Harvest of the Heart
DEVOTIONALS
Written Miracle
8/31/20255 min read
Hey there! How are you? I pray all is well, Sis.
I’m so glad we meet again, and girrrrrrrl, once we get to the end of this devotional we will have covered ALL 9 of the Fruits of the Spirit. We have truly been rooted, rising, and growing all summer long and I love that for us!
Speaking of love, that’s one of the first fruits we’ll be focusing on this week. In addition, we’ll cover joy and peace. The world may call it a soft girl lifestyle, but we will call it a fruit-filled lifestyle.
Before we begin, let’s quickly recap from our last devotional, where we were reminded that Christ has set us free, and in Him we no longer have to live chained to the desires of the flesh. We know that true freedom means walking by the Spirit, producing fruit that reflects our Father’s character even in hardship. And as we surrender daily, the Spirit breaks chains, cultivates faithfulness, and empowers us to blossom and flourish in every season.
My prayer is always that these devotionals empower you, but especially as we focus on the Fruits of the Spirit. Once we truly begin to understand the power and strength that dwells within us, we will walk and talk with boldness in every room and season we enter. But we aren’t called to walk with boldness alone, we are called to walk in love, joy, and peace.
Sadly, you can be as Holy Ghost–filled as you want and still not display these fruits. This is ultimately why a lot of the world has the preconceived notion that Christians are judgmental, hypocritical, and whatever else they claim—based on their experiences with those who call themselves followers of Christ but haven’t allowed the Holy Spirit to truly work in their hearts.
But I also never want to discount what someone may have gone through that resulted in a hardened heart. This is an evil world—let’s call it what it is—bringing traumas, abuse, heartbreak, disappointments, betrayal, and more. We all likely have at least one experience that comes to mind immediately. Most times, these experiences take a serious toll and require the healing power of Holy Spirit and most times a little therapy on the side too (when recommended).
So, let’s talk about it, Sis. Today’s devotional is titled “Harvest of the Heart.”
Love:
Proverbs 3:3-4 (NIV) encourages, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
I included this same scripture in our last devotional to highlight God’s call for us to reflect faithfulness. But as you notice, He also calls us to reflect His love. It sounds so cliché, but God is love, and He loved us first. When I sit and think about the love of God, there’s no other love like it—unconditional, sacrificial, and undeserving. God loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for our sins. And what does He ask of us in return? To accept Jesus Christ into our hearts and to reflect His love here on earth.
The scripture says to let love be “binded” around our neck. Binded meaning confined, tied up, non-removable. As I am writing this, I am envisioning permanent jewelry services. I haven’t done it yet, but I’ve seen videos. The jewelry is literally mended and made permanent, just like God calls His love to be in us: enduring, visible, and unshakeable. Love that is patient, kind, humble, and forgiving; love that doesn’t boast or take offense, but reflects the heart of Christ in every action and every word (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
This is the kind of love that transforms hearts and communities. When we wear it like permanent jewelry, it isn’t just for show; it’s a testimony of God working in us.
Joy:
Psalm 16:11 (NIV) says, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Our joy can only come from the Lord, but the world preaches something totally opposite. It pushes an “American Dream” narrative, claiming that a white-picket fence, a big house, a spouse, children, money, and nice cars will somehow satisfy us. Sis, turn to your neighbor or to yourself and say, “That ain’t true!”
Matter of fact, it’s a complete lie. The reality is, the more money, the more problems. And many of those who seem to have all of these “dreamy” things are often the ones expressing this very sentiment.
As believers in Christ, we must be careful not to buy into the world’s narrative. Once again, it’s very possible to be Holy Ghost–filled and still feel just as miserable as someone who isn’t. There are many reasons for this, but the point is that we must always remember that the things of this world pass away. Our joy should not be rooted in the here and now, but in the assurance that we’ve been granted eternal life. By no means am I saying that God wants us to be miserable here on earth—He desires for us to experience joy both now and in Heaven. But true joy is internal, given by His Spirit, and not dependent on worldly possessions or external circumstances.
Peace:
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) declares, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
And lastly, peace be still, Sis. Money surely can’t buy peace—especially not in these times, with so much uncertainty and confusion running rampant, and overstimulating as some would describe.
Isolation is at an all-time high. Of course, COVID is partly to blame, but truly, I believe we all just want peace. And sometimes, gaining access to even a small measure of peace means being by ourselves. I include this scripture in prayer every time, especially when anxiousness arises, because as we know, the Lord does not give us a spirit of fear but of love, power, and a sound mind—a sound mind meaning peace, which is our portion as followers of Jesus Christ.
So today, Sis, I encourage you to walk in peace because it belongs to you. Focus on Christ and all things eternal, and He will surely keep you in perfect peace. And always remember: if the world didn’t give it, the world can’t take it away!
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for all you have done, are doing, and will do in my life. It is because of You that I have all that I need. You continuously provide and protect me and my family, and I want to express my gratitude and praise.
Lord, continue to work in my heart so that I can reflect You in this world. You have called me to walk in love, joy, and peace. Help me to cultivate these fruits, despite of what is going on around me.
Your word says that You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on You. Keep my mind stayed on You at all times. May Your Spirit help me to demonstrate love, and to walk in pure joy. Lord, I am thankful that my joy does not depend on what is happening around me. My joy is found in You and knowing that I have eternal life with You.
So today, I surrender my heart as good soil for Your Word. Let every seed of love, every seed of joy, and every seed of peace take root and bear fruit that glorifies You. May my life be a continual harvest that blesses others and points them back to You.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scriptures to meditate on this week:
