ARE YOU HUNGRY?

"For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." - Psalm 107:9

We are living in a spiritually starved world.  Each day, we meet many hungry souls.  Each soul has a hunger that only God can satisfy.  Unfortunately, most of our society tries to satisfy this hunger in unhealthy ways.  The inner hunger cannot be completely satisfied with education, career advancement or money.  Neither can this hunger be satisfied through sensual pleasure, entertainment or leisurely pursuits.  Only in Christ can we find the bread of life that truly satisfies our soul's deepest hunger.

The Psalmist wrote that God, "... satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness."  Only the Lord can do this.  Too many expect the church to fill their soul.  Others think that religious activity will satisfy their longing.  Yet these things are ploys by the enemy to divert us from the satisfying pleasure of fellowship with God.

As we close out 2017 and begin a new year, it is an excellent time to do an honest evaluation of your spiritual situation.  Have you been pursuing the wrong things in 2017? 

It should be the resolve of every Christian to make communion with God his #1 priority.  Fellowship with God is food for the soul.  As we spend quality time with God, we feast at His table.  His Word becomes alive as we read it.  Prayer becomes a vital, enjoyable activity.  Church becomes more meaningful and pleasurable.  Sharing Jesus with others becomes more natural.  Loving others, even the worst of people, becomes a reality.

Sometimes we tend to pursue the outcome of fellowship rather than fellowship itself.  Jesus is not a means to an end.  His is the end.  He is all in all.  Only when we find our satisfaction in Him can we truly experience abundant life.

Do you have daily time with God?  Is it the top priority of your day?  Does your daily schedule reflect this?  If not, today is a good time to start.

Start with an open Bible, an open mind and an open heart.  Start your day on your knees, seeking God.  Start your day with Him.  Enjoy communion with Him.

When writing to the Colossians, Paul said, "Christ ... is our life" (see Colossians 3:4).  Christ should be more than part of your life.  In fact, He should be more than the biggest part of your life.  He should be your life.

He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness.  Rather than eating the unhealthy fast food of the world, it is time to bring your spiritual appetite to the Master's table & feast on the good things of God. 

Feast on the bread of life.  He satisfies the hungry soul.

JESUS:  GOD'S GIFT TO US

"... thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21

When I was younger, my birthday was a big deal.  I expected to receive a large birthday cake, gifts and a lot of attention.  Birthdays aren't a big deal anymore, although I am grateful to still be having them!

Christmas is the day that has been set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  Quite honestly, we do not know the exact date of His birth.  Furthermore, the Bible does not instruct us to remember or celebrate His birth --- however, we are commanded to remember His death.

On Christmas day, we give and receive gifts.  Don't you think it is strange that everyone receives a gift on Jesus' birthday ... except Jesus?  Most Americans go into deep financial debt to give gifts to friends & family members, but they won't give a thought to the One having the birthday. 

The fact is that when Jesus came to earth, He came because of us.  You see, His arrival was a gift to us.  The great need of humanity could only be met through the intervention of God.  Jesus came to meet that need.

Our great need was to be saved from our sins.  Talk show hosts, news reporters and commentators would be quick to say that the need of humanity is for world peace, feeding the poor, helping the needy, and bringing relief to suffering.  While these issues are certainly important, there is no greater need that the eternal welfare of souls.  Sin has separated us from God.  Sin is comic treason against Him and is worthy of eternal destruction.  Being sinners, we are unable to span the chasm between God & us.  As long as we are guilty of sin, we face the eternal death penalty that sinners deserve.

Thankfully, Jesus came and did for us what we could never do for ourselves.  We were spiritually bankrupt and unable to contribute anything to our salvation.  Christ came to pay, in full, the payment due for our offense.  He came to save His people from their sins.

On the cross, Jesus paid for our sins.  The price has been paid!  Redemption is complete for every believer.  When a person repents & believers, complete forgiveness is experienced through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Jesus came to earth as God's gift to us.  Those who believe in Him are forgiven.  His grace has saved us.  That saving grace is, in itself, a gift of God (see Ephesians 2:8-9).

