Harvest - Plentiful; Workers - Few --> A Message That Probes for Compassion Before Action

When you see a commercial that is trying to get you to "sponsor a child" you don't simply have 30 seconds of "here's how to order" type of a message. You will first see a child that looks downtrodden and then maybe a few that are looking hungry or sickly. These are all ways to cause you to be moved with compassion in order to invest some of your money in helping this cause.

I am not trying to cause you to not sponsor a child, but rather have you realize that compassion is what moves us toward action. We would not likely give any time to the cause if we didn't see the need for it. In this case the need affects our emotions greatly.

Sunday we looked at a section in Matthew 9:35-38 where Jesus challenges His disciples into looking at the world of opportunity to do good for God. There is a plentiful harvest, but only a few will decide to invest their life in the cause.

As we reflect back, here are some applications to choose from to use this week...

• Harvest ~ There are tons and tons of possibilities out there for us to see. When I look out into the fields of the plains, I am amazed at how God blesses that field with abundance. I have no idea how much a field will produce, kind of like I have no idea how much of produce will be found in mys service to Him. However, to harvest is one way to find out. "Look" as Jesus said to what is out there - keep your eyes open to the possibilities!
• Plentiful ~ Sometimes making a list of the possibilities of people in your life will open your eyes to the "plenty" that is available. Occasionally, it will be those you know, but then there are people you do not know (that well). Don't become comfortable just with people you do know, but edge out to the places and people you do not know and see what God will do with that move.
• Workers ~ "I want to be a worker for the Lord" is a portion of a song that I have sung throughout my life. I first looked at it as a dutiful kind of work, but now, I am excited to be one of God's workers. I hope you are excited as well! I hope you "want" to work for and with Him, not simply work for Him!
• Few ~ Some people try to "step back" all their life and let someone else do it. They are unwilling to use their talents on a regular basis to serve Him. They may put in their efforts for a class or one-time event, but on a day-to-day basis, they are unwilling. I like I Peter 4:10-11 (NIV) because it basically says that whatever you possess, use it to glorify God. We don't have to learn something new to be effective, just use the talents we already possess and go with it! I love to be surprised how God opens doors for me to use my talents!!!

There are fields upon fields of people wanting to know about a Savior. Will you go to them or let them simply fade away by failing to "harvest" them?

Now it's your turn...what has been an obstacle for you and what has been a success for you in the area of sharing your faith?

Going Green: Renewable Resources

In the last house we owned, we had a bathroom that was a little outdated. It also had some areas on the wall that were in need of repair, partly due to the previous owner's "shortcuts". One of the repairs we made was to redo the finish on our bathtub. This was quite the project. However, upon completion, it was renewed. Going from almond pristine white, in color. We didn't have to buy a new bathtub, just spend a little money, time, and breathe in some nasty fumes, and voila, a renewed bathtub!

It was interesting to see the transformation. When upon completion, the transformation was amazing. It looked brand new; hence the term 'renew'. We used something that was already there and made it look new, again.

You, self, your body, are not going to be something different. Of course, I am speaking of the intricate parts of you. However, you can be renewed. Whether you need to plug in to have your batteries recharged or you need to have a bit of paint put on the outside of you to make yourself look new again. Whatever the case, we can use 'us' and be someone 'different' if we give ourselves over to Him and allow Him to renew us daily.

Yesterday, we concluded our series on Going Green and talked about 'renewable resources', from Lamentations 3:22-26. Here are some applications to choose from to use this week...

1. "This is the day..." from Psalm 118:24 - Wake up and realize that God is good...all the time, and has given you this day. He's given us a full cup to use throughout the day. He's refilled you. He's given you abilities that are unique. He's given you interests that are unique. He's given you grace. Use this day!
2. Hope in Him - This hope is the expecting kind, hoping IN Him. However, it isn't the immature kind. The hope you have in His promises are good. The hope that you have for a terminal patient to live or a paralyzed person to walk, veers toward the immature. The reason it's immature is because if they don't become better, will you get mad at God or feel that there is no hope with Him? He will fulfill His end and His will...hope in that!
3. Get filled up - We've all probably filled a cup at a soda fountain. You stick the cup under the spigot and pushed something to fill our cup. Each time you need a refill from God just go to the faith fountain and push the button, drawing closer to Him with your need, and be filled. Don't forget to pour out any burdens while you're there!
4. Praise Him - We often forget to do this...take time(s) to express your gratitude for any and everything as you see and experience things.

Day by day...we are able to be renewed. Scripture tells us this. Lamentations 3:22-26 describes to us a fact that His mercies/compassions are being filled daily. They are new every morning. Great is HIS faithfulness! Let us hope in Him!

Have a blessed week!

Appreciating the renewed cup of mercies I found beside my bed...