Scripture

John 15

Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway

Observation

Why is it so important to remain in Jesus? How do the terms “remain”, “love’, and “bear fruit” relate to each other? How can we expect those who follow the philosophies and perspective of the world to respond to Christians who are truly remaining in Christ?

Application

In what ways do I need to focus on remaining in Christ more fully? To which specific members of His body do I need to be more actively showing love? How should I respond when I am treated badly for my faith in Christ?

Prayer

Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
Lord Jesus, You are the Vine that gives life and vitality to the branches. As one of those branches, I can’t live without You; help me to remain in You. Let Your love flow through me and bear much fruit. Help me to remain in You and Your words to remain in me so that I can pray according to Your will and be given what I ask, to the Father’s glory. Help me to remain in Your love by following Your commands to love You and to love Your people as You loved me; even to the extent of laying down my life for them. I thank You that You call me friend and have made known to me what the Father made known to You. If the world hates me, help me to keep in mind that it hated You, and help me to respond in love, just as You did. Help me, by Your Spirit, to testify about You. Amen!

Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries:

• Doug & Pam Patchin
• Jared & Amanda Patchin (Alex, Luke)
• Andrea Rodriguez (Willie, Yulieta)

Ministry:

• Boise Rescue Mission

CLF:

• That we will be people who are devoted to giving to the Lord’s work and to anyone who has a need.

Pray to BLESS!
One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:

• B – BODY (physical health)
• L – Labor (their job or school)
• E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
• S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
• S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – John 1:12