Trees of Righteousness

Trees of righteousness, rooted in solid ground, firm through the fierce droughts and storms of life. Planted by the LORD to glorify Him. Is this what our Christian life looks like? Are we strong trees that know how to find the love and strength that only God can give in the roots that are deep in Him? Or are we little saplings, twisting and bending in the wind, only to be uprooted when storms come. Wherever we are, whatever the stature of our growth, we must constantly be seeking a stronger relationship with Christ. Without Him, we will wither and die. So what makes us grow? Not worldly possessions--not earthly treasures. Our growth comes when we spend time in the Bible--earnestly searching to know more about God. Growth comes when we spend time talking to our Saviour, our Father, deepening the relationship we have with Him. Growth comes when we spend time with other Christians, encouraging them and being encouraged by them. So how are we doing? Are we becoming strong trees that cannot be shaken, or are we content to be little saplings?

CHRISTMAS ALREADY?

So I'm not sure how much shopping any of you do, but if you're a dedicated shopper like I am, you may have noticed something recently. The shopping isles are filling with Christmas decorations! Are you ready for this??? CHRISTMAS IS ACTUALLY NOT FAR AWAY! So if you are interested in getting any of my pictures on canvas to give as Christmas gifts, now is the time to start deciding what you want and sending me an email :) Hope to hear from you soon!

What safety and comfort we have in our Strong Tower! What a refuge in times of lonely despair. In Him we find hope, courage, and peace. Christ is truly all that we ever need--all that we ever should want or desire. C.H Spurgeon said, "If God is with us, we are in ennobling company, even though we are poor and despised. If God is with us, we have all-sufficient strength, for nothing can be too hard for the Lord. If God is with us, we are always safe, for no one can harm those who walk under His shadow. Oh, what a joy we have here! Is not the very name of Jesus, Immanuel--"God with us" (Matthew 1:23)? Is not this the best of all, that God is with us? Let us be bravely diligent and joyously hopeful. Our cause must prosper, the truth must win, for the Lord is with those who are with Him." What more can be said? We have such a glorious Savior, such a loving Father, such a kind Comforter, such a STRONG TOWER!

Loving Like Christ

Oh, the lessons we can learn from our Savior--from His unfailing love and endless faithfulness. In comparison with Him, how does our love look? Do we love like our Savior loved? Hudson Taylor, one of the greatest missionaries of all times, wrote in his journal one day, "When we look at ourselves--at the littleness of our love, the barrenness of our service, and the small progress we make toward perfection--how soul-refreshing it is to turn and gaze on Him." So often we fall so short in our strivings to imitate our Saviour. Yet He is forgiving, and He lifts us up when we fall--gives us another chance. Nothing can separate us from God's love. It reaches on and on. It was love for the world that motivated God to send His only Son to die in the place of sinners. Can we love like that? So unselfishly, so freely. It is a sobering challenge. So think about it--what does your love look like? Does it look like Christ's love?