We've been paying attention to Jesus's story about the fig tree that did not produce fruit in Luke 13. The owner is going to have it cut down for fruitlessness! The gardener says,

"Leave it for one year, I'll dig around it and fertilize it! if it doesn't produce fruit after one year cut it down".

Three things the gardener says it will require to produce fruit!

"About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the temple.

The ability to turn around is a great gift from God!

Listen to this quote by CS Lewis

"We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man that turns back soonest is the most progressive."

Conscientiousness in paying proper attention to a task!
This is the definition of the word diligence. It is found in a Key scripture about faith!

And are you waiting to enjoy life?

Today's Scripture gives us an incredible key to enjoying life!

"not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13 NLT

Thinking is not just an individual exercise, it is certainly also a group experience.

Look at today's scripture:

"and now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing; fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right...

You may not have realized it but you need a guard! Another way to put it is, you need protection! Even another way is to say, you need a security detail! Look at this Scripture.

What does it mean to become spiritually mature?

"Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold onto the progress we have already made."

Yesterday we talked about there being a cost to a relationally rich life! In today's Scripture we will find two ladies confronted with paying that cost.

There is a cost to a relationally rich life!

We all have ups and downs in every area of our life, but the one that causes us the greatest pain is our relationships.