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We are reading Psalm 1 and we reached verse 3. The man who loves God's Word and meditates upon God's Word is likened to a tree planted by streams of water. What kind of man emerges - and develops - the man who takes God's Word - reads it - believes it - meditates upon it - thinks about it and obeys it? We gain wisdom by reading and meditating upon God's law. We receive light and understanding. Our world so needs the light of Jesus Christ in these present days. What kind of person appears? We have a man who is like a tree planted by streams of water. He is revived and refreshed and renewed and blessed by the Holy Spirit. This is not a wild tree, but a tree that has been planted in a particular place. We read something of his qualities and character. This man is anchored and secure. His roots reach down into streams of water, and if one stream dries up, another nourishes and revives the tree. He is anchored in God's Word. He will not drift, or be easily blown over. He is secure because of his faith in Christ Jesus, and stable in the midst of the storm. In a hot country a tree will not survive unless it has well watered roots. Jesus Christ desires that we survive and even thrive in dangerous difficult days. There will be fruit in its season, and if it is not the season for fruit his leaf will not wither. The trees of the Lord are evergreens. These hidden resources feed and nourish and keep you not only alive but fresh. Where is this hidden or secret stream to be found? Read and be reminded and refreshed by John Chapter 7 verses 37 to 39, Was Jesus thinking of Psalm 1? Were these words in His mind - were these words bubbling up in his heart? Jesus gives the thirsty man a drink, and the drink becomes a reservoir - a well within. Rivers begin to flow from you and not only are you refreshed, but you refresh those around you. This is an amazing secret - not a secret to us - but so few know about it. Whatsoever he does prospers. These three areas are essential. Not only do we have to be separated from the ways of sinners - but also saturated in the Word - and situated by the waters. These words leave no room for failure or frustration. You cannot think right and live wrong - and you cannot think wrong and live right. In III John Chapter 2 we read the word 'prosper'. It does not necessarily mean money and riches and wealth. The root meaning is "success". It really means - "to accomplish what you want to do successfully" - e.g. Paul going to Rome - he hoped he would have a prosperous journey and he did. How was it prosperous? It was not first class travel. He was a prisoner - in a storm - a castaway on the beach at Malta where he was bitten by a snake, but he accomplished God's purpose. He succeeded in what he was commissioned to do. The wicked or ungodly do not know much about this way of life. They are described by just two words - "not so". They are like the chaff - the dry useless part of the wheat - fruitless - rootless - lifeless - and the wind just blows it away. It is like the house built upon the sand. The judgement will be terrible. What a comparison to that manly tree of character. Jesus wants us to be like that tree of character and quality - standing tall, refreshed and strong - prosperous in the eyes of God - with roots in His Word - refreshed by the flowing Holy Spirit - and the Holy Spirit flowing through us and from us, to meet the needs of others. Verse 6. And - God watching over you! It is good to know that God is watching over you - and particularly when we are facing what we are facing in our most troubled world in these violent times. I thought - Can you imagine if there were no visible trees standing tall and strong - no faithful loyal obedient disciples of Jesus Christ - no Christian light and witness and testimony shining in this world? Think deeply and then think even more deeply!

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

Dean Clark

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