Category: Purpose and Calling

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.

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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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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God’s Blueprint For Life

MaryAnn Ward 1 Comment Inspirational Blog, Purpose and Calling , , , , , ,
God’s Blueprint For Life

Architects, engineers, and draftsmen create blueprints of many kinds. God’s blueprint for life far surpasses the significance of them all.

We purchased a condo about five years ago. Many times, I have gone to the archives, searching through blueprints to understand the hidden mechanisms between floors and walls. It has been frustrating to discover that contractors have cut corners and eliminated essential elements from the original design. In our case, instead of venting the two bathrooms and the laundry separately, they combined them into one inadequate channel. Consequently, dust filters into the bathrooms and unwanted aromas transfer from one room to the next instead of being forced outside.,

Blueprints form a shared language, allowing architects, engineers, owners, estimators, fabricators, inspectors, and contractors to work and understand the structure without guessing. Knowing that language prevents far-reaching errors and creates an atmosphere of rhythm and synergy throughout the system.

Each detail of the building holds a unique purpose. God, in a far more extensive way, has a unique purpose and design for each of us. As we by faith embrace God’s blueprint for life, every step and experience leads us into His divine purpose.

“ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.“
Jeremiah 29:11

We don’t always know God’s day-to-day plan. We can, however, discover the greater picture for our lives.

God’s Blueprints for Life

We need to remind ourselves that God’s plans are good. His plans include prosperity, protection, and hope — both now and forever. So even when it looks like things aren’t following His plan or maybe even going in the wrong direction, we trust His goodness despite daily challenges.

Developers may scoff at dryer lint in the bathroom or unwanted aromas that will eventually disappear. Life, ordinary life, can be much more difficult. Knowing which way to turn requires faith and trust in both the design and the Creator Designer. Faith leads us to follow God’s blueprint, even if imperfectly.

In every stage of building, from start to finish, standards, credentials, certification, and inspection follow. Everything in sequence. No rushed or missed process.

God values us far more than the grandest of architectural design. Before the creation of the world, He had each of us in mind.

“Praise be to God for giving us through Christ every possible spiritual benefit as citizens of Heaven! For consider what he has done—before the foundation of the world he chose us to become, in Christ, his holy and blameless children living within his constant care. He planned, in his purpose of love, that we should be adopted as his own children through Jesus Christ—that we might learn to praise that glorious generosity of his which has made us welcome in the everlasting love he bears towards the Son.”
Ephesians 1:4 (Philipps)

All those who put their faith and trust in God belong in the family! Before the foundation of the world, God said, “You are mine — my beloved child — chosen, loved, and holy.”

Sometimes, we read these verses too quickly and move on. Worse yet, we may read, understand and say, “No thanks”, choosing to follow our own plan. Often, too late we realize our faulty conclusions and consequences.

Trust the Plan

The contractors for our condo exercised their free will. They scrimped here and took short-cuts there. Now for the life of the building, every owner and resident will pay the price of their inconsistencies. Building according to plan would have cost them more and probably would have taken more time. Some shortfalls proved minor. Others become devastating. The consequences ripple unto untold generations.

The same goes for life. We may perceive our plan as being superior to God’s, but sooner or later deficiencies catch up to us, deceptions come to light, and choosing comfort over courage creates faultlines that bring harm — perhaps in wasted years, gifts, and talents, and always resulting in relationships and lost trust.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trusting God means treating Him as your safest place and strongest defense—moment by moment … It is confidence that His walls are higher than any threat and His heart is committed to your good. Live there, and peace becomes more than a feeling; it becomes your address.”

Trusting God is easier said than done, however. In the gritty gutters of life, we want to trust our own reasoning and follow the deep grooved patterns of our former behaviors.

The Plan

Trusting in God’s blueprint for life looks a lot like:

  • Putting one’s confidence in the character of God rather in our own abilities or resources (Psalm 37:4-6)
  • Believing that the promises of God in His Word are as reliable today as ever
  • Knowing that God is fully present, powerful, and protective.

“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

Our reluctance to follow God’s plan often comes from not knowing and trusting Him — “being confident”. The more we trust Him, the more we discover He is trustworthy. The more we depend on His promises, the more we find His promises both perfect and personal.

