So, this is the first time that I’ve ever planted anything from seed to flower…I continue to take progression pics, because I simply get super excited about the growth that is truly evident!
Also, I just scattered the seeds… just to see what would happen! 😂
Here are some zinnia seedlings, 🌱 10 days old…
and now at a month old…
They will hopefully and prayerfully LOOK like this…
This year I purchased my seeds from “Eden Brothers”…you know, the “Garden of Eden” concept? Love it!! 🌸 The more you cut these particular flowers, the more they GROW! They are called “Cut and Come again” flowers… 😉 They have dwarf varieties in which I planted in some of my smaller pots, they have medium sized zinnias which are great for large containers, and then they have Giant Zinnias, producing really large flower heads!
Good note: 😊 I’ve been trying to save money on flowers this year, so I bought a 1/4 pound of zinnia seeds for $21 in the beggining of May, which filled 10 containers!! 🪴 And I STILL have 3/4 of a bag left over for NEXT year!!🙌 🌸
Here is a picture of the medium sized zinnias I have…
and here is the cute little dwarf version…
But, in order for these flowers to grow to their FULL POTENTIAL, the label says that I have to thin them out and continue to cut them back! This is what Jesus talks about when He is referring to God, His Father, being the Gardener…
ohhh….the benefits of pruning:
- Improved plant health and vigor
- Enhanced fruit and flower production
- Better air circulation and light penetration
- Prevention of disease and pest infestation
- Shaping and controlling plant growth
- Encouraging strong branch structure
- Reducing the risk of storm damage
- Maintaining a tidy and attractive appearance
So what are the benefits of pruning things in OUR LIVES?
- Improved spiritual health and growth
- Enhanced focus on God’s will and purpose
- Better alignment with biblical principles
- Prevention of worldly influences and distractions
- Shaping and refining character and behavior
- Encouraging a deeper relationship with God
- Reducing the risk of straying from faith
- Maintaining a disciplined and fruitful life
God: The Good Gardener Who Prunes Us for Fruitfulness
As I look out into my flower garden, I am reminded of the parable of the Good Gardener. In John 15:1-2, Jesus 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.” This passage shows us that Jesus is not only the vine, but His Father is also the Good Gardener who prunes us to make us more fruitful.
Understanding the role of God as the Gardener is crucial in our spiritual growth. Just like a gardener, God cares for us and wants us to bear fruit. He knows which branches need to be pruned and which ones need to be nurtured. As believers, we must trust in His wisdom and guidance as He prunes us to help us grow.
The process of pruning for growth can be painful, but it is necessary for our spiritual development. Just like a gardener removes dead or diseased branches to prevent them from harming the rest of the plant, God removes the things in our lives that hinder our spiritual growth. This can include bad habits, unhealthy relationships, or anything else that distracts us from our relationship with him. Through this process, we can become more like Christ and bear even more fruit in our lives.
Key Takeaways
- God is the Good Gardener who prunes us to make us more fruitful.
- Understanding His role is crucial in our spiritual growth.
- The process of pruning can be painful, but it is necessary for our spiritual development.
So, life got busy (I was in charge of VBS at church, which I love pouring time into the lives of our church kiddos), and I didn’t water my zinnias like I SHOULD have! It had been raining on and off, …but THEN it got REALLY hot 🥵 😬 …and, since I wasn’t watching them carefully, some little pests seemed to find my 2 biggest containers REALLY appetizing, and they found a free smorgasbord leaf buffet, leaving holes in EVERY SINGLE LEAF! 🍃 🍃 🍃 🍃 🍃 🤪…
I couldn’t even bare to take a PICTURE of it! 😂 …BUT GOD, in His great mercy with my lack of time and energy to take care of these little gals, sent a season of TONS OF RAIN ☔️ …and when I thought all hope was gone, God gave me….
This!!! There are actually FLOWERS below…AND LEAVES 🍃 !!!! 🙌 👀 🌸
As well as these planters which had ALSO been neglected!! 🙌
And a month later…LOOK at how MUCH they have grown!! 🙌
The Fruitfulness of Believers
As a believer in Jesus, I understand that I am called to bear fruit in my life. Jesus said in John 15:5, “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.” This means that my life should produce evidence of my relationship with Jesus.
Characteristics of Fruitfulness
So, what does it mean to bear fruit? Galatians 5:22-23 gives us a list of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the characteristics that should be evident in my life if I am walking with Jesus.
In addition to these qualities, bearing fruit also means living a life that is pleasing to God. This involves obedience to His Word and a willingness to serve others. As I seek to follow Jesus, I should be growing in my love for Him and for others, and my desire to share the good news of the gospel should be increasing.
The Impact of Pruning on Fruitfulness
As Jesus said in John 15, in order to bear fruit, we must remain in Him. This means that we must be willing to allow Him to prune us. Pruning involves cutting away the dead or unproductive parts of the plant in order to promote growth and fruitfulness.
In the same way, God may allow difficult circumstances or trials in our lives in order to prune us and make us more fruitful. This can be painful, but it is ultimately for our good and His glory. As we trust Him and submit to His pruning, we will become more like Jesus and more effective in our witness to the world.
And guess what? I was a little hesitant to cut these flowers, fearful that they might not EVER come back again (like the seed packet actually SAYS for ‘Cut and Come again’ flower), but I DID!!!…and I am enjoying the beauty of a fresh cut vase of flowers on my table every WEEK!! 🌸
…as a believer in Jesus, I am called to bear fruit in my life. This involves living a life that is characterized by the fruit of the Spirit and a desire to please God. It also means being willing to allow Him to prune me in order to promote growth and fruitfulness..pure beauty! May I continually abide in Jesus and bear much fruit for His glory!
Continue to abide in Him, my friends, and joyfully pass it on! 😊
