What IS Important?

'"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit. 

"You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 

"'Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 

"'I am the vine, you are the branches, he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing." John 15:1-5

"In the spiritual realm, God must prune us.  Because, even as believers we still have a sinful nature, we tend to pour our spiritual energies into that which is not true fruit.  We tend to seek position, success, and reputation even in the Body of Christ. 

"We tend to depend upon natural talents and human wisdom.  And then we are easily distracted and pulled by the things of the world -- its pleasures and possessions."*

The words "takes away" is about an actual agricultural term.  Here it means the Lord lifts these branches up off the ground to ensure they get more air circulation; and He cleans off the dust, so more light gets in. 

And the word "prune" is the same word that Jesus uses when He says "you are already clean".  He prunes the extraneous, distracting parts of our lives so we can focus on Him more, grow continually into His image, so others are attracted by the fruit in our lives that comes from our relationship with the Lord Jesus.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   For those trying to stem the devastation of Ebola in Africa and in other countries now, as the disease spreads because of fear, lack of education and hygiene.

For the situation developing in the world today around the group called ISIS or IS.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  My project ended last week.  I thank Father God for this provision and look forward to learning of His new direction.  Need direction for the next steps.

Please pray for my dear friend, Carla who has just relocated to New York City, that she is safe and stays healthy while she settles.

Please pray for Hans who is attending his first Christian men's conference, that he is blessed and enjoys the fellowship and lessons as he grows closer to His Savior.  Perhaps, his new contacts there can help him find a new job.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Jeff (cataract surgery) is able to see again -- keep praying for him and Rachael, his beloved wife. 

Patti's dear husband, John is responding well to the rehabilitation after a stroke -- he needs patience as he re-trains his brain to allow him to read well again. 

Paul, David and Matthew are managing alone till the end of the year, pray for patience and awareness and gratefulness, as they miss Carla.

Update on Patty, who lost her three year old daughter four years ago has sent a most amazing letter of thanksgiving.  She is not 100% but says she is around 85%.  There has been little progress with her yet, a very difficult loss for her, to be sure." 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Pray for my brother, Tim, that his COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease) is manageable for him and that he will have the patience and wisdom to cope with the limitations.  Pray for David R as he manages his macular degeneration. 

Pray the Lord quiets Adrian's heart as he continues to struggle with the ups and down in his battle with cancer.  Give his doctors wisdom and compassion and him lots of patience.

For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his return to the ministry.  For Nancy who continues to grow stronger after her life-threatening head injury a few years ago, and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Please pray for Maedhros, who is having a serious operation soon.  Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care.  Give him energy, strength and resolve.  Bettina needs our prayers to give her strength and wisdom. 

Pray for Raven as she regains her strength from the cancer treatments. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Pray for Paul N-S - as he continues his search for work.  Please pray for Michael, a man who is humble and without a home or a job who needs a chance to get his life back to normal. 

Deepak needs prayer that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he is on the road travelling, promoting his business.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in surprising and wonderful ways!

Elaine and Jim starting a new ministry in Hong Kong - that the Lord will strengthen their resolve and their hands.

Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They lead the efforts of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines.  The financial needs are so great, please consider contributing...just click on Ambassadors for Christ link above. 

For Iain Barclay and his ministry, that the Lord would encourage him in his work.  For Sue-Anne as she takes new responsibilities in her church.  A dear friend, Jen, needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.  For Louise for healing in their family.

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  Pray for revival in the USA to continue.   Pray for Birgit who is in Germany.  Please pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia and India who read the WeakDay Devotion.  (This year the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people in these countries!  God is mysterious!)  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

* "Trusting God" is copyright protected since 1988 by Jerry Bridges.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 08910-91742.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.