Stella’s Garden
I want to share some reflections from last night’s zoom meeting. The group began discussing Day 40 of The Time is Near. The focus passage was on Revelation 14:14-20 and the devotional direction took us to John 15:1-2. Jesus is the true vine and his Father is the gardener that trims off every branch that bears no fruit so that what remains will be even more fruitful.
Each member of the group shared what Jesus is pruning in their lives currently. One participant shared that God removes even the good things in our lives so the only thing remaining is Him. Our relationship with Him is eternal. He is all we need.
Stella had a wonderful example. She recently moved to serve some of the poorest of the poor on the fringe of Delhi . She decided to take her little potted garden which takes up about six feet of length right outside her door. One struggling tomato plant did not look like it would survive. She tended it, pruned it back, and waited to see what would happen. The care she gave that little plant has resulted in a revival of growth. New tomatoes are now ready for harvest.
God is a tender gardener. He is pruning back the depleted leaves and broken branches of our lives so that spiritual revival begins in our hearts. New growth results in fruit that is ready for harvest. The blessing that has resulted in our fruit is now nourishment that we can offer to others.
Some of that fruit is found is Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things their is no law.”
Our fruit grows as we stay connect to the vine of Jesus who says, “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 not bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (John 15:1-2).
What is Jesus pruning in your life right now? Do you see some fruit that is beginning to bloom?
Join the discussion on Wednesday nights, 8pm, on zoom. Email me to get the link.
Blessings,
Ellen
