Planted Like a Tree

Hi,
 
What a great day we had Sunday at Dogwood.  Songs, communion service, and a good time in prayer, were followed by a great message from the "Sermon On The Mount".  The sermon was concluded with the parable of the wise and foolish men who built their houses on the rock and the sand.  Have you noticed how many of our older hymns and even older children's choruses have strong biblical doctrine engrained within them?  This morning we are going to look at another one:  "Just like a tree that's planted by the water".  
 
Have you ever successfully planted a tree and seen the good results?  You must put it in the soil by a definite act, and then you must let it stay there and remain settled in the ground until the little roots have time to fix themselves and begin to draw the sustenance from the soil.

There are two stages: the definite planting and then the habitual absorbing of moisture and nourishment from the ground. The root fibers must rest until they reach out their spongy pores and drink in the nutriment of the earth. After the habit is established, then by a certain uniform law the plant draws its life from the ground without an effort, and it is just as natural for it to grow as it is for us to breathe.
 
After we are first saved by faith in Christ, how can we take Christ as the One who can cleanse our heart completely, and as the One who can keep us clean; separated from this unclean world.  That is a question that many may be asking, and if it is not answered in our heart and life, will there be any growth?

It is necessary first of all that we get into the posture of faith. This has to be done by a definite and voluntary act, and then maintained by a uniform habit. It is just the same as the planting of the tree.  By faith you allow Him to cleanse your heart, establish you, and by faith you allow Him to keep you as you just simply remain settled in Him, and draw the sustenance you need to grow.  If you are one who is constantly moving out on your own, you are probably seeing no growth, and may by this habit, bring about your own spiritual demise.  Trust Him, rest in Him, for you can imagine what would happen to the planted tree if it were constantly moved.   

 Lord, help me this day to abide in You, and to grow into the habit of drawing all my life from Yours so that it shall be true for me, "in [You] [I] live, and move, and have [my] being" (Acts 17:28).
 
"I shall not be, I shall not be moved.
I shall not be, I shall not be moved.
Just like a tree that's planted by the water,
I shall not be moved."
 
"They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream.  It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit."  Jeremiah 17:8
 
Abide in Christ and be blessed.  Always remember.....you are loved!
 
Henry