Good morning! Have you ever been too busy to read a sign? Maybe you were rushing or were so focused on one thing, that you missed everything around you. What about those signs we fail to read, especially when someone says, “didn’t you read the sign?” Well today we will read about people who failed to believe the signs.  Join me as we continue in Matthew chapter 12.

BIBLE VERSE – Matthew 12:38-40 NLT
“³⁸ One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority.”

³⁹ But Jesus replied, “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. ⁴⁰ For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.” 

REFLECTION
Jesus knew the hearts and thoughts of the teachers and Pharisees. He knew they had seen signs and miracles before, but they decided to ignore them and remain in a stance of disbelief. While Jesus went on, He called them out as a nation that was adulterous/unfaithful to God because of their rejection of Jesus being the Messiah. They were given the Scriptures and they heard them their entire life, but now their hearts are like stone toward the Messiah – Jesus Christ.

In true fashion, Jesus set them straight… “the only sign you will see is the sign of the Prophet Jonah…three days and three nights Jonah was in the belly, so will Jesus be in the earth.” Yet, they missed that sign too. 

Sisters and brothers, we often miss what Jesus is doing in the world because we are so focused on other things instead of the main thing – Jesus Christ. The grave could not keep Jesus beyond three days. He is alive today, sitting on the right hand of the Father and all authority has been given to Him. It’s not too late to repent and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  It’s not too late for Him to soften a hardened heart. It’s no too late to pray for your family members to accept Christ as the Lord of their lives and to be their personal Savior. 

Here are some questions to ponder:

• Will you refocus your attention to focus on Jesus? ________
• Who do you need to pray for today? _________

PRAYER
Father God, we are grateful that you are a loving and gracious God. You are a God who is slow to anger and you are merciful. Lord, thank you for protecting us from the enemy who desires to destroy us. Lord, thank you for being with us and for comforting us each day. Lord the signs of your power and presence are all around us. Lord, help us to see you at work in our lives and in our homes. Work within us and strengthen our faith in you. Hold us and deliver us from the things that keep us apart from you. Lord, use us to share the gospel message and your love for all of us. Lord, transform us to be more like you. Unveil our eyes to see things through your eyes.

Lord, we pray for the woman who had complications during her surgery. Lord, we ask that you stabilize her medical condition and heal her. Lord, refresh and restore her body and help the doctors and medical professionals to care for her and provide the treatment that she needs to recover well. Lord, we pray for those who are seeking employment and we ask that you open up the right doors to a stable position where they can thrive and do well. Help them with their expenses and needs while they wait on you to open up their next opportunity. Lord, we pray for those who are traveling and we ask for you to keep them safe and free of harm and illnesses this weekend. Lord, we pray for the retreat planning committee to hear from you and be guided on what you desire for the women to do, hear, and receive from you on the day of the retreat. Lord, we lift up each woman who will attend the event and ask that you prepare their minds and hearts for the day. Lord, as we seek you, help us to align our hearts with your purpose and plan for this year’s retreat. Lord, bring more workers to share your truth throughout the world. Continue to help church plants with faith followers and volunteers to seek you and to share your word and love with others.

In Jesus name, amen. 

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UPDATES

We Are Looking For Volunteers

Sisters, we are looking for two more volunteers for our upcoming events. Our next volunteer meeting is on Saturday, May 17, 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
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Bible Reference: http://biblegateway.com

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