Sunday, April 29, 2012

Be Fruitful by Ann Elaine Broughton




“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NIV).

    Jesus liked to use common day examples to teach others about faith. This whole chapter revolves around how Jesus is the vine and God the gardener. He uses this picture of God as a gardener so that we can see what God does in our own lives. Sometimes there are bad habits in our lives that God wants to prune away, so that we can be more fruitful. The bad part of a vine must be pruned back so it will bear good fruit.
     I have a brown thumb, so when I want anything pruned I go to the expert, a friend of mine who works in a flower shop. I know that if I start cutting a rose bush, it will never bloom again. But if the expert cuts just at the right spot, a new branch will come out and bear beautiful roses. I count on this friend to know where to prune because he knows how to do it right.
    God is our pruner. “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that bears fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (John 15:2 NIV). He is the one who created us and knows our inner most thoughts and desires. He knows where we need to be pruned and what bad weakness needs to be dealt with. It is up to us to surrender that to Him so that we can be fruitful workers for His kingdom.
    Something wonderful happens for those who remain in Christ (the vine). “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you” (John 15: 7 NIV). God answers prayers of those who remain in Him and bear fruit.  Also joy will fill your soul. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11 NIV).
    As Christians it is so important to be attached to the vine (Jesus). If you are not, then you risk having a withered spiritual life. Then your fruit will not be noticed by God or anybody else. Stay attached to the vine through prayer and reading God’s word.
Dear Lord,
We know that we must be attached to you in order to bear fruit. Please prune out of our lives anything that hinders our walk with you. Help us to remain in you so that others will see the joy in us that only you can give.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Perseverance: A devotion by Ann Broughton

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