gettheWordout
14 August 2020 A Little Bit of Poo
Luke 13:6-9 NLT
Then Jesus told this story: “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 just taking up space in the garden.’ “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, 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. If not, then you can cut it down.’”
For all the late bloomers, reluctant repent-ers, useless sinners, and cautious Christians, did you know that God is not mad at you? In fact, he seems to plan extra attention for you as he patiently waits for any evidence that you are all in with him.
David Guzik points out in his commentary that the farmer, illustrating God, did not leave the tree alone. He gave it special care. When God shows special care for someone it may feel to them like they are surrounded by manure, but He is nourishing and preparing it for fruit-bearing to come.
It makes me very happy to know that God isn’t following me around with a clipboard pointing out where I’ve failed. Instead, his solution is for me to have opportunities to turn to him MORE. Realizing my need for him and spending more time with him is how I will “produce fruit” the next time around; aka: my second chance.
It’s also nice to know that God would rather work with “useless sinners” instead of writing them off. My prayer is for my unsaved friends and my fruitless friends to embrace the manure. Better to get a little poo on you than God’s judgment.
Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. (Romans 2:4-5)
God has accurately been labeled, "The God of Second Chances," but there is also a final chance.
Dear God,
Even following you whole heartedly, I am thankful for the times you gave me extra care and still do. You never write me off for needing to learn something more than once. You know I am weak, and you make me strong. I am so thankful your way is this way. Please convict and convince my unbelieving friend. Let them see your kindness and their great need for you while they still can. I love you so much. Thank you, and I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
14 August 2020 A Little Bit of Poo
Luke 13:6-9 NLT
Then Jesus told this story: “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 just taking up space in the garden.’ “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, 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. If not, then you can cut it down.’”
For all the late bloomers, reluctant repent-ers, useless sinners, and cautious Christians, did you know that God is not mad at you? In fact, he seems to plan extra attention for you as he patiently waits for any evidence that you are all in with him.
David Guzik points out in his commentary that the farmer, illustrating God, did not leave the tree alone. He gave it special care. When God shows special care for someone it may feel to them like they are surrounded by manure, but He is nourishing and preparing it for fruit-bearing to come.
It makes me very happy to know that God isn’t following me around with a clipboard pointing out where I’ve failed. Instead, his solution is for me to have opportunities to turn to him MORE. Realizing my need for him and spending more time with him is how I will “produce fruit” the next time around; aka: my second chance.
It’s also nice to know that God would rather work with “useless sinners” instead of writing them off. My prayer is for my unsaved friends and my fruitless friends to embrace the manure. Better to get a little poo on you than God’s judgment.
Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. (Romans 2:4-5)
God has accurately been labeled, "The God of Second Chances," but there is also a final chance.
Dear God,
Even following you whole heartedly, I am thankful for the times you gave me extra care and still do. You never write me off for needing to learn something more than once. You know I am weak, and you make me strong. I am so thankful your way is this way. Please convict and convince my unbelieving friend. Let them see your kindness and their great need for you while they still can. I love you so much. Thank you, and I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
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