June Book Recommendations

Here are this month’s recommendations for some fun summer reading! I hope you’ll enjoy them. Let me know what books you’re loving this summer!  

 

Fiction – Starring Me by Krista McGee

 

If you like YA fiction, this is a clean, sweet, funny read about a teenage girl who gets the chance to chase her acting dream. In the process, more Christians keep coming into her life, and she begins to consider if God really exists. As circumstances, both good and hard, propel her forward, she eventually finds the best love of all in Jesus. The story is loosely based on the biblical story of Isaac and Rebekah. It’s an enjoyable read with heart, humor, and a happy ending!

 

Nonfiction – By the Sea: Glimpses of Eternity, Reflections of Simple Hope by Robin Jones Gunn 

 

This beautiful book contains poems, reflective essays, quotes from classic authors, and stunning photographs—all about the sea. It’s a peaceful, encouraging, uplifting read, a good way to pause and be refreshed in our busy days. Though I’m slightly more of a mountain person than an ocean person, I enjoyed the stories, reflections, and insights the author shares about her connection to the sea and how God has touched her life in so many ways through it. 

 

Children’s – Wild Feelings by Joel Crumbley

 

I liked the fun, rollicking style of this book, yet it still communicates a meaningful message for children. The colorful pictures and rhyming text illustrate different feelings we have in a way that kids can relate to. The book also talks about how to let Jesus help us with our feelings. At the end, there’s a one-page, simple study with a few questions and verses. There’s also a brief explanation of the gospel for anyone who hasn’t heard it. Parents can have fun reading this book with their kids, and they can also talk about the precious truths of Jesus giving us peace, being with us, and being the source of our joy and strength.

 

Seriously, Lord?

When God Asks You to do Something that Doesn’t Make Sense

“This is what the LORD said to me: ‘Go and buy a linen belt and put it around your waist, but do not let it touch water.’ So I bought a belt, as the LORD directed, and put it around my waist.” –Jeremiah 13:1–2 (NIV)

When I read this passage recently, I felt such a kinship with Jeremiah. Though his life, circumstances, and calling were radically different than mine, some things don’t change even hundreds of years later. God told Jeremiah to do something that sounded silly, pointless, even like a waste of time and money, but Jeremiah did it. No questions, no excuses, no stalling. He just obeyed. 

Then God gave him another instruction that seemed odd. And Jeremiah obeyed. 

“Then the word of the LORD came to me a second time: ‘Take the belt you bought and are wearing around your waist, and go now to Perath and hide it there in a crevice in the rocks.’ So I went and hid it at Perath, as the LORD told me” (vv. 3–5).

 

Then God gave him a third instruction, and once again Jeremiah obeyed. 

“Many days later the LORD said to me, ‘Go now to Perath and get the belt I told you to hide there.’ So I went to Perath and dug up the belt and took it from the place where I had hidden it, but now it was ruined and completely useless” (vv. 6–7).

 

And then God explained. And it all made sense. 

“Then the word of the LORD came to me: ‘This is what the LORD says: “In the same way I will ruin the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem. These wicked people, who refuse to listen to my words, who follow the stubbornness of their hearts and go after other gods to serve and worship them, will be like this belt—completely useless! For as a belt is bound around the waist, so I bound all the people of Israel and all the people of Judah to me,” declares the LORD, “to be my people for my renown and praise and honor”’” (vv. 8–11).

 

This wasn’t just a passing moment in Jeremiah’s life. This experience was recorded, written down, and preserved, so that hundreds of years later, I ended up reading about it…and feeling encouraged. Because I’m not the first person God has interacted with this way. I’m not the first person tempted to say, “Seriously, Lord? You want me to do what? That makes no sense. There’s no point. That’s a waste of time and money.”

 

Jeremiah didn’t say anything like that. But I wonder if he thought it. I wonder if he rolled his eyes while he obeyed. Or if he did it with full confidence that his actions were meaningful.

