Category: Inspirational Blog

Apprenticeship: Doing Life Together

MaryAnn Ward 0 Comment Inspirational Blog, Purpose and Calling , , , , , ,
Apprenticeship: Doing Life Together

Apprenticeship develops a person’s abilities and skill simply through watching, learning, and doing life with someone more skilled. Have you ever heard the saying that more is caught than taught. We are hard wired to learn through watching and doing. Yes, verbal instruction plays a key role in the apprenticeship journey, but activating engaging in the process makes a huge impact on our development.

There has never been a time in history where anyone could learn a skill as easily as right now. Self-declared experts of all types flood social media with their skills. But a true journeyman is much more difficult to find — especially someone committed to sacrificially training others.

When we look at how Jesus taught, we clearly see the Master Journeyman, training not just one, but twelve, apprentices to continue to mission of sharing the Kingdom of God with people of all nations. Sometimes Jesus drew His students aside privately. At other times, extremely large groups were included in the learning process. But always, the Master Teacher, willingly sacrificed His time, knowledge, and gifts for the good of others.

To apprentice indicates an arrangement where someone learns an art, trade, job, or calling under another.

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.“
John 6:44-45

Doing Life Together

The Father still draws people to Himself. Jesus continues to teach anyone willing to learn. The Holy Spirit gives divine understanding. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are intricately involved in our learning process, shaping and forming into His image.

We often find ourselves doing life together with some pretty amazing people without even knowing it. We imitate their ways, mimic their responses, and echo their language. By doing life together, we easily falls into step with the Master without realizing a transition is taking place.

Michelangelo never learned to sculpt or create on his own. When six-years-old, his mother died. Forced to live with a nanny whose husband was a stonecutter, this young lad learned how to form marble with a hammer and chisel. Rather than excelling in traditional education, he spent hours copying the paintings and frescos of the many masters whose works adorned local cathedrals. He diligently sought out artisans of many kinds. By the age of 13, he became a pupil of the great sculptor, Donatello, and later was apprenticed to Ghirlandaio. Such immersion in exquisite artistry shaped Michelangelo into greatness. He examined, copied, and studied the artistic greats of his day. From a young lad and throughout his formative years, Michelangelo’s abilities were formed by those who had gone ahead in the arts.

But when Jesus called his name, Michelangelo obeyed, though imperfectly.

“Michelangelo was one of the most devout men of the entire Renaissance — lay or cleric… Michelangelo’s intense faith was the primary cause of the greatness of his work. His faith did more than affect the nature of his work — it affected his very thinking on the origin and function of art… Michelangelo consecrated his life to his faith. He held a strong conviction that he could serve God best with his chisel and brush… Michelangelo consecrated his life to his faith.” 

His artistic works still speak of the greatness of God today.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
Matthew 4:19

Follow Me

Jesus still calls us to come, follow, and learn from Him:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-29

When we respond to Jesus’ invitation, we become apprentices under the tutorage of Holy Spirit and anointed mothers and fathers of faith, ever learning the ways of our Lord. As with any apprenticeship, this requires a high level of commitment.

“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.“
Luke 9:23

Apprentices leave “normal” things behind, welcoming the master to “trim” every area before they fully serve their public purpose. While other children played in the streets, Michelangelo “played” in the marble quarry — testing and training himself to greatness.

“After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.”
Luke 5:27-28

Apprenticeship

Paul followed Jesus’ apprenticeship style.

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.“
Philippians 4:9

Whether we, like Michelangelo, deliberately seek out someone who has already proved themselves faithful to their calling, or we take a more relaxed approach. One thing is for sure. We will be influenced by those around us, either for better or otherwise.

I’m not sure who said it first, but it is true: “Show me your friends and I will show you your future.” God designed us to imitate from infancy to old age. Healthy development in every sense depends upon the ability to do life together with people of godly influence. It is part of the very fibre of humanity. As we set ourselves to grow and learn in every dimension of our lives we will reach the fullest and best version of ourselves.

May we acknowledge Jesus Christ as the ultimate pattern and influence in our lives. May we seek out masters of the faith to emulate. Then, may we put into practice the skills and knowledge we learn to advance the Kingdom of God for the glory of Jesus Christ alone.

For those of us with grey hair and more wrinkles than we can count, may it take the pressure off. We don’t have to have all the answers. We only need to be willing to live in close relationship with others, patterning what we ourselves have learned, or learning together the yet unknowns.

Blessings, dear one! Let us all become apprentices, those who learn by practical experience under skilled workers our calling in Christ Jesus.

Live as People of Light

MaryAnn Ward 0 Comment Christian Living, Inspirational Blog , , , , , ,
Acrylic Painting by fine artist MaryAnn Ward, inspiring believers to live as light to the world.

What a challenge we all have to live as people of light. Especially when the world appears to be getting darker and darker. May we remember that even a little candle shines brightest in the dark.

Because Canadian summers last such a short time, we have learned to make the most of every warm day possible. From my fourth-floor window, the back yards of the surrounding neighborhood are clearly exposed. Throughout spring, summer, and now well into fall, one stalwart fellow has an outdoor fire lit every night without snow or rain. That flickering light draws my attention far more than all the high intensity street lights and flashing neon signs. For whatever reason, natural light pulls our focus.

