Barnabas Bulletin ~ 0034 THE TRUE VINE
God, the Vine-dresser, has the care of the vineyard; He loves the Vine, He loves the branches and cares deeply for the growth and fruitfulness of those who are united to the True Vine by faith. What a privilege to be a branch of the True Vine. Jesus said, “I am the True Vine,”knowing full well there would be many, many counterfeit vines, vying for power and adoration, producing branches that bear nothing more than false hope and misguided deception. But to be grafted into the True Vine, to be “in Christ,” is a continuous life-giving experience with many “oohs and ouches” along the way. Pruning is a painful yet very necessary part of our Christian experience, “that we should bring forth fruit unto God” (Romans 7:4 KJV). It’s important to understand that “we’re pruned if we bear and we’re pruned if we don’t” – either way we’re in for the lopping process! The Lord wants fruit - when He didn’t find it on the fig tree He dealt with it quite decisively! (Matthew 21:18-22). Thought: “Neither do men invite the Holy Spirit (New Wine) into dead branches: else the branches will break, the Holy Spirit will depart, and the branches will perish: but they invite the Holy Spirit into living branches, and both are protected.” Bible Readings: Matthew 9:17 Please Pray This Prayer: Dear Lord and lover of my soul, thank You that Your plans and purposes for me are only good. And, even when You prune and shape me, You have only my welfare and fruitfulness at heart. Help me, Lord Jesus, to have such faith in You that I am willing to surrender myself totally to You, knowing this will cause my branches to become gloriously fruitful, to the glory and honour of God. Amen.” The Gospel Faith Messenger Ministry, New Zealand. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Barnabas Bulletins
A Monthly Ministry Of Encouragement