Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV)
Many sit back and criticize instead of rolling up their sleeve and get to work. Most people like a finished project, but you cannot find them when it is time to complete the project or even start the project, it is so easy to sit back and complain then be a part of the change so God can get the glory. I can remember when I first bought my house, the bones were good, they do not make houses like this anymore. One because you cannot find the materials that they used many years ago, I remember bringing a friend to the house, and she could not see the vision; she asked was I sure, I just laughed and said yes. Eventually, time passed, and she came back and was amazed at the finished project or almost finish project.
I am finding the same situation when it comes to churches that need renovation. People take up their beds and go where the edifice is beautiful, the choir has professional voices, and everything “seems” so on point, but they did absolutely nothing to get it that way, presently just enjoying the results of the laborer’s that came before them. People can do what they want there’s such freedom in making your choices and decisions, but I do not have to agree when I know you did absolutely nothing to assist in the project. I believe there is a blessing in going where it is not easy and comfortable and your time and talent speaks volume instead of sitting back and criticizing anyone can do that but it takes time, talent and tithes to have the church in your community that you wish to belong too. I pray that wherever you choose to fellowship that you remember the harvest is plentiful and the workers are few. Whether it’s a big church or a small church “when you stand before your God I hope you hear him say well done, may the work you’ve done speak for you.” All churches can use more hands-on deck.” Lyrics ~Mahalia Jackson
So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12 NIV).
Several years ago, I was angry with an employee, and my tone and treatment of her were not characteristic of real leadership. Not too long after, I was working as a night manager in a Nursing home facility, and one of the Directors exhibited the same behavior towards me. Wow, I thought to myself, did I conduct myself like that with my employee. The next day, I went up to her and had the opportunity to apologize and express that I know how that feels to be on the end of someone’s unkind words and poor leadership. Sometimes you get back in life what you dish out; therefore, we should treat others the way we want to be treated; this is a biblical golden rule and a life lesson.
Sometimes when I hear leader’s, friends, associates express how they feel when they are on the receiving end of mistreatment, I want to say you cannot be for real, you must be kidding me. You act the same way you have treated people the same way, and now that you are receiving a taste of your own medicine you do not like it; maybe you forgot how ugly your behavior could get. There are people who we encounter on this journey called life, who give us a mirror into our bad behavior; unless your blind and refuse to take notice. It is an opportunity to pray and ask God that if I act like that Lord, please forgive me and help me treat people kindly. It does not matter your position; your rank, life has a funny way of making you feel the way you have done others, no one is exempt from this life lesson.
The scripture uses the word everything, not some things, in everything do to others what you would have them do to you. This life lesson is right in every area of our life with family friends, marriage, school, work, and church. Unfortunately, some people will never apply this golden rule because they do not care and they believe they are exempt. Let’s continue to pray one for another that we are not just hearers of the Word but doers as well. God Bless.
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1st Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV).
Outside of the Love of God, for many, but not all is the love from parents. This love is so vital to our growth and development because when one experiences good parenting, it helps in so many areas of one’s life. There is a level of confidence that you have that no matter what comes your way, you do not have to seek love in all the wrong places. You also have an excellent example of what true love looks like versus what it is not, especially when it comes to relationships and choosing a mate. One thing I was always grateful for was the ability to communicate when charting unfamiliar territory because not everyone is raised the same or has the same morals, values, structure and discipline. When you have not had the opportunity to experience genuine love from someone we call family. God specializes in love and calls it the greatest gift. There is no greater love than the love of God. The only way to experience this love is to develop a relationship with the Lord. One of my favorite gospel songs is he’s sweet I know Dark clouds may rise, and strong winds may blow But, I can tell the world wherever I may go That I have found a Savior and He’s sweet I know. Many of us who love the Lord know just what we are singing about because we have experienced this love. Some people will never comprehend this love because they do not have that level of faith. Love must be tangible for some people, that’s unfortunate because Gods love never fails, but man’s love does. God’s love is infinite, man or woman’s love has limitations, a man or woman’s love might even depend on the day of the week or come with guidelines or a price. People get tired of you, God’s love never tires, Gods love is always available does not matter if we lose or gain weight, hair falls out if we do not always do or say everything right. God’s love is forgiving and long-suffering, Gods love is not manipulative, we have the greatest examples of love because we were yet sinners Christ died for us so we would not die in our sins. God still loves us even if we do not deserve his love; so, this Valentine, if no one expresses love to you, God expressed his love to us in the bible, and Gods love is eternal with no expiration date. God Bless.
I will lift my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121 NKJV)
I have been told on numerous occasions, that I am “cut from a different cloth.” This idiom/figurative meaning suggest that there is something about me that might give me an edge, that’s special; whatever it might be, I give all glory to God, and it is available I call it faith. For your faith to work, one must put it into action. I am not able to scale buildings; I do not have wonder woman bracelets. I stand on the promises of God and know, with God before me; no man can be against me. Listen, whenever you make moves the enemy is busy, sometimes you might get gut-punched, bruised and injured and it is not pretty. Sometimes the enemy is mad that you showed up, but whatever cloth I am “cut from,” the only source that has kept me through it all was Christ. Continue to look to God and know that you have the victory. The Lord will fight your battles, and as Psalm 34 states, the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
It is always easy to look at someone and say they are distinctive, and any other adjective to ascribe to a person. So, when you do not pursue you’re dreams your excuse can be that you did not have that special ingredient, hard work and perseverance will not kill anyone, what does not destroy you, will make you stronger. Whatever choices or decisions you make or do not make, be prepared to live with them. Keep your eyes lifted to the hills and have the faith to know your help will come from the Lord, and you will have access to that “special cloth.” God Bless.
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