I am the Vine 

When I finished high school, I went to work at an apple orchard. We were given some brief instructions, some pneumatic shears and set loose amongst the trees. 

The boss left us in the orchard and we set to work with vigour and enthusiasm.   He had asked for trees to be pruned a bit like a Christmas trees, so I was determined to give him just what he had asked for.  

The boss returned sometime after lunch and upon viewing my handywork, he was speechless.  I took this as a good sign.  He proceeded to photograph the tress, which I also took as a good sign.  Finally, he turned and walked away shaking his head.

Fruit trees and grapevines both need to be pruned so that they will produce abundant fruit.   

Fruit only grows on new wood and that is why it is important to prune the trees and vines back so there is new wood for the fruit to grow on. 

Jesus talked about grapevines, He said, “I am the vine, you are the branches, no one can produce fruit unless they are connected to the vine.”  John 15:5

Just remember that branches need to be connected to the vine for new growth to occur, just as we need to be connected to God to grow spiritually.

Have a great week 

Chaplain Phil