Are You Prepared For The Harvest?

Are You Prepared For The Harvest?

But Jesus said, “You feed them.” Mark 6:37

Over the past month, we found ourselves shocked as a wave of violence shook the U.S., ending innocent lives.

Many would expect the world to turn further from God, crying out, “Where were you? If you were real, and you’re so good, why would you let innocent people die?” And yet, from the dust of these atrocities, new life has sprung forth. A tremendous spiritual awakening and revival emerged, with a renewed interest in God, the reading of His Holy Word, and a curiosity to learn more about Jesus Christ, Savior of the World.

It’s interesting to note that bible sales through August 2025 reached 10 million copies, marking an increase of more than one million compared to the same period last year, according to BookScan.

Are YOU Prepared? 

Many non-believers are walking into church for the first time, and those who drifted away from their Christian faith are returning. It’s reported there’s been a 15% increase in church attendance last month.

And because you and I are the church, the question is asked again, “Are you prepared?” Are you prepared to meet newcomers where they are and walk beside them, to help them discover the joy and peace found only in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ? 

We shouldn’t shrink from being intentional at church, for it’s part of our mission field to warmly welcome visitors and connect with people we don’t know. When we have the mindset to only consume, we make ourselves unavailable to answer important questions for visitors about God’s Word, salvation, and the Christian walk with Jesus. The job is not exclusively for others- the prayer team, the pastors and associate pastors, the elders, and group leaders. It’s for all of us.

If this is you, Jesus would tell you not to look to someone else, but that “You feed them.” 

When the Son of Man had taught a large crowd, and it grew late, His disciples said to Him:

Why The Need To Be Prepared? 

The church coffee bar, worship music, and social events are of little value compared to the one (and potentially only) encounter a new believer or visitor could have with one other person like you. The impact on that life will be bigger than you’ll ever know.

• If each person had the same mindset that it’s the responsibility of another to answer questions about the Christian walk, the church would not grow.

• Without discipling and teaching, church is simply another social outlet for a new believer or non-believer. They risk dropping off and going back to their old lifestyle.

• You grow spiritually and are blessed when you participate in the work of the Father. For God’s Word says:

Why Are You Not Prepared?

You may not feel you know enough to help a newcomer into the church. This is usually because we aren’t plugged into the church ourselves, or we aren’t ready to address questions about salvation because we are unsure of the answers.

You need to be ready wherever you are, for whoever asks you (1 Peter 3:15). You can remedy that by spending more time in God’s Word, meditating on what you read, asking for spiritual wisdom and discernment from the Holy Spirit, serving, perhaps prayer journaling, and reading Christ-centered devotionals regularly.

❊  Do you know what’s in God’s Word, to help guide and answer questions for someone who is seeking? Too often, many are familiar with the “stories” of the Bible, but unable to share what it means as it relates to Christian living, understanding God, and drawing nearer in faith to Him. 

❊ As many new believers will be excited to step into the baptismal pool, are you ready to explain baptism if asked? There may be the misconception that the actual act of water baptism washes away past sins. Rather, it is symbolic of dying to one’s self under the water, and a new creature in Christ emerges as a result. The washing of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is on the belief, faith and surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, not in the actual act of water baptismal.

❊ Do you know how to express the importance of serving, for Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). You can’t explain the joy of serving if you’re not serving. 

You and I are the church. Not just in those four walls on Sunday, but everywhere we go each day. May we BE the Gospel, and do the work today to BRING the Gospel of Jesus Christ to each person we meet, for no one is guaranteed tomorrow.

And if this speaks to your heart, will you pray over this today? 

Lord Jesus, I come to you in a posture of total surrender to you. I repent and ask for Your forgiveness for any disobedience. Lord, light my heart on fire to do your work, to be a surrendered vessel, to be used to reach others who are curious about you, and to help bring them into your Kingdom. I pray all of these things in your powerful and almighty name, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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Health

Matcha: What You Need to Know

What Is Matcha?

Matcha is a green, concentrated powder made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis tea plant. It is found most commonly in Japan and China, and commonly has a distinct flavor that is sweeter and smoother than other green teas.

What's The Difference Between Matcha And Green Tea?

Matcha is a type of green tea and grown in the shade. It has the effect of boosting the amount of certain phytochemicals (plant chemicals that offer a range of potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects), antioxidants, and other ingredients compared to other types of green tea.

Benefits of Matcha

Antioxidant Properties: 

• Rich in antioxidants, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which may protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation.

Improved Brain Function: 

• Contains caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes alertness and focus. Matcha decreases stress and anxiety, improves memory and short- and long-term cognitive function.

Weight Management: 

• May boost metabolism and aid in weight loss by increasing fat burning. Consuming matcha with a high-fat diet has been found in studies to result in decreased weight gain velocity and food intake.

Heart Health: 

• Antioxidants may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Immune System Support: 

• EGCG and other antioxidants may strengthen the immune system and fight off infections.

Does Matcha Have Caffeine?

Matcha's caffeine content is typically higher than that of other green teas but lower than that of coffee. Here's a caffeine comparison for one 8-ounce cup of each:

• Green tea: 23 milligrams (mg) to 49 mg caffeine

• Matcha: 38 mg to 89 mg caffeine

• Coffee: 100 mg to 120 mg caffeine

Making Matcha Tea

Whisk together 2 to 4 ounces of almost boiling water with 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha powder. When it looks frothy and thoroughly mixed, it’s ready to drink. Add a bit more water if it’s too strong for your taste.

Selecting Matcha Powder

Better quality matcha is vibrantly greener compared to lower grade matcha powders. It’s also pricier due to more meticulous production methods of being dried in shade rather than sunlight that preserves its hue and complex flavor.

Check your labels to make sure you’re not getting low-quality matcha colored with food dye.

As an option, you can use a low-grade matcha in smoothies, yogurt, chia seed pudding, and green juices.

Though generally safe, consult with your licensed nutritionist, naturopathic doctor or medical doctor before consuming matcha or other green teas, as they contain caffeine.†* 

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_{†All health information in the articles is exclusively gathered from clinical/medical resources that have been industry vetted, with no conflict of interest in the information they present/publish.} 

_{*Holy Nutrition does not diagnose, treat, or give medical advice. Information provided is not medical advice and should not be relied upon for diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a healthcare provider or medical practitioner for any health concerns, questions, or before making any decisions related to your health. Individual health conditions and needs may vary, and therefore, professional medical advice is essential for personalized guidance. Holy Nutrition is not responsible for any harm or damage resulting from the user's reliance on the information contained in the articles.}