 

I’d like to be someone who just obeys God’s voice with a smile on my face and faith in my heart. But sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I have a doubting conversation with God—even though I know He is GOD! 

 

“You sure you want me to email that person I just met and share that verse? What if they think I’m a pushy Christian?”

 

“Why do I need to park on this side of the parking lot? What could it possibly matter?” 

 

“I don’t need to go to that event. It’ll just be a waste of time.” 

 

Looking back, I have to laugh at myself and my pathetic attempts to tell God why, in essence, He was wrong. I’m so glad He is patient with me. Because each time I obeyed, I saw Him work—making me a blessing to someone else, giving me blessings I didn’t expect, and reminding that not only does he know all things, but everything He does is for good. 

 

Maybe Jeremiah understood that better than me. Maybe that’s why he didn’t question or hesitate. Maybe when I get to heaven, I’ll ask him about it. =) 

 

Frankly, I’m glad Jesus invites me into an unpredictable adventure with Him. I want to follow and obey Him—even when it doesn’t make sense, even when I laugh, even when I doubt, even when I can’t imagine what good could possibly come from it. Because my Savior never ceases to amaze me. And I end up saying “Seriously, Lord?” in amazement at how awesome He is!

 

For Real – 

When has God nudged you or clearly directed you to do something that made no sense, maybe even sounded ridiculous? How did you respond? I’d love to hear your story of how He amazed you! 

May Book Recommendations

Here are this month’s recommendations of a recent release, a classic, and a powerful devotional. I hope you’ll be blessed by these books. And please let me know some of your current favorites as well. =) 

 

Fiction – Wishing for Mistletoe by Robin Lee Hatcher

If you’re looking for a sweet Christmas story to cool you off this summer, I recommend this book! I loved that the main characters actually lived out their relationship with God daily–reading the Bible, praying, and submitting their wills to God. The plot is pretty basic, a burned-out writer meets a single dad in a small town. But I enjoyed the characters’ journeys of facing their fears and growing in their faith. And, of course, there’s a cute dog, a bakery, and a happily ever after. =) 

 

Non-Fiction – How to Be a Christian without Being Religious by Fritz Ridenour 

This book is a classic! I read it during college, and it’s still helpful today. If you or any friends aren’t sure how to share the gospel clearly, this book is a great help. It provides simple wording to explain how Christianity differs from religion, along with fun illustrations to help you remember the truths. For example: Religion is man reaching up to God, and Christianity is God reaching down to man. The focus is on how Christianity is a relationship with God, not a religion. I highly recommend this little book for anyone wanting to learn how to share the gospel more simply and effectively.

 

Devotional – Resilient Hope: 100 Devotions for Building Endurance in an Unpredictable World by Christine Caine 

This book is appropriately titled. I’ve been encouraged and strengthened by these relevant devotions. Christine shares experiences from her own life and stories from biblical characters to illustrate practical truths that help us continue to run our race with our eyes on Jesus. Each chapter has a passage of Scripture, a devotion, and a closing prayer to help apply the truth shared. If you’ve been fighting discouragement or feeling weary, this devotional is a great help! 

 

Serve Small – Guest Post

This month I’m happy to share a guest post from my new friend, Cheryl. I hope you’ll be encouraged by her words!

 

Grace to Serve Small – by Cheryl Balcom

 

Do you feel that what you do is too small to be of use to the Lord? Or that it is insignificant compared to the offerings of others? Do you think that the resources you have are not big enough, splashy enough, and don’t reach far enough to make a difference? 

 

Sometimes I wrestle with this too. 

 

Our calling may be to use our financial position to bless others in need or to fund an important ministry. Our calling may also be to invite a widow to dinner and let her share what she’s learned in her life. It may be to faithfully care for someone who has physical or mental difficulties. 

 

The ways we minister are as varied as we are! Some of us may feel like we don’t have much to offer, or we may have a severe challenge we think would prevent us from ministering to others. 

