Good morning! Have you had moments when someone asked you to do something, but you did not want to do it? Remember as a kid, your parents would tell you to do something, and while you wanted to say no or maybe said no in your head, you knew better and simply did what they asked. Well today we will read on a similar story.  Join me as we continue our reading in Matthew chapter 21. Have a wonderful day.

BIBLE VERSE – Matthew 21:28-32 NLT
“²⁸ “But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ ²⁹ The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. ³⁰ Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.

³¹ “Which of the two obeyed his father?” They replied, “The first.”

Then Jesus explained his meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. 32 For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins.”

REFLECTION
In this parable, Jesus addressed the fate of the religious leaders and teachers. They heard the message from John the Baptist (Matthew 3:7-12). In John 5:31-39, Jesus explained there are witnesses of the truth, yet the religious leaders refused to believe and receive life. Let’s look at these verses:

³¹ “If I were to testify on my own behalf, my testimony would not be valid. ³² But someone else is also testifying about me, and I assure you that everything he says about me is true. ³³ In fact, you sent investigators to listen to John the Baptist, and his testimony about me was true. ³⁴ Of course, I have no need of human witnesses, but I say these things so you might be saved. ³⁵ John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message.  ³⁶ But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me. ³⁷ And the Father who sent me has testified about me himself. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face, ³⁸ and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me—the one he sent to you. ³⁹ “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! ⁴⁰ Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.”

Brothers and sisters the Lord is calling His people to believe, repent, and follow Him. Don’t worry about the religious leaders and teachers who preach the law/religious rules, but don’t truly know God. The Lord, has already addressed them. Today, He is calling you out of the wilderness because now you know the truth, the truth that will set you free from destruction and give you eternal life. If you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, it is time to start living your best life in Christ. Live it in abudance. Say, Yes to God.

PRAYER
Father God, we thank you for sending your son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins so that we might be saved. Lord, forgive us of our sins (known and unknown). Lord, we choose to follow you. Lord, remove the obstacles that are hindering our growth, trust and faith in you. Lord, work in us so that others will see you in us. Lord, we want to be a living witness of your goodness and grace, your mercy and forgiveness, and your unfailing love. Lord, keep us and use us for your glory. Lord, we pray for those who have not accepted you as the Lord of their lives. Lord, we ask that you begin to soften their hearts and allow them to see, hear, understand and receive you as their Lord and Savior. Lord, may it not be just lip service, but true acceptance. Lord, don’t let it be a title, but a lifestyle change. Lord, keep changing us to be the Christians you have called us to be.

Lord, we pray for the wife mourning the loss of her husband, we pray for the woman mourning the loss of her brother and mother, Lord we pray for the family mourning the loss of their son, we pray for the family mourning the loss of their daughter/sister/mother. Lord, comfort them and give them peace.

Lord, be with families, teachers, and students as they adjust to the new school year. Lord, be with those who are traveling today. Lord, protect them and keep them safe from harm. In Jesus name, amen.

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BIBLE STUDY TONIGHT

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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