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Dying to Live I have often studied discipleship in the Bible and have come to this final conclusion—my death will produce life in others. Now please don't misunderstand me. I am not talking about a physical death; I am talking about dying to my will, my wants, and the sinful nature of this flesh so I can be used to bring life to those around me. It is all about laying down my life for others. I have been pursuing compassion for the past couple of months, and the Lord is opening my eyes to scripture and people. I have been crying out in prayer, “Lord, let me see with your eyes and let me experience the compassion You felt when You walked upon this earth.” In the scriptures we read, “Jesus was moved with compassion.” It was His love and compassion for people that caused Him to meet them right where they were. Compassion was the key that opened up the door of His ministry and gave Him the opportunity to share the gospel. When we allow death to work in us, we make room for Jesus to minister to others through us. I am not saying this is an easy path to follow, but I am saying that this is where we will experience true joy. I know it doesn’t sound like a great time, but let me tell you about the joy that has flooded my soul recently. I have seen the Lord’s hand move in individuals’ lives recently, and it has moved me to tears. People I have been witnessing to and praying for have been experiencing God’s blessings in their life, and now they are walking the path that leads to heaven. There are doors being opened for Bible studies, and the Lord keeps whispering in my ear, “As long as you allow death to work in you, life will spring forth from those who are lost.” I have been serving the Lord Jesus for 13 years, and I am still excited about the plan of salvation and the presence of the Lord. This earth is not my home, my treasures are being stored in heaven, and there is still much work to do for the Kingdom—“Lord, send me just one hungry soul that needs to hear about your love and mercy.” That’s been the cry of my heart lately. How often we all quote John 3:16, but then neglect I John 3:16—“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” I am not looking for any recognition, nor do I need a spotlight ministry. I don’t care if I possess a certain title or not. I just want to walk in the Lord’s sandals each day and try to point as many people as I can to the cross of Calvary. I am sick and tired of excuses and compromise. I have to get on my knees and seek my Lord’s will instead of flooding His ears with all my wants. He promised in His Word that He would take care of me, so I don’t have to spend too much time asking for my needs. Each of us can have a great impact in our world. If you are a spirit-filled believer, you have the ability to share the gift of eternal life with the people you know. It will cost you something though; it will have to be done in accordance with the scriptures. We have to put ourselves at the bottom and place everyone else above us. Paul instructs us to, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3). We will have to lay down our agenda and accept a servant’s heart. The truth is, there has to be a death that is continually at work in you, so life can come forth from our family, friends, and co-workers. So I have to ask, “How desperate are you to reach your world with the truth?”
ninetyandnine.com © 2003, Randy Bailey --------- Randy Bailey has been writing spiritual poems/devotions for the past five years. He resides in Wisconsin with his beautiful wife Peggy and their son Rod. Randy has recently had his book Spiritual Snacks published, and is available at Amazon.com (plug). Randy loves to throw the seed through his writings. |
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