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ZMI Daily Dose

Compassion

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“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

Captured

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“My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.”
Psalm 25:15, NIV

dsc02771I’m a third-generation artist, and for an artist, a camera is an indispensable tool. My introduction to serious photography began in college. I’m not sure how many cameras I’ve owned since then, but I sport my camera like a wristwatch―not wanting to miss a single moment of God’s spontaneous entries on the pages of my life.

Even now as I write, a butterfly has flown into a spider’s web outside the window only inches from my desk. Because my camera is within reach, I’m able to capture another divinely orchestrated moment. This unassuming creature is oblivious to the fact that it’s held captive by not one, but two predators―a spider and the unrelenting lens of my camera.

The butterfly sits motionless as if to assess its unexpected turn of events. I too am still. It flutters, but only for a split second. It exhibits no panic or frantic display of energy, simply one brief effort to see if indeed it is caught. Powerless to fly, it submits to its tethered state.  I continue to maintain my vigil. Then a sudden burst of wind shakes the web. Its captive is set free.

When life throws unexpected difficulties our way, we often spend countless hours and energy trying to free ourselves from the discomfort. Perhaps, like the butterfly, we’d spend less time in captivity—and with minimal aftereffects—if we’d choose to be still and allow God to intervene. Our unyielding efforts only ensnare us further and cause us to miss what God wants us to see.

God desires for us to know him. He desires to capture our hearts through any means, at any place, and at any time. He wants to manifest himself not only through the obvious but through what, upon first glance, we perceive as ordinary.

Take a second look at your surroundings and allow life to come clearly into focus. Look beyond the obvious for God to speak, and wait expectantly. He longs to capture your heart.

“I draw my greatest pleasure, not from capturing the moment, but from the moment capturing me.”

―Starr Ayers

Do This and Live

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 “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