Refresh
A Recap from Sunday’s Sermon

Preaching Text: Matt 9:35-38

Jesus says that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few, so we should pray to God to send more laborers into his harvest.  Who are the laborers he is sending?  You and me.  And where is this harvest he is sending us to?  It's not out there, it's right here.  It's the person at the desk next to us at work, at the gym or coffee shop we frequent, and our next door neighbor.  Why is he sending us to them?  Because Jesus sees their heart. He knows all people are like sheep, harassed and helpless without a shepherd to lead them (Matt. 9:36).  

Even if we think we are independent, all of us are being led by something and being led somewhere.  For most of us, we are led by people's advice we try to live up to, places we wish we could escape to, or things that we wish we had and work to get.  Jesus says the greatest enemy of the soul is more.  Jesus, the Good Shepherd, invites us, "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest..."  When he leads us, our heart begins to pray, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want (more).  He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul."  By his finished work on the cross, we no longer have to strive.  We can rest in his love for us.  He will then reorient our desires for people, places, and things.  He then leads us out to others who don't know him.  How?  We are just sheep telling sheep about a shepherd.

Taking It Home:
As part of the 30 Day Alpha Prayer Movement, pick three people who don't know Jesus and

1. Pray. Set a daily phone alarm for 10:02 as a reminder to pray for them for the next 30 days. (Luke 10:02)

2. Invest. Use the Conversation Card given at church to ask intentional questions to spur on conversation each person. Listen well. Let their words shape your prayers. 

3. Invite. Be open and expectant for opportunities to serve them and invite them to the Alpha Kickoff on Feb 9. Hand them an Alpha invitation card that has the details on it.