One of the greatest lies the enemy cons us into believing is that God doesn’t love us enough to be present with us (right here … right now … near). That somehow our circumstances are bigger or more complicated that He can handle. That we have stepped too far outside His grace and mercy for Him to come through for us.

Lies! All lies!

God’s faithfulness to His plan has nothing to do with our ability. It has everything to do with His incredible love and grace.

If we fail, if we refuse Him, there will be consequences. He allows us to reap the full repercussions of our actions. Those consequences drag us deeper and farther away from our perfect design than we anticipate. But God …

Only God’s blueprint for life will bring us the greatest fulfillment and joy than we could ever imagine.

Where is the Plan

I searched for a while before I found the full plans for the condo building.

God clearly and fully reveals His plan through the pages of the Bible.

Just as reading blueprints requires us to unroll the scroll or access the computer files, we only discover the beauty, majesty, and intricacies of God’s plan through His Word — opened, read, and seriously considered. God unfolds His plan as we daily

  • fix our minds upon it, reading and meditating (Psalm 119:15)
  • with hearts to know Him — to discover the language of His unchanging character (Deuteronomy 4:29)
  • memorize it (Psalm 119:11)
  • study it as the chief resource of our life (2 Timothy 2:15)
  • and commit ourselves to live it out, one faltering step at a time (Psalm 37:5).

Let’s choose to believe the Word of God — the promises and the warnings, the simple and confusing. We fall into err when we pick and choose which parts we want to believe and apply to our lives. The Holy Spirit desires our full agreement to bring us into God’s perfect plan and design (Romans 10:17).

“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.”
― G.K. Chesterton, 
What’s Wrong with the World

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21

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Know Which Path to Take — God Leads the Way

The Master Gardener — A Modern Day Parable

MaryAnn Ward 0 Comment God & Bible, Inspirational Blog, Purpose and Calling , , , , , , , ,
The Master Gardener — A Modern Day Parable

A Master Gardener led a small child with His hand through a vast and magnificent garden — the width and breadth stretched beyond eyesight rising over the distant hills and upward into the mountains. Every shape and color imaginable co-existed within His garden. Brilliant oranges and yellows danced in the wind between the mauves and purples. The child leaned into the sweet aroma of the rose garden, carefully avoiding the thorny stems. She pinched her nose tight desperately trying to avoid the putrid aroma of the white lilies.

“Which is your favorite, Master?” she asked.

“Favorite?” the Master responded with twinkling eyes. “I don’t have a favorite. I love each one deeply. Every plant in my garden has a special place in my heart and purpose for being here.”

They silently walked on together. The child wondered how He could ever love them all. Some, yes! That she could understand. But all? Beside some flowers she lingered, noting the delicate beauty of petals and leaves. Others, she passed by without giving them even a glance. Yet, the Master hesitated over each fragile plant, gently running His fingers over the upper tips as if to encourage them to greatness.

The Master Gardener

I, like the little child, silently wonder how God could love us all. You see, I have an unwritten scale of perceived worthiness — from the understandably admirable, to the obviously twisted but tolerable, and even to the outright vile. Yet, the Bible says that His love reaches to everyone.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16

God so loved the world that He withheld nothing good from even the worst of us. God so loved the world in a way that welcomes everyone into relationship with Him. Yes, God so loved the world, gently touching us with His redemptive hand restoring to life and purpose. The world. That’s all of us.

His perfect love makes Him a perfect Lover. Selfless. Generous. Gracious. Not overlooking our imperfections and outright sinfulness but breathing life (eternal life) into and over us.

I, like the little child, must be continuously reminded of His tender love. As I look into the vacant eyes of one who has lost capacity to reason or recall, I must remember. As I sit with a young woman from the streets with mucous and vomit falling down her shirt, I must remember. When someone says or does something cruel, I must remember.

I must remember not only the Master Gardener’s love, but my own thorns, pungent odors, and unsightly fragmented state.

Immeasurable Love

As far as the eye can see and so far beyond, the love of God reaches. Through nations and generations, it flows, never diminishing, ever increasing.

