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Ephesians 3:17b-18 – And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. (NIV)

When we returned home from our southern holiday this winter, our two houseplants were totally bare of leaves, and we held some doubt as to whether they were still alive. One of the plants I have had for fourteen years and another like it I have had for three years. It took us a long time to find the right place in the house for these plants to flourish and produce flowers. In the early summer, these two plants go out to the garden, and in the fall, I watch for the threat of frost and treat them for bugs before bringing them back in. These two plants bless us with flowers periodically throughout the long winters.

We gave them water and cleaned up the dead leaves from around their bases. A few days later, we were still wondering about the older of the two as the younger one seemed to be reviving from the water given. When I went to the Internet and did some research, I read that we needed to cut the plant back by two-thirds. I was nervous about taking such drastic measures, but weighing up the options, we were out of them. I cleaned my cutters and began the process. A few days later, we saw very small shoots appearing. Today, two months later, the plant is full of new growth, bright green leaves, and even a fresh flower. The plants appear none the worse from this event.

John 15:1-2 – 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. (NIV)

"Resiliency" comes to mind for me. The older plant had established roots and a large pot that contained them. Cutting it back allowed the life that was in the roots and branches to work at putting new growth out. Resiliency characterizes this plant.

When we come to Jesus, we find areas of our lives that need pruning and cleaning up. He does this work in our lives, and it becomes an ongoing process as we acknowledge the sin in our lives and repent and seek forgiveness.

Just as those plants needed my care, Jesus is my source of care in all areas of my life.

John 15:5 –I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that, as Christians, we are rooted in You and all we do is because of faith and love. Help us to show the lost how to become rooted in Your love also. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Julie Bowles