Good morning! Last week, we read about the mother of James and John, and her request to Jesus on behalf of her sons.  Today, we will finish our reading on this request and Jesus’ response. Enjoy today’s reading and your day.

BIBLE VERSE – Matthew 20:24-28 NLT
“24 When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. 25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.””

Key points in these verses are:

• “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.” v.26

• “Whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.” v.27

REFLECTION
Jesus was the greatest example of a leader and a servant. While he lead, he took time to teach. While he corrected and rebuked, he offered love and showed compassion. While being persecuted by religious leaders and teachers, and was ridiculed by others, Jesus remained focused on the mission and He served the people.

Sisters and brothers, the Lord is calling us to be Christian leaders in the world, but not of the world. He’s calling us to show others, through our relationship with Him to serve in ways that will bring glory to Him.

How will you serve the Lord today, at work, in your home, at school, in your marriage, in your singleness, with your family or in the decisions you must make? _______

PRAYER
Father God, you are amazing. You are so gracious and loving, that even when we are self-seeking you remind us to be kingdom-seekers. Lord, as we seek to live a life that pleases you, help us to remain focused on the mission. Lord, help us to do what is right in your eyes. Lord, wherever you lead us today, help us to be servant leaders. Help us to see things as you see them and react in a way that pleases you.

Lord, as many of us return to school and work today, keep us focused on you, help us to breathe in you before we respond to things negatively. Lord, watch over each child and protect them as they walk, ride, etc., to school. Lord, watch over them as they enter school grounds and their classrooms. Lord, be with them as they learn new things at school this year. Help them to understand the new material and do well in their assignments. Lord, be with the teachers as they lead the classroom instruction this year. Lord, give them wisdom and discernment on how to care for the students and provide instruction that will suit each student in their classroom. Lord, let them be up right instructors who do not cause mental or physical harm to any child. May the students in their classroom find safety and refuge inside their classrooms. Lord, help the students and teachers with the things that they have going on in their personal lives and give them peace while they are on campus, on the way to and from school, and in their homes. Lord, bless this school week and year. Lord, protect them from predators and mass shootings.

Lord, we continue to pray for those who are grieving and are having significant struggles with the loss of their loved one. Lord, comfort them today and give them the peace that they need. Lord, heal their heart and mind. Bring them comfort and hold them.

Lord, wherever you want to change us this year, we are ready – have your way. Work in us so that we may become better servant leaders and followers of your word. Lord, change us. In Jesus name, amen.

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BIBLE STUDY 

Begins this Thursday, August 14, 2025, we will start a new Bible study series on the Armor of God written by Priscella Shirer. Study will be over Zoom and it will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. The study will be 14 weeks. To join the study, order your book, send an email for the Zoom link 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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