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Do you think the work of harvesting will 

not begin until the summer ends four months from now? 

Look around you!

Vast fields of human souls are ripening all around us,

and are ready now for reaping.

~ John 4:34-36 TLB

 

Good morning dear sister!

Happy January 15th! Smile, only 64 more days until Spring!

Perhaps you’re wondering, “What is going on?? It’s winter, she’s thinking about Spring, and the verse is about harvest time at the end of summer!” Don’t worry, I haven’t gone crazy! 

BUT, I did witness something today that made me think a little outside my usual boundaries (which aren’t quite as objective as I previously thought, ahem).

I saw it on the news, which I don’t usually watch, but I was chained to a treadmill at 7AM and trying not to sleepwalk. (That’s another story for another time.) I saw a Christian, entering the fracas between law enforcement and menacing protesters and praying for them. Praying out loud for both “sides”. Praying for God’s protection and love to be poured out on both sides.

This is contrary to the world’s ways. People always want their side to win. Even Christians. Of course, Christians expect to win because God never loses, right? But I wonder if our win/lose perspective is limited by our own human way of thinking.

Jesus looked on the crowds with compassion. His perception of reality and their perceptions of reality may have been polar opposites, yet he often had compassion for those who were genuine. He had time for those seeking truth.

As believers, I’ll even dare to say disciples of Christ, Jesus calls on us to see how He sees! We may look at the “fields” and see how far they are from revelation of God’s truth and love, but how will they ever ripen for harvesting if no one sows the seed? And how will seed be sown if there is no sower? 

Sometimes, I’m afraid, we are put off by appearances…. one person looks too busy or another looks too scary. Some we have witnessed to, time and again, yet it seems to no effect. Other times, we may even think that a person isn’t ready to hear the Gospel yet, you know, you have to prepare them. (hint: you don’t. God has gone before you!)

Jesus says, don’t delay, speak now! Now is the right time! Look on people with compassion! Despite whatever confidence they project, they may be dying or lost souls ripe to hear the Good News of the kingdom of God! 

Even those of the household of God are hungry for a word of encouragement, thirsty for a drink of truth! This world is a rough place, praise God that we have a constant and ever living hope in Him! How can we not share that with others who are so desperate for peace, purpose and a plan for their lives?

I don’t know about you, but I like being on the ‘winning’ side! Not the world’s wins, not political wins, not even the Bills wins (now don’t drop me just because of that), but because of the reality of 1 Cor 15:57 “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” 

Victory not by our own efforts, but through our Lord Jesus Christ! 

So, I was inspired by that man praying for both sides that cold afternoon! He showed wisdom, maturity, boldness and discernment as he looked at that mob with eyes of holy compassion. I’m not sure if he agreed with anything that was happening on anyone’s part, but he was willing to stand in the gap for all. God bless him!

How can we be more like Jesus in this regard? First, look around you! Is there someone right in front of you that you can minister to with a friendly smile or a kind word?

It always amazes me how surprised people are when I show the slightest interest in them! To me, that is a testimony of how mean and self-centered this world is. Maybe I get to sow a little seed of the Kingdom of God just by showing someone a second or two of His love!

The field is indeed ripe for harvest, my sister, no matter what season it is! I pray that you will pay attention to that little nudge to sow a seed, or perhaps to water it, or even have the privilege of bringing a harvest into the Kingdom! Glory to God!

With love, your sister, Celeste