A Vision of God's Harvest Field

Imagine yourself a guest at a lavish banquet in a home beautifully decorated with golden statues, royal red carpet, crystal chandeliers, and priceless art. A vintage mahogany table that spans the dining room is covered with a luxurious ivory cloth. It is set with fine china and embroidered linen napkins. You’re one of ten privileged guests invited to an official private dinner to discuss your ideas on achieving world peace. When you sit down in the Queen Anne–style chair, a white-gloved waiter gently places a white linen napkin in your lap.

Looking just beyond the dining table you notice stunning calla lily arrangements and a stone fireplace. Down the corridor, past chestnut double doors, you spot a passageway to lush, manicured gardens.

When the statuesque host gracefully enters the room, his mellifluous voice instructs you and the other guests to socialize until the main course is brought out in thirty minutes. A string quartet begins to play a classical interlude. You don’t know anyone who’s gathered around the table, but as you listen to the conversations, you learn something about your fellow invitees.

You and two other guests are Christians, two are Muslims, one is Hindu. Of the remaining four guests, one person practices Buddhism, another practices Judaism¹, and one lives in a country within what’s known as the 10/40 window, an area that stretches from “10 degrees latitude north of the equator to 40 degrees latitude north of the equator across Africa and Asia”² that’s not yet been evangelized because of governmental restrictions in the area.

The last person in the room claims allegiance to no religion. But you learn that she’s going through a tough time right now, and you know she could use some of the gospel message you love so well.

You glance at your watch and note that the thirty minutes is almost up. The aromas of Filet Mignon, Watercress and Mushroom Salad, and Pineapple Mousse waft from the kitchen, signaling that the food will shortly be placed on the decorated table, but you’ve not yet spoken to anyone.

Which of these guests would you talk to? Would you pair off with the other Christians? Would you chat with the followers of Islam, Buddhism, or Hinduism? According to Todd Johnson, director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity, the lack of interaction between Christians and other religious groups has caused fear to grow between the groups.³

Can you overcome your fear in order to spread the gospel? Would you be interested in sharing Jesus with the woman who’s never heard of Him? She’s just one of “66,000 people who are dying without any knowledge of Christ every day”² around the world. Would you be willing to share Jesus with the depressed woman going through a hard time?

Which of these guests tugs at your heart? This, my friend, is a picture of God’s harvest, and these are the souls He’s called us to witness to. To witness means to relay testimony of an occurrence or experience. The time for us Christians to share the gospel is winding down. Our time is as a shrinking sunset—short and fleeting. Night is upon us. “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4).

  
NOTES
1. The breakdown of world religions used in this example is based on research conducted by the Pew Research Center. As of 2010, Christians make up 31.4 % of the world’s population, Muslims make up 23.2 %, Hindus make up 15 %, Buddhists make up 7.1 %, Jews make up 0.2 %, and 16.4 % of the world’s population is Unaffiliated. “Size and Projected Growth of Major Religious Groups”, http://www.pewforum.org/2015/04/02/religious-projections-2010-2050/.

2. “10/40 Window: Do you need to be Stirred to Action?”, http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/1040.htm.

3. “Study: 2.6 Billion of World Population Expected to Be Christian by 2020,” The Christian Post, http://www.christianpost.com/news/study-2-6-billion-of-world-population-expected-to-be-christian-by-2020-100402/.

The above excerpt is from "The Supernatural Power of Seeking God: Losing and Finding Your Life in Christ" Copyright @ 2017 by Kaila Frierson - (Chapter One "Love Awakening")

Start reading this bestseller for free: http://a.co/bbEag5c

The Importance of Spiritual Rest

In Psalm 23:2, God invites us to rest beside His still waters. A recent experience taught me just how important it is to rest in God and what it means to do so. What started as a sinus infection in the spring of 2015 eventually ended up in my chest. I’d been coughing off and on for months by the time I went to the doctor, and when I finally did, I was diagnosed with bronchitis.

