A Healthy, Fruitful Tree

Beloved friends and family—

Psalm 1:1-3 ^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.

The process of living a blessed life began in the heart of delight, continues in the mind of meditation, and results in a transformed will to obey. God gives us a promise of true success! The prosperity here is a spiritual reality which God will honor here on earth and in eternity. It cannot be measured by earthly fame or fortune alone.

Joshua makes a similar observation in Joshua 1:8-9

Joshua 1:8-9 ^NIV
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

What is the picture that God gives us? It is a healthy, fruitful tree. It has been planted in wonderful soil near a stream of water. It is well fed and, therefore, bearing much fruit.  There is no apparent decay as it grows older. 

Now, everyone one of us wants to bear fruit that honors our God. Jesus says if we abide in Him “we will bear much fruit.” (See John 15:1-15.) As you surrender your heart, mind, and will to God, you can expect to see the fruit of the Spirit (See Galatians 5:22-26) blossoming in your thoughts and actions! 

Be encouraged: your life counts for God’s glory and You are His blessed child!

Your servant—

Pastor Rick