Category: Evangelism & Discipleship

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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The Power of Personal Testimony

MaryAnn Ward 0 Comment Evangelism & Discipleship, Inspirational Blog , , , , , , ,
The Power of Personal Testimony

Sometimes amidst responsibilities and routines, we can easily lose sight of the importance and power of personal testimony. Smiley social media posts, computer generated artificial intelligence videos, and billboards splashed with air brushed images of people who own it all, have it all, and always look great leave many of us with feelings of falling short of unreachable standards.

Reality portrays a dramatically different image of becoming transparent and vulnerable. Your everyday story contains the ability to bring hope and encouragement to untold others. Never underestimate the significance of your story. Only God knows how many people you may inspire. Our fumbles and failures may tempt us to withdraw into silence, but God calls us to tell our stories — rarely through microphones but more often through face to face relationships.

As I read my Bible, I’m impressed by the insights God gives. Each book resonates with personal testimonies of ordinary people turned extraordinary in the hands of our Great God.

“My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long — though I know not how to relate them all. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.“
Psalm 71:15-18

The psalmist honestly says, “I know not how to relate them.” Don’t we all feel inadequate to share what God’s grace has done in our lives? Yet, by faith, he tries his best to relate them to others.

Every Story Matters

I often encourage those I disciple to never underestimate the power of personal testimony. Almost every assignment I give my Bible students includes an invitation to share how their relationship with Jesus and God’s Word is transforming their lives. I anticipate reading these assignments, knowing I will benefit from their life stories.

Luke recounts the day when Jesus healed a demon possessed man. We can read about the encounter in Luke 8:26-39. One moment, an insane man raged in anger among the tombs — naked, unbathed, scarred from self-mutilation, and driven into solitude. The next moment, he meets Jesus. Free from demonic influence, clothed, and of sound mind, he clung to the only One who could free him from his torment. He fell to Jesus’ knees in gratitude begging to go with Jesus wherever He might lead.

“Return home and tell how much God has done for you. So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.”
Luke 8:39

Home. How long had it been since he went “home”? “Tell others how loving and gracious God is,” was Jesus’ only instruction. But who would listen to someone with such a past? The answer? Everyone! Millions of people are still listening to his story — still inspired by such transformation.

No one tells their story as boldly and simply as those who have recently encountered the love and grace of God.

Are we not all harassed by the same enemy? Though we may not wander the tombs, we can still relate and empathize with the man and feel a sense of awe. His transformation brings hope for us all.

Real People

We are surrounded by really “good” people. They live righteously, doing good to others, showing generosity and compassion. Let’s not allow their goodness to camouflage the truth. We all need Jesus. None of us are ever good enough to meet God’s holy standard.

Insecurity or feelings of inadequacy try to hold us back, hiding the “real” us — the frustrated us, the blubbering, or lazy, or selfish us, the other side of us we don’t want others to see. Perfection only belongs to God. It is okay to admit our weaknesses.

In our realness, we all have a personal testimony worth sharing. In fact, honesty opens ears and hearts to truth.

“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.“
Psalm 66:16

Everyone needs a miraculous encounter with Jesus that transforms hearts and souls.

One day, I met Jesus. Not in the tombs, but beside a country road … alone … suicidal … depressed, and hopeless. He picked up the broken remnants of my lost humanity and gave me life eternal. No not a life that will begin after I die, but a life worth living every day.

Everyone who has met Jesus, has a story worth telling — a personal testimony worth sharing. Is there a more powerful message to share than, “Let me tell you what (God) has done for me”? That story never grows old. His mercy and grace over our lives continue to flow.

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”
1 John 5:11

This is the testimony! God has given us eternal life, through Jesus Christ.

Tell

One of the best ways to prepare ourselves is to think of three things: my life before Jesus, what He did for me, and my life now. Simple, right? As a matter of fact, keeping it simple may be the best way. Often one sentence is all it takes to spark the curiosity of others. Before, how, and now capsulizes the difference only Jesus can make.

Let’s also be prepared to offer a three-minute version of our transformation story. We may even be asked to share our personal testimony publicly. Then we will need to expand our story into five or fifteen minutes. Practicing how to tell your story enables us to casually and comfortably share with others what the Lord has done for us.

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15

By simply preparing a one minute, three minute, and fifteen minute testimony we will be ready to give anyone an answer for the reason we carry the hope of Jesus Christ.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.”
Psalm 107:1-2

Let’s humbly and speak out! He has done so much for us.

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Come and You Will See!

MaryAnn Ward 0 Comment Evangelism & Discipleship, Inspirational Blog , , , , , , , , ,
Come and You Will See!

“Come and you will see!” piques curiosity among most people. All business owners will tell you that the best advertising is word of mouth. Who doesn’t check customer reviews before making a purchase? Who hasn’t bought something, tried out a new restaurant, or read a book on the recommendation of someone they trusted. But most common of all, who hasn’t heard and responded to the compelling words and outstretched hand of a young child anxious to share their new discovery with these words, “Come and you will see!”

