Embracing the Harvest: A Call to Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: The Harvest is Plentiful, but the Laborers are Few

Jesus calls His followers to recognize the vastness of the spiritual harvest around them and to pray for more workers to join in gathering souls for God's kingdom. The harvest is not just about numbers or hype, but about real lives being transformed—paralytics healed, sinners called, families restored, and the oppressed set free. Jesus’ compassion for the crowds moved Him to action, and He invites us to see people through His eyes, to step into the fields with faith and love, and to participate in the miracles He is doing today. The call is not for a select few, but for every believer to be a laborer, sowing seeds of prayer, love, and the gospel, and then reaping the joy of seeing lives changed by Christ. [49:59]

Matthew 9:35-38 (ESV)
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “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.”

Reflection: Who is one person in your life right now who seems “harassed and helpless” and needs the love of Jesus? How can you intentionally reach out to them this week as a laborer in God’s harvest?

Day 2: Maturity in Christ is God’s Will for Every Believer

God’s desire for each of His children is that they grow into spiritual maturity, reflecting the fullness of Christ in their character, relationships, and purpose. Maturity is not just about knowledge, but about passionate commitment to Jesus, extraordinary love for people, servant-heartedness, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and living out the Word of God. It means being set free from past wounds, living morally pure, being bold in sharing faith, engaging in biblical community, generosity, and living on purpose. This journey is ongoing, and the church is called to equip and disciple every believer to walk in this maturity, so that each one can be whole, empowered, and ready to lead others. [59:24]

Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV)
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Reflection: Which area of spiritual maturity do you sense God inviting you to grow in most right now—commitment, love, servanthood, purity, boldness, or something else? What is one step you can take this week to pursue that growth?

Day 3: The Church is a Family for All Generations

The church is called to be a true spiritual family—multi-generational, caring, and inclusive—where everyone belongs, is nurtured, and is invested in, especially the next generation. In God’s family, those who have never experienced healthy family find belonging, and those with families are equipped to disciple and lead their own. The culture is not corporate or impersonal, but relational and loving, where people gather not as spectators but as brothers and sisters sharing life and faith together. This family atmosphere shapes how we care for one another, prioritize children and youth, and create a place where everyone is seen and valued. [01:10:58]

Psalm 68:5-6 (ESV)
Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

Reflection: Is there someone in your church family—perhaps a child, youth, or someone without family—whom you can intentionally encourage or include this week? How can you help make the church feel more like home for them?

Day 4: Empowerment—Equipping Every Believer to Lead and Serve

God’s design for the church is that every believer is empowered to use their gifts, step into leadership, and serve according to their calling. Leadership is not reserved for a few, but is distributed as people are equipped, encouraged, and released to lead ministries, serve practically, and help implement the vision God has given. This biblical model, seen in the early church with elders and deacons, ensures that the church is healthy, organized, and able to meet needs effectively. When people are empowered, the church becomes a vibrant, multiplying community where everyone has a role and responsibility in God’s mission. [01:23:21]

Acts 6:2-4 (ESV)
And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Reflection: What is one gift or passion God has given you that you have not yet used to serve others in the church? What would it look like to take a step of faith and offer it this month?

Day 5: Authenticity—Living Real and Transparent Lives Together

Authenticity is a core value for a healthy church, where people are encouraged to be real, honest, and transparent with one another, free from masks or pretense. In a culture that often values image over substance, the church is called to be a place where struggles, doubts, and joys can be shared openly, and where grace and truth meet. This authenticity fosters deep relationships, genuine community, and spiritual growth, as people are known and loved as they truly are. It also creates an environment where God’s presence can move powerfully, because He delights in truth in the inward being. [01:27:35]

James 5:16 (ESV)
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you have been hiding or pretending? Who is one trusted person you can be honest with this week, inviting prayer and support as you pursue greater authenticity?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to seek God’s heart for our church and to clarify the vision He’s given us for this season. As we sang “I Exalt Thee,” I was reminded that everything we do must begin and end with worship and dependence on the Holy Spirit. I shared how, seven years ago, God called Sarah and me to pastor here, and how He’s confirmed that calling through dreams and prophetic words—especially the vision of a blanket being lifted off our church, making us visible to our community, and the word “harvest” written in the sky. God is calling us to be a people who bring in the harvest, not just in theory, but in the real, transformed lives of those around us.

We looked at Matthew 9, where Jesus’ ministry is described as a series of encounters with broken, lost, and hurting people—healing, calling, restoring, and setting free. This is what the harvest looks like: not hype or packed rooms, but lives changed by the power of Jesus. The call is clear: the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. We are those laborers, and our role is to sow spiritual seeds through prayer, worship, and sharing the gospel, and then to gather the harvest as God brings it in.

There is evidence of spiritual renewal in our nation and even among the next generation. Statistics show a significant increase in personal commitments to Jesus, Bible engagement, and church attendance, especially among Gen Z. We see this in our own church family—stories of individuals and families transformed, marriages restored, and new leaders rising up. This is the fruit of the harvest.

