SECOND CHANCE

"He also spoke this parable: 'A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none.'" "Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, 'Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?'" "But he answered and said to him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.'" (Luke 13:6-9, NKJV) I love the way this parable shows God's heart: when we aren't doing well, He doesn't cut us off. He helps us; He enables us to bear fruit; He is there for us. Then we can say, as King David did, "Your gentleness has made me great" (Psalm 18:35 NKJV).

THE LOVE OF GOD

"The Lord you God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice overt you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV). The Lord is singing a love song to us!!

PRESENCE

At work I got promoted to kitchen manager, which is exciting, but it comes with a learning curve and a lot of responsibility. Lately my job has been consuming my mind, even at night when I'm trying to go to sleep. It does calm me down to know that I'm not alone in my busy life. My husband is always there for me, and God is an ever-present help. Hallelujah!

HEARING FROM GOD

"Simon Peter answered and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God..'" "Jesus answered and said to him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it'" (Matthew 16:16-18 NKJV). We know that Peter failed at times, but he also had a real and meaningful connection to the Lord. God revealed to him that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah. When we come to understand spiritual truth, we have heard from God. God Himself has spoken words of life and love to us. This is a big deal.

REMEMBERING WHO WE ARE

If people aren't careful about the way they correct me, I feel like they're angry at me, and I want to get out of being blamed. I get overwhelmed with fear, insecurity, and guilt. I get angry, make excuses, and find fault with the unfortunate soul who's trying to help me. If only I remember to turn my attention to Jesus and talk about it with Him, and ask Him, "Lord, am I a bad person?" this is what He tells me: You are my precious bride. You are altogether beautiful and spotless, and I have given you My glory. I will stop at nothing to be there for you now, and to someday bring you to My home where we will be together forever. "And the glory which You gave Me I have given them" (Jesus praying to the Father, John 17:22 NKJV).