God encourages us to let His light shine through us, bringing comfort and hope to others. His light will draw more attention than any flashing artificial light of the world. No matter how dimly we feel we shine, our flickering flames make a difference in the world.

May we do this well, shining brighter for Jesus.

I AM the Light

Every light around us consumes fuel or power. When the power goes out, everything seems to hang in darkness. One light will ever remain bright, however.

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.‘”
John 8:12 ESV

Praise God! That takes the pressure off of us? He is the Light! Jesus, the Light of the world, stays consistent throughout all ages and times. He depends on no external power source. Because He is THE LIGHT, He gives light to others.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-15 NIV

Okay! I believe that Jesus is the Light, but when He calls us “the light of the world”, that sounds like a bit of a stretch.

And yet, He always and only speaks truth. We are … we already are … the light He has placed into the world. In our own capacity, we lack the sufficiency to light anything.

Let Your Light Shine

Do you remember that little children’s chorus, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine?” We taught children they were God’s lights. We encouraged them to hold their little pointer finger high as a symbol of letting the light of Jesus shine. Perhaps, we as adults need to dance around our homes with our fingers pointed heavenward singing the same little tune until God’s truth soaks deep into our souls.

“Let it shine!” Jesus instructs us. But how?

Paul gives further encouragement throughout his letter to the Ephesians. Let’s consider Paul’s advice on how to become brighter “lights” of faith, impacting our world.

  • “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children” (Ephesians 5:1).
  • “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ” (Ephesians 5:2).
  • “Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins” (Ephesians 5:6) “or participate in the things these people do” (Ephesians 5:7).
  • “…but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light” (Ephesians 5:8).

Those old-nature patterns of thinking, believing, and acting will extinguish the light of Christ and diminish the fire of the Holy Spirit within us. Paul warns us how foolish it is to think we can play with sin without being affected.

He has placed us on a new path and given us something extremely valuable — Himself, to light the best way for us and for others.

Live as People of Light

Paul also wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes …” (Romans 1:16).

To live as people of light, we must refuse to accept any shadow of “shame” regarding our privileged place as Christ-followers. The lost world unknowingly longs for the real deal — the light, life, and hope which only Christ Jesus gives. As we faithfully imitate His example of loving others, His light can and will shine through us.

May we guard our hearts from the deceptiveness of sin and exterminate every thought and action that would draw us away from Christ and cause us to doubt His goodness and grace. May no shadow of the enemy hang over our lives.

A day is coming when Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, will return. And when that Light rises over the horizon, all darkness will be fully exposed.

“But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
    and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Ephesians 5:13-14

Oh friends, we don’t shine the presence of Jesus brighter by trying harder of doing more. We shine the brightest when we simply follow and imitate the One Who is Light. May we allow Him to bring His light into every recess of our hearts and minds, turning us into light.

Bless you, brothers and sisters in Christ! You are people of light! Shine!

Acrylic painting by fine artist, MaryAnn Ward, illustrating the spiritual reality of carrying the Light of Christ.

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Psalm 25 — Show Me The Right Path

MaryAnn Ward 0 Comment Inspirational Blog, Psalms Meditation , , , , , , , ,
Psalm 25 — Show Me The Right Path

I don’t always know the right path. David humbly asked God for help. “Show me the right path, O LORD,” he prayed. Frequently, I have felt more than a little hesitation, not knowing for certain which path to take. Sometimes the decisions were weighty and at other times they were small. I, like David, have often sought God’s direction for both.

My husband and I recently walked the nature trails close to our city. I admire those who hike mountains. That’s not us! We are flatlanders — prairie people. Frequent guide posts reassured us that we were still on the right path.

Don’t you wish life was that easy? Clear markings at every intersection. Visible arrows pointing out landmarks, hazards, and even the easiest route. Unfortunately, most paths are more ambiguous. Just like the nature trails, however, only when one willingly obeys the signs does navigating the terrain lead to the right destination.

Many of our life decisions bear very little consequence; others become life-altering.

But, oh, that we would all obtain a similar attitude to David in this psalm.

“O Lord, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God!”
Psalm 25:1-2a

What a wonderful way to begin any decision-making process. “I give it all to You, Lord. I place my whole trust in You.”

Show Me the Right Path

David gave the purpose behind his request. He had lived long enough and witnessed enough to know that wrong decisions give the enemy an advantage over our lives and may ultimately lead to personal disgrace (vs2b).

He’s right! Either God will get the glory from our successes or the devil will laugh at our failures. Though we would all prefer the first option, most if not all of us have experienced them both.

David continued his prayer:

“Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.”
Psalm 25:4-5

Here comes another confession. I find it much easier to pray than to follow God’s direction. What if the path He shows is the hard path, the rocky way, the dangerous mountain trail where lions and bears roam? Will I follow when I know how hard the path will truly become?

David confessed even more. “Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O LORD” (Psalm 25:7).

This whole psalm speaks life and hope to me. Yes, I haven’t always obeyed God’s direction, but oh His mercy is great! Oh, His love immeasurable. Again and again, we return, “Lord, show me the right path. Lead me and teach me.”

“The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.”
Psalm 25:8-10

Knowing God First

Oh, the beauty and wonder of these verses. When we experience the love and faithfulness of God we truly say, “LORD, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God!” In His goodness and faithfulness, angst fades and obedience become easy.

