HORTICULTURE

John 15 talks about God, the Father being the gardener and Jesus being the vine. The Gardener will prune the plant, removing 'dead' and 'excess' leaves and branches. And as we remain in the Vine, the Vine will remain in us and we will bear fruit.

During last yr end Youth Retreat, at one of the session, the Lord impressses me with this chapter. And I had shared this impression with the youths. In verse 5, it says that as we remain in Him, He will remain in us and we will bear fruit. And in verse 16, Jesus said that it was He who had chosen us and anointed us to bear fruit that will last. Afterwhich, the Father will give us whatever we ask in His name.

I thought it was really apt to hear this at the beginning of the year. At the year start, all will be feverently making resolutions, plans, targets and expectations. But in our eagerness to kickstart the year, where is God? Have we placed God first? Have we asked God what He has installed for us? Have we see our plans in the light of God's plans? I think it is really important that we really sit down and connect with God. When we are connected and we start to understand His plans, we will inevitably be asking the Lord for things that is in His will. And without saying, all these will be added to us.

And by God's divine arrangement, our Vicar Rev Canon Wong T.M shared on this Chapter on last Sunday. How timely! It really speaks to me especially when I am at this cross junction, making a crucial decision.

Lord, not my will but Yours be done! Amen!