So You Think You Are A Tree
WHY BE A TREE PLANTED BY LIVING WATER
For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, who spreads out its roots by the river, and shall not fear when heat comes, but its leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. He will be like a tree that is planted by water.
We can argue about a lot of things in this life….But one thing we can’t dispute, all things come from One source. So, let’s take a look into; Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
The time we’re living in
The time we’re living in has affected almost everyone; it has challenged how we think, changed how we act, and likely made many of us examine where we have our trust. People have watched their riches evaporate, their jobs disappear, and animosity develop between family and friends over new topics in the news and changes in society. Life’s “certainties” are no longer that, and there is a struggle to find any real answers or help. In the midst of all this there is an outcry for equality and “human rights” as people’s inner fears and frustrations boil over, often in violence. What is it that everyone is so scared of? Why is there such a lack of peace and rest in the world?
Well! Believe it or not the scripture HAVE DECALARED IT WOULD BE AND IS COMING.
Jesus says in Matthew 6:19-20: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
The fact is that We, in spite of Jesus’ words, have a tremendous amount of hope and faith in a system that is invested in carnality here on the earth. All our energy and efforts have been to build on treasures here on earth that will sustain us and make our days here on earth as comfortable and pleasant as possible.
We do not want COMFORTER we want comfort.
The meaning of “earthly treasures” might vary from person to person, but sooner or later, all these various treasures are tested, and people see “moth and rust destroying and thieves breaking in and stealing. You see I had some workers come and do some work in our home recently, we had item lifted from our bedroom, I was furious to know that this person or persons violated our home and took things I deemed important. After I got extremely angry, I wanted to hurt someone, but quickly realized through the spirit of the word of Christ, that it really had no more value than what I gave it. This is oftentimes what happens when we are tied to this world and the things here. When there are issues such as dissatisfaction,, increasing gas prices, decreasing market share, high inflation, etc. you have to understand the root cause of the issue. Only by addressing the root cause can a problem be fixed. Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a method of problem-solving used for identifying the root causes of faults or problems. It is widely used in a wide variety of industries.
Be Planted, like a tree planted by the waters, the words of the Lord in Jeremiah say: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
We can think of different times of hardship as a drought that is over the world. Anxiety is everywhere as people are filled with unrest about their jobs, the economy, government, and almost anything else you can imagine. What contrast then to picture this glorious tree planted by the water! Instead of withering away and dying in this drought, there are still glorious fruits growing. The “heat” that has killed and destroyed almost all other vegetation has apparently had no effect on it. How is this possible?
In the “time of plenty” this glorious tree wasn’t content with putting down shallow roots; roots that fed off the surface. There was an inner longing in the tree to find the nutrients and sustenance that made for true nourishment. Feeling good about outer accomplishment and good works wasn’t enough when it sensed there Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 searching roots for true water.
How can I be truly free from selfishness?
How can I be filled with rest and peace concerning my life and eternity?” In its need, it cried out to God for answers, for help to live a life of meaning here on earth, and to be led into eternity.
That’s when the roots struck water. God answered the tree with His Spirit and filled it with a desire for the things of heaven. The tree started to bear fruit as the Spirit began to instruct it in those things which are heavenly. The fruit isn’t much at first; the trials and hardships it faces are still met with human thoughts and reactions, as it takes an intense battle to separate itself from its own thoughts and come into the leading of God.
Roots that had their source in human thinking and self-wither and die as deep searching roots shoot out to find true water and nourishment. These searching roots inquire of God through prayer and His word, longing for more of the power and sustenance they have already experienced. It is brought to verses such as
Psalm 16:11, “You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore,” and it rejoices in its need. It sees that anxiety within stems from its own thoughts and plans for the future. God actually has a path of life planned out and walking with Him on that path brings a fullness of joy! Its heart’s cry becomes more and more like Jeremiah’s: “My hope is the Lord, and my trust is in Him!” Fruits of peace, joy, and love started flourishing as God leads it away from all unrest, discontent, and coldness and into His glorious promises.
