Tree of the Lord's planting by Pastor Simon The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord Shall flourish in the courts of our God. Psalm 92:12-13 - NKJV There's a cedar in the clump of trees close to the archery range where my daughter Angelina practices. It's upright. It's firm. It stands looking settled and enduring. You just know its roots are down deep. In snow and storm, sunshine and shower that cedar remains. It stands looking out on its surroundings as if to say, "There is change all around but I stand here as a testimony of the the Lord's favour." Note a few things about that cedar and you should recognise the connection to your spiritual life. 1. It's planted with other trees. 2. It's planted purposefully being located in a chosen spot. 3. It's put down good roots. 4. It's extended out its limbs to receive the warmth and light of the sun. 5. Its leaves are ready at all times to receive refreshing showers. 6. It is not much moved by the buffeting of the winds. 7. For stability it looks to its roots and to the maturity of its growth. At the moment there is probably a lot going on in the many circumstances of your life. It could be that there are serious challenges in some of those circumstances; challenges to how you are, what you have and what you do. In the face of that, be encouraged by the cedar. You are in Christ such a cedar. Live like it. Stand in the strength the cedar demonstrates. Stand in confidence as you look to your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who has planted you like a tree in the courts of your God. See yourself like the cedar! (Click to hear my Sunday sermon ) ***************************************************************** Copyright © 2007 P.F.(Simon)Measures - * www.teachingpages.co.uk Direct from Simon's desk in the UK - with UK spelling!     A Bee Bg