He Amazes Us

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Good morning! Today’s devotion concludes our study through Matthew chapter 7 with Jesus finishing his teaching to a particular crowd.

Bible Verse  – Matthew 7:28-29 NLT
“28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.”

REFLECTION
Over the past few weeks we read on Jesus’ teachings at the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus’ teachings shifted the atmosphere and region. He showed the gaps in the Pharisees’ religious system and explained how the system and their self-righteousness was not enough to get them into the Kingdom of Heaven. He provided examples and gave people an opportunity to make a choice.

In chapter 7 alone, Jesus shared several topics such as:
Judging Others (vs. 1-6)
Effective Prayer (vs. 7-11)
The Golden Rule (v. 12)
The Narrow Gate (vs. 13-14)
The Trees and Their Fruit (vs. 15-20)
True Disciples (vs. 21-23)
Building a Solid Foundation (vs. 24-26)

The crowds were certainly amazed by Jesus’ teachings because their eyes had been opened and their hearts had been challenged. The authority in which Christ spoke was as a spokesman for God. The Pharisees and teachers of the time, had only reflected the authority of Law, where Christ came with authority to fulfill the Law (Matthew 5:17-20) and to set captives free (Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18).

Last Friday, we were instructed to build on the rock. Jesus is our rock and our foundation. Keep building your life on the rock, so that when the waves of life crash over you, your faith will not erode, but your hope will be found in Him.

Sisters and brothers, stay focused. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Stay amazed by Jesus’ teachings (just like the crowd) and live accordingly. 

PRAYER
Father God, we thank you for the firm foundation we have in you. Thank you for your love and mercy toward us. Lord, you are the one consistent and faithful thing we have in this world. Lord, keep us amazed by your teachings. Lord, penetrate our hearts and minds so that we may remain focused on you. Help us to see things clearly. Help us to see you in all things. Lord, protect us and keep us attuned to your direction and will for our lives. Lord, be with all of us this week. Lord, keep us safe. Keep us motivated toward growing closer to you and studying your word. Lord, remind us daily that you love us. Lord, give us wisdom and understanding on the appropriate ways to teach others the word of God and remain faithful to the word of God. Lord, protect us from predators and violence. Lord, we pray for you to scatter any plans/plots that would harm us or those we love. Lord, give us favor today as we go throughout the day. We pray over the planning for the women’s retreat.  We pray for the speakers, the singers, the volunteers, the attendees, the broken, the seekers, the curious, and ask that you meet every need. Give us wisdom and discernment as we seek you at every step in the planning stages. 

Lord, we pray for every person reading this devotion and we ask that you give them the heart and courage to seek you every day of their lives. Lord, transform them and heal every area in their lives that need a touch from you. Lord, work in our nation and renew our spirit and faith in you. Lord, transform the hearts and minds of the leaders in the White House, in the Senate, in the House of Representatives, in the Governor’s Office, in the Mayor’s Office, in n the County and City Offices, in our military offices, in our police/sheriff’s departments, and our educational systems. Lord, shift the atmosphere and help them all to surrender to Your command, authority, and power. Lord, cover us this day and protect us all, in Jesus name, amen.

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  • SAVE THE DATE – For Our Next Women’s Retreat 

Saturday, July 19, 2025 we will host our next Women’s Retreat. Our theme for the retreat is taken from Ephesians 6:10-17.

Our Theme is: She is Armed & Dangerous  – “Take the helmet of salvation & the sword of the spirit.”

Women’s Retreat Flyer

Thanks to our faithful donors, the retreat will be in-person and virtual participation. Stay tuned for more updates. We have 75 seats available. Tickets go on sale on April 1, 2025.

  • LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

Sisters, we are looking for volunteers for our upcoming events and also to fill an open Board position. Our next meeting is on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.

If you would like to join us or get more information, please send an email to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

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