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

As beautiful as roses may be, how bland the world if only roses bloomed. Trees void of blossoms would remain unfruitful. Tiny violets would never speckle the mossy forest floor with glorious color. Sunflowers would never turn their bold faces from east to west each passing day until full maturity. Who could imagine it? Foolishness! Right?

What if everyone was exactly like you? Or worse, like me? How empty and incomplete the world would be.

No. The Master Gardener knows and loves us all. Not just when we reach the prime of beauty, but now … in our broken, wounded responses … in our selfishness. He loves us. Period. Full stop.

But, He loves us far too much to leave us as we presently are. With open arms He waits for us to respond to Him, turning our gaze upward in humble submission.

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”
1 John 4:16

Great Mercy

The Master’s Gardener perfects the fragrance of His love through His mercy and grace.

“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

Made us alive with Christ. It is all Him. He does what we cannot.

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They walked together through the fields and forests. He bent toward the ground pointing out the dried leaves of a plant which once flourished. “This one sleeps,” He said, “sending its roots deep into the soft summer soil even while it rests. One day it will push its blooms through melting blankets of snow, announcing the coming of spring. And this one,” He continued, “drawing my attention to a lush clump of green. Though you cannot see even a hint of a blossom, when the days shorten and evenings carry a chill, it will shoot its radiant bloom skyward, filling the meadow with beauty when others have faded. Each has a season, Little One. Each has a purpose. In my perfect time, they fulfill their design.

“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
Psalm 36:7

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God, The Master Engineer

MaryAnn Ward 1 Comment God & Bible, Inspirational Blog, Purpose and Calling , , , , , , ,
God, The Master Engineer

When you think about God as the ultimate Master Engineer, what comes to your mind first? Would it be the intricacies of the universe? Or the way every element of creation works in perfect harmony and rhythm? His mastery reaches far beyond the magnitude of the physical universe and could never be fathomed by even the most brilliant human minds.

Several years ago, I worked for a manufacturing company. Although far removed from the engineers who transformed ideas from concept to completion, I was intrigued by their ingenuity. They turned every problem into a solution as they tweaked their inventions until each one became a fully functioning tool. They redesigned and improved their products with each adjustment. From a front row seat, I began to appreciate the meaning of “engineering” — “to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, and systems that solve real-world problems.”

God, the Master Engineer, created you and me with specific design. He is committed to us as His creation, perfecting us to “solve real-world problems.” Although we may feel far removed from such a magnificent task, we each form a strategic piece in His infinite design.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 2:10

Infinite Design

Maybe the J.B. Philips translations of Ephesians 2:10 gives our mission and design more clarity. “No one can pride himself upon earning the love of God. The fact is that what we are we owe to the hand of God upon us. We are born afresh in Christ, and born to do those good deeds which God planned for us to do.” Beyond any doubt, what we are we owe to the hand of God upon us. Yes, we are all born afresh in Christ … to do those good deeds which God planned for us to do.

God’s design, His purpose, has been woven within every fiber of our being.

We all face “real-world problems.” My “world” may be a much smaller sphere than yours. We each live, move,and breathe within the confines of our individual worlds. Who could deny that a stay-at-home mother faces “real-world problems?” In your place of employment, you face “real-world problems.” While volunteering in your community, you face “real-world problems.” How we live affects real people and situations in more ways than we can imagine.

We may feel insufficient for such a noble task. Yet, God works out His infinite design in each of us. Despite our weaknesses and failings, the Master Engineer continues to work in and through our lives, bringing us to our full potential and His divine purpose.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:5

Hope

I never witnessed any engineer throw away their creation. They were committed to bring each one to completion.

God cares far more for us than any man-made object. We are His chosen and beloved sons and daughters. His love for us goes beyond understanding, and His commitment to us endures through every season of our lives.

Did you do well today? Wonderful! Did you fumble and falter? God is bigger than our failures. Nothing changes God’s love for and His devotion to us.

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9

Though discouragement may want to creep into our mindset, the Master Engineer is not discouraged with your progress. He sees your final end, the polished product, the perfect person you will eternally become. Despite our ongoing struggles, may we place our hope in His power to complete what He has begun in us.

