In New Testament times the roofs of most homes were flat. In many instances, the roof was used as an extra room. People would sleep on the roof in the summertime. Many meals were also eaten on the roof.

The homes were many times made of mud and clay bricks. Since the roofs were flat, it was easy for seeds to take root and grow. During the rainy season, it was not uncommon for grass to grow on the roofs. But the grass would not last long. When the heat of summer came, the grass would die from the heat.

The enemies of God are compared to this grass. In Psalm 129:6, we read, "Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up." The grass would grow with the rains but it never got very tall because the summer heat made it wither and die.

Sometimes it seems like those who are against God and his Word, the Bible, have all the pleasures and success of life. It may appear that they are the green grass of life. But their riches and success are only short lived. When the Judgment Day comes, they will wither as the green grass on the housetop in summertime. They will have to spend eternity with Satan in hell.

I know you do not want to be like the grass on the housetop. I know you want to live eternally with God in heaven. The only way to do that is to study your Bible and learn everything you can from God's Word. Then obey him in all things. The more you do these things the more you come to love God for all that he does for you each day.

By doing these things you will be the grass that always receives the water from the shower of blessings God gives. You will water your spiritual life from his Word and you will live eternally with God in heaven.

During Bible times, many of the wealthier individuals lived in a home with several rooms. These rooms would be built around a central courtyard. All of the rooms would have a door into this courtyard.

The courtyard usually did not have a roof over it. At times, a temporary cover would be put up over part of it to shade from the sun or from heavy rain. Trees and other plants would be planted in this courtyard to make it beautiful. Also, the fruit from the trees could be used for food.

These plants and trees would be taken very good care of since they were considered a part of the home and the owner did not want to have to replace any of them. These trees and plants were kept healthy. The trees would produce fruit for many years.

In Psalm 92:13-14, we read, "Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing." Those who live like God wants them to live are like the trees planted in the courtyard. They are taken care of by God. They will flourish and do well. These individuals will not quit producing fruit in their old age. They will continue to do what they can for the Lord no matter how old they are.

Make sure you are planted in the court of God. Study God's Word and learn how to be planted and how to stay planted in his courtyard.