Christmas is all about God's gift to us.  As recipients of this glorious gift, we should have hearts of gratitude and love.  Instead of succumbing to the world's temptation to extravagantly give gifts to others, perhaps it is time to reevaluate this holiday.  Perhaps our giving needs to be different.  First of all, we should give to the One who is having the birthday.  Honor Him who willingly came, suffered & died so we could be saved.  Secondly, we should share the message of salvation with others.  We should not be content to go to heaven alone.  The message of Christmas is the message of salvation ... and everyone needs to hear it.  Finally, we should give to those in need --- in the Name of the Lord.  This form of generosity should not be reserved just for Christmas ... but all year round.

God gave a gift to you.  This gift was not placed under a tree, but was nailed to one.  His Name is Jesus.  He came to save His people from their sins. 

Thank God for this incredible gift!

TOO LATE

"The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved."

- Jeremiah 8:20

I have been writing about the law of sowing & reaping for several weeks.  As I conclude this little series, I must examine a heartbreaking text.  Jeremiah wrote, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved."

What a tragic reality ... some will not be saved.  Many modernists refute this reality, but both the Old & New Testaments declare this truth.  How sad it is to know that the harvest is coming soon and many aren't saved.

In this text, the people are likened unto unharvested wheat.  The harvest is over, but wheat still remains.  The unharvested wheat will perish. 

It is horrifying to know that there will come a time when people will become aware that their opportunity to be saved is forever gone.  It is terrifying to realize that there is no hope ahead.  That is the fate awaiting many.

Here's the thing we need to think about.  Unless a miracle occurs, many people we know will soon wake up in hell.  It will be too late for them to be saved.  Others may be alive when Jesus returns & yet for many, they will be left behind to face the consequences of their sin. 

A person cannot be saved too soon, but there come a time it will be too late to be saved.  The harvest is wrapping up and many are going to be left unsaved.  This includes people we know and love.

These days it is considered politically incorrect to speak the truth with boldness.  While we should never be hostile, arrogant or belligerent, we have a vital message to convey & people need to hear it.  We need to risk our reputations and relationships in order to reach those are near to hell.

Quite honestly, I feel like the American Church has missed the mark.  We try to be relevant and likeable, thinking that somehow we can impress people into heaven.  People don't go to heaven by being impressed, they go to heaven by hearing the plain, but bold truth of the Gospel, repenting of their sins and trusting Christ alone for salvation. 

Time is running out.  Many are headed down the broad, beaten road of sin --- headed for an eternal destination they think little about. 

Put yourself in their shoes for a moment.  Think what it would be like to awaken to the fact that the harvest is past & you are not saved.  Scary, isn't it?  That is what your lost friends and family members are facing. 

It is time for us to be about our Father's business.  Instead of worrying about what they think or say now, consider what they are facing later. 

Perhaps someone reading this message is not ready for eternity.  I am convinced that time is running out.  You don't have time to wait & consider this matter.  This time tomorrow, it may be too late for you.  Turn from your sin and trust Jesus to save you right now.  Humbly surrender your life to Him & ask Him to save & forgive you right now. 

The harvest is nearly over and many aren't saved.  Don't be left behind ... forever.

PRAYING FOR LABORERS

"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." - Matthew 9:37-38

Here in the mountains of Southern West Virginia, we've been experiencing an economic depression.  Times have been tough.  In the past several years, many families moved away from this region because of a lack of jobs. 

While there may be a shortage of jobs here in my area, there is plenty of work to do in God's Kingdom.  In fact, there is a need for more workers! 

When Jesus saw the multitudes that followed Him, He was moved with compassion.  Seeing the great spiritual need, Jesus said told His disciples, "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."   

For several weeks, I've been writing about the law of sowing and reaping.  When Jesus said, "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest," he was stating that there is a great need for more people to get involved in the business of sowing the Gospel seed.      

The real issue in Jesus' day was a spiritual hunger among the people.  That same need exists in our day.  The need of our day is desperate. 

Notice Jesus said, "The harvest truly is plenteous."  There was no shortage of people with spiritual need.  In our day, we don't have to go to Hollywood or Washington DC to find spiritual need.  Our neighborhoods are infected with drugs, violence and domestic disputes.  More young people are on crack than in Christ.  Even worse is the eternal fate awaiting these precious souls.  The harvest is truly plenteous.

Secondly, Jesus said, "... the labourers are few."  Few people are sharing the Gospel with those who are lost.  It is tragic that the American Church is more interested in being "relevant" or "entertaining," than reaching souls for Christ. 

