Proper Preparation for the Harvest

By Rob Brown

Text: Proverbs 6:6-11

The world longs to compete for success - BUT - you can't compete without proper preparation.

The ant is the hardest worker on the planet. It can carry up to five times its own weight. It can build bridges over water. Ants work together, utilizing synergy. The Bible says, "Faith without works is dead." Work identifies your faith. The child of God cannot work under a "little red hen" mentality. We need to be "laborers together!"

Four Ways to Prepare...

1. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God..." (Matthew 6:33)
1. Bring them into the right atmosphere
2. We're not in control of the timing - that's God's
3. He's a rewarder of the diligent seeker
4. Consistently feed on the Word of God
5. A "cheater" cannot expect a reward from God
6. Commitment - in this thing for the long haul
7. Be filled with the Spirit
8. God gives more than you expect (benefits)
9. Noah received detailed instructions from God
2. Laziness will leave you empty (Proverbs 13:4)
1. Diligence (effort) in work is required
2. You can't pass a test if you don't study
3. Your "lack" will be apparent - it shows
4. Laziness is a sin! (James 4:17)
5. God has done so much for me - I owe Him!
6. He deserves my best effort
3. Humbleness will help you handle success (I Peter 5:6)
1. God does the exalting in His time
2. Allows you to stay passionate and on target
3. Gives you the power to maintain your gain
4. Helps you see new areas and potential for growth
5. Our flesh is subject to pride, which in turn, can thwart/destroy it all
6. Humility has room to receive more
7. Gets ourselves out of the way so He can move and work as He sees fit
8. Pride IS going to be humbled
9. We didn't get to this point on our own. It's His mercy, His grace, His strength
10. A humble heart knows its lack/s
11. A humble heart is teachable
12. Pride thinks it has arrived - I've made it!
4. When you do your part - God will do His
1. Work like everything depends on you and pray like everything depends on God
2. Your part - dive in headfirst. A huge harvest takes huge effort
3. When you have done all - you can stand
4. No pain - no gain
5. Church is not forced labor
6. "A man persuaded against his will is of the same opinion still."
7. God doesn't come in without an invitation. He knocks, but opening the door is our part
8. His Spirit woos... draws... convicts
9. Our part is to hunger to be part of the Harvest.