THE PROCESS OF PRUNING

In John 15:1-4, we read: “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 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.

Discarded limbs and debris were piled high underneath the magnolia tree. The tree’s canopy had been raised and now the driveway was free of limbs that scratched the cars as they entered. The pile of limbs that remained on the pile showed little sign of life. A few of the leaves were green but would soon turn brown. They had no source of life. They had been taken away from the true tree.

Some branches were removed because they prevented the air flow and allowed pests to thrive. Now the tree would produce more flowers and fruit as well as contain a better shape.

Our spiritual life follows the same pattern. The Lord Jesus is the true vine and God, the Father, is the vinedresser. He takes away the branches that do not bear fruit. Every branch that bears fruit He prunes. The process of pruning is to keep the fruit clean to prevent bugs and disease, not to remove us. He has made us clean. All I have to do is to abide in Him. Rest in Him. Lean back against his everlasting Arms.

Abiding in Him. I cannot bear fruit of myself. But as I abide in the Lord Jesus, there will be fruit. I may get the credit for it but if you look closely, you’ll see that the power source is not me at all but the Lord Jesus in me as I abide in Him.

Kingdom Thinking. Abiding in Jesus is my desire. He promises never to leave me nor forsake me. He loves me with an everlasting love. He wants to abide in you. Won’t you ask Him in?