The Bible makes quite a few references to trees. In Proverbs 3:18 we read that wisdom is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her. King David taught us that if we meditate in the word we will be like a healthy, fruitful tree firmly planted in well-watered soil (Psalm 1:2-3). Another psalmist wrote that: “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon”. (Psalm 92:12; KJV).

Jesus also talked about trees; he said that trees would be recognized for their fruit (referring to our lives) (Matt 12:33). We learn in Revelation 22:2 that we will see the tree of life in heaven. So, what do we think of when we think of trees? I think of beauty, strength, support, a conduit for nourishment, life giving, a well-developed root system and fruit bearing.

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit” (Jer 17:7,8). Wow, that sounds good to me. We need to let this verse encourage us today - spend some time reading and meditating God's word and enjoy being blessed.

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In Genesis 18:14 (KJV) we read: "Is anything too hard or for the Lord?" This is what the Lord said to Abraham when he told him that Sarah would have a baby in her old age. Jeremiah told the Lord: "there is nothing too hard for thee"(Jer 32:17) and in Job 42:2 Job told God: "I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee”.

In Matthew 19:26 we read that with God all things are possible. The Greek word used here for possible is dunatos and it implies that when we try to do things in our own strength nothing much is accomplished but God can do what for us would seem impossible. The Angel Gabriel told Mary, the mother of Christ: “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37). Finally, Ephesians. 3:20 reads that God can do: "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think". Do you get the picture? Don’t bang your head against the wall, just give your challenges to God. If you are trusting God for something impossible then allow these verses to encourage you; stand on them - and keep on standing.

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Psalm 92:12-14 (KJV) is very encouraging: “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing”.

According to these verses we are going to flourish. We will have long, useful and fruitful lives. Not only that but we will grow old gracefully and still be fruitful, loving and contented in old age. Now that is a promise. However, all this is dependent on something, which is found in verse 13. It says "planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish....". Does that mean we have to live in church all week? I don't think so. What this means is that we need to be in the presence of God as much as possible and then all these wonderful promises will be manifested in our lives. Being in God's presence doesn't mean you have to spend all day on your knees; you can be mindful of his nearness while you are at work, shopping, doing chores or whatever. We can fellowship with God wherever we are and whatever we are doing. We can flourish as God promises every day.

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A BLOG by Norman and Jean Rawlings, authors of the book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”. Check out our web site for information on our book and more encouraging Bible based blogs. Fill out the: “contact us page” on our website and in the comments section REQUEST A FREE COPY OF A CHAPTER FROM OUR BOOK, click here: www.onthewayinlove.com