The Vine and the Branches

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

Considering these circumstances, this is not the time to run from God, it is the time to run to Him. This is not the time to become selfish, self-centered, and negligent about what God is saying to you. This is the time to tune your ear to Him and do whatever He says.

You should make a decision now that if you’re not fruitful, you intend to become fruitful. But even for those who are fruitful, Jesus has some sobering words. John 15:2 says that “…every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it.” Of course, we don’t like to talk about being purged and pruned; but the truth is that the Lord is going to prune us. How does the Lord prune us?

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire.” So John speaks of two baptisms here. When we experience the first one – we also experience a measure of the baptism with fire, mostly in the form of zeal. Our spirits were set on fire, and that fire compelled us to tell others about the Lord, to lay hands on the sick, and to minister to others. But that was only a measure of the baptism of fire.

I believe that the greatest measure of it has been reserved for the last days. Even though we’re experiencing it now, it’s going to become greater. Purged by Fire. I believe we’re experiencing this baptism of fire right now. That’s why things are getting hotter and hotter. That’s why God won’t let us get lazy, but instead keeps stirring us up every time we get comfortable.

Embrace the Purge!