I’ve never been a plant person really, but when we lived in a less-lush part of the country I definitely took rural Tennessee’s greenery for granted. Our house had a wall separating our patio from the neighbor’s, and I became a little obsessed with the vines that covered the wall. Homesick for nature, my husband and I were both super concerned about the health and well-being of the ivy on our wall. “Did the vines get enough water today?” “Are they getting too much water?” “What does ivy like?” “Is that area over on the top left looking concerning to you?” “Do you think that one brown branch is from when Luis trimmed the vines the other day, or is it still attached and looking diseased?” “Who knows about vine health?” “Who can we call to protect our greenery?”
As I looked through today’s very plant-centric Scripture passages, what stood out to me was not the plants themselves but who is responsible for their health and beauty—and what that beauty is actually for.
In John 15:1, Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.”
We are the branches. We aren’t necessary. Branches can be fruitful, or they can be pruned. A single branch can wilt or thrive. The vine is the center of attention and the gardener is in charge. The branch’s only hope is to remain connected to the vine in the gardener’s care.
But even after years of walking with the Lord, of learning that I am only healthy, alive, satisfied, and fulfilled when I’m a branch connected to the Vine (Jesus) being nurtured by the Gardener (God), I still so often long for attention from other places (which leads to sin and pride and pain and heartache).
It’s only when we are connected to the Vine that we’re able to do what we were created to do, and that is to direct attention to the goodness of the gardener, rather than try to get people to look at me. I still struggle with this. I still do things to try to make myself look impressive, as if I’m a rogue branch that thinks it can water and nourish itself.
The fruit that may come from our lives is not from us or for us. It is completely from God and designed to reflect His glory.
Lord, we pray that our “love [would] keep on growing” like ivy and that our lives would be “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9,11).
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90 thoughts on "The True Vine"
“& every branch that DOES bear fruit He prunes so that it may bear more fruit”
Love that encouragement and reminder that He doesn’t in fact prune the ones that don’t bear fruit..those are simply removed.
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What a powerful message. A good reminder to ask myself on a daily, who am I connected to? Who am I abiding in?
If it’s not Christ, my branch will wither.
I loved today’s reading. What a fun easy to picture story of Truth. As branches we need to stay connected healthy to the vine. If that connection isn’t healthy the branch will just hang there with no purpose or JOY whilst the other branches are fruitful because of the relationship. Thank you Jesus for being our strong vine and with our love and obedience you provide what we need. Obedience is a struggle and I thank You for your grace upon grace as we try.
What stood out to me today was the hatred of the world, John 15:18-27 (which my ESV bible study names this passage). It has the title as such and I can’t help but thinking of the persecutions Christians are enduring. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” John 15:18. When Jesus says this, He is preparing His disciples for rejection and persecution. I wonder if one can be fully prepared for rejection and persecution, like ever? They witnessed His death. In today’s world, hatred doesn’t always look like violence, it’s mockery, exclusion, legal pressure, or moral shaming, but sometimes it is violence. When Christians express views on issues like life, marriage, sexuality, or integrity that differ from the mainstream, they may be labeled as intolerant or hateful, even when they speak respectfully. If you experience this, you know you are experiencing persecution. In workplaces, some corporations have faced disciplinary action or job loss for upholding conscience-based beliefs (like declining to participate in actions that violate their faith). Faith-based organizations and activists are sometimes portrayed as politically divisive, even when their work is humanitarian. Jesus was not calling us to fight hatred with hatred but to respond with Truth spoken in love (Ephesians 4:1), and endurance without bitterness (Romans 12:17-21). Love warns of hell. Love doesn’t flatter. It tells the truth even when the truth is so painful. ‘They hated me without cause’ (John 15:25). Jesus was quoting Psalm 69:4, “Those who hate me without reason, outnumber the hairs of my head,… I am forced to restore what I did not steal”. In modern culture, biblical truth can be redefined as hate speech simply because it confronts cherished beliefs. When someone like Charlie Kirk (or any outspoken Christian voice) expresses convictions about moral or social issues, they may be accused of “spreading hate”. The world’s anger often reveals its discomfort with the light. Jesus Himself said, “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed” John 3:20. Is that a cause to be