Good morning! Some days are busier than the day before. Sometimes our ‘to do’ list is accomplished, while other days we rejoice if we are able to complete one or two things on the list. Can you list five things you need to do today? Does it include prayer or reading the Bible? Well, let’s continue our reading in Matthew 10 where Jesus share why he came at that time.

BIBLE VERSE – Matthew 10:34-39 NLT
“34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
“‘a man against his father,a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— 36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ 37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”

REFLECTION

As I ponder over these verses, I think about the sword Jesus referred to that divides/severes the believers from the unbelievers.

The sword that created separation between families when a member of the family does not believe in God and/or Jesus. It is a difficult place to be in when you have a spouse, parent, or child within your who is not a believer – because the nonbeliever will dislike your relationship with God/Jesus, and for some they are hated by family members because of their relationship with God/Jesus.

However, do not be discouraged. Because, Jesus said these words to also encourage the twelve disciples, who were being prepared for the mission ahead, just as Jesus prepares us.

Sister and brothers,  despite having nonbelievers in our lives, our ability to keep God first will strengthen us and others will watch or/are watching us walk the talk. The enemy’s desire is to tear apart the family, but have faith and keep praying for those family members who do not know Christ, have turned away from Christ, try to manipulate our walk with Christ, etc. Continue to lead them to Christ, through prayer, by truth, by being an example of His love, grace and mercy. Ask the Lord for discernment as you minister by example.

Are you willing to put God first? ___________

Are you willing to take up the cross and follow Jesus? ______

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for your grace and mercy toward us. Lord, we don’t deserve anything but death, yet you came so that we can live abundantly. Lord, thank you for the abundance. Thank you for reaching out to us at our lowest, still loving us unconditionally. No one is like you. Lord, forgiver of sins, we ask for forgiveness of our sins. Lord, remove the things in and around us that are not of you. Lord, restore our hope and faith in you on a daily basis. Lord, help us to keep you first – above all things. Lord, pierce our hearts and tongues with your sword so that our heart will be saturated with your love and our mouths will confess your truth. Lord be with us today and give us favor on our jobs, on our job searches, in school, with medical appointments, etc. Lord, bring back the lost sheep. Prepare and equip the church to receive them. Lord, we pray for continued recovery for the man who had a stroke. Lord, we pray for his memory to return. We pray for his health and independence to return, and we pray for you to remove depression from his thoughts and emotions. Lord, we pray today for our hearts. In Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NLT), you remind us that, “9 The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? 10 But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Lord, examine our hearts today. Check our hearts and our motives and help the align to your truth, humility, peace, giving, and love. Lord, reignite our passion for a relationship with you and Lord, do the difficult work of repairing our hearts in Jesus name, amen!

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UPDATES

Retreat themed t-shirts are on sale. There are two styles and two colors.

• You can purchase your t-shirt by using the following vendor link: https://www.injesusnamecreations.com/product-page/whitecircleshesarmeddangeroust-shirt

The retreat is open to all women. Tickets are $45.00 ( includes a light breakfast and lunch) and must be purchased prior to the event. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Tickets can be purchased online through our Online Ticket Account click below:

http://mewministries.betterworld.org/events/2025-women-s-retreat

Donations can be made online through our Givelify Account click below:

We Are Looking For Volunteers

Sisters, we are looking for two more volunteers for our upcoming events. Our next volunteer meeting is on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.

We are also seeking to fill two open Board positions.

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

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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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