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Finding Our Place in Christ
By Nancy Taylor Warner
“But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth; That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:3-4
Here Jesus speaks of a principle relating to our performing good deeds – why, as well as the way, we do what we do. “Alms” speak of giving to others as an act of virtue. We are to give to be seen by God, not by man. God, who sees in secret, will reward openly. Yet this principle relates to more than the giving of finances or goods; it extends to the giving of our lives in whatever way God would ask of us.
For many years I was in ministry that was visible and easy to see. Whether in the pulpit or in the classroom, there was a title and role that defined me. On the mission field it was easy to write newsletters showing pictures and giving reports of things done.
Yet none of these places are the primary position God has me in today. There is a quiet place apart where the Lord seems to delight to come for times of communion and fellowship. In that place, there is a quiet visitation taking place, marked by the presence of the Lord. It is not only satisfying the heart of God today, but filling and preparing, not just me, but all those who would come into this “quiet place” with Him.
This quiet, hidden place is not always recognized by man, but it is seen by God. John Wright Folette said, “This is the day of exhibition, exploitation, and show. How man is struggling to seen, heard, felt, and known!”
Yet the Holy Spirit does not speak of Himself (John 16:13). He speaks only of Christ, and glorifies Him. May we be willing to come into that place where it is not our name, but Christ who is exalted. May we be willing to come into that place where that which is born of the Spirit might be conceived, and manifest itself perhaps in a way that may never identify us, yet in a way God sees and will reward.
In a day when so many are building names and ministries, may we be willing to quietly invest ourselves in simply encouraging another in their walk with the Lord, encouraging them to spend time in the Word, to spend time in prayer, that they might come into their own place of spiritual hearing and understanding.
There is a corporate sound coming forth-it is the sound of many waters (Revelation 1:15; 19:6). As you hear, and I hear, we begin to harmonize in the heavenlies. God is about to move on the earth as never before. The Lord is preparing us to be a part of this great outpouring.
May we find our place in Christ and there abide. May that which is born of the Spirit find expression through us, as we each are faithful in the place God has called us to be. Wherever God has called you, I encourage you to find time to spend in the secret place with Him. Spend time in His Word. Be faithful! The Lord will reward and bless you. “Little is much if God is in it.” The reward is for faithfulness! May our desire be to hear “well done” at the end of this life (Matthew 25:21-23).
If it were a mere formula, I could tell you what to pray and when to say it. But it is a relationship the Lord is calling us up into, a life led by the Holy Spirit. There will be confirming voices, pieces that fit together as we join with others also seeking after the Lord. But there is no substitute for our own time and fellowship with Him. Through the regeneration of the Holy Spirit, we have been born again (Titus 3:5). May we come into that life we now have in Christ Jesus, living it to the fullest (Galatians 2:20).
May the One who “sees in secret” bless and strengthen you today!
Our Website: I welcome you to visit our website, www.wadetaylor.org. There are many teachings written by Wade Taylor and others, as well as audio files (Messages to Hear & See are videos by Wade Taylor; Messages to Hear are audios by Wade Taylor and myself) which are a present word for today.
The Prayer Chapel: Almost always, there is something happening here at the Parousia Ministries Prayer Chapel the 2nd Saturday of the month! August 12, Jay Francis will minister. November 11, Steve Porter. On months without a scheduled speaker, we have Tea, Coffee & Prayer. What special times these have been! More information is on our website. Please, ALWAYS confirm if you plan to come, in case there are schedule changes!
Wade Taylor Publications: www.wadetaylorpublications.org is a separate part of my dad’s ministry that was close to his heart. On this website, you can buy Books, CDs and DVDs by Wade Taylor. Also a prayer ministry, they can be contacted by calling 800-349-0340, or by emailing joanne@wadetaylorpublications.org. Contact information is also on their website!
It is my prayer that a present word will continue to be available to you through this ministry, that you might be spiritually edified and receive an impartation of our Lord’s presence through the teachings.
May you increasingly prosper, both spiritually and in your life circumstances, beyond all that you have experienced in the past, and also, may you be blessed in life, in health, and in all that is before you.
Prayerfully yours,
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