“Look what I’ve found!” … “They raise the best chickens and have the best eggs!” … “Have you tried _______?” … “Have you heard this new worship song?” “Take a look at this new study Bible!” We do it all the time; share our wonderful finds with others. But let’s consider something far more important than childhood adventures, books, or eggs.

Who said, “Come and you will see!” and shared the good news about Jesus with you? How long ago? Is it forever fixed in your memory?

Years ago, as a young teenage girl, I attended a youth Bible camp and heard this good news for the first time. A counselor, not much older than I, knelt beside me by a metal bunk bed, telling me how much God loved and why Jesus died. The message was irresistibly life changing. Who could deny a love so genuine? “Come! Give Jesus a try,” she encouraged, “and you will see.”

You Will See

Before Jesus became famous throughout the surrounding region, John the Baptist faithfully preached repentance and baptized people. One day, he turned his disciples’ attention toward a nondescript, rather common-looking, figure moving among them.

“When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!'”
John 1:35

He was saying, “This is The One! The One I’ve been telling you about. He is The One we have all been waiting for.” Immediately they approached Jesus and asked if they could follow Him. Of course, Jesus agreed.

“‘Come,’ he replied, ‘and you will see.'”
John 1:39

First, they saw Jesus, but then, by spending even a little time with Him, they began to see who He was in a greater way.

The story swiftly builds. One of John’s disciples named Andrew, quickly ran off to tell his brother Simon the good news. “We have found the Messiah,” Andrew excitedly said, bringing Simon Peter to Jesus. Philip was next to join the cavalcade with Jesus. Immediately, he, too, went out and called Nathanael, saying, “We have found the one Moses … and the prophets wrote …”

Good news spreads fast. And so, it should. The Lamb of God, the Messiah, the Promised One who would take away the sins of the world only briefly walked In their midst. Like a wild fire of faith, the good news of Jesus Christ quickly spread throughout the vicinity. As soon as people began to “see,” they found in Jesus, all their hearts had long searched for.

Good News

The same good news shared on the hills and seashores of Galilee remains good news for everyone today. Jesus is still in the business of transforming lives, bringing hope, and healing the broken. But I wonder if we (especially I) have forgotten what incredibly good news we possess. It is far too easy to discreetly go about our Christian traditions without taking time to point anyone to Jesus.

Whether we live in North American, Africa, or the Far East, we all face challenges in sharing Jesus. In some areas, people live in such luxury and ease the need of a Savior falls upon deaf ears. In places under religious oppression, people share the good news at risk of their lives. Billions of people in these restricted nations will never hold a Bible in their hands, while others allow the same Word of God to collect dust on a nightstand or bookshelf. How tragic!

I once held a copy of a handwritten Bible. A Bible had been smuggled into a nation closed to Christianity. The recipients meticulously hand copied it, word for word, again and again, to ensure that as many people as possible would have an opportunity to read its pages. It felt like a sacred moment to embrace a Book so valued and costly.

On another occasion, I visited a remote area of a country where few people have the opportunity to hear the good news. Here, if someone who could read comes to faith in Jesus Christ, they are immediately given a Bible and designated as pastor to lead and disciple their village. Just like Jesus’ first followers, they carry no degree or formal training and yet live and share their faith boldly.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
1 Peter 2:9

Hope

Those who know me best, know that sharing Jesus with others does not always come easily. I fumble with words, miss opportunities, and allow busyness to interrupt God assignments. So, the words I write today are convicting and compelling to myself first.

This week, a wonderful friend shared her recent joy of leading someone to Jesus. Through her contagious joy, I realized how long it has been since I, too, experienced the delight of witnessing a sinner become a saint, a captive set free, and the dead receive new life. She had prayed for this one. She had planted seeds of faith. And when the time was right, she had shared God’s full redemptive love story through Jesus. After months of prayer-filled intercession, God opened the door. My beautiful friend led another child into relationship with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I danced and shouted with heaven at the good news.

“ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
Luke 15:7

In a world void of hope, we hold the secret of hope eternal — the good news of Jesus Christ. May you and I find a comfortable rhythm of simply telling others, “Come and you will see!” Like my dear friend, may we faithfully water the soil of faith around us in fervent prayer, and expectantly wait for the God opportunities to bring this hope to those around us.

It really isn’t that hard once we get over our insecurities. “Have you heard about Jesus?” “Let me tell you what He has done in my life.”

Let’s all become better advertisers of the best news ever — Jesus came to seek and to save. “Come and you will see!”

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Nobody Can Tell Your Story — Tell What God Has Done

MaryAnn Ward 1 Comment Evangelism & Discipleship, Inspirational Blog , , , , , , , ,
Nobody Can Tell Your Story — Tell What God Has Done

Nobody can tell your story but you. Nobody can tell my story but me. The most important story to tell is what God has done in our lives.

Biographies and autobiographies list the highest on my favorite genres to read. True stories of those who have courageously walked out their faith challenge my own faith to grow deeper and more steadfast. Call them trailblazers or pioneers, survivors or thrivers. Tenacious faith marked each of their lives. Their stories, personal and relatable, resonate within us.