Our mission is simple: to disciple people to love God, live whole, and develop their gifts to lead out. This means helping every person have a vibrant relationship with Jesus, find freedom from the past, and be equipped to serve and disciple others. We are not called to be a mega-church, but a healthy, multiplying community that plants new churches as God leads.

To make room for the harvest, we are expanding our facilities and moving to two services for a season. Our values—family, empowerment, and authenticity—shape our culture and guide our decisions. We want to be a church where everyone belongs, is empowered to serve, and can be real about their journey. As we step into this next season, let’s pray for the harvest, prepare our hearts, and each take our place in God’s unfolding story.

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Key Takeaways

1. The Harvest Is Personal and Transformational The harvest Jesus spoke of is not about numbers or events, but about real people whose lives are radically changed by encountering Him. When we think of the harvest, we should see faces—individuals and families who have been healed, restored, and set free. Our calling is to participate in this work, seeing each person as a unique story of God’s grace. [55:27]
2. Every Believer Is a Laborer in God’s Field Jesus’ words in Matthew 9 remind us that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. The responsibility to bring in the harvest does not rest on a select few, but on every follower of Christ. We are all called to sow seeds, pray, share the gospel, and disciple others, trusting God to bring the increase. [49:59]
3. Spiritual Renewal Is Happening—Be Ready to Respond There are clear signs of spiritual awakening in our nation and among the next generation. Increases in commitments to Christ, Bible engagement, and church attendance point to a move of God. We must be attentive and responsive, preparing our church and our hearts to welcome and disciple those God is drawing. [53:24]
4. Maturity and Multiplication Are the Goal God’s will for every believer is maturity—growing into the fullness of Christ. This involves passionate commitment to Jesus, love for others, moral purity, boldness in evangelism, and living on purpose. As we mature, we are equipped to disciple others, multiplying the impact of the gospel in our community and beyond. [60:36]
5. A Healthy Church Values Family, Empowerment, and Authenticity We are called to be a spiritual family—multi-generational, caring, and inclusive. Empowerment means releasing people to use their gifts and lead in ministry, while authenticity calls us to be real and transparent with one another. These values create a culture where people can belong, grow, and be sent out to impact the world. [70:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[42:03] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[43:49] - Seven Years of Pastoring and Vision
[44:58] - The Blanket Dream and Church Visibility
[46:56] - The Heart of the Harvest: Matthew 9
[49:59] - The Harvest Is Plentiful, Laborers Are Few
[50:43] - What the Harvest Looks Like
[51:38] - Spiritual Seeds and Evangelism
[53:24] - Signs of Spiritual Renewal in America
[54:22] - Revival Among Gen Z and Beyond
[55:27] - Stories of Transformed Lives
[58:27] - Clarifying Our Mission and Vision
[60:36] - Marks of a Mature Believer
[63:10] - Not a Mega-Church: Our Multiplication Model
[64:17] - Making Room for the Harvest: Facility Expansion
[68:25] - Discipleship and Community: The Master Plan
[70:19] - Core Values: Family, Empowerment, Authenticity
[80:50] - Commissioning New Youth Pastors
[83:21] - Empowerment and Deacons
[87:35] - Growth, Capacity, and Two Services
[89:12] - Preparing for Revival and Next Steps
[98:56] - Closing Prayer for the Harvest
[104:13] - Benediction and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 9:1-38 (ESV) — (Selected verses)

> 35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.
> 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
> 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;
> 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Observation Questions

In Matthew 9, what kinds of people did Jesus interact with and what did he do for them? ([46:56])
According to Jesus, what is the condition of the harvest and what is the need? ([49:59])
The sermon described the “harvest” as more than just numbers or events. What real-life examples were given of what the harvest looks like in our church? ([55:27])
What are the three core values mentioned that shape the culture of our church? ([01:10:19])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus described the crowds as “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd”? What does this reveal about his heart for people? ([49:59])
The sermon said, “The harvest is personal and transformational.” How does seeing the harvest as individual lives changed (rather than just numbers) affect the way we approach ministry? ([55:27])
The message emphasized that “every believer is a laborer in God’s field.” What does it mean for each of us to take responsibility for the harvest? ([49:59])
The church’s mission is to “disciple people to love God, live whole, and develop their gifts to lead out.” How does this mission connect to the idea of maturity and multiplication in the Christian life? ([01:00:36])

