John 15:2 - Divine Pruning.
John 15:2 (NIV) 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.
COMMENTARY PEARL
Today I spent time outside pruning
grapes, wisteria, and hydrangea - and remembering my
parents. They were landscapers, and as they worked,
Id watch. The care and wisdom they displayed
when tending plants fascinated me. How could they
know when and how much to trim off? Wouldnt it
hurt the plant? Why were some bushes pruned so
hard?
They taught me by their actions. I
learned the proper techniques slowly, until they
seeped into my soul. Prune back to the joint to
keep visual integrity. Cut on a slant to speed
healing. Trim at the right time for that particular
bush or vine so it doesnt go into shock, and
will blossom or bear fruit next season.
Years later, as an adult, I keep these
tips tucked inside my mind like a treasure, ready
for referencing in my yard. When pruning, I
visualize my parents hands guiding my own and feel
their love.
Thanks to my mother and father, when
Jesus disciplines me, I see what Hes doing and
I understand. Has He removed a hidden
temptation from me, trimming way back to its source?
Did He cut me free from an unforgiven hurt,
allowing me to heal and blossom again for Him? Have I
reached a season where He wants me to address a
tough issue Ive ignored or avoided? All His
pruning is necessary, even if it first pains me.
Im learning to accept it with gratitude.
Im His blessed creation, one of His
flowers. With His love, wisdom, and care, I can
thrive and bloom to His glory. by Heidi Gaul
Faith Step: Next time you trim a plant,
consider the why and how behind your actions, and
apply that knowledge to your relationship with
Jesus. Are you currently being pruned? How can you
speed the process and bloom for Him? [Mornings
With Jesus 2020 Devotional by Guideposts and
Zondervan]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
John 15:1-4: Pruning Brings Growth:
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190925-1212.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug
Batchelor:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657