be with the brokenhearted. and those who are grieving, comfort them Lord and give them peace. In Jesus name, amen.

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SAVE THE DATE

Next Virtual Women’s Retreat – Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Our theme for the event is: Choose Joy.

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 and also to fill a Board position that will be available soon.

Join us for our next:

• virtual volunteer meeting is Saturday, September 11 @ 9am (PST).

• virtual board meeting is Friday, September 10 @ 6pm (PST).

If you would like to join us or get 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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