A Branch That Produces

Scripture:

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned for greater fruitfulness by the message I have given you. 4 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 apart from me. 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who parts from me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! 8 My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father. (John 15:1-8 NLT)

The teachings of Jesus were simple, but so real! Here, He talks about the Father as a gardener, and I can picture the whole thing about branches and pruning and being fruitful. We have had fruit trees, and applied to them some of the same processes that Jesus is talking about here; pruning good branches, and seeing more fruit being produced. I want to stay part of the vine, and even be pruned as necessary, so that I will continue to produce. There is nothing I can do that counts for God apart from the vine.

Thank You, Lord, that I am a branch on Your vine. My desire is always to be fruitful; to be all that You want me to be. I love You. AMEN

Father, You teach me to do Your will, and by Your gracious Spirit You lead me forward on a firm footing. Thank You. Psalm 143

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