Posted on 02/01/2021 6:00:04 PM PST by laurenmarlowe
Hi!
Bible in a Year:
Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
As I watched a bumblebee land lightly on the Russian sage, I marveled at the bush’s lush branches exploding with color. Its brilliant blue blossoms attracted eyes and bees alike. Yet only last fall, I’d wondered if it would ever blossom again. When my wife’s parents trimmed the periwinkle plant down to a stub, I’d assumed they’d decided to get rid of it. But now I was witnessing the radiant result of pruning that had seemed brutal to me.
The surprising beauty that results from harsh cuts may be one of the reasons Jesus chose pruning imagery to describe God’s work among believers. In John 15, He says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. . . . Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (vv. 1–2).
Jesus’ words remind us that in the good times and bad, God is always working in us toward spiritual renewal and fruitfulness (v. 5). During “pruning” seasons of suffering or emotional barrenness, we may wonder if we’ll ever thrive again. But Christ encourages us to continue to stick close to Him: “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (v. 4).
As we continually draw spiritual nourishment from Jesus, the resulting beauty and fruitfulness in our lives (v. 8) will show the world God’s goodness.
Reflect & Pray
How have you seen God use struggle in your life to produce growth and fruitfulness? How do you think time gives us the perspective to see God’s hand at work in our lives?
Father, help me to trust You during difficult seasons in my life, knowing that You’re at work to bring beauty and change.
For help in strengthening your faith, read DiscoverySeries.org/Q0747.
*BUMP*
You do such an OUTSTANDING job on these Road Trips! Thank You! :)
Greetings to all at the Canteen!
To all our military men and women, past and present,
Hey!!
I was there with my red horse buddy Andy. probably listening now.
Thanks, unique, for the road trippers!
~ Road Trip: Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida ~
FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies' military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.
CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREADS
CLICK FOR Current local times around the world
CLICK FOR local times in Seoul, Baghdad, Kabul,
New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Anchorage
The FR Canteen is Free Republic's longest running daily thread
specifically designed to provide entertainment and moral support for the military.
The doors have been open since Oct 7 2001,
the day of the start of the war in Afghanistan.
We are indebted to you for your sacrifices for our Freedom.
Good evening, Biggirl...Monday is almost behind us.
Good evening, Mayor, and thank you for today’s sustenance for body and soul.
Di you make it through Monday ok?
How’s your weather? Just plain cold here.
Howdy, Mayor.
It looked like you were going to be lucky and miss out on the “fun” last night. Did the storm stay south of you or did you get a hit?
Howdy, lauren. *HUGZ*
All well down your way?
It looks like old Man Winter finally decided to park his butt down here. It feels like winter at last, durn it.
Howdy, PRO.
Looks like you’re enjoying some “lovely” weather this evening. I reckon that’s what’s supposed to hit us later this week. You can stop sending that stuff down here any ol’ time. LOL
Howdy, Kathy.
Did your prep over the weekend help today?
I don’t know how bad it was in town but the wind was wild at the airport. All the planes were “crabbing” as they landed. Kinda made my stomach churn seeing them come in sideways like that.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.