I am Rooted.

Jeremiah 17:7-8; Psalm 1:2-3

We are walking in today:  I am Rooted.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 7)Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. 8) For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.  Both the old and the new testament draws on images of plant world to describe God's people, to teach us valuable lessons about our spirit condition.  Nature surrounds us, it's images are familiar to us.  And can only communicate to us spiritual truths to us because we understand them so well.  The prophet Jeremiah expresses one of the most beautiful analogies in the old testament, comparing the faith filled person with a strong, flourishing tree.  Blessed is the man who trust in the Lord.  Who's hope is in the Lord.  He is like a tree planted besides water that stretches out roots to the streams.  It fears not the heat, when it comes, it's leaves are green even in a drought.  It shows no distress but still bears fruit.  It is worth a closer look at the purpose and function of the root system of a tree--to see the full significance of Jeremiah's analogy.  The root system serves to guarantee the existence of the whole tree.  Without roots a tree could not simply survive.  One of the roots function is to anchor the tree in the soil.  Providing stability and a firm base for the entire structure of the trunk, branches, leaves and fruit.  For example the root system of a maple tree is primarily hidden under ground and has an extensive and broad root system.  The longest one will reach deep into the earth, in some cases as deep as the tree is tall.  Another purpose of the root is to take up water and minerals from the soil signalizing food and growth.  Regulating that are transmitted throughout the wood portions of the  of the root to the trunk.  The thicker more substantial roots are covered with finer roots and root hairs which intensifies the ability to absorb water.  This higher surface area gives the roots more places to come into contact with water and nutrients.  There can be as much of 30 feet of root fibers in one inch of soil--when examined with a microscope.  In order to take in water and minerals, the root penetrates into the soil seeking the best conditions.  In temperate climates the roots are found closer to the surface.  While in the dry climates the root systems can be pretty deep, due to seeking moisture.  There are some desert shrubs that have roots that go down as deeply as 230 feet.  The final task of the root system is to store food for later use and growth of the tree trunk, branches, leaves and foliage.  The climate of Philstia, the trees and the plant life are often threaded by heat and drought.  When we realize this, the beauty and spiritual reality of Jeremiah's analogy of a man's trust in the Lord.  Being like a tree, with roots sustaining in adverse conditions.  It fears not heat, when it come.  It's leaves stay green in the drought--showing no distress but still bears fruit.  In the last chapter of Hosea, the prophet repeats the image of Israel as the fruitful plant.  A tree watered in the same by his relationship with the Lord.  I will be like the dew of Israel and he shall blossom like the lily.  He shall strike a root like the cedars of Lebanon and put forth shoots.  His splinters shall be like the olive tree.  The fragrance, like the cedars of Lebanon.  Again they shall dwell in His shade and raise again.  They shall blossom like the vine in His flame, shall be like wine of Lebanon.  Because of ME, the Lord,  you bear fruit.  Another image drawn from the plant world is that of a tree was been cut down but who's roots, survive to send up a new shoot.  That can grow into a tree again.  This image is applied to the coming Messiah, Isaiah prophesied that a shoot shall sprout from Jesse and his roots, a bud shall blossom.  On that day the root of Jesse, set up a signal for the nations.  The gentiles shall seek out for His dwelling, it shall be glorious on that day!  The Lord shall again take it into His hands to remain the remnant of His people.  (Isaiah 11:1-2, 10:11)  Jeremiah also for told, behold that the days are coming, says the Lord when He will raise up the righteous shoot of David.  As the king, He shall reign and govern wisely He shall do what is just and right in the land.  (Jeremiah 23:5)  A final look at the old testament image of nature, drawn by the author of Job--leaves us with a profound spiritual hope when we consider our own repeated sins and failures.  To live a holy life--for a tree, there is hope.  If it be cut down, that it will sprout again and it's tender shoot will not cease.  Even thought it's roots grow old in the earth and the sumps, die leaving dust.  Yet at the first whiff of water, it may flourish again and put forth branches like a young plant.  (Job 14:7-9)  I remember once coming across the heaping sight of a dry old stump, of a tree that had been chopped down.  Down by the roots a little shoot was sprouting and bearing tender leaves.  The fresh green leaves have borne again.  The new testament expands on these images,  Jesus knew the value of using parables of nature for us to listen to.  He often spoke about the organic cycle of life and fruit bearing.  Perhaps the best example is the parable of the sower and the seed.  (Luke 8:5-8)  Once again we see the importance of our connection with the Lord ourselves.  How we need to be rooted securely in Him!  To sustain life and to bear fruit.  (Mark 4:5-6)  These seeds put down and the roots struggled to find a place to anchor but the soil was rocky, finally the plant withered and dies and the roots has no source of water and nutrients.  As Jesus explained that those seeds sown on rocky ground are people who are listening to the word and receive it joyfully at the onset which may only last for a while.  Then under pressure or persecution, takes them out.  (Mark 4:16-17)  We see how important it is that we strike the root deep in the word.  Being anchored firmly, in faith and sustained by our fellowship with Him.  Jesus also spake another word, both in warning and hope in a parable.  Recorded in Luke a man has a fig tree that has not borne fruit, he approaches the vinedresser to cut the tree down, the vinedresser wants to take some time out to help the tree mature and if it still does not bear fruit, then it will be cut down.  Why cut it down?!  Why should it remain if it is not bearing fruit?  (Luke 13:6-9)  Mercifully, Jesus offers us the opportunity to grow and amend our ways!  