Manna

by John Mark

He sat by a fire of sevenfold heat
   as He watched by the precious ore
And closer He leaned with a searching gaze
   as He heated it more and more

He knew He had ore that could stand the test
   and He wanted the finest gold
To mold as a crown for a King to wear
   set with gems and with price untold

So He laid our gold in the burning fire
   though we fain would have said Him "Nay"
And He watched the dross that we had not seen
   as it melted and passed away

And the gold grew brighter and yet more bright
   but our eyes were so dim with tears
We saw but the fire - not the Master's hand
   and questioned Him with anxious fears

Yet our gold shone out with a richer glow
   as it mirrored a Form above
He bent o'er the fire though unseen by us
   a look of ineffable love

Can we think it pleases His loving heart
   to cause us but a moment's pain
Ah No - But He saw through the present cross
   the bliss of an eternal gain

So He waited there with a watchful eye
   with a love that is strong and sure
His gold did not suffer a bit more heat
   than was needed to make it pure

By John Mark

Love "...bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." I Cor. 13:7

"... bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you." Col. 3:13

Working at a construction site several months ago, I came across three workers from another company who one day were talking about spiritual things. I recognized Christ in them, in their conversation, and in their mannerism. It so happened I was searching for a church I could attend. The congregation I was attending was filled with nice people, but I was not receiving the spiritual nourishment I have longed for and have missed ever since my pastor and most of our small assembly moved to New York. I found myself being invited to this little Bible Church.

From the first home bible study, I was warmly received and welcomed as a member of their family. Wonderful expressions of hospitality and fellowship were graciously expressed. I was soon invited to the pastor's home for a meal. There I was given the opportunity to share some of my life story so they might get to know me better. I explained how the church assembly I'd been a part of for 30-some years had moved away and I needed fellowship with others in the Body of Christ. I mentioned the fact my pastor was called by God into a ministry of delivering into freedom those held captive by Satan.

As I continued to attend the bible studies and meetings, it was clear we did not agree on many doctrinal issues. In spite of that, I chose not to be argumentative nor divisive, and carefully chose my words when asked for my feedback. We were in agreement on the essentials of the faith, but I didn't believe I should make an issue of other things we did not agree on. I believed the Holy Spirit would make it clear - the if and when I should speak.

One evening, one of the dear sisters raised a question about generational curses. The pastor had stated on several occasions he knew nothing about Satan, demons, nor of spiritual warfare. He gave her a simple answer, "You don't have to worry about that. The cross dealt with all that." And that was that.

I quietly approached this sister to see if it was her that was having a difficulty in this area. She indicated it was her best friend. I let her know that sometimes such a simple answer doesn't always answer complicated issues, and mentioned she might want to visit my website (www.bookministry.org/Audios.html) and listen to some of my pastor's audio tapes. After all, that is his area of specialization. She may need to look into prayers of renunciation if she is having difficulties she is unable to break free from.

The next Sunday, the pastor took me privately aside to talk. He informed me that he appreciated me attending their church, and agreed I needed Christian fellowship, but he couldn't have me talking about Satan, demons and angels. "I've spent 30 years getting these people free of all that, and I don't want that heresy coming into our church." He was concerned that anything I might say about such things would be heresy, even though he’s never heard me say or teach anything on the subject. He said his wife was concerned after I'd told them at their home about the church I had come from.

Needless to say, I no longer fellowship with these dear saints. As I am subject to spiritual authority, I cannot obey such ridiculous regulations of a man wanting to keep his head, and those of his congregation, in the sands of ignorance. In this case I must obey God rather than man. Instead of going to the sheep to try to divide them, I quietly left. I believe that was my responsibility in bearing with these dearly beloved saints. Were I given the opportunity to sound the alarm and instruct them in such fundamental and essential doctrine, I would have most gladly.

God holds this man responsible (Heb. 13:17 "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account...") - and  this flock which is fast asleep to spiritual reality and the warfare to which every Christian is called, they will answer for that also (Eph. 5:14 "Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you").

"Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'Peace and safety,' destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled." I Thess. 5:1-6

By John Mark, Host

BookMinistry.org

If my memory serves me, the great missionary to China, Hudson Taylor, is quoted as saying: "God's work done God's way will never lack God's supply." Another famous Christian worker, George Mueller, is well known for his ministry to homeless and orphaned children. His policy was to never let a need be known to others, but he would always prayerfully place the ministry's needs at the Throne of Grace and God was consistently faithful to supply.

