Day 267 Batons & Journeys

 

9/24/2025

"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore
pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers
into his harvest." 

 Matthew 9:37-38

 

As I'm gathering my thoughts, I'm listening to a song called "Song of Solomon," being sung by David Brymer from Jesus Image. The chorus he sings over and over tenderly crushes my heart, and it breaks as I remember all the people I've known in ministry, those who responded with joy, still growing, others still lost in their torn and tattered worlds, feeling hopeless, lost, and so very alone. 

"Over the mountains,

over the seas,

here You come running

my Lover to me."

After about seven minutes of singing this chorus over and over, people of all ages are quiet with hands lifted and tears flowing, praying, crying, on their knees in deep worship, as the Presence of the Living God fills the house. There is no distance in prayer, and the worship reaches into my home, past my closed bedroom door, and into my heart. My tears always flow easily when He's near. The peace only God gives through the power of His Holy Spirit transcends any conceivable experience one may feel, His Shalom Peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  

"Oh, through the valleys, 

through the dark night, 

Jesus, You are with me, 

forever till it's light," 

It's a holy moment. There is nothing more to be said really. He is all that matters, and yet He presses me on. 

This is the second day of Rosh Hashanah, with more sounding of the shofars. It begins the third day of the 10 Days of Awe, as prayer and self-examination continues, Israel prays for the Messiah to come, not accepting that He already has come, died, was buried, was raised from the dead, and now sits next to God the Father, waiting for His return for the church, His Bride.  

In our prayers for the 110 cities as part of the International Prayer Connect, our focus for today is Ripe for Harvest, with the supporting scripture found in Matthew 9:37-38 as posted above:

  "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 

therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send

out laborers into His harvest." 

We began Day One with a call to Humble Ourselves (James 4:10), followed by Day Two to Press to Full Maturity (Hebrews 6:1-2). We are exhorted and encouraged to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, maturing in the faith, prepared to go into the field of harvest, because that is what He has called us to do. We repent for growing weary, lessening the pace. We cry out for leaders who will train the next generation, equipping them to courageously and boldly follow the call. Commitment with surrender is costly. And for today we need to as forgiveness for not opening our eyes to see the opportunities that are right in front of us. In all the quarrels and fighting, chaos in every arena, the lost - yes, but not all! Many are returning to churches, giving leaders another chance, but many more coming for the first time! 

As I continue my prayers, music still playing, songs of surrender, words like "nothing else matters;" "Jesus, You can have it all"...these words always stir my memory of days long ago, when I was much younger, wondering if there's still a place where an old lady can help, or is God telling me to let someone do it, pass the baton that remains hidden inside of me. I had always hoped that my children would desire to run the gauntlet. In the beginning, when they were much younger, they were always part of everything, but things happen in life, the sifting, the pressing, the pruning, and the press of the stone over the olives to release the precious oil of anointing. I hear the words, "You make all things news, Jesus, we can trust and we can surrender. You make all things news. Insatiable. You will never stop until You have it all. So You can have it all." Words from the song, Insatiable sung by Kim Walker Smith. It's almost like my playlist today is by His design. It usually is, because I have no rhyme or reason, it's always Him moving me along, past my distractions or blocks in the road. This time is His, and yes, insatiable!

So, for now I'm off on yet another adventure of the soul. Wednesdays evenings are times of rest and refreshment, as I listen to Terry MacAlmon's Hour with Jesus! I'm sure I've mentioned him before, of his earlier beginnings, and how I have a connection. Another person I've never met in person, or at least I don't think so. Believe it or not, when I was much younger, attending the Southside Church of the Nazarene, met a few Generals in the Faith, to include artists. Those were great days when I actually sang in a choir and in a small group. Later, as God shuffled me along, I sang solos in another church. I know it's hard to believe, especially if you sit beside me in church today, but once...!

So the time to go is now. Until the next edition. Shalom,dear soldiers of the faith. Don't be afraid to pass the baton.