One day while praying, God led me to fast in preparation for an upcoming sermon I was to give at my church’s youth service. God had long been whispering to me the words of Psalm 46:10, and on the first day of the fast, I heard Him say it again. “Be still, and know that I am God.”

“Okay, God,” I responded as I lay on my prayer mat, “I’ll be still and let You be God.”

I went to bed shortly after my prayer, and the next morning upon waking, God whispered to me so clearly these words: “Cease striving and rest in Me.”

I looked up the phrase “cease striving” on the Internet and found that it is another way of saying “be still.” This is what God had been saying to me all along. He then pointed out several areas in my life that I’d been worried about, such as finances, my job, the praise team at church, and our ministry in general. I hadn’t even realized I’d been worrying about these things. They’d become a part of my everyday existence.

After God revealed these things, in the next moment He said, “Now, I want you to give these to me. Cease striving and rest in Me. Herein lies your healing.”

Immediately, I began to cry and release these things to God in prayer, and miraculously in that instant my cough went away! I’d been taking two prescribed medications to no avail, and during this one moment in prayer, this one act of submission to God, I’d received my total and complete healing! I learned that day that there’s a difference between natural sleep and rest in God.

I’d been sleeping physically as much as possible in an attempt to let my body heal, but I hadn’t been resting, or abiding, in trust in God. As saints and people in general, this practice is common. Many of us fail to rest in God. To rest in God means to put our worries in His capable hands and leave them there. Too often the majority of us lack sleep because we’re too preoccupied with worrying to let our eyes rest. God wants the opposite for His beloved children. He wants us to truly rest in Him and be refreshed in His presence!

"Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 NASB

The above excerpt is from "The Supernatural Power of Seeking God: Losing and Finding Your Life in Christ" Copyright @ 2017 by Kaila Frierson - (Chapter Three "Getting on God’s Kingdom Blessing System")

 Start reading this book for free: http://a.co/08f4HAS

 

3 Ways to Avoid Falling Asleep During Prayer

Picture yourself at the end of a long, hectic day. You get home, eat, watch a little TV, and then get ready for bed. You can't wait to lay before God and talk about your day. There's only one problem, when you open your eyes again, you're still on your knees, hours have gone by, and the last thing you remember saying is "Dear, Lord, thank You for this day!" before you drifted off into dreamland. Of course you tried to fight the sleep demon by stretching and propping your eyes open with your fingers, but it didn't work. Sleep won again!

Let's face it, we've all been there before! I don't know why it is that some of the best sleep is found on our knees. If you've had this problem, you're in good company. In the Garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus went off to pray, He came back to find His disciples sleeping. "Couldn't you watch with me even one hour?" He asked. "Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!" (Matt. 26:40-41)

 

The enemy loves when we fall asleep during prayer because he knows that it gives us spiritual strength, makes us aware of his attacks, heightens our spiritual senses, and keeps us connected to God. I speak about the importance of prayer and the wee hours prayer life in my bestselling book, The Supernatural Power of Seeking God. Here are 3 surefire ways to avoid falling asleep during prayer. Use these during your next prayer time when you feel a case of the Z's coming on. 

1. Try a New Posture

If you always pray kneeling by your bedside, try praying prostrate, standing, or sitting. The photo above shows you the Biblical significance behind each posture. A new prayer posture will help break your body out of its monotony and keep you awake. If you're especially tired one day, try alternating postures every 10 minutes, and you'll see quick results.

2. Change your Scenery

If you pray in your bedroom, you're putting yourself at risk of falling asleep because your body is programmed to sleep in your room. Try breaking up the routine with a change of scenery. Go to a different room in your house. I love sitting by the patio window in my kitchen, looking up at the rolling clouds and praying. If you prefer the outdoors, try praying in your backyard, or garden. A change of scenery will force your body out of its rut and allow you to stay awake.

3. Go for a Walk

I don't know about you, but I'm a nature lover! I prefer to be outside over indoors any day. To me, there's nothing like a good prayer walk. The park by my home has a lovely 1.5 mile trail. Hearing God's voice in the colorful notes of the cardinal and the rustling of the trees is like a little piece of heaven to me. You can't be sleeping if you're walking, so next time you start nodding off during prayer, stand up and get moving. Even pacing around your room will help keep you awake. 

