Tag: pray
Workers are few!
Scripture reading for January 11th: Matthew 9:18-38
Farmers know the pressure when the crops are ripe and the weather is just right for harvesting. I speak from years of experience in raising grain on an Iowa farm. Farmers know that the window of opportunity is narrow and they must make haste before the storm comes and ruins the ripe grain. An urgency and focus comes upon them that even deprives them of their desire to eat until their task is finished and the precious grain is in the barn.
“Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When He saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. As the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into the harvest field.” (Matthew 9:35-38)
Jesus came to earth with a mission to seek and save lost sinners. He likened them to ripe grain, ready to harvest. He quickly went into the harvest field healing the sick and delivering those who were demon possessed. His compassion and power drew large crowds of hurting and hungry people. Jesus was moved by their needs like a shepherd would care for his own sheep. He spoke to His disciples about the harvest and the need for more workers. Prayer for workers must be made to the Lord of the harvest in order to solve this problem.
Prayer is conversation with God and listening to God for an answer. When we ask, then we wait for instructions or the answer. As these disciples asked for the laborers, Jesus was sending them out as the answer to that prayer! “He called the twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority to drive out spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” “Go to the lost sheep of Israel”. (Matthew 10:1, 6) This specific prayer for laborers is often neglected by the followers of Jesus. We have now been sent into the whole world to every nation. Today there is a ripe harvest and a time of opportunity and workers are needed to gather it in with urgency! Will you pray and respond to the Master?
Be patient–Jesus is coming!
Scripture reading for December 16th: James 1-5
James was the half-brother of Jesus Christ. He was known to be the pastor of the church in Jerusalem and full of practical wisdom. One of his nicknames was “camel knees” because of time spent in prayer.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4) Not many people like trials. But James says we should embrace trials with joy, because we know they develop perseverance. We need perseverance to grow and mature.
“Be patient, then brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he waits for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The judge is standing at the door.” (James 5:7-9) We need mature faith and patience because Jesus is coming. Farmers regularly wait upon God for the needed rains to grow and mature their crops. Grumbling is a sign of impatience. God will judge those who are impatient and fail to wait.
“Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” (James 5:10-11) James is always addressing the “brothers” in an encouraging way, appealing to their past knowledge and understanding as Jewish believers. They were familiar with the prophets and their suffering–especially Job, the oldest book of the Bible. Job suffered patiently and God restored him completely at the end of his trial.
“Is anyone in trouble? He should pray.” (James 5:13a) James ends his letter with an encouragement to pray when in trials or trouble. Prayer helps us to persevere and develops patience. Elijah of old prayed and waited on God. God answered him. He will answer us today as well! We must persevere and watch and pray! Jesus is coming! The rains mean harvest! The trials mean more maturity and joy!
Attitudes about suffering!
Scripture reading for November 25th: 1st Peter 3:8-4:11
Some people are falsely taught that Christianity is an escape to a life here of happiness and everlasting peace. Suffering is a part of life on earth and believers sometimes suffer because of Jesus. Jesus, Himself, suffered as a completely innocent man among people who were supposedly ‘God’s people’. Peter wrote to his Jewish friends who had become Christians to inform them about suffering and proper attitudes during these trials.
“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you might inherit a blessing.” (1st Peter 3:8-9) Our attitude and conduct should be different from those people still in the world system. We must stay humble and consider others before ourselves. We, like Jesus, are called to be a blessing. We sow blessings because we have received the ultimate blessing of forgiveness and eternal life.
“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1st Peter 3:13-15) Christians should be positive people, always eager to do what is good and right in God’s sight. Most of the time, this will also bring favor with men. Our attitude should be motivated by Christ Jesus as Lord and our desire to please and obey His example. We live by faith and are not to be overcome with fear. If people see this positive hope in our attitudes, they will be curious and ask us why we are so upbeat. We should then be ready to share the Gospel.
“Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” (1st Peter 4:1-2) Are you armed with the proper attitude to face life today?