As the seasons turn and the fields are ready for harvest, we’re reminded that God is also cultivating something deep within us. Just as farmers prepare the soil, plant seeds, tend their crops, and rest the land, God invites us to nurture the gardens of our hearts — where faith, love, and grace can take root and grow.

In Harvest of the Heart: Growing What God Plants, we’ll journey through the stories of Samuel, David, Solomon, and Elijah — four very different people who each show us what it means to listen, grow, build, and rest in God’s call. Through their lives, we discover that a fruitful faith doesn’t happen by accident; it’s the result of daily attention to the Spirit’s work in us.

Over four weeks, we’ll explore how to cultivate a listening heart that hears God’s voice, a cleansed heart that welcomes renewal, a wise heart that builds what lasts, and a resting heart that trusts in God’s timing.

This fall, let’s tend the soil of our souls together — so that when God’s harvest comes, our lives overflow with gratitude, wisdom, and grace.

“Healthy soil grows good fruit — and a healthy heart grows the goodness of God.”

1 Samuel 3:1–21

Every harvest begins with a seed — and the first seed God plants is a call. Like young Samuel, we learn that listening is the starting point of spiritual growth. God is always speaking, but we must make space to hear. When we quiet the noise and open our hearts, God’s voice takes root, guiding us toward faith that grows.

Key Insight: Spiritual growth begins with attentiveness — preparing the soil of your heart to receive God’s word.

Spiritual Health Connection: Listening is the soil where spiritual health begins to grow.

Practice: Begin a “Listening Garden” journal — write down moments where you sense God’s nudge this week.

📖 1 Samuel 16:1–13; Psalm 51:10–14

As gardens need weeding and care, so do our hearts. God looked not at David’s outward appearance, but at his heart — and when David strayed, he sought cleansing and renewal. God’s grace works like living water, washing away what chokes growth and restoring what was dry. When we let God renew our hearts, fresh life begins to bloom again.

Key Insight: True growth comes when we let God cleanse and reshape our motives and desires.

Spiritual Health Connection: Confession and renewal are the spiritual “nutrients” for a fruitful life.

Practice: Confess one “weed” — a thought, habit, or fear — that chokes your spiritual growth. Ask God to renew you.

📖 1 Kings 5:1–5; 8:1–13

A good harvest must be stored, shared, and built upon. Solomon’s Temple was a lasting work of faith, wisdom, and purpose — built not for his own glory, but for God’s presence to dwell among the people. Likewise, our spiritual wisdom becomes a storehouse of blessing for others. We build something that lasts by living faithfully, encouraging others, and passing on what God has taught us.

Key Insight: Wisdom and perseverance build a legacy that blesses future generations.

Spiritual Health Connection: Building habits of wisdom keeps our spiritual harvest abundant.

Practice: Identify one piece of wisdom, one spiritual habit, or one “fruit” of your faith you can pass on to others.

📖 1 Kings 19:1–18

Even the richest soil needs rest. Elijah learned that after the storm and the fire came a whisper — the quiet voice of God calling him to renewal. Spiritual rest isn’t laziness; it’s letting God restore what work and worry have drained. When we stop striving and sit still, we discover that God is already preparing the next season of growth.

Key Insight: Rest is part of God’s design — a sacred pause that allows new life to emerge.

Spiritual Health Connection: Rest is part of God’s design for fruitful living.

Practice: Take one intentional Sabbath moment this week — turn off devices, step outside, breathe, and simply be with God and hear God's whisper.