The parable challenges us, our lives and relationships with God.  What kind of response do we have to Him?!  How quickly do we respond to what He tells us to do.  How are our talents being used for kingdom business?  We must ask ourselves what would Jesus find in our lives if He came back today?  Have we produced healthy growth, through abiding in Him?  Or is my spiritual life withering because I am not rooted in the word, in Him.  Am I putting His gifts to use for others or are they failing to blossom?  Perhaps, I am producing all leaves, a leafy show of pretty foliage that is pleasing to the eye, but has borne no fruit.  Jesus spoke of this reality in deeper detail on His last night, before being crucified.  As He instructed the disciples to live in Him as was living in them.  (John 15:4-7)  Finally Paul uses an analogy similar to those that Jesus often used.  To the members of the Church of Colosse he stressed the importance of living in union with Christ, his choice words Paul used the same Greek verb that measn to be rooted.  That is used throughout the parables about putting down roots in Him, therefore receive and be rooted in Christ Jesus, the Lord.  So abide in Him. Be rooted in Him!  Be built up in Him and established in faith, just as He has taught us.  Abounding with thanksgiving (Colossians 2:6-7).  One of the most effective ways we can be rooted in Christ is to immerse ourselves in His word.   When you read and study His word, remember it!!  It is a life line with the Lord!  You are striking your roots, deeper and deeper into good ground, for a good life, clean living.  We are to drink deeply from the living waters--Psalm 1:2-3 2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3) And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
I don't know about you, but I am happy this morning!  God told us on yesterday to do nothing!  We must be rooted in His word!  His roots go from Genesis to Revelation.  We must be like a tree planted by living water.  We shall be filled to the level of our hunger and thirst.  Believe His word!!  Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.  God is more than able to bring us out!!  We are to walk by faith and not by sight. We are rooted, fiveamprayer!  Hallelujah!  We are not to move, always abiding in Him.  We are His sheep and know His voice.  Are you rooted in Him?  Trusting Him in your marriage, with your children, in your finances.  Speak to the fear, that it is trespassing, that God has not given us that--He gave us power, love and sound mind.  Tell others to come see what God has done for you!!  We walk by faith and not by sight.  Without faith it is impossible to please Him!  Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.  We shall reap the harvest if you faint not!  We can do all things through Christ which strenghts us!  Greater is He that is with in me than he that is in this world.  We are made more than conquer, more than overcomer.  It don't matter what you are faced with--no weapon formed against us shall prosper!  We live on every word that God has spoken.  Thou He slay me yet will I trust Him!!  The Lord is our Shepherd, we shall not want!  He will not put more on us than we can bear.  Been walking with the Lord a long time and I'm not tired yet.  God is for us, who can stand against us?  Trust Him in my finances, job and marriage!  The water that He gives we shall never thirst again!  Are you rooted in the Lord, He knows the beginning from the end and the end from the beginning.  It is He that can open a door that no man can shut.  We are walking through the valley with no fear, for the Lord is with us!   He promised to never leave nor forsake us!  There is still power in the blood!  Who the Son sets free is free indeed.  Jesus got up on the 3rd day with all power of heaven and earth in His hands.  We are washed, sealed and covered in the blood of Jesus!  He keeps you in perfect peace with your mind stayed on Him.  Plant yourself deep in the word of God!  Let your roots dig in deep.  We need to be steady and unmoveable on His word while we are doing nothing, but trusting God.  He has you covered.  The battle is not ours, it is His!  Stand on His word!  In Him we find strength and peace in His presence.  Fiveamprayer, were are rooted in the overflow.  He came that we would live life more abundantly.  It is the love of God that He would give His only begotten Son.  Root yourself in selah, take some time to think about that!!  Look at how good He has been to you!  Root yourself in yea and amen!  It is done, it is finished!  Root yourself in hallelujah!  He inhabits that praises of His people!  Taste and see that the Lord is good.  Be rooted in the word, Jesus is the true vine, we can count it all joy!  Get a scripture that you can stand on all weekend.  When the enemy comes in like a flood, God lifts up a standard against it.  You may bend but you won't break!  Don't do anything but trust Him!  Life and death are in the power of the tongue.  He creates the fruit of the lips, you will have what you say.  Do nothing, He will show up with grace, mercy and favor!  His word stands forever!  We must be rooted in the word, all weekend long, even if storm clouds gather, know that nothing comes as a surprise to our God!  Hold your course, the enemy is coming to divide your focus, don't do anything!!  The dead things will begin to bloom, even in the fire, trust God!  Be still and cast the devil out of your mind!!  God's grace is sufficient!  Root yourself, stand on His word!    We lift up prayer requests, those known and unknown.  Let them walk and be rooted in there is nothing too hard for God!  Don't move, you don't wanna miss out on this one!!!   We come to repent and ask for forgiveness sometimes we panic and go crazy, that is why we must be rooted in the word, it is our stability, compass and comfort.  Thank You Lord for forgiving us!  You are the only one who forgives with no condemnation.  Thank You for teaching us to forgive others that our prayers are not hindered. 

We seal this prayer in His precious blood, by His Spirit: We demand, declare, we are rooted like a tree and shall not be moved.

Welcome to the overflow...
No job, our God provides!!  Don't worry or fear.  Get a scriptures to stand on that speaks to your situation.  It is time to see the salvation of the Lord.  Trust in His word and stand trusting, doing nothing.  Take sometime out to read these scriptures for yourself this weekend.  Visit us on facebook.  Have a supernatural weekend!