No Pain, No Gain

In the beginning of a new year, most people make resolutions to work out, eat healthier, or cut back on things like sugar, fatty foods, etc. Some have disciplined themselves enough to create a plan, whereas others go rogue and figure it out along the way. Either way, no one knows what lies ahead and how much effort they must put in to see results. There will be discomfort from unused muscles being stretched and activated. There could be days where temptation overrides said goals and now they have been setback and must work harder moving forward. For some, this becomes routine and complacency sets in. Now those activated muscles begin to stiffen, motivation dwindles, and now they're inactive.

Let's look at John 15:1-2 and dig into the importance of being activated vs, inactive in our walk with Christ. Jesus said "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit He cuts off, and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He repeatedly prunes so they will bear more fruit (even richer and finer fruit). " In this passage, Jesus is contrasting those who obediently submit to the work of the Kingdom versus those who say they will but don't. The Holy Spirit has distributed spiritual gifts and talents to each believer as he wills. With the activation of these gifts comes testings, warfare, assignments, and GROWTH.

In no manner did Jesus say that the process of growing deeper in Him will be painless.

In order to prune, areas of our hearts must be cut back, cut down, and trimmed. If you watch a gardener prune a fig tree, they are carefully identifying and removing any branches that are dead, damaged, and diseased. This is done to promote healthy growth and produce more figs. Dead, damaged, or unhealthy branches are discarded because they are useless.

Is your fruit easy to glean from, or is it non-existent? Are you allowing God, our vinedresser, to snip, cut back, and trim your branches in order for you to grow in Him? Let him cut away dead relationships, dead assignments, diseased attitudes, or anything else that is hindering your growth. There will be discomfort, pain, and transitions, but it's only to make you more like Jesus. Sis, don't sit idle being inactive/useless, bound to complacency, laziness, fear, and doubt. GO IN GROWTH! Bare your entire heart to God, so your fruit can be ripe and plentiful for His glory.

This week meditate on John 15:1-17. Have a blessed week!

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Nominate an Amazing Woman for a Glam Giveaway!

In celebration of Mother's Day, I Am M.O.O.R.E. is honoring women who inspire, uplift, and make a difference in the lives of others.

Do you know a woman who deserves a day of pampering? We’re talking hair, nails, makeup, massage & more—the full glam experience!

Here’s how to nominate:

Email us at iammooreinfo@gmail.com

Tell us how in 500 words or less how she’s impacted your life and why this giveaway would be a dream come true for her✨ Include:

• Your full name & phone number

• Her full name & phone number

  
  

Deadline to submit: May 5th🎉 Winner announced: May 11th

Let’s celebrate the women who shape our stories—one glam session at a time.