Change

Meeting with my men's group this morning and discussing life changes after our studies (more of that to come)and how making a change can be invigorating and exciting. I myself have some hesitation about change. Leaving the comfort of our familiarities is difficult. It's no easy task to make the "move" even though our perceived comfort zone really offers little to no security to speak of. It's easier to make a change when there is no option and your just forced to move on. The option to choose as path with an unknown at the end of the road can be scary.

I reflect on Mt 7:13,14 " 13Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

We are not promised a life solely consisting of leisure, comfort and luxury. The difficult choice may not be the right choice each time or even result with the fulfillment of realizing our desires. In fact, the end result may not be what we expect at all but the trials, disappointments and difficulties sharpen our faith, humble our egos and opens our eyes to the desire that God wants us to rely on Him and grow our intimacy in our relationship with our Savior.

Our men's group discussed our relationship to the "Vinedresser". The Vindresser must prune the vine, tie the branches up off the ground and clean them to produce more fruit and better quality of fruit. Luke 6:43 and Matthew 7:18 describes the result of proper pruning and care of the vine, or rather tree in this description:
Luke 6:43, 43For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 44For every tree is known by his own fruit."
Matthew 7:18-20, 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."


It's a labor of love, that which our "Vinedresser" does for us. No father wants to discipline his children but we are to remember that discipline (not punishment as there is a vast difference) is necessary for the growth of children and to ensure they produce good fruit. And that is the narrow path and the pruning of the vine.


Heavenly Father, Thank You for all Your care and attention to my undeserving life. You have been far too good to me. Your blessings humble me and amaze me. Thank you again for the deep, deep love You have for me. I am ashamed at times how I must disappoint You and how I fail at times. Please forgive me for my shortcomings and my sins. Soften my heart and tame my tongue. Thank You for Your protection and the blessings of my family and friends. Strengthen me and guide me to become a better husband, father, son and friend. Open my eyes so that I may recognize opportunity to reflect my brother, Jesus' light in a world of darkness. I pray that Your blessings also wash over this country. Bring us back to Your fold and help us to remember how You divinely created our country and how much You've blessed America. Amen