12-27-2017

Good Morning All,

              Luke 10: 2; “And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

    Are you one of those people who look on in awe as someone does something that you just don’t see yourself doing?  Are you amazed when someone becomes a missionary, moves half way around the world, lives in some remote part of the world in order to witness about Jesus?  Do you marvel when someone quits their job and suddenly becomes a mission person like a nurse or teacher or carpenter?  They leave a good paying job, the security they know and go to where their skills are desperately needed but definitely in a poor paying, somewhat unsafe place.

   It doesn’t even have to be this grand.  Maybe you see someone serve on a district or regional board for the church.  They have to get up and speak before large crowds and place their faith and their ideas out there where they can be attacked.  It might just being an elder in your church and you think “there is no way I could do that!” 

    We often hear that we need to “get out of our comfort zone.”  We need to “expand our horizons.”  In some ways this is true but in some ways; not so much.  It is true in that we need to live our life as a witness for Christ.  If we always shrink away, we need to strive to let our light shine.  Yet if you are one of those people who struggle doing that; then start small.  You don’t have to give up your job and move to a place you can’t pronounce.  You can start at home and at your place of work.  You can start with your children and grandchildren or your brothers and sisters or your spouse.  Then you can move to your co-workers and friends.

   The great thing is that you don’t have to be an elegant speaker; you simply need to let the love of Christ shine through.  It can be with a kind word first thing in the morning; it can be an extra dose of patience.  It can be stopping to help open a door or a simple smile.  Showing God’s love by simple acts of kindness can go a long way.  It can lead to someone asking you why you are so kind and happy.  Here is a chance to witness.  It doesn’t have to be a long theological statement.  It can simply be that with Jesus in my heart I am content with my life.  If they want a deeper answer, send them to your pastor.

   There is a lot of harvesting to do.  There are many souls who need to hear of God’s grace.  Any way that they can hear the message is important and those souls that are next door to you need it as much as someone a half a world away.  God calls us to witness to everyone.  It doesn’t have to be fancy; just honest.  After that, let the Holy Spirit take over.

Father, give me the courage to be your voice.  Give me the courage to be your hands and your arms.  Let your love flow through me to those who need it the most.  Keep me alert to the times and places when I can do the most good.  In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret