Is It Time for You to Do Some Pruning?
By Linda Ranson Jacobs

“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, NIV

What is God pruning in you? What branches is He simply cutting off – to no longer be used? Maybe He is pruning the parts of you that are no longer needed. He does this so He can make room for new growth in you. The branches He is cutting away could be talents, skills, relationships or anything that could be withering away for lack of use.

For this devotion let’s talk about relationships. There was a time you may have needed a certain relationship. As time marches forward, our lives change and our relationships change. Relationships have to be tended to and nurtured. Friendships come and go. Some relationships are connections on deep levels. These are the people that will be with you and walk you through many tough times.

Relationships might need to be pruned so new and vibrant relationships can be built for this time in your life. If you find a relationship is holding you down, perhaps you should think about spending less time with that person. A good example of this is when a single mom matures and turns her life toward Christ. Perhaps you have a friend who is not turning toward the Lord right now. Try spending less energy on that friendship.

Some relationships will be formed because of the point you are at right now in your life. An example of this is when your children move into a new developmental stage. Perhaps one of your children is going to middle school so naturally your child will form new friends. You may want to get acquainted with the parents of some of your child’s new friends.

What about your relationship with Christ? What do you do to tend to and nurture that relationship? Christ will always be available to you. Once you accept Him as your Savior, He will be with you and He will be through you. But how deep this relationship goes depends a lot on you.

God so much wants a deep and lasting relationship with you that He gave his only son to die on a cross for you. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Is it time fro you to do some pruning so you can make room for a deeper relationship with Christ?

This publication is protected under U.S. Copyright laws [© Linda Ranson Jacobs, 2008] However, it is also a ministry to those who need it ... so, while you may pass along this article freely, please check before reprinting anything in another publication. In most cases, all she requires is proper credit.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Nothing in this or other emails or materials from Linda Ranson Jacobs should be considered as psychological or legal advice. Linda is not a psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, or lawyer. These suggestions are simply suggestions and not guaranteed solutions to your particular problems. Linda offers this information because she was a single mom for years and ran a child care where the majority of her children were from single parent families. She offers support, encouragement, and suggestions to help you succeed as a single parent.