Happy Friday! Thank you for joining me this week. Quick question, what would you do if you saw your pastor kicking and knocking over chairs during church service? I’m certain someone would have something to say to or about the pastor or it would be on someone’s social media page for everyone to see. Well today, we are going to read about a similar story that began with Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Have a wonderful day and may the Lord bless your weekend.

BIBLE VERSE – Matthew 21:12-13
“¹² Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves.  ¹³ He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!”[Isaiah 56:7, Jeremiah 7:11]”

REFLECTION
In the verses above, we see a different side of Jesus that no one had expected. It was clear, that Jesus did not take pleasure in the misuse of the Father’s temple/house of prayer.

We must understand the Lord/Jesus is always about His Father’s (God’s) business. Jesus has shown us throughout the book of Matthew that He will correct and rebuke those who are focused on themselves, what would benefit them, and misrepresenting religion to cover-up their own deceitful or misguided practices. Jesus was not playing. He was bringing chaos into order.

Brothers and sisters, we are not exempt. Now that we know better, let us do better. While the Lord takes us as we are, there should be a point in our Christian walk when we begin to look more like Christ and not a misrepresentation of him. Let’s stop playing the church and be the church. Let’s stop saying we are Christians and start being Christians (followers of Christ). Ask the Lord into your heart, allow Him to be the Lord of your life, your Savior and Redeemer.

PRAYER
Father God, thank you for today. Thank you for your word and for the reminder of what is important to you. Lord, we desire to love and serve you. Lord, forgive us for the times when we made things about ourselves and not about you. We want to be about our Father’s business.. Lord, teach us to live a life that pleases you. Lord, remove our self-centeredness and help us to center our thoughts and motives around you and what you desire. Lord, give us clarity of mind and speech. Help us to seek you first and trust your plan for our lives.

Lord, we pray for those seeking employment. Lord, we pray for open doors and opportunities that provide a healthy work environment and leadership. Lord, we pray for parents who are seeking out before and after school care, and child care. Lord, lead them to places they should go, to places where their child(ren) will be safe from harm and free of predators/abusers, and is affordable. Lord, comfort those who are grieving and give them strength and peace during this time of loss and heartache. Lord, be with those who are traveling this weekend and give them traveling mercy and grace. Lord, be with all the college students returning back to school. Lord, help them to adjust to new environments and decisions. Comfort the parents who are sending their college age kids away to school or sending kids back to their other set of parents – give them peace and help them to trust you. Lord, be with us in this world of uncertainty. Lord, we know that you are the one stable thing in this world. Lead us and guide us today and throughout the weekend. May our steps align to your will today and always.

In Jesus name, amen.

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BIBLE STUDY 

We started a new Bible study series on the Armor of God written by Priscella Shirer. Study is on Thursday nights over Zoom and it begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m. The study has 13 of 14 weeks left and we have room for you. To join the study, order your book, and 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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