Master Gardener--continued

Last Sunday, I talked about God being our Master Gardner as He helps us weed out the bad habits in our life. Another thing He does for us is to prune us and remove things that keep us from living a life that honors Him. I have a beautiful Knock-out rose bush in my front yard. When it's in bloom, it's a real show stopper. But, if I leave the dead blossoms on it, it can be quite unsightly and take away from its beauty. Sometimes the things in our life that once had a place lose their original purpose, and it's time to let them go. They might even have been good things. It might be hobbies, certain entertainment, or even close friends. Maybe they're taking up too much of your time or they're causing your focus to be pulled in another direction that's not good for you. The pruning process may not feel good when it's happening, but the results are so worth it in the end. The good news is that our Gardner is always loving, and He has a perfect design in mind for you and me. Give Him permission to shape you into who He has created you to be. John 15:1-2 says, "I am the true Vine, and My Father is the Gardner. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."