Hebrews 12:11 Newsletter

Good morning Reader,

We're almost at the end of my favorite verses series. This one is on the list for an unexpected reason — I fell in love with it during the pandemic, while teaching my Sunday school class about how grapevines grow.

My Favorite Verses, Part 11:

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:1-5 NLT

While researching, I learned something interesting. For a grapevine to grow good fruit, the gardener has to prune it. Every season, he looks for the weak parts of the branch and cuts them away so the plant can grow stronger.

In this verse, Jesus is the vine. God is the gardener. We are the branches. God is looking at our lives to see what's stopping us from producing good fruit.

We go through seasons too — and every pay period is one of them. Each time you get paid, that's your harvest for the work you put in.

So here's the question: are you willing to be pruned?

There's one week left in this month, which means it's time to prepare for the one ahead. I challenge my clients to build next month's budget a full week before payday. Why? Because on payday, budgeting is the last thing on your mind.

Ask God to show you what needs to be cut so you can produce the fruit you want in September. Picture it: bills paid without panic, a budget already in place before the check even hits, and money conversations at home that build you up instead of wearing you down. That's what pruning makes room for.

I don't love this verse because it feels good. I love it because it reminds me that God wants what's best for me — and He wants the same for you.

Reflection Question: What is God showing me I need to correct before next month begins?

Prayer of the Week: Dear God, thank You for loving me enough to show me my flaws. Soften my heart to receive Your correction, and let it grow good things in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Talk to you soon!

-Latrisa

Worship Song of the Month

​

CeCe Winans: Goodness of God

If this email is helping you grow, consider supporting the work behind it