So even though I know the power of personal stories, every time I attempt to tell my humble story, I flounder for the right words. I hesitate, wondering if my story has any real value.

Throughout my life, and even more so in these days, God welcomes me to tell everyone and anyone the things He has done for me.

As you tell your story and I tell mine, we join the ageless troop of those who have overcome fear and intimidation to tell their God-story.

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”
Revelation 12:11

Uniqueness

Though similarities mark all our stories, each life-story charts the making of who we have uniquely become. The essence of our faith stories begins with who we once were and how our old lives looked. It includes an encounter with our loving Savior, Jesus Christ. And finally, who we are now.

I was one way. Then, I met Jesus. Now, I am another way. It’s that simple!

“And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.”
1 John 5:11

I stumble most to tell my story when I’m deceived enough to think it is “my” story. Oh, how wrong! God owns all our stories. Without Him, there would be no story to tell. When I gave my life to Jesus Christ, I gave Him everything, including my story. His story of redeeming grace weaves through my story. His story of power to transform broken, ruined lives has also become mine.

When you tell your story and I tell mine, we testify that God has given us eternal life through Jesus Christ. Not just a life in heaven, but a life we live every day.

Only God knows the eternal impact when you tell your story.

Prepare

Several years ago, a mentor challenged me to prepare three versions of my God-story — a one minute capsule, a five-minute version, and then a more complete fifteen-minute expansion.

His wise advice has helped me to tell my story over and over again. In casual conversation, we often only have a moment of opportunity. At other times, people may ask questions which lead to more details. Being prepared ahead of time gives us an advantage to naturally ease the things God has done for us into conversation.

I’m not talking about platform opportunities with a microphone and video recording, although that may come too. Sometimes the curious, or even condemning, ask questions about why we believe what we believe. Others may see significant changes in our lives and want to know the reason why. Then, tell your story.

“The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, “No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.”
Luke 8:38-39

Few people have such dramatic stories to tell. But every God encounter is worth relating to others.

Tell Your Story

People often disregard or dispute the truth of Scripture. They may question the validity of the Bible. But no one can deny when you tell your story, sharing your personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15

The Message Bible relays this portion as, “Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.”

As you tell your story and I tell mine, we allow no room for arrogance or pride. We can boast in nothing but Him. Gentleness, respect, and courtesy should infuse every word as we explain the Living Hope within us. Hope that has produced confident assurance, solid faith, and significant life change.

We have so many good reasons to tell God’s story about our lives. Let’s write it, speak it, and share it everywhere we go. Our story brings Good News to others.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, open our hearts to respond with gentleness, respect, and courtesy to all who ask about You. May we be sensitive to those who are aching to know You intimately and deeply. May we always be ready to tell about the incredible grace You have shown to us. Give us the right words for each situation that we may share the Good News of Jesus Christ in a loving and humble way. May the gratitude we feel for all You have done be expressed sincerely and simply. With thanks, we pray. Amen.

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Hold on to the Old While Embracing the New

MaryAnn Ward 1 Comment Evangelism & Discipleship, Inspirational Blog , , , , , , ,
Hold on to the Old While Embracing the New

Through a mini-parable, Jesus exhorts everyone willing to hear to hold on to the old while embracing the new. Only one verse in length, we could easily miss both the parable and its meaning. Confident that everyone would clearly understand, He offered no further explanation.

Although I try hard to avoid waste, invariably I discover an outdated, expired, or overdue food item pushed to the back corner of a cupboard or the refrigerator. Ugh! Because most food products carry labels informing us when something is no longer safe for consumption, I know when the old must go!

In contrast, as a watercolor painter, the beginning layers of paint affect every new layer that will be placed on them. The old never grows old but forms a strategic foundation for the new. The point Jesus makes in His parable resembles watercolor far more that my refrigerator.

“He said to them, ‘Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
Matthew 13:52

The Old

What happens when an old teacher of the Law becomes a new disciple of Jesus Christ? Must he then throw out every “old” concept as moldy, outdated, and expired?

Jesus answers, “No!”

The old teacher holds a tremendous advantage. As he pays attention to the Old while embracing the New, he discovers otherwise hidden resources — a storeroom overflowing with both New and Old treasures.

If we read the New Testament with honesty, we uncover a beautiful web of meaning originating from Genesis throughout the pages to end of Revelation. Out of the Old flows treasures far surpassing diamonds or gold.

“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

“Everything that was written,” every word within the Word, precious, anointed, life-giving and powerful! Every word instructing, teaching, encouraging, and hope-filled! Oh, that we would learn to hold on to the Old while embracing the New.

The New

In another passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declares,

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
Matthew 5:17

Jesus warns listeners, then and now, to not “set aside” the Old. In the same breath, He makes a surprising promise for those who both hold on to the Old while embracing the New.

” … but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:19

As evangelical Christians, we easily stumble blindly past Jesus’ words, failing to give them the respect and honor they deserve. We rightly enjoy freedom, knowing Jesus paid our sin-debt in full. No further sacrifice is needed!