It takes humility, doesn’t it — humility and a teachable spirit to walk in His ways? Stubbornness and rebellion may produce fleeting rewards but inevitably lead to trouble further down the road.

Here is the promise David witnessed in his own life:

“Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. They will live in prosperity, and their children will inherit the land. The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies.”
Psalm 25:12-14

When we ask God to show us the way — to help us make the right choices — He hears and answers. “He will show them the path!” No, it won’t always be written clearly across the sky, but He will make His way known. Then, Holy Spirit witnesses it to our spirit. Usually, He confirms it through His Word. Often, the counsel from godly, trusted mentors and friends becomes additional guideposts, confirming whether we are heading in the right direction.

How reassuring! When we seek Him, commit ourselves to follow Him, and maintain a teachable spirit, He will lead us!

Confidence

Others had already gone ahead of us, clearing the nature trails we walked that day. Fallen trees had been pushed aside. The grass had recently been cut and wood chips or gravel filled small potholes.

Life isn’t always so kind. In seventy-two of the one hundred and fifty psalms, the psalmists mention enemies and the things that oppose us. Satan and his cohorts stand as our greatest enemies, using money, success, prestige and lust as vices. Despite David’s confidence in following God, he knew he would continue to encounter challenges and temptations.

I love David’s honesty as he closes the psalm:

“…I am alone and in deep distress … my problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all! Feel my pain and see my trouble … See how many enemies I have and how viciously they hate me … Protect me! Rescue my life from them!”
Psalm 25:16-20a

True hikers remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. As Christians, we too, must be alert. “In order that Satan might not outwit us … we are not unaware of his schemes” (2 Corinthians 2:11).

When we obey the signs, God keeps us safe. We can walk with confidence no matter how difficult the challenges we face.

David ends the psalm as he began, “May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put me hope in you” (Psalm 25:21). From start to finish, “Lord, we trust you! You will show (us) the path (we) should follow. You will teach (us) the way to go. For that, (we) give you thanks.”

(I encourage you to take a few moments this week to read this beautiful psalm for yourself. Let me know if it inspires you as much as it has for me. Blessings!)

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You Are Already New in Christ

MaryAnn Ward 0 Comment Freedom & Transformation, Inspirational Blog , , , , , , ,
You Are Already New in Christ

For all those who identify with Jesus Christ, we sometimes need a gentle reminder that we are already made new in Christ. Everyday blunders, mistakes, and even outright failures sometimes cause us to forget the reality of what He has done for us.

Several years ago, we moved from the farm into a small town. Although we didn’t plan to, we purchased a fixer-upper — a home that needed a greater investment of time, energy, and finances than we had originally anticipated. Other than new windows and doors, the exterior remained unchanged. We cleaned up the landscape, planted new flower beds, removed dead or diseased trees, and restored a patchy lawn. The hardest work, however, went on behind closed doors. Here, we ripped out musty carpets and replaced flooring, redesigned the kitchen, updated the laundry and bathrooms, removed walls, and opened up spaces. Inside, where most people wouldn’t see, a radical transformation occurred.

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].“
2 Corinthians 5:17 AMP

The little old house, like us, was powerless to transform itself. It couldn’t repair its broken windows or replace leaky pipes. It waited for someone to see beyond the rough exterior at the potential within.

How much more! How much more does Jesus see something of incredible value in each of us. Then, He did for us what we could never do, making old things new. Yes, He declares over our lives, “New things have come!”

Already New

In every Bible version I checked, it is obvious that the new way of life has already come. We aren’t waiting for Him to do His work. It is finished in us already!

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17

The inside job is finished! God did it all for us already. My mind may be experiencing a bit of spiritual whiplash from such a radical transformation. My attitudes and behaviors haven’t come into full agreement with that new reality, yet. But, in truth, I am no longer the person I used to be. Neither are you!

From the outside we might look the same, but if we could see ourselves from the inside out, we would be utterly amazed at the radical transformation God has done. In a moment, He removed our hearts of stone and replaced them with hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). What was naturally hard, bitter, and selfish, God made new, giving us a heart like His — merciful and compassionate.

Home renovations take time and effort. In the same way, coming into alignment with being new in Christ requires cooperating with the work of the Holy Spirit. He is for us. He does the heavy lifting, the hard work, in this renovation project. The interior work is finished! The outer work continues.

Now and More

Every small improvement to our home, made it more functional, comfortable, and practical. It became ready for sharing with family, friends, and many others. The more it became “ours”, the more it also became enjoyable to others.

Is not the same true with us? The more we welcome the work of the Holy Spirit changing us from old to new, the more we become all that God intended for us since before the beginning of time. And then, the more we become a welcoming place for others to enjoy true, authentic, and mutually enjoyable relationships.

God cares so much more for us than we can imagine.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Colossians 3:1-4

So, if the Christian life feels more than a little overwhelming, don’t despair.

Just when we finished every renovation project on our list, God called us to move to a new location. When all the “renovations” from our old way of life are finally complete, we will be heading home to the heavenly glory that awaits. Until then, we set our hearts and minds on things above — all that awaits us. Then we will begin to understand the truth that we are already, even now, new in Christ.

Practical Reminders

Perhaps you, like me, need a few reminders of what God has already done for us.

