Christianity Oasis Forum

[mlg]

I'm posting tonight's program again at the request of a member, so here ya go.

Versatility is so very important when you are called to reach for lost souls. You have to be able to adapt to all sorts of people in order to reach them. You have to become humble and accept that you are in a life of servitude towards the Lord and no matter what comes your direction, your focus must remain on the Lord's task.

I Corinthians 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. I Corinthians 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; I Corinthians 9:21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ, ) that I might gain them that are without law. I Corinthians 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Each day we are given new opportunities to witness to the lost souls of the world. This often times will mean that we have to step out of our comfort zones in order to do this. Think about what Paul wrote, he became weak in order to reach the weak. Can you imagine yourself having to become weak? I mean Pride can sure get in the way in a hurry when one has to act weak. That's why we are to keep a humble spirit at all times, in order to accept whatever we have to be when God asks us to be it.

Another thing is for us not to pick and choose those we want to minister to. God's grace is much greater than our own human compassion. His grace and mercy is given to all who are willing to receive it.

II Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Don't let prejudicial feelings get in the way of ministering to those God needs you to minister too. Remember when God sent Jonah to Ninevah and Jonah got angry for saving the people of Ninevah after they repented? God asked him about his anger.

Jonah 4:4-5 Then said the Lord, Doest thou well to be angry? So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there mad him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city.

Jonah sat under the shade to sit and feed on his hate towards the people of Ninevah, instead of having compassion and understanding that the Lord does not want any soul to perish not one. Sometimes we have to set aside our own emotions towards people, especially those who may have hurt us, in order to witness to them. This is one of the biggest tests we face, offering the love of the Lord to someone who has transgressed against us. But God wants us to love our enemies to care for them and to feed them.

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.

God's calling has no boundaries. Often we want to try and put stipulations on what we are willing to do or how we are willing to do it. But, when God calls you, He has to be in control. You take on the subservient role, and you have to allow Him to call the shots. This is difficult for those who like the feeling of handling things themselves. This often takes patience, as God will bring us to each stage of His calling in His time. We can't let our own day to day trials interfere either. We have to let go of what is going on in our own life, pass it over to God and keep on keeping on. No it's not easy, never is especially when the trial is an extremely harsh one. We have to sacrifice ourselves for those who need to hear about Him.

Now we have to make sure we don't become bitter against those we are supposed to be reaching either. Yes they may require a lot from you, and they may ask a lot but we cannot let their neediness become a burden to us which turns to anger.

Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Now most would take that verse to mean monetarily, but as servants of the Lord we can take that verse and use it in so many ways, from the giving of our time, to the sharing of Jesus love, to a listening ear. When we are reaching for souls, we need to accept the needs of those who are asking as Jesus would, and in doing so we can bring them into the Light.

Everything we do should be to reach a lost soul and nothing should be done for our own wants. God is the one we are working for and to Him goes the glory. We again have to remember that we are but a servant, and as we know we should desire to be poor so that he can make us rich. Pride can never be a factor of our servitude. We risk the lives of others if we are doing anything that isn't giving God the glory in His calling.

I Corinthians 10:33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

So as you can see God wants us to become all things to all men. To accept them and to teach them about Him. Yes this means putting aside a lot, but it's not about us, it's about that soul who needs to hear His voice. The one that is looking at a condemnation of a firey death instead of a promise of Joy in our Father's house. You are the vessel, so step up and step out. He needs you, and so do the lost souls of the world.

[xxJILLxx]

Thank u mlg for posting this i appreciate it, Im learning alot. I realize i have alot to learn before i step out and work for the Lord. So here I am learning. I appreciate all the support and prayers from each of u. I feel God is telling me to just get prepared so im acting as a sponge and soaking up everything. Hes teaching me valueable lessons as well.

Again ty

may God bless u

Jill