Chosen, Planted, Rooted, Living Water

“Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

“But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.”

Psalms 92:12  The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God.  They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Isaiah 65:22     They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.

Romans 11:17     But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree,

Isaiah 61:3    to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

2 Peter 3:18    But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Psalms 71:18    So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Job 17:9    Yet the righteous holds to his way, and he who has clean hands grows stronger and stronger

Proverbs 4:18     But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.

Isaiah 46:4    even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.

Jeremiah 17:8    He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Psalms 1:3    He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Galatians 5:22-23     But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Philippians 1:11    filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Chosen by God and planted and rooted by living water bearing fruit into an old age.  Being planted and rooted by living water does not secure us.  Scripture also says that the axe is laid to the root of the trees that does not bear fruit. God has planted but how do we get watered?  Through His word.  If there is little to no fruit there is a very good chance there is little to no Living Water.  Notice, in the scripture above, all of that which is an outcome of being planted, rooted and supplied living water for growth.  Fruit in our lives.  We see purpose in our lives.  This living water gives us hope, joy, patience, gladness, kindness, peace and gentleness.   This living water still nourishes us during times of heat and drought.  When Christ met and spoke with the Samaritan woman by the well he said “I will give you living water from which you will never thirst again”.  We need to be mindful of the fact that when eyes to heart and mind thirst for things of this world more than this living water we will always be thirsty for more.  Drink daily from the Living Water.

not mine but your will be done

John 18:1  When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered.  Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples.  So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.  Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.   When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.  So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”   Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.”  This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.”  Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)  So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

Psalms 75:8     For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup with foaming wine, well mixed, and he pours out from it, and all the wicked of the earth shall drain it down to the dregs.

Matthew 20:22    Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.”

Matthew 26:39    And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

Matthew 26:42     Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.”

Hebrews 12:2    looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Romans 8:15     For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”  The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,  and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

I am continually thinking about “for the joy set before Him endured the cross“.  Many thoughts come to mind.  His love for the Father.  His love for us.  His obedience.  His want to do the will of God.  His human struggle.  Can you imagine what this must have been like, to know you could call down 10,000 angels and never have to experience this suffering.  But rather than choose this your eyes are focused on serving God and doing His will above self.  Numerous scripture tells us to seek His will for our life and to live in unity, allowing ourselves to be wronged so that the grace of God may be seen in and through our reflection of His Son.  At a time we celebrate the birth of Jesus with joy and thankfulness it is good to remember His faithfulness, steadfast love, and sacrifice to redeem us from our sin.

Chosen

John 15:16  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

Acts 9:15     But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.

1 John 4:10     In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Galatians 1:15   (  But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,

Ephesians 2:10    For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

John 15:8     By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples

Isaiah 55:10     “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,  so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.  “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

1 Corinthians 3:6     I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.  So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

John 15:7     If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 14:13     Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

John 16:23     In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.  Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Matthew 21:22     And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

Chosen by God, beforehand, for His purpose.  His purpose is to bear fruit, abide, glorify, ask, pray, plant, grow, and be joyful doing it.  Staying in His word is the foundation on which we understand, hear, obey, and accomplish His purpose.  Apart from it we are only serving self interests and guessing at what His purpose is for our life.  Our understanding and knowledge of Him comes from and through His word.  Application into our daily lives happens when we seek and desire for His purpose each moment of every day.  Neglecting this and becoming complacent to this will not accomplish His purpose.  Being to busy to spend time in His word is the same as saying He is not worthy of our time.  Take time, make time, set aside time to feed and be filled with His word.  It will not return void.  It will set seed into your heart and mind.  He will whisper life into application for you.  Call upon Him.  Cast your cares at His feet.  Believe in His promises and humbly serve, honor, follow and obey Him as His word comes alive into your soul.

Rejoice always – Glorifying God

“for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

John 15:8  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

Psalms 92:12    The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.  They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God.  They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green,  to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Isaiah 60:21     Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I might be glorified.

Isaiah 61:3    to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

Haggai 1:8     Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the LORD.

Matthew 5:16     In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

1 Peter 4:11     whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Luke 6:35     But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

To bring glory to God in what we think, say, and do is our purpose.  When the result of our actions or responses does not bring glory to God we have a problem.  In Thessalonians 5 – “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.” In times of trouble, rejoice in the strength of God.  In times of trials, rejoice in the power, might and strength of God.  In times of uncertainty, rejoice in hope and trust in God and His steadfast love.  In times of being misunderstood rejoice, in God who knows our heart, mind and soul.  Whatever we are facing God is bigger, stronger, and certainly can do more than we ask and much more than we think.  This rejoicing comes from deep rooted faith and humbly serving, honoring, following and obeying God.  God will confirm Himself to us in many ways through His word.  Spend time in His word, praying for it to come alive and permeate through you in such a way that He is honored and glorified.

Living God, Steadfast love

Psalms 86:1    Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.  Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God.  Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day.  Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.  For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.  Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace.  In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me.  There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours.  All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.  For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.

Isaiah 61:3     to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

Isaiah 66:13     As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.  You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bones shall flourish like the grass; and the hand of the LORD shall be known to his servants, and he shall show his indignation against his enemies.

Psalms 62:8    Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

Psalms 143:8     Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

Exodus 15:11     “Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?

Daniel 6:26     I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end.  He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.”

