When Jesus is moving you into a new season, he makes sure you know what your source of life is. First step: admitting the things you are currently trusting that will never deliver. This week we took the time to reflect on the places or false vines we may be trying to go to for what only Jesus can provide. Let's dig deeper.

Read

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit.

Some key statements and questions put forward that are important for us to talk about…‍

Examine

"I am the true vine..."

• Jesus is the only source of the life you are longing for.

• This pandemic is full of suffering, hurt, and unrest. Do you have any attachments that have been revealed as a result?

• What have false vines produced in your life recently? What has the True Vine produced?

‍"...and my Father is the gardener"

• God places himself in the role as the "hired hand" who takes care of the vines.

• What does that reveal about his caring and tending nature of you?

“Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes..."

• Why do you think God prunes his branches?

• Is your initial response punishment? If so, why do you think that is?

• Re-red verse 2. What does the Bible say is God's motivation in pruning?

Apply

"Vine branches are not wild and unruly, they are dressed to stay attached to the trellis." Are there areas of your life that feel disconnected from the trellis of God's design? What are they?

‍"Branches need more attention and care than the vine does." Why do you think out of all the plants on earth Jesus chose to describe His relationship with us and the Father through a grape vine? Does that imagery give you hope?

‍"Is the love of Jesus the central element of your life?" If not, who or what is seeping vital life from how you were designed to flourish? If so, what has been helpful in hard times in your commitment to Jesus?

Act

Look for ways to love like Jesus. Say this out loud: Lord, show me what your love looks like today.

Look for ways to sacrifice like Jesus. Say this out loud: Jesus, what needs to be cut back in my life today?

Ask God to reveal false vines. Say this out loud: Lord, search my heart. Is there anything that is blocking me from receiving your life in full?

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