As we start to wrap up our week on different ways were to abide in the true vine of God,

today we'll look at how God prunes us in his love.

Discipline can often be a tricky subject, but it's my hope that our hearts would remain soft and open today

as we remember how good and loving the God is that we serve.

Welcome to the First of Team Podcast. So, Our verse of today comes from John 15 verse 2 where Jesus says,

every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he takes away. And every branch that does bear fruit he prunes,

that it may bear more fruit.

The world teaches us that discipline is about shaming us into acting perfectly.

Discipline from the world usually comes from a place of selfishness,

rather than love, a pursuit of perfection

rather than godliness,

and intends to lead us to the appearance of morality rather than molding

and shaping the heart. For this reason we so often run away from the discipline of our Heavenly Father.

But Hebrews 12 5 through 6 says,

My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,

nor be weary when reproved by him.

For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son whom he receives. God loves us, so he disciplines us. He has such

incredible plans for us that he must mold and shape us into children ready and equipped for authority, influence, and the power of the spirit.

His discipline is always intended to lead us to abundant life, not to tear us down or shame us.

And as we look at God's desire to discipline us, allow his love to open your heart and lead you into the process

of pruning intended solely to refine, help, and produce fruit in you.

John 15 to you says, every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away.

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