BE LIKE A TREE PLANTED

[The man; who lives for the achievement for which God created him, will be greatly blessed, because: *God made man for joy * every man feels a desire to be full of joy *all of us hate misery *joy is the grand object of pursuit among all men *but so perverted is the human heart, that it seeks joy where it cannot be found; and in things which are naturally and morally unfit to obtain it *the true way of obtaining it is here laid down!] “Blessed is the one…who meditates on his law day and night. THAT PERSON IS LIKE A TREE PLANTED BY STREAMS OF WATER, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither– whatever they do prospers.” (Psa. 1:1-3) [There is nothing solid in the wicked; there is nothing good in their ways. They are not of God’s planting; they are not good grain; they are only chaff, and a chaff that will be separated from the good grain when the fan or shovel of God’s power throws them up to the wind of his judgments!] “Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.” (Psa. 1:4-5) [The righteous man is under the continual eye of God’s foresight; He knows the way that man takes; approves of his motives, purposes, and works, because they are all produced through himself. He provides for him in all demands, and defends him both in body and soul!] “For THE LORD WATCHES OVER THE WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.” (Psa. 1:6) [An appeal for the Gospel to the rulers of all kingdoms, nations, and states. All these should listen to its sayings, be governed by its principles, and rule their subjects according to its commands!] “Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.” (Psa. 2:10-11) [Paul thanks God that he has constant memory of Timothy in his prayers. Paul says “although I was born a Jew, and lead astray for a time, I was carefully educated in the knowledge of the true God, and the proper way of worshipping him.”] “I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did…I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to FAN INTO FLAME THE GIFT OF GOD, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Tim. 1:3-6)

Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that WE MUST FAN INTO FLAME THE GIFT OF GOD! -Bill Stockham