Have you ever fallen asleep during prayer? What are some ways you've found to help you stay awake? Please share with me and the others in the comment section. 

5 Keys to an Amazing Devotional Time

Spending quiet time with God is one of the most important things we can do. It helps us to build a stronger bond with our Savior, and sets the tone for our days. James tells us that when we draw near to God, He'll draw near to us (James 4:8). Here are 5 keys to having an amazing devotional time with the Lord!

1. Find a Quiet Space
   
   The first key to an amazing devotional time is finding the perfect quiet space for you and God! This space needs to be free of distractions so that you can hear God clearly and give Him the honor of your undivided attention. It would be best if you could find a clean space, free of clutter. You want this space to be like an oasis where you and God have sweet communion. You can decorate this space however you want, and it can be inside or outside. Some people prefer a park, or garden where they meet God. Others prefer to be inside the comfort of their homes. Either choice is fine as long as the place is quiet and distraction free.
2. Bring a Journal
   
   
   Enter into your devotional time expecting God to speak to you. As much as you want to meet and talk to God, He wants to talk to you even more. He loves the time you spend with Him, and He longs to share His heart with you. Bring a journal as an act of faith that you know you'll hear from God on this day. I like more of a free-form journal with loose leaf paper where I can write down whatever I hear and feel. Some prefer a more organized journal with titled sections like "What's on my heart?," "Scripture," "Application," etc. Both are great choices and have their benefits. It really comes down to whichever you prefer. 
3. Use a Study Bible

   

   Compass: The Study Bible for Navigating Your Life

   Whether you're studying a particular book of the Bible or a devotional, a good study Bible will give you deeper insight and revelation into the scriptures you're reading. Every time I use my study Bibles, I get new revelations which lead to more talking points with God during my devotional time. My favorite study Bible is the New Spirit-Filled Life Bible by Jack W. Hayford. I love the way it breaks down certain Biblical words in the original Greek and Hebrew languages. If you'd like more recommendations, let me know in the comment section below. 
4. Pick a Time
   
   Pick some times that you'd like to meet with God each day. Having specific times will help you develop a devotional routine. My devotional times are scheduled in the morning, afternoon, and night. You can set up meeting times throughout the day however the Spirit leads you. These times will help strengthen your relationship with God as well as your inner man.
5. Be Consistent
   
   God will honor your routine once you set it up. Your devotional time doesn't have to look the same each time. Sometimes the Father may lead you to worship Him the entire time. Other times, He may ask you to pray, or just sit and listen while He talks to you. The activities you do during your devotional time will vary based on the leading of the Holy Spirit, but your time and meeting place should be consistent.

What are some of your favorite things to do during your devotional time? Also, have you come across any great devotional journals or readings? Please share with us in the comment section below. 

My Favorite Fruit & Vegetable Smoothie

We don't talk enough about health and wellness in the body of Christ! The Apostle John wrote to his dear friend Gaius saying, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth" (3 John 2). He wanted Gaius to have total wellness: soul and body. I believe God wishes the same for us.

In order to fulfill God's call on our lives, we must be able to carry physically what He's given us spiritually. Apostle Paul says, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:19‭-‬20). God wants us to have a focus on our bodies as well as our souls!

I recently started juicing again. There's nothing like a good smoothie! I came up with a lovely recipe to help you get your daily vitamins and nutrients. This smoothie is satisfying, delicious, and filled with vitamins A, C, E, and K as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants. Diets high in fruits and vegetables make for a healthy heart!

If you try it, let me know down in the comments below! What are some of your favorite smoothie recipes?

In His Service,
Kaila

Ingredients:

1 cup of Cranberry Mango Juice*

2 cups of fresh spinach

1/2 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries

1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries

5-6 ice cubes (optional)

Directions: In a blender, add all ingredients and blend until smooth. Enjoy!

*To cut down on sugar content, you can use water, or 1/2 cup of cranberry mango juice + 1/2 cup of water.