The Master Engineer continues to work with and in us for our good and His glory. In this, we have hope. We may fail. He does not. When we fall short, He picks us up and sets us back on track. Nothing and no one can or wil change His perfect plan for our lives.

Is this religious rhetoric? Hardly! It is the truth. Philippians 2:13 reminds us that “it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Therefore, we rest in His redemptive process.

Real-World Problems

Let’s face it; we all face “real-world problems.” Few, if any, reading this blog are rich or hold great power. Most of us are ordinary workers, homemakers, and average people. We care for the emotional and physical needs of our families, settle everyday disputes and differences, and just try not to drown in our busy and demanding schedules. We often feel consumed by the day-to-day, moment-by-moment, aspects of living — food on the table, roof over our heads kind of stuff.

The Master Engineer chose to include His disciples in the everyday aspects of His life when He walked on earth. Yes, Jesus solved the greatest “real-world problem” for us all by taking care of the overwhelming issue of sin within every heart. Feeding the hungry, healing the sick, setting demoniacs free, embracing children, and showing kindness to outcasts were also key ways He alleviated “real-world problems.” He flipped more than the tables of the moneychangers. He continues, even today, to bring hope and help to millions of lost and helpless ones.

My “real-world problems’ may seem frivolous to you. Yours might very well seem overwhelming to me. Big or small, we all deal with them. As we release God, the Master Engineer, to have full dominion over our lives, every “real-world problem” comes under His divine authority — one word and action at a time.

Maybe someone told you that you can’t, but I’m here to say, “You can!” Whatever you face today, you can! You can become and you can overcome. With Christ, you can fulfill His design for your life.

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13

Together

Each engineer where I worked led their own projects while at the same time worked in collaboration with others. With dedication to the task, they willingly sought the counsel of others. Team synergy enabled them to accomplish much more than they could have individually done.

In a similar way, wisdom will lead us to seek counsel and support to be able to reach our God designed goals and purposes.

“Where there is no [wise, intelligent] guidance, the people fall [and go off course like a ship without a helm], But in the abundance of [wise and godly] counselors there is victory.”
Proverbs 11:14

I reflect on the many people God has placed in my life. He chose to use the strength and wisdom of others, to help me overcome situations that would have otherwise brought me down. The Master Engineer designed me, you, and us to work together in rhythm with His design — challenging, encouragement, inspiring, and motivating each other to excellence.

I don’t know who needs to hear this today, but “You can! We can! Together, we can become the “real-world problem” solvers God intended.”

Bless you, my friend.

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Maturing to Bear Fruit for Every Season

MaryAnn Ward 0 Comment Inspirational Blog, Purpose and Calling , , , , , , ,
Maturing to Bear Fruit for Every Season

In many nations with tropical climates, crops, gardens, and trees bear fruit in every season. Don’t we all wish our lives would do the same? For most of us, however, we continually work to overcome many adversities to bear true and lasting fruit for God.

Canadian weather can hardly be compared to our neighbors to the south. Seasons fleet by as quickly as a butterfly dancing from flower to flower. Spring brings the welcome warmth, melting snow and ice into streams watering the once frigid soil. Farmers and gardeners alike rush to plant the tender seeds and sprouts. Just as long summer days shine promise, we battle an onslaught of bugs, disease, and adverse weather. All too soon days turn cool and nights long. The gathering of the harvest intensifies before frost destroys and snow covers the fields once again. Year after year and generation after generation, the cycle repeats.

One day, everything will change, however. In the new Earth a tree of life will span a river flowing from God’s throne, producing both in quality and quantity unheard of before.

“On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.“
Revelation 22:2

Blessing of Fruitfulness

In the beginning of creation God spoke a blessing over his children.

“God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Genesis 1:28

God designed blessing and fruitfulness to be inseparable. We cannot receive His blessing without our lives overflowing with fruitfulness. Neither can we pretend to be fruitful apart from His blessing.

The weighted boughs of any fruitful tree bend low toward the ground. What an apt illustration for each of us. In humility and submission to God’s will and ways, we, too, carry increasingly fruitful.

