Friends and Prophets

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

Who knows what's going on in your life right now?

One Connection

Tell a friend one thing about your week that you haven't told anyone yet. To make it safe, pick something that's 5% more vulnerable than something you've shared before.

Monday

Obeying My Friend

I want to evaluate God's ideas and follow the ones that make sense. If his suggestions are difficult, costly, or even inconvenient, I will usually postpone implementation. But the first disciples of Jesus would have been shocked by my casual approach to God. Obey God? Of course! He's God. They wondered, "How can God be our Friend?" I'm confused that a friend can command me to obey.

Tuesday

I Don't Want To Talk To You

My wife and I were getting to know another couple at an event, and the early discussions were full of laughter. After the entrees arrived, they asked me what I did for work. I said, "Well, I'm kind of a pastor. I write and give away Bible studies." The husband recoiled and said, "If you're a pastor, I don't want to be talking to you." I try to talk about what I do in the nicest way. But sometimes it gets awkward fast.

Wednesday

You're A Prophet Now

A former friend said there was "nothing Christian" about my "evil" actions, so he'd asked our former employer to cancel a book we'd written together. His messages hurt, but the worst part was that he wrapped his cruelty in the language of Scripture. It made me wonder if God's people are safe.

Thursday

Better Without Jesus

It was a dream trip: to walk where Jesus walked in the Holy Land. When our tour group arrived at the Jordan River, a few people got re-baptized, swept up in the awe that Jesus was here. But what I didn't understand was that it was better to be at the Jordan River without Jesus.