Week Five: Planted, Growing, & Flourishing

I apologize for the delay in this week's devotion, and I pray that week five has been met with joy and encouragement for you!  As we continue in this week of our Lenten observance, stay faithful to God and God's righteousness.  I am a witness that the enemy will come upon you when you are seeking to live for God; however, do not sway.  Remain planted in God's word and God's will...the benefit far outweighs the attack of the enemy.

WEEK FIVE:  Planted, Growing, & Flourishing

Scripture:  Psalm 92:12-15

Objective:  To be encouraged to remain in God's will in order to reap the promise-flourishing!

Oftentimes we are faced with moments in life that will tempt us to step outside of the will of God.  This temptation does not always come as a blatant luring by the enemy.  However, I believe that the devil has learned new tricks.  Sometimes the devil will take the "good" of your life and attempt to use it to tear you down, discourage you, and down right destroy who you are destined to be in God.  Although the enemy may attempt to do this, his attack is not designed to prosper.  God has equipped us to flourish if only we choose to remain righteous.

Psalm 92:12-15 says:

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.  They will bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."

This week's scripture is one of my favorites.  It reminds us that God has our future in His hands.  Too often we will fear the attack of the enemy because we believe that our future lies in his hands; however, this week remember that God really is in control.  This week remember that God is the one who will cause you to flourish when others speak a "drought" into your life.  This week remember that God will cause growth when others speak "uprooting" into your life.  This week builds on last week...GET PERSUADED to live righteously!  As we live as righteous people of God, the attack will come; however, it won't work!  We will be planted in God's house...we will grow in God's presence...we will flourish in God's vineyard!

THIS WEEK'S LENTEN CHALLENGE:

The Psalmist gives us two images for encouragement:  the palm tree and cedar of Lebanon.  This week's challenge is to accept God's word over our lives.  Palm trees are known for their record growth, and cedars of Lebanon were known to be used in all aspects of ancient civilization.  This week allow God to produce record growth in your spiritual life.  Instead of allowing ill words, hurtful circumstances, and trying moments to discourage you on the journey, I encourage each of to use these moments as water for our growth.  Then remember each day, of this Lenten season and always, that God can and will use you in all aspects of life.  No matter how tough the circumstance may truly be, God will get the glory in your life.  Stay planted, keep growing, and you will flourish!  Sway on palm tree...stand tall cedar!

PRAYER:

Lord, help us to move beyond what we see long enough to see Your hand.  We thank You for protecting and providing in the midst of trial, tribulation, and trauma.  We believe that You are able to get the glory in all situations.  So, please be with us during the challenges of life that tempt us to quit assuring us that You are very present in the reality of our lives.  We thank You for the planting, the growth, and the flourishing!  In Jesus' name, Amen.