Summary

The Gardener God Word on the Week 29th August 2026.

This week has produced gorgeous weather for thinning raspberries canes! Over the years they have multiplied till the garden boasts of three rows and two clumps all ready for inspection and thinning. They may not look like vines but I cannot avoid the parallel with John chapter 15.
I believe there is nothing more useless than a spent vine. They are gathered into heaps and burned with fire. Nothing can be made from them and so it is with finished raspberry canes. The only difference is that we are not permitted to burn them in the interests of pure air!
In John chapter 15 Jesus describes Himself as the true vine and his Father as the gardener (Verses 1 and 5). It is not the fruit that is in view here but the fruitless ones. There is no hesitation they are cut off. Occasionally gardeners are in a bit of a quandary as to which raspberry cane to retain. They may see a few small berries on the twig and decide not to part with it until it has fruited. It would appear that in the garden of God there is no indecision. God knows!
Then there are those canes who show every sign of fruiting. They are retained and tied together to a stake so as to remain upright and not fall down. The vines in Jesus illustration which bear fruit are pruned so that will become even more fruitful. Our canes do not prune but the removal of weeds happens around their base has a similar effect!
So what to those vines which remain? Jesus says they have been made clean by the Word. God’s Word brings cleansing. The new life comes from Jesus the true vine (verse 5). Remaining attached to Him by faith is way that produces growth! Going it alone without Christ will produce an empty life – Jesus said “Without me you can do nothing” (verse 5).
Ask Jesus in simple words to abide in you. To grant to you the faith to trust in Him. Then follow the Gardener’s instructions in the first five verses of John Chapter 15. May God bless you as you go with Jesus.