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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:
At the end of forty days they returned from spying out the land...and they told him (Moses), "We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large." Numbers 13:25, 27-28
Dear Lord,
Remind us when we focus on our fears, our perspective gets distorted--everything grows! May we always remember who you are--the Almighty, all powerful, all loving, wonder-working God. For when our eyes are on you, we can be strong and courageous. In Jesus' Name, Amen.