Bible Readings: Luke 8:1-3, Mark 16:1-9, Mark 12: 42-44
Every encounter with Jesus transforms a life forever.
Their world, inside and out, changes completely.
A joy so powerful it overflowed within her
A joy impossible to keep to herself.
A joy so contagious it drew an entire city to Jesus.
When you truly open your heart to Jesus, He transforms you from the inside out.
Amen.
In Luke 8:1-3, we meet women whose lives were forever changed when they encountered Jesus.
His touch left a lasting mark on their lives.
Some He healed with compassion.
Others He delivered and restored, bringing hope where none existed.
These women came from every walk of life.
The touch of Jesus wove a powerful bond between them.
Their hearts became intertwined
His love knit them closely together.
They gave generously of what they had, ministering to Jesus.
Pause and consider: Who invited them to come so close?
They did not just follow for a moment; they stood by Jesus even at the cross (Matthew 27:55-56).
These women journeyed to His tomb.
They came to anoint Him with love and devotion.
Even in death, they came to serve Him.
But praise God, they did not find Him there. He had risen!
Their love for Jesus ran deep.
That love stirred their hearts into action and ministry.
So much so, Jesus chose to reveal Himself first to one of these devoted women after His resurrection.
He appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons (Mark 16:1-9)
You cannot claim to love the Lord deeply
and not be moved to serve Him.
Do you love Jesus?
Do you truly love the Lord?
If you truly love the Lord, your heart will seek Him above your own interests (1 Corinthians 13:5).
These women served and ministered from hearts overflowing with love.
True ministry means serving Jesus and caring for His people.
The Lord never forgets to reward those who serve faithfully in His presence (Mark 9:41).
Perhaps you wonder,
What do I have to offer?
How can I use what I have to serve?
How can you minister to the Lord with what is in your hands?
Consider the poor widow in Mark 12:42-44.
What stands out to you about her giving?
Serving the Lord means giving your all.
The widow surrendered everything she had to live on.
Her two small coins were all she owned, yet she placed them in the Lord’s hands.
She did not hold anything back, unlike what many of us might do.
She was not seeking to impress anyone.
Her gift came straight from her heart.
Think also of the woman with the alabaster jar in Mark 14:3.
What do you notice about how she ministered to Jesus?
She cared little about others’ opinions of her service.
Her gift was precious and costly.
She poured out her gift with her whole heart.
Quick Thoughts: Your offering may not be as costly as the alabaster jar, or you may not even have two coins to give. What matters most is a heart that draws near to Him.
Do you remember the House of Stephanas? (1 Corinthians 16:15)
They devoted themselves to serving the saints.
They understood their service was not just about doing good, but about serving the Lord Himself.
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord,
and not unto men.“
Colossians 3:23
More than that, they were devoted to serving—it became their passion and commitment.
Serving became their way of life!
Now, you too have been touched by the Lord.
You have been redeemed, restored, and set free.
Remain in His presence
Keep ministering before Him.
Serve the Lord with all your heart.
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Matthew 25: 34-40
Prayers
Dear Jesus, thank you for the privilege of serving and ministering in your presence. I love you deeply and offer you my all, no matter what others may think. I am yours, Lord. Help me surrender completely, especially in the places where my heart resists. In Jesus name, Amen.
By His Great Grace,
Ifeoma Samuel.
If this article resonated with you, then “THE INVITATIONS” is for you.
Every day we are awake to beautiful invitations nudging us to draw nearer, lean closer and glean more. We see them even in our least favourite places. Jesus sweetly pours out grace and offers us INVITATIONS.
