Assuring words from John 15:1-7

John 15:1-8 (NKJV) ¹  "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
²  Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³  You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. ⁴  Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. ⁵  I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ⁶  If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷  If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.⁸  By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Today, the Lord assured me about growth in various aspects.
On the church level, discussions and plans were made to 'grow' the church. Plans and processes are debated and tightened. Experiences and faith were weight out. All these do bring out growth in our learning. However, at the end, it is God who brings the growth in the positive aspects of fruit. And the fruit should glorify the Father.

While sparring ideas and plans are good to grow our learning and minds, and it may even grow the church, we must be careful not to let knowledge puffs ourselves up. Remember it is not by might nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord. Jesus' instructions to us are to abide in the Vine and to have the Vinedresser pruned us well. The Vinedresser has the right timing and power to do so. Therefore applying it individually or corporately, let's stay connected to the Vine. Our eyes should be on Jesus and our lives open to pruning. And we will bear fruit that glorify Him.

"Let my eyes be on You Lord that my focus will not shift.
 And let my hands be open to You, when You need to take away certain things.

Let my heart too, be tender for Your work and leading.
That indeed I will bear fruit glorifying Your name."