Next, Jesus instructed His disciples, "Pray ye..."  Since the need is so great, Jesus challenged His followers to pray about the situation.  Prayer is another vital work that believers are weak in. 

Notice what Jesus asked His disciples to pray about, "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."  A. W. Pink once wrote, "It's true that (many) are praying for a worldwide revival. But it would be more timely, and more scriptural, for prayer to be made to the Lord of the harvest, that He would raise up and thrust forth laborers who would fearlessly and faithfully preach those truths which are calculated to bring about a revival." 

We need to pray for God to send more laborers into the harvest.  Many people overseas have never heard the Gospel and we should pray for God to raise up missionaries to go to these unreached groups. There are many in our own country that needs to hear the Gospel.  Pray that God would send great soul winners throughout our land.  There are those in our communities, work places and families who need Jesus.  Pray for the Gospel to change the lives of those dearest to us.

While you're praying for God to send more laborers into the harvest, look in the mirror and ask yourself if you could be the answer to your prayer.  You have the Gospel seed.  Don't die with it still in your hand.  

THE LORD OF THE HARVEST

"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." - 1 Corinthians 3:6

We are approaching wintertime here in the West Virginia mountains.  Garden season has been over for some time.  In this area, we typically plant in the spring and reap during the summer. 

When it comes to sowing God's Word, there is never a bad season.  In fact, Paul instructed Timothy to be "instant in season and out of season."  In other words, evangelism is always in season. 

Most people think that spring and fall are the best times to have revival at a church.  Historically speaking, genuine revival may break out at any time.  The Asbury revival, for instance, occurred in Wilmore, Ky. in early February.  At my own church, I can recall when the Lord moved in special ways during the winter.  We are constantly reminded to continue sowing the Gospel seed regardless of the weather.

The Apostle Paul gives us insight concerning the evangelistic process.  When he wrote to the Corinthian believers, he said, "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase."  Please note a couple of things we learn from this text.

1.  THE LABORERS OF THE HARVEST

First of all, we learn about the laborers of the harvest.  Paul wrote, "I have planted, Apollos watered."  Paul and Apollos both labored among the Corinthians, but the Lord used them in different ways.  There is a need to plant a seed.  There is also a need to water the seed. 

There is a job for each of us to do.  You may never preach at a stadium outreach event, but you may be able to reach your neighbor.  You may never travel America & conduct evangelistic campaigns, but you can walk over to your co-worker's desk and speak to him or her.  You may never pastor a church, but you can lead your family.

There is a tendency for Christians to get jealous or envious of others who are actively sharing the Gospel.  There's no need to get jealous when others are busy serving the Lord.  However, there is a need to repent if you aren't actively laboring in the harvest field yourself.

Let's get busy in the harvest field.  There's much that needs to be done & there's little time left.  Regardless of the role that you are involved in, be obedient and faithful to the Lord.  The Lord can use you right now.  If he can use a donkey to speak the truth, he can use you!

2.  THE LORD OF THE HARVEST 

Finally, we learn about the Lord of the harvest.  "God gave the increase."  Without God, our sowing will be in vain.  While there is a role for the laborers to fulfill, the Lord is the One who accomplishes the miracle.  He is the One who causes the seed to grow and produce a harvest.

It is easy for a farmer to take credit for a large harvest.  If he were honest, though, he'd have to admit that the Lord is the One who blessed his efforts and caused the seed to produce the harvest.

The same is true with the Gospel.  I may plant a seed in the heart of a person.  That person may move to another town & be influenced by another Christian who waters that seed.  Years after my initial contact with that person, a harvest may come about.  I may never know about it.  Certainly, I should receive no credit for the harvest & neither should the person who watered the seed.  All the glory belongs to the One who led me to sow the seed and stirred the person who watered the seed.  The praise belongs to the One who caused the seed to grow and produce a harvest.

As Christians, we tend to exalt pastors, evangelists and soul-winners that see tremendous response to their evangelistic efforts.  While we should honor & respect such men, we should never lose sight of the fact that God is the One who saves souls.  He is the only One who changes lives. 

All the praise belongs to the Lord of the harvest.

Are you working in the harvest field?  I'm reminded of the old song:

In the harvest field now ripened,

There's a work for all to do;

Hark! The voice of God is calling,

To the harvest calling you.

Get busy in the harvest field.  It may be that the seed you sow today will soon bring a glorious harvest!