Like a Tree

"He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." Psalm 1:3

Now that spring is coming around, I see the trees starting to bud and the earth coming back to life.  It makes me think of my Christian walk in that I can be encouraged by this short Psalm.  It mentions yielding it's fruit in season.  Well, the Bible says that we need to be ready in season and OUT of season to preach the Word of God.

"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Timothy 2:4

Doing God's will might be likened to bearing fruit.  Now that can look like a lot of different things according to each person's ability but it always includes preaching the same Gospel that Yahshua taught.  If we do otherwise or preach another gospel or even another Christ, then that is like preaching no Gospel at all!

"another Jesus whom we have not preached… or a different gospel" (2 Corinthians 11:1–4).

So the Psalm mentions producing fruit in season but the leaves do not wither.  That makes me think of the life water within us, that would be likened to Yah's set apart spirit.  He gave this same spirit without measure to Yahshua who began pouring it out on fellow believers at Pentecost, (read the book of Acts).  This is what keeps us alive spiritually and empowered to continue doing what our Heavenly Father desires.  He wants no one to be lost so our bearing fruit and having leaves that do not wither means being very active in preaching the Gospel to all who will hear.

Follow Me

Luke 9:23, Yahshua says to those who would truly belong to him: "²³ Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

What does that mean? Well, first it tells us that we have a personal responsibility to be faithful in our walk with the Savior. He will help us but notice he is saying that we have to take up OUR cross and follow him daily. Sometimes we are erroneously told that becoming a Christian means all of our problems will be solved. Yes, at one time we all enemies of Yah. "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior." Colossians 1:21

Turning from our former evil deeds and thoughts is part of denying ourselves. Now while leaving things like smoking, drinking and illicit sexual practices can often make life better, it will not absolve all of one's problems. However, no matter what the issue, we can make our Heavenly Father rejoice each day by obeying His Son especially when under trial and temptation. The cross is just that, a torture stake that we gladly bear each day because we are on our way to a sublime destination. The place? God's Kingdom here on earth as co-heirs with Yahshua!