Like Trees Planted by the Water

 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Colosians 2:7

What a beautiful, quiet place. I'd like to sit on that bench and just rest awhile. Quiet places can be a place to be rooted and established in the faith. But how? 

God's creation is given to help us see his plan, his care, to teach us. So what does this picture teach besides I want to have a seat under the tree?

Paul was well taught in the scriptures. He was a Pharisee of the Pharisees. I think in our verse he is reflecting back on Psalms 1:3

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The Lord plants us in His family, the church, where we can be taught by the word, nourished by the Living Water, the Holy Spirit, and bear fruit, spiritual fruit, in the world. 

A tree must put down roots to be firmly planted. The wind and rain must not be able to move it. Yes, it may lose a few limbs, but every tree profits from a little pruning, and so do we. Having our roots firmly planted in a church that teaches God's word will disciple us to be profitable servants.

A tree must receive water regularly, and so must we. We must include prayer, talking with the Lord, so His Holy Spirit can speak to us through His word, helping us to grow. 

To bear fruit, a tree must receive pollination, and so must we. We need Christian friends with whom we can discuss the scriptures, pray together, witness together, and give thanks for the fruit we bear. 

We all will face storms of different magnitudes at different times in our lives. When we are rooted in God's word, watered by His Spirit, and work together for the kingdom, we will be strengthened and bear much fruit. 

Father God, help me continue to grow, putting down my spiritual roots in the good soil of Your word, watered by Your living Spirit, and bearing fruit of You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Be Still and Know

One final winner of the December give away... Jetta Allen! Jetta wins Edie Melson's book While My Child is Away. Jetta if you will email or PM me your address, I'll put your book in the mail as soon as the snow melts. Thank you to all the email subscribers and followers who encourage me each week. I hope I encourage you in some small way.

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10

The weatherman predicted record cold with moisture rising from the Gulf to meet the sinking arctic air. Snow was on every mind. Hurry to gather groceries, meet deadlines, check the woodpile and the flashlight batteries.

It started with the gathering of clouds and robins in the yard. The still, the quiet, the smell, it all said snow. Then a small twirling flake, and another, and another. Faster, thicker, the white fluff clung to points grass and elbows of trees. Close the schools and make the last mad rush for milk and bread only to find empty shelves and long lines. Hurry home through driving snow, black snow. The speed of the car and the thick falling of the snow created a darkness that was blinding. But snow was white, light. How then this darkness, this blindness?

The speed of life does not wait to contemplate the Light, though the Light gently swirls around us every day. If we look below, it softly falls around our walk. If we look above, it lights gently on our faces. If we look straight ahead, the Light is there in every nook and corner of our lives. At the speed of life, Light is not allowed to shine. It's like the fear of the unknown, the confusion of being told of beauty without the ability to see. It is only when we take the time to "Be Still" that we can know that He is God. He is here to light our way, shine down on us and direct our paths.

How easily we forget and allow hurry and deadlines, woodpiles and the ever ready battery that runs our lives to keep us in darkness. "Be still. Be still and know. Be still and know that I am God," He gently calls to us. May the blessing of the snow allow us the time to be still.

Blessings,

Gail

Hey Kids:

How can you see God this week? 

Look around your feet.

Look up. 

Look straight ahead.

Can you see the longsuffering of God, His gentleness, His goodness? 
These are the fruits He can help us demonstrate but we must first see how He demonstrates these fruits to us. 

Here's a hint to get you started: 
Those winter trees you see in the yard that look dead, watch how they change in the next few weeks. Watch them come to life. 
Jesus is demonstrating how we sometimes have to wait to see the good come of a situation. 
When the tender leaves and blossoms begin to show in the spring and the gentle breezes blow, it reminds us of the gentle way God deals with us.
As that tree begins to come into full fruit, it can remind us of the goodness of God to help us grow into fruitful Christians. 
Fill your fruit bowl with longsuffering, gentleness and goodness this week.