Throughout the Bible we are encouraged and commanded to pray and to seek God’s face for our every need and for every trial that God allows into our lives. So as we start the New Year, allow me to encourage us to pray not only for ourselves and our ministries, but to make an exerted effort to pray for our missionaries.
This, however, is not a day of prayer. Few men there are who pray. Prayer is defamed by preacher and priest. In these days of hurry and bustle, of electricity and steam, men will not take time to pray.
Missions is the heart cry of God and needs to be the heart cry of His church. The Bible tells us in Matthew 9:36 (talking about Jesus), “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them.” Would to God we would allow Him to impart His compassion into our hearts.
It is easy for us to glorify God when we receive the blessings of God according to our desires. It is easy to glorify God when life is without problems or difficulties. Sadly, many Christians have never learned to glorify “the God of Israel” in the midst of trials and difficulties.
If God’s power is so very great, why do so many Christians try to do God’s work in their own power? It is by the power of God upon God’s people that the Gospel will be spread and bear fruit that remains. Christ is not dependent on man’s power or ability, but because of God’s love for mankind, He desires to use man for His work.
I am amazed at all that God has done amidst the shutdowns and restrictions, not only in our area but around the world. One of the easiest times to forget God and become weak is when we enjoy the blessings of God more than we enjoy the One Who gives them to us.
It is often easy to focus on the negative side of all that transpired in 2020 because of COVID-19. We could talk about all the negatives that surround us in this present evil world, but it would not profit us spiritually and it does not advance the church. The temptation to jump on the bandwagon of complaining is ever before us.
When we study the life of Christ, we soon learn of the compassion He had toward people. It did not matter what kind of people they were, their background or where they came from, He had compassion for them.
"In view of the lockdown due to the Coronavirus crisis, we can look at our current situation as a locked door, or an open door to be creative in reaching people with the Gospel and to minister in ways we might not have considered before." Read more about this in General Director Jake Friesen's article, "A Great Door."
A tree that is planted by the rivers of water is a healthy, fruit-bearing tree. The Christian that is constantly abiding in God’s Word is a healthy fruit-bearing Christian.
In I Timothy 6:12, Paul encourages Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith.” We understand that we are in a fight—this is a reality of the Christian life. Whether we like it or not, we are called to be good soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
God only can thrust out, or “send forth labourers.” Let us plead with the Lord of the harvest to care for His own harvest, and send out His own men. May many a true heart be moved by the question, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” to answer, “Here am I! Send me.”
Serving God is not a matter of a person feeling worthy. Second Corinthians 3:5, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God”.
I have long since learned that if ever I was to be a minister––faith and prayer must make me one. When I can find my heart in frame and liberty for prayer, everything else is comparatively easy. ––Richard Newton
"When it comes to church planting, it is important to start right." This is a quote from the article, "Jesus Builds His Church, Not You or Me!" You will find it to be both challenging and informative as you seek to enhance your ministry.
“The preacher is commissioned to pray as well as to preach. His mission is incomplete if he does not do both well.”––E.M. Bounds The article entitled "Preacher and Prayer" will help motivate you as a preacher, in your prayer life.
Church planting is not for the faint heart. If there ever was a test of faith, it would be that of planting a church.
This issue of the Harvester was dedicated to the life and ministry of Brother Brian Booth, the first General Director of CanAmera Baptist Missions International.
"Crucified preaching can come only from a crucified man."––E.M. Bounds The article entitled "Preacher and Prayer" will help motivate you as a preacher, in your prayer life.
Prayer is critical to the carrying out of God's wishes. Dr. Sullivant's article, "The Importance of Prayer In Our Ministries" will help you refocus on this important ministry.
Are you discouraged? Do you need a word of encouragement? Read the article by Dr. Sullivant and you will be blessed.
Do not resign your life to that of mediocre service, but rather be motivated that "There Is Joy in Following Jesus."
Have you wondered, why the need for a local church missionary support ministry? You will find Dr. Sullivant's answer to that question along with some other frequently asked questions.
