How can we ensure our lives are "watered" to bear fruit for God? Rooted by the Stream: The Foundational Verse “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His Law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in season, and whose leaf does not wither; whatever he does prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3 Drawing from the Word Daily – Make Scripture your first and last intake each day. – Read slowly, noting repeated words, commands, promises. – Memorize short portions; speak them aloud during the day. – Meditate—linger, ponder, apply. This keeps spiritual “roots” in constant contact with the stream (Joshua 1:8; Colossians 3:16). Turning toward the Living Water of the Spirit – Jesus promises “rivers of living water” for those who come to Him and believe (John 7:37-38). – Ask the Spirit to fill you continually (Ephesians 5:18) so the Word moves from information to transformation. – Yield promptly to His convictions; the Spirit’s flow is unhindered in an obedient heart (Galatians 5:16-25). Guarding the Flow: Repentance and Obedience – Unconfessed sin dams the stream (Psalm 32:3-4). – Practice swift confession (1 John 1:9). – Choose obedience in the small things; fruit grows on the branches that stay connected to the Vine (John 15:5, 8). Fellowship and Worship: Shared Springs – Gather with believers who spur you on (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Corporate worship refreshes and aligns affections toward God (Psalm 42:4). – Serving others together channels living water outward, preventing stagnation (1 Peter 4:10-11). Fruit That Remains: Evidence of a Watered Life – Christlike character: love, joy, peace… (Galatians 5:22-23). – Effective witness: words and works that draw others to Christ (Acts 1:8). – Perseverance: leaves that “do not wither” amid trials (James 1:2-4). – Generosity: a well-watered soul overflows to meet needs (2 Corinthians 9:8-10). Staying planted by God’s stream—immersed in His Word, reliant on His Spirit, walking in humble obedience—keeps life continually watered, ensuring lasting fruit for His glory. |
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