Once again I find myself thanking the Lord for another great day of worship with the Everett Springs Church family. Since yesterday was the first Sunday of the month, the men of the Church gathered together at 8:00AM for the Brotherhood Breakfast. We always enjoy a delicious breakfast and a great time of fellowship. I sure do appreciate Hudon Miller and the crew of guys that come out early and prepare a breakfast feast for the men of our church and community.
Since this is Labor Day weekend I thought it would be good to preach on "Responding to the Current Labor Crisis." Now, the crisis I spoke of was one of eternal significance. In Matthew 9:35-38, Jesus speaks of the need for Laborers in the harvest. Every church I know of has a need for faithful "Harvest Laborers" and our hearts were challenged yesterday by the message of Matt. 9:35-38.
Here's a quick overview of the message:
1. Christ's MINISTRY as an example for our Labor
a. The PLACE of His Labor
I am so glad that Jesus ministered in the cities and villages.
He would be serving in Rome and Armuchee.
His travels would take Him to Summerville and Plainville; if He were here today.
b. The PRACTICE of His Labor
He labored through the Words He spoke: Teaching and Preaching
He labored through the Works He accomplished (Healing every kind of disease).
He was concerned about the physical needs of those He came in contact with.
2. Christ's MOTIVATION in Labor
a. His COMPASSION
He was moved with compassion as He looked at the people around Him.
I pray that we will see what He saw and feel what He felt and that we would have compassion for others in our community.
b. The CONDITION of the people
The were harassed and helpless (Distressed and Dispirited)
May we always remember we live in a community filled with people who are hurting.
3. Christ's METHOD for getting more Laborers
a. He was INVOLVED (He set the Pattern for us)
b. He was INSIGHTFUL (He Pointed out the need for more laborers)
c. He was INSTRUCTIVE (He told us to Pray for the Lord to send forth laborers)
While we can and should pray for the Lord to send forth laborers into His harvest I also want us to consider praying a "dangerous" prayer. Wonder what would happen if we prayed: "Lord, do things we are not used to" and really, truly, with all our heart meant it? What would the Lord do in us and through us if we asked Him to do things we are not used to?
It has been said that "everyone wants progress, but no one wants change." I want progress and I am willing to change - what about you?
Here are some questions for you to think about:
1. Will we be like Jesus and seek to reach people in the cities and communities around us?
2. Will we ask God to give us a heart of compassion and an ability to see and sense the true need of those we encounter on a regular basis?
3. Will we commit to pray that the Lord will send out the laborers needed for the harvest and that He really would "Do things we are not used to"?
Click HERE for a link to the Crabb Family singing about the Harvest. I trust you will enjoy the song.
Praying for the Lord to do things we're not used to,
Pastor Mike
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