I’m wore out and tired. After two weeks of intensive courses (15 weeks of material in 1 week), I decided to get up today and help my wife have a yard sale while I trimmed bushes and did so much needed grounds keeping around the parsonage and church. I haven’t felt this good in a long time. I really have enjoyed my day being outside, even though my skin is now fried on my face and arms.
While I was out today trimming hedges, rose bushes, and a tree, I was reminded of scriptures that tell us about the trimming that needs to take place in our life.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. (John 15:1-2)
Purging, pruning, or trimming is the act of taking away something that does not promote growth, and not just any growth, fruitful growth. We can grow but it may not produce fruit. We can grow financially, physically, or intellectually. None of them, however, can produce fruit when they are not centered around our spiritual growth. Sometimes we need to cut back in areas in order for the main issue in our life, which is our relationship with God, to grow and become fruitful.
The most amazing thing that happened today though happened with another plant and some water. Abbie, my wife, had left out a plant in the sun to long that didn’t need quite that much. I seen it this morning and saw how pitiful it looked in its dried state. I knew it was dead but decided to water it anyways to see what would happen. When I came back to the house from my other work, to my surprise and Abbie’s rejoicing, the leaves that were withered were flat and the stems that drooped where standing tall. It was an amazing act that took place. That spoke to me. We sometimes get dry and withered in our spirit, in our mind, in everything we are. Yet, the Lord speaks to us and like water we are restored, refreshed, revitalized. Yes, Lord, I know I’ve been at school a lot this week hearing about the wonderful work of God, but now I know I must continue to receive the water of your word for my dry and thirsty soul. I thank you Lord, for your Word from heaven that you have given us.
Jeremy Kamer Ministries 