VOT: July 16, 2024 Times and Seasons belong to God “Pruned to flourish” Everyone is faced with situations or issues that can be classified as “Seasons” of life. For example there are reasons why we go through these seasons. It could be for us to gain experience, have better understanding of certain aspects of life or grow and qualify for the next level of life. It is wise and helpful on the long run to accept or see such moments or situations as opportunity to become better and not bitter. When you allow God to prune you through the tests or trials, you come out sharpened, stronger and more diligent. Pruning is the cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, especially to increase fruitfulness and growth. It is cutting off bad fruits to give way to bear good fruits. P: Purging, Repentance, Confess and Forsake every evil and wrong doings R: Removal of weeds and tares U: Uproot every unprofitable seeds N: Nourishment-Word (Food and Water) E: Empty ourselves of every spiritual junk (bitterness, anger..) Exhibit Christ-like fruits D: Doer of the Word; Destroy evil works Flourishing Grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment. An instance of suddenly performing or developing in an impressively successful way. F: Fear of the Lord; Fruitful Vine (Faith in God) Favoured; Fountain of living water L: Love; Life in abundance; Light O: Oil of anointing, gladness; Overflow of Joy and Peace; Overcomer. Psalm 23:5; Obedience U: Unwavering faith; Unstoppable R: Restoration; Renewed Hope; Rejoice I: Inner Peace and Joy; Impactful S: Shine and Show forth the praise of God H: Holy Spirit filled; Helped, Hopeful “I am a true sprouting vine, and the farmer who tends the vine is my Father. 2 He cares for the branches connected to me by lifting and propping up the fruitless branches[a] and pruning[b] every fruitful branch to yield a greater harvest. 3 The words I have spoken over you have already cleansed[c] you. 4 So you must remain in life-union with me,[d] for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine. 15 1-3 “I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn’t bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken. John 15:1-3 MSG