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342
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
are not our own, to treat as we please, to cripple by habits that lead
to decay, making it impossible to render to God perfect service. Our
lives and all our faculties belong to Him. He is caring for us every
moment; He keeps the living machinery in action; if we were left to
run it for one moment; we should die. We are absolutely dependent
upon God.
A great lesson is learned when we understand our relation to
God and His relation to us. The words, “Ye are not your own, for
ye are bought with a price,” should be hung in memory’s hall, that
we may ever recognize God’s right to our talents, our property, our
influence, our individual selves. We are to learn how to treat this
gift of God, in mind, in soul, in body, that as Christ’s purchased
possession, we may do Him healthful, savory service.
* * * * *
Sowing Beside All Waters
[Special Testimonies, Series A 10:13-16 (1897).]
We must sow beside all waters, keeping our souls in the love
of God, working while it is day, and using the means the Lord has
given us to do whatever duty comes next. Whatever our hands find
to do, we are to do it with cheerfulness; whatever sacrifice we are
called upon to make, we are to make it cheerfully. As we sow beside
all waters, we shall realize that “he which soweth bountifully shall
reap also bountifully.”
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him
give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful
giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye,
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always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good
work.” Do not draw back after once the Holy Spirit has awakened
in your mind a sense of duty. Act on the suggestion, for it was
prompted by the Lord. “If any man draw back, My soul shall have
no pleasure in him.”
It means much to sow beside all waters; it means a continual
imparting of gifts and offerings. God will furnish facilities, so that
that faithful steward of His entrusted means shall be supplied with