Step Into The Harvest

I've taken a little bit of an unplanned hiatus from writing blogs the past 2 years. I don't know if its due to business or social media cutting in on my blog writing, but whatever the cause, I'm attempting to make a comeback. I've never had much of a following, but I find great joy in putting my thoughts "out there," if anything, I can go back after a while and re-analyze what was going through my mind at a given time. I do hope, as I get back in to posting regular content, that you can find some encouragement through these posts.

I have an itch that needs scratching you might say. I recently had a friend take his own life, and it makes you evaluate everything you ever said or did to them as well as everything you didn't say and didn't do, I'm sure that I'll share more about this experience as time progresses, but for now, I just wanted to encourage you with what I think is so important for the times we live in.

As believers, it is our responsibility to show the love of Christ and share our faith with family, friends, co-workers, strangers and certainly those who are in need. Often times we find it difficult for varying reasons; lack of confidence, confusion, fear of failing, doubt in our own abilities due to comparison to someone we feel is far beyond our level or any number of other reasons. Whatever the rationale, we (me included) often shy away from sharing our faith and loving on others as we should. I'm here to encourage you, it doesn't matter how good that other person may be at sharing, or how inexperienced you might be, there are people in every aspect of your life that are hurting, lonely, lost, depressed and overcome with burdens we don't have the first clue about. Be someone they can hear some kind words from, a pat on the back, a hug around the neck, someone that brings a prayer they never expected.

I don't care what stage of their life they are in, I don't care if they've never heard the gospel before or if they are a seasoned 50 year veteran of Christianity, it is our responsibility to share the love of Christ, freely, as it is freely given to us.

I wanted to share this verse, "5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building." - 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 (NIV) 

Whatever it is that they might be going through, you might be the very person that makes it a little more bearable, might just help them get up the next morning, and maybe they want to spend more time with you, visit your church, have a coffee together, or it could turn into a long term valuable friendship for both sides. You never know what part of the plan you are playing, so be there for people in general, show the love of Christ, share your faith; Love God & Love People...

If you'd like to subscribe to this blog and receive updates by e-mail, just click this LINK and follow the instructions, thanks and have a blessed day!

In Christ,

Ryan

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Don't Do Life Alone

Emotional post, don't even know where to start other than saying I don't want to see this happen to anyone ever again, but a friend of mine took their own life last night, and it's a terrible, horrible, sad, overwhelming, tragic thing. 

I usually have words, thoughts, scripture, advice for people in most situations, but that has hit me like a million bricks on my head, I've only been able to actually say it out loud once and I swear it was almost impossible. I feel terrible for him, his family, his friends, I struggle with "is there anything I could've done or said to have prevented this" and a whole laundry list of other emotions and questions, its terrible, but this post isn't about me, it's about you. 

What I want to make sure my friends understand is that if you need someone to talk to or you need someone at your side, I'm here, call, text, message or whatever you need from me, any time, it's A ok, I won't ever be upset by a late call or text from a friend in need. You don't need to take your life, there are people who care and are willing to be there to help you. And I know it might go beyond what someone like me or another friend can offer as help, but we can be by your side as you get whatever kind of help you need. I've got tons more I want to say, but I don't even know how to word it, but know that you are loved, not just by friends or family, but by a Heavenly Father also who's love knows no bounds, He knew you before he formed you and he numbered the hairs on your head. No matter how bad things get, tomorrow is a new day and me and other friends like me in your life are there for you. 

If you need to talk to someone you don't know, there are resources available to you. You're not alone. Confidential help is available for free. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-8255 Available 24 hours everyday 

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;” - ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭34:18-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬
If you'd like to subscribe to this blog and receive updates by e-mail, just click this LINK and follow the instructions, thanks and have a blessed day!

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