Your pruning process
Monday 1st October 2018
'So [you] will produce even more.' John 15:2 NLT
Jesus said the 'vine dresser' (God) 'cuts off every branch...that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes [cuts back] the branches that do bear fruit so they...produce even more' (John 15:2 NLT).
God cuts some things off. Things that stand in the way of our progress. Things he didn't choose for us. Things that will bring us trouble. Things that refuse to change. God also cuts some things back. A pruned fruit tree initially doesn't look its best. And when God starts cutting back certain things in our lives in order to redirect us, for a while we may not look so good either. Sometimes this means letting go of comfortable things, or reprioritising our lives, or making do with less for a while.
Having things in our lives cut off or cut back can mean that we feel exposed and vulnerable. But it's in those times that we realise that we only need God. With fewer distractions we can focus on him. And although we may not understand what he's doing, we can trust that he knows what's best for us. He wants us to become like Jesus. And when that's our desire too, we'll find it easier to accept the pruning process we're going through. Then, once the wrong things are removed, we can produce even more fruit. 'I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last' (John 15:16 NIV).
So what now? Grapevines need to be pruned for their long-term benefit. Thank God that he takes you through the same process.
Monday 1st October 2018
'So [you] will produce even more.' John 15:2 NLT
Jesus said the 'vine dresser' (God) 'cuts off every branch...that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes [cuts back] the branches that do bear fruit so they...produce even more' (John 15:2 NLT).
God cuts some things off. Things that stand in the way of our progress. Things he didn't choose for us. Things that will bring us trouble. Things that refuse to change. God also cuts some things back. A pruned fruit tree initially doesn't look its best. And when God starts cutting back certain things in our lives in order to redirect us, for a while we may not look so good either. Sometimes this means letting go of comfortable things, or reprioritising our lives, or making do with less for a while.
Having things in our lives cut off or cut back can mean that we feel exposed and vulnerable. But it's in those times that we realise that we only need God. With fewer distractions we can focus on him. And although we may not understand what he's doing, we can trust that he knows what's best for us. He wants us to become like Jesus. And when that's our desire too, we'll find it easier to accept the pruning process we're going through. Then, once the wrong things are removed, we can produce even more fruit. 'I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last' (John 15:16 NIV).
So what now? Grapevines need to be pruned for their long-term benefit. Thank God that he takes you through the same process.
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Let's Pray Together! 
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Dear Lodseth, we're lifting up your financial need to the Lord. Remember, Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you" (Matt 7:7). Trust God's timing. We're agreeing with you in prayer! 
