Day 5        September 5, 2013

Asking to Give – pray to give

     "In like manner the disciples were to seek blessings from God. In the feeding of the multitude and in the sermon on the bread from heaven, Christ had opened to them their work as His representatives. They were to give the bread of life to the people. He who had appointed their work, saw how often their faith would be tried. Often they would be thrown into unexpected positions, and would realize their human insufficiency."

     So that’s my job, I’m to give of the bread of life to people. My job as well as your job. Work backwards through that little passage. The disciples, you and I, will be in unexpected positions. Ah, meaning difficult times will be ours, so much so that we may well be unable to cope by ourselves. Did we not read yesterday that as we pray we will serve others and will then receive back? Mind you, there is that hint that as we pray and as we serve we will pray all the more to serve the more.

     There was a time when I used to bake bread simply to give real bread to people. Now, that’s just like me. My neighbours became used to the occasional bread delivery and the opportunity to talk.

     I do get the feeling that Jesus is thinking of a little more than offering bread to people.

     As prayer partners we are thinking of the needs of others. The advice we are given is this,

“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then he bade them, ‘Follow Me.’”

Ministry of Healing, p.143

     You are thinking of your interest list, perhaps five people that you want to introduce to the same kind of relationship you have with Jesus. It is possible that offering a loaf of bread may well help meet someone’s needs. It might be more likely that you and your prayer partner could take some time thinking of your interests and working out, “how can we do some good for our friend?”

     Well, why not? If the method is Christ’s and if that method gives true success then why not try the method? But make sure that as you try the method you apply the first and greatest principle – to invite the Holy Spirit into your life first.