DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 PLANTED TO FLOURISH TEXT: PSALM 92:1-15 Key Verse: “

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

PLANTED TO FLOURISH

TEXT: PSALM 92:1-15

Key Verse: “Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.” (Psalm 92:13)

There are marked difference between weeds and plants. The most noticeable of these is the fact that weeds are free-growing whereas plants are planted and cultivated. Weeds are often invasive and attain rapid growth, but are undesirable. Plants on the other hand are, delicate and are painstakingly nurtured to bear desirable fruits or other values.

This horticultural reality aptly illustrates the contrast between the unrighteous and the righteous. Today’s text highlight this contrast in a most graphic ways.

The ungodly are very much like weeds. They may spring up as rapidly as grass and flourish outwardly like summer flower, but “it is that they shall be destroyed forever.” In contrast, “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a ceder in Lebanon.” The righteous may not attain the rapid growth of weeds but he grows gracefully, steadily and enduringly towards God like the palm tree. Like the ceder, they are stable, incorruptible and fruitful. The righteous is God’s tree planted on the best of soils – the house of the Lord – where he is nurtured on His rich counsel, care and comfort. No wonder he continues to bear fruit even in old age.

Are you a weed or plant? On what soil is your life planted? Are you rooted in the vanities and wickedness of this world or in the rich soil of God’s grace and fellowship? If you are not yet planted on the rich soil of grace, get that done through repentance and faith in Christ. And if you are already “planted”, consecrate to God for more growth and fruitfulness.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: It doesn’t matter where else you flourish, if it is not in the house of God it will be short lived.
COVER to COVER: NUMBERS 1-2.

PONDER:
1. Psalm 92 is the lyric of one of the songs Israel sang on the Lord's day (sabbath) in the temple. Can you compare it with the lyrics of our modern day music in many churches today?
2. Reasons why we are to praise and thank God: His lovingkindness, faithfulness v2, greatness v5, highness v8, giving of joy and testimonies v4 etc. Reflect and convince yourself of each of these attributes both from the Scripture and your experience.
3. A true and flourishing believer determines the fate and the destiny of his/her enemies and not conversely v11. Don't be deceived or fearful of the enemies.
4. A secret of spiritual flourishing and old age productivity is in v13. Never allow any to detach you from true believers' gatherings and fellowship at any time.

HYMN: Will Your Anchor Holds (GHS 21)

1. Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
will your anchor drift, or firm remain?
[Refrain:]
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!

2 Will your anchor hold in the straits of fear,
when the breakers roar and the reef is near?
While the surges rave, and the wild winds blow,
shall the angry waves then your bark o'erflow? [Refrain]

3 Will your anchor hold in the floods of death,
when the waters cold chill your latest breath?
On the rising tide you can never fail,
while your anchor holds within the veil. [Refrain]

4 Will your eyes behold through the morning light
the city of gold and the harbour bright?
Will you anchor safe by the heavenly shore,
when life's storms are past for evermore? [Refrain]

PRAYER POINTS:
1. As you reflect on God's attributes, give Him a hearty praise and thanksgiving.
2. Consecrate to God that you will not allow anybody to sever you from true fellowship of the brethren no matter what.
3. Pray that God will make all our fellowship gatherings a time of blessings and refreshing.
4. What is your desire on your enemies? V11. Their salvation or destruction? Turn it to prayers.