killed? No, even when the world claims it is. Throughout history, from Jesus to the prophets to modern believers, God’s people have been accused, punished, or even killed under false pretenses. Jesus was executed for “blasphemy”, a political and religious pretext. Early Christians were killed for “disturbing peace”. Today, some believers face imprisonment for “spreading hate,” when in truth, they are proclaiming repentance and love in Christ. “They hated me without cause”, this hatred of Christ and His followers often comes from inner resistance to truth, not from any real wrongdoing. Only the true followers of Jesus respond not with retaliation, but with grace, courage, and love (thinking of our beloved Erika Kirk, what precious and brave heart). How do we heal from the hatred of the world? Persecution (publicly or quietly) doesn’t only test the faith, it also wounds the soul of the believers. It can send them straight to the cave season for a long time. Lord have mercy. Healing begins in the presence of Jesus. There is only ONE that we can have a safe refuge in. “You are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” Psalm 32:7. His love mends what hatred breaks. Healing requires forgiveness, and releasing the wounds to God, who will judge righteously; we will rest in His justice. In our suffering, we have a little taste of Christ’s own rejection. It refines faith, purifies motives, and draws us closer to Christ’s own heart. “If we suffer with Him, we will also be glorified with Him” (Romans 8:17). Healing is not instant, but unfolds in seasons, of shock and fear, wrestling and lament, forgiveness and acceptance, renewed strength. God heals in layers, and each stage He will draw us deeper into trust and grace. Even in the cave season (Elijah hid in a cave, David fled into caves and wrote psalms of hope), the Spirit of God still seeks out His servants in the most hidden places. Sometimes these hiding places become a sanctuary, not a defeat, a holy time for God to strengthen His child of what persecution and the world’s hatred tried to break. Lifting up prayers and thanks to the Most High. Glory be to Him forever and always. Be blessed dear sisters.
I was just reading an email from Alliance Freedom (they defend our religious freedoms) that was defending a 9 year old for being told she couldn’t wear a mask during COVID that said Jesus Loves Me! That’s how much the name Jesus offends! They argued the case for over 2 years and finally won! That is just one, of many, many cases they have fought for! We really should pay attention, for those that believe we don’t have persecution here in America. (which apparently is many). It’s been growing tremendously, with CK becoming a tremendous wake up call. It’s not political, it is Spiritual, and we can’t ignore it! We have power over the demons, but they work hard to oppress us! And we will be hated if we are loving everyone with vocal truth. There is no gray area. We are not of this world, can people tell you are not of this world? That you are the oddball that doesn’t like the things the world does? Bars, drinking, popular tv shows, pride parades, pro-choice…Lord, convict me of things that don’t please you, and lead and guide me to stand strong in you! Prune me of dead branches.
Oh my, that is heartbreaking. Amen to the prayer for the Holy Spirit to help us by pruning us.
Mercy I was just talking about persecution against christians today. It breaks my heart. We heard it would happen. I just didn’t think it would be in my lifetime.
I really needed to read this today. I currently am in esthetician school right now where believing in Jesus , talking about Jesus , especially in this industry is frowned upon. I chose not to go to school today because I really needed a day of rest. There’s been comments made by even teachers about this girl who posts versus on her instagram and I’ve been battling finding the balance of growing in Christ and how to live for him in my day to day life and being someone who struggles with caring a bit to much about what people think of her especially in the environment where these people with
Oh Mackenzie, thank you for your honesty! I honestly cannot imagine being “young” again in today’s world. It would be so hard. I like to live in my bubble of Christian friends! And luckily I’m in the season of my life where I can choose that. Praying for strength for you! Stay diligent in your Bible reading and time with God…pray for a fresh anointing to make you eager and BOLD for Him! It’s time to step up! He puts us right here in this time and moment for us purpose!!
Praying for you dear Mackenzie. Keep your full armor of God on. I follow a lot of Christian news and there is a lot of this going on. You’re not alone but it’s so hurtful and the recent awakening and with more young people buying bibles and going to church in the last 2 months, the lion is really on the prowl. I pray you had a good day of rest and will be a blessing to others in school and when you graduate and in your career! ❤️
Praying for you sister. Guard your heart. May God strengthen you despite such surroundings.
I was a hairstylist for 25 years. We were always told not to talk politics or religion. I just shared my faith. How I got through tough times. Just enough for the message to get across.
