subject: Choose To Live, Dwell And Abide In THE VINE – Part 1 [print this page] Choose To Live, Dwell And Abide In THE VINE Part 1
A Vine is the big stem of the grapevine plant that grows out of the ground. Vineyard keepers always keep the vine, which ends in a gnarl or large knot, at waist length, for easy tending.
Branches grow in either directions along the trellis and are popped up with sticks for the circulation of air. This also provides the maximum amount of sunshine and also allows full access for tending. The vinedresser lovingly cultivates each branch, so that it will bear many grapes.
Jesus tells His disciples in John 15:1-4, "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. You are already clean because of the words I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."
Wow! The above scripture is amazing. We, as the branches, cannot be "stand-alone" Christians. We should take care to abide or remain permanently in Jesus, and He will do likewise. When we continue to live in Christ and He in us, we will bear fruit, for His kingdom. In the worldly vine, no branch can survive without its full dependence on the vine.
Every branch that bears fruit is periodically pruned or cut so that it will bear more fruit. Without periodic pruning, a vine will only produce a fraction of its potential harvest. The pruner removes the dead leaves and makes sure that sunlight gets to the fruit-bearing branches. In doing so, he increases the sizes and quality of the grapes and encourages new grapes to develop.
Likewise, God, The Gardener, will prune or cut away the parts of our lives that are draining precious energy and time from us. This can only happen if we abide permanently in THE VINE, Jesus Christ. God's purpose for our lives requires the cutting away of bad habits, attitudes, wrong relationships and anything that distracts us from our highest calling.
Pruning can be painful but it is essential for our spiritual growth, so that we can bear more fruit for His Kingdom. If God is pruning you, I encourage you to pay attention, as it is a season of preparation for greater things. If your response to the pruning process is right, you will begin to move from barrenness in every area of your life to abundant blessings, for His glory.
Also if God is pruning you, I encourage you to acknowledge that He is trying to get your attention. Ask Him whether you are being disciplined because of sin, as there is a difference. If it is sin, repent and get back on track as soon as possible. If the pruning is for your spiritual progress so that you can bear more fruit, I encourage you co-operate with the Almighty. There will be great rewards after the pruning process is complete.
PRAYER OF SALVATION
If you have not already committed your life to Jesus and you would like to do so now, please pray this prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I am sorry for all the things I have done wrong. Thank you for dying for me on the cross, to set me free from my sins. I ask you to come into my life as my personal Lord and Saviour, and fill me with the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord Jesus. Amen."
Congratulations, if you have prayed this prayer. Please look for a Bible-believing church, to fellowship with the brethren. Please do not hesitate to contact me, if I can be of any assistance to you. Remain blessed and enjoy the presence of the Lord.
