John 15: 1,2- “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 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.”
It was such a gorgeous fall morning, my husband and I decided to do some trimming in our yard. Slightly overcast, with a gentle breeze blowing, we worked and occasionally waved at neighbors walking by.
Quite a few tender shoots on our bushes had not grown in unison with the others, so (as much I regretted doing it) I cut them off. Doing so returned the bushes to the nice, rounded shape we desired.
As I trimmed each one, I thought of the Bible verse above. We are so much like plants, going astray from what God intended. We sometimes need pruning, too, in order to become more fruitful.
In this way, God returns us to our intended paths, removes bad habits, and establishes in us the joy of being in close relationship with Him once more.
The pruning is not always pleasant, but I have learned over the years that it is not as painful or as often, if I remain in the Word and make sure not to neglect praying for others, as well as for myself.
spiritualsnippets.com 