Pruning

Proverbs 11:2 (AMP) When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also, but with the humble (those who are lowly, who have been pruned or chiseled by trial, and renounce self) are skillful and godly Wisdom and soundness.

Our hearts and lives are purified and pruned by the trials, tests, and tribulations of life. We can either accept the discipline and of the denying of one self or we can be pruned out completely from the Vine.

Romans 11:22 (AMP) Then note and appreciate the gracious kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s gracious kindness to you—provided you continue in His grace and abide in His kindness; otherwise you too will be cut off (pruned away).

We understand and may know HIS Kindness but do you know HIS severity? We must CONTINUE in His Grace and abide in His kindness. It is not a one time event of accepting Jesus Christ, you MUST CONTINUE in HIM. How do we Continue to abide in HIM?

John 15:2 (AMP) Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit.

You can thank God in all your circumstances overcoming your trials, tests, and tribulation and have those ugly parts of your hearts pruned away as you bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit or you can complain and grumble bearing fruit of the enemy and be completely pruned away in whole. When difficulties arise, rather than praying and asking God to get you out of that situation so quickly, you must ask why it is happening. There is a message for you in all circumstances and for you to learn something. Learn His judgments and discipline.

The choice is yours. Choose life or death. Choose the narrow road. Always be praying in the spirit brethren.
Psalm 51:10 (AMP) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me
 
Pastor Steve Yong Kim