8/25/2008

Excerpts of Ministry at Ohio YM 2008

The following snippets are summaries of ministry shared at Ohio Yearly Meeting earlier this month. The ministry is not given in chronological order or in order of quality or any other order except what I felt was right when typing it all up. Be sure to inquire within to test if any message applies to thee - some may have been intended for others and not thee.

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If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that speaketh with thee, thou shouldest have asked for spiritual water. From whence hast thou that spiritual water? Whoever drinks of physical water will thirst again, but the water that He gives will be a well of water in thee springing up to everlasting life. Dip thy cup into this water and receive everlasting, spiritual life to cleanse thy inward soul and mind. We all have a thirst for God, but still we must go to the well ourselves to receive. The Spirit of Christ that springs up to overflowing is always crystal clear and flows from our Creator God. - Nancy Hawkins

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Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Without faith, there can be no true, lasting joy in life. Faith comes by hearing; it takes a lot of focus, desire, and choices on thy part. Our Redeemer, who gave Himself for thee, longs to give thee the living faith needed for this life. It is His gift to thee. Reach out with both hands for the faith that Christ Jesus longs to give thee. Take fresh hold on the gift in the confidence of the knowledge of our Lord - and learn to live like thee believes. Don't settle for a head acknowledgment of Christ. Find a life-changing relationship with Him. - Ed Kirk

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We have this treasure in earthen vessels; we all stumble and fall short of His glory. Despite our nature, God's inward treasure remains. Our inward parts are made holy by the living Christ, the Word of God, our living water and Bread of life, who is borne within. This treasure is not diminished when we share it. It is a great irony: sharing the treasure and use of the treasure brings an increase rather than diminishing it. - Jack Smith

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Abraham was directed by God to sacrifice his son. Are we willing to give up our most valuable thing? Some times in life, there is no "escape clause." To rely completely and totally on the Lord is a awesome, frightening thing. Wait to be led and nourished by the Lord. The One on whom we rely loves us as none other can love us. - Bob Wilber

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Have we truly believed and received? Have we truly repented and been baptized with fire? Can we be led by the Spirit if we have not received it? Do we think we are going to receive it without being changed? Do we think we are going to enter the Kingdom of Heaven without being born again? - David Eley

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[Supplication] Help us to do Thy will in all that we say and think. Help us to be encouragers and not discouragers. Come, Holy Spirit, into this room and fill each soul to the brim! - Anna Peacock

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Be faithful to the witness of our Lord within thee. Let us bear fruits worthy of repentance, that testify to His presence. Seek His power within thee. Our Lord suffered greatly; He came unto His own, and they received Him not. Know what it is to bear the cross. - Terry Wallace

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Christ Jesus has told us to be Friends of God. We do this when we hear the Lord and obey Him. In obedience, we receive His love to share with others. Our Creator calls each of us to treat others as part of His kingdom so they will know the invitation to join a gathered people in God's Light. Know, yes, know that Jesus is thy enduring Friend. - Arthur Berk

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God looks down upon our lives, and He sees where we are about to step off the true path. Let our hearts be encouraged; constantly seek that guidance from on High so thee can stay on that true, firm path. - Winnie Stratton

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A composite of ministry on Seventh Day morning:

Early on, the world was dark. God said, Let there be light, and there was light. And God saw that it was good. Jesus calls us to share His Light rather than hiding it under a bushel. This Light overcomes the darkness and transforms us into His disciples. We were encouraged to wait on the Lord, hear His Word, and seek His inward presence, then be faithful in scattering the spiritual seed where we live as our small roles in the Kingdom of Heaven.

But God, who commanded the Light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. The Light of God is within, and the Word of God is within. He lives through us as we turn our lives over to Him. We don't need to be the most talented, smartest, or best looking to be called for service. He sometimes chooses the humblest or most difficult for His work. He knows what we are able to do, regardless of age or condition. He demonstrated the humble, inward kingdom that still exists in our times.

1 comment:

Robert L. Hopper said...

Dear Seth,

Thanks for posting these. As thee may recall, I was unable to attend the YM, though I had received a record of Grant Kaufmann's ministry. I detect a subtle thread, a common foundation in these snippets of vocal ministry--it is the Truth, living and present, giving power to lead righteous and holy lives in obedience to the him, the One who gives the ability and the words spoken.

Thy friend in Jesus,

Robert L. Hopper