“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

Time and again, we see this demonstrated through the people we find in Scripture. Those who sought the face of God, repented of their selfish ways, and trusted in Him, God blessed. He enabled them to bear fruit in every season. Unfortunately, many of them, like us, failed to listen to His Word or learn HIs lessons. As a result, they endured increased testing and trials.

Oh, how it must grieve the heart of God when we refuse accept the fruitfulness He makes available to us.

Never Fails

The prophet, Jeremiah, promises,

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8

No matter what season we are in, God promises fruitfulness. Maybe your “tree of life” is just blossoming. Maybe the first signs of fruit are beginning to appear. Oh, but maybe, you have your buckets and baskets ready — the harvest of your life hangs ripe and ready for picking.

May God encourage you, “There will be fruit in every season! No worries! Count on it! Anticipate it! Watch for it!” Fruitfulness is coming for everyone who remains in Him. God’s investment in you will never fail. Stand firm in your waiting.

“They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”
Psalm 92:14-15

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we did not choose You, but You chose us and appointed us so that we might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last — and so that whatever we ask in Your name the Father will give us (John 15:16). We have been called, anointed, and equipped to be fruitful representatives for Your Kingdom.
We produce fruit in keeping with repentance — lives radically changed and transformed by Your love and grace. It is for Your glory alone, that we enter each day with confidence, to bear fruit in every season of our lives — the proof of our intimate fellowship with You (John 15:8). Lord, we confess that in and of ourselves, we can do nothing (John 15:5).
Lord, we ask that we may live a life worthy of You and please You in every way: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10).
We receive the blessing portioned to those who fear the Lord and walk in obedience to him. You will cause us to eat the fruit of your labor;
    blessings and prosperity come from You. Wives will be like a fruitful vines within our houses and children will be like olive shoots
    around our tables. This will be the blessing for every man who fears the Lord (Psalm 128:1-4).
Oh Lord, may humility mark everything we do. May submission to Your will guide our steps. In You, alone, is the blessing of true and lasting fruitfulness.
Lord, even before we see the blossoms, before we see the evidence of fruitfulness or reap a harvest, we give You thanks and praise. We believe Your promises. Our lives will NOT be lived in vain. We are Yours. You have called us to more … to better … to higher levels of flourishing in Your Presence.
Blessed be Your Mighty Name, our Lord and our God. To You belongs the glory.
Amen

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A Time to Be Strong and Courageous

MaryAnn Ward 1 Comment Christian Living, Inspirational Blog, Purpose and Calling , , , , , , ,
A Time to Be Strong and Courageous

The words of encouragement which one leader spoke over his successor continue to inspire us. “Be strong and courageous,” he said. The leader passing on the baton of responsibility was none other than Moses, as Joshua prepared to take over his position. Few, if any, people in history could relate to such a transfer of authority and responsibility. As Moses’ season of leading the people had ended, a new era of leadership filled the gap.

“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

As I look back over the various seasons of my life, I realize that this admonition applied to them all. When we aim to succeed or overcome, weakness will never be an option. Rather than rest or reprieve, tenacity and strength are most often required. Can you relate?

God chose Moses to lead His people out of the bondage of Egypt. However, God chose Joshua, someone from the next generation, to lead His people into their promised inheritance. Two powerful men … two distinct calls and anointings … one mentored the other until the time was right.

Be Strong

Strength and courage inseparably weave together to bring us into all the promises of God. Human power proves undependable and will ultimately fail. God’s inexhaustible strength never does.

“The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”
Exodus 15:2

The Bible reinforces this truth on several occasions.

  • “…the joy of the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10.
  • “I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains” Psalm 121:1-2 MSG.
  • “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1.
  • “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me…” Psalm 28:7.
  • “…Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty” Haggai 2:4.
  • “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” Psalm 73:26.

Do these passages of Scripture encourage you? Do you sense God’s assurance of God anchoring you?

May we never forget that God is with us. He is for us, promising to be our strength. The battles we face belong to God.

Rodeo Horse

Be Courageous

As we trust in God’s promises and wait in His Presence, He gives us courage. Though fear or discouragement may be natural human responses when we face overwhelming tasks, courage established on our relationship with God will carry us through.

