February 2, 2021 Pruned to Thrive – John 15：1-12

I am no horticurist, yet I wondered if some plants or shrubs would grow when they were in a baby pot sold in the nursery. However, it would grow quite beautifully as shown in the picture when fully grown.

The surprising beauty that results from harsh cuts may be one of the reasons Jesus chose pruning imagery to describe God’s work among believers. He says, “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)

Jesus’ words remind us that in the good times and bad, God is always working in us toward spiritual renewal and fruitfulness  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5).

During “pruning” seasons of suffering or emotional barrenness, we may wonder if we’ll ever blossom again. But Christ encourages us to continue to stay close to Him: “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). Father, help me to trust You during difficult seasons in my life, knowing that You’re at work to bring beauty and change.

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February 28, 2021 New Every Morning – Lamentations 3：19-26

In certain stages of our lives, we experienced some severe forms of affliction and tormenting. It was beyond our control with one’s finances and human abilities. We could not imagine how bleak in the future and the situation was hopeless. At that moment, we cried out...

February 27, 2021 No Longer Yourself – Galatians 2：14-21

Before I was baptized to become a Christian, it was hard to believe what in the bible said and then I began to walk with God. All these were incredible and I wouldn’t believe I could do as the bible demands. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has...

February 26, 2021 Facing Fear – Psalms 56：3-11

When someone made up some story of false accusation or slander against us, how would you handle this kind of situation. It is quite common in a political campaign or an election. This really made our life upside down and distressful. The only solution is to clarify...

February 25, 2021 To Be Human – Philippians 4：6-8

There is an old Chinese adage: A real man sheds blood but not tears. That implies if one cries to show that he is weak. So when we were young as a boy, we tried not to cry for any reasons. But when I grew older I learned from books saying that crying was a sign to...

February 24, 2021 Never Alone – Ecclesiastes 4：8-12

Loneliness is an all-time high afflicted disease of all ages, social or economic status. Particularly in our digital era and pandemic plague, there are alarming rates of increasing loneliness in our society. And in the long term, the symptoms will become depression....