 

Annie Johnson Flint lived from 1866 to 1932, and from a young age she loved to experiment with verse. However, as a young adult, she began to experience symptoms of severe arthritis, making her unable to complete just her third year of teaching primary school. Her affliction grew worse, so much so that she eventually was no longer able to walk.

 

She was still able, however, to clumsily grasp a pen between twisted fingers and write out her beautiful poems of worship to God. Though she rarely left her house, she was able to minister profoundly through her writing. And her poems were made into greeting cards and published in magazines around the world. 

 

She went to be with the Lord when she was sixty-five, but what a gift she left behind for those who long to praise Him here on earth! 

 

I pray today that if you think you are hindered by your current situation and are unable to serve the Lord or minister to others, you will be encouraged by Annie’s story and her poem (below).

 

In the past, there were times when I believed I needed to do a “big” thing to honor the Lord, like adopt a child, go to Africa on a mission trip, or make hefty donations to large ministries. However, God has taught me through the years that the most important thing I can do is to remain faithful, no matter what He lays before me. 

 

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV).

 

Every Sunday, my husband and I pick up our adult daughter, who has Williams Syndrome, and my mother-in-law, who has Alzheimer’s, and we bring them to our home for lunch and a visit. It’s not fancy, but we are doing our best to love the precious people God has given us to love. He has not called every one of His followers to do the “big” things listed above, but He has called us to be faithful, no matter where He places us. 

 

I often tell my kids that the best way to change the world is to start by loving the person right in front of you. It may seem obvious, but those small, faithful acts of love can result in changed hearts. And not just for the one who receives them. 

 

If your heart is filled with a big desire to honor God and love and serve others, don’t let the size of your opportunity hinder you. The enemy would love for you to think, “That’s not good enough. Why bother?” Instead, see every small interaction, every kind word, every little thing you do as a way to share God’s love. He will let nothing go to waste. 

 

Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough” (Matthew 13:33 NLT). 

 

“In A Small Place”

from He Giveth More Grace: One Hundred Poems by Annie Johnson Flint

 

Fret not because thy place is small,

Thy service need not be,

For thou canst make it all there is

Of joy and ministry.

 

The dewdrop, as the boundless sea,

In God’s great place has part;

And this is all He asks of thee;

Be faithful where thou art.

 

In thee His mighty hand can show

The wonders of His grace,

And He can make the humblest room

A high and holy place.

 

Thy life can know the blessedness

Of resting in His will;

His fullness flows unceasingly,

Thy cup of need to fill.

 

His strength upon thy weakness waits,

His power for thy task.

What more, O child of all His care, 

Could any great one ask? 

 

 

Cheryl Balcom is the author of Winds of Grace: Losing My Father, Surrendering Control, and Growing in Faith, a memoir inspired by tracing the hand of God through the pages of her prayer journals. Cheryl also writes to help the perfectionist find peace in God’s perfect grace at cherylesperbalcom.com. She and her husband live on five acres tucked in the corner of southwest Michigan, where they enjoy watching wildlife wander through the yard. 

April Book Recommendations

Here are this month’s recommendations of books I’ve enjoyed. I hope you’ll find them encouraging and entertaining as well! 

 

Fiction – Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap 

 

This story was laugh-out-loud funny, heartwarming, and entertaining! Four elderly ladies who live onboard a cruise ship are the self-appointed matchmakers for staff and guests in need of help in the romance department. Their current targets, Lacey and Jon, are not very cooperative, requiring drastic measures. Of course, in the end love triumphs, and the wily ladies foil some drug runners while they’re at it. This story is clean with a Christian message of forgiveness and trusting in God. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and can’t wait for the next book in the series! 

 

 

Non-Fiction – Heart of A Champion: True Stories of Character and Faith from Today’s Most Inspiring Athletes by Steve Riach

 

This book is a fun and inspiring read for any sports fan. Each chapter is about a different famous athlete, describing their challenges, successes, and faith journey. Through their stories, the author illustrates specific character traits such as commitment, leadership, teamwork, integrity, and compassion. I enjoyed reading about God’s work in the athletes I’d heard of as well as those I wasn’t familiar with. This book reminded me that there are many people living out their faith and making a difference, even if we never hear about them in the news. A great read for young people interested in sports as well!

