WHO WILL GO AND WORK IN MY FIELDS?!
Witnessing made simple - JJ Daniel, Washington
There is an old song that comes to mind this morning, as I begin this article. The Song-title is “MY HOUSE IS FULL” – by Lanny Wolfe. (Thank you Mr. Lacy, for finding all the words for me!)
♫♫There
is peace and contentment in my Father's house today,
Lots of food on His table and no one turned away.
There is singing and laughter as the hours pass by,
But a hush calms the singing as the Father sadly cries,
My house is full, but my field is empty,
Who will go and work for Me today.
It seems my children want to stay around my table,
But no one wants to work my fields,
No one wants to work my fields.
Push away from the table.
Look out through the windowpane,
Just beyond the house of plenty
Lies a field of golden grain.
And it's ripe unto harvest,
But the reapers, where are they?
In the house,
Oh, can't the children hear
the Father sadly say,
My house is full, but my field is empty,
Who will go and work for Me today.
It seems my children want to stay around my table,
But no one wants to work my fields,
No one wants to work my fields....
Who will go and work in my fields
What a sad message this song delivers. I hope it brings us each to a moment of reality, and self-searching.
Many of us enjoy the beauty and comfort of our churches each week: we go expecting to hear a good sermon and enjoy a great time in worship… and then we go back to our weekly-routine, and put “God and His Stuff” on hold for another week.
My opinion is that the blessings of God, testimonies of His people, uplifting and life-changing Music, The Anointing of the Holy Spirit and gifts of the Spirit – are all meant for the market place… not just for the church.
Let me ask you…
Where did Jesus preach?
Who did He pray for? And where?
Where did Jesus work miracles?
When we hear the words “BE A WITNESS” many of us panic! We think… “I can’t do that!” … “I wouldn’t know what to say!!” or… “I’d be too afraid” and so on. And… where would you think those thoughts could be coming from? (John 10:10)
BELIEVER’S MOTO:
.
“Take God’s love everywhere you go;
Tell everyone you meet about Jesus
… use words when necessary.”
You don’t need a degree in theology to talk about God… you only have to have experienced His love and forgiveness yourself. It is your-story of who Jesus is to you that will most interest those who know you.
If you have read my “story” on this site, you may remember me telling how painfully-SHY I was, for most of my life. I just don’t think that anyone could ever be any more “afraid” to talk to people about Jesus, than I was. I was actually so afraid to speak to people, about anything, that when the occasion came that I was forced to talk, I would freeze up – and nothing would come out of my mouth. Now… you may not be “bound” by fear, like I was – but fear is fear – and it is never from God! (II Tim 1:7) If there is FEAR in the camp… it comes from only one place, and… you can be FREE from ALL fear!! PTL!!
John 8:36 “Who the Son sets free, is free indeed.”
Jesus said that YOU ARE LIGHT in a dark world! He did not say that you “SOMEDAY you’ll be light… after four years of Bible college” neither did He say: “…only the spiritually mature are light”. He said to His children: “YOU are the light of the world” He also said: “GO!” Matthew 5:14-16 and 10:7-8
QUESTION: If we, those who have met Jesus Christ - and know that He alone is the hope for a lost and dying world, do not carry the message of His love and gift of eternal-life – who then will tell them?
Who shines His LIGHT in YOUR small corner of the world?
I truly believe that we do not have to have “all the answers” or “know all the scripture” to tell others about Jesus. If that were the case, then many would never hear. This is one of the lies that the enemy tries to sell us - to keep us quiet!! If you are asked a question that you don’t have an answer to… simply tell them that you haven’t researched that, but that you will find the answer and get back to them. That kind of honesty will speak will of your integrity and sincerity.
From experience, I can tell you – that if you ask the Father to free you from fear, He will! If you ask Him to enable you to be a powerful-witness of His love, and to enable you to tell others about His Son… He will!
One experience that comes to mind: A 2-day train trip that offered an excellent opportunity to speak up about my Jesus. The dinning car was quite crowed, so I was seated at a table with a brilliant college student. I was instantly intimidated by this young man, who, after I bowed my head in silent prayer, decided to explain to me that the only reason that I was a “Christian” was because I’d been brainwashed as a child. He proceeded to explain that Jesus is only a crutch for the weak. This very strong, almost belligerent young man was about my age, but could have intimidated the very strongest believer! After hearing all of his theories – it was my turn to speak: I didn’t hesitate, didn’t even have to pray about this one: “You are so wrong!” I said with more conviction and boldness than I thought I could ever possess! Thank You Jesus!! I continued to explain to him that: Once you meet Jesus Christ, personally – you never question that He is alive, and working in your life. He is my very best friend, I talk to Him every day; He is my protector and my healer; He has never failed me, never left me alone, and there just is no question that He is God! It was truly amazing to me that the young man simply excused himself from the table and left the dinning room. GOD IS GOOD!! As he left, I told him I’d be praying for him. (That was many years ago, I still pray for him, when the Holy Spirit brings him to mind. I am confident that I will see this man in heaven one day. When people pass through our lives - it is never an accident or mistake).
When the occasion presents itself to speak up about Jesus… all we really have to do is to be available. The Holy Spirit does the rest – that's His job! (Acts 1:8 - Matthew 10:19-20 )
Luke 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.
A LIVING WITNESS:
People watch your life every day, those you work with, go to school with; those you meet at the store, and those you live with… what a perfect opportunity, to exhibit the love, and character of your Father!
> Do you show God’s love to others?
> Do others ask how to find the PEACE that surrounds you?
> Do you readily lend a helping hand?
> Do your words reflect a holy life?
> Do others SEE Jesus in your daily activities?
> Do the words “honesty” and “integrity” belong in your profile?
Opportunity doesn’t always present itself for a conversation about our Savior and His love for mankind; however our LIFE is a constant OPEN BOOK.
As a reflection of our Father, God... how does your life read?
Shalom! SHINE ON!!
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jj daniel
