Blog Post
Posted by Dion Todd July 4th, 2025 1,144 Views 26 Comments
Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him into every city and place where he was about to come. Then he said to them, "The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send out laborers into his harvest." Luke 10:1–2 WEB.
I grew up cropping tobacco. We walked along the rows and broke the ripened yellow leaves off, then slapped them under our arms. We were usually covered up to our shoulders in layers of tobacco gum and dirt by the early afternoon. A tractor pulled a trailer, called a "tobacco drag," along a nearby path. When you had all the tobacco you could carry, you made your way to the drag and stacked it on until it became full.
The drag loaded with tobacco leaves was taken to the barn of the day, where it was sewn onto sticks using a long machine called a stringer. Then, the tobacco sticks were hung on the rafters inside the barn and heated with propane burners for a few weeks. Until the tobacco had lost about eighty percent of its weight. Then we stripped it off the sticks, tied it in huge burlap bags, and took it to the auction to sell.
The tobacco cropping season came during July and August in the South, the hottest part of summer. When you bent down between the rows of tobacco, there was no wind at all. The croppers would often struggle through the intense southern heat. A layer of sticky gum would get on your arms, and then the sand from the leaves would stick to that. It built up until you were covered in something resembling black tar. It was also highly water-resistant and very difficult to wash off.
Sometimes, the croppers became sick, partly from the heat and partly from the diesel fumes of the tractor settling over the area. They would often begin vomiting, falling out, leaving the rest of us to carry their row. We would make it through the day, but it was rough. We sure could have used some more help.
There is a great harvest in the kingdom of God starting to happen, but the true laborers are few, and the work is difficult. We are approaching the greatest harvest of all time. Yet, many of those in the field have been tired, hurt, sick, discouraged, or passed on. Who is going to step up and fill their shoes? Isaiah said: "Here I am, send me!" (Isaiah 6:8), and God sent him. Wherever you are, pray for more laborers. We could really use some help in the field today.
Interestingly, Jesus sent the laborers out ahead of Him to the places He was about to visit. In my life, I have always wanted to be where the revival was but usually ended up being somewhere else while it happened. The laborers prepare the way for the Lord to come. They go ahead of Him into the fields. So, if you are a laborer, know that your work is not in vain, for we are preparing the way for the Lord of the harvest to come.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You so much for all that You do for me. Please put those I can reach in my path and give me the words to speak them. Fill me with boldness and Your passion for the lost. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Note: Today is "Feel Good Friday" at the FAAD (Fight Against Anxiety & Depression) group! On this day, we uplift each other with posts of encouragement and joy! All are welcome to join and participate! As always, if you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.
Happy 4th of July, everyone! I pray you have a wonderful day. Sylvia and I hope to cook out later, though it is going to be about 90+ here. 😀
Comment from Marilyn Salter
2 weeks ago
I resemble that temperature! It was in the 90s here today. My Pop took me out to dinner. He said I shouldn’t have to cook in this heat!
Comment from Liesel aka lisa Wardle
2 weeks ago
Happy 4th to you both, it's in the 90's here, supposed to cool down next week! Having lots of thunder going on but no rain! God bless you both, our entire RHM family and God bless the USA! 🙏🎶
Comment from Lynn Brown
2 weeks ago
Happy 4th Pastor & Sylvia! We are having rainstorms and flooding here. The city has cancelled the 4th of July festivities and fireworks. Looks like we will spend the day watching Hallmark Christmas in July movies and grilling burgers!😂
Comment from Gloria Nebarez
2 weeks ago
Thank you Pastor, I hope you both have an relaxing day. I loved the devotional today, we need more workers.
Comment from John Petchonka
2 weeks ago
Happy 4th to Both of you. Enjoy your day God Bless I hope you’re feeling better.
Amen and Amen and Amen!!! Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You so much for all that You do for me, my loved ones far and near, and for all of those that I care about! Please put those I can reach in my path and give me the words to speak! Fill me with boldness and Your passion for the lost! In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, AMEN! 🙏 And please, dear Lord, I pray that "You would bless me and enlarge my territory" as Jabez prayed in 1. Chron. 4:10, because I don't know how much time I have left here on earth, in the name of Jesus Christ I ask and pray, AMEN! 🙏
Comment from Sylvia Todd
1 week ago
To you as well, Mari 💛!