I have accumulated many Christian books over the years. Every time I visit a thrift shop, I always stop by the used books and look for Christian books. I have, now, what I call my Christ library and I keep the library in a spare room which I call my prayer room, which is decorated with all kinds of Christian art. I have all kinds of crosses hanging on the walls and alot of framed passages taken from the Book of Psalms.
My grandmother gave me a book years back called Leaves Of Gold. Its pages are filled with Christian quotes, poems, devotionals and more. This morning, I took down this old book and started skimming its pages. I came across a nice little devotional about the palm tree. I thought I'd share this piece with those who care to read Christian literature.
The Palm Tree
The Scripure says: "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree." Let us see what this comparison means: "The palm grows not in the depths of the forest or in a fertile loam, but in the desert. Its verdure often springs apparently from the scorching dust. 'It is a friendly lighthouse, guiding the traveler to the spot where water is to be found'."
The tree is remarkable for its beauty, its erect aspiring growth, its leafy conopy, its waving plumes, the emblem of praise in all ages. Its over foliage is the symbol of joy and exultation. It never fades, and the dust never settles upon it. It was, therefore, twisted into the booths of the feasts of tabernacles, was borne aloft by the multitude that accompanied the Messiah to Jerusalem, and it is represented as the hands of the redeemed in Heaven. For usefulness, the tree is unrivalled. Gibbon says that the natives of Syria speak of 360 uses to which the palm is applied. Its shade refreshes the traveler. Its fruit restores his strength. When his soul fails for thirst, it announes water. Its stones are ground for his camels. Its leaves are made into couches, its boughs into fences and walls and its fibres into ropes or rigging. Its best fruit, moreover, is borne in old age; the finest dates being often gathered when the tree has reached a hundred years. It sends, too, from the same root a large number of suckers, which in time, form a forest by their growth. What an emblem of the righteous in the desert of a guilty world. ~Joseph Angus~
After I read this mini devotional, I had to make a grocery run to the store. As I was driving I noticed all the palm trees and "Lo" my soul smiled. I now have one more emblem of nature to redirect my thinking back to God where it belongs.
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