One of the more stressful afternoons on my routes, Father. I would ask that You would continue to help me to be firm but loving. Tough love is a challenge, but often necessary.

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This picture is from one of the main thoroughfares on my bus route. It keeps flitting through my mind, and I finally decided to run and snap a pic after my routes today, hoping to not get drenched in the process. I started thinking about it when all the leaves were still green, so obviously it’s been a while.

It’s pretty cool to see it every day on that trek. It’s composed of three different trees, two deciduous (with leaves that fall in autumn) and one evergreen. From this angle, the pine has its right side lopped off, the taller green one on the right has its left side lopped off, and the one turning orange in the middle has had most of its middle removed.

Also in the picture is the reason why the middle of it all has been cleared – electric power lines. There is still probably some risk that one of the trees may take down the lines but most of the threat has been removed, allowing the much-needed power to course through the lines to customers who depend on its many benefits.

Of course, the Bible speaks of pruning. Looking at this picture it’s easy to see that sometimes the pruning can be pretty severe. For those in close relationship with Him, God will do the same in our lives. If we are open to His work and direction, sometimes there are things that need to go. It may not be easy, but it is necessary.

In my picture, the owners of the trees could not say “no” to the pruning. It’s just the way things are done. But we…we can say “no” to God. It is not in our best interest, but we can hinder God’s power from passing through us to benefit both ourselves and those in close proximity.

For the Lord disciplines and corrects those whom He loves,
And He punishes every son whom He receives and welcomes [to His heart].” Hebrews 12:6 AMP

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He [repeatedly] prunes, so that it will bear more fruit [even richer and finer fruit]. I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. John 15:2, 5 AMP

Allow the Lord to work in and through you, and, oh, the wonders you will see!

Oct 5th, 2023, Thurs, 5:29 pm