[Manna - July 20]
I am the true vine, and My Father is the Husbandman... every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:1,2
AS even the best branches in the vine, which give
evidence of fruit-bearing, require pruning, so even the
most honest and earnest of the Lord's people require
the Lord's discipline and providential care—otherwise
they might soon run to woodmaking also, and fail
to bring forth much fruit.... The true child of God
whose will has been entirely immersed into the will
of the Lord is neither offended nor discouraged by
these prunings.
He has learned something at least
of his own unwisdom, and has confidence in the wisdom
of the great Husbandman.
Hence when divine
providence estops his efforts in some directions he
takes the thwarting of his plans joyfully, assured that
the Lord's will and the Lord's way are the best, and
intended to work out a blessing. Z.'99-109 R2465:3