How does your orchard grow?

We had an awesome service last night at church and God revealed to our pastor that my life was like an orchard and that I bare much fruit and that the fruit I bare would not spoil. Bearing fruit to me means, loving people, praying for people, being an encouragement to people and putting others before yourself. So after thinking about this, I had an idea to study about orchards. Below are the ways to plant an orchard according to ehow.com.


1. Consider your climate. The type of orchard that you decide to plant will be determined by the site's climatic influences, including wind patterns, frost, average temperatures, amount of daylight and rainfall. Trying to grow an orchard of lemon trees in the Pacific Northwest would be fruitless.


2. Evaluate the site's soil for adequate nutrients and drainage. Your site probably will need to be amended for inadequate or excessive nutrients before planting. It will then need to be monitored and tested regularly.


3.Protect your orchard from wildlife, such as rabbits, deer and rodents, which are attracted to fruit-bearing trees. Invest in mesh-wire fencing that extends at least 6-feet high.


4. Clear your site of any towering trees that may reduce sunlight on your orchard. A minimum of eight hours of light is needed each day for fruit-bearing trees to be productive.


5. Consult with an expert before purchasing trees from a nursery. Selecting the appropriate tree for your climate and choosing the proper cultivar will help your orchard thrive.


6. Plant your trees according to their common characteristics, such as resistance to diseases and pests, size or expected bloom dates.



I read this and thought about it a while and God began to give me ideas about how to plant a spiritual orchard. Below is my version:



1. Accept Jesus into your life. Put worldly things aside and follow the path He has chosen for your life. Find a good, Bible believing church and surround yourself with those that are like minded.



2. Feed your soil (soul) with the Word of God. This will prepare you for a rich harvest.



3. Protect your orchard (life/family) with much prayer. Cover those around you with prayer. Protect yourself with the Armor of God.



4. Shine your light for the world to see, don't hide it. If people cannot see Jesus in you, then you are letting the things of this world hide your light.



5. Consult with God and let Him lead the way. Don't try to do things your way because His way is the only way! Find out what the plans are for your life and what He has already placed within you to fulfill.



6. Plant your seeds according to the way Jesus would do it and be prepared to bare much fruit. Share your fruit with others and always remember that every season of your life will be different and will require different fruits. Also, remember that trees need to be pruned so that their fruit will increase in number. This means that the trials and tribulations we face is only a form of pruning. This has to happen so that when someone in need comes to us, we have produced the fruit that they need at that very moment.



The fruits of the spirit are found in Galatians 5:22-23 and they are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our life to His. We must know Him, love Him, remember Him, and imitate Him (Life App. Study Bible).