September 2021

Happy Labor Day! There is one thing I know from receiving hundreds of letters; people are hurt, frustrated and insecure in need of Jesus, Who said:

“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” 1

A Welcome Response…

Dave from Florida wrote: “It’s been several years since I’ve written and honestly I don’t know why.”

“When I first started writing I had a curious thing going on. I wanted to know what separated you and I, or what separated our paths, specifically. You were gracious enough to open up to me, so thank you for that. You were trying to tell me something else – God’s Word. At the time, I wouldn’t hear much of that, and not because I didn’t believe, I was just in a very different season.

“Well, fast forward and a few more years and a few more bad decisions, I am now an active member of a church. I am also a co-leader on a serve team, and working on a rather lengthy testimony which you will be a part of.

“Looking back at my life, God had tapped me on the shoulder more times than I care to count. Some of those “taps” were pretty damned hard taps, too But of course I either didn’t see them, or dismissed them. Obviously, one of those times was our conversation. So, while I still remain very curious about you, and try to keep up with what’s going on in your life, I thought I’d take the time to share that story. I hope you are well. In Christ, Dave, FL.”

An Abounding Work…

Dave’s letter testifies that every word we speak and every word we sow is of utmost importance when it comes to serving the Lord. Though I don’t recall the Word spoken to Dave, God quickened it in his heart at a specific time!

“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”2

Today, Dave is a laborer, sowing seeds in the field. The field is the world, and I’m led to give those like Dave a voice to bring forth a harvest “…knowing that our labor is not in vain in the Lord.” Since the laborers are few, God desires to use you too, but first, you must receive His seed in your heart – God’s Word! Is the Lord tapping on your shoulder?

My Defining Moments…

The Lord tapping on Dave’s shoulder reminded me of the many times He has “tapped” on mine, shared in the brochure “Defining Moments Identified in Life.” Because mine were many (beer, women, music, etc.), you’ll have to read it to help you identify with your own taps. Eventually, an inmate named Mel tapped on my shoulder and walked me to the altar where I received Christ. I wrote, “It was a defining moment when I returned to my room that night and looked in the mirror to see my face glowing. I was ten times higher than I had been on drugs. The seed sown in my broken heart had taken root. My past no longer defined who I am because of Christ.”

If you search your own heart, you’ll find many defining moments, times when you made decisions that have defined your life. It doesn’t have to remain that way, since the Lord’s tap brings you to repentance; a change of mind, even a change of direction. Repentance means to turn from sin to God. Bringing a change of heart, even your desire for fleshly and worldly things. Instead, a desire is birthed to serve God in the field like Dave and myself, bringing forth a harvest of souls.

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.” 3

The Christian Toolbox…

You’ll need the Christian Toolbox as a laborer, but first, you must receive eternal life. Like Dave, you may want to write out your testimony, making it easier to share your changed life with others. That is, write about your life without Christ, how you received Him, and what He is doing with you today. The toolbox will help you stay focused on Jesus, as you meditate the Scriptures and build your moment by moment relationship with Him. “But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.” 4

I read through The Christian Toolbox at least weekly, sometimes daily during stressful times to bring edification. I recall one writer defining “edification” as “the glow of the soul.” I never fail to experience God’s glory on my face after reading the “toolbox,” plus I read it out loud when alone. You’ll want to study the Scriptures too, looking up each one in your Bible. Remember, Jesus said, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given – and you will receive even more.” 5 Won’t you make Jesus the Lord of your life today?

“Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.” 6

A Prayer for You…

Father, today I choose to believe truth. You sent Jesus into the world. He became my sin, He took my punishment, He went to hell in my place. He came out of the grave and conquered my sin. In Him, I have the gift of righteousness. I thank You that I am righteous apart from my performance. Today I acknowledge that You have never hurt me. You are not judging me. You are not the source of pain in my life. My own sin and unbelief have brought me pain. I will never again believe that You are hurting me. I will abide in Your peace because I am righteous in Jesus! You love me, You accept me, You are with me. You have made be accepted in the Beloved! In Jesus Name, Amen!

Scripture References (NLT):

1) Lk. 10:2, NKJV
2) 1 Cor. 15:58, NKJV
3) Rom. 5:8,9
4) Jude 20,21
5) Mark 4:24
6) Psa. 34:3