4-6 For here’s what God told me:

“I’m not going to say anything,
    but simply look on from where I live,
Quiet as warmth that comes from the sun,
    silent as dew during harvest.”
And then, just before harvest, after the blossom
    has turned into a maturing grape,
He’ll step in and prune back the new shoots,
    ruthlessly hack off all the growing branches.
He’ll leave them piled on the ground
    for birds and animals to feed on—
Fodder for the summering birds,
    fodder for the wintering animals.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Women's Devotional Bible - eBook
The Message Women's Devotional Bible - eBook
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $16.49
Save: $13.50 (45%)
The Message Women's Devotional Bible: The Gospels
The Message Women's Devotional Bible: The Gospels
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $8.49
Save: $1.50 (15%)
The Message // REMIX 2.0--soft leather-look, textured pieces
The Message // REMIX 2.0--soft leather-look, textured pieces
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $27.98
Save: $12.01 (30%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
Pause - The Message//REMIX: A Daily Reading Bible - eBook
Pause - The Message//REMIX: A Daily Reading Bible - eBook
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $9.99
Save: $9.00 (47%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message The Book of Psalms
The Message The Book of Psalms
Retail: $8.99
Our Price: $8.98
Save: $0.01 (0%)