TOPIC: GROW LIKE A CEDAR TREE
Read Psalms 92
MEMORISE: The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon (Psalms 92:12)
EXPOSITION
As noted yesterday, the only sign of life in almost everything is that growth must take place. We should remember that the life of Christ models to us what a roundly developed life should be, from the perspective of God. May we be like Him as we develop towards Christly maturity. Amen.
God desires and commands the growth of the righteous. The righteous growth is likened to that of the cedar tree which invariably first grows deep (i.e. inwardly) before growing outward. Research says that the cedar tree is 40 feet in diameter, grows as tall as 20 feet. Surprisingly, it grows old as 1,000 years before it dies. No wonder the Scripture compares the growth and flourishing of the righteous to that of cedar. You must grow like the cedar tree, i.e. grow within, and grow without (Eph. 3:17; Col. 2:7)
The palm tree is another very important and highly durable plant. Studies show that it can live as long as 200 years before its death. However, the palm tree is so both in its lifetime and at death. Mention some of the parts of the palm tree and their usefulness – oil, broom, food, etc. Our growth should be unending, and God desires that we be relevant till eternity.
How high you want to go is how deep you must go first. Your foundation will always determine the durability of your structure. Someone rightly said, “You cannot grow without, if you haven’t grown within.” To grow daily:
✓ pray fervently everyday;
✓ learn new things everyday;
✓ read and meditate the word everyday;
✓ improve yourself everyday;
✓ discipline yourself to what is right everyday; and
✓ deepen your character everyday.
Just as the palm tree and the cedar tree of Lebanon grow to develop resistance against the storm, so also is growing to become Christ-like in maturity that will help you against the storms of life. Grow and be mature in Christ. Shalom!
PRAYER POINTS
1. Everything stopping me from growing to become God’s best, die, by fire, in Jesus’ name.
2. Lord Jesus, make me relevant in You all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name.
3. Lord, restore the spirit of true discipleship in our churches that would enhance true growth towards maturity.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Psalms 78:31 – 80:8; 1 Cor. 1:18 – 2:8
Author: C.A.C WORLDWIDE
Remain blessed!