Assemblies of God USA SearchSite GuideStoreContact Us

Printed from www.LeadersUnlimited.ag.org

Visit www.LeadersUnlimited.ag.org for more great leadership tips, articles and resources for leaders of Christian women.

Home About Us Leader's Handbag Ideas Small Groups Prayer Ministries Store

Women's Ministries Unlimited! for women involved in Women's Ministries WTOnline: Webzine for Christian women

Reader Poll

What resources do you need most as you lead Women’s Ministries Unlimited! in your church?

Leadership training

Bible studies

Ideas for meetings

Outreach ideas

Ideas for ministering to a diversity of women

View Results
 
Holidays

Harvestime

Purpose

To encourage women to allow the Vinedresser/Harvester to prepare, plant, and reap through each of them.

Scripture

John 4:34-38

Devotion

I. Introduction

Look on the fields and observe! The fields are the hearts of men, women, and children. Each one has a name, face, and personality. We relate to people—not just souls. The fields are white and ready for harvest.

II. Outline

A. Prepare to Sow

  1. Prepare Our Hearts. The farmer prepares himself before preparing the fields. He must be properly clothed. Our hearts need the proper clothing of God's righteousness. We, the Church, need spiritual renewal!

    Renewal is not optional for any healthy individual, church, or institution. "We must contend for the spiritual renewal of our minds before we can be equipped for the harvest of lost people who have been dumped upon until they can't recognize black from white or right from wrong"—Eric Stenhouse

  2. Prepare the Fields. "They who sow in tears shall reap in joy and singing. He who goes forth bearing seed and weeps [at needing his precious supply of grain for sowing], shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" (Psalm 126:5, 6, Amplified).

    God gives specific instructions for planting seeds (how, where, and when) and for reaping. "This also comes from the Lord of hosts, Who is wonderful in counsel, [and] excellent in wisdom and effectual working" (Isaiah 28:29, Amplified).

    If God is interested in fields of soil, how much more is He interested in the fields of men's hearts!

    Listen! Obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit, whether it is just smiling at someone in the supermarket, stopping to chat even on a busy day, or baking a cake for a neighbor. In developing a daily relationship with Jesus, we will be brought into lives of people who need Christ, and He will show us exactly how and when to befriend them. We will know when He is helping us gain access to a "needy field."

B. Prepare to Reap

  1. He is not willing that anyone perish. (See 2 Peter 3:9.)

  2. As a young couple, Dr. and Mrs. Joe Alldrich ministered in India and were instrumental in winning many Muslim students to Christ. They invited 30 to 50 students every week into their home for dinner. People asked: "Oh, you talk to them of Christ while eating?" Their reply: "No, it's impossible to speak openly of Jesus Christ. We just love them until they ask us why." Friendship evangelism works. It is long?range, and may take months or years. Don't give up praying or befriending. We are laborers together with God!

III. Conclusion

Allow the Lord to prepare your heart for sowing in His harvest field. Then be prepared to reap the harvest of souls He has given to you.

Closing

God will show us what to sow, where to sow, when to sow, and when to reap. Close with a prayer of commitment.