25 July 2021 Manna by Dorothy & Tony Callies
Theme: Pruned to Thrive
John 15:2 “Every branch that does bear fruit he (Heavenly Father) prunes so that it (you) will be even more fruitful.”
The word thrive means to grow vigorously; do well; flourish 2: to gain in wealth or prosper. Vigor means done with force and energy. [Merriam-Webster]
Another important word is prune. It means to reduce by getting rid of things that is not necessary or wanted. 2: to cut off the parts of a woody plant that are dead or not wanted like (prune the hedge). [Merriam-Webster]
The last time I did the Manna was in June 25, 2021 and the theme was Perfect Peace whose mind is stayed on God in the early morning devotion. Then late afternoon suddenly Tony took sick unexpectedly that landed him in ER later discovered that he had blood infection that came from gallbladder that was badly infected.
After few days the hospital send him to another town for better skilled surgeon with two teams who would focus on his heart and his breathing by putting him to sleep because of his age 84. The surgery was successful and it took Tony a long time to recover after a month in two hospitals and a nursing home. Tony finally gained his strength and was looking so much better enough to come home on July 27th.
I had pondered over the purpose of God’s plan even in the worse condition we had ever experienced. Until this morning on July 25th instead of Bible Study, I just felt like reading the devotion on “Our Daily Bread” of Feb. 2, 2021 that happened to be opened for me to read. After reading this devotion and searched for the meaning of the words, I was so surprised that God even has the answer to the situation, “Prune to Thrive.” I continued to be amazed so I spoke to Abba, my Heavenly Father,
“Boy, You certainly have the answer to everything. Even in the chapter of John 15, I have read it for so many years and yet today, You showed me John 15:2 that You Heavenly Father “prunes” Tony and me into deeper level of spiritual growth. So You are glorified, feeling so rich to watch us grow and radiant, giving out more light and glowing with Your love in us. It’s awesome, Lord! It’s humbly to admit that You are a wise God who knows what You are doing with all of us. So I thank You for reminding me and Tony that You are our Creator and Jesus became our Savior. Thank You in Jesus’ name.”
The author who wrote about a bumblebee and the Russian Sage, I find it difficult to understand the words so I took the time to study and wrote the meaning. I even had to google what Russian Sage looks like. So I could get a clear picture about the Bumblebee land on the Russian Sage, brilliant blue blossoms flowers brought out the color. Finally . . .
I came to the point that I was able to understand about trimming down the dry parts of the bush to a stub which leaves about 2-3 inches above the soil. At the next season, it grew again, but much more radiant because of pruning that had seemed so cruel, but . . .
*“The surprising beauty that results from harsh cuts may be one of the reason Jesus chose pruning imagery to describe God’s work among believers. In John 15, He says, I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. . . Every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (vv.1-2).
*“Jesus’ words remind us that in the good times and bad, God is always working in us toward spiritual renewal and fruitfulness (v.5). During “pruning” seasons of suffering or emotional barrenness, we may wonder if we’ll ever thrive again.
*“But Christ encourages us to continue to stick close to Him; “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me” (v.4). As we continually draw spiritual nourishment from Jesus, the resulting beauty and fruitfulness in our lives will show the world God’s goodness.” Quote *“…” by Adam R. Holz from “Our Daily Bread” of Feb. 2, 2021.
Note from Dorothy Callies:
This Manna is a word of encouragement from the Lord to me and to you. My feelings are so deep and I can’t find words to explain. In Romans 8:26-28 Holy Spirit help us with intercessory prayer with deep feelings that words cannot be explained.
Holy Spirit searches the hearts and know what is in God’s mind and Holy Spirit makes intercession for us according to the will or plan of God. And I know that all things work together for good to us that love God, to us who are called according to His purpose, and His great plan.
May the Lord bless you today!
