Devotion for Tuesday, August 29, 2023

“Then another angel, the one who has power over fire, came out from the altar; and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, because her grapes are ripe” (Revelation 14:18).

Jesus said, “The harvest is ripe.”  He who knows all things looked over the ages and saw that those who saw His light and were hungering and thirsting for God’s reign.  The world has always been ripe for the harvest.  There are those who are ready only for judgement and then there are those who long to meet the Lord even if they do not understand their longing.  Are you longing to be with the Lord?

Lord, the enjoyment I get in this time and place is directly related to the beauty You have poured into creation.  My desire to be done with it is directly proportional to the wickedness that rules in this age.  But I am where I am.  Guide me. Lord. so that I move away from thinking only of myself and think instead in terms of what You are accomplishing for all who believe through the salvation You give to them.

Lord Jesus, You know what is needed and I thank You for planting the seed, germinating it, growing it, and making it bear fruit in me.  May I become larger in Your work, letting Your light shine through me so that others may find the fulfillment of the hunger in their hearts through You.  Thank You for making me a small part of what You are doing in this age.  Guide me always by the Father’s will to do what is right.  Amen.