Reflect
A few years ago, we planted two grape vines against our house in the front yard. The first few years the plants merely survived. They really didn’t amount to much, and I basically forgot they were there. Last year things really took off. The vines took over much of one side of the front of our house. What we learned over last year’s growing season is that, left unattended a grape vine will devote a lot of energy to leaves and branches, not as much to fruit. However, in the fall we had a modest crop of little grapes which we were able to divide up and eat. The purpose of a grape vine is to produce grapes, but it needs attention to be truly fruitful.
From this passage of scripture, we see that we can be much the same. Only branches connected to the main vine were fruitful. Often there was a need to trim back the abundance of branches that were not producing anything.
Apply
How are you staying connected to Jesus who is the true vine? Where might God be pruning your life in areas that might hurt, but is for the reason of helping us bear fruit? God bless you this week.
Pastor Mike
Pray
- Pray for our Senior Lead Team Pastor, Lyle Buyer, his ministry, and family
- Pray for our Church Board members: Gerhard Hiob, Hal Reirson, JD Kliewer, Lia Daniels, Mike Ross, Randy Voss, Seth Jansen, Trevor Toews, Uwem Okome
- Pray for our Custodians, Adit Gamble, Stan Goodnough and Anne King; Facilities Manager, Joe Richards
- Pray for our office staff: Vicky Bailey, Naomi Voss; Bookkeeper Lynette Carlson