The Pruning Process

Some of these thoughts came from my message to Bethel Family yesterday.  We had a great service with the presence of God but the weather hindered many people from coming so I share this again this morning.  John 15:1-17 is the classic passage of scripture on the pruning process.  I encourage you to read that passage today.  Here are some thoughts from this passage that will help you to grow as a follower of Jesus Christ.  1.  I cannot grow without being connected to Jesus in an intimate manner.  Jesus said we remain in Him if we obey His commands which must be motivated by love.  2.  I am not called to prune myself but Jesus said His Father is the gardener.  If left to myself I just would not prune some aspects of my life.  Our Heavenly Father has our best interest in mind and knows just what to do so I will be a child of God that is processing fruit that is pleasing to God.  3.  The goal of pruning process is all about the quality of fruit being produced.  Jesus wants us to bear fruit and fruit that will stand the test of time, eternal time.  If you are interested in the most quantity of apples then do not prune the apple tree but they become deformed and will not taste as good.  If you are interested in a good tasting apple then you must properly prune that apple tree.  4.  The Word of God is the Lord's way of pruning us.  In verse three Jesus said the disciples were clean because of the word spoken to them.  When I honestly place the Word of God before me, I can rest assured that God is going to speak to me in the areas that I need to change to become more like Jesus. 
The blessing of this passage of scripture is that the clear application of John 15:1-17.  First,  God wants us to bear good spiritual fruit.  This will best reflect that we belong to Jesus Christ.  Second, God wants to answer our prayers.  Twice within this section Jesus gave us the promise that God will answer our prayers as we abide in Him and cooperate with our Heavenly Father in the pruning process.  Third, God wants us to lovingly serve others as He has served people.  Wherever there is true agape love you will also see selfless service and ministry to others.  If I say that I love but I am not serving then I need to examine the character of my love.  Genuine love will result is the willingness to serve one another.
May the Lord of all love prune you in ways that you will be fruitful for the kingdom of God.

Pastor John