Trees planed by streams of water

Trees Planted by Streams of Water

Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the word of the LORD, and on his word they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither.

I have always liked the imagery of this first part of Psalm 1; especially the image of being like trees planted by streams of water. I can just picture what that looks like; beautiful trees lining a stream in a beautiful valley on a wondrous summer day! Friends, I hope that all of us have the chance to take part in this kind of beauty this summer!

The author of this psalm says that those who delight in the word of the Lord are just like trees planted by God, taking in the nourishment of water and soil and yielding fruit with leaves that do not wither. When I read this, I do so want to be just like this! And my prayer is that all of you do as well!

So, how do we delight in God’s word? The easy answer is that we read God’s word. But sometimes it’s hard to know how to begin. To help all of us; and most definitely including me; begin or continue to read God’s word, you will find a Bible reading plan included in this month’s Tidings. It begins on July 1 and will take us through the whole Bible in one year!

You can find the reading plan in the attached file. Or, you can access the file on Trinity’s website: www.tlcsparta.org.

Here are some resources that can be of help to us:

A great app for phones can be found at www.biblegateway.com.

To access an online bible reader; please visit: http://bible.oremus.org/

Once on the site, you may enter the bible chapters and verses you would like to read. You can also customize your search; for example, choose the translation you would like to read. (the suggested translation for our reading plan is the New Revised Standard Version)

Another wonderful resource for the study of scripture is www.enterthebible.org from Luther Seminary.

Summer is a great time to engage in God’s word! Happy reading and summer’s blessings to all of us!

Soli Deo Gloria! (To God alone the Glory!)

Pastor Mark Kvale