Sunday morning as we were listening to the Word, getting ready for church, the Holy Spirit showed me something that I can’t get out of my head. A few years back, we decided to plant a tree in the front yard to help shade the house. The morning sun just heats the house up so quickly and we felt that eventually, our power bill would go down a little it we did this. We decided to purchase from a local woman who had her own business and stopped to talk with her about which tree would be the best choice for us. After hearing that the oak tree grew fastest down here and would provide the best shade, we made our selection and placed it in the back of Walts truck. What she said to us before we left is what the Lord brought back to my mind. “Be sure and water it everyday for a month, that’s what causes the roots to go deep. If you don’t, the roots will grow shallow and the first big storm that comes along will blow that tree over.”

Psalm 1:1-3 says; Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers. Rather, he delights in the teachings of the Lord and reflects on his teachings day and night.  He is like a tree planted beside streams—a tree that produces fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither. He succeeds in everything he does.

Ephesians 5:26 “ that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.” When we read the Word, it cleanses us but it also deeply roots us. Who doesn’t want that? I don’t want the first storm that comes, blow me over! I remember at age 15 when I was saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit, I was hungry for the Word. I couldn’t read it enough. Perhaps that’s why I’m deeply grounded in my faith, I watered everyday.

After I got married and had children, I got out of the habit of daily reading the Word. Stuff happens in life to distract us but we don’t have to stay there. I’m thankful for our pastors wife who encouraged, no, made it part of our homework in her class, that we read the Word and journal everyday for 30 days. After that, we could do with it what we wanted. Needless to say, I’m still doing it. Don’t think that because you’re older that your roots can’t still go deeper. Don’t think, ‘it’s too late for me’, that’s a lie from the pit of hell. It’s never too late to grow. Ask your body, it’s constantly gaining or losing weight based on what you consume. Shouldn’t your spirit man grow as well?

End result; bearing fruit and leaves that don’t wither. Success in everything we do. With long life He will satisfy us and show us His salvation. What a wonderful promise, the promise of fruitfulness. Everything that’s planted and watered takes root and grows. The amount of watering determines the depth of the root system and the fruit that it bears. 

I pray for you, my friend. That people will be drawn to partake of your fruitfulness. That you will provide them shade and rest, encouragement and peace. That you will lay hands on the sick and they will recover simply because you’re rooted and grounded in Him. May the beauty you reflect draw all men to Jesus.