Reprimand.

Sorry about the absense of any new material over the past few days, I was feeling a little 'off colour' I'm afraid to say, but I'm much better now :o) Any way, on with the thought for today...

Pruning is an experience that it never welcomed although the benefit of it can quickly be recognised since pruning brings new life.

A gardener will never prune a dead branch, and so a dead branch will never experience the pain or growth that results from pruning. It is only those branches that are full of life that draw the attention of the gardener's pruning sheers at just the right time in the season. The gardener does not just hack away at the plant he skilfully chooses the right time and the right place to prune. It may be unpleasant but the gardener does not prune out of malice but a desire to see abundant growth.

[Jesus began by saying] "I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer... every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken."

If we remain in Christ [and in fellowship with other believers] we will experience times of pruning and reprimand. This is God perfecting us, completing His work in our lives. At times pruning may come through a book, a sermon, a friend's companionship, or even circumstances. Going through these times does not mean that we have stepped outside of God's blessing; it is merely a transition to increased blessing. Our wealth or security does not define how blessed we are; remaining in a living and vibrant relationship with Christ defines our blessing.

"Live in me." [Jesus continued] "Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me.
I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is - when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples." John 15:1-8 (Msg)