Morning Reading: Luke 13:6-9 NLT – last chance

Reading: 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.

When it's all been said and done“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.’”

Prayer: Heavenly Father – you commanded us at creation “be fruitful and multiply.” And you have entrusted us with gifts… and abilities… and opportunties… to do just that in all aspects of our lives. Lord Jesus – you commanded us to “make disciples of all nations” and you empowered us with your Spirit to do that close at home… out and about… and around the world. Holy Spirit – help us to bear good fruit wherever you put us… wherever you send us. May we give it our best effort… and may we reach many more for Jesus. I ask it for his name’s sake. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “When it’s all been said and done” – Robin Mark (YouTube)

Morning Reading: Luke 6.43-45 NLT – fruit inspection

Reading: Luke 6.43-45 NLT

grape vine“A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.”

Prayer: Holy Spirit – As the day unfolds, show me what is flowing out of my heart… that I may hold onto what’s good, and let go of the bad. Lord Jesus – probe the treasury of my heart… forgive and prune away the bad stuff, and increase in me all that is good. Heavenly Father – may I honor and bless you in all that I do and say. I surrender myself to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hymn: “I Surrender All”Judson W. Van De Venter (1896)

All to Jesus I surrender; All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all; All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

(All to Jesus I surrender – Oslo Gospel Choir)

All to Jesus I surrender; Humbly at His feet I bow, Worldly pleasures all forsaken; Take me, Jesus, take me now. I surrender all, I surrender all; All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender; Lord, I give myself to Thee; Fill me with Thy love and power; Let Thy blessing fall on me. I surrender all, I surrender all; All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.