37 Days – He Prunes for New Growth

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 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. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you.” John 15:1-3

January 10^th Prayer:

Father, thank You that You cut away every thinking pattern, relationship, and activity that no longer produces good fruit. I am excited to know that You are working in me to produce more fruit. And so, I trust You to take away anything, no matter how painful, that keeps me from producing good fruit. Holy Spirit, I open to You now to bring to mind any activity, thought, sin, relationship, or use of my time that You desire to cut. I trust You and thank You for pruning me . . . in Jesus’ name!

(Write down the things the Holy Spirit brings to mind.)

My thoughts:

Do you still struggle with that sin?  You know, the one you never talk about with your friends or family, but it consistently pulls at you, draws you in and tempts you.  We are all bound in this human flesh, which in and of itself is sinful, and therefore prone to the temptations of this world.  We are not immune to the lusts, the addictions, the anger, the envy and jealousy, the words, the actions and the pride that are so prevalent in this world.  There is one, though, who faced these temptations and overcame them all.  He stood upon the strength of His Father in heaven and turned from them by focusing upon God’s plan and God’s provision.  You have that same ability, if you so indeed to take advantage of it.

As hard as you try to will yourself to be “better” and not fall into that trap again, you alone are incapable.  Your straight jacket discipline is unable to stand against the evil in this world.  The people, the activities, thoughts and sins that are pervasive here will quickly envelope your defenses.  Unless you reach for the One who has been tested and found Holy against the evil one.  Jesus Christ came in order to set you free from these sins and relationships.  By leaning into Him and drawing upon His authority and strength you can also be found an overcomer. 

As we discussed yesterday – there will be pain in cutting away some of these habits and relationships.  But, at the end of the journey, the strength that will be built up in you, and the path that you find yourself walking on will be much more in line with God’s plan and less aligned with the world’s plan.  Your objective is to grow in your walk, in your faith and in your life’s purpose for God.  Looking carefully at those things in your life that separate you from God, I ask that you sit down right now and lift them up to Jesus in prayer.  Asking Him for the wisdom and courage to cut those things that are not benefitting your walk and to focus more heartily on those things that will allow you thrive in the Lord.  This new year of 2018 is your year to reset your direction on a path serving the Lord in all areas of your life.  Take this small step today on that new journey.

Be Blessed,

Rich

 

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