Dear friends,
Once again I find that plans can change without warning. Now and then I write one of these from some hospital room, as is the case this week. I got up early Saturday morning feeling a little different, went to the ER in Ord and ended up in Kearney with some heart issues. Diagnosis; a-fib and a small pulmonary embolism (clot). Sunday I had a heart cath that showed my previous bypasses are still open. Sooo—going forward it will be blood thinners and beta blockers. I’m glad I listened to the “small, still voice”.
I had my sermon prepared early, but no one volunteered to deliver it. Not to worry though, it will still apply next week. God’s Word applies to all of life every day all the time. Christians are commanded to take gospel of Jesus Christ into all the world. Jesus told his disciples “the fields are ripe for harvest”.
When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.”(Matthew 9:46-48). They were to pray for workers to harvest souls, but they had a responsibility to work the harvest, as well. We, also are called to pray for gospel witnesses as we work the ripening fields of our day.
Where are these fields in which we are to be working? Someone has said we need to be looking at who is in front of us. These are those whom God has placed in our immediate path. This weekend, I have had several chances to share my witness and testimony with those who haveprovided for my care and treatment. What harvest field has the Lord placed you in? The supermarket? The school or playground? What about the livestock auction or a campground?
In doing this, I have found new Christian friends! The possibilities are endless. Who is in front of you? What is preventing you from joining the harvest? Just some thoughts from my crazy weekend.
Blessings to all,
Pastor Jerry
sandhillspastor 