This is Your Year to Produce!

Luke 3:9
The Ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

Many of us are standing on the edge of our breakthrough. New possibilities are budding like leaves on tree tops after God flooded the earth ready for the new day of his redemption. We are budding but we must make sure we blossom into a fruitful tree. In 2011, God wants to open up the flood gates of heaven but when he does it’s up to you to be fruitful with what he pours out on you.

At the beginning of the year everyone is ready to repent. That is, we remember or look back on how far we’ve gotten off track with our lives and we resolve or make resolution to get back to where we should be. Repenting is not enough! We must produce fruit in keeping with repentance (v.8). There must be proof that we are making a change in 2011 before we are cut off. This year don’t tell people your resolutions show them the results. It’s time to produce!

John the Baptist said, “The ax is already at the root.” It’s crucial for many of us this year either we are going to produce or we’re going to be cut off. With this recession everybody’s making cuts. There are no more free rides, no room for mediocrity, or the same old same old. Either you are producing or you are getting cut. It’s imperative for the Body of Christ to produce fruits in keeping with repentance.

Ephesians 4:25-32 is a good recipe for producing fruit in keeping with repentance:

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

It’s time to produce like you have before

1.Stay rooted. Attend church and bible study regularly this year.

2.Get in the light. Have regular devotion including prayer and reading your bible. Check out www.lifejournal.cc for instructions on how to journal during devotion.

3.Let God prune you. After you bear fruit for God he has to cut something off of you so that you can bear even more fruit. Get ready to drop off unneeded weight this year.

Dear God, I’m ready to produce this year. I know there is more inside of me that only you can bring out through my obedience to you. This is the year that I will produce for you. It’s time to show and prove how much I really love you. Forgive me for not producing. Thank you for giving me another year to do better than I did last year.

In Jesus Name,
Amen