Stay Discipline and See the Fruit...

If you attended the Abide and Bloom conference last year then this will be a familiar conversation. If not, let me fill you in. Last year, the ladies of I Am Moore were called back to the garden. For some of us this was spiritual, others physical, and a few were called to both. I was called to both. After heeding the call to come away for some much needed time with our Heavenly Father, a new journey unfolded. It started with me complaining to God about the behaviors I noticed in my daughters. I explained to Him what I was seeing and what I didn't like. What was said to me not only blew my mind, but indeed opened my eyes to see something else.

“That’s the harvest of the seeds you planted.” Those words cut me deep and wide. I knew this but to actually hear Him say it made it so real. Through tears I asked, "How can I change the harvest?" The response was to plant new seeds. I needed to die to my old ways of doing things and allow a renewal process to begin in me so that I can see a different harvest in my daughters. All of that would take discipline.

As time passed, I didn't remain still long enough for the truth to take root. I became distracted and lost focus. It cost me. I learned the hard way, obedience is better than sacrifice. Fast forward a little further and He called me back into the garden. Ready to cover me with grace and mercy, He embraced me. He taught me more about submission. I saw the importance of staying still. So, I hid, under the Shadow of the Almighty. I healed. I experienced the love of our Shepherd, the rod and the staff. I received His love through chastisement and was reminded of Hebrews 12:11 and 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

Hebrews 12:11 NLT

[11] No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT

[24] Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! [25] All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. [26] So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. [27] I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

These disciplines may seem very different but both are needed in order for us the produce the fruit we are to produce when being connected to the true vine, Jesus Christ. Since learning this I have witnessed the beauty of seeing sprouts bud as the seasons change in my life. I am looking forward to seeing fruit bloom that comes from Abiding in the truth. We only need to: allow the word of God to take root in our hearts, continue to water it with His presence and discipline this body to do what it's supposed to do. With the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we know we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Until next time…stay disciplined.

Keep watch for our Galentine's Day event…more info coming soon.