I’ve learned alot about vines this week to be attached close to God and cling tightly,and let people help. I thank you she’s for being there for me. Brian is doing better and is home,and my support growth is near. God is good
Praise God! Still sending prayers for you and your husband for continued healing!
Continued prayers over you and Brian. Thank you for checking in with such a wonderful update. Hugs and love sister. The Lord is so good.
Thankyou
I have not thought of the vine, branch, & the gardener in this way. Very helpful. I also read recently about staying in God’s shadow. If He moves I have to move with Him otherwise I will soon be out of His presence/shadow. Same with being the branch. We need to be fruitful and we cannot do that without being connected to God the gardener.
“Moving with God to remain in His shadow”- so good!
As a girl who quite literally has been homesick for TN lately I think this was a huge God wink of a lesson for me today. Thank you Lord for reminding me that You are the vine. And what I really am craving deep down is to remain connected to You Father. ❤️
‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
I’m so glad I learned to trust Him,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that He is with me,
Will be with me to the end.
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
-Louisa M R Stead
What a precious song, thank you for bringing it to my memory.
I hope to sing myself to sleep tonight with those words. Thank you, my sister. ❤️
John 15 is such a favorite of mine. Abide. That is what He ask of me. I love Andrew Murray’s book, Abide. Have you listened to the podcast.? What blew me away that the girls pointed out was the statement before chapter 15, “Get up; let’s leave this place.” The possibility of Jesus walking and talking as they made their way to the Garden of Gethsemane blew me away. We often hear John 15 taught alone but the context of it being right smack in the middle, after Passover meal and his arrest sheds a new light on it. His last teaching to his disciples – abide.
This portion of scripture is so beautiful! The analogy that makes it clear to us the importance and need of Jesus in our life. It is the only way to thrive, to produce fruit, and flourish. That connection. If not, our Christian life dies. We must be watered and nourished in that relationship, and that produces fruit. But it’s also to realize there are seasons. And necessary pruning. Sometimes we might look dead, but the roots are strengthening underneath, which is so important. (winter) That is our time in the word, and in prayer, and meditation. We are spending precious time to make our foundation strong and rooted in God. Then we get to see the beauty emerging and bringing about its color again! (spring). All these seasons could be our birth in Christ, or season throughout our walk. But we love Spring because we know we are emerging after the barren land, the valleys, the loss. (no one loves Spring more than those in long winters in Chicago! Oh to see green popping up!) Summertime is flourishing! The beauty is lovely! Flowers, trees, green everywhere! Oh how wonderful those times are! But that time can’t go forever (unless here in SW Fl, lol) Things need pruning. Severe or tenderly. It’s a matter of observing and knowing what the plant/tree needs. Leaves must brown and fall. Bare again. Nature is beautiful.
It shows us life. And God is the Gardner, and Jesus is the Vine. Lord let me stay connected to him. Every part of my being, my Spirit with his. I indeed see what being with Jesus has produced in my life- I have great Joy. I have beauty. I have glorious abundance. I have empowered faith that negates all else. By abiding in him, I flourish! My fruits are abundant! Praise God for his goodness.
I also see pain around me in a hurting society that does not have Jesus. Broken people, addicted to things that cover the hurt. Their circumstances clouding everything that matters most. Drowning in the Storm, because they aren’t looking to the hand that is reaching out to them. We are to LOVE these hurting lost people, and show them Jesus. Yet—He plainly says even with his love, it shows their sin. And they hate him because of that. Do you know when you just rub people wrong because you reveal what they know down deep is wrong with them. They deflect and defend by tearing you down or lashing out. This is okay, and we are to expect it! When we are walking in the Spirit, we recognize their hurt and deflection, and we love them more!! That to me, is what the passage says. We share truth, no matter how it comes off, because it will indeed expose sin. (yet in love! :))
And lastly—and best–The Promise of Restoration!!! If you have been broken, and have loss—YOU can hold on to this promise! Jesus came to restore!
Graves to life
desserts to gardens,
Ashes to beauty,
messes to messages,
tests to testimonies,
pain to purpose!!
Hallelujah, Glory! Glory!!
It can’t happen on our own, we cannot control life ultimately, that’s why we die to ourselves and live in Him. His purposes and his Glory! Shining light in the dark, walking diligently on the path he has for us!
I thought of Tina and her rosebush massacre! lol. I am sure she will share it! I think all of us gardeners have been there. And the thrill of seeing life again.
