Becoming Strong and Sturdy Like an Oak of Righteousnessნიმუში

Day 1: Strong Oak

During the spring of 2007, I was a part of a Bible study group with a good friend and his wife. One particular week the leader of the study asked the group if anyone wanted to be prophesied over. There were a few people from the church that claimed to have the gift of prophecy. I was intrigued and decided to sit down with the group. There was one message that came out of that session that always stuck with me. One of the women shared that I was, “strong like an oak tree and would continue to grow strong and sturdy like an oak tree.” It wasn’t until 11 years later that I was in the planning stages of writing a book that the acorn of that prophecy in 2007 would start to really grow. I was in New Orleans in 2018 visiting my best friend. He took me to Audubon Park. The park is lined with oak trees. It is also home to the “Tree of Life” planted around 1740. As I walked around the tree, got up close to the trunk and root structure, the last part of 61:3 hit me. “That they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord that he may be glorified (ESV).” The vision of people becoming strong and sturdy, deeply rooted in God, carrying their presence like a majestic oak tree was apparent in my mind and spirit. The Oak Tree Source was born!

Life with God is a constant surrendering of our flesh, our pride, our self-centeredness, our ideas that do not align with God’s purposes. All of these acts of humility create in us rich soil, integrity, and the capacity to recognize and step into our God-given gifts. Before you read today’s scripture ask the Holy Spirit to:

1. Show me where I am selfish and self centered today?
2. Show me where my thoughts, actions, behaviors and words are not in alignment today?
3. Show me how to use the gifts You have given me today?

At the end of each day of this devotional, take time to answer the daily reflection questions in the “talk it over” section. These will serve as an inventory of thoughts and actions you can take to continue to “go deep” with God and build immovable roots in him. At the end of your day (before you go to bed) open the “talk it over” section of each day and review how the questions, scripture or devotional was relevant to your day or where God may be speaking to you.

Prayer:

Father, give me the vision and discernment to see myself as a mighty oak tree and how I can glorify You as a result. Thank You for Your promises and Your encouragement that give me hope and strength.