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Pruning Time
Devotional for Tuesday, March 15, 2005 by Anne Russell
John 15:2 - 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. (NIV)After what has seemed a long winter, comes the month of March. On the farm, while the apple trees are still dormant, it is time to prune the trees. The sap has not yet begun to run, and while it is still cold, the broken branches, along with the suckers, can be cut out without harming the tree. Pruning out these useless branches that take away from the size and quality of the fruit gives new strength to the existing tree.
With this in mind, we can all relate to the pruning that goes on in our own lives. It seems severe at times, and the hurt it can cause seems unjust, but in the long run, we learn to persevere, and in persevering, we will bring forth new and better fruit in our lives.
James 1:2-4 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)
Looking forward, we know that the pruning in our lives will bring far better growth and maturity. We will share in God's given desires for us to bring forth a better quality and a bigger quantity of the fruit of our labour.
Prayer: Almighty God, we come to You in humility, looking forward to days ahead when we will strive to do better works for You, knowing You are the vine and we are the branches. You are taking away the deadwood to renew our strength. We praise You and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Anne Russell <anbrussell@bell.net>
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
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Today's Music:
I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say