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It's Halftime

Kris Vallotton
January 3, 2024

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of life's chaos, desperately needing a break, clarity, and a spiritual reset?  Picture it like halftime – that pivotal moment when the coach steps in, recalibrates the team, and sparks a turnaround. The game isn't over; this is a chance to come back stronger and claim victory!


In recent weeks, a resounding message has been echoing in my heart and mind: January is the Church's halftime! Our divine Coach is calling us to the huddle, to draw close, and let Him fine-tune our game plan – our values, thoughts, and behaviors. Amid the noise, He's inviting us to step away, knowing that leaning into these divine moments will catapult us into the second half, ready for victory. And in this game, we already know the final score – He wins!

PRUNING WITH A PROMISE

God in his kindness is inviting us into a season of pruning. Romans 2:4 states, “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” It is the kindness of God to correct us and draw us near to him. Not only that but when we repent and turn to him, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us, empowering us to live righteously! 


Does that mean that when I repent to Jesus that I am fully sanctified – made holy? 


Yes, when you accept Jesus you become holy and righteous before God but scripture is also clear that we are also being sanctified – becoming more like Jesus as we abide in Him. What I’m getting at is that no matter where you are in your walk with the Lord, his kindness is always drawing you into deeper repentance and relationship with Him. 


John 15 is a beautiful example of this principle. Here we see God as the vine dresser and us as the vines. As he moves through the vineyard, he cuts back any vine or branch that is not bearing fruit.This is true kindness because, left to their own devices, vine branches will continue to grow and grow and grow beyond their fruitfulness until they are little more than just long twigs, becoming hindrances to us rather than helpful.


My grandfather's vineyard taught me this truth. The vine dresser, not out of cruelty but wisdom, trims each branch to its place of fruitfulness. As he cuts, a promise unfolds because where he cuts more fruit will grow to 30, 60 and 100 fold!


As we start this month of January, join me in inviting the Lord to look at our branches and speak to us about where He is wanting to prune. Trust that through this pruning, a promise unfolds—a season of abundant harvest!



At Bethel Church, we're embarking on a 7-day fast from January 7th to 13th. I invite you to join us as we lean into this season together, seeking the Lord's guidance for the coming year. You can learn more here.

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