SPIRITUAL READINESS

Jesus constantly warned His disciples that there was a great need for them to "be on the alert". We are in preparation for another Mardi Gras outreach, our 22nd year! As we prepare for this year's outreach, I believe that now more than ever we need to heed our Lord's exhortation to "be on the alert". The other night I was praying before going to our weekly Jail Ministry and the Lord reminded me of times in the past when I had become complacent in my approach to ministering the Gospel and the devil "blind-sided" me. It is easy for us to take for granted the power and anointing that our Lord has given to us and fail to prepare for the spiritual battle that lies in front of us. So, brothers and sisters, let us prepare our hearts for battle! Let us take our mission for the Lord seriously so He will be glorified and eternal fruit will be born from our efforts.

To the Young or New Christian:
I would encourage you to spend some time praying and fasting before you come to the outreach. You will be confronted with carnal temptations due to the nature of the outreach. There will be a lot of "skin", drunkenness, and partying going on in front of you. You will be witnessing in the Devils front yard; in his territory where his evil spirits are moving freely. It is not like a protected church atmosphere. You will need to have the Holy Spirit guard you and protect you from all the spiritual onslaught of the enemy. If you are not really right with God, then please go before the Lord and repent of your sins. We cannot go out in the streets and ask other people to repent, when we are not willing ourselves. With the proper heart preparation and prayer and fasting, I believe you will see the awesome mighty hand of God move through you to pull someone from the fire. You will have a great opportunity to bear eternal fruit for the Lord, amen!

To the Old or Mature Christian:
Perhaps you have been to this outreach several times before. Please make sure you don't take any work for the Lord for granted. Just because He used us last year, doesn't mean He will continue to use us this year. Yesterday's manna is today's dung! Brothers and Sisters, let's not let the Devil sucker-punch us because we were too casual in our approach to the battle at hand. Please spend some time fasting and praying; the souls of men are at stake. We must have the eyes and ears of Jesus, anything else is too dangerous. May God be lifted up and glorified by our outreach this year.

To All the Leaders:
Brothers, we above all else must be the example to all the young and first time Christians that will be coming to the outreach. I remember when I was Pastoring a church in another city and I would come to this outreach. It was a spiritual pilgrimage for me. Not only did I expect God to use me to win souls but I anticipated a major encounter with the Lord. I usually would hear from Him in a mighty way and establish relationships that are still intact many years later. Many of the new Christians and first-timers will also need to hear from God like I did. They will need our experience and leadership out on the streets. They will need us to minister to them. Therefore, let us be reminded of the battle and take some time to prepare our hearts. God forbid that we should take anything for granted and approach this outreach with a casual attitude.Too much is at stake. Please fast and pray for this outreach.

May God be glorified and may we raise up a Godly standard in front of all the evil and wickedness that we will see. As Dr Westbrook, a mighty Father in the Faith, said to us many times: "The Joy is in the Harvest"! May we all experience much of His joy this year.

Blessings
Pastor Bob Collins