MINISTRY GIVEN AS THERE IS PREPAREDNESS OF HEART FOR IT

MINISTRY GIVEN AS THERE IS PREPAREDNESS OF HEART FOR IT

I trust that you have not suffered from the strain of the last week, but that, though the sowing time rather over-taxed you, you may reap in joy. I am truly thankful for my time with you. I do trust there will be a large increase of blessing. “They that feared the Lord spake often one to another” (Malachi 3: 16). The great evidence of blessing in the assembly is that there is real care one for the other and ability to edify one another. The Lord gives ministry as there is preparedness of heart for it. He is the Giver. I do not mean that a servant is sent now and again, but that He raises up those able to help in the local assembly.

I am very thankful to the Lord for the meetings — not only for the word ministered, but for the effect which I trust God has been pleased to give to it, which is beyond any ministry; indeed, no ministry is effectual without the operation of God, and I hope you have received something distinctly from the Lord for yourself, which is yours for ever, which has become part of your new self. It is thus that you ‘grow thereby’.

Can you tell the Lord’s chief work for His servants at this time? I had a very nice letter from dear ————. He remarks to this effect: ‘If we lived more above this scene through which we are passing we should be able to shed a ray of light on the moral gloom here’. I hail this as the beginning of a great day for him. I replied that I hoped he would learn the secrets of Christ’s heart in his prison, as Paul did in his, and be strengthened to come forth and help. I should consider this a very great favour from the Lord.