Trees
Planted By Rivers Of Water
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. Ps. 1:3.
Dangers
beset every path, and he who comes off conqueror will indeed have a triumphant
song to sing in the city of God. Some have strong traits of character that
will need to be constantly repressed. If kept under the control of the Spirit
of God, these traits will be a blessing; but if not, they will prove a curse.
If those who are now riding upon the wave of popularity do not become giddy,
it will be a miracle of mercy. If they lean to their own wisdom, as so many
thus situated have done, their wisdom will prove to be foolishness. But while
they shall give themselves unselfishly to the work of God, never swerving
in the least from principle, the Lord will throw about them the everlasting
arm and will prove to them a mighty helper. . . .
This is a dangerous age for any man who has talents which can be of value
in the work of God; for Satan is constantly plying his temptations upon such
a person, ever trying to fill him with pride and ambition; and when God would
use him, it is too often the case that he becomes independent and self-sufficient,
and feels capable of standing alone. . . .
Prayer
and effort, effort and prayer, will be the business of your life. You must
pray as though the efficiency and praise were all due to God, and labor as
though duty were all your own. If you want power you may have it; it is waiting
your draft upon it. Only believe in God, take Him at His word, act by faith,
and blessings will come. . . . Those who have a humble, trusting, contrite
heart, God accepts, and hears their prayer; and when God helps, all obstacles
will be overcome. . . . The blessing of heaven, obtained by daily supplication,
will be as the bread of life to the soul and will cause them to increase in
moral and spiritual strength, like a tree planted by the river of waters.
From
Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 38, 39.
