Psalms 1:3

 "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."



This conditional promise reminds me of summer drives up I-17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff. Much of Arizona is a desert, especially along the freeway just north of Phoenix. There is a definite shortage of water when compared to states like Oregon and Washington, so much of the vegetation is shrubs, puny trees, or various cacti.

The contrast of various shades of brown is broken by the lush, green vegetation, that, clearly marks the river’s path. In the midst of the greenery 30’-50’ Cottonwood trees flourish. Even in the deserts of Arizona in the dead heat of summer! The reason is simple. They draw their life from the vast water supplied by the river and those jealous shrubs, too far from the river’s waters, shrivel under the searing heat from the sun.

Much of this world and the people in it are just like the deserts of Arizona. They have an existence, yet not

abundant life. God is promising you that you can flourish in this lifetime, even when others in the near distance shrivel, struggle, or die. Unlike the trees, you have a choice where you will be “planted.” Should you decide to follow God and His counsels then you will be a distinct marker of His river of life. That means God will use you to show others what He can do to an ordinary life. It also means that He will adequately supply what you need.

Mark 13:23

“But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.”




This promise reminds me of a couple of common clichés. “Hindsight is

20-20” and “if I had only known.” The truth is knowledge can save us a lot of trouble. Knowledge can also bring us great benefit, especially when you know before something is going to happen. When things happen according to what you expected, your emotions are more at ease and you don’t experience overwhelming sensations.

This is what He is promising. God isn’t surprised ever! He knows all things and that is what He has promised to tell you, in advance. I know you might say, “I didn’t expect this.” or “I was surprised by that.” The question remains, “Did you seek God’s counsel prior to the event?” This is why it is so important for people to read and study the Word of God. It is in His word that He reveals the knowledge.

A few years back there were some funny commercials about being a Monday morning quarterback. The idea was anybody on Monday would have known what not to do on Sunday’s game. The comedy was that everybody thought they knew what was right, after the fact. God is not a Monday morning quarterback. He knows in advance and if you will listen, He’ll tell you. In the midst of your life’s events, God is promising to give you a knowledge that yields peace that surpasses human understanding. Will you take heed?

Psalms 50:15

"And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me."

In the previous promise we learned that God has no limits. It isn't enough to know that God is capable, which is why He propmised to be willing. We are surrounded with people who have tremendous means who turn an indifferent shoulder to the destitute. Regardless of the wealth around them, they are not benefited because indifference yields no action.

It reminds me of the time I had a face to face conversation with an NBA player. I expressed to him a social injustice that was affecting helpless and destitute children in the city where he played. This man had political and financial power to positively change the situation, yet he could only say, "That is too bad." Despite having the means, there was no will to prompt action.

I, like God, have put these two promises near each other to complete the thought. God promised to be willing as well as able. The cliche is ready, willing, and able. God is not limited with time, so it isn't a matter of readiness on His part. That belongs to you. Are you ready? Are you submitted to His will? Are you humbled enough to ask for His help, or are you still busy trying to do it yourself wondering why God hasn't done something yet?

Psalms 50:12

 “If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.”




The fullness of a few of God’s promises are not truly understood until we are able to really grasp this simple yet profound concept. God has no limits!!! When He says “the world is mine” it isn’t wishful thinking. He really has control of anything you can possibly think of. It is all His.

I’ll put it in terms you can understand. As a 5-year old child I was stabbed in the eye with a piece of broken pvc pipe. After a few minutes of centipede my dad was unable to get my eyeball back in the socket. At the hospital emergency room we had to wait because my injury was not life threatening. 20 minutes into the wait game, my brother, cousin and I grew bored, so they pushed my wheelchair all over the place. We eventually found a pop machine and tried our luck.

As if the day wasn’t bad enough, the machine ate our money yet yielded no pop. In frustration my brother kicked the machine and slapped a button. When a pop came out, he slapped the button again. Presto! Out came one pop after another every time we pressed a button. It was as if my brother had turned into the Fonz. Needless to say, we couldn’t begin to drink all the pop in the machine but we had fun trying.

The point is this. When we wanted a pop it was available. All we had to do was push the button. Unlike a pop machine, God doesn’t have limited storage capacity. However, like the machine, anything God wants is at his disposal. God is the Fonz of the universe!

I Corinthians 1:5

"That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;"

    This promise is a direct result of the grace of God manifested to us through Jesus Christ. It covers all aspects of your life. The next time you start feeling down about yourself, stop and think about this. God has made and continues to make you a better person. To enrich is to make better or stronger and that is exactly what He has promised to do for you.
   I specifically want to emphasize the fact that we are enriched in what we say. Have you ever had the urge to say something for the Lord only to remain silent? This usually happens because you are tempted to think, "I'm not going to say it right. No one really cares what I have to say." and many other such phrases. Perhaps you are like me, in that you make a "joyful noise" instead of singing. Did you know God has promised to enrich all that you say or do.
  As I said before I am not a singer. I can't read music and I don't know the difference between tune, key, and melody. What's worse, is I don't like to do things half-hearted or quietly. At work I often walk the halls singing gospel songs. I honestly don't care what others think because I sing to God, so all the comments I get pleading with me to stop don't phase me.
   One particular day my singing was interrupted by a fellow teacher. She said, "That is beautiful. Do you sing in the choir at church?" I couldn't help but laugh out loud. I know there at least two people in the world that sing worse (love ya Mom & Aunt Deb), but a choir voice? As I walked down the hall I began to realize what this promise had just done. God enriched my singing and made it glorious to another person!
   God is promising you similar blessings. It may be the way in which it is communicated or it may be the meaning. God is not limited by your weakness. In fact, He is promising to enrich them. Do you have faith to accept His enrichment?

Too Busy

I am not going to make excuses and blame my internet being down (which it was for 5 days). I simply have been too busy and thus tired. When that happens and I don't have a few saved up, I get behind. I know you'll forgive me, not because you have to in order to make heaven, but because you are genuinely nice. I trust you enjoy today's thought.

BTW. Welcome to Heather! I trust the Lord will bless you as you read this blog.