Day 93 - The Root

I love trees. Seldom when I admired the trees as a youngster did I notice the part that actually gave life - the root. I wanted to be "like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither." (Psalm 1:3) but I did not know about the Root (Shoresh) in Romans 15:12 -“The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.” The Root (Shoresh) means the base -  the very depths.That is the only way the tree gets life, from the root.  Jesus Christ made this claim in Revelation 22:16 - "I am the Root..."

 I hope to whet the appetite with 7 of the teachings from the Root (Shoresh) with the understanding that the root system serves to guarantee the existence and divine plan of the whole tree.

1. The root is essential to survival. Without roots, a tree simply could not survive.
2. The root anchors the tree in the soil, provides stability and a firm base for the trunk, branches and fruit.
3.The roots take up water and minerals from the soil, synthesizing food and growth regulators that are transmitted through the woody portions of the roots to the trunk.
4. In order to do that the roots penetrate into the soil, seeking the best conditions for that tree dependent on the individual climates - from the surface to as deep as 230 feet.
5. The root system stores food for later use in the growth of the tree's trunk, branches, and foliage, such as in adverse weather conditions of heat and drought. Jeremiah says a man can trust the Lord like a tree trusts its roots to sustain it in all sorts of life-storms. "It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green. In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit."
6. The root enables the tree to bear fruit (Hosea 14:6-8)
7. The roots survive being cut down and can send up a new shoot that can grow into a tree again.

One commentary states that Job 14:7 " leaves us with profound spiritual hope when we consider our own repeated sins and failures to live a holy life:" as it says "For a tree there is hope, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again and that its tender shoots will not cease."

Simply put translate the root above with the name of Jesus Christ.
1.  Jesus is essential to survival.  Without Him I would not have life.
2.  Jesus is my anchor, providing stability so I can develop branches that will produce and sustain fruit.
3. Jesus takes up life-giving individual needs from where I am planted, controlling the elements so they will produce growth.
4. Jesus goes to the depths for me, producing specific personal support and conditions for my development.
5. Jesus controls life's storms even producing life and fruit in deep drought so I do not need to fear drastic change or challenges.
6. Jesus enables me to bear fruit.
7. Jesus is life.  Where there is life, there is always hope, even if I am 'cut down', He promises life will not cease. He will bring to completion God's divine plan in me.

See what I mean?  It is hard for me not to 'wax on' about trees and the parts of trees. 

Breakfast:  Strawberries and Greek Cheese spread.

Lunch:  Turkey burger, cottage cheese and avocado on top of unsalted corn chips.

Snack:  Bija - a delightfully rich dark chocolate truffle.   These come in a package of 4 - contained in a little tray the size of a candy bar.

Serving size says two pieces, but I find one to be so rich and satisfying, I do not want a second. Honest :)  90 calories, and only 3.5 grams of sugar.  High in Omegas, 70% cocoa and 99% organic.  A great find- made for Flora, Inc.   A rich, decadent, HEALTHY premium chocolate treat.

Also had Haman's ear cookies at our closing Bible Study on Esther. (sorry no picture - too busy visiting!)