Sunday, August 30

His Friends: I Have Called You Friends

Take time to rest. Catch up on what you missed, or share one with a friend. If you’re reading these with a small group or Sunday school, feel free to pick just one to discuss.

One Verse · CSB

Read John 15:15

I do not call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn't know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father.

One Question

Over the past three months, how has your friendship with Jesus changed?

One Connection

Pray for each person you've reached out to during these three months. If you can't think of anyone, or didn't have anyone to reach out to, pray for the people who came to mind while you read. Then reach out to one of them and invite them to do something together as friends.

Monday

Altogether Lovely

As we chewed his homemade jerky and looked out over a valley, my friend pulled out his phone and read from the sermon "Christ Altogether Lovely" by John Flavel. "He is a sea of sweetness without one drop of gall" became our favorite line. My friend's evident delight in contemplating Christ helped me savor him too.

Tuesday

The Worst Boast

"So, what do you do for a living?" is my least favorite question. I've found that most people change the topic when I tell them, "I write and give away Bible studies." I've tried to make it sound impressive, but that falls flat, too. It's an awkward moment that keeps me asking God, "Help me."

Wednesday

Standing Together

I had just posted on social media, "It's time to stop doing standing ovations at churches." People applauded my public stand for a humbler faith. On Sunday morning, everyone stood up to thank a volunteer. Before I could stop myself, I stood up and joined them.

Thursday

Gold Pavement

"Sometimes, a kid can't pay for lunch, so they get a cheese sandwich. And then...they get nothing at all. You can see the embarrassment as they get called out in front of all their friends." Tears welled up in my friend's eyes. She could pay for some of them to eat, but not all of them. We sat in silence for a moment, not sure what to say, knowing that kids in our community didn't have enough to eat.