Need pruning?

On Saturday we were gifted with a lovely day–perfect for working in the yard. Not too cold or too hot and my seasonal allergies haven’t yet started. What a beautiful day!

I  received a wonderful blessing from being outdoors in the warm sunshine.

 

Of course, I had my work cut out for me. Currently, our yard is mostly brown, dead stems and blooms from last year needed to be removed. Leaves covered the flower beds and broken limbs, dumped from the trees following a recent snow, were scattered about.

But, whatever my tasks in the yard–the work is great therapy! My mind doesn’t dwell on my busy schedule or the long list of “to do’s” that I need to accomplish. Something about being immersed in the beauty of God’s creation brings me closer to Him. On this work day, God reminded me to self-reflect.

As I cut away dead stems and dried blooms to allow new growth to come forth this spring, I questioned:

What past hurts, pains, and grudges are you holding onto that need to be cut away?

As I raked dead leaves from a bed of irises to allow sunlight to shine on the tubers (so my flowers will bloom), I asked:

What resentments, jealousies, or other strongholds are keeping you from letting your gifts blossom to do the Lord’s work?

As I carried away limbs trimmed from trees, I remembered these words spoken by our Lord:

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.” John 15:1-2

So, this time, I asked myself:

What needs to be pruned so that you can be more fruitful in service to Jesus?

If I’m honest with myself, the answer is, “A LOT!” I need to get rid of impatience, envy, intolerance, and probably a plethora of other sins.

What about you? Are you carrying around burdens that are keeping you from doing God’s work? Do you need pruning?

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” John 15:5-6

This pile of leaves covered the base of the iris tubers beyond, keeping sunlight from providing its nourishment. Much like when I attempt to hide sin that is separating me from God. Unless I admit my faults, confess my sin, seek forgiveness, repent (turn away from my sin), I cannot serve the purpose God has planned for me.

I cannot bear fruit if I’m separated from God.

Dead leaves separated the irises from the power of the sun. These lovely flowers cannot bloom without the sun’s gift of light and heat. Nor can we, God’s children, bloom and grow, or bear fruit without the gift of our Lord, Jesus, the source of Light and Life.

Wishing you a happy spring, my friend and much growth in your relationship with Jesus. Let your love for Him blossom!