There is a peace that comes to mind when reading these verses.  They speak of God’s dominion, rescuing power, signs, wonders, comfort, holiness, refuge, deliverance, grace, and steadfast love.  These words speak of our LIVING GOD.  They were spoke in during times of trouble or immediately after being delivered.  The depth of the heart cry speaks of the hope and trust they had in God.  The out pouring of praise and worship during their time of trouble reveals their heart and soul reliance in God.  God’s signs and wonders are  around us if our eyes, ears, heart and mind desire to seek, hear, and see His work.  We might see the change of heart at work in people.  We may see joy in someones life.  We may see deliverance from sin.  We may see conviction, confessing and true forgiveness.  We may see peace that passes all understanding.  We may find hope when it appears there is none.  We may have victory over a besetting sin.  We have understanding and knowledge from His word.  We may have success over a difficult task.  Spend time in His word.  Seek to know and understand the depths of His power, might, and steadfast love.  Choose to be a humble servant, ever thankful, ever seeking to honor, ever wanting to follow, and heart set on obedience.

We are witnesses

“ how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard,”

John 12:12  The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.  So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”  And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,  “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!”  His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written  about him and had been done to him.  The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness.  The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.  So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”

Psalms 145:6     They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.  They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

Acts 5:32    And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Acts 1:8    But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

John 7:39     Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Proverbs 1:23     If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.

Isaiah 12:3     With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

Isaiah 44:3    For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.

Joel 2:28     “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;

When Jesus came riding into Jerusalem and people were lining the road and waving palm branches saying Hosanna King of Israel the disciples were with Him.  It says they did not understand until after He was glorified (raised from the dead), then they remembered that these things were written of Him.  It is like this in our lives when the Holy Spirit calls to mind scripture and reveals something new to us.  We do well to keep habit of reading scripture and studying it to continue to grow and understand.  We hear these whispers of God when our eyes, ears, heart and mind are open with desire to hear and know.  The Holy Spirit is a promise to all who believe and trust in Jesus Christ.  Yet complacency and neglect are always standing at our door.  To busy, to tire, to much other stuff to do clouds our purpose this side of eternity.  Keep focus on humbly serving, honoring, following, and obeying Him.  Be a witness to His saving grace, mercy, and power.

You will receive power

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

“Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him”

“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”

John 7:37  On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.  Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”  Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

John 14:16     And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,  even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

John 14:26    But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you

Proverbs 1:23    If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.

Isaiah 44:3     For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.

Joel 2:28     “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;

Ephesians 1:13    In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

This is the verse that has me thinking; “If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.”  If we turn at His reproof – How do we know of His reproof?  How do we understand that we have done something wrong, or are doing something we shouldn’t, or not doing something we should, or thinking something we shouldn’t??????  How do we know we are on the path and in the purpose God has for our life?  First we must have a heart, soul and mind deep desire to know, humbly serve, honor, follow and obey Him.  Second, we must understand to know Him we must have a mind that trusts in , clings to, and rely on Him.  Third, we must stay in His word.  Fourth, we must want to hear His leading in our life on paths which are in line with His word.  Fifth, we must talk to Him in prayer.  Sixth, we must believe He is able to guide, direct, lead, instruct, protect, and be our refuge, hope, joy, and power.   We do not get His leading through complacent neglect of His word.  It takes faith and commitment and time in His word each day to overcome the dilution affect this culture we live in has on our life.

Encouragement

 

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”

“I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.”

”Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!”

Psalms 69:3o   I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. This will please the LORD more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs. When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive. For the LORD hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.

Psalms 40:3    He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.

Psalms 118:21   I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.

Psalms 118:28  You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you.  Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalms 25:9   He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

Psalms 34:2    My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.

Isaiah 61:1-3   to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

John 16:22   So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

In place of sorrow there will be rejoicing.  Sometimes I do not understand the affliction and trials others bear and how they seem to rise above them and give God praise.  It is inspiring to see those who bear the affliction and those who love them walk in a way that does not complain but rather continues to seek God and His love and mercy.  It is inspiring to see them quote promises of God and hold fast to Him.  It is encouraging to see their faith in action – God is able but even if He chooses not to act in this matter we hold fast to Him.  Holding on and trusting God is possible when our walk with Him is lived out and His word is in our heart. Seek Him today and hold fast to His promises. He is certainly able to do more than we ask and much more than we can think.

Fret Not

“He goes to bed rich, but will do so no more; he opens his eyes, and his wealth is gone.”

Psalms 37:7  Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!  Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.

Psalms 37:35  I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree.  But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found.

Psalms 55:23  But you, O God, will cast them down into the pit of destruction; men of blood and treachery shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in you.

Job 20:27 The heavens will reveal his iniquity, and the earth will rise up against him.  The possessions of his house will be carried away, dragged off in the day of God’s wrath.  This is the wicked man’s portion from God, the heritage decreed for him by God.”

Job 27: 19  He goes to bed rich, but will do so no more; he opens his eyes, and his wealth is gone.  Terrors overtake him like a flood; in the night a whirlwind carries him off.  The east wind lifts him up and he is gone; it sweeps him out of his place.  It hurls at him without pity; he flees from its power in headlong flight

Isaiah 58:14  then you shall take delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Psalms 25:13   His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land.

Isaiah 60:21  Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I might be glorified.

Hebrews 11:16  But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

Revelation 5:10  and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

I found this commentary and and thought it so appropriate for these verses today: This is a psalm, grappling with the problem of the inequality of human life and the apparent failure of God to reward His servants and punish His enemies as they deserve. Life and immortality, where we know that the balance will be readjusted, had not then been brought to light, and therefore the solution was far harder before the advent of our Lord than for us.

But though the psalmist’s solution is therefore not complete, his teaching of the blessedness of absolute trust in God’s providence is very delightful. Fret not thyself; that is, do not give way to passionate resentment or bitter disappointment. Live in God; find your delight in contemplating His nature and His works; roll on Him the decision of your life-choices; trust in Him to supply all your need and work in your behalf. Be silent and rest