Oh To Be Wise Meditations
I spoke with a tree cuttter recently and he told me something interesting about pruning branches. If not done correctly it could jeopardize the entire life of the tree. He noticed on my trees these things called stubs from prior work done from other companies. Alot of the branches on this one tree were improperly pruned and caused more dead branches. When a large branch was cut away it left a stub insert in the trunk. When the tree can't close the wound, the cut site and the stub become a source of rot into the main structure. It can ruin a huge and flourishing oak tree with improper pruning. I am so thankful God knows how to prune us and mold us into the image of Christ. Planted in the house of the LORD, we will flourish in the courts of our God. In old age we will still bear fruit; healthy and green we will remain, to proclaim, “The LORD is upright; He is my rock, and in Him there is no unrighteousness. He cuts away every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit. But he trims clean every branch that does produce fruit, so that it will produce even more fruit. Lord, you leave no gaping holes for sin and death to work its way into my life. You cut perfectly through soul and spirit, judging the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Apart from Jesus you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in him, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned. But if I remain in him and his words remain in me, we can ask whatever we wish, and it will be done for us. This is to the Father’s glory, that we bear much fruit, proving ourselves to be his disciples. Lord, I want to bear you more fruit for your Kingdom. Whatever you must prune in me, do it. I know when I am healed and my branch is restored. I will bear a 100 fold crop for your glory!