file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db941207.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                    Wednesday, December 7, 1994
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READ:  Proverbs 12:1-7

                 TALL TREES, DEEP ROOTS

      "The root of the righteous cannot be moved."

                    - Proverbs 12:3

My son Mark and I were digging out the stump of an old
tree in his front yard.  The tree had been only 5 inches
in diameter, so we didn't think the task would be
difficult.

After digging around the stump and cutting through the
surface roots, we fastened a nylon tow rope to the back
of my truck and pulled.  Nothing happened.  We dug some
more, cut out some more roots, and tried again.  Still
no success.  On the third try the heavy nylon rope broke.
Strong, deep roots had anchored that tree firmly in the
ground.

In the Bible, godly people are often likened to trees
(Ps. 1:3; Prov. 12:3).  Joni Eareckson Tada wrote about
this in her book 'Diamonds in the Dust':  "The branches
of growing trees not only reach higher, but their roots
grow deeper.  It's impossible for a strong tree to have
high branches without having deep roots.  It would
become top-heavy and topple over in the wind."  Then
Joni observed, "The same is true with Christians.  It's
impossible for us to grow in the Lord without entwining
our roots around His Word and deepening our life in His
commands."

Would you like to be a tall, immovable tree?  That comes
only through a life of Bible study, discipline, and
tested faith -- conditions that produce deep roots.

    -- David C. Egner

 We read and learn the Word of God
  To fix it firmly in our heart;
  And when we act upon that Word,
 Its truth from us will not depart.

    -- Dennis J. De Haan

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             THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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     The roots of stability come from
      being grounded in God's Word.

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   THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Ephesians 1-3

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Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of
Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA.
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