Pruning

 “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.” Luke 6:43-45

I picked these verses because as you know, I have my “urban” orchard. A cross my backyard line I have 5 apple trees, 5 pear trees, 2 peach trees and a plum tree. My apple trees are producing, but I am waiting for the others which can take up to five years. Each year I prune these trees to get rid of any “suckers,” dead growth or unwanted branches so that I can maximize the growth and fruit. The heart of my trees is the fruit for which they will bear. I look forward to when the orchard is in full swing. These trees remind me to look at the fruit I have bear and will bear. What has your heart produced? Today we pray: Lord unharden any parts of my heart that need life to flow. Grant me knowledge, wisdom and understanding to prune out any unwanted, unnecessary items. Heal broken branches and walk with me as my orchard grows on the path…