I grew up in Southern CA. These midwestern winters seem so long, but I love the green in the spring. What looks dead is not. I didn’t see that in CA. Red is normally my fave color, but in the spring, I love me some green!
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I remember Tina and her rosebush story lol. Heavy pruning helps. Rejuvenation pruning some calls it. What hope that it comes back lush and beautiful. Such meaningful analogy.
“Connected” is what stood out to me this morning. My prayer this morning is for me to stay “connected” to the true VINE, so that I may be fruitful to those around me. Especially for the sweet little munchkins that I get to be part of their lives! I love them so much!! Wish you all could see how cute they are! I have to chuckle a little as I also get to see the sinful little creatures (Ken Ham) they are, BUT still so cute and I love them and they know it!
What a wonderful devotion! I had never thought of the two questions – who is responsible for the beauty and what is the beauty for? Thank you for this blessing! I pray my life reflects the goodness of God.
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I’m in a season of pruning and it is hard and painful. I try to lean in and allow God to finish the process, but my sinful nature wants to run away and escape from the pain. I have failed to love like God has called me to love. He prunes and He cuts away at my selfishness. Bit by bit I am being transformed. I repent. I cry out to God to hear my prayers and to bring joy. The margin of my Bible next to these verses on abiding says, “During the pruning process, obey and remain in God’s love. Hang on, don’t quit!” I’ve been here before, this pruning process, so I will continue to abide. Father, may my joy be full in You.
❤️ Jane, praying over you right now.
Thank you, Tricia❤️
‘Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine;aw you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit,ax because you can do nothing without me.’ John 15:4-5
I have loved these verses in John. Although I certainly do not have a natural green thumb, the plant imagery, the plant life cycle makes sense to me. In order for a plant to grow it has to be connected to the source and in our lives, that is our Jesus. Remaining in Him, studying His Word, seeking Him, abiding in Him, investing in relationship with Him, discipleship, fellowship, all of these is what will bear good fruit. It starts with committed, devoted, rooted relationship to our Heavenly Father.
Lord, lead and guide my heart and my life to be deeply rooted in You. Prune away what is wayward and lost, let the wilted dead fall blow away. Help me to remain in you and use my life bear fruit that is pleasing, honoring and glorifying to you. Amen ❤️
Stay connected to Jesus. It’s all about God, for God and of God.
Every time I have read this part of scripture, I always thought about my not producing much fruit. What can I do to serve the Lord more? Where can I be a better helper, where can I serve more in my church? Feeling guilty because I stepped down from teaching the children’s class after many years. But today, I read the devotion in my SRT bible that goes along with these verses in John 15. The writer reminded me that Jesus doesn’t say, “Go produce more fruit”. He says, “Remain in Me”. When we remain in Him, the fruit will come. What a relief that I don’t have to think of what to do to produce fruit! I just need to remain in Him. The fruit will come when I just do as He commands.
That’s so good, thank you Carla!
This is so so good thanks for sharing this!
Thank you for sharing this Carla.
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Wow- really good. I am saving this great insight.
Thank you! This helps me as well. I’ve had the same questions that you have. I’m always feeling like I’m not doing enough.
Philippians 1:9-11 really spoke to me today! I saw a video yesterday that said that Satan attacks our strengths not our weaknesses. At first I thought no way. Then as the video progressed, he explained how struggles with lust are because of one’s deep capacity for love. If you struggle with anger, it’s because God has equipped you with a desire for justice (a righteous anger). He listed a couple others, but as I read the verses in Philippians, I was reminded of that & thought I would share! Maybe we go out today & be the hands & feet of Jesus!
Wow, it spoke to me too and thank you for sharing this! It makes so much sense right now..
Wow! I have never thought of that.
My husband has made comments about my tendency to anger. I have told him I can’t stand injustice. I’m trying to be more loving in my response. I’m actually not bad, just very direct. Some can’t handle that. I realize I need to work on this.
Me too Traci. It’s hard to see the wicked around us and not be angry. I’m someone who always stands up for the underdog….the vulnerable even when it would have been easier to stay quiet and ignore. I pray for patience and an understanding heart as I know there are so many in this world that behave the way they do becsuse they don’t know Christ. I’m working on bringing more love to my responses as well.
