‘Avenue of the Baobabs’ in Madagascar photo by Bernard Gagnon, Own Work. CC BY-SA 3.0.

The Baobab Tree, also called, ‘The Tree of Life’, is a symbol of life in the arid climates of Africa where little else can grow.  Its leaves, bark and fruit have over 300 uses.  The tree can grow to 100 feet tall, with a circumference to match.  It is a succulent and can store up to 32,000 gallons of water in its massive trunk for the dry season.  

This species of trees has been here for more than 200 million years!  These trees can live up to 3000 years!                                                                                                      

The native peoples cut a hole in the side of the tree to access the thousands of gallons of water stored inside the tree.  In a place where no rivers flow and no lakes exist, the trees become gigantic water storage tanks, making it possible for them to survive in this arid climate.

The tree also produces nutrient rich fruit up to one foot long that contains vital tartaric acid and vitamin c.  Its leaves and fruit pulp are edible and can be used to make jam or roasted to make a coffee–like drink.  The fibrous bark is used to make rope, matts, baskets, paper and cloth.  In the dry season, elephants can eat the outer bark of the tree which contains water!  Another interesting fact is the tree has the ability to regenerate the bark eaten by the elephants!

As you can see, this tree truly is ‘The Tree of Life’!

AND SO ARE YOU!

‘But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.  They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.’  Jeremiah 17:7-8.

A tree that gives life to those around you!

In John 7:38, Jesus said, ‘Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’  This life-giving water will flow to all who are around you.  Have you ever met someone and you just knew that they were a Christian?

You are one who bears the fruit of the Spirit as listed in Galatians 5:22!  ‘The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.’ People will be able to see and partake of this fruit feeling your love, joy, peace, kindness and goodness.  They will see your faithfulness, gentleness and self-control and be inspired!

Perhaps they will receive a word of knowledge, wisdom or prophesy from you that will strengthen them, bring them encouragement and comfort according to the scriptures.
If they need a life- giving miracle, a healing or deliverance, the Holy Spirit can empower you!  
Jesus said, ‘And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.’  Mark 16:17-18.

‘We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.  If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.’  Romans 12:6-8,13.

You can see from the above that there are many ways to ‘give life’ to those around you! 

In fact, you were created in Christ, ‘a new creation’ to do good works (give life), which God prepared in advance for you to do!’  Ephesians 2:8-10.

God will, ‘work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.  Philippians 2:13.

But we must do our part.  We are admonished by the scripture to: ‘Be diligent to present (ourselves) approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15.  NKJV.

This means we need to study and know the word of God and have faith in it!!! 

‘And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.’  Hebrews 11:6.
You can read about heroes of the faith Hebrews 11.

God is the ultimate life giver!  Psalm 32:8 gives us a promise that He will ‘instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; (He) will counsel you with His loving eye on you!’  Psalm 32:8.

He will tell you who needs what and when, but you have to be able to ‘hear His voice.’  Just think about a world where Christians heard God’s voice and diligently did what He asked them to do!

I’ve included a link to a sermon given by one of my favorite people in this world, Glen Wooldridge.  It is well worth listening to.  It is about believing, hearing Gods voice, and doing what He tells you to do!

Matthew 17:5 – Hear Ye Him

1. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
2. We must be able to hear the voice of God
3. The foundation of the Church is the revelation that Jesus is the Christ.
4. You have authority. 
5. We have assignments.
6. There will be opposition.
7. There are costs.
8. Let God interrupt your good ideas.  ‘Hear Ye Him.’            

Hear Ye Him | Elder Glen Wooldridge | Hope Christian Church

BE A TREE AND GIVE LIFE!!!