Click here to view Candlelight service locations and times!
Visit
Explore
Coming Soon!
Watch
Learn
Listen
Read
Ministry
Get Involved
Error
Devotional | Marc Taylor | Aug 14, 2022
Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 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.” John 15:1-2
If you live in Oklahoma, you know our weather is extreme. We experience blistering hot days and frigid temperatures every year—sometimes on the same day.
In late October 2020, one of our infamous storms rolled in. This arctic blast glazed everything with at least an inch of ice. The eerie popping sound of trees succumbing to ice could be heard across the metro. Clean-up efforts lasted for months.
Many trees were completely destroyed. Those that made it were severely damaged, mangled, and looked pathetic; yet, just one year later, those same trees started to grow. Two years later, you’d be hard pressed to find evidence of this massive devastation.
One definition of pruning is to cut off or cut back parts for better shape or more fruitful growth. While this natural event offered more than just pruning, it reminded me of how even when things in my life that I see as essential are removed, beauty and growth still comes.
In John 15:1-2, Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 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.”
As we enter fall, are there things in your life that need to be cut back to provide the opportunity for new fruit to grow? Do you have a habit or activity that feels productive but is actually stunting your future growth?
Embrace this new season as an opportunity to prune, to make a change so that when you look back one or two years from now, you will see new growth.
PRAYER
Dear Lord,
We thank you for being the giver of life. We ask that you make it obvious to us and those around us where pruning needs to occur. Give us the wisdom and confidence to make these changes and may the fruit bring glory to YOU.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Marc Taylor
Crossings Edmond Campus Pastor
Marc Taylor is Crossings Edmond Campus Pastor. His desire is to lead the pastors, staff, and congregation to a full life in Christ while being on the same journey with them.