Preparation: Before you begin today's study, retrieve the branch or stem you cut from the plant yesterday. Does it look any different today than it did yesterday?

Read or quote the memory verse.

God is your friend!

Think of your best friend. Why is he/she your best friend? How did you become best friends?

What kind of friendship did Moses have with God?

• (He spoke face to face with God just as friends do.)
• (God said He was pleased with Moses and knew him by his name.)

Read James 4:8.

What kind of friendship does God want with you?
(Jesus said the Disciples and all who follow Him are His friends - John 15:14.)

How is having a friendship with God different than having a friendship with someone else? How is it the same?

It can seem difficult to have a friendship with someone you can't see. Many people use letters, e-mail, and phone calls to stay in touch with friends they can't see face-to-face.

God talks with us. How does He do that?
(Through the Bible; His letters to us -- 1 Peter 1:24, 25,)
(Through Prayer; talking with God -- Philippians 4:6, 7)
(Through the words of other people; God speaks to us through the wise counsel of others who abide closely with Him)

Why does it matter?

Because God is a Personal Spirit, we can talk with Him. Every friendship starts with a conversation. We know that God hears us, and we know that He speaks to us. We will learn more about how to hear Him speak later this week.

Talk with God and Stay Connected to the Vine!

Take a moment to let God know what kind of friendship you would like to have with Him, and thank Him that He sent Jesus to make that friendship possible. If you are having trouble talking with God, try becoming His pen pal and write Him a letter (short or long) every day. You can tell Him everything and ask Him anything!