“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.”
Matthew 12:33 NIV

Fruitful: yielding or producing fruit; conducive to an abundant yield fruitful rain; abundantly productive Merriam Webster Online Dictionary, 3/2/2020

“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

Prune: to cut off some of the branches of (a tree or bush) so that it will grow better or look better; to reduce (something) by removing parts that are not necessary or wanted Merriam Webster Online Dictionary, 3/2/2020

About a year ago, we moved out of the city and into the country. We don’t have a lot of land, but it is plenty for us. I enjoy waking up and hearing cows and birds rather than traffic. I enjoy being surrounded by God’s beautiful creations: flowers, trees, birds, and even bugs.

It is my intent to have a productive garden. In my research, I have noticed the experienced gardeners prune their plants to make the yield more plentiful. One gardener, cut small blooms from his tomato plant to allow the larger blooms to grow. Another gardener, cut small branches from his tree to help shape it.

I hope when my plants need pruning and shaping, I can do it properly to improve the overall plant. Maybe I need to print out a sign with John 15:1-2 on it and place it in my garden.

“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
Matthew 7:19‭-‬20 NIV

As I make an effort in my garden, I also, need to make an effort in my life. What can I cut away to make me stronger? What can I prune from my life to make me more productive in serving God? Do I need to cut out certain activities that are interfering with my Church activities?

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4 NIV