Make The Cut
Spring is just around the corner. I counted four robins in my yard the other day. I took advantage of the sunny, warm day to start some clean up in my yard. Early spring is a great time to prune many trees and summer blooming shrubs. First and foremost remove all the dead or diseased wood. To prevent spread of disease have a container of bleach water, rubbing alcohol, or disinfectant spray handy to treat pruners. Cut off all sucker shoots because they rob the plant of needed energy and look undesirable. Remove branches that cross each other in the center of the plant. Proper pruning will improve air circulation and allow light to reach more of the plant. A newly pruned plant appears “naked” at first but when summer finally arrives, the result is a strong, vibrant, healthy plant full of new growth.
“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” – John 15:1-2
There have been times in our life when my husband and I have done some spiritual pruning. We came to the realization that certain relationships were keeping us for God’s plan for our lives. We also discovered that we had thoughts and attitudes in our hearts that were wrong and destructive. A friend of mine once said, “Pruning is never enjoyable but it is always necessary.” I must admit that I did not enjoy the correction the Lord gave me at that time. But, I got honest before God and admitted to Him (and myself) that the hurt, pain, and mess I had found myself in were my fault and no one else’s. How did I hear God’s voice? Where did I find the way back to His path? I heard Him the same way we all do; through the Holy Spirit speaking to me through His Word.
“You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you.” – John 15:3
In the early years of my life I thought that Jesus came into existence when Mary gave birth to Him. John chapter one clearly tells us differently. “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) Jesus cannot be separated from His Word because He IS the Word. The Bible is not just another book. It is not a collection of stories a bunch of dudes sat around and came up with one day. It is alive because Jesus is alive. It is a powerful message and weapon that is the only thing that can bring direction and peace to our lives.
The season of spring is fast approaching, my friends. Are you ready for a change? Have you gotten tired of trying to work things out by yourself in your own strength? The gift of choice was given to man since the time we were created. Call out to Jesus. Pick up God’s Word. Read God’s Word. Allow it to become the pruning tool for your life. It may be difficult or unpleasant at first. But in the end you shall be strong, vibrant, healthy, and full of new growth.
“The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it.” – John 1: 4-5