Day 1
Faith Fact
I will keep growing closer to God.
Faith Verse
"Put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:13
Read:
How can you be deeply rooted in your faith?
Mark 4:1–9, 14
What does it mean to be “deeply rooted”? Jesus told the parable of a farmer scattering seeds. The seed in the story was the powerful Word of God. But, good seed can’t grow if there isn’t good soil.
A deeply rooted person allows God to work in their life. They stay tender and teachable to what God wants to teach them. When this happens, God’s Word gets rooted into their life and helps them grow. When soil is shallow, roots can’t grow deep. So, how do we prepare the “soil” of our heart to allow the roots to grow deeper? One way is by spending time with God and worshipping Him. Time spent in prayer, worship, trust, and obedience keeps our heart tender to God. When we listen to and read the Word of God, we learn its message. This gives God’s message an opportunity to take root in our life. The Word of God changes us. Let’s have ears to hear and a heart to love God so we can allow His work to be done in our life.
Talk About It:
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, let my heart always stay tender to You. Thank You for Your Living Word that changes us from the inside out. I want Your Word to be deeply rooted in my life so I can easily share it with others. I will worship and pray. I won’t just sit back and watch others. I want to know You deeply. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
I will keep growing closer to God.
Faith Verse
"Put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:13
Read:
How can you be deeply rooted in your faith?
Mark 4:1–9, 14
What does it mean to be “deeply rooted”? Jesus told the parable of a farmer scattering seeds. The seed in the story was the powerful Word of God. But, good seed can’t grow if there isn’t good soil.
A deeply rooted person allows God to work in their life. They stay tender and teachable to what God wants to teach them. When this happens, God’s Word gets rooted into their life and helps them grow. When soil is shallow, roots can’t grow deep. So, how do we prepare the “soil” of our heart to allow the roots to grow deeper? One way is by spending time with God and worshipping Him. Time spent in prayer, worship, trust, and obedience keeps our heart tender to God. When we listen to and read the Word of God, we learn its message. This gives God’s message an opportunity to take root in our life. The Word of God changes us. Let’s have ears to hear and a heart to love God so we can allow His work to be done in our life.
Talk About It:
- Question 1. What did the seed represent in the parable?
Answer 1. The Word of God (Mark 4:14) - Question 2. Have you ever tried to grow a plant? Talk about it.
Answer 2. Answers will vary. - Question 3. In the parable, was the problem with the seed or the soil? Explain.
Answer 3. The soil, then answers will vary. - Question 4. What is the difference between shallow soil and deep soil?
Answer 4. Answers will vary. - Question 5. How can you be deeply rooted in your faith?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, let my heart always stay tender to You. Thank You for Your Living Word that changes us from the inside out. I want Your Word to be deeply rooted in my life so I can easily share it with others. I will worship and pray. I won’t just sit back and watch others. I want to know You deeply. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
Day 2
Faith Fact
I will keep growing closer to God.
Faith Verse
"Put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:13
Read:
How will my life produce fruit?
Mark 4:13–20
In the Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed, Jesus talked about the seed on the path and the seed on rocky soil. He also spoke about another type of soil. But, two different things happened with the plants that grew. The soil allowed growth, and the roots could go deep. But when the first set of plants grew, the thorns choked them out. The second set grew an abundant harvest. Remember, the soil represents people, and the seed represents the Word of God. The thorns are the worries of life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things. The seed grew, but the plants didn’t last. The Word of God growing in the life of a Christian will cause lasting change in the person and in the world around them. So, how do we produce fruit?
In every Christian’s life, there are temptations to let worldly things choke out what God is doing in us. But, if we allow God to work in these things, an abundant harvest can happen. Thorns can grow anywhere in our life. What do we do when they come? We pull them up. Sometimes, we get worried about our life and our future. When this happens, we should remind ourself of God’s promises. The thorn of worry gets pulled up. Sometimes, we think too much about making money or storing our treasures on earth. We have to remind ourself that this world isn’t our home when this happens. Then the thorn of wealth gets plucked out. Other times, we want what the world wants instead of what God wants for our life. When this happens, we need to come to Jesus. When we do, we don’t let the thorns choke out God’s work, and our life will produce great fruit for God.
Talk About It:
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I want my life to always produce good fruit for You. When the worries of life come, I will stand on Your promises. When I am tempted to store up treasures in the world, I will keep my heart on eternal things. I fix my heart and desires on You. Lord, let my life produce a harvest for You. Amen.