Application Questions

The sermon shared stories of people in our church whose lives have been transformed by Jesus. Who is someone in your life that you are praying will experience this kind of transformation? What is one step you can take this week to reach out to them? ([55:27])
Jesus said the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. What holds you back from being a laborer in God’s harvest? Is it fear, busyness, lack of confidence, or something else? How can you take a step forward? ([49:59])
Our church is making room for the harvest by expanding facilities and moving to two services. How can you personally help create a welcoming environment for new people who come? ([01:29:12])
One of our core values is “family”—being a place where everyone belongs and is cared for. What is one practical way you can help someone feel like they belong in our church family this month? ([01:10:19])
“Empowerment” means releasing people to use their gifts. What is a gift or passion you have that you could use to serve others in this season? Who can help you take a next step? ([01:20:50])
“Authenticity” is about being real and transparent. Is there an area of your life where you need to be more honest—with God, yourself, or others? What would it look like to take a step toward authenticity this week? ([01:23:21])
The sermon mentioned signs of spiritual renewal among the next generation. How can you encourage or invest in someone younger than you in their walk with Jesus? ([53:24])

Sermon Clips

We need laborers. Do you know who are the laborers in the harvest? We are. That's our role. Believers, people that are followers of Christ. The harvest, of course, is an analogy for farming. There are things, spiritual seed planted in. Yesterday, you guys planted spiritual seed in Waters Creek, right? Waters Creek, is that where you were? Evangelist team went out and started sowing seeds into, spiritual seeds into Waters Creek, sharing the gospel. All these things, prayer, petition, worship, all this stuff is sowing seeds. And then the Lord says, okay, now it's time for a harvest. Now it's time to bring in the harvest. [00:51:30] (44 seconds) #WeAreTheLaborers

When I think of the harvest, though, I think of faces. I think of faces in here. I think of Jessica. Where are you at? Ziegenfelder. Gave her life to... I said it right, right? Okay, good. I always say Ziegen, but I got corrected. Why haven't you corrected me ever? I'm just kidding with you. I'm messing with you. Two years, gave her life to Christ. Now, got discipled, singing on the worship team today. Was it today you started? Or is this week you're starting? Oh, you're in the kids. First, starting her own small group to disciple others. [00:55:27] (41 seconds) #ChurchEquipsDisciples

``When I think of the harvest, I think of Andrew and Carissa. Two years ago, marriage report. Gets me every time. called into ministry, leading the evangelism team. His dad totally sold out for Jesus. He baptizes his mom, and his grandfather was down here two months ago giving his life to Christ. That's harvest. [00:56:10] (43 seconds) #MaturityIsGodsWill

Here's our goal as a church. We preach the gospel. We lead people to Jesus. God begins a work in them, heals them, restores them, fills them with the spirit and spiritual gifts. The church, not me, and the staff, all of us are called to disciple people, teach them the commands and the ways of Jesus, help them get healed from the past wounds and mindset and strongholds and bad pattern thinking. The church equips them with the skills to then go back out in the harvest and lead other people back into Jesus. [00:58:51] (32 seconds) #MarksOfAMatureBeliever

The goal of every believer, Jesus' will for your life is maturity. If you want to know what is God's will for my life, it's to mature. Just like it's the goal of every parent for their kid, come to maturity. Some of them takes a little longer than others. And we never fully achieve it, but we're constantly working towards it. [00:59:49] (28 seconds) #ResonateLifeMission

So it resonates. We describe this process as our mission. Resonate Life exists to disciple people to love God, live whole, and develop their gifts to lead out. Our goal is these three things for everybody. Everyone has a vibrant relationship with Jesus. A daily walk with him in prayer, and studying of the scriptures, led by the spirit in everyday life. Number two, we desire everybody to live whole. What does that mean? That means freedom. Freedom from past hurts and wounds, delivered from strongholds and demonic oppression, set free from addictions and habits that keep you from following God. And number three, our goal is for you to develop your gifts to lead out, equip you with God's word, how to think biblically, how to pray, how to share your faith, articulate the gospel, then go back in the harvest, and the disciple becomes the discipler. That's our heart. [01:01:27] (61 seconds) #LocalCommunityImpact

The Bible describes the church of God as a family. And our hope is this, to model family for those that didn't have that modeled. Our hope is to disciple families, help them learn how to grow and disciple their own families. And our hope is also to be a family for those who have no family. And I think there's people in here that could say, I don't have a family, but this has become my family. [01:10:37] (27 seconds) #EmpowerToLead

We love and we care for everyone, but there's extra care and investment into this next generation. We have to see, when we come in this place, that we're not coming to be spectators. We're not coming to watch an event. We're coming to sit down and win a spiritual meal with our brothers and sisters. That's what we're doing every week. [01:12:12] (23 seconds) #BiblicalOrderStrength

We feel like this is a season in Resonate Life that we're to empower people to do things God has called them to do in a deeper way. Empower them to lead ministry, lead by using their gifts, have freedom to go where God is leading them. That doesn't mean that we don't, there's no authority or accountability, but it's just allow people with God ideas to step into it. See like, hey, come on, we're behind you. The elders and the pastors, we're encouraging, come on, take the lead, take the lead. [01:22:31] (34 seconds) #AuthenticCommunity

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