“The vine dresser is never nearer the vine than when He is pruning it.” — Anonymous

Minister Dracy Jenkins, Devotional Writer

John 15:1-8 NLT 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.

There is a main reason that vines are pruned; so that they can grow stronger and produce more fruit.

Jesus tells us; no encourages us, to have faith, that our hardships and trials are for a purpose.  At least for those who belong to Him.

What amazes me at times, is that we still go through many hardships and trials in life, without Christ. And without Him, those same trials and hardships only bring despair, fear, frustration and hopelessness.

Why not allow God to do the pruning instead of the world?  Think about it.  It should be an easy decision.  Maybe this will help: while God simply prunes, the world uproots, destroys and wipes away all signs of life.

Trust God. Believe God.  Allow God to give you purpose and hope.

Minister Dracy

After God’s Own Heart Ministries

Luke 4:18-19 …to bring Good News…