"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, NIV.
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Christians prosper when they refuse to listen to the counsel of the wicked, stand in the company of the wicked, or sit down with the corrupt and wicked. Sin blinds people to the point they do not realize they need forgiveness.  C. S. Lewis speaks to the attitude of sin by saying, "The better a good man gets, the more he sees his badness. The worse a bad man gets, the less he sees his badness."

The righteous do not prosper because they are sinless. The Bible tells us "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." The righteous prosper when they acknowledge their sin and are willing to forsake it, accepting the consequences. The wicked will perish if they refuse to see their sin as God sees it, or their need for a Savior.

Those planted by the Lord, who have their foundation or roots in God, will stand and be fruitful in due season. Only one whose roots draw from the wells of living water are assured of being fruitful in God's Kingdom. We have a God who is real and 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.

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 about by the winds. When the storm has passed, we see the tree is still standing secure. Storms may come into our lives and we may feel we cannot go on. With Christ as the one who gives us life, we have the blessed assurance we can make it through. Like a tree planted by the rivers of water, we shall 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 and life.

A tree planted by the streams of water need not fear the drought. So also, a person who delights in the Law of the Lord will prosper in God, come what may. God will take care of those who abide in Him and they will be fruitful. God's laws should be a delight to obey, as we know when we walk in His ways, we are pleasing to Him. Stay planted by the "living waters" and everything will be alright in Christ! Let the river of God flow!

Blessings In Christ,
Jo Ann Kelly © 2006
J. P.'s Inspirations
http://www.my.homewithgod.com/jpinspirations/