Genesis 8:22; Matthew 9:37; Galatians 6:7
Blessed greetings and Happy New Year to the most precious people in the world and the best humanity has to offer: the saints of the most high God! Just as I trust and pray you were blessed during 2014 (I know we at Holiness Tabernacle were) my desire is that you are enjoying your 2015 as well.
Each year I seek the Lord for a subject matter or theme for the members of this local assembly to focus and work towards. Last year our theme was, “Great God, Great People, Great Expectations!” The Lord certainly did not disappoint us at Holiness Tabernacle, as we witnessed Him work mighty feats in our midst. People were healed, blessed financially, saved, filled with the Holy Ghost, restored and more. It was awesome.
Towards the latter days of 2014, I felt the Lord leading me to shut myself away from everything for a couple of days and seek Him earnestly for direction for our church for this upcoming year. I believe I heard a Word from Him.
The Holy Spirit instructed me to encourage the saints of God more than ever before in 2015. Why you might ask? Because more than ever, holiness and godliness are being attacked through every medium and means possible. We have all said it, but I believe many of you see it: these are indeed the last days. The evidence is clear – God and Biblical definitions have been practically obliterated, and religious extremists frighten and terrorize the public in an attempt to wipe out anyone that calls upon the name of the only true and living God!
No doubt, many of you may wonder if living saved and remaining committed to God worth it. You may be battling with depression, discouragement and feeling that you have been abandoned. Today I want to rebuke that thought and declare 2015 as “The Year of Our Harvest!”
As He formed and shaped the earth, God set several laws into motion that remain consistent today. Laws like gravity, reproduction, length of days, seasons – the list goes on. Genesis records a specific law that God called to my attention in His declaration to Noah (Genesis 8:22). God said that as long as there is an earth, we will experience cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, and for our encouragement, seed time and harvest. This is a law God not only established for mankind, but a standard He holds Himself to as well. Note what the Apostle Paul told us and the Church at Galatia (Galatians 6:7), “Be not deceived, God is not mocked; whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.”
How many of you have earnestly served the Lord with everything you have? How many of you have sown into the kingdom of God? How many of you have held your peace when you wanted to strike back? How many of you have endured hard times as a good soldier? How many of you have loved your enemies? How many of you have prayed for those that despitefully used you? How many of you have served the Lord and lived righteously? The Holy Spirit has anointed me to encourage you and remind you that God has declared this year as our harvest. Whatever you have sown, that shall you also reap!
I was reading an article the other day and I happened upon a truth regarding harvest: seed time (planting) and harvest time (gathering/collecting) do not occur in the same season. Many of us have become discouraged because we do not see results immediately. However, because we have sown, the law of God says we shall reap. Undoubtedly many of you have seen people do wrong and seem to get by or even advance ahead of you. Remember the words of the Psalmist, do not worry about wrong doers, they will soon be cut down. Rather continue to do good and the Lord will bring what you want to pass (Psalm 37:1-4).
Jesus told the disciples that the harvest is plenteous, but we just need a few more laborers to bring it in. My friends, be encouraged – God shall not forget your labor of love. God has spoken and I receive His declaration over my life: this is the Year of Our Harvest!
I bless you in the name of the Lord!