“…Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

The command to dismiss fear and discouragement calls us to faith, trusting in God’s power and His faithfulness. How? “The Lord our God will be with us wherever we go.” Wherever we go today and wherever we go tomorrow, Immanuel, God with us, promises to never leave us.

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Matthew 1:23

God’s promise to never leave us ultimately points us to Jesus. His unfailing Presence provides comfort and empowerment us from every nation and through all circumstances. God is with us — now and forever.

Be Strong and Courageous

We need both, don’t we? To remain godly in our schools and universities requires strength and courage It takes strength and courage to raise our children by biblical standards. We must be strong and courageous to influence our workplaces and communities for Jesus. Nothing replaces strength and courage to stand up for righteousness and justice. We need both as we take back territory the enemy has stolen from God’s people.

But oh! What a relief to know this strength is rooted in Christ Jesus and comes from Him not in ourselves.

“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6-7 MSG

This promise reoccurs throughout Scripture. Today, let’s receive His promise and take courage, my friends. Let’s lean into and rely upon His strength. He is completely faithful and trustworthy.

Horse - Successful Jump

By the grace of God, you and I were made to overcome and to enjoy God’s perfect promises.

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“Show Up” and Move Toward Success

MaryAnn Ward 0 Comment Christian Living, Inspirational Blog, Purpose and Calling , , , , , , ,
“Show Up” and Move Toward Success

Show up may mean various things to different people, but they are words God consistently uses to bring me into focused attention. They form the impetus that incites change and transformation in all I set my heart to do. Let me explain!

My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic — something I’m grateful for to this day. In school, I stayed up late doing homework and studied hard to achieve good grade scores. Occasionally, I discovered homework missing from my locker when another student would steal my work instead of doing their own. Though frustrated by their behavior, I was powerless to do anything about it. I didn’t realize it but these young people were forming patterns of cheating on themselves.

We have perhaps all been on a team or in a workplace where people “show up” only to collect a paycheck or receive accolades. They put in as little effort as possible for as long as possible, relying on other members of the team to make up for their slack behavior. They achieve only a false sense of success. In the long run, they are losing more they bargained for, while developing habits of slothfulness.

God calls us, to be different. He calls us to “show up”, giving our best to whatever we set our hands and heart to do.

“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”
Colossians 3:22-24

Slaves

Slaves in biblical times resembled indentured servants. They often voluntarily agreed to a contract called an “indenture” for a prepaid lump sum, as payment for goods or services, or the repayment of a debt. These slaves usually lived within a reasonable lifestyle.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that no matter what our occupation or situation in life, we serve Jesus Christ. He is our Master, calling us to work for Him willingly and wholeheartedly. The New King James version puts it like this:

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
Colossians 3:23

Though retired now from paid employment, God still calls me to “show up.” As a mother and grandmother, He calls me to “show up” doing the best for my family. When I sit at my office desk to write or paint, He calls me to “show up” — to not waste my time or do things below my current potential.

Recognizing our current potential is key. I am certainly not the best author, artist, teacher, or speaker in my little circle of influence, but I can be my best today. Tomorrow, I hope to do better. Next year, I pray there will be even more improvement. But, what am I doing today? Do I show up with God, for God, doing the best I can through Him?

Oh friends! All God asks of any of us is to simply “show up” — to “show up” with the best version of you and me there can be.

The Best

As servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, we aim to please Him alone.

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.“
2 Timothy 2:15

Showing up takes work — hard work. It requires faithfulness, perseverance, and diligence. It means showing up when we don’t feel like it. It means giving our best when we could get by with less. Our lives matter. What we do with our gifts, abilities, and time matters to God. It also makes a difference in the lives of others.

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father..”
Colossians 3:17

Our life and our work represent Jesus. Whether we realize it or not, we daily re-present Him to the world around us. May God grant us the grace to examine ourselves with honesty so we “show up”, giving Him our best.

Reward

Though the purpose behind a strong work ethic should never be for reward, God does reward those who are faithful. The Bible encourages us:

  • “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3
  • “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9
  • “Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.” Proverbs 12:24
  • “And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!” Psalm 90:17
  • “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Our human nature seeks an easier way. Showing up pushes beyond our natural bend while choosing a better and more rewarding way. I know it’s hard. It is so much easier to scroll the internet, numb out in front of the television, take short cuts, or hope someone else will carry our responsibility. As much as the temptation may be to choose the easy path, consistently showing up ultimately leads to success in every area of our lives. Some days, it feels messy and unproductive. However, we will see the lasting benefits when choosing to give our best.

