“Jesus …saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “COME, FOLLOW ME,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” AT ONCE they left their nets AND FOLLOWED HIM. Jesus saw …James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and IMMEDIATELY THEY LEFT THE BOAT AND THEIR FATHER AND FOLLOWED HIM.” (Matt. 4:18-22)
- According to the Ecology Global Network, 151,600 people die each day.
- 4,000 new churches begin each year and 7,000 churches close.
- Over 1,500 pastors left the ministry every month last year.
- Over 1,300 pastors were terminated by the local church each month, many without cause.
- Over 3,500 people a day left the church last year.
Statistics provided by The Fuller Institute, George Barna, Lifeway, Schaeffer Institute of Leadership Development, and Pastoral Care Inc.
We can see that the devil and his demons are very busy doing their nasty work. Jesus said, “…for MANY ARE CALLED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN.” (Matt. 20:16) SO, WHAT IS OUR PROBLEM??? This should be a very good reason for us to PRAY AND FAST! We cannot continue on like this, we must be aware, “Jesus told His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but THE WORKERS ARE FEW. Ask the Lord of the harvest (pray for Jesus to call workers to the harvest), therefore, to SEND OUT WORKERS into his harvest field.” (Luke 10:2)
Pray this prayer with Isaiah, HERE I AM LORD, SEND ME!
-Bill Stockham