PLANTED BY THE WATER

Are you planted by the water
In this world of sin and strife?
Have you surrendered to the Savior,
Only He can save and give everlasting life.

As we travel through this world
There are many dangers along the way,
We have no reason to fear or falter,
If we know the Lord who hears us as we pray.

When we are planted by the water of life
We have assurance of being blessed,
The Savior will keep us and by faith we have been saved,
One day if we follow on, we shall enter our eternal rest.

Jo Ann Kelly (c) 2004
J. P.'s Inspirations

PLANTED BY THE WATER

"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."
Psalm 1: 3

           David the Psalmist begins the Book of Songs by telling us
how one can be blessed.  He says a man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of the scornful will be blessed.  If one's delight is in the law of the Lord and they meditate on Him day and night, they are blessed of God. They are compared to a strong tree that stands firm by the rivers of living water. 

          Those who are planted by the Lord and have their foundation or roots in God and His Word by faith, will stand and be fruitful in due season.  Only one whose roots draw from the wells of living water given by the Lord are assured of being fruitful and productive in God's Kingdom.  We have a God who is real and we can feel His Holy Spirit within our souls.  He has saved us, made us whole, and given us all we need to be successful in His service.

          Our Lord has chosen us that we might bring forth fruit and that our fruit might remain.  All through the Bible, we see how God is pleased with one being fruitful.  Christians help lead others to Christ and see souls added to the Kingdom of God.  The gospel message is the power of God unto salvation.  His Word brings conversion to lives and a blessed hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

          In the example of the tree, we think of a palm tree in the midst of a strong storm.  The tree and its branches bend low toward the ground as it is blown by the winds.  Yet, when the storm has passed, we see the tree is still standing and is secure.

          Storms may come into our lives and we may feel we cannot go on.  With Christ as the one who gives us life as our source, we have the blessed assurance we can make it through. Like a tree planted by the rivers of water, we will stand because we have been rooted and grounded in God.   The branches of the tree spring back after the storm has passed.  We are branches of the Lord and if we remain in the Vine, Christ Jesus, we know we will also stand as Christ is the source of our strength.

           God provides for His own and will keep us strong if we only look to Him.  Blessed be our Lord God Almighty. The psalm of David is a sure word from our Lord and also an admonition to follow after holiness and lead a life that is pleasing to God. Following the crowd who are not following Christ leads one to being uprooted. Following the Savior will keep us in his love and favor as He tells us those who hear His voice follow Him. If He is leading the way, we know we are on the right road toward our eternal home.  We give thanks that all we need can be found in Jesus. 

                                    Blessings In Christ,
                                  Jo Ann Kelly (c) 2004
                                    J. P.'s Inspirations