We have had a series of wind storms the last few months.

The predominate tree in Spokane, WA where I live, is the Ponderosa Pine, aka Jack Pine, Yellow Pine. These trees can get quite tall and thick.

During these storms, in established, old neighborhoods, numerous Ponderosa have been literally knocked over, roots and all. Spokane has a very arid climate, especially during Summer.

Consequently most homes have sprinkler systems. While wondering why many of these large trees were being knocked over, and causing serious collateral damage, I learned from my wife and brother who is a certified arborist, that sprinklers can do much harm to your landscape — if not properly adjusted.

In regards to trees, daily, short in time, waterings, may cause tree growth over the years. They grow tall, and look healthy.

However, the APPEARANCE of WELL BEING, is an ILLUSION. By using the aforementioned sprinkling method, the trees have learned that their WATER SOURCE is found in the shallow Earth.

Their roots spread out, but not DEEP. There are OTHER Watering methods that encourage DEEP ROOT GROWTH. One is a longer time duration and fewer days of watering.

This forces the roots to GO DEEPER TO FIND WATER. Those trees with DEEPER ROOTS can, typically, stand up to the strong storms and winds.

Another sprinkler disaster, waiting to happen, per my arborist bro, is if sprinklers constantly batter the tree trunks of living trees. This eventually will damage the tree and can cause ROOT ROT, demise, and fall.

What a Spiritual Lesson!

With continual “spiritual blessings”, no storms, no times of drought, the Christian living in this environment, looks healthy, etc..

But when The Storms come, and intensify, his and hers roots have only learned to grow in SHALLOW Earth.

Being battered with ‘The Good Life’ only, their roots begin to rot and die, because of the things of this World. There is no lasting NUTRITION found in them.

‘Man does not Live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the Mouth of God” Matthew 4:4.

Being “SATISFIED and CONTENT” with only superficial teaching, (Hebrews 5:11-14; 6:1), of The Word, is an indicator, symptom, of not having a Love of The Truth!

“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is removed. Then that lawless one will be revealed, whom The LORD will eliminate with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not accept the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness. 2 Thessalonians 2:7-11 NASB emphasis added.

Stand Firm! (Be Deep Rooted – my note)

“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by The LORD, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 emphasis added.

Those who have “Received” a True AGAPE of The Truth, dig deep. The Bride receives His Truth and digs deep because of Her Love for Her Groom, because HE IS THE LOGOS!! (John 1:1-5; John 1:14-18; Ephesians 4:13; Philippians 3:10.)

We are His Friends IF we OBEY HIM! (John 15:10,14.CF Romans 10:17: Galatians 5:6)

The LORD is beginning to Cleanse His Temple. The Storms of Cleansing and Purification are upon His Household. Christ cleansed the Temple before His Crucifixion, HIS PASSOVER.

The LORD told me, “He who passes over His Passover, He Will PASSOVER!” (John 12: 24-26; Luke 9:23; Matthew 7:15-23).

This is The Brides’ Preparation Time. Who will stand?

We have seen, recently, the disgrace of one that mightily ministered for The LORD. He is/ was another example of God being no respecter of people.

“Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13 BSB.

 

~ Doug MacCallum

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Doug MacCallum

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