  • “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4-5).
  • “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7).
  • “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14).
  • “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God” (Romans 8:14).
  • “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
  • “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding” (Ephesians 1:7-8).

Oh, Beloved! May we rest in the complete and finished work that God has done within us, even as we cooperate with Him to continue the process of complete restoration, bringing us into perfection.

Prayer

Father, thank You that by Your grace I am already made new in Christ. Give me ears to hear what Your Spirit is saying without doubt or a need for perfection. Tenderize and awaken me to the things of the Spirit. I choose to turn my heart and mind toward You and away from the distractions and frustrations of the world around me. In You is hope and peace! In You is fullness of all joy!
By Your precious blood, I am new! I am Your chosen — Your child. I cannot earn it and could never deserve it. You already did what I could never do.
May that reality set my heart to singing and my feet to dancing.
Your grace is enough! I am new in Christ!

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It Is Written

MaryAnn Ward 2 Comments God & Bible, Inspirational Blog , , , , , , , ,
It Is Written

When Jesus faced the first major trial of His spiritual life, He overcame with the simple words, “It is written!” Although testimony remains a powerful weapon against enemy attacks, Jesus refused to respond with testimony alone. He never said, “Let me tell you what just happened.” Recounting the heavenly affirmations of His Sonship with the Father during His recent baptism, though significant, would not suffice to quench the firey darts of this vicious enemy.

In these three words, “It is written,” Jesus gives us the key to living free and victorious.

As the president of a condominium corporation, I often must navigate between the messy disputes of he-said-she-said. Everyone views an experience from a different vantage point. Getting to the true truth, at times, becomes complicated, but with persistence and a solution-based focus resolutions take form. Contrary to popular opinion truth is not relative; truth is certain and unchanging.

Every time we read these words in Scripture they point to the divine authority of God’s unchanging Word, recorded for all generations. Jesus, and everyone else, can stand eternally firm in this certainty.

“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:4

No matter what sly treachery the enemy threw His way, Jesus responded by standing on the divine authority of the Word of God.

God Said It, I Believe It

Satan has nothing new in his arsenal of tactics to bring about our downfall.

In the beginning, God had prepared a beautiful garden for our first ancestors, Adam and Eve. They walked with Him every day in close communion. Everything was perfect. Nothing was lacking. They were given only one command, one rule, one guideline for life in this earthly paradise.

“And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”
Genesis 2:16-17

And what does Satan do? He causes them question the validity of God’s words. That sleazy serpent asks, “Did God really say? (Genesis 3:1)”

Anytime the enemy lures us into questioning the Word of God, we become an easy target for deception and vulnerable to a disastrous fall. Let’s not allow overconfidence to deceive us into believing we will escape the trap. Jesus didn’t! Neither should we. To walk in freedom our response should ever be, “It is written!”

Stand Firm

The inerrant Word of God provides our only solid foundation. Lord only knows how many battles have been fought by declaring and decreeing God’s Word over a situation or swirl the enemy throws our way. He cannot touch those who stand firm on the truth of God’s Word.

We become wise in learning and knowing, really knowing, what God says, allowing it to become a daily part of our thinking and living. The way we think leads us to the way we actually live.

Jesus lived what Paul later instructed,

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2

God’s ways run in complete contradiction to our own. “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8). Left to our devices we lean toward fear, anxiety, and stress designed to protect and keep ourselves safe. These natural instincts and the current pressure to validate our own truth, determine our own way, or follow our hearts, however, never leads to a productive or meaningful life.

God's plan is brilliant

Falling for Anything

Paul talks explicitly to us through Ephesians 4:17-24. Futility of thinking marked our former way of life before we knew God or His Word. That pattern led to “darkened … understanding and separated from the life of God … Having lost all sensitivity … given (ourselves) over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and … full of greed.” When we don’t stand upon the Bible we will inevitably fall for anything.

But there is hope!

“That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:20-24

With God’s help, we can recreate our thinking, renewing our minds! The old must go, making room for the new way of thinking and believing. The way we think predetermines our destiny.

It Is Written

Let these few verses begin to solidify the immeasurable importance of God’s Word:

  • Psalm 119:89 — “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”
  • Isaiah 55:11 — “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
  • 2 Timothy 3:16 — “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
  • Hebrews 4:12 — “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
  • Proverbs 30:5 — “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”
  • Joshua 23:14 — “Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.”
  • Psalm 12:6 — “And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.”
  • Matthew 24:35 — “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
  • Psalm 119:9 — “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”
  • Job 23:12 — “I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.”

For All

We fix and settle the Word of God within us through feasting on it daily, even multiple times a day. As we read, study, and meditate upon it, our minds become aligned with the truth. And as we add Bible memorization, we hide that Word where no one can steal or corrupt it. Soon God’s words becomes part of our daily language and the foundation of our prayers, bringing ourselves into agreement with God’s thoughts and ways.

If God said it, that settles it. It is a sure and solid foundation for every generation, for all time. May we absorb it as life and strength. Then we will be able to stand against every assault of the enemy, knowing clearly, “It is written.” Praise His Name!

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Treasures in Heaven

MaryAnn Ward 1 Comment Christian Living, Inspirational Blog , , , , , , ,
Treasures in Heaven

We will either spend our days and years accumulating earthly things or building up the storehouse of treasures in heaven. Social and other media continually work to divert our focus toward all the latest, biggest, fastest, and flashiest attention-getting things of this temporary realm.