I will keep growing closer to God.
Faith Verse
"Put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:13
Read:
How will my life produce fruit?
Mark 4:13–20
In the Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed, Jesus talked about the seed on the path and the seed on rocky soil. He also spoke about another type of soil. But, two different things happened with the plants that grew. The soil allowed growth, and the roots could go deep. But when the first set of plants grew, the thorns choked them out. The second set grew an abundant harvest. Remember, the soil represents people, and the seed represents the Word of God. The thorns are the worries of life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things. The seed grew, but the plants didn’t last. The Word of God growing in the life of a Christian will cause lasting change in the person and in the world around them. So, how do we produce fruit?
In every Christian’s life, there are temptations to let worldly things choke out what God is doing in us. But, if we allow God to work in these things, an abundant harvest can happen. Thorns can grow anywhere in our life. What do we do when they come? We pull them up. Sometimes, we get worried about our life and our future. When this happens, we should remind ourself of God’s promises. The thorn of worry gets pulled up. Sometimes, we think too much about making money or storing our treasures on earth. We have to remind ourself that this world isn’t our home when this happens. Then the thorn of wealth gets plucked out. Other times, we want what the world wants instead of what God wants for our life. When this happens, we need to come to Jesus. When we do, we don’t let the thorns choke out God’s work, and our life will produce great fruit for God.
Talk About It:
- Question 1. What crowded out some of the plants that were growing?
Answer 1. The thorns (Mark 4:18–19) - Question 2. What are some thorns that crowd out what God is growing in your life?
Answer 2. Answers will vary. - Question 3. How can you get rid of the thorns?
Answer 3. Answers will vary. - Question 4. How can we recognize the thorns in our life?
Answer 4. Answers will vary. - Question 5. How will my life produce fruit?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I want my life to always produce good fruit for You. When the worries of life come, I will stand on Your promises. When I am tempted to store up treasures in the world, I will keep my heart on eternal things. I fix my heart and desires on You. Lord, let my life produce a harvest for You. Amen.
Day 3
Faith Fact
I will keep growing closer to God.
Faith Verse
"Put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:13
Read:
What does remaining in the vine look like?
John 15:1–10
Jesus told His disciples how to be fruitful in the world. The answer was simple—remain in Him. Jesus gave the example of a vine and branches. The vine is the source of water, nutrition, and support for the branches. A branch quickly dies when it is cut and not connected to the vine. We will be fruitful when we remain in God and Jesus remains in us.
Jesus also said that those who remain in Him could ask for whatever they wanted, and He would give it to them. When we stay in Jesus, His desires become ours. Our desires will be for the Kingdom and the spiritual harvest. Jesus will provide everything we need when we grow deep and remain connected to Him. Fruit will become a natural part of our life because that is what branches connected to the vine create.
You grow deeper in God when you remain in Him. How do you know when you are abiding in God? You will see fruit. People will come to Jesus. You will get to share the gospel, and your testimony will help others grow in their faith. You know that you remain in Jesus when you desire more of Him and to do His will. Your heart will love God more and more. You will want to go to church and read God’s Word. Take a look at your life. Do you see that you are remaining in the “vine”? Even if you only see a little bit, remember that God will continue to grow deeper in you when you take steps to remain in Him.
Talk About It:
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to understand how to remain in You. Thank You for being the source of everything I need. Please take away what keeps me from remaining in You. Help me to remain fruitful for Your glory and Kingdom. Help me to desire what You desire and ask boldly for Your will. Amen.
I will keep growing closer to God.
Faith Verse
"Put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:13
Read:
What does remaining in the vine look like?
John 15:1–10
Jesus told His disciples how to be fruitful in the world. The answer was simple—remain in Him. Jesus gave the example of a vine and branches. The vine is the source of water, nutrition, and support for the branches. A branch quickly dies when it is cut and not connected to the vine. We will be fruitful when we remain in God and Jesus remains in us.
Jesus also said that those who remain in Him could ask for whatever they wanted, and He would give it to them. When we stay in Jesus, His desires become ours. Our desires will be for the Kingdom and the spiritual harvest. Jesus will provide everything we need when we grow deep and remain connected to Him. Fruit will become a natural part of our life because that is what branches connected to the vine create.