Another ministry, not as well known, is that which I was born and raised in quite some time ago. It was a home for children from broken homes. My father was its administrator. This ministry was founded and operated on this same basis, to only present its needs before the Lord, and never to publicize them. God consistently met every need and bountifully provided. I don't recall ever being in any want nor any need growing up. We had an abundance in all things, and this to me spoke volumes about God's faithfulness and sovereignty, especially as it related to those in "the ministry."

My intention is to keep Book Mininstry out of the "Send us $50 and we'll send you this free book..." rubbish I am so tired of hearing. My guess is that most of those who visit our website are just as tired as I. Are ministries that thoughtless to believe we don't see through that? Is it really a free book when you have to send in a donation to get it? I am sometimes still surprised when I hear well-known servants of Christ hawking their wares and begging for money. Is it really necessary?

I have to admit, the temptation is there. How can I get more people to contribute? What can I say that will "inspire" them to give. Even this blog is potentally a not-very-veiled attempt at getting people to reach into their pockets and share their money. But I want this work to be God's work, not mine. I am convinced that God the Holy Spirit is fully capable of nudging one of His children to participate in this ministry much better than anything I could come up with.

Another great example of faith and trusting God to provide is my own pastor. Our small home-church started in the early 80's. Of all the messages our pastor gave, there were absolutely no appeals for money to support him and his wife. His decision then, as it remains to this day, is that if God supplies, he continues to pastor. If there are no funds, it is God's way of putting an end to it. We had two little cigar boxes on a table when we'd assemble, one marked "General Fund" - the other, "Pastor." That was how the funds were collected. Never was a plate, basket or bucket ever passed around.

I learned this valuable lesson from these influences in my life: "God's work done God's way will never lack God's supply." My eyes are stayed on my Lord - He's the captain of this ship. As I trust Him and submit to His lordship, avoiding man's commercialism and methods, I can know I'm on the right track. If it means limitation, then I know it's God who's responsible. If He wants it limited, then limited it'll be. If and when He wants more, it'll be then that a greater supply will be there. Faith includes contentment. Flesh is never content and is always wanting more and more. So my job as the administrator of Book Ministry is to ignore the flesh and walk in faith. That will insure it's God who gets the glory, and not me.

John Mark

Eph. 4:11-13 "...for the work of the ministry..."

I was reading T. Austin-Sparks' "The Anointing of the Holy Spirit" this morning which really spoke to me. Speaking of the early church, Sparks writes: "That was the meaning of the laying on of hands as they sent them forth; they said, 'We are going with you, this is not your ministry it is ours.' It is a Divine order, a heavenly order, and we have to look back of things for spiritual principles; and here is the principle of the oneness of the Body back of all. As we recognize that, and come into line with it, then the anointing is manifested."

I thought about Book Ministry. Is it my ministry? That has crossed my mind from time to time, but I always thought it would be a wrong thing to say. Yesterday, a precious saint sent a contribution. As I thought about that, along with the others who have sacrificially given, it became crystal clear. No, it isn't my ministry ... it's our ministry. And in reality, there is only one ministry if it truly is ministry: that which is birthed and governed by Jesus Christ, the Head of the church.

As people contribute finances and materials to be included in the ministry, it demonstrates it's not about me. It's a corporate venture, "the work of the ministry," that which we in the body of Christ are being equipped to do until we arrive at the goal: "until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ."

As we join together in "the work of the ministry," we can rest in the understanding it isn't my ministry, your ministry, his or her ministry. It is the ministry of Christ - and we are workers together with Him (2 Cor. 6:1).

Your Fellow Worker

John Mark

John Mark

A visitor to Book-Ministry recently sent a message seeking advice and support. I've removed her name for confidentiality, but the message applies to many who have similar issues.

Dear Friend,

I hope you don't mind me sending you this lengthy response to your email. I don't want to overload you with information, but I do want to try to address your plea for help.
 
As I have been prayerfully pondering your message, one verse keeps popping into my consciousness: "Looking off and away unto Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of the faith" (literal translation of Hebrews 12:2). My first impression from reading (and re-reading) your concerns is that you have your eyes looking in the wrong direction - everywhere but "off and away unto Jesus." I make the same mistake often, and must remind myself that I DIED - I WAS BURIED - and there is where I STOPPED living and CHRIST STARTED living His life in me. That's what baptism is all about, our recognition and belief that we died when Christ died, we were buried when Christ was buried, and were raised in newness of life: "It is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us; and the life we now live in this body, we live by faith in the Son of God Who loved us, and gave Himself up for us" (paraphrase of Galatians 2:20).
 
