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Respite For the Weary
Thursday
Picture: Tree (the pruning)
Scripture: John 15:1-7; Ephesians 4:31-32; Romans 8:11-14; Romans 8:28
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Take a minute to think about a gifted gardener pruning his or her carefully sustained rose bushes. Just like this wisdom-driven physical clipping, God’s all wise spiritual pruning is for our good (although most often, it does not feel good!). When these non-fruit bearing branches are broken off however, the result is both beautiful and beneficial not only to you, but to all those you encounter.
Is there a time in your life that you experienced God’s pruning? Explain.
Can you trust God in the pruning process even if you cannot understand what He is doing? Why or why not?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:
An argument rose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side, and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great." Luke 9:49-50
Dear Lord,
Our culture and flesh are so contrary to what you declare to be great. Every day, remind us how to live. Cause us to desire greatness in your eyes, not the world's. Turn our hearts away from pursuing power and fame and fortune. Rather, give us hearts like yours that seek to serve the needy and save the lost. Amen.