Summertime gardens:

John 15: 1&2 “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”

Gardeners prune their prized roses in the spring, just as they are beginning to grow. (gardening.about.com):

Why Prune Roses

• Encourage new growth and bloom
• Remove dead wood
• Improve air circulation
• Shape the plant

The pruning process can be a very painful time in the life of a Christian. It can mean lose, pain, being cut off from people and things in our life that we once thought good and held dear. I’m sure with that said you’re saying…”No thanks” I like my life just the way it is . But what about the New Growth God wants to bring in your life? That gift he’s got buried in your spirit that can’t be uncovered until you allow the pruning. And the road you’ve been on that is leading you nowhere, could it be God needs to remove that because has something for you that you never dreamed possible? How about that sin that has you tripped up and tied down, breaking free of that and breathing in the air of the Holy Spirit would be a great exchange. Don’t we desire to reflect the very image or shape of Christ? We can never look like Christ in our spirit without the pruning.