Mensa Otabil - Planted by the Waters (10/02/2025)
So we’ve looked at what we shouldn’t do and then what we should do—whom we shouldn’t associate with and what we should meditate on, which is the Word of God. Now, verse three gives us the result of doing those two: what we shun and what we embrace will give us this result. Verse 3: «He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper.»
There are four things I want you to note about this verse: when we shun the wrong company and embrace the Word of God, the first thing is that we will be like a tree planted by the waters. God has a way of planting us, and He plants us when His Word is in our hearts. If we spend time in His Word, receiving His Word as a seed in our lives, then His Word becomes our planting. So when we read His Word, study His Word, meditate on His Word, speak His Word, and do His Word, we will be planted. May the Lord plant you and establish you by rivers of water.
The second thing I want you to pay attention to is that the leaves do not wither. The trees are by the rivers, and the leaves do not wither, meaning the leaves are always fresh. Leaves in the Bible usually speak of activities, indicating that you will always do something new and fresh. Something novel will come out of you. In a year of fruitfulness, you want to be able to come up with fresh ideas and concepts. You want every day to be new to you, and you want God to guide you daily with something fresh, exciting, and significant. You achieve this by paying attention to His Word. He will plant you, and He will always manifest some positive activity through you.
The third thing you see is the fruit. The fruit is what you begin to manifest and produce; that is what fruitfulness is. It states that the fruit will be seen in its season, which is very important because fruits don’t show up just any time. You don’t plant something today and then have it fruit tomorrow. There is a time, a waiting period, and a time of trusting God. When you trust God, there will be a manifestation of fruit. So in this year, although it’s a fruitful year, we’re not saying that everything will work out for you overnight. There is planting, leafing, and fruiting.
The fourth point, which is very important and ties everything together, is: whatever he does shall prosper. Do you think you’ll reach a point where everything you do works? Can you imagine living your life where everything you do prospers? Every idea you work with produces fruit, and everything you touch is blessed? That is the place God wants us to reach where whatever we do prospers. But to get there, we have to remove some things from our lives and add something into our lives. When that happens, God initiates a process where whatever we do prospers.
I desire that you reach that point in your life where whatever you do prospers, and may the Lord bring you to the point where everything about you prospers—your home, your business, your finances, your health, and your life being complete in Christ. That is where God wants us to be. Let’s share a word of prayer together. Say with me: «Heavenly Father, make me fruitful this year. Prosper the ideas You give me and prosper the work of my hands. In Jesus' name, amen.» Well, I’ll catch you again tomorrow. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.