 

 

Devotional – 31 Days of Trusting God by Jerry Bridges

 

I’ve loved everything I’ve read by this author, so it’s no surprise that I absolutely love this book! My theme for this year is trusting God, so I was thrilled when I came across this devotional. Each chapter is powerful, convicting, and encouraging. Bridges is able to put profound truths into simple words that stick with you. Each chapter has a clear focus on one meaningful truth and plenty of Scripture to strengthen our hearts. I plan to reread this book often for the beautiful reminders of who God is and that He is infinitely trustworthy. 

 

We Are His Body

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” –1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)

On Easter Sunday I spent some time worshipping God while listening to songs by Keith Green. His Easter song always makes me feel nostalgic and reflective. It takes me back to Easter when I was a teen, when we got up early and had a sunrise church service on a little hill near our house. Our small group sang Easter hymns acapella as we watched the sun rise in the sky. It’s one of my favorite memories. 

And that got me thinking about Keith Green. As a teen, I read the story of his life, No Compromise, written by his wife after his life was cut short by a plane crash. He was a prolific songwriter and had quite the ministry before he died. But I wonder, did he have any idea how far-reaching his impact would be? 

Somehow, I doubt he could have imagined that all these years later people would still be listening to his music and inspired by his life. Maybe he saw himself as ordinary, just following Jesus and doing what God led him to do.

It got me thinking…if the Lord took me home to heaven tomorrow, would those who know me feel like the world is a poorer place without me? 

I hope so. 

I don’t know how far-reaching any impact from my “small” life will be, but I hope that the ones I know and love have felt Jesus’ love through me. 

And I know if the question was reversed, for all the “ordinary” yet incredible people I know, I could say a resounding yes! The world would be poorer without you. No matter how “small” your life may feel, I want you to know that I see you. 

I see you raising your kids to love Jesus, teaching the next generation, nursing the hurting, pastoring, mentoring, cleaning, taking meals, leading small groups, caregiving, writing, singing, bringing laughter, giving your time, energy, and money to love your neighbors, strangers, and people overseas you’ve never met who have yet to hear the gospel…

Isn’t it beautiful how God expresses His grace and love in myriad ways through us, His kids? Together our lives create a masterpiece lovingly designed by the Savior who lives in us. We are the body of Christ. We are His hands and feet and voice – in all the “small” places and everyday ways.

Yes, friend. I see you. I thank God for you. I hope you remember that your life is lighting up this dark world. And I pray you’ll keep on following Jesus and doing what God leads you to do…one day at a time. You can pray the same for me. =) 

“Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” –Ephesians 4:15–16 (NIV)

March Book Recommendations

Here are this month’s book recommendations with some recent releases that have blessed me. I hope you’ll enjoy them too! 

 

Fiction – Highcliffe House by Megan Walker

If you like sweet Regency stories, this one was quite enjoyable! I liked the two main characters. They had such different perspectives, which were both reasonable yet limited, and thus put them at odds. The story flowed well, and both characters eventually began to see beyond the surface and adjust their perspectives. I liked the seaside setting for a change from the usual London background. The climax and resolution were satisfying as they got their unconventional happily ever after.

 

 

Non-Fiction – Becoming Like Jesus by Cynthia Heald

This topic is something I’ve been praying about lately, and I was excited to discover Cynthia’s new book! Each chapter includes some personal reflections from her experiences, relevant quotes from other Christian writers, and a brief study section with verses to look up and questions to consider. As always, Cynthia’s writing is both practical and inspiring. I appreciated this encouraging exploration of becoming more like Jesus.

 

 

Devotional – 365 Truths for Every Woman’s Heart by Holley Gerth

I’m really enjoying this daily devotional! Holley’s writing is always encouraging, and I appreciate her insights about daily life with Jesus. It’s easy to forget how wonderful He is, how much He loves us, and how sufficient His grace is for every need. These devotions are quick yet powerful. Each day includes a verse, a brief devotion, a prayer, and a question for reflection or application. Even if you only have a few minutes a day, this book is a great encouragement!

