Psalm 1:3 (NIV)
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
Recently I have challenged myself to stay a little more active. Exercise is a challenge for me; always afraid I might aggravate underlying medical conditions. But, nevertheless, I can't just do nothing less I invite my body to get weaker.
It's been fun and I actually feel good! I want my physical body to be healthy.
Spiritually I need to constantly train by body to get stronger and to operate in godliness.
In Psalm 1 we read the we are too be like a tree planted by water whose leaf does not wither. Why would my leaves wither, what could cause that?
The Lord has always given us examples in his physical creation about spiritual matters.
Take a citrus tree for example. They require natural sunlight and water. But if the tree is over or under watered the leaves begin to fall. If there is a quick shift in temperature the tree goes into stress and once again the leaves begin to fall. They do well outdoors but if you bring it into hiding and place them indoors substituting your radiator heat for the natural sun outdoors, well you guessed it, the leaves begin to fall.
The Word of God is to nourish me. I am to stay well fed, sitting and getting instructions to walk in godliness. I am to do that which pleases God. "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." The Greek word for praiseworthy is "epainos". The word means to be commended. So, I am to think on whatever will cause God to commend me. Praise the Lord!!
If I choose to neglect assembling together with God's people (Hebrews 10:25), well I might start loosing some leaves.
What if I allow the cares of this world to consume me changing the atmosphere of the Spirit of God into chaos or dissolution? Well my leaves might begin to fall. Jesus has already warned me and said that in this world their would be trouble (John 16:33). But, he reinforced my hope in him by letting me know that he has already overcome the world!
I am to get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice (Ephesians 4:31) less my leaves loose their suppleness, dry and shrivel up.
When leaves fall it is an indication of trouble. The most difficult end is that the fruit will be bitter, tasteless or even
end up immature. Ever bit into a bright red apple just to spit it out because it was brown and dead on the inside?
Somewhere else in the Scriptures we read that we are to be the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13). In the day of the sacrifice, the grain offering was always salted.
When life is difficult and I feel like the sacrifice on the alter, well I must still be "the salt of the earth". My mind is to be alert for the enemy wants to destroy me (Genesis 4:7). I am to be well rooted in the Word of God that the fruit produced from this life will bear witness that I belong to the Master.
"A citrus tree can loose all its foliage but will recover and under ideal conditions will start to produce new shoots within a few weeks." (web article)
Examination is good! Look into the mirror of the Word of God. If I see brown leaves or the tenderness of the greenery is drying up; quickly prune away that which is stealing from my healthy relationship with God. I soon will see the new shoots rising up as I allow the Breath Life into me again.
I am the salt of the world! I am a tree planted by water which will generate good fruit in its season
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8)
So, with God's help I will stay physically fit and with the leading of his Holy Spirit walk in godliness trying always please my Lord that he would commend me. Well done, good and faithful servant. (Matthew 25:23)
May good fruit be with you :)
God bless you!~Liz
So, with God's help I will stay physically fit and with the leading of his Holy Spirit walk in godliness trying always please my Lord that he would commend me. Well done, good and faithful servant. (Matthew 25:23)
May good fruit be with you :)
God bless you!~Liz
