While driving to get coffee one morning last week, I noticed the clouds in the sky. They were beautifully orchestrated and expanded across my view, through my front car window. I do not recall ever seeing the clouds like this, so I had to take a picture (see below).

I imagined seeing Jesus, on the clouds and appearing before us all.

I then had a thought: “If Jesus appeared…

• Would I feel as if I’ve done my BEST to let His light shine through me?
• Have I been an example of who and what Jesus represents?
• Have I done all to compel souls to repent and follow the principals of God?
• Have I spoken words of love to those who felt no love?
• Have I done all that I can do to change the negatve image the enemy has planted in the minds of many – that God does not care about them and Jesus isn’t real?
• Have I been ashamed to publicly confess Jesus ANY and EVERY where?
• Have I loved unconditionally, forgiven sincerely, and denied my own agendas for His?”

Our efforts are not for nought. Attending church services, reading the word of God and applying biblical principles are not just pastimes or hobbies. We do these things to have a spiritual interaction with our Father, whom we will see face to face some day. At the rate we are going, I do not doubt that this day will come soon. How soon? No one knows, but God has provided us with specific details that will allow us to know that this world as we know it, will be changing. His delay is intentional; it is for those of us who say we have sacrificed our lives, to find our brothers and sisters who ran away from home.

Think about a child who runs away from home. Often times it is because they rebel against the principles established by the parents. While the parent may be frustrated, they are allthe while praying for the safe return of their child and a rekindled relationship. It does not matter what they have done. They are lost in a cruel world. They believe that they are in control, but they are not. They have days of loneliness, depression and no peace. They really want to return but they want someone to find them. They are unhappy, but are pretending to enjoy life. That’s the mindset of a runaway.

Your brothers and sisters who have strayed away from the Lord are just like this. They are runaways. The enemy has made them to believe that God, our Father, does not want His children to enjoy life; He’s too strict. There is always a list of “do nots” but what about the “do’s?” They are too embarrassed to return home and that’s where they need us to find them, hug them, tell them there is nothing that they have done where our Father will not forgive them and welcome them back home. 

In fact, our dad has been waiting on their return.

“Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners. Purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ‭‭James‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭CEB‬‬

Let us go get our family. We know who the enemy is. Don’t leave them out there to be killed. Our Father is soon to return and when He does, let Him find us all here, dwelling in love, on one accord, waiting to be with Him forever.

Harvesting means there is work. We must work. It may not be easy but remember your path to return home and your fight to stay home. Use that to help bring your brother and sister home. They need us.