branches

Having grown up on a farm, I understand all this stuff about pruning.

Remember that we only pruned the vines in our grape arbor that were vines that produced good fruit.

We cut off & threw away the vines that didn't produce well - they were a drag on the vine.

The vines that did produce good grapes, we wanted to trim because we knew they'd produce even more, & sometimes even better fruit.

Maybe that will help to know the next time God decides to prune us back?


John 15

1 "I am the true grapevine,

        and my Father is the gardener.

2 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.

3 You have already been pruned and purified 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 unless you remain in 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 does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers.

     Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.


7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you,

        you may ask for anything you want,

        and it will be granted!

8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples.

    This brings great glory to my Father.