Trimmed

TRIMMED

Housebound due to a compromised immune system and the rampaging of COVID-19, I selected a window in the upstairs area of my country cabin; there to sit and watch. Outside, my neighbor, danced from limb to limb of an unsightly Box Elder tree. He is a professional. Held in place by strategically placed safety ropes and riding a body harness, he directed each jump perfectly. His landings were on steel spurs attached to his feet. He was trimming unsightly limbs and removing decayed non-productive growths while properly dressing the shape of the tree. Overhanging a small babbling brook, it had flourished; howbeit unto its own in-attractiveness. Too soon, my silent retreat of relief was over and the tree stood once again a thing of pending beauty. Such is the way of the hand of God in His grooming of His children.

2 Samuel 19:24 “And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.

I suppose one might say this man was in great need of grooming physically. His heart might have been very loyal in love but his methods grew unpleasant conditions. The Lord is pleased with cleanliness within and without. Our elders proclaimed that ‘cleanliness is next to godliness.’ The Lords coming will not be in peace but in world judgment. Too late for grooming when He appears. Some there, on Jesus’ so called triumphant entry into Jerusalem had on themselves necessary apparel to meet the need of proper reception. Others knew where and how to quickly gather needed materials. None were reported as void in their abilities of welcome and worship. Unlike the wise and foolish virgins, they were prepared.

Matthew 25:7 “When all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.” But, half lacked oil.

These true members of the brides in waiting, displayed both preparedness and unpreparedness for the coming of the bride groom. Upgrading the condition of the soul’s wick is useless if faith is not laid in store for replenishing. Too late some learn that they lack filling to be in readiness,

Romans 11:17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.”

We sometimes take great measures to rid ourselves of safety items only to crash afterwards. When we approach the lightning of our soul of iniquity, it is imperative that our actions are within the will of God. ”(Matthew 5:30) “And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” (Acts 27:32) “Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.” However the boat crashed as Paul said it would. All were saved because they took God’s word through Paul and lived. Our requirement is to approach troubles and trials in a manner specified by God. That cannot be accomplished without seeking His face through prayer. Looking to other’s safety as thy own. If placing yourself in harms way seems necessary, take all means to protect those in the battle with you. (Galatians 5:1-15) “...then is the offence of the cross ceased. 12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you. 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. Know God ,know peace. Amen. 05-16-2020 BLL