while i was at onething, i listened to corey russell. this is a young guy with an intense testimony of God's goodness in His life and an equally intense passion for Christ. anyway, corey preached a session about being forerunners like Anna (see Luke 2:36-38) but in the 21st century. Anna prayed and fasted for years, devoting her life to the arrival of the Messiah. once he had come, she continued to proclaim him to everyone around her. Christ is coming again, and we are called to be forerunners and proclaim his truth.

that's all awesome and challenging, but the really interesting part about corey's teaching was the way he interpreted matthew 9:37,38. many times we've heard teachings about not having enough workers to reap the harvest. in other words, "get off your butt, we need more christians to convert all the non-christians." now, i fully endorse getting off your butt to share Jesus, but corey suggested something else. Jesus says "ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." it is not that Jesus wants more bodies out in the field. he wants workers willing to be SENT OUT. we are to ask God for workers who are approved, diligent and who know their calling. we have to know his heart for those in the field, and stand in knowledge that he has chosen us and sent us. contend to know God's heart and be approved by him to handle truth and share it.

it is pointless to have a sea of people who only acknowledge Christ as Lord. it is impacting to have a sea of people who are pursuing God and seeking to understand his heart through devotion, prayer and the Word. ask the Lord for forerunners to move out in the Spirit of God, in His will and on His calling.

can you see why my time in KC was so challenging?