Our condominium is presently in the process of fund raising for life-saving defibrillator. Most of the owners, past the prime of life, have stored up boxes and bins filled with a vast assortment of paphernalia they have accumulated over the years. We came into the world with nothing but a cry. We will all too soon leave this world just as empty handed. Why do we possess this urge to grasp temporary things so tightly? Why do we place greater trust in the things around us rather than in eternal things?

True motivations often lie hidden and dormant. Most of us have faced difficult times in years gone by — years of doing without, pinching pennies, and stretching dollars. We may also have enjoyed the fleeting times of abundance. Is it insecurity? Or fear? Thought the reasons may be many, those with an eternal focus realize both the temporary nature of this world, but also the reality that we will (sooner or later) surrender all our possessions. Everything we release to God will multiply in ways we could never imagine.

Don’t we all want treasures that will carry into eternity?

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21

The Greatest Treasure

Paul, like many of us, exercised his abilities, seeking and to a great degree attaining the accolades of this world. Even as a young man, he excelled beyond many his age, exceeding expectations and stepping into his dream of becoming great. But after a divine encounter with Jesus, his assessment of what was really valuable took an about turn.

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”
Philippians 3:7-9

In comparison to Jesus Christ, everything else amounts to garbage. Everything! No matter what it is, next to Jesus it proves hollow and worthless. He alone is priceless!

With lives anchored in Jesus, the things that once consumed and amused us no longer hold either our attention or affection.

Jesus told this parable about treasure:

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
Matthew 13:44-46

Sadly, I have witnessed people sell everything for an addiction, a selfish or unrealistic dream, or a chance at riches or fame. Wasted lives occupy street corners, jail cells, and church pews. Some people turn their lives over to Jesus and receive a second change before it is too late. Others continue the downward spiral of self-destruction.

Eternal Investment

The Bible gives us insight in how to store up treasures in heaven.

  • Even small acts of service receive a reward. “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward” (Matthew 10:42).
  • Seeking and honoring God over human accolades carry a reward. “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:16-18).
  • Investing gifts into the Kingdom yields a sure reward. “The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor” (1 Corinthians 3:8). And also, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
  • We can store up treasure in heaven simply by honoring others who minister for God. “Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward” (Matthew 10:41).
  • God greatly rewards those persecuted for Christ’s sake. “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven …” (Luke 6:22-23).
  • Do you live with an expectation of Jesus and with an eternal mindset? Timothy speaks of crowns awaiting you. “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
  • “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done” (Revelation 22:12).

Eternal Reward

There exists an invisible link between earth and heaven. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our devotion will belong to wherever we consider our greatest treasure.

Although we never work or strive for rewards, God rewards those who faithfully serve and follow Him. He wastes nothing! Even the smallest acts of kindness receive an eternal reward. We are not human doings. We are human beings. With hearts attuned to God — compassionate and generous toward those around us — our actions here on earth create storehouses of eternal benefits in the life to come. Only God could and would orchestrate something so marvelous.

The heart reveals our deepest loyalties. God knows our true motivations and rewards accordingly.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you“
1 Peter 1:3-4

Whatever time we have left on this earth, may we use it to advance God’s Kingdom and to store up an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. May God find you faithful and may an abundance of treasures in heaven await you.

Bless you, my friends.

3 Steps to Overcome Spiritual Friction

MaryAnn Ward 0 Comment Christian Living, Inspirational Blog, Purpose and Calling , , , , , , , ,
3 Steps to Overcome Spiritual Friction

Today, let’s learn a few strategies from those who have gone before us on how to overcome spiritual friction. There are times when we all find it difficult to maintain spiritual momentum. Spiritual zeal includes a fervent and passionate commitment to God and His purposes. The pursuit of holiness, faithful service, and advancement of God’s kingdom characterize such zeal.

The Azusa Street Revival became one of greatest pivotal moments in the history of Pentecostalism, creating a global movement that in many ways still continues. Spiritual fervor, interracial unity, and experiential aspects of the Holy Spirit such as speaking in tongues, divine healing, and prophecy marked the movement. Unfortunately, the original zeal lasted only a short period of time. Spiritual friction soon set in.

The scientific definition for friction calls it “a force that resists … attempted motion between two surfaces in contact. It plays a central role in everyday life … affecting everything from walking and driving to machine efficiency and energy loss. Although it often appears simple, friction arises from complex interactions …” Science also tells us that things move swifter the closer they come to the sun.

We can easily find similar spiritual parallels. Anyone who wants to move forward with God will encounter forces that resist that perfect desire. The closer we walk with the Son of God, however, the further His purposes and plans unfold in our lives. We can learn from both history, like Azusa Street Revival, and biblical examples.

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
Romans 15:4

1. Look to God

Spiritual friction creates passivity and apathy. People once on fire by the Holy Spirit become cold and indifferent to the things of God with increasing disinterest. Only when God remains the focus will lesser things fall away.

Unlike many other revivals of that time, Azusa Street welcomed people from all racial and social backgrounds, creating a truly diverse and inclusive spiritual community. All too soon human nature took centre stage and disagreements arose. The petty differences they faced may sound a bit crazy to most of us, but when God begins to move, we can expect friction to arise in the strangest ways. The strongest critics offer come from within.

