>>>
John 15:1-4 - Pruning Brings Growth.

John 15:1-4 (NLT) I am the true grapevine, 
and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every 
branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit, and he 
prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will 
produce even more. You have already been pruned and 
purified by the message I have given you. Remain in 
me, and I will remain in you. For a branch 
cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the 
vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain 
in me.  

COMMENTARY PEARL

   In late winter, on a drive through Sonoma 
County, I'll see farmworkers pruning fruit trees. A 
few farms haven't given out to vineyard and 
still grow apples, peaches, cherries, apricots, 
and plums. In winter the view is bleak; we'll 
see orchards of barren-looking trees and piles 
of cuttings ready to burn. But why prune at 
all? 
   Pruning cuts away diseased and 
storm-damaged branches. It also removes obstructing 
branches that might otherwise break off and wound the 
trunk, exposing the interior of the tree to insect 
invasion. Pruning thins the tree's crown and branches, 
permitting more air to circulate and light to 
penetrate. Air and light are essential to flower 
production - and without flowers, there is no fruit. 
Pruning strengthens the tree for fruit production 
and shapes it into something of beauty. 
   We need pruning, too, and not just once a 
year. What does God use to prune us? Scripture; 
life experiences, both good and bad; the natural 
world; others' words. We learn through hardship. We 
learn through pain. Everything becomes a tool in 
God's hands. 
   But I have a part in the process too. God 
calls me to examine my life, to search for what 
needs to be cut away. Do I listen to the raucous 
shouting world instead of the still small voice of 
God? Cut away that part of me that desires the 
world's approval. Has pride crept in like a disease? 
Cut away that self-righteousness. What useless, 
time-consuming, needless things need to be cut away so I 
have the time I crave to lean in and listen to 
the Holy Spirit moving within my heart, 
instructing while I read God's Word, lighting my path 
through this fallen, darkened world? Whatever 
obstructs my relationship with God must be cut off and 
tossed on the burn pile. 
   Pruning brings new life.
   I want to be strong in faith, like a tree 
firmly planted by streams of living water. I want 
to yield fruit in season - love, joy, peace, 
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 
gentleness, self-control - because these are the things 
that make others hunger for the One who fills the 
soul. 
   Father God, You are the master Gardener. 
You know how to prune me so that I will become 
more fruitful, more beautiful, more like You. The 
pruning is often painful, and I wish it weren't 
necessary. But please help me to remember that no 
matter how much it hurts in the moment, the end 
result will be more fruit - and a life that is an 
offering to You. [Earth Psalms by Francine Rivers] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE


http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190710-1307.html 

EXCELLENT VIDEO SERIES ON 28 REVELATIONS OF 
JESUS 

1st of 28: Divine Dining: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_7j1QIKqmY 
2nd of 28: Pictures of the Divine: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lNI-OQ7-eQ 
3rd of 28: A Dirty Bible: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMkPvBuuFd4 
4th of 28: Cared For: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztXyJVdcCds 
5th of 28: Saved: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX45kGRe1HI 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs