It is a good time of the year, in the portion of the earth, in which I live; for summer has just begun, and the harvest of fruit and grain is beginning. I love looking at the growing green fruit, through to the enlargement and change of colour that indicates maturity is almost here. The taste buds are in full appreciation and anticipation. Last week it was the picking of dark sweet cherries and now the aroma and golden colour of apricots. I consider myself very blessed, to be able to grow and harvest, the bounties from God’s creative hand. Friends are willing to help with care and picking of the harvest, as I soon take some time off from such things. I am glad I have some produce to share, and friends that really are caring and kind people. As with the fruit harvest, these kind friends are also Your, loving gift to me dear Jesus and I am grateful. Nothing would be worse, than wasting such tantalizing and beautiful ‘toothsome’ delights; after being gifted them!
The Bible talks of a salvation harvest of people, to be garnered into the keeping of God, at the second coming of Jesus. In a dream Jesus revealed Himself to John, and spoke a number of things pertaining to living a life of purity, and service as He did, in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit, so the scriptures could be applied in each life as a result of reading God’s word, in an earnest prayerful manner, He also gave detailed warnings about end time events, and the need for us to put all else aside, and prepare for His second coming, so as to not miss out, on His promised reward. The preparations needed were not casual or light hearted, but whole hearted and all-encompassing in each mind and practice. Revelation 3: 19-21 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me. To Him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He, who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
These revelations, from Jesus to John, follow on from His teaching when living on earth. In answer to the disciple Thomas, on where Jesus was going, and could they know the way there, John 14: 6 “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Jesus promised the Holy Spirit or “Helper” would come to bring people to Himself. The Holy Spirit came with power, and has never been withdrawn from this world. John 16: 8 “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”
The Son of God, Jesus was given a hard and tortuous time for most of His ministry on earth, and does not promise any of His true followers will have untroubled easy times; for they also will be targeted by Satan and his agents. I am so very glad, that no true prayer for support and the presence of God, goes unanswered. 2 Timothy 4: 17 “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear…….” Verse 18 “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”
I praise and thank You Jesus, for the love and mercy, You have extended to me, on many occasions. Though I do not teach or preach, You can preach a sermon, through how I reflect and allow You to use me, to Your glory not my own. Please take this flawed and sinful child, and use me in a way I could not plan or be able to implement.
Amen