Oh! How important to keep our eyes on God. He is the Author and Sustainer of every outpouring of the Spirit.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Colossians 3:2

The color of the carpet or the kind of bench we sit on are only temporary fixtures. As we keep our eyes on Jesus and His purposes, we overcome any spiritual friction caused by earthly differences.

2. Displace Fear

When God moves in and among us, it makes us feel more than a little “uncomfortable.” Fear creates much of the spiritual friction for us as well as the Azusa Street Revival.

The Apostle Peter experienced it as well.

“But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.”
Galatians 2:11-13

Though we fight many types of fear, the fear of man often becomes the greatest spiritual friction of all other fears. We have all felt it! Like every other sin (yes, sin) fear will cause us and those around us to stumble.

Azusa Street failed a similar test. Initially, neither race nor social status carried weight at Azusa Street. Soon, however, friction developed over racial unity, causing a major split in the church. Charles Parham (Seymour’s mentor) saw white and black people worshipping together and was appalled and started a competing movement. Spiritual friction created a major fraction in the movement.

But let’s take these lessons deeper to a personal level. Am I allowing the fear of criticism to hold me back from God’s purposes and plans for my life? Or how have I tip-toed around truth to bow to the voice of people rather than to God? Beyond a doubt, the fear of man is difficult to resist.

3. Honor

When differences arise, honor guards our hearts against the spiritual friction that seeks to divide. The work God performs within us (as individuals and corporately) matters far too much to allow petty difference to separate us.

The greatest setback came through the secretary of the Azusa Street Mission. She became so disgruntled that she left, taking the mailing list with her. Her actions prevented the leaders from sending out newsletters filled with testimonies of healings and deliverances. People began to believe that the revival had ended. Vast crowds quit coming. One person’s actions created enough spiritual friction to hinder a mighty move of God. Oh, that we would honor each other and value God’s work above personal preferences and opinions.

After that, it took very little to create arguments. Would building a storm shelter reveal a lack of faith? Should women take leadership roles and preach at the mission? Should men wear ties? Obstinance, rebellion, and independence led to far too many minor disagreement becoming pivotal turning points for the mission, ending a genuine revival. Competing missions fought for allegiance, bringing division that replaced the unity that once marked the movement.

Throughout Scripture we see similar instances where opposition from within resulted in much harm. Ten spies returned from Canaan with a bad report, discouraging the people and causing them forty unnecessary years of hardship and loss. Ezra and Nehemiah faced extreme opposition rebuilding the temple and the walls around Jerusalem. Even the early church was not immune to disagreements that birthed division. Neither are we!

“ I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
1 Corinthians 1:10

Spiritual Friction

We may not use the term spiritual friction to define the conditions within the church or ourselves. Call it what you will, it exists and destroys far too many good institutions and individuals.

Sometimes the passivity which spiritual friction produces best defines the condition we see.

“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
James 4:17

James warns us that knowing what we “ought to do” equals sin. Spiritual friction will bring us to the comfortable but dangerous place of knowing what we ought to do without actively doing it. Failing to act righteously is, in God’s eyes, equivalent to actively doing wrong. Then and now, we are without excuse. We, like those from Azusa Street Mission, know how God wants us to live in unity and appreciation for others. Knowing, however, comes far easier than doing.

Just as one person can negatively impact the work of God, one diligent and faithful person also sets a clear example for others to follow. While passivity shows up through inaction, indifference, and failure to engage, actively and energetically cooperating with the work of the Holy Spirit paves a positive path for others. With God’s help, we can set examples of spiritual productivity and consistency, walking out our faith in practical ways — in faithful service, devotion to prayer, and seeking godly wisdom for every situation.

Spiritual friction is a given in any culture, but it doesn’t need to hinder us from furthering God’s Kingdom on earth. Even so, Lord Jesus, come (Revelation 22:20)! Holy Spirit, come. Ignite us again with passion for Your Name and for Your glory. We seek personal and corporate revival greater than anything You have done in the past. We seek a revival that will have longlasting effect on us and those around us for generations to come.

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The Hardest Thing We Will Ever Do

MaryAnn Ward 1 Comment Evangelism & Discipleship, Inspirational Blog, Salvation , , , , , , , ,
The Hardest Thing We Will Ever Do

Although we have all experienced difficult things in life, the hardest thing we will ever need to do still lies ahead. Those who have endured more than their fair share of trials might be asking, “What could that possibly be?”

Recently, a friend contemplating the seasons of life reflected, “The hardest thing we will ever do is take our last breath.” The force of that statement hit me. I have long considered that being with the dying during their last moments the highest honor afforded us on earth. Sharing the transition from this life to the next becomes a sacred blip in the eternal thread of time. This statement put it into perspective for me.

Life is short — very short. Eternity is long — very long. The veil between the two realities is very thin. The last breath signals the completion and finality of all things hoped and desired in the here and now. For some people, a life well lived and the anticipation of heaven makes that breath an anticipated seal of promise. For others, a cloud of regret and uncertainty weighs heavy. The fight for one more millisecond relentless. For still other people eternity holds neither hope nor promise.

The question seeks an answer, “Are you ready? Am I?”

