A Cut Above

S.
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 it will be even more fruitful. John 15:1,2

O.
John is describing Jesus teaching his disciples in the upper room just before the Passover Feast. This was likely a very private scene, warning them of what was to come, preparing them to move into the world as leaders/servants of God. Jesus is describing the work of his Father within them, touching on the purpose of the suffering ahead of them.

A. (Personal)
It is January in Oregon. Time to prune our dormant fruit trees. The Ohio State University Extension website notes, “A neglected but otherwise healthy fruit tree will usually show a marked improvement in fruit quality as a result of pruning…. the primary purpose of pruning is to increase sunlight penetration, remove less productive wood, and shape the crown into an efficient, stable form….. pruning increases fruit size, promotes uniform ripening, increases sugar content, and decreases disease and insect problems…..”. A well pruned plant is a thing of beauty, yielding fruit or blossom and health not otherwise gained. There may not be as important a horticultural imperative to the health, productivity, and purpose of the plant as efficient pruning.

A. (Psychological)
Suffering. The unceasing challenge of the human experience.
Meaning. The deepest experience of humanness.
Love. The highest goal to which humans can aspire. (Man’s search for meaning, 1963, p.59).
….Existential concepts which struggle to make sense of the psychological fiber of life… suffering, meaning, love. The therapist’s relationship with the client in this setting is critically important. The authentic therapeutic encounter allows the client to discover their own uniqueness in the here and now. It is existential “joining”. At this point, the therapist incorporates a personalized flow of techniques from more concrete approaches to challenge clients to recognize their responsibility in events occurring in their lives, and to help them identify factors that block freedom (Corey, 1996), health and progress.

P.
Lord, life is sometimes hard. Help us to be aware of your life that is flowing within us; that we are branches. Work in us faith to know that the meaning of our suffering is your purpose. Your glory. You are the Master Gardener, the Great Designer.


You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit…fruit that will last. ….This is my command: Love each other. John 15:16,17

Attitude Adjustment

S
It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night. Psalm 92:1,2 NIV

O
A song for the Sabbath, used in temple services. The author is anonymous. Throughout the entire psalm, he paints vivid scenes of gratefulness, joy and worship to the Lord….yet we can see in verses 6-11 that the author does not live in a bubble; he is well aware of the hardships of life. His positive attitude is infectious. What an effect we can have on each other within the body of Christ, as this musician has for us! During the good times we can relate to such positivism. Through the storms of life such Scripture reminds us that our Jehovah Jireh is faithful even when we cannot feel His presence. He will not forget us (Luke 12:6).

A (Personal)
As I meditate on the attitude and vitality of the author and upon his intent, I find myself becoming particularly thankful for God’s hand in my own life. I can permit myself to realize the truth of my life in His, and dwell in the radiance of His presence. I am grateful.

A (Psychological)
“It is good to praise the Lord”. Cognitive-behavioral techniques direct the client in changing thought patterns, language, and confronting faulty beliefs. Psychologically, it is good to praise!... the Lord, others, self. A positive attitude and thankful heart can affect the client’s perception of reality, independent of any circumstantial change. Family systems therapy calls this reframing. Focus is used by structural therapists to arrange the facts of a client’s experience in order to relate them to each other with therapeutic relevance. The client is led to reframe his/her previous reality, often contributing to health.

P
Lord, “Give me Your eyes so I can see”, as the song today goes. Give me a grateful heart in ALL circumstances so that I can glorify You authentically everyday. Thank you for being Jehovah in each part of my life…. shine through me to each individual that I come in contact with today.