So, as I write I remember what a privilege we have to serve such an awesome, loving God. He is worthy of our best. How could we possibly consider giving Him anything less when He has given His very best for us? For the favor of One, Jesus Christ, we show up. In pleasing Him we have already succeeded! We win by coming away stronger and better.

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Formed With Intention and Purpose

MaryAnn Ward 1 Comment Inspirational Blog, Purpose and Calling , , , , , , ,
Formed With Intention and Purpose

I am not sure who needs to hear this today (perhaps only me), but this message burns within me: God formed you with intention and purpose. People may choose sexual intercourse, but only God creates life. You were no accident. Your life holds meaning and value.

The same God who created the heavens and earth and who spoke everything into existence uniquely formed each person throughout history with purpose and destiny. How amazing is that? How far beyond our understanding to consider how much God loves and values every individual?

“…The Lord, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the human spirit within a person, declares…”
Zechariah 12:1

The Hebrew word for form is yatsar, primarily meaning to form or fashion, often used in the context of creating or shaping something with intention and purpose. With the hands of a Master Potter, God molds and forms us into chosen vessels for various purpose.

People might classify me as an emerging artist of sorts. Recently, I attempted to do a simple painting in a different medium for a birthday card. What someone else accomplished with ease, became anything but easy for me. It serves me well to stick with how and where God leads me, rather than attempt to imitate someone else. It was a simple lesson — a lesson received.

Intention

Intention relates to the significance of something. Do you feel significant? The world of social media and bombardments of advertising have conditioned us to feel less than others unless we measure up to a specific standard or own a certain product. We grow accustomed to the polluted messaging, becoming numb to the ever-growing internal deficient.

With brush in hand, rather than recognize the uniqueness of the God-gift within me, I easily drifted into wrong-headed thinking and tryed to be like someone else. Whose standard do we measure ourselves by? Is it God’s? Does it align with His intention for us?

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“
Ephesians 2:10

Hand crafted with intention for significance. Nothing this world throws at us can change His good intentions for us. Before we were conceived, God established His perfect intention and purpose for our lives. It still stands!

Only by living by HIs intentions will we realize our full significance.

Purpose

Our life bears significance with purpose. It becomes all too easy to lose our divine purpose in day-to-day responsibilities. Without knowing when or how, we trade our significance for lesser things like human approval, false identities, or impressive earthly titles. Oh, how sad!

As sons and daughters of the living God we hold a much higher purpose. We define purpose as “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.” The most severely disabled and handicapped person holds as much value and purpose as the strongest and greatest among us. Ability or inability fails to in any way influence God’s purpose for any life.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
Psalm 139:13

God’s creative artistry reached its highest pinnacle when He made you. The Hebrew word for created means to purchase or own as well as to cover and to protect. Our loving Maker refuses to abandon His design. Our unique purpose lies protected and covered by Almighty God. Nothing and no one can take that away.

Intention and Purpose

I find so much reassurance from this truth.

  • Because God formed each person with intention and purpose, each life holds value and dignity.
  • God knows us personally and deeply and has formed us with care and for significance
  • God designed us with a specific plan which began long before our birth.
  • We can trust God’s perfect design and plan for our lives.
  • He crafted us with precision and love.

Perhaps, I, more than anyone, need to receive this message today. As I ponder the beauty and wonder of Him, I more clearly see the beauty and wonder in each of His sons and daughters.

Do you feel frail? Has time or circumstance temporarily robbed you of dignity and worth? No fear!!! God’s intention and purpose for you holds fast. With hearts of gratitude may we again recognize His miraculous work in creating and sustaining us.

Even Job in the midst of the most difficult times declared,

“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”
Job 33:4

This verse also speaks of you, beautiful and precious saint. May you see God’s divine brushstrokes over your life, bringing hope and encouragement through His wonderful intention and purpose for you.

A Miracle for Grandma

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