“I am the true Vine, and my Father is the Gardener.
He lops off every branch that doesn’t produce.
And he prunes those branches that bear fruit for even larger crops.
He has already tended you by pruning you back for greater
strength and usefulness by means of the commands I gave you.”
—John 15: 1-3  [TLB]

A Time to Think … “In the same way that a pruned apple tree grows more apples, a pruned ministry bears more fruit.”  ―Carey Nieuwhof, Pastor, Author, Foundational Leader

A Time to Act … Pruning should be a part of our daily regimen! Look each day at your life, what do you need, what do you need to get rid of, and how can your ministry this day make a difference in your life and the life of others? Stayed “pruned” in the vine of Christ and he will lead you into fruitful ministry!

A Time to Pray… O Jesus, hold me close to you, that I may abide in you especially in those days where I feel like the dead fruit that has fallen from a tree and has so little to offer. Tend my heart and soul that it may be a voice of grace and truth to others. Fill me again Holy Spirit, that I may live all my days with a shout of praise and lips that speak the life-giving words of the Gospel, AMEN.