1 TIMOTHY 3:16-17

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us...God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work."

Sunday, February 26, 2012

HOSEA - The LORD is A Tree

Lately I've had a *guidance* theme going on my blog, huh?!

So, I thought I would do another re-post...(no, not lazy - busy, yes!)

I re-read this post myself, and I just love how God *re-speaks* a good word to me. I was once again comforted by the nurturing and warm character of our Heavenly Father. He is so very good to us!

Please enjoy this post originally posted on September 26, 2010:


GOD IS LIKE A TREE


Years ago on a family vacation, as we were driving on the highway, we saw a sign:

"FRESH FRUIT – HOMEMADE PIES"

One quick look at each other, one fast U-turn… and we were off into parts unknown.

It was a quaint country road – mostly dirt and gravel – bumpy, twisty – the four miles took about 40 minutes to navigate!

Around one more bend, and there was an adorable little farmhouse, nestled next to a fruit tree orchard!

The people were the nicest people ever…and the pie???

The MOST DELICIOUS I have ever tasted! YUM, YUM…


Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" reminded me of that little orchard:

"[The LORD says] 'I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me.' Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them." (Hosea 14:8-9)

What a lovely picture!

God demonstrates His loving careHe listens to our prayers, and He answers them.

He is the source of our nourishment! He is a tree that never dies – His fruit is all we need!

I have this picture in my mind of myself sitting under a giant tree, relaxing in the shade - and then when I'm hungry, I just reach up and pick a piece of fruit to eat.

It's kinda like what I do with "Bible Pick 'Ems" -

God is the Tree, and His Word is the Fruit.

Each time I go to Scripture, there is something *good to eat.* Something that nourishes my soul. Something that is pure, and good, and satisfying!


Hosea reminds us that we need to listen, learn, and benefit from God's Word.


We need God's wisdom – "Lord, help us to understand."

We need discernment – "Lord, help us to listen carefully."

We need guidance"Lord, show us the way to go."


It is only by walking in God's ways that we can live in His power and hear His voice.

Without God's guidance we are lost –

He is the difference between life and death…


"Those who are wise will take all this to heart…" (Psalm 107:43)

"But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them."
(Isaiah 26:7)


We must always remember that God cares for us continually – His love knows no bounds!

What a wonderful promise...

...what a wonderful comfort!

We rest in the hands of the Almighty!!


How does God nourish you?


Linked today with Peggy at SOAKING ON SONDAY


"When in doubt, search God out!"

3 comments:

  1. Beautiful. God knows exactly what we need all the time.

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  2. Blessings Sharon... Not only is HE a TREE but HE has the BEST FRUIT... mmm mmm GOOD!
    or as you wrote HIS WORD is the fruit.

    Before I comment on this delicious and well served nourishment from God's Word and you, might I suggest (doesn't matter, cuz you know I will) that you continue to share previously posted blogs that did not receive the notice they were due when written (via comments) but don't mention it. All of your writings are so worth repeating especially on timely themes such as guidance, etc. God does know what we need right at the moment we need it.

    HIS WORD also produces the fruit! And so does His Spirit in you and in me so relevant in your comments you left.(you sure made the rounds and blessed me-thanks)

    I love this 'orchard' reminding verse from Hosea and the sweet description of both you wrote. Yummy! I could almost taste the goodness of the Lord and the homemade pies.
    So that's what's drawing you to the heights
    -roads that seem to go nowhere but lead to more of God's treasures and fruit hidden. You always dig and present the best BPE!

    You capsulize such great points: "listen, learn, and benefit from God's Word." through His wisdom, guidance and discernment... now if this one does not apply to current life decision... WOW!
    "Wonderful promise, wonderful comfort and rest" is so right... God fills me up with His nourishment in worship, prayer and His Word (but nothing like this 'fruit' pie brings me... such joy) and confirmation of others through their perspective and testimony to God's wonder. Thanks... goes perfect with your Winter Light choice of the pine tree... really, that far up with snow and pines?

    Love, hugs and missin' you, too,
    Peggy
    (sounds like you've decided and excited about looking, busy girl...)

    ReplyDelete

"So I have been greatly encouraged in the midst of my troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives me new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How I thank God for you!"
(1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!