Day 22 March 17

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a person remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Read

John 15:1-17, Galatians 5:22-26

Discussion

There are many titles God has-Father, Creator, Healer, have you ever thought of God as a gardener? God is the gardener of our lives and Jesus is the vine. From Jesus, God wants us to grow and produce beautiful fruit. If we trust Jesus and stay in Him, everyone will know we belong to God. Things will happen in our lives that we don't understand or that may hurt. Like when a gardener prunes a bush to help it to thrive. It seems strange to cut back perfectly healthy branches but sometimes the gardener knows what's best for a plant, just as God knows what's best for us. When we trust in Jesus and start to let Him feed your soul the fruits of the spirit will be able to thrive. Have you heard of the fruits of the spirit? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control- that's a lot of fruit.

Which fruits are already growing well in your life? Which fruits need to be tended more? How could you help God prune your life to fit in more of the fruit that feeds your soul?

Hymn

This is my commandment

Quick Prayer

Dear God, I want to show Your fruit to the world. I can't do it alone, and I need Jesus to help me. I know you love me and will take care of me when I stay close to You. Thank You Amen.

Lenten Symbol for your Easter Tree

a vine with branches

Activity Idea

*Do you have any trees or plants that need to be pruned? Have you seen in the neighborhood anyone working in their yards. Look around at the bushes that have been pruned and watch in a few weeks and see how the bush or plants have grown. In our Neighborhood, they have trimmed back the rose bushes and they are already growing very well.

*Draw a picture of yourself and list the fruits of the spirit as how they are in your life- like a big pieces of joy and love and maybe a medium piece of patience. Or draw a tree with the fruits of the spirit as a different piece of fruit on the branches.