Thursday prayer & verses (13 11 2008)

Thought for the day

The following article is entitled "All I Need To Know About Life I Learned From Trees" (author unknown):

It's important to have roots.
In today's complex world, it pays to branch out.
Don't pine away over old flames.
If you really believe in something, don't be afraid to go out on a limb.
Be flexible so you don't break when a harsh wind blows.
Sometimes you have to shed your old bark in order to grow.
If you want to maintain accurate records, keep a log.
To be politically correct, don't wear firs.
Grow where you're planted.It's perfectly okay to be a late bloomer.
Avoid people who would like to cut you down.
Get all spruced up when you have a hot date.
If the party gets boring, just leaf.
You can't hide your true colors as you approach the autumn of your life.
It's more important to be honest than poplar.

Those are some good lessons. They reminded me of some other lessons taught in Psalm 1:
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper."

(Psalm 1:1-3)The godly man, like a tree, is planted -- he's got his roots put down deep, he's fortified, stable. Second, he bears fruit -- he develops godlike qualities in his character and life. Third, he doesn't wither -- he is able to survive under all circumstances, even days of difficulty.May your spiritual life take on the qualities on a tree this week.

Verses

2 Corinthians 4:13

We have, nevertheless, that same spirit of faith as he had of whom it is written, "I have believed; therefore have I spoken." We, too, believe and therefore we speak,

Matthew 8:7

And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."

Matthew 16:19

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven:
whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven."

2 Corinthians 9:6

Remember: sparse sowing, sparse reaping; sow bountifully, and you will reap bountifully.

Prayer

Father, we recognize that our endurance and persistence are attitudes derived from a faith-filled life with You. Our endurance is realized by continuing this race though others may drop out making us feel like we run alone. Our persistence is marked by our determination to finish the race though struggles weigh us down and doubts cloud our vision of the finish line. Thank You for marking the race out for us by showing us the great examples of those who cheer us on as we participate in this Christian race. They finished their race on earth through their enduring faith, though they experienced opposition from sinful men. We endure hardships and struggles as discipline from You, our loving Father, that we may share in Your holiness. We look forward to the harvest of righteousness and peace that comes as a result of our persistence in this spiritual marathon. Strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees as we repent of the sin that entangles us. We lay aside everything that drags us down or tempts us to give up. We persist in the name of Jesus Christ for the heavenly finish line, amen