Pruning

It is 19 degrees outside today. Definitely not the spring growth season. My grandpa would be quick to tell me that the sap is in the roots of the trees instead of the tops, and that this is a good time for pruning and for planting new trees to prepare for the upcoming spring — where your preparation will bear growth. It shouldn’t be missed that the way the seasons operate, pruning, spring growth, etc. is a shadow or hint or revelation of what the Lord does in us as well.

He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.
John 15:2 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.15.2.NLT

REF: https://www.quickcrop.co.uk/blog/introduction-pruning-apple-trees/

Why Prune?
There are 3 reasons to prune a fruit tree:

1. To establish the basic structure of the tree making is easy to maintain.
2. To remove any dead, diseased or damaged wood to keep the tree healthy.
3. To allow sunlight to access the ripening fruits.

I’m sure if you’ve noticed the best fruit is usually at the top of the tree? This isn’t some sort of cruel trick to make your life more difficult it is because this part of the tree gets more sunlight. It is helpful to keep the purpose of pruning in mind when deciding what branches to cut, we’re not just tidying the tree, we’re shaping it for optimum fruiting.

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 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. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 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. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.
John 15:1‭-‬17 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.15.1-17.NLT

Enduring Caregiving

Have you experienced being a caregiver?

I’m finding it to be a valley where one must take refuge and trust in the Lord just to survive.

Grandpa had a very bad night. Not sure how much sleep grandma was able to get. He was loud and active all night — either wanting his pants off (he’s naked already), or to get up to pee every few minutes (he has a catheter in for that), and would either forget what I just told him, or just wouldn’t believe it. So hour after hour of telling him the same thing over and over while I’m also sleep deprived myself.

He’s still very restless.

I thank the Lord for giving me the love and patience to endure this without making me angry with him — THIS TIME. (No, I’m not perfect either.)

Sometimes it is hard not to get angry with grandpa when he’s out of his mind and saying nasty and mean things to us while we are trying to love and serve him. But I need to remember who the real enemy is that is whispering such lies.

Pray that we can get him comfortable and that grandma can get some rest. We do not need for the hardship to wear on all of our health further to the point that it affects our ability to provide him with care ourselves.

Pray that the Lord will continue to keep us on the right path, guarding our minds, and loving him even when he acts like an enemy — just like Christ did for us on the cross.

In fact, this is our service to Christ Jesus, that we love and take care of Bill, not out of burden and obligation, but in surrender and appreciation, and in an outpouring of the Holy Spirit He had placed in us. Let us be the sheep of Matthew 25, not the goats, and let it all be for His glory and honor.

Love you! Amen.

A song I recently recorded with a friend helps remind me:

And another wonderful reminder:

Sharing our burdens

NOTE: Initial poem/lyrics based on Galatians 6:2 and the real life experience right now of our family living together and providing in home hospice care to my beloved grandpa Bill, and caregiving to my grandma Thelma, who both raised me when I was young. Huge thanks to the numerous friends and family who help, visit, pray, encourage and help us carry these burdens during this precious yet challenging time.

1.

You once took care of me

Now the tide has turned

You taught me to walk

Now I help you walk

Chorus

He teaches us to share

Share our burdens

Young and old, sick and well

He teaches us to share

Share our burdens

2.

This life isn’t empty

We find it’s quite full

Drug around by our hardships

Or giving friends a pull

Chorus

He teaches us to share

Share our burdens

Young and old, sick and well

He teaches us to share

Share our burdens

3.

Even in those times

Preparing our goodbyes

Seeking comfort through the pain

Seeking recognition in your eyes

Chorus

He teaches us to share

Share our burdens

Young and old, sick and well

He teaches us to share

Share our burdens

Bridge

So we turn to you

We have nowhere else to go

We have no strength

To win this on our own

If left alone

We have proven our repeated defeat

But you God

You have won

Chorus

And You teach us to share

Share our burdens

You give us the strength

Your spirit within

To share our burdens

4.

We are not alone

We stand as a family

Whatever may come

We are not alone

Chorus

He taught us to share

We share all our burdens

Beloved sisters and brothers

We get to share

Share all of our burdens

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.6.2.NLT

Laughter and Tears

Our house is full of both laughter and tears right now. As in home hospice care is being provided for my grandpa Bill here at the house, my grandma weeps when he doesn’t recognize her, my daughter cries as she tries to understand death for the first time, I weep in my bed at the end of the long day from being overwhelmed and exhausted — but we are not hopeless, we are not without laughter, we are not alone.

There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven– A time to be born and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance.
ECCLESIASTES 3:1‭-‬4 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/ecc.3.1-4.AMP

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
1 Peter 5:7‭, ‬10 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.5.7-10.NLT

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:28‭-‬31 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.40.28-31.NLT

Thank You!

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
James 1:17 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.17.NLT

Today, my grandpa Bill is coming home from the hospital for hospice care in our home. As I read this verse from a section of James 1 on “Faith and Endurance” and as we have needed to say no to so many other things in order to do what is “good and perfect” (or as close as we can) for our family — we have been rejoicing to God that all of this is a gift from God.

We must be careful not to miss seeing the blessings just because the enemy is trying to cast shadows around us in our life’s circumstances — look past the shadows to see the light — He is always there, never changing, always faithful.

Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Holy Spirit! Thank you, Heavenly Father!

The Mind — Victorious Battlefield, Not Idle Playground

Last night was the College Football Championship game between Clemson and Alabama. And we saw two very good teams compete against each other in a battle that true fans of either program will not soon forget. But the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death far outshines any football game for this life long Clemson fan.

There was a battle on the football field, and the players had to remain focused on their goal under intense pressure and competition — just like Christ was focused on what He came to accomplish on the cross for you and I — and just like all of us who now know the Truth must remain focused and diligent in our calling and purpose.

We are called to tell the world this Good News of Jesus Christ, given whatever opportunity might be available to us today — not just in our words, but in our actions, in the “lifesong” of how we live. And our actions flow outward from our thoughts and minds and reveal our true motives. So if we want our VICTORY, or more specifically HIS VICTORY, to be visible and evident to others in our walk, we must be preparing for the big game on the big stage with regular practice and training in our minds.

Clemson didn’t win on the big stage by “just playing a game”, they were intentional, they prepared themselves, they repeatedly played through scenarios before the games, learned to study and recognize the tricks and taps and opportunities, and paid how to capitalize on these to see victory play itself out in the end.

This is how we are called to walk in victory, Christians, by seeing the victory won in our minds regularly, daily, intentionally –so that it will also be evidenced in our lives in those critical moments where it can make all the difference.

Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
Isaiah 55:6‭-‬7 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.55.6-7.NLT

Banish the very thought of doing wrong…

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.12.2.ESV

Be transformed by the renewal of your mind…

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8‭-‬9 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/php.4.8-9.ESV

Think about these things…

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:6‭-‬7 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/2ti.1.6-7.ESV

God gave us a spirit, not of fear, but of power and love and self-control…

to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:22‭-‬32 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/eph.4.22-32.ESV

There’s Power in the Blood

Revelation 12:11 ESV
And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

Matthew 26:28 ESV
For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Acts 20:28 ESV
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

Revelation 7:14 ESV
I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Revelation 5:9 ESV
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,

So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.
Hebrews 9:11‭-‬15 NLT

Softly and Tenderly

If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
Jeremiah 29:13 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.29.13.NLT

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
James 4:8 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.4.8.NLT

When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!”
Mark 10:49 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mrk.10.49.NLT

Softly and Tenderly

Will L. Thompson, pub.1880

copyright status is Public Domain

1. Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
   Calling for you and for me;
   See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
   Watching for you and for me.
   • Refrain:
     Come home, come home,
     You who are weary, come home;
     Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
     Calling, O sinner, come home!

• Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
  Pleading for you and for me?
  Why should we linger and heed not His mercies,
  Mercies for you and for me?
• Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
  Passing from you and from me;
  Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
  Coming for you and for me.
• Oh, for the wonderful love He has promised,
  Promised for you and for me!
  Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon,
  Pardon for you and for me.

Get Melted, Breathed Upon, So You Can Flow

He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow and the waters flow.
Psalms 147:18 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.147.18.ESV

“He sends out his word”

1) He sends His Word (Father sends Word to live in the flesh)

“and melts them”

2) It melts them (gospel of Jesus Christ)

“he makes his wind blow”

3) the breath of God blows (Holy Spirit)

“and the waters flow.”

4) the waters flow (we, the Children of God go forth to spread the Good News)

It is HIS WORK… IN, UPON, AND THROUGH US

MELTING IS “IN” THE WHOLE SUBSTANCE

BREATHING IS “UPON” THE VISIBLE SURFACE

FLOWING IS “MOVEMENT THROUGH” A SUBSTANCE THAT IMPACTS ITS SURROUNDINGS

Death

Death is a very familiar topic in our household right now, because we have loved ones who are in the final stages of their walk here with us.

DEATH – EXPERIENCED

Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.”
John 11:21‭-‬27 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.11.21-27.NLT

DEATH – THOSE WHO HAVE DIED PHYSICALLY

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:13‭-‬18 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/1th.4.13-18.NLT

Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.
Daniel 12:2‭-‬3 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/dan.12.2-3.NLT

DEATH – OUR REMINDER TO NOT DELAY

Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well. For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.
Ecclesiastes 12:6‭-‬7 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/ecc.12.6-7.NLT

So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.
2 Corinthians 5:6‭-‬10 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.5.6-10.NLT

DEATH – PHYSICAL VS SPIRITUAL DEATH

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.3.16.NLT

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin ? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Matthew 10:28‭-‬31 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.10.28-31.NLT

DEATH – IN PERSPECTIVE WITH LIFE

If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
Romans 14:8 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.14.8.NLT

DEATH – THE HOUSE OF THE LORD

Don’t be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment.
John 5:28‭-‬29 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.5.28-29.NLT

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalms 23:1‭-‬6 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.23.1-6.NLT

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.
John 14:1‭-‬3 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.14.1-3.NLT

But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? ” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
1 Corinthians 15:51‭-‬58 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.15.51-58.NLT

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Revelation 21:4 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/rev.21.4.NLT

Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.
Philippians 3:17‭-‬21 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/php.3.17-21.NLT

This almost forgotten post from years gone by is an encouragement this morning: https://wp.me/p1U0eQ-8u