Though ultimate sacrifice met every requirement of the Law, Jesus did not erase it.

Immediately after these words, Jesus shocked His listeners by reinforcing the Law to incomprehensible levels. Don’t commit murder now meant not even calling someone a fool! Don’t commit adultery now included not even looking at another person lustfully. He challenged everyone to not only love their neighbors, but to also love their enemies.

Old and New

Like a true watercolor artist, Jesus picks up the dual brushes of the Old and New Covenant — filled and exposed fully for us all. The rich, heavenly hues of depth, color, and dimension interwoven with precision. Both taking form in the Triunity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The more one studies the Old, the more beautiful the New becomes. The more one comprehends the heart of God in the Old, the more we are humbled by the expression of that heart in the New. Together, as teachers of the Law and disciples of the Kingdom of Heaven, we draw from the storehouse treasures available to us. In holding to the Old and embracing the New, a well-spring of wisdom unfolds.

“He said to them, ‘Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
Matthew 13:52

My Prayer

Oh, Holy Father, grant us tender hearts and willing minds to embrace both the Old and New of Your grace and goodness. There is no expiration date! The Old never grows old. The New never loses its luster. Both Old and New remain eternally true. May we read the Bible from a panoramic view — Genesis to Revelation. Reveal to us the depths of what we hold in our hands and hide in our hearts. Give us grace to see You in every word. May we see the beauty and artistry embedded within each line, woven like no other love story to us, Your beloved sons and daughters. May Your Word become fresh — both the Old and the New. The colours blending into the imagine of immaculate perfection that You designed. Help us to be brought low in the discovery, as we hold on to the Old while embracing the New.
Worthy, O God, are You!
Amen.

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Come Now! The Parable of the Great Banquet

MaryAnn Ward 1 Comment Evangelism & Discipleship, Inspirational Blog , , , , , , , , ,
Come Now! The Parable of the Great Banquet

Have you ever received an invitation to “Come Now!” to a function? In many cultures, it is rude to refuse such an invite. Perhaps, you were already committed to other plans, were exhausted from work, or it was poor timing for you. There could be many reasons to decline an impromptu engagement.

We might request a rain check from the host or hostess, hoping to meet at a later date when it is more convenient. Sometimes, the delay may be justified. Other times, we create excuses for having other priorities — even misplaced priorities. Although a similar opportunity may come again, we must carefully consider each offer.

Jesus told a parable, a simple story revealing spiritual truth, about a great banquet. In the parable, the host offered no rain checks. “Come now!” he announced to his chosen guests.

“Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.  At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’”
Luke 14:17

Excuses

Without even considering the gravity of their response, they “all alike began to make excuses.”

What? Everyone invited declined? Sadly, their excuses sounded strangely familiar to those we might use.

“But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’
Luke 14:18-20

Politely, they all requested a rain check on the dinner engagement. Preoccupied with newly purchased property, the potential of owning his own land flooded the thoughts of the first guest. The second, an obviously wealthy man to buy five yoke of oxen, felt secure in his possessions and wealth. He wanted to try out his latest and greatest investment. Besides, he could prepare a banquet for himself whenever he wanted. The third could think of nothing but the pleasure of being with his lovely bride.

Most of us can relate to at least one of these fine gentlemen. Just like them, things, money, and people occupy much of our time, energy, and focus too. We easily justify how much time and effort we place in these areas of our lives.

The Master

The host planned for months. He prepared for weeks. All his servants worked diligently to present the choicest delicacies for the master’s guests. Elaborate decorations adorned the great banquet hall. Everything was ready.

The master of the banquet saw through the feeble excuses of his chosen guests. At great expense, he had prepared his best, freely and liberally offering it to others without any expectations in return. Their refusal would not stop the banquet.

“Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’”
Luke 14:21

The servants obeyed. Up and down the city streets the servants ran, beckoning the outcasts and neglected to come now to the great banquet.

Still Room

The wealthy elite who rejected the master’s invitation went about their personal pursuits, enjoying their luxuries and pleasures. The most unlikely of guests flocked into the great banquet hall. They sat around tables overflowing with delicacies. Their eyes bulged in disbelief and bellies rumbled with hunger as they gazed upon the abundance of provision. But there was still room for more.

 “‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’  “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.”
Luke 14:22-23

Can you hear the heart of the master? Can you feel his generosity? His compassion? The intent of his purpose? “My house will be full!”

The servants ran with haste into the countryside, beckoning everyone they saw to come now. The master desired every seat to be full. He had prepared for maximum capacity.

No Rain Checks

Jesus spoke not just to the listeners of His day. He speaks just as clearly to us — whoever and wherever we might be. The invitation of the Father, the Master of the house, reaches to you and me. It extends to our family, neighbours, and friends. Everything has been made ready.

The banquet points directly to the future marriage supper of the Lamb, Jesus Christ (Rev 19:9). It cost Him everything. It costs us nothing to accept His invitation. He waits for our, “Yes!”

One way or another, the banquet will be filled. Those who decline will miss out. Those who are ready will feast with Him. For some who delay, their place will be given to others.

