A Word For The New Year (2)

Sat, 2 Jan 2021

‘A land of hills and valleys.’ Deuteronomy 11:11

This year you will face some mountains and go through some valleys. And you need both. The strength gained from climbing and conquering your last mountain is what will get you through your next valley. It’s in the valley that the sweetest fruit grows. That’s because it’s watered by streams that flow from the mountains.

Jesus said, ‘By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.’ (John 15:8 NKJV) This year Jesus wants you to be more fruitful in His service. And He tells you how: ‘Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.’ (John 15:4–5 NKJV)

What kind of fruit is God looking for in your life this year? Paul tells us: ‘When the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.’ (Galatians 5:22–23 TLB) It’s not a matter of working industriously and efficiently to produce a bountiful harvest out of your own efforts—it’s a matter of abiding in the Vine so the Spirit can work on your behalf.

So this year when you face a mountain or go through a valley, remember that God is with you.