I’ve been a follower of Jesus since I was baptized at 12 years old. I grew up in the Mennonite Church and didn’t realize we were considered peculiar until about the time I went to college. So if you’re not sure about us let me encourage you to take a look. Many people shy away from Mennonites since they are uncertain what or who we are. Simply put, we are people who have discovered that Jesus’ life, death and resurrection with his teachings, gives meaning and direction for our lives.

We are a reasonable uncomplicated group. We are followers of Jesus who are trying to live what we believe. Trying to do what Jesus told us to do and are trying to treat people the way Jesus told us to treat them. That would include friend and foe. In my short columns, I intend to reflect on some of what the Lord is teaching me. Remember I don’t believe I know it all, I just believe I know the one (Jesus) who does.

So I hope my thoughts can encourage your journey in trying to understand Jesus’ Kingdom that we are intended to be living here and now. Join me won’t you? Pastor Steve

John 4:34-38

"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. 38I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."

Matthew 9:37-38

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

I’ve always wonder why a farm kid like myself was chosen to be a pastor and to have a longing to connect all people to God. Today in prayer a new light went on for me. In John, our Lord says “open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” I all at once was struck by the reality that for many of us we have no idea when the harvest is ready. In Indiana when the corn is ready the stalk is dead. The stalk isn’t green but brown and then it is ready. But that which is most important is prepared for harvest. This is true of most grain crops. The plant dies then grain is ready. Most of us are look for green, live plants because that seems more appealing to the eye. But reality is people who are green are not ready yet. People who have died, in other words tried their own ways and found them lacking, tried the world principles and found they don’t work are ready. They are then dead to themselves and the world and ready to consider God’s alternative found in Jesus. The part of themselves that is of value, the grain or soul of the individual is ready because the stalk or plant has given everything it has to nourish itself and discovered they want truth. They are ready.

The only issue then becomes who will explain what the truth is. It will be those who know that these people who seem dead are actually the most prepare for the truth they will ever get. They just need someone to love them enough to go out and share how valuable their souls are to God. How valuable the core of their life is to the Creator.

Youth, now is your time. Won’t you see your friends through Jesus’ eyes? Please, hear the voice of God and see that part of this dying world for what it is. Read for truth and ready for Jesus. That grain can then be planted and create new life. The issue is not whether the world is dead and ready. The question is: are the harvesters willing.

Below you will find things I thought were funny. But also many things I have learned also. Right now most of you are learning lots of information. But the key things in life are not found in information but in formation. Formation of friendships, formation of yourself and ultimately formation of you character into the likeness of Jesus The Christ and Lord of the world. How is your formation going this week? Enjoy. The Preacherman Steve

THINGS LEARNED WITH TIME

~ I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."

~ I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

~ I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

~ I've learned that people will forget what you said... people will forget what you did... but people will never forget how you made them feel.

~ I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

~ I've learned that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

~ I've learned that we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

~ I've learned that money doesn't buy class.

~ I've learned that under someone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

~ I've learned that the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?

~ I've learned that to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

~ I've learned that the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

~ I've learned that no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

~ I've learned that one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may

have to eat them.

~ I've learned that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

~ I've learned that it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.

~ I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.