There will be no rain checks — no opportunity for a change of heart once the seats are full. The Master commands His servants with an urgency, “Compel them to come in!” Then, He gives this warning,

“I say to you all, no one who receives an invitation to feast with me and makes excuses will ever enjoy my banquet.”
Luke 14:24

No More Excuses

How many excuses have we spoken or heard from others. Either verbally or through our actions, we tell God, “Later! When it is more convenient, I will follow You. When business isn’t going so well, I’ll come to You. If my relationships fall apart, then I’ll call on You.”

God’s invitation is to “Come now!” Jesus warned that there will be no room for those who refuse. And there will be no grounds for excuses then.

I weep as I consider all the Master has done for us. I also weep as I consider the consequences of those who decline His invitation.

The parable tells a true story — one lived out daily and being fulfilled throughout eternity. May the parable inspire each of us as God’s servants through the streets of our cities and down the roadways of our countryside, inviting others to come to the Master. May we each sense the Holy Spirit compelling us to come now.

Lord, like the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame, we accept Your gracious invitation. We come without excuse to sit at Your table. We thank You for the great preparation You have made for us. With humble hearts, we say, “Yes!” to You. And with urgency, we invite others to join us. As unworthy beggars, we feast of Your goodness and mercy. Thank You, Lord.

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5 Key Spiritual Strategies to Investing Wisely

MaryAnn Ward 0 Comment Christian Living, Evangelism & Discipleship, Inspirational Blog , , , , , , ,
5 Key Spiritual Strategies to Investing Wisely

We each possess a limited amount of time, energy, or resources. Today, let’s explore key strategies to investing wisely all God has given to us.

When I move from this life to my heavenly home, I don’t want to “leave anything on the table.” In other words, I want to take full advantage of every opportunity ahead.

In a recent dream, a small group of people sat in my kitchen, waiting to be served. Their bodies spilling limply over the chairs they sat upon. Another small group of people, I was supposed to be leading, were in a side room studying the Bible. The largest group of people patiently waited outside my kitchen window — the neglected, rejected, and dejected.

The kitchen group consumed all my time. They smelled the two turkeys roasting in the oven — ready to pounce on the choicest portions. One person even purposely spilled her drink on the floor as she looked out the window, rudely ridiculing those outside. I bent down, cleaning up after her.

Scooting off to the side room, I checked on the ladies who were studying the Word and sharing their discoveries with each other. The atmosphere was joyous and energized.

Returning to the kitchen, I looked in my cupboard for something to feed the crowd outside until the turkey could be served. The cupboard was bare! “Who ate all these?” I asked those lounging like lazy lions in the kitchen. No one responded.

Those outside my door began to drift away, leaving as hungry as they had come.

It was a God-dream packed with meaning.

Strategies

God speaks in many ways. Through the dream, He called me to evaluate carefully where and how I invest my time, energy, resources, and influence. Like in my dream, it is often the things that return the least that demand the most from us.

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
2 Timothy 2:2

Paul speaks of four generations of investment in this verse. He taught Timothy by word and example. The things he invested in young Timothy and many others, he asks Timothy to now invest in “reliable people.” The word for “entrust” also means “to deliver, deposit, or teach.” Paul is talking investment terms!

He tells Timothy to choose reliable, objective, trustworthy, faithful, believing people to invest in — people prepared and ready to pass the investment on to others.

Paul’s example with Timothy leads us to the first key strategy to investing wisely.

#1 – Set a Goal

Goals establish clarity and purpose. Do we know our God-given purpose? What do we desire to accomplish with the limited and temporary resources we have?

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

An eternity mindset brings even temporary goals into alignment. Our business portfolio, scholastic achievements, awards, and accolades won’t matter when we give an account to God for what we have done with our lives.

Jesus told a parable of three individuals each given different talents “each according to his ability” (Matthew 25:15). When the master returned, each person gave an account of how they invested what they were given. One unfortunate fellow resembled those in my kitchen — taking what he could but failing to pass anything on.

Whatever talent, ability, or resource we have ultimately came from God. When we possess an eternal mindset, we recognize ourselves as stewards given a trust. As we keep eternal perspective, we gain wisdom to handle, multiply, and use temporary things for eternal purposes.

#2 – Measure the Investment

For investing wisely, we need the second strategy, as well. With goals aimed toward eternity, how much are we willing to invest toward individual significant areas?

My bank account and day planner reveal the real story of where my chosen investments lay. These two areas in particular, time and resources, measure my investment in individuals and communities.

In John 6 we find an revealing progression. Jesus supernaturally fed 5,000 men, plus women and children, using only a boy’s small lunch. The next day, Jesus confronts the same people who continued to follow Him.

“Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.”
John 6:26

They weren’t following Jesus because they believed in Him. They followed Him for what they could get from Him.

Jesus began to teach such difficult things that all but a few grumbled about Him and quarrelled with Him. The crowd saw Jesus as their free meal ticket. Jesus would have nothing to do such slothful behavior!

