Read: Psalm 1

He shall be like a tree planted
by the rivers of water, that
brings forth its fruit in its
season. -Psalm 1:3

Godly men and women are compared in Scripture to
sturdy, healthy trees, planted by the rivers of water,
laden with fruit, and full of leaves (Ps. 1:3; 104:16).
In order for us to be fruitful trees, we must:

1. Stand straight for God. Lives that reveal
Christlike character are lovely to behold, for
they are not gnarled by sin or rotted by hypocrisy.

2. Be strong. Those who are well-rooted in God’s
Word will be unmovable in times of trial and
temptation.

3. Keep growing. As healthy trees add a new ring of
growth each year, we too should constantly grow in
grace (2 Pet. 3:18).

4. Bring blessing to others. Some trees provide
food, others give shade, and others are made into
lumber. So too, Christians should provide
spiritual food and comfort to their neighbors, as
well as use their time and talents to build people
up in the Lord.

5. Be ready to be transplanted when God so wills.
Christians are not here to stay; they are waiting
to be transplanted in the garden of heaven where
their fruit will never wither and their leaf will
never fade.

How good a tree are you? Is there any fruit, any
beauty, any growth worth talking about? Or are you
wilted and unproductive? Get growing!
-Henry G. Bosch

The just are nourished like a tree
Set by the riverside;
Their leaf is green, their fruit is sure,
And thus their works abide. -Anon.

WHEN GROWTH STOPS,
DECAY BEGINS.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1999 by Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids,Michigan. Used by permission.