In the midst of these times, we can also be such trees. Quietly carrying on, not worrying about the future and what might happen; fully at rest in the power of God and believing that He is leading all things for our best. (Romans 8:28.) Then blessed fruits will come forth in place of the anxieties, fears, and inequalities of this time. All of us must realize this work on earth also secure for themselves their inheritance of heavenly treasures.
What is A Root Cause?
All trees have a trunk, branches, and leaves. These are parts that immediately spring to mind since they are the ones we can see. The part we don’t see is the root system that anchors the tree to the ground. This root system often occupies a far larger area than the tree itself. It also continues to grow even if the tree’s branches have had a hard pruning. That’s why the system of drilling down to get to the heart of an issue is called Root Cause Analysis.
Root Cause of our failure Analysis?
Root cause analysis is an important step to enable you to make the right changes to prevent faults from happening over and over again. There are three ways of dealing with recurrent problems. We can:
Ignore them.
Perform a temporary fix.
Get to the bottom of why they’re happening in the first place.
If we take the first option, the problem will never be solved and could escalate. If we take option two, it is the equivalent of painting over a stain or sticking a piece of tape over a leak and hoping it will hold – you’re treating the symptoms, but not the cause.
Taking the third option, i.e., analyzing the root cause, is the most time consuming, but should allow you to take steps to ensure that the problem never occurs in the future.
How to analysis?
Here are some easy steps to effectively perform a WHY analysis:
Write down the problem. Writing helps you to formalize the problem and describe it completely. If you work with a team, it also helps the team to focus on the same problem.
Ask yourself why the problem happened and write down the answer.
Ask yourself – looking at your answer – again why did the problem happen and write down the answer.
And again, ask yourself – looking at your answer – why did the problem happen.
Ask yourself this question as often as necessary until you agree that the problem real root cause is identified. This may take fewer or more times.
3 Types of Tree Root Systems
We’re familiar with what a tree looks like aboveground, but the underground part of a tree is just as important. The roots are often the “root” of tree health, failure, and longevity. Urban tree roots are highly influenced by the urban environment, which often consists of compacted, small soil volumes. But tree roots can also be partially determined by genetics. Understanding the 3 types of root systems trees have can help you take care of your tree or select the best tree for your life!
Point to Ponder. We can all dress ourselves outwardly. This is only a dress rehearsal what makes you who you are is your root system. How are you growing?
Why am I telling this story. Well Remember the Parable of the Sower?
Get your bible out and study it along with this blog. That right… I am not going to do all the work for you. You need to study this.
Tree Roots
Before we dive into root systems, it helps to know the 5 basic types of tree roots and their function. These are the most common root types in temperate climate trees. Find yourself.
Tap roots: Every tree starts with a tap root that provides stability and absorption. Over time, other roots outgrow the taproot. Most taproots don’t continue to grow ever more deeply because deep soils lack the oxygen and nutrients that roots need to survive.
Lateral roots: Lateral roots grow outwards right under the soil surface. They absorb a lot of water and nutrients as well as anchoring the tree.
Oblique/heart roots: Oblique roots, also known as heart roots, grow at a diagonal and have the same function as lateral roots.
Sinker roots: Sinker roots grow downwards from the lateral roots to a depth of several feet. There, lateral roots take advantage of any water and nutrients deeper in the soil in addition to increasing tree stability.
Fine roots: All the root types aforesaid can give rise to fine roots, which is where water and nutrients are directly absorbed. They also house mycorrhizae, which are fungal partnerships that increase root absorption capacity
Stability: Lateral root systems obtain their stability from tree weight and root spread. These root systems don’t necessarily have a lot of root mass, but because the roots are so widespread, the tree can be supported without investing so much in roots. About 80% of tree species and most urban trees have lateral root systems.
It's not that we can't. The problem is that we are choosing not to do what Christ has inspired and instructed us to do and be. We have to do the work.
"ADD TO YOUR FAITH" 2 Peter 1:5-11 "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge ; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
3 John 2… Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prosper..