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“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

Promise: God promises pruning (discipline, training) to make me grow in Christ so that my life will be more fruitful.

I love my garden and the beautiful flowers and vegetables that I grow. They are pleasing to look at and a joy to eat. The image given in these verses is that just as I need to cultivate, prune, and water my garden, God needs to do the same with me. He directs, guides, and causes me to hurt at times to produce a more steadfast character that is deeply rooted in Jesus. I don’t particularly like the pruning, as it is often difficult, but I can look back and see how those hard times caused me to draw nearer to Him and walk more closely in trust. I know that God wants the very best for me and that He is good. His ways are not my ways, yet He will cause me to grow and develop that steadfast character He desires, if I will trust Him and depend fully upon Jesus to guide, mold, and uplift me.

Lessons and Truths:

1.Jesus is the source of growth and life for the believer.

2.A believer’s life must show fruit.

3.God disciplines those He loves.

4.God’s pruning produces even more fruit in my life.

5.God tends to me. He oversees my growth and productivity.

Prayer: Father God, I know that pruning and discipline are difficult when they come into my life. I want to joyfully thank you for loving me and molding my character so that I will be able to stand firm in my faith. Produce in me your fruit that I can be used more effectively for your kingdom. Let others see Jesus in me. Amen.

What is my response to God’s promise?

What kind of fruit is evident in my life? Galatians 5:22-23a says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Promise Confirmation: Psalm 25:8-10, Proverbs 3:11-12, Matthew 7:16-20, Romans 8:28, Ephesians 5:8-11, James 1:2-4