Good morning!  Have you ever been in a situation where someone behaved a certain way until they got what they needed and then moved to the next thing at work, on a project, a friendship, etc.? In today’s devotion we will continue to read on John the Baptist’s call to prepare the people for the return of the Messiah.  He called the people to return to God through the confession of their sins, repentance and baptism. Note, not only was a way being prepared for the Messiah/Jesus to come, Jesus was preparing a way for all God’s children to return to him. Enjoy today’s devotion.

Bible Verse – Matthew 3:7-10 NLT
“7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. 9 Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 10 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”

Reflection
John the Baptist spoke to the Pharisees and Sadducees in this matter because he knew their motives and hearts. They were only focused on what he was doing instead of why. They had rejected John the Baptist’s appeal but felt their status as son’s of Abraham was all they needed – they thought they were automatically qualified for the kingdom. They were of the root of Abraham’s children, but if they failed to repent they would be cut from the root. It was important that they be productive in keeping with repentance or God would remove the tree.

Sisters and brothers, may we reject self-righteousness in our hearts. May we learn not to be so comfortable with our own salvation that we forget about sharing the free gift of salvation with others. 

Ask the Lord, to reveal to you how he wants you to use the gifts he has given to you to expand the kingdom (produce good fruit) and to bring Him glory. 

Prayer
Father God, thank you for loving us. Lord, thank you for making a way for us to return back to you. Lord, your ways are not the world’s way, but your way will prevail. Lord, teach us to follow your way. Teach us to understand the depth of your love and everlasting peace. Lord, we desire to know you more and to serve you with a pure heart. Lord, pour out your words into our hearts and minds so that we will produce good fruit. Lord, we pray for the sick and ask that you will comfort and heal them. Lord, we pray for those who are in the hospital and we ask that you care for them and equip the nurses and doctors with knowledge to treat and care for them. Lord, we pray for missionaries and ask that you strengthen their faith and guide them with your hand as they reach out to a lost world. Lord, expand opportunities for us to produce good fruit in our homes, schools, jobs, communities and throughout the world. May all that we do bring glory to you. Continue your work in us. Lord, continue to be with those who were impacted by the fires, and those who are grieving the loss of lives and homes. Lord, continue to use your hands and our feet as we seek to do your will. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

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SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, July 19, 2025 we will host our next Women’s Retreat. Our Theme is: She is Armed & Dangerous  – “Take the helmet of salvation & the sword of the spirit.” Our theme for the retreat is taken from Ephesians 6:10-17.

Thanks to our faithful donors, the retreat will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual participation. Stay tuned for more updates.

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

Sisters, we are looking for volunteers for our upcoming events and also to fill an open Board position.

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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