You grow deeper in God when you remain in Him. How do you know when you are abiding in God? You will see fruit. People will come to Jesus. You will get to share the gospel, and your testimony will help others grow in their faith. You know that you remain in Jesus when you desire more of Him and to do His will. Your heart will love God more and more. You will want to go to church and read God’s Word. Take a look at your life. Do you see that you are remaining in the “vine”? Even if you only see a little bit, remember that God will continue to grow deeper in you when you take steps to remain in Him.
Talk About It:
- Question 1. Who is the True Grapevine according to the verses you read today?
Answer 1. Jesus (John 15:1) - Question 2. What happens to branches that are cut off?
Answer 2. They are thrown away. (John 15:6) - Question 3. What does God the Father do to care for the branches?
Answer 3. He is the Gardener who gets rid of branches that don’t produce and helps others produce more. (John 15:1–2) - Question 4. How do you grow deeper in God?
Answer 4. Remain in Him. (John 15:4) - Question 5. What does remaining in the vine look like?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to understand how to remain in You. Thank You for being the source of everything I need. Please take away what keeps me from remaining in You. Help me to remain fruitful for Your glory and Kingdom. Help me to desire what You desire and ask boldly for Your will. Amen.
Day 4
Faith Fact
I will keep growing closer to God.
Faith Verse
"Put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:13
Read:
Why can we have hope regardless of life's problems?
John 12:23–28
The way a seed grows into what it can become is by going into the ground and dying. Any seed that sits in a packet or on the pavement will never fully grow. Jesus gave this example to His followers to describe what He was about to do. His death was about to be the ultimate sacrifice that would bring life to everyone who trusts in Him. How was He able to do this? Jesus was willing to let go of His own life for the sake of others. Jesus was committed to the will of God the Father, so it didn’t matter what came His way. Jesus was willing to make whatever sacrifice He needed to. He did it because He loves all people and wants everyone to have a relationship with God.
Some followers of Jesus will make the ultimate sacrifice and lose their life for Jesus. Even if we don’t do that, we will face problems and hard times that will test our faith. We can stand firm and grow through these trials when we are deeply rooted in Jesus. Challenges in life can help us to grow closer to God. In every problem we have, we can help others come to know Jesus. Next time you have a problem, let this be your prayer—God, let this problem help me grow closer to You and help others know You too.
Talk About It:
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I am so grateful for the sacrifice that You made on the Cross, giving Your life to die in my place. Because of this sacrifice, all of us can choose to follow You. What an honor! Help me to root my faith deeply in You so I can stay standing in all circumstances. I give my life to You. May You receive all the glory. Amen.
I will keep growing closer to God.
Faith Verse
"Put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:13
Read:
Why can we have hope regardless of life's problems?
John 12:23–28
The way a seed grows into what it can become is by going into the ground and dying. Any seed that sits in a packet or on the pavement will never fully grow. Jesus gave this example to His followers to describe what He was about to do. His death was about to be the ultimate sacrifice that would bring life to everyone who trusts in Him. How was He able to do this? Jesus was willing to let go of His own life for the sake of others. Jesus was committed to the will of God the Father, so it didn’t matter what came His way. Jesus was willing to make whatever sacrifice He needed to. He did it because He loves all people and wants everyone to have a relationship with God.
Some followers of Jesus will make the ultimate sacrifice and lose their life for Jesus. Even if we don’t do that, we will face problems and hard times that will test our faith. We can stand firm and grow through these trials when we are deeply rooted in Jesus. Challenges in life can help us to grow closer to God. In every problem we have, we can help others come to know Jesus. Next time you have a problem, let this be your prayer—God, let this problem help me grow closer to You and help others know You too.
Talk About It:
- Question 1. Who will the Father honor?
Answer 1. Anyone who serves Jesus (John 12:26) - Question 2. How did Jesus’ death bring an abundant harvest?
Answer 2. We can have a relationship with God because of what Jesus did. - Question 3. Why did Jesus give His life on the Cross?
Answer 3. Answers will vary. - Question 4. How can we be positive when we go through problems?
Answer 4. Answers will vary. - Question 5. Why can we have hope regardless of life’s challenges?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I am so grateful for the sacrifice that You made on the Cross, giving Your life to die in my place. Because of this sacrifice, all of us can choose to follow You. What an honor! Help me to root my faith deeply in You so I can stay standing in all circumstances. I give my life to You. May You receive all the glory. Amen.