ONE MORE CHANCE
Today's reading:  Luke 13-14

"Then Jesus used this illustration:  A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed.  Finally, he said to his gardener, I've waited three years and there hasn't been a single fig!  Cut it down.  It's taking up space we can use for something else!  The gardener answered, Give it one more chance.  Leave it another year, and I'll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer.  If we get figs next year, fine.  It not, you can cut it down."  Luke 13:6-8 NLT

I immediately thought of the folks who will sit in our pews tomorrow that have been given one more chance to hear God's plan of salvation.  Another invitation.  Another altar call.

I thought of those sitting in our congregations that know just how important that one more chance is, they're living proof of His mercy.  They've been in the far country and He has brought them back.

I thought of those Christian brothers and sisters of mine who are holding on to things God has asked them to give up.  Bitterness.  Hatred.  Unforgiveness.  My fellow pew-sitters are who are being asked to give someone else another chance in regards to a hurt, a heart break, a broken promise.

I thought about myself.  How I desperately need the Holy Spirit to intercede on my behalf with God about my lack of fruit, my uselessness, my needing one more chance to prove I was halfway worth the effort, care and blood.

Then, I thought about you.  Do you need one more chance?  Do you need to give one more chance?  Have you been given one more chance--and are you using that opportunity to the best of your abilities?