This transformed my whole ministry
How much fruit can you expect
"Which also beareth fruit...some and hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty" Matt 13:23.
When I first started pastoring, I expected everyone to produce 100 fold. It just did not happen. It shocked me. I beat myself to death wondering what I was doing wrong that people did not come to church every service, did not devour the Word of God, did not witness and on and on.
Then one day
I read Matt 13:23 and got my eyes opened. Only SOME are going to produce 100 fold. The truth is not many! How tragic. I expected more and I think God does too. I have seen thousands upon thousands produce much more than I produced
Example
Some thirty years ago I had the joy of leading a radical atheist to Christ. He was totally transformed from day one. He is an evangelist and has lead thousands to Christ. He has produced 100 fold and then some. The amazing thing is he had no real follow up.
God did a great job on him.
Look at Paul.
I think I know why God alone saved the Apostle Paul, and no human had a part in his salvation or service. If some person had a part, he might want to take credit and God wont allow that.
Those I led to Christ
I must say, all who came to Christ produced a lot more than I can ever take credit for. What ever you do, do not take any credit for what God alone can do and does.
Some sixty fold
Some will thrill you as they produce sixty fold. They will become teachers and workers in the church. Some will become leaders, deacons and pastors. That is wonderful and you will rejoice and know God did it all.
Some thirty fold.
This group will be a lot larger than the 100 or 60 fold but praise God for them too. You cannot be disappointed in them. Don't take the blame that they did not produce more. In my early ministry I did blame myself and caused a lot of heart ache unnecessarily.
Now this
Here is a secret to help them produce more. Jabez, a nobody, prayed that "the hand of God might be upon him" and "God granted him his request" 1 Chron 4:10. Read Ezra 7 and 8 and see what fantastic things happened because of the "Hand of God upon them". I have learned God is still doing it today if we pray earnestly and for His glory, "that the hand of God be upon us". I have prayed it every day for years and have seen Him do it today. It humbles you beyond words. Get in on it. "Ye have not because you ask not." Ask for "the hand of God" to be upon you and your ministry EVERY DAY and see what happens through you to your utter amazement and to His amazing glory. ABC Sumner
Enter the drawings once a day, daily, for a pack of tracts to 10 winners in the general drawing and a pack of tracts and with one book on pastoring to each winner of the pastor's drawing. .Order some tracts for yourself and your church 1-877-872-2871: http://www.sumnerwemp.com Go to Feature Section, read encouraging articles.
