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The Encourager – Vol. 3
Article by Nathan Werking

From the Fire

Jude 22,23 says, “And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” NKJV. It is our calling in life to follow the Lord Jesus example, and help save those that are lost in the blackness of this dark world. Peter in his first epistle 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear;” KJV.

Having an answer to give for the hope that is in us is, not having all of the right answers all of the time, or the best arguments to rebuttal back for our defense. Having an answer can simply mean that you share with others what God has done in your life. Personal experience and personal testimony were two of the methods that the Apostle Paul used when bringing his defense before those that questioned the authority of his ministry, and the validity of the gospel. As a believer you have what the world needs, Jesus. You have the opportunity and the responsibility to let Jesus shine His glory through you, every day of your life. Don’t let your fear of failure keep you from sharing Jesus. Pray for boldness to make Him known.

Send us Lord 

God our Father is the Lord of the harvest, we are to pray to the Lord of the harvest that He would send forth laborers into His harvest field. The problem is not the size of the harvest; it is the lack of workers. As ministers of the gospel we should pray that laborers be raised up to go into the harvest field. Many times we think that brother or sister so and so is the one called to do the job. But what about you! Aren’t you called too! For many, the task appears overwhelming and they complain that the task is too large. “Why try, if the job will never be done,” they say. But the task is not impossible because the Lord has told us to go and make disciples of all nations. He would not command us to do something that He hasn’t already enabled us to do. We are the people that God has chosen to use to reach the world. We don’t have time to fuss and complain. The Lord is calling us to serve in His field. We should go regardless of personal interests. Nothing takes priority over fulfilling the great commission. Our lives are subject to God the Almighty’s order of service. He is the one that has called us, not us. He is the potter and we are the clay. Should the one that has been formed say to the one that formed it, why this, or why that? No. The time has come to gather our indifferences and throw them out the window. We have work that needs to be done, and God has chosen you to be the one to get it done.

 Lose yourself-Give up!

At first sight those words seem quite harsh. But if we are ever to follow God the way He wants us to, that is exactly what we have to do. Famous for giving his life for the Auca Indians, missionary Jim Elliot wrote in his journal, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Jim died by the hands of those that God commissioned him to go and minister to.  We are not our own, we were bought at a price. Someone said once, “You don’t have to cross the sea to be missionary, all you have to do is see the cross.” Whether you stay in the states or go over seas, death to self is necessary. Give up, lose yourself in the purposes of God. We have nothing to lose, but that which we should. Find your satisfaction in knowing that your life is hidden with Christ in God. If we die for him, he will raise us up at that last day. Today is the day of salvation. Be encouraged, the Lord is with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He is risen, share Him! Remember, “And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” Col. 3:17 KJV.

 

The Encourager: Volume 1; Volume 2; Volume 3; Volume 4. 

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