Hopefully, our work in preparing, planting and maintaining our physical and spiritual gardens has been very rewarding. The summer and autumn have all too quickly ticked away, which unfortunately means that we in the northern hemisphere have had our last pickings and harvest.

The Feast of Pentecost reminded us that we ourselves are firstfruits (Romans 8:23), that we also have God's Holy Spirit flowing through us (Romans 8:14-16).

The Feast of Trumpets reminded us of Christ's glorious return and the first resurrection—God's first harvest (James 1:17-18; 5:7-8; Revelation 20:6; 1 Peter 5:4).

Considering this great harvest that God has opened our minds to, let's ask a question of ourselves. How is the quality of my spiritual harvest? We have all been given many opportunities for growth. Prayerfully seek God's direction and make a list of items that you have worked on that you, through God's help, have grown in (James 3:17-18; Psalm 63:1-7).

Praise Him and thank Him for working in you, for knowing you and remembering you. Thank the Overseer of the entire universe for making you a priority. Truly take the time to give Him the glory, for without Him we are nothing (Colossians 1:17; John 15:5).

What a true blessing it is to see fruits of progress (Galatians 6:8; Philippians 1:6, 11)! Of course we aren't perfect, but we can be in a deep attitude of gratitude for what He has worked in us. Without Him we can do nothing (Colossians 1:12-13). We are reminded in Philippians 4:17 that God desires fruit of us. We are but a small branch on the vine of Christ (John 15:4).

Now, let's make another list of items that we would like to continue to grow in (Philippians 4:9). With prayer, Bible study and meditation, we can decide what fruits we need to continue to focus on. We must not allow ourselves to become dormant (Philippians 3:13-14). Just as the winter wheat will be growing under the snow, we too can continue our growth, right to the spring Passover, so that we can also share in the crown of righteousness Paul looked forward to (2 Timothy 4:7-8).