Bearing Fruit

"In that day, sing about the fruitful vineyard." Isaiah 27:2 NLT

Early in the morning on Tuesday, November 5th, I was awakened out of my sleep. It was a startling coming to and the Holy Spirit told me to read Isaiah 27:2. The scripture states “In that day, sing about the fruitful vineyard.” I was further directed to read the entire draft of my book. Nine months before, I had notated the repeating message I had been receiving of “fruitful.”

On Friday, November 8th, I completed the “7 Habits to Spiritual Growth” Devotional Plan in the Bible App that stated the final habit as “Persevere in your efforts until you see the fruit.” The author, Eric Celerier, referenced Ecclesiastes 7:8 that states “Finishing is better than starting...”. He encouraged us readers of the devotional not to stop what we’ve started. Pursue it to completion because God has good plans for our lives. That immediately made me think of Jeremiah 29:11 and the impact the verse has had in my life that I’ve shared in the About section of the website. 

I have been actively reading and meditating on the Bible. I’ve been inviting the Holy Spirit to guide me in all aspects. I had previously prayed when I thought I didn’t have the answers. From my reading, listening and fellowshipping, I’ve learned I need to ask God to direct me in all things.

At church on Sunday, November 17th, my pastor, Jamie Kjos, gave a powerful message on the spiritual protection we have as Christians when we put on spiritual armor. He closed with the description of a rhema word which is the Word spoken specifically for someone. He made the point that you have to know the Word to get a rhema word. Then he referenced Joshua 1:9. Well, that was a rhema word for me! God has already spoken into me that in order for me to go forward with the mission of Authentic Existence®, I have to be Fearless, knowing He has called me to this work to bring more people to Him and that He is always with me. 

I went to Bible Study this past Monday, November 18th, and one of the study leaders diverted from the agenda and spoke on how the Holy Spirit told her to speak on “fruit” because someone needed to hear it. My ears immediately perked up. She was stating how we need to be authentic and bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit as detailed in Galatians 5:22-23. Authentic Existence®’s message and products are based on exactly these principles! She also touched on how we have to let God into our lives in all things.

I’ve learned that starting each day with the Word of God and genuinely meditating on it sets the tone for me to let the Holy Spirit guide me. Praying to God about EVERYTHING is proving to be life changing. But, I feel an equally important step that I’m being more intentional about is listening to His response.

I have been experiencing a ton of rhema words these last few weeks! I know I’m experiencing them more because I’m truly exercising these behaviors that God has directed me to do and we are closer, so I hear Him more. The one that sticks out most prominently to me and that He has put on my heart to share with you is this:

Our gifts are what come to us naturally from God. What comes naturally to us can sometimes cause us to rely on ourselves. Relying on ourselves demonstrates we think we know better than God, who created us, on how to use the gifts He has given us. This can trip us up. God wants us to come to Him in all things. Seek Him in everything. Let Him guide the way. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭NLT)‬‬

This morning, before completing this blog post, the Holy Spirit led me to reread all my previous blog posts. In faith, I declared I Am Ready and that I had let go of fear many months before I became Fearless. I know to trust the ways God needs to prune me for my harvest to be abundant; God put that on my heart when I scribed It’s Not Over Until It’s Over.  

This exercise God has led me through these last few weeks, since His wake up call, showed me I am transitioning and doing better than I think. I’m starting to see my harvest growing, bearing fruit! The harvest is growing because seeds were planted. In fact, I’m reaping the harvest from seeds my ancestors planted, only because I’m doing the work to be fertile soil! I am planting my own seeds as well. The harvest is growing from these combined efforts. And, I will not see the harvest from every seed I plant. But, I will leave a legacy, to reap what has been sown, if I keep sowing good seeds! “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

“May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ —for this will bring much glory and praise to God.” (Philippians‬ ‭1:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬) And the Winner Is...me, you and all of us that realize that we already have the victory through the blood of Jesus! We already have everything we need. I can now truly accept what He laid upon my heart during that beautiful Sunrise at the Mediterranean Sea, that I am worthy to lead many to righteousness through this purpose He has given me!

If you surrender, God will lead the way. You will have the wisdom to actually recognize the fruit that is being produced in your life through salvation. You have to reflect on what has already happened to see the harvest of today. And then, you will realize it was already there when you accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior. It’s how much pruning you allow to be done in you that dictates the amount of fruit you see.

And, in that day, will you sing about the fruitful vineyard? Reflect on Isaiah 26 to truly appreciate Isaiah 27:2. Nine months later, I have birthed this message God wanted me to learn on being fruitful. On this day, 27 years ago, my grandmother died. I do not believe it’s a coincidence that God used Isaiah 27 for me to have this epiphany 27 years after her death. I know the strength I have is through the faith and courage she and other members of my family had. On her headstone is 2 Timothy 4:7. My birthday is April 7th. I hear you, Lord!

I hope this word encourages you to persevere. You are here for a purpose. Look to God on how to use that purpose to make an impact now and for generations to come. Be blessed!

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