Happy New Year my friends!! I am so thankful for the privilege of seeing another year begin. So, God gave me a word last year that I decided to save until the beginning of the year so that it will give us something to think about. When the new year begins, there are so many uncertainties. We make plans, declarations, and resolutions, but there is something that has to happen in order for those things to come to reality. What is required is action. Let me give you something to ponder at the top of the year.

The parable that God gave me is found in Luke 13:6-9(NLT). It says: “Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden. The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’” The fig trees in this parable reminded me of us as people.

Jesus does nothing just for kicks and giggles. He gave this example to show that the tree was in a garden with other trees where it had space, opportunity, and time to be successful but still didn’t produce any fruit. The gardener asked if he could have one more year. This version says the gardener wanted to give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. Another version I read said he asked to cultivate the trees. I love that word, and I’m sure you remember my love for definitions! Some of the definitions I found for cultivate were “To apply oneself to improve or develop, to grow or maintain in culture, and to break up soil for sowing or planting.” Seems the tree had been there for years, but the gardener lacked one thing. Action. When the boss came through and declared the tree useless, the gardener immediately asked for more time to invest in the fruitfulness of the tree.

Just like those trees, we were created to bear fruit. Most think of being fruitful and multiplying as it pertains to bearing children. As I’ve said before, that is not the only example. John 15:4-6 TPT says: “So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine. I am the sprouting vine and you’re my branches. As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you—but when you live separated from me you are powerless. If a person is separated from me, he is discarded; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire to be burned.” God is the ultimate cultivator. He consistently shows us things about ourselves and those around us that give us opportunities to grow, develop, evolve, and be fruitful. When we are growing and producing fruit, it encourages those around us to do the same. They can get nourishment from what we produce, but we have to stay intimately connected to God.

Maybe we can start with cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit. These are found in Galatians 5:22-23 NLT. It says “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” When we work on cultivating these things, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will begin to see so much fruit! They will help us in our personal lives, our relationships, and how we relate and connect with God. Others will definitely be drawn to those fruit in our lives, which will produce more fruit!!

So, it’s a new year, what will we do with our tree? Will we use this year to take action on the things we know need to be done in order to be fruitful? Will we pour into another person that needs nourishment to cultivate their tree so that they too can be fruitful? Will we continue to see the fruitless tree and move on as if nothing is wrong? I have come to realize that just because a thought process or way of life is the norm for us, that doesn’t mean that it is effective. When is the right time to take action to make changes? Time is the only entity that we cannot get back. Let’s take a moment to reflect on those areas that we know we can begin to cultivate so that we can begin to see fruit. It can be mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually. The key word is action. The first large step is acknowledging that there is an area that needs cultivation. That is so hard, but so worth it! From there you can make small steps to cultivate those areas and allow God to provide the help you need. Take the steps for you! Understand that you may be met with some resistance from those around you who are used to your tree being fruitless. Set healthy boundaries. Continue on your journey, they will adjust or that branch will fall off! Makes room for more fruit, sis!

So, let’s accept this challenge and take action to see more fruit in our lives and the lives of those around us. I cannot speak for you, but my goal is to be healthy, whole, and effective. I am aware that I will constantly discover things as new people, situations, and encounters arise. I want to produce fruit as God has called me to do, and I want to provoke others to produce fruit as well. Will you join me?

Father, we thank you for gracing us with your presence. We thank you for allowing us to see another year. Help us to produce good fruit. You said that we shall be like a tree planted by the streams that bring forth fruit in its season. Our leaves don’t wither and we can prosper because of our life-union with you. You said that if we draw near to you, that you would draw near to us. Show us how to draw nearer to you individually and collectively. Ignite our passion to pursue you. Thank you for cultivating us and giving us so many chances to produce. Shine a light on those areas where our fruit is needed in the earth. Give us your confidence to see that there is a need for what you have given us. We invite you into our process as we endeavor to produce for your glory alone. Guide us in a way that only you can. We honor you, praise you, and adore you. Amen. Make it an AMAZING year my loves!!