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Listen while you read: "Saviour Teach Me Day By Day"1
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I think I love this tree because it was on "death row" for so long. When we first even considered buying this house, we were sure that this tree had to go. It was with other trees that had overgrown and hidden the house. After all, it was a funny-looking thing. It was too close to the house and hung over the porch and dropped twigs with every little breeze. It seemed to be stunted because of the other trees crowding it out. It looked like a pine tree, but its limbs drooped down in a very unattractive way and left much to be desired. It was seemingly unworthy to be saved. The only thing that kept it from meeting its end that year was too many trees and not enough time. It would receive a stay of execution until the next spring.
In my spiritual life, I have been there where this tree stood. If I tried to be saved by my own merit, I lacked so much. I wasn't as beautiful as some, as educated as some, and it seemed as if I were lost in the crowd. I am unworthy in so many ways. Why would the Lord care about me? Would I be as wise as Solomon or as brave as David? The answer would be no. But the Bible says,
Psalm 139:16 – You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book! (TLB)
Psalm 138:8a – The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me. (ESV)
Could it be that the Creator of this earth would find a way to fulfill His purpose for me?
Spring came, and as we cleared the crowd of trees around this tree, its beauty began to shine out. We loved its drooping limbs, its green needles were beautiful, and it even shaded the porch at different times of the day. This little tree was "saved".
Today, ten years later, this tree stands as a reminder that all of God's creation has purpose. We might not feel that we have purpose because of what we lack or what we have done in our lives, but we still have purpose! This little tree even has a name: it is a Weeping Norwegian Pine, and she still stands reaching skyward to the One Who sees her purpose.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that we can find our purpose in Your plans for our lives. Amen.
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About the author:
Jeanie Nihiser <jnihiserj@gmail.com>
Geneseo, New York, USA
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Thanks Jeanie, blessings.
Thanks for the encouraging words, Jeanie.
Humbly we pray for God’s guidance and care.
What an uplifting devotional! A great way to start my day!
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today.
Blessings.
Thank you.
With purpose.
Blessings.
Good morning,
Very well written and most encouraging words.
Thank you.
Psalm 139 which you have used so effectively here is my all-time favorite.
Thanks once again for your writing.
How true! Not one of us is beyond saving! Thanks, Jeannie, for this lovely reminder!
(BC)
Good morning, Jeanie,
Thank you for today’s devotional. It was beautiful!
Grace and Peace To you.
Hi Jeanie
God has a purpose for all of us on earth. He does not look on the outside; He looks at our heart. Never think you are not worth anything because God has a purpose for you today and everyday.
Blessings.
Thank you, Jeanie, for another of your interesting and encouraging devotionals. You sure had quite a “tree “ situation to deal with there, but it all worked out well and you get to enjoy the beauty of that special pine tree now. Our Lord works in so many special ways with His creations which definitely includes us humans as well as trees and other surrounding beauties. He is so deserving of our constant faithfulness and praise. Blessings for writing.
Thank you for your Death Row Devotional. I appreciate your contribution to my day.
Thank you, Jeanie. You always draw us into your life so easily and then help us understand Jesus and His Word.