Rather than give you a synopsis of my message on Sunday, I’d like to invite you into the process that brought about the conception of this message.
On May 4th, 2025 Gabe spoke on Seeds. He mentioned that some of the keys to bearing fruit are:
- Seeds need to be Planted
- Seeds need Water
- Seeds need to Germinate
- Seeds need Nutrition & Fertilizer
- Seeds need Pruning
- Seeds need Sunshine
- Seeds need Time & Patience
- Seeds need to be Pollinated (Bonus info. From our local gardener April Soon)
For more context, watch the sermon: https://www.youtube.com/live/e6TICp9m06U?si=IQsWHQ0mgf2kZZ4_
Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you about which one of these “needs of a seed” sticks out to you. If one or more catches your attention, write it down and see if the Holy Spirit has anything specific He wants to say to you about it.
Now here’s the hard part. Do a little research on the one that stuck out to you. It can be as simple as a google search or inquiring more information from a seasoned gardener. Either way, I want you to engage your mind but let the Holy Spirit lead.
Let me give you an example:
For me, the Holy Spirit highlighted “Seeds need to Germinate.” I asked the Holy Spirit if there was anything he wanted to say about it and the words “the growing process” came to mind. I personally don’t know anything about germination and before I spoke to April Soon, I really didn’t think anyone knew about it except Gabe, cause he mentioned it in his message, so I did a little research. I came across a bunch of information, but these two paragraphs stood out to me:
Germination is the biological process by which a seed wakes from dormancy and begins to grow. The process of germination involves a series of biochemical processes in which a seed utilizes its stored energy reserves to produce the roots, leaves, and other plant tissues necessary for photosynthesis and plant growth. For germination to occur, seeds often require specific environmental conditions, such as distinct temperatures and access to water. Often seeds disperse far and wide in the wild before they meet the perfect conditions to sprout.
To understand seed germination and the importance of dormancy, it is advised that we look at the different parts of a seed too. Dormancy is an important adaptation that allows seeds to improve their chances of germination and establishment. In many cases, it allows seeds to “wait out” unfavorable conditions, which could impede growth. This includes drought, excessive competition, and unfavorable climatic conditions. Seeds can stay dormant for months, years, or even decades if the conditions are not suitable.
After reading the paragraphs over a couple times, I asked the Holy Spirit to reveal to me what He wanted me to know through this new information. Slowly through reflection and contemplation, the Holy Spirit showed me how different parts of my life reflected the germination process. This may take some time and patience, which so happened to be the other “need of a seed” that stood out to me. How ironic is that?
When you have felt like you have heard from the Lord and perhaps have a sense of peace, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you a scripture or word of encouragement that may spur you on during this season of fruitfulness.
For example:
For me, it was the scripture in Matthew 4:1 (NIV) that says
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”
I was reminded that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was led (causing a person to go in a certain direction) into the wilderness. This was intentional and deliberate by the Holy Spirit, which means it served a purpose that only God knows. I found comfort knowing that God was involved in the process both at the mountain top when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist and the Spirit of God descended on Him (Matthew 3:16-17) and in the valley/wilderness where he was fasting, tempted and tested for 40 days & 40 nights (Matt. 4:1-2;Mark 1:13;Luke 4:1-2).
Another scripture that came to me was Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV) that says
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Through this scripture the Holy Spirit reminded me to put my trust in the Lord and place my confidence in Him. I was also reminded of the importance of being rooted in God and making sure that I am getting the life-giving waters that come from the word of God, especially when challenged by the “heat” and “drought” that happens in our lives.
My prayer for you all is that the Holy Spirit would speak directly into your heart. I ask that the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ as you inquire of the Lord by prayer and petition with thanksgiving. May the Lord continue to be with you in the process, wherever you are at. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!