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Going the Extra Mile

“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him .”
Luke 10:33-34 (NLT)

In these verses, we see the Good Samaritan not only checking on the man, but soothing his wounds, bandaging him, allowing him to ride his donkey (while he probably walked), and making sure he was well taken care of as he healed. Serving and having true compassion for others isn’t always easy and can get messy at times. We have been called to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth, and most of the time this requires us to get our hands dirty and go the extra mile even at the expense of our own safety and comfort. Today, let’s pray that God will helps us to serve others with a humble and willing attitude no matter how far out of our comfort-zone God may lead us.

Prayerfully,

Madison

photo credit: http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/Rotorhead-35574

Compassion

“The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor? Jesus replied with a story: ‘A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.”
Luke 10:29-33 (NLT)

ground-rescue-1552688-639x936In this passage, we are introduced to the familiar parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus uses this illustration to teach and communicate several valuable lessons that we can incorporate into our into our daily lives. First, unlike the Priest and the Temple Assistant, who chose to pass by the Jewish man in need, it is important for us to understand that we are not better than those we are serving. The Bible tells us that we have ALL sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). As the parable continues, we read that the “despised Samaritan” felt compassion for the man and did what he could to help him. As Christians, our hearts should be full of compassion for those in need, and it is our responsibility as the hands and feet of Christ to serve them as the Holy Spirit leads.

Today, pray that God would give us compassion for those we are serving, and ask Him to break our hearts over the things that break His. Then pray that He would use us like the Good Samaritan to help those who are hurting, lost, and in need.

Prayerfully,

Madison

 

photo credit: http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/beuford00-38525

Do This and Live

 “One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: ‘Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus replied, ‘What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?’ The man answered, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ‘Right!’ Jesus told him. ‘Do this and you will live.”
Luke 10:25-28 (NLT)
share-key-1524927-639x426As Christians we have the law of love written on our hearts. The Holy Spirit dwells within us and through God’s mercy we have been given this ministry. All around us people are searching for hope, freedom, and love. As partakers of God’s incredible life-changing grace, it should be the desire of our hearts to tell them of this free gift of salvation. Today, pray for an opportunity to share the love of God with someone who is lost. Ask that the Holy Spirit will speak directly to their hearts so they may clearly understand that they are loved and that freedom can be found though Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayerfully,

Madison

photo credit: http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/jzlomek-38910