Autumn’s beautiful array of colors turns a grove of trees into a feast for our eyes. God’s artistry is extravagant, isn’t it? He creates beauty in our lives as well, as we help one another grow – deepening our roots of faith and blooming as he works in us.

Envision the tree in this description:

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV).

The psalmist likens a blessed follower of God to a tree firmly planted and bountifully growing.

Did you notice how this tree became strong and healthy?

A bountiful tree planted by streams of water has ample nourishment for its roots to grow and take hold in the ground. As a blessed believer, we have Jesus, the Living Water, who is the complete nourishment for our soul. Our faith takes hold of the truths of God and we cling to them as we weather storms in our life. The trials cause us to grow in Jesus. As we remain rooted in him, the Holy Spirit develops the spiritual fruit that is produced in our lives (John 15:4). God is continually working in us as we submit to him. When we delight in him, we flourish in his will.

Like a grove of trees planted by streams of water, let’s encourage one another to get nourished by the Lord each day. How beautiful it would be to grow together with the fruit of the Spirit continuing to ripen. Let’s learn God’s truths, meditate on them, delight in them… and be blessed. Let’s help each other stay alert so that we do not blur these lines and, thus, dishonor God.

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:12-13 NIV).

Why not ask someone to grow with you in the Lord using Follow and Lead or Keep on Track?