Another great passage to keep in mind: "If (assuming it is so) that you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Keep setting your mind (keep thinking) on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hid with Christ in God." (Col. 3:1-3) I don't want to hit you over the head with Bible verses, but - in spite of the fact that your life sucks (mine does too - so does EVERYONE ELSE's in Adam) - the life of Christ DOESN'T! It's HIS life in us we need to be occupied with. Christ is the ONLY Person in the universe that can live the Christian life. You are finally discovering this for yourself. That's actually a good thing, discovering there is NOTHING good in you, that is, who you are in Adam - a natural, fleshly creature. But, assuming you have actually been born from above (born "again") - then there's a whole other life you now have the opportunity to discover as your own - IN CHRIST.
 
The Apostle Paul had some difficulties he wanted removed - but God showed him His grace was sufficient. Later he realized it was just what God needed to use in his life to keep him from getting puffed up with pride. So many times I find myself whining and complaining about my circumstances (we won't compare, but I've got way worse things I could mention than you mentioned in your list) and having to be reminded that God is having to take me through these trials to perfect, strengthen, and equip me. You must read Deut. Chapter 8. Years ago, my pastor gave me that advice when I was complaining about how my life sucked (very similar to your current situation). Wow - did God open my eyes to see what was going on. HE knew what was in me - how wretched I was - how full of myself I was - but he wanted ME to see what He saw.
 
I am sorry you are yet childless - but maybe that's a blessing from God - a time to prepare you to be a great mom, occupied with serving and loving Him rather than being occupied with your problems and struggles. He's sovereign - He's in charge - not me - not you. If and when He wants you to conceive, He'll make it happen. Meanwhile, be occupied with HIM. His word to you is to quietly and submissively love and serve your husband and without a word (of complaint or contention) you may bring the changes he needs in his life.
 
God IS seeing you through these trials. Isaiah 63:9 "In all their affliction He was afflicted." He's right there in you, experiencing the trials and sorrows with you. Another (perhaps more accurate) translation reads, "In all their affliction, He was not an adversary." In other words, God is not against you - He's looking out for you. Romans 8:28, a familiar but often misunderstood passage says, "God causes all things to work together for the good (not always what you think is your good) to those who love God, called according to His purpose." Not all Christians love God. Those who love God are those who obey Him (John 14:21).
 
As the pressure comes, put it off onto Christ. Let it be His problem, not yours. You belong to Him. Your problems are His problems. Love your parents - serve them as Christ serves, washing their feet, manifesting (not talking about) the love of God in Christ, expressed faithfully through your hands, your feet, your tongue, your ears, etc. You are His possession, His instrument, His temple, His body. Allow His nature, His love, His patience, His wisdom, His faithfulness, His peace, His presence ... to manifest through your body. Quit trying so hard to be a Christian and allow Christ to be the Christian in you He wants to be.
 
I'm done preaching. I hope you didn't mind too much. This morning, Lori (my pastor's wife) sent this copy of "Open Windows" daily devotional (T. Austin-Sparks) which I think very well confirms my train of thought:

"You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you." (Romans 8:9 NIV)
"Perhaps the major problem of most of the Lord's people is to keep that line of division between what we are in ourselves and what Christ is in us. The great line of attack on the part of the enemy is to bring what we are ourselves continually up into view and occupy us with that, and by so doing obscure Christ. The great object of the Holy Spirit in His opposing of Satan is to bring Christ into view and to occupy us with Him to the obscuring of ourselves. That is where the great difficulty arises for most of the Lord's people. There is always this beat back, this drive back to get us occupied with ourselves, as to what we are, to keep us from being occupied with Christ and what He is; in some way to get that gap, that gulf, that separation filled up, and the line of demarcation obliterated, so that there is confusion. God begins with the Firstborn. That implies something altogether other than what we are, and it is important to see what God says, and how God views those who are represented as being in Christ, and in whom Christ is....

"When Christ is in us, God views us through Christ. Oh, that we might recognize this, that in Christ in us, there is the embodiment of God's thought, and He is able to speak so of us. His activities with us are all in relation to the Christ who is now by the Holy Spirit in us, and in Whom we are. The fact that the Firstborn is invariably connected with death and resurrection is God's way of saying that what we are in ourselves by nature is buried from His standpoint, and it is His Son alone who obtains where we are concerned as a risen One, the only One who lives before Him. All else are dead and buried in the sight of God, and God would have us take that attitude. Remember that we are dead and buried."

I've appreciate the opportunity to spend some time with you, my friend. I am convinced that in the flesh, I'm the last person who should be giving advice. Apart from Christ, I'm nothing! (John 15:5) - but "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me from within." (Phil. 4:13)
 
May God unveil to you His incomprehensible love and affection for you, and may you discover REST as you become diligent to enter in to His rest (Matthew 11:28) cp. (Hebrews 3:1-11).
 
Your Brother in Christ,
John Mark