We never know, do we, which one will be our last? Often, it knocks on our door far too quickly and often too soon … a heart attack … an accident … the hands of violent men … disease … the determining causes many.

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”
Philippians 3:20-21

The Gift

My elders used to say, “Two things are certain — death and taxes.” Short on words and long on truth, wisdom speaks through the aged.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23

I have never received an earthly inheritance of money or lands. I know people who enjoy such privilege. One inheritance we all received has tainted humanity since the beginning. Its name is death! When Adam sinned, he passed death to all others who would come after him. God never desired us to experience death. He came to give us a life overflowing (John 10:10). Death is a jagged consequence of sin — Adam’s and ours.

In comparing ourselves to others we may rightly claim we have lived exemplary lives. But none of us, except for Jesus, lived perfectly, meeting God’s standard of holiness. As such, we all fail. We all fall short. We all have sinned in one way or another.

“… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God …”
Romans 3:23

Physically, we shall one day face the hardest thing we will ever do when we take our final breath. We will all come to death’s door and the end of human strength. We all need a Savior!

It is Finished

God made a way to guarantee something far better follows that last breath. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, He guarantees us a place with Him forever. But like all other gifts, it must be received before it can be enjoyed.

“ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8

No human mind can comprehend the immensity of such an offer. We only see the outer fringes of such magnificent love. That anyone would live holy and blameless, then die a horrid, sacrificial death on our behalf is incomprehensible. Yet, Jesus did. He gave Himself for the down-and-outers and the up-and-outers alike.

He willingly did the hardest thing anyone will ever do — not just in His last breath, but through every moment of His life. And with His last breath, He uttered these precious words, “IT IS FINISHED!”

“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
John 19:30

Love made the hardest thing the easiest and only thing. He bowed his head and gave up His spirit. No struggle for one more breath nor delay to meet His Father.

The Other Side

I would be amiss to not also tell you the other side — eternal death. As certainly as there is a heaven, there is also hell. The Bible makes it clear that one of these two eternities awaits us when the curtain closes on this life and we take our last breath. It defines a horrid place of never-ending fire, agony, torment, and separation from God.

Hell was made for fallen angels, including the devil himself. God never sends anyone to hell. We make that choice and determine our own fate. By refusing to except God’s offer of grace through Jesus Christ, we make the choice for the alternative. By rejecting God, we reject His salvation and the perfection of glory spent eternally with Him.

Just as we cannot imagine the wonders and beauty of heaven, neither can we comprehend the awfulness of hell. Speaking of heaven, we read:

“However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him—” 1 Corinthians 2:9

May we choose wisely (Matthew 25:46).

Confidence

Eternity awaits. It is only a prayer of commitment and dedication away.

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
Romans 10:9-10

Do you believe Jesus paid the penalty for you sins on the cross? And that He rose again as the evidence of resurrection life that awaits those who trust in Him? Then you already possess a heart positioned to receive His promise. Something more happens when we verbally declare our faith. I don’t profess to understand the full reasons. However, by professing our faith, God seals the deal in heaven. The hardest thing of your last breath becomes an open gateway to eternal blessings.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38-39

This may not be the last thing I ever write, but it is the most important. I desire that everyone would live with the assurance that their lives are eternally secure in Christ.

Oh, that we may all share that confidence. John the Apostle echoed these thoughts, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).

We celebrate births, graduations, weddings, and promotions in life. How much more should we celebrate the tearing of the thin veil, entering into eternity confident in the hope of Christ?

Blessings, my beloved friends.

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Removing Everything that Doesn’t Belong: Michelangelo’s David

MaryAnn Ward 1 Comment Christian Living, Inspirational Blog, Purpose and Calling , , , , , , , , ,
Removing Everything that Doesn’t Belong: Michelangelo’s David

When asked about his masterful sculpture of David, Michelangelo explained his simple process of removing everything that doesn’t belong. Everything that wasn’t David had to go!

A massive piece of marble, quarried 50 years earlier and previously rejected by two other master craftsmen, sat in a yard exposed to the elements. Others deemed it too flawed and imperfect to serve any useful purpose. Then came twenty-six-year-old Michelangelo. He gained the approval of the authorities to commission him to bring to life the abandoned piece of marble, which they called “the giant.”

Michelangelo’s preparation began long before the commission. In exchange for creating a wooden crucifix for the Church of Santo Spirito, he was allowed to dissect cadavers, as a way to study human anatomy — a practice that, at the time, was illegal. Lengthy preparatory work was also done long before the actual sculpting began. First, he made sketches, drawings, and small-scale terracotta or wax models. Then, contrary to the practice of his day, he began to work on the head, slowly progressing down the entire body, detailing every muscle and vein.

Everything about the process reflects God’s meticulous work in each of our lives. He takes what other people, even other great people, have discarded as useless. Then, He brings us to life. Starting with the head and our hearts, He works His creative mastery by removing everything that doesn’t belong to the image He had of us before time began.

” … being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6

In Process

How often have you prayed? “Lord take it away. Take away my selfishness and pride. Remove insecurity, fear, and doubt. Every word and thought not aligned with You, remove Lord.” Or am I alone in my frustration with the slow progress of His workmanship within.