Jesus set the example in how to invest wisely. We should prayerfully consider how much to invest in any specific person or people group, without creating similar codependency.

#3 – Choose Where to Invest

Some people will monopolize our time and drain all our resources. Yet others will legitimately need intense short-term investment to successfully launch into a healthy life pathway.

Newborn babies demand undivided attention and care. We don’t “baby” any natural or spiritual children forever though. They must learn to feed themselves, dress themselves, manage their own resources, and care for others. It would be abnormal for any infant to remain an infant.

Yet we find spiritually under-developed Christians everywhere.

“In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!”
Hebrews 5:12

Once we set our goal for eternal benefits and God has shown how much to invest, now we seek His wisdom for the specific where, who, and even how on His heart. We ask Him to lead us to those who will grow and take personal responsibility for their development.

“For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 1:8

Increasing measure speaks of normal spiritual growth and development.

#4 – Begin

Strategies begin to work when we implement them. The implementation will be fluid, developing more fully as we go.

In my dream, I needed to lovingly move those inside to the outside to make room for those outside to find a place of acceptance and care. As long as I allowed a few people to consume all my time and resources, I had nothing left for those who needed it the most.

God calls us to love everyone without showing preference. Jesus longs for those outside His family to enjoy His blessings too. We accomplish this through investing wisely where there will be the greatest eternal returns.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35

Where do we begin? We begin with the one in front of us — the one just outside our window, the one we see every day, the one needing encouragement and support, or even the one needing a tougher kind of love.

#5 – Try, Test, Tweak

As we invest, we listen for God’s continued direction. Hopefully, you don’t need such a vivid dream to wake you up to your need to tweak how you invest your time and resources.

As we invest in others, we measure the results. Is there evidence of fruit or signs of transformation in the lives of those around us? Are godly attributes increasing in those we are investing in?

“This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:13 (NLT)

Sometimes the results will be less obvious than at other times. Each area of trying, testing, and tweaking takes a special courage that God promises to provide. I am so very thankful for those who invested so much into my life. I’m sure they wanted to quit many times over, but they didn’t!

May our investments prove eternally beneficial, reproducing in multiplied measure.

Blessings my friend, as we invest into our homes, churches, and communities.

Let’s begin investing wisely!

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Christianity — The Greatest Movement in History

MaryAnn Ward 0 Comment Evangelism & Discipleship, Inspirational Blog , , , , , ,
Christianity - The Greatest Movement in History

Time has proven the greatest movement in history has undeniably been the sustained growth and expansion of Christian faith, despite extreme persecution of its followers by oppressive regimes to eradicate it.

The ministry of Jesus spanned three short years. Yet today, roughly one third of the world’s population profess some form of Christianity — about 2.38 billion people according to the last count. Rather than a diminishing belief, people are coming to faith in Jesus Christ in greater numbers now than ever before.

Shortly after Jesus’ crucifixion, women approached his tomb to mourn and give Him a proper burial. How shocked they must have been at the angel’s announcement,

” . . . Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”
Matthew 28:5

Many people still believe Jesus to be dead, buried, and gone. Oh, how wrong their perception! Both He and His church are alive and well!

Just As He Said

On multiple occasions, Jesus forewarned His disciples about His death and resurrection. He prepared them for the future, telling of many things yet to occur. Rather than the church weakening or becoming just-another-religious organization in His absence, He said Christianity would become a powerful, unflinching force that would neither cower nor bow.

“And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it.”
Matthew 11:12 NLT

All the original apostles, except for Judas, Jesus’ betrayer, gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel. Faith in Jesus, rather than fear of political or religious leaders, drove them to ferociously defend and advance the Kingdom of God.

“We are certainly not those who are held back by fear and perish; we are among those who have faith and experience true life.”
Hebrews 11:39 TPT

The same attitude embodies Christians around the world today. Christianity remains the greatest movement throughout history.

Greater Works

It is difficult to comprehend Jesus’ promise that His followers would continue and exceed the ministry He began.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
John 14:12

Greater works than Jesus? Since Jesus said it, we can confidently believe.

Jesus didn’t leave us powerless. The indwelling Holy Spirit continues to flow through those who follow Him. Holy Spirit working within believers accomplishes the same things Jesus did when He walked among humanity. Now, with Jesus’ followers numbering in the billions, greater works are being done. Billions of Spirit-filled believers actively carry out His mandate around the world.

Much Fruit

The greatest movement in history continues to flourish and dominate social cultures and political landscapes, not apart from Jesus, but through Him, by Him, and for His glory.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5

In a recent dream, I saw a large, open field. I knew the land was once rolling terrain, dotted with sandy hills in some areas and wasted swamp in others. Yet now the flat field produced an extremely thick crop of plump wheat. The ripe heads of wheat were thicker and fuller than any natural wheat heads. It was a supernatural crop. As the legal owner of the land, I knew it was my responsibility to bring in the harvest — an impossible task to accomplish on my own. This supernatural harvest would require a supernatural team, including Jesus and others.

Together

John records Jesus’ prayer — first for Himself, then for His followers, and finally for future believers (like you and me).

