Harvest

There’s something about the fall that brings about a sense of deeper purpose. I live in an area where there’s lots of harvesting whether it’s corn or alfalfa or wheat.

It’s a time of moving forward. It’s a time for the farmers to see the fruit of their labor in the production of those crops: corn, alfalfa, wheat, and even sugar beets. These crops are needed for so many different things. They are needed for sustaining life on the food chain.

The Lord created our earth, its crops in the beginning and forever. Our God provides us with what we need for life. Our God provides people with the capacity to share their gifts in farming and ranching for the benefit of His people.

Luke 10 remind us, the harvest is great, and the workers are few.

Luke 10:2 NLT
These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.

This message is true of farmers/ranchers and also, of those who share the message of love and Jesus with others. It is because of our love for Jesus that we share not in judgment but because we are called by God to love like Him.

Sometimes, I find myself on a two lane country road, slowly following a huge tractor, harvest truck or other farming heavy equipment. I am learning not to fuss about the delay in my journey. It gives me a moment to pause and consider the work of a farmer/ rancher raising livestock. It’s hard work, lots of time committed.

The next time you’re on a farming two lane road and wanting to pass a farmer and a tractor or a huge truck that’s bringing crops to be weighed for use give those guys a smile and be patient.

We also have to remember the importance of guarding ourselves from the stuff we value. The simplicity of farming and ranching cannot be under estimated.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 AMP
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to appreciate those who diligently work among you [recognize, acknowledge, and respect your leaders], who are in charge over you in the Lord and who give you instruction, [13] and [we ask that you appreciate them and] hold them in the highest esteem in love because of their work [on your behalf]. Live in peace with one another.

A farmer and ranchers work blesses all of us. Thank you God for your provision and for them.

Get the picture!

There are times when I am still with God that I find myself an awe of His creation and also of His power. The Lord led me to the book of Job this morning. Slowly read this particular chapter Job 37 and see the hand of God in His creation.

If you don’t know anything about Job, I’ll give you a quick background. He loved God and he was blessed by God. And then he went through a time of challenges and trials. These trials included: death of family members, friends stepping away from him, his wealth depleted, and yet even though he wrestled with frustration Job still chose to trust God.

We may be going through a time of questioning, and God can still be trusted. I hope this scripture encourages you. Just like God didn’t forget Job, God will not forget you. But you have to walk with Him. You have to walk with your Creator God, the only King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the only God worthy of praise and worship.

Job 37:1-18 NLT
“My heart pounds as I think of this. It trembles within me. [2] Listen carefully to the thunder of God’s voice as it rolls from his mouth. [3] It rolls across the heavens, and his lightning flashes in every direction. [4] Then comes the roaring of the thunder- the tremendous voice of his majesty. He does not restrain it when he speaks. [5] God’s voice is glorious in the thunder. We can’t even imagine the greatness of his power. [6] “He directs the snow to fall on the earth and tells the rain to pour down. [7] Then everyone stops working so they can watch his power. [8] The wild animals take cover and stay inside their dens. [9] The stormy wind comes from its chamber, and the driving winds bring the cold. [10] God’s breath sends the ice, freezing wide expanses of water. [11] He loads the clouds with moisture, and they flash with his lightning. [12] The clouds churn about at his direction. They do whatever he commands throughout the earth. [13] He makes these things happen either to punish people or to show his unfailing love. [14] “Pay attention to this, Job. Stop and consider the wonderful miracles of God! [15] Do you know how God controls the storm and causes the lightning to flash from his clouds? [16] Do you understand how he moves the clouds with wonderful perfection and skill? [17] When you are sweltering in your clothes and the south wind dies down and everything is still, [18] he makes the skies reflect the heat like a bronze mirror. Can you do that?

Our God can do anything! He created all things, He loves you with unfailing love, He wants to hear your voice, He wants to guide your life, let Him!!

Let God harvest the fields of your heart, mind and soul! He will pull up the weeds and chaff and bring amazing produce to your life. He is the Creator of all things. He has plans for you. Cry out to Him today. He will hear even your whisper, “ Jesus, I need you!”

Completely

Our faith has a chance to grow when we get opportunities to have trials. It reminds us we can’t do this life alone. It reminds us we need Jesus. It reminds us that he’s the holder of our heads. He’s been the One from the beginning. He will be the One that will see us through whatever the trial may be. His Holy Spirit wants to bring life, and new hope and when we connect to the Holy Spirit we’re in awe.

John15: 1- 9  1. “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

Our faith gets a chance to be strengthened when it is strengthened by the One who has all power and wisdom, our Father! He is the Gardener and we are the growing vine that needs His pruning. Pruning may feel harsh, discipline can feel like judgment, but when received in an honest. open way, the pruning can take off the deadly sin, and our impulsive choices, and provide recovery and growth. Initially, the pruning feels painful but the growth is a new life.

When we sin, we grieve the Holy Spirit, but He wants to help grow a harvest of good. Our impulsive fleshy choices block our minds from hearing the gentle whisper of God.

It’s not about breaking the rules so much is breaking the heart of our Savior who loves us and wants us to let Him guide our lives.

Jen Ledger, a solo musician and also bandmember, singer, and drummer for Skillet shared in her solo song, Completely, the faith and love of God. He loves us completely and I love to sing loudly this anthem.

Completely by Ledger

I would be surprised if you didn’t feel the love of God with this awesome song. He takes our chaos and creates a symphony. We are His and He loves us. Anticipate growing in the Father and becoming a beautiful harvest for Him. Rest in that, my friends.