Thank you for your prayers for Sherrie, sweet sisters. She has gone home to be with Jesus! No more fighting that nasty cancer. She is with our savior and has joined the chorus of praise in heaven. Comprehending her loss begins, but there is peace and joy in knowing where she is and who she’s with. Thank you all for your kinds words and encouragement- having a team of prayer warriors to lean is such a blessing. Much love to you all.❤️
Praying for you as you navigate grief!!
Continuing to pray as you all grieve the loss of Sherrie in this world, but so thankful she is with the Lord.
Deeply sorry for the loss of your friend, the grief and sorrow that you, her family and loved ones must walk through. May the Lord’s great comfort be near. Praise God for the hope and assurance of heaven ❤️
So sorry for your loss. Thankful that you are finding peace in your faith. ❤️
I am very sorry for your loss, praying for your family to feel the nearness of our comforter and His deep love and care for your hurting hearts.
I am so sorry for your loss, Anna. ❤️
Praying for you and her family as you walk this out. Thankful she is whole and healed with Jesus!
Sorry for your family’s loss. Thankful that she knew Jesus and now knows him face to face.
I am sorry for your loss. I am also rejoicing with you that she is with her Lord and Savior.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. Continued prayers for you and for Sherrie’s family. ❤️
The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me. John 15:5
Jesus is not arguing or performing miracles.
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He is forming hearts.
He engages relationally,
teaches practically,
and commissions purposefully.
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His disciples, quiet before Him,
are being prepared to continue His work.
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Jesus, You are the true Vine.
Life flows from You alone.
Keep me close,
Rooted in Your love,
Growing in Your grace.
Prune what is empty,
Shape what is true.
Teach me to love
As You have loved me.
Freely, fully, faithfully.
When the world turns away,
Let me still bear fruit.
Your Spirit within me,
Your peace around me,
Your purpose before me.
I will abide in You,
And You in me.
So good! Praying this to God now
Yes Lord. Amen
Amen❤️
❤️ praying this alongside you!
Amen!!!
I love this.
You have a gift!
Amen
Last night I ended up in Romans 8. Even then, I wasn’t sure how I ended up there but there was so much that spoke to me. Reading John 15 today, I realize there is so much reflected in this passage of what I was reading last night in Romans 8. I’ve never considered these passages side by side before. I would encourage you to try it. John 15 is much more picturesque, where as Romans 8 is more straightforward but both discuss many of the same truths.
Thanks, Cathy. That was good!
John 15:11 “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” NLT
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This joy that I have,
The world didn’t gove it to me.
The world didn’t give it, and the world can’t take it away.
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I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart
Where?
Down in my heart.
Down in my heart to stay.
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:-)
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ANNA LEONOR – praying for your family as your cousin, Sherrie finishes her race.
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Praying for other requests.
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My dogs bloodwork came back. No Addison’s. So her digestion issues remain a mystery.
I’m gonna have that song in my head all day…
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Down in my heart?! Where? Down in my heart!
Truth! Great song, too!
Thankful for no serious diagnosis so far for your canine friend and praying for answers soon. ❤
Lovely song :) praying for your dog and solutions.
I love this! Joy joy joy!
We just tested my dog for Addisons. No answers yet. She is an 11 month old Cavapoo. A bit of a conundrum. She’s had x-rays, oodles of blood work, and a scan. I’m bringing her to a holistic type vet tomorrow. I’m wondering if ours has an issue with poultry…
I have always loved this section of John’s gospel… vine, branches, love, friends, ask….
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It has always been so comforting. It sure ends negatively, though, doesn’t it? … hate, persecute, sin, more hate.
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I am more of a “glass half full” person… I prefer to focus on the comforting portion. The negative stuff has its place too, of course. But, Jesus, let me look more to you and what I can do when I remain in you… I sin, of course, but don’t ever let that sin allow me to hate or persecute You. Amen.
“The fruit that may come from our lives is not from us or for us. It is completely from God and designed to reflect His glory.”
May He, Ruler of All, seen & unseen, continue to:
Work on me
With me
Through me
For His purposes.
As I resurface from a dark space.
With great love.
Thanks again & again & again,
with resounding Amen,
for the SRT sisters who have gladden my heart with prayers & petitions.
Ushering me back into the fold.
Held. Seen. Understood.
❤️❤️❤️
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❤️ Oh how His grace and love abounds.
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Welcome back sister. It’s been a while. Miss you❤️❤️❤️