The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few

"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest" (E.S.V., 2001, Matthew 9:37-38). This existence which we call planet Earth has millions of inhabitants who walk aimlessly throughout their lives, not having a deeper purpose, not knowing why they are here, lost in a wilderness. Our God, the Father needs guides, mentors, and people who can reach out and love upon the lost, bringing encouragement, and wisdom, and pointing them to the "way", to the "truth", and to the "life" (E.S.V., 2001, John 14:6). 

In the "Father's house are many rooms", and Jesus goes ahead to "prepare a place" for you, for me, for many, that we may be in relationship with the creator of the universe once and for all eternity (E.S.V., 2001, John 14:2-3). We, as believers must play our part. "Sweet is the sleep of a laborer" when we know that we are allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us (E.S.V., 2001, Ecclesiastes 5:12). Time is precious:

      Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in            summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?                           A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like                 an  armed man. E.S.V.,  2001, Proverbs 6:6-11)

Dear Lord Jesus, my desire is for wisdom, not sluggishness. I want to be prepared for the gathering, for the harvest. My heart desires that you speak to me, my wife, and my children. That we, as a team, as your chosen instruments, may go forth as labourers and be a blessing to you, be a blessing to others, and be a blessing to each other. In Jesus' name. "The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out" (E.S.V., 2001, Proverbs 20:5). Dear Jesus help me, help my wife, help our children to 'draw out', through your Holy Spirit, your purposes and plans for the people in our lives, for those you lead us to. In Jesus' name. 

     He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of           your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to       God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to         God. (E.S.V., 2001, 2 Corinthians 9:10-12)

Lord Jesus, I pray that you will supply the seed, the word of knowledge, the guidance that is needed that comes from the revelation of your word as a "lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (E.S.V., 2001, Psalm 119:105). Dear Lord Jesus, forgive me and cleanse me of worldly desire. Please accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD, and teach me your rules (ibid.). Dear God, I want to serve you "with fear, and rejoice with trembling" (E.S.V., 2001, Psalm 2:11). I also desire to serve you heavenly Father with "gladness", and enter into your "presence with singing" (E.S.V., 2001, Psalm 100:2). Lord Jesus, may all kings, queens, and leaders of government, corporations, schools, hospitals, and people groups of all nations "fall down" before you with humility, servitude, and obedience (E.S.V., 2001, Psalm 72:11). 

Lord God, heavenly father, please forgive me. I desire to serve you and your wishes. I do not want or need "other gods to serve and worship", or to provoke you to anger (E.S.V., 2001, Jeremiah 25:6). "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money" (E.S.V., 2001, Matthew 6:24). I cannot continue to deny that my creator, my redeemer, has made me and my wife, and our children “‘a light for the Gentiles", that we may bring "salvation to the ends of the earth"(E.S.V., 2001, Acts 13:47). With this thought and realisation comes to a great responsibility knowing that I cannot continue to strive for the things of this world but for the things of heaven. 

"Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain" (E.S.V., 2001, Psalm127:1). Prayer is fuel for serving as a labourer in the kingdom of God; and I cannot 'labour in vain', striving to build relationships with those who know you (Jesus) not, if prayer is non-existent. Dear Lord Jesus, I come to you in prayer when I am "heavy laden", knowing you will give me rest.; and I desire to take up your "yoke", and to learn from you, knowing that you are "gentle and lowly in heart", knowing that I will find rest for my soul, knowing that your "yoke is easy...and burden is light” (E.S.V., 2001, Matthew 11:28-30).