” . . . I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — I in them and you in me — so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
John 17:20-23

This unity between believers from diverse denominations, complex cultures, and numerable nations creates a synergy, adding momentum to the greatest movement in history and bringing in the supernatural harvest. Christian unity offers people everywhere a visual demonstration that Jesus is alive.

Jesus continues to visit people through dreams and vision, supernatural healings, signs, and wonders. Borders cannot stop His entrance. Governments cannot stop His movement. His is alive! His church is growing exponentially in numbers and maturity. He compared it to yeast working through dough,

” . . . The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
Matthew 13:33

Do Not Be Afraid

Sixty pounds of flour is a whole lot of flour! Once blended in, yeast can never be separated from the dough.

The first words the angels spoke continue to resonate, “Do not be afraid!” Jesus continues to lead His church to victory! Rather than standing off in obscurity, He actively moves among us, drawing the prodigals home, opening the ears and eyes of the spiritually deaf and blind, while softening even the hardest of hearts.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

Oh, precious reader, take courage! You are not alone! Wherever you live, God is with you. If you have declared Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you belong to His amazing powerful Church, the greatest movement in history.

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Beauty of Boundaries: Fences of Protection

MaryAnn Ward 1 Comment Evangelism & Discipleship, Inspirational Blog, Leadership , , , , , , , ,
Beauty of Boundaries: Fences of Protection

As a teenager, I failed to see the beauty of boundaries, repeatedly pushing against any restriction my parents or teachers established. I bear the scars to prove it!

Every outstanding leader honors and recognizes the indisputable importance of parameters on their leadership and with those they lead. Loving parents establish appropriate lines of protection around their children. These fences — sometimes visible, often invisible — keep what is harmful at bay while provided the greatest liberty.

Jesus trained world-changing leaders to follow behind Him. We witness His boundary-establishing techniques at the beginning of their ministry experiences.

Authority

“Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.”
Matthew 10:1

I may have been born in the wrong generation, on the wrong continent, of the wrong gender to take part in the exploits of this group, but my heart cries, “My too!” I long to see a day when hospital wards completely empty, with every disease and sickness brought down. I’m not alone in praying for God to remove the deceptive and deadly claws of the enemy from those we deeply love and care.

“Yes, Lord! Grant us the same authority!”

The Greek word exesti, translated here as authority, means “privilege, force, capacity, competency, freedom, mastery, or delegated influence.” We consider authority to mean the power to give orders, make decisions, or enforce obedience in others. Biblical authority contains a broader meaning within the beauty of boundaries — boundaries, Jesus clearly articulated.

Do Not Go

“These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.”
Matthew 10:5

Do you see it? Immediately, Jesus set the parameter of their movement. Jesus never conferred authority upon His disciples as a blank cheque to be executed wherever or however they desired.

Power and authority, like intoxicating wine, changes people. Usually to their detriment! But with proper boundaries, that same power and authority becomes mighty in the hands of ordinary men and women.

Multitudes in need awaited the disciples throughout the vast territory before them. The magnitude of the mission, without the beauty of boundaries Jesus established, might otherwise have overwhelmed them. If they or we over-extend ourselves, the immensity of the task incapacitates us, rendering us ineffective.

Jesus scaled back their focus to one people group in one specific area. Within that parameter, they possessed the authority of Christ to function liberally, bringing healing and freedom to those they encountered.

Go

When they clearly understood the “Don’t go!” Jesus then released them to “Go!”

“Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.”
Matthew 10:6

Galilee embodied as much multiculturalism as any nation today. God loves each one completely and uniquely.

As a former farmer/rancher, I understand only a fragment of the heart of the Good Shepherd here. If I noticed an animal from a neighbor’s herd in need, I quickly contacted the neighbor and offered help. But if one of my own animals fell into danger, became ill, or went missing, I immediately amped all efforts. The care and concern for my herd far exceeded that for my neighbor’s.

Jesus, the Great Shepherd, desired to minister first to His sheep, “the lost sheep of Israel.” Lost sheep encounter many deadly dangers. Time is of the essence!

As You Go

Jesus gave not only a “do not go” and a “go” instruction, but He also added important details to an “as you do” directive.

“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
Matthew 10:7-8

First, He called them to present the message and purpose of their authority clearly! God desires that everything we say and do points others to the “kingdom of heaven.” Jesus gave the disciples authority to point the lost sheep homeward to the waiting arms of the loving Father.

Second, supernatural signs and wonders emphasized and validated the message. God had been calling His sheep home for decades. They had grown deaf to His voice. Jesus knew meeting human need through miracles would have dramatic effect, awakening them to their deeper spiritual needs.

Beauty of Boundaries

When we stop resisting the fences of protection and provision God establishes, we discover the true beauty of boundaries. It has taken me far too long, but I’m realizing that the more I respect and honor the boundaries God has placed around my life, the more empowered I become to declare His grace.

God’s impartation of authority continues through all generations. God still moves with divine power, healing the sick, casting out demons, and even raising the dead through the submitted hearts and hands of those who intentionally walk within His boundaries.

