Originally published Monday, 30 November 2015.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
I want to start this post off by saying that it’s a process. We don’t become who God wants us to be overnight. It takes time. So I want to encourage you to be patient with yourself and God’s purposes in your life. But know that He’s got a plan. And it’s GOOD! Just know that part of that plan to becoming a woman that He can use is bearing much fruit.
Listen. I know that I have written on fruit (i.e. godly character) before, but not like this post! So don’t go anywhere! The Lord has impressed heavily on my heart to write on “much fruit”, especially as we become women that He can use in these last days. Frankly, I don’t know if you’ve been paying attention, but much is happening in our world today. So much craziness! BUT in spite of it all…God wants us to be fruitful in character and service. We’ve got to win souls to Christ! Remember Jesus tells us, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” (Matthew 9:37, ESV)
So it’s time to RISE UP LABORER in your workplace and be salt and light. Rise up in your home to raise godly children. Rise up to be a submissive and respectful wife. Rise up to serve in your local church (if you aren’t already serving there). Rise up to help out in your community. Rise up to win the lost to Christ as the Holy Spirit leads you. It’s time to rise up my sister. But when you rise, rise up with much godly character.
This message is for both of us! Jesus tells us in John 15:8, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” (NLT) I have to tell you that as I meditated on this verse (which I do often), I began to see more of Jesus’ heart on this. God is praised and glorified when we bear fruit. Furthermore, others can see Jesus character through us when we bear much fruit. This is how it shows Him and others that we are His true disciples.
Look at it this way. If we have bad fruit, then they can’t see Jesus. If we have good fruit, they can see Him. Are you understanding the point? The truth is that it’s hard for others outside of the faith or those who are straddling the fence (religious) to really see true Christianity if we are not acting right according to God’s word (email me if you’ve got questions on this @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com). Remember, we are supposed to shine bright for Christ, so that they can experience His love and goodness through us.
So…what does much fruit look like in real life? Well, here goes...
- Much Love
- Much Joy
- Much Peace
- Much Patience
- Much Gentleness
- Much Goodness
- Much Faithfulness
- Much Meekness (Humility)
- Much Self-Control
Some of you reading this may be saying, “Wow! It just seems like more work, Courtnaye.” But it’s not. Don’t look at it that way. Instead look at it in the way that Jesus puts it, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” If you stay connected to the vine, it can be done. Jesus will help you.
Bearing much fruit is a BIG part of becoming a woman that God can use. You’ve got to have it sis! For example, who likes to be around a crabby, fruitless Christian? That doesn’t even make sense. But the Lord will help you to get rid of the crabbiness. He will help you to be fruitful. You are not alone in the process. The Bible tells us in Philippians 2:13, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and power to do what pleases him.” He will help you to please Him.
*The Holy Spirit will also help you to bear fruit. He will prompt you when you need to show love to someone, when you need to be patient, to renew your thoughts and be joyful, to remain faithful when you feel like quitting, to show God’s goodness to someone, to be gentle and humble, to control yourself under pressure, to show kindness to someone vs. being selfish, to be humble vs. prideful, and when and how to serve. The Bible tell us that He will be right there in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (NLT) He will produce this in you. Your job is just to follow His prompting.
Are you getting this, sis? It is so important that we bear much fruit in these last days. Because people inside and out (home and beyond) need to see Christ in us so that our God can be glorified. It’s time to RISE UP and BE the woman that God can use! Agreed? Love ya sis! (See…that’s fruit in action) ;-)
Is bearing fruit hard for you? If so, explain? Leave a comment.
Remember Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
***Don’t forget to join me for my FREE call on TUESDAY night (December 1st)! This month on “Let’s Talk” the topic is, “Bite Your Tongue.” Don’t miss this one, ESPECIALLY as you become a woman that God can use! SAVE THE DATE and set your alarm on your device to remind you! The call number is 218-936-3436, Code: 12345#. Talk to you @ 8:30pm (CST) Tuesday!
*TELL OTHER WOMEN about Inside Out with Courtnaye. It’s all about helping women grow stronger in their walk with Christ from the inside out (from the heart). Jesus is coming back soon, so let’s help populate heaven together! Also, to get more biblical and practical nuggets, stay connected through my social media outlets and donate too if it’s helping you (this takes work…LOL!). Also, if you have any questions, need advice, or want to book me for your next speaking engagement, email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com! Let’s do this!
Don’t forget to “LIKE” my Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye, follow me on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/InOutwCourtnaye, and if the Lord leads you, make a generous financial donation here: www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org. Thanks in advance sis, and may God bless you richly as you continue to grow stronger in your walk with Him!
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