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Writing is the Fruit of the Gift

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Like a parent whispers in a child’s ear just before they let that child go out into the world, God whispered just before I began blogging…

Remember, writing is the not the gift, writing is the fruit of the gift.”

This wisdom and truth has remained my compass on this journey.

At the time, I had little understanding of what God really meant. I’m still unfolding the mystery of what the gift is, and how the fruit comes. But, I have a deeper revelation now than before.

Looking back, I see I had no idea what I was getting into when I started blogging. I didn’t know how tempting it would be in this online world to want to feel connected to this person, or that circle, or their community, and neglect the most life-giving connection there is — being connected to the Vine.

Writing-is-the-Fruit-of-the-Gift

Separated, we cannot produce a thing. Though, we try.

Jesus said, “Live in Me. Make your home in Me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with Me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with Me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant.” (John 15:4-8 MSG)

Perhaps, that is the gift — the Greatest Gift only made possible by His death on the cross — union with Christ. A gift so easily taken for granted, because He will always be there, waiting. So we keep on persevering, trying to make a difference, to make a lasting impression, to make things happen in our own strength. Yet, we can do nothing apart from Him.

Even. Write.

Well, that’s not entirely true. We can write. But, if we aren’t sitting at the feet of Jesus — not to check off a religious duty — but to partake from Him living bread, to give Him time to pour into us what we are to pour out to others, then we offer stale bread. And, our bodies weren’t made for stale bread.

“It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.” (Matt 4:4 MSG)

If we are not near enough to hear His heartbeat, and get quiet enough to hear His Voice, then all we can do is echo what all the other voices are saying. When all the while, we are called to be an echo of His Spirit, saying what He is saying.

What He tells you in the darkness, speak in the light. What He whispers in your ear, proclaim on the rooftops. (Matt 10:27 NASB)

We can write, and we can raise our voice and add to the noise. But, the world doesn’t need more noise. The world needs words produced by the Spirit of God, because of a people consecrated for His purposes as ambassadors on this earth to bring freedom to the captives, sight to the blind, healing for the broken, and the Gospel for the lost.

In case you are tempted to worry about numbers that are lost, because you are taking time to sit at the feet of your Lord, let it be the lost that are counted because of you living the Gospel…

Wandering souls that come to your table, feasting on the fruit of grace and truth, partaking through Words of life, because the words were first lived.

Would God ever give us a more compelling reason?

 

Comments

  1. This:
    “In case you are tempted to worry about numbers that are lost, because you are taking time to sit at the feet of your Lord, let it be the lost that are counted because of you living the Gospel…”

    YES!! Love you so much friend. Thanks for bringing the writing that comes from abiding. <3

    • Ashlie,

      He’s stripped and stripping all else away… and keeps coming back to this. Thank you for walking with me. It’s not just my call, it’s all of ours who have come into the Kingdom. We hold the truth — the most powerful weapon in all the world to set the captives free.

    • Amen!! That spoke to me too and it was a gentle reminder to my heart. Thanks Michele for your words that pour out grace and truth.

        • I adore you Michele! I can’t even tell you how much you mean to me. The Lord has really used your words to encourage my heart. Thank you.

  2. I cannot tell you how much I needed this and will need to read it over and over. Thank you.

    • Debby,

      Thank YOU… God has arrested my heart for all that is written and so much more that I didn’t have space to share. It’s for all of us who call ourselves Jesus followers. He is faithful to complete the work He began in us. By His grace… <3

  3. This whole thing is beautiful, Michele-Lyn, but this:

    “The world needs words produced by the Spirit of God, because of a people consecrated for His purposes as ambassadors on this earth to bring freedom to the captives, sight to the blind, healing for the broken, and the Gospel for the lost.”

    Wow. Yes! Thank you for the way you LIVE this. Your words are nourishment to my spirit, sweet friend. You nudge me closer to Christ. LOVE you.

    • Kris,

      It’s our battle cry… for His Kingdom purpose. I am so grateful that you have walked with me through all of the refining, and continue still. Love you.

  4. And God plops something right down in my lap for me to understand and know and take to heart…thank you, Michele-Lyn. I read this through tears. I’m not a new blogger but one that has struggled the past year or so and left my blog alone for several months. Now, trying to get back into it, I feel God prompting me with words but slower…more deliberate…and I’m waiting. These words of YOURS remind me to not make more noise, but to echo His spirit. Thank you for being true to your calling as you share what’s on your heart. It’s such a gift to us all. God bless you!

    • Amy,

      This brings so much joy to my heart. I rejoice with you. He speaks, and we just have to listen. I know you are listening and the words and your story and His words through you will bring healing, life, and hope to so many. Love you, sweet one.

  5. Oh, these words. Tonight. Just what this soul needed. Thank you for sharing so much truth here and reminding me what’s really important. And oh that lost lives would be counted instead of all the other numbers tempting to steal my joy and my witness. Yes. Thank you! I truly love your writing and your words speak life to me right where I need it to be spoken. xoxo, Meredith

    • Meredith,

      “And oh that lost lives would be counted instead of all the other numbers tempting to steal my joy and my witness.” This can be something that entangles us so often and too easily. But, God is faithful to keep us, isn’t He? Thank you for your sweet encouragement. Not just here, but ever where you leave grace. <3

  6. These words – just what I needed. The noise….the noise….the noise. I thought all I had to do was shout a little louder, but I got nowhere. I took up blogging because He told me to. I continue blogging because He has given me an instructed ear and a “ready writer” heart.

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