Freely, they live among us, declaring God’s love and grace. Liberally, they move with supernatural power and authority. Those who hunger and thirst for the things of God are being filled, empowered, and sent out.

Weekly, I hear people witness to God’s healing and deliverance in their lives.

“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, surely I have a delightful inheritance.”
Psalm 16:6

“Lord, forgive us for resisting your parameters of influence. Turn our hearts in surrender to your ways. Release in and through your faithful followers divine authority and power to speak and move within the beauty of boundaries, as Your instruments of healing, redemption, and deliverance. Let it be!
Amen.”

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Fresh Air! A Fresh Wind Is Blowing

MaryAnn Ward 2 Comments Evangelism & Discipleship, Faith & Prayer, Inspirational Blog , , , , , , , ,
Fresh Air! A Fresh Wind Is Blowing

What memory or image most clearly represents “fresh air” to you? Is it mountains, forests, or laying in a hammock beside a lake? Developers and marketers attempt to package and advertise their latest scent to entice you into buying everything from laundry detergent to shoes. Why? Our nose knows!

When I close my eyes asking God for alert spiritual senses, I “smell” a shifting aroma that excites my spirit. I smell a fresh wind blowing, swooping across the nations of the world. It is starting almost imperceptibly, building strength, riding the prayers of God’s people of all nationalities, disrespecting political boundaries or earthly terrain. Like a powerful stallion sent from heaven, it comes — unbridled and free.

Long ago, in another land, a wind blew.

“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Acts 2:2-4

“Suddenly” they ALL heard and saw things they had neither seen nor heard before. Perhaps, God again is repositioning us for new things previously unseen and unheard — times of refreshing, times of revival, times of awakening.

Hope

I invite you today to close your eyes for a moment and turn your heart heavenward toward the One upon His eternal throne. May you commune heart to heart with Him who loves you, knows you intimately, and sees your situation.

Neither distant nor distracted, He waits, listening for your voice. Like a loving Father, arms outstretched, welcoming you to come.

You are not abandoned! You are not forsaken! God has not forgotten your name.

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.”
Ephesians 1:18

Oh, that we each may “know the hope to which (God) has called” us! Renewed hope breathes fresh air upon us. Do you smell it?

Courage

The fresh breeze blowing rides upon the wings of courage.

“But Jesus immediately said to them, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Matthew 14:27

We take courage, grabbing hold of it. We all possess the potential to choose courage. Courage shines strongest in the face of fierce circumstances. Courage disarms fear, exposing its faulty system.

It may be -30 degrees Celsius outside, but today I unlocked the door and stepped onto my balcony with slippered feet. I shouted long and loud, laughing (literally) at fear. This simple gesture created a powerful inward move, refusing to entertain fear. The fresh air made me cough, pause, then breathe a glorious deep breath.

I smelled again the scent of newness, of God invading this earthly realm in ways my heart yearned to see.

Faith

Have you ever smelled the humusy aroma of fresh turned earth after a long winter’s rest? It is one of my favorite things, reminding me the old is gone and a new season has come. Faith smells just like that! Faith dares to turn over the moldy remnants of growth long dead, preparing for the planting of new seeds.

We enjoy the fruit of whatever we willingly sow, both in the natural and the spiritual.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23

Sow the seeds! Reap the fruit! Breathe in the aroma of the fresh air of God’s Spirit rising.

In prayer, I saw an eagle, rising, circling upon a fresh wind. It rose higher and higher until I could no longer see it, but I knew it was there — powerful, strong, and free. Suddenly, the eagle swooped taking captive what needed to be taken captive. Then flaming arrows came from heaven, lighting fires all over my nation of Canada. Not destroying fire, but fire that lights and warms — inviting fires, needed fires, holy fires.

The fresh air of Holy Spirit ignites flames of passionate worship, surrendered hearts, and yielded wills. I smell it, though I don’t yet see it.

Prayer

Yes, Lord! Bring in the fresh air of Your Presence. Blow across this and all nations with hope, courage, and faith. Release over the earth the wind of Your doing. May Your church be ready! May she be waiting and watching — anticipating the newness of this day and hour. Turn over and overturn all that is dead and dying. Prepare the soil for Your harvest.
May Your people unite in perfect unity and harmony, declaring Your unfailing Word, without shame, throughout the streets and roadways, to neighbors, family, friends, and strangers.
May the winds of revival and restoration come! Remove what must be removed. Ignite holy fires. Shoot Your powerful arrows restoring Your purposes and plans. Light the path for those who have wandered far to find their way safely home.
This is a season of renewed hope! A time of great courage! Unwavering faith stirs among Your church — young and old, male, and female. She is beautiful and strong. She will not be diminished! Through the burning fire of oppression, she comes — radiant and unashamed.
She is learning to love as You love. She carries with her the fruit of Your Spirit, scattering it abroad. Lavishly generous, she freely receives and gives with open hands.
Awaken us, Lord! Awaken our senses to know the tremendous season upon us. It smells like fresh air, turning us toward You.
Amen.”

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