Tuesday

Picture: Vessel (the moldable clay)

Scripture: Genesis 1:26-28, 2:7,18-25; Isaiah 45:9-10; Romans 9:20-21

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

In your mind’s eye, see a potter easily bending his working project into the vessel of his choosing. The moldable clay submits contentedly to the potter’s hands. In our life, we can sometimes become dissatisfied with who we are or how things are going (or not going).

Are there circumstances in your life that you wish were different? Explain.

Are you discontent with how you are made…physically, mentally, or emotionally? Spend today confessing these things to the Lord and ask Him to lovingly affirm you exactly the way He designed you.

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:

Thursday

Picture: Tree (the pruning)

Scripture: John 15:1-7; Ephesians 4:31-32; Romans 8:11-14; Romans 8:28

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

Take a minute to think about a gifted gardener pruning his or her carefully sustained rose bushes. Just like this wisdom-driven physical clipping, God’s all wise spiritual pruning is for our good (although most often, it does not feel good!). When these non-fruit bearing branches are broken off however, the result is both beautiful and beneficial not only to you, but to all those you encounter.

Is there a time in your life that you experienced God’s pruning? Explain.

Can you trust God in the pruning process even if you cannot understand what He is doing? Why or why not?

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:

Tuesday

Picture: Tree (the watering)

Scripture: Psalm 1(emphasis on verse 3a); Isaiah 44:3-5; John 7:37-38

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

Meditate on a flourishing tree next to a flowing river. The streams of water equal both God’s word and His Spirit nourishing our hearts—we need Him and His word within our hearts the way His creation needs a consistent water supply within roots, trunks, and branches.

Is your soul weary and dry? In what ways?

Are you getting enough Living Water? Explain its benefits when you do.

Write a prayer using the daily verses as a reference:

Friday

Picture: Tree (bearing fruit)

Scripture: John 12:24; John 15:8-11; Galatians 5:18-25

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you?

Close your eyes and envision any kind of fruit tree that is ready for harvest. This fruit has reached this point due to all the previous concepts we have looked at this week: seed, soil, roots, watering, growth, and pruning. Likewise, we bear spiritual fruit due to God word’s and His Spirit continuously at work in our lives.

In what ways is the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc) flourishing in your daily interactions with people?

Is the Lord using you to bear fruit for His name in any particular ministry or people group?

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:

Wednesday

Picture: Vessel (cleansing and repairing)

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:20-22; Titus 3:3-7; Jeremiah 2:13; Psalm 34:18; Psalm 147:3

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

Take a minute to think about a dusty vase being thoroughly washed underneath a flowing faucet. Now, think of a broken vase being gently and precisely glued back together. These two pictures represent: 1. confessing our sin and receiving the cleansing act of forgiveness from the Lord, and 2. allowing the Lord to repair our broken hearts from these sins or from harsh life circumstances.

Is there currently anything you need to confess in order to receive cleansing? Does your vessel stay in the same broken state due to ongoing sins? Explain.

Are you broken due to a deep wound? Explain. (Consider reaching out to a godly friend or mentor who will both encourage you and keep you accountable. Write his or her name here.)

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:

Thursday

Picture: Vessel (pouring in)

Scripture: John 2:1-10; Romans 5:5; Ephesians 3:19-20; Psalm 119:11, 57

Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:

Close your eyes and visualize someone pouring clean water into a crystal vase. This picture represents the miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit (as well as God’s word) being poured into our hearts. His Word and Spirit create beauty within us, which creates newness of life every day.

Can you give an example of a specific circumstance in which you know you felt God’s Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control pour into you? Explain.

Is there a time in which God’s word spoke directly to your heart in a certain situation? Explain.

Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:

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