After years of preparation, it took Michelangelo almost another 4 years to expose the stone masterpiece that would become Florence’s crowning symbol for the defense of civil liberties, inspiring courage and hope for the nation.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect ...”
1 Corinthians 15:10

God’s work in us becomes far greater than any sculpture, even those of Michelangelo. Piece by piece, layer by layer, He exposes our true nature and our full identity. By His grace, He will never give up on us or quit the process until everything comes to perfection in Christ. When others would abandon us, forgotten in the field of neglect, He sees the value hidden within.

Every tool Michelangelo chose served a purpose, just as God wastes nothing in our lives. Every hardship … every sorrow … every trial works for His good and ours.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28

Everything that Doesn’t Belong

God never gives up on us! Let’s not give up on ourselves either. If God demonstrates so much grace toward us, may we show ourselves grace as well.

As long as we are alive, we exist in the mucky middle of transition — between what we used to be and what we will one day become with glorified bodies in heaven. Though today we face the agony of process, one day it will be worth every chisel strike and every hammer blow against our old identity of sin and shame.

One day, Beloved! One day, we shall be as He is!

“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.”
1 John 3:2

Today, we submit, yielding ourselves to the Master Sculptor. We rejoice that He sees in us what no one sees. He believes in us like no one believes. Oh, praise be His Name forever! He continually removes from our lives everything that doesn’t belong to our God-given identity.

Michelangelo’s David pictures him not after the victory as other creatives before his time. He poses David in the seconds before bringing the giant to the ground. Unflinching, He is filled with courage — focused, and ready for the victory ahead.

But before anyone could view David so magnificently posed, everything else had to be taken away. We often think we need to add something more to our lives to become complete. Michelangelo, like God, knew the real key is removing the excess.

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Generosity — The Test of Love

MaryAnn Ward 0 Comment Inspirational Blog, Relationship , , , , , , , ,
Generosity — The Test of Love

We often think of generosity in the context of financial or material giving. Generosity, however, reflects our sincerity and the test of love. To be generous means to show a willingness to give more than is necessary or expected. It also means to live open-handed for the good of others. We discover such selflessness among those with kind and noble spirits. More than anything, however, generosity reflects the very character and love of God.

More than ever before, we have recently experienced the generosity of others. As difficult life challenges came to our lives, family, friends, and our church community have all generously extended themselves for our behalf. Prayer, time, expertise, meals, encouragement, a listening ear, compassion, financial support — their love proved true through pouring into our lives far more than was necessary or expected.

Isn’t that the way? In the place of need, while grieving or struggling to cope with life’s tragedies, God provides open opportunities for generosity.

During biblical times famine presented one of the greatest threats. Paul encouraged believers to step in and help. He used Jesus as the perfect example for giving generously.

” … I want to test the sincerity of your love … For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.“
2 Corinthians 8:8-9

Generosity will cost us something to help another. Who will we put first? Ourselves or others?

Beyond Ourselves

God invites us to look beyond ourselves, beyond our group, beyond our family, beyond our social circle. Luke records one of Jesus’ parables to emphasize the point.

“The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!” The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
 Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’”
Luke 10:27-35

How we treat others becomes the true test of love. Are we willing to touch the beggars, the diseased, the unclean of our generation? Are we willing to cross cultural boundaries, even to the point of the scorn from peers, to help those in need.

Ashamedly, not always! This man gave so much more than was expected. He lived open-handed with his neighbor.

Jesus closed with these words, “now go and do the same.”

The Challenge

Here sits the challenge. Far too often, we may prefer to maintain a comfortable distance, leaving someone else to do the dirty work of soothing and bandaging wounds. Surely anyone else is more equipped to handle such occurrences, right? Maybe not.

Jesus looks to you and I to enter the difficult and painful circumstances of others, bringing comfort, healing, and His presence. What people need the most is Jesus living in and through us — a shoulder to cry on, a steady arm to strengthen, an encouraging word, or a meal to show we care.

This posture challenges me. I don’t naturally carry the gift of the compassion. But Jesus, doesn’t limit compassion to a few. He invites us all to demonstrate it clearly, practically, and often.

The initial question presented to Jesus pertained to eternal life. Yet, Jesus’ response pointed to compassion and generosity — the true test of love for Him and others.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16

Love is active. Love costs. So does faith. Faith in God equals faith in action. Eternity and the generous display of love cannot be separated. They are twins with the same Father. Selfless love originates with God. Love prepares us for eternity.

So, the challenge remains — will I (will we) love generously?

Prayer

Lord, I come to You with tears … tears of regret for times I have loved less … when love fell short. Help me! Help us, Lord, to love more. Give us a tender heart to love generously — open-handed, loving far more than is expected or necessary. We need You, Lord. Not to teach us, for You have shown us what love looks like and taught us how to love. We need Your love working in and through us so powerfully and fully that it cannot help but bind up wounds, bring comfort to the desolate, give food to the hungry, offer patience to the intolerant, sit with the lonely, weep with those who mourn, or a multitude of other ways. Lord, You desire us to show Your love to those we come in contact with.
God remove hardness and indifference from our hearts. May we become the Good Samaritans of our generation, giving ourselves in sacrificial ways. May we escape the “me-first culture,” looking into the eyes of those with needs.
Father, we repent of critical judgment or busyness that has held us back from meeting the needs of others. Today, Lord, point us someone to whom we may demonstrate love. May the test of love — our love for You — be proved true, strong, and faithful.
Amen.

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