Brave Hearted Stepper deeply rooted in Christ: PRUNE

 

Hello Brave Hearted Stepper,

Last week, we discussed GROW (soil, water, sunlight) for the seeds to grow in a solid foundation and thrive. I also shared that spiritual weeds (Galatians 5:19-21) are not wanted or needed as they affect our spiritual growth, bringing distance between God and us.

To eliminate the spiritual weeds that have taken root, we need to identify what is a spiritual weed (Galatians 5:19-21) and what is a spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-25). Those who belong to Jesus Christ have submitted their flesh of its passions and desires and live by the Spirit, which keeps us in Brave Hearted steps with the Spirit.

If we are investing our time and energy in things that are not growing the fruit of the Spirit, then we need to look closely to be sure it is not a spiritual weed. If it is a spiritual weed, then we need to be willing to reach down into the soil and uproot it before it grows and starts choking out the spiritual fruits we are working so hard for them to grow.

This leads me to today's topic on pruning. Pruning is removing what is not necessary. This means some things can be attached (e.g., sin, bad habits, or negative relationships) to our lives that are not beneficial, which can hinder our personal and spiritual growth.

When a gardener takes the time to trim away what is dead or overgrown on a plant to allow it to grow and thrive, we, too, must trim away anything that is not in line with God's plan for our lives. 

Here are five things the Bible talks about pruning:

1. God does the pruning. Even a person with a close relationship with Jesus must be pruned at some point. Understand that pruning is not limited to our lives but also the lives of others. When God prunes us, the results are humility and gratitude that God is making us better in Him.

2. Pruning is necessary to produce good fruits. John 15-1-8 talks about Jesus as the true vine and we are the branches. As Christians, we are to be in a relationship with Jesus at a level that bears fruit. If we don't, God cuts off that branch.

3. Pruning can come in the form of discipline. Hebrews 12:6 talks about God correcting everyone He loves. In those times, He may trim away the things that do not benefit our lives.

4. Pruning is part of our spiritual growth, which should cause us to be more dependent on God, not less.  

5. Pruning can be painful. As a physical branch may be cut and bleed, our emotions may be affected during pruning.

The pruning process is part of our Christian journey, and it is an opportunity to remove the things that are not of benefit and bring renewal to our lives. 

Deep Root Thought

Are there areas in our lives that need some pruning? Where might you be holding onto something because it makes you feel comfortable rather than letting go so God can bless you with growth and thriving? You may not be in the pruning season now, but how will you handle it next time?

Here are things you can do this week to bring nutrients to your soul as you grow and thrive:

1. Dedicate time in prayer

2. Dedicate time in fasting

3. Dedicate time in God's word

4. Dedicate time Praise and Worship

5. Congregate at your local church

Reference Blog: Stay the Course

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for knowing the areas we need pruning in our lives better than we know them ourselves. Help us to trust in You completely and not depend on our understanding of the pruning process. It helps us to seek You as you will show us what needs to be pruned in our lives for us to grow, thrive, and reap the harvest of blessings. I ask you in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Stay tuned for part four of the Brave Hearted Steppers are deeply rooted in Christ series on HARVEST scheduled for Friday, April 7, 2023.

Many Blessings,

Maria Guzman