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For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. Matthew 20:1 WEB.

Vineyards that produce some of the best wines limit the grapevines' water to make their roots go deeper into the soil. The resulting grapes are small but intensely flavorful. The crop yields less, but the fruit quality is superior. This is why some areas become known for their wine because of their terroir.

The grapevines that have had to drill deep into the earth for water become heartier and more stable. Their supporting root system runs deep into the ground, and they are not easily uprooted by winds. If it does not rain for a while, they are prepared for it. They remain stable throughout the seasons because of their deep roots.

Vines flooded with all the water they could want tend to sit right on top of the ground with a shallow root system. After a few days without water, they begin to dry up. Light wind or a tug can uproot the plant entirely. The fruit these vines produce can be large but often bland and watery.

The Lord knows how to tend His vineyard, and quality is more important to Him than quantity. He provides what we need to bring forth the best fruit in our lives. That means the Lord will not flood us with all we desire, as that would make us produce shallow roots. Then we would tend to wither at the first sign of adversity. He gives us what we need to grow, but He makes us work for it.

It is not always easy. Sometimes we feel like we don't have enough, but there is a purpose behind it. You may think you are in a spiritual drought today and believe God has forgotten you, but He hasn't. He knows what's needed to produce the correct fruit, and you already have it in your life. So stop worrying about what you don't have and begin to align your priorities with His. He is trying to make your roots grow deeper.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You know my needs before I ask them. I trust You to provide for me and cause me to prosper in what You give me to do. Please help me bring forth spiritual fruit in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: Thankful Thursday, which used to be part of the private ladies' group, has been moved to the Ministry Events group, so everyone can participate, starting today! This event gives us an opportunity encourage each other by posting thoughts, moments, and prayers of gratitude for Him, His creation and all that He does in our lives. All our welcome! To join, just click on the group name and then the join link on the page that will follow. As always, if you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network.