A Lesson on Gardening

Written By Betty Predmore

John 15:1-27 (May 26)

One of my favorite things about my new house is the flower garden under my office window. The back row is various types of shrubs, and the front row is a mixture of blooming flowers, aloe vera, and some really cool ground cover. There are also two beautiful, young oak trees.

And while I love this garden, it does require a lot of work. Weeds grow the size of small buildings in Texas. And with the rainfall, the shrubs and trees grow really fast. So, I find that I am continuously pruning my shrubs, so that they don't get overgrown and make my house look like it is abandoned. And we have been pruning the branches on our trees to get them to grow taller.

Beautiful... but a lot of work!

Jesus speaks to the disciples in today's passage and talks a lot about pruning. He likens each of them to the branches of his grapevine. And he lets them know that if they aren't staying connecting to the vine (staying in relationship with Jesus, and doing his great works), they will be cut off. If they are staying connected, they will still be pruned, so that they will be even more productive.

"You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me." (Vs 3 & 4)

Although Jesus is using an example of a vine and its branches, it is very clear what message he is trying to get across. It is the same message that applies to us today. Stay connected to Christ. Allow him to "prune" the unnecessary things in your life, so that you can be more useful for his kingdom. Don't get bogged down with the things of this world but keep your focus on serving God.

He goes on to talk to them about love. Jesus is obedient to his Father, and because of this, he remains in his love. The same is true for us. When we keep our lives in obedience to him, we keep ourselves in his love. And the greatest act of obedience comes from his greatest commandment,

"This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." (vs 12 & 13)

If only we could all follow this simple command. Our world seems so full of hate and rage, and I think how much sorrow that must bring to our Savior. How beautiful it would be if evil didn't surround us...only love and joy.

Oh, but that day will come for all who know him!!! (Come Lord Jesus!)

As Jesus is speaking on the importance of love, he also uses this opportunity to talk a bit about hate. He warns the disciples that the world will hate them, just as the world hated him. When we choose to follow Jesus, the world is intolerable, throwing its criticisms and ridicule at us, often times being abusive towards us.

But we are to stand firm in the midst of the hate, because we know that we belong to God, and his ways are good...so much more so than this world.

Have you experienced this hate or ridicule in your life? Have you seen evidence of the world's disdain for all things Holy? I pray that if you have, you have had the strength in Christ to stand firm and not be shaken.

Jesus closes out this conversation with the promise, once again, of the Holy Spirit that he will send to them. This will be the tool they will use to keep themselves moving forward, serving and testifying on behalf of Jesus.

This is not a gift left merely to those disciples. It is a gift left to each of us who call on the name of Jesus. When we accept this gift, we become those blooming branches on the vine, allowing ourselves to be pruned so that we can be more productive for Christ, and enjoying the life of full bloom that comes from serving him.

May you all enjoy the gardening that is done on your hearts through our Lord.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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