Prepare for ‘pruning’ and don’t go it alone

Morning: Psalm 119:1-24; Exodus 15:22-16:10; I Peter 2:1-10

Evening: Psalm 12, 13, 14; John 15:1-11

My English grandfather taught me that good gardeners prune to make plants bear healthy fruit.  They clean away unnecessary, excess growth, to ensure the quality of the fruit.  Jesus teaches that we are like branches of vines, needing careful attention from a master-gardener.  His ‘pruning’ opens us up to light.  The knife may feel unpleasant, but resisting the ‘pruning’ or running away from the ‘vine’ only lead to withering and death. On the spiritual journey, be prepared to have your excess ‘dead wood’ cut away; and don’t travel alone.