Harvest ready or not?

Autumn marks the transition from summer to winter and is one of the four temperate seasons. Many can relate to this season as it is so invigorating, yet can be so unpredictable. Autumn is one of the most important seasons of all in many cultures. While it’s called a temperate season, one that is moderate in temperature it was originally named the season of harvest, now the alternative word is fall or autumn.

While this new season has already begun many women are preparing their homes for the winter months, storing fruits, vegetables and grains for their household.  It’s a time of preparation for the cold months ahead and the new seasons many of us may be facing. This morning is a time for inventory with all the things I must do in order to prepare, one thing I am must remember and that is to prepare for the Lord's harvest.

John 4: 34-38 Jesus said to them "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, 'One sows and another reaps.' I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor."

Whether you are gleaning from the garden that’s left from the summer months, or purchasing produce to put up for the winter. Or maybe you are making a list of items that are needed to purchase should there be extreme weather. One thing to remember and that is spending time in prayer, and taking into account the joy of your personal harvest. Welcome the coolness of this season with a heart yearning to share the good news of Christ to all people. My husband is facing a new season in his life, and always mentions being salt and light to those he comes in contact with, that in itself is harvest preparation. As a man of God, his character has always been one of integrity, and I know the Lord will continue to shine in and through him. May we all take into account the harvest set before us and be bold about our witness for the Lord. I personally need to improve and expand my field.  Lord, help me to set time aside daily to pray for those who need to know You and those who are ripe for the harvest.        

Matthew 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers’ into his harvest.