 

Come Away

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” –Matthew 11:28–29

How long has it been since you turned off all the noise and spent some uninterrupted time letting your soul breathe? 

I admit, I don’t do this often enough. 

Sometimes when I hear Jesus calling me to “come away” with Him, I think of my to-do list...or I let some physical pain get in the way...or I yield to distractions.

What boggles my mind is that no matter how many times I don’t answer His call, He doesn’t give up on me. In that still, small voice, He still invites me to lay everything aside and just be with Him.

And every time I do answer His call, I’m overwhelmed with the sweetness of His presence and the wonder of His love!

This week I was reminded of something I wrote years ago. It’s still true today. I hope it encourages you. 

 

Love's Call

 

Have you heard it? 

...the quiet whisper on the wind

...the sweet melody humming in the silence

...the gentle rhythm inviting you to dance.

 

Have you ever paused and felt a sense of being called, beckoned, drawn?

 

Have you wondered what it is that stirs your heart?

...that makes you yearn for something you can't explain? 

...that causes your skin to tingle with anticipation, for you know not what?

 

What is it?

 

I will tell you. 

 

It is Love. Calling You. 

 

It is the voice of your Creator, Savior, Father. 

 

His love for you is so super-abounding that in every moment it calls out to you, sings over you, pours out on you.

 

Whether we hear it or not, Love is always calling. 

Saying,

"Come to me. 

Delight in me.

Receive from me. 

Rest in me.

Dance with me.

Let my love for you fill you up to overflowing."

 

For years I heard Love's call, but I didn't recognize it, I didn't understand. A stirring. A yearning. A longing. But what did it mean?

 

Little by little, I began to see. My Father-God doesn't only want to save me. He wants to love me. He wants me to experience His love. He wants me always close to Him. He wants my heart to thrill when I think of Him. He wants me to rest in His strong arms. He wants me to hear His voice. He wants me to live every moment knowing how great He is and how loved I am. 

 

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

–Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)

 

Love is calling. Do you hear Him?

February Book Recommendations

Here are this month’s book recommendations. I hope you enjoy them! Let me know what some of your favorites are as well. 

 

Fiction – To Win A Prince by Toni Shiloh 

I think this book has one of the best character journeys. The former prince Ekon experiences demotion, humiliation, struggles, and quite a learning curve as his entire life changes. Along the way, he discovers surprising things about himself and his family that cause him to genuinely search for answers and meaning in life. His journey to faith is so well portrayed, and the final plot twist was incredibly moving. The other main character, Iris, also learns an important lesson, that only God can change a person’s heart. If you enjoy meaningful Christian romance, this is a worthwhile read! 

 

 

Non-Fiction – Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John Maxwell

As a life coach, I naturally ask a lot of questions. This book had great insights about the kind of questions that are helpful and meaningful. It also covered how to listen well and other qualities of an effective leader. Knowing the best questions to ask ourselves and others can help us to grow, learn, work, lead, and serve more effectively. I really enjoyed this great resource!

 

 

Children’s – The Treasure Tree: Helping Kids Understand Their Personality by John Trent and Gary Smalley

This fun book helps children understand the different personality types in ways they can relate to. The four animal characters represent different ways of how we think and relate. The characters have to work together using their unique strengths to reach their goal. This story helps kids better understand others, as well as identify their own personality traits. Great for family reading and discussion time!

 

He Sees Me – Guest Post

This month I’m happy to share a guest post from my friend Haley. I hope her testimony of God’s faithfulness and presence encourages you today. 

 

He Sees Me – by Haley V. Craft

 

These past two years have been an extended exercise in faith for me and my husband. We’ve walked through loss, health crises, legal challenges, publishing delays, and generally put our bank account through some fights that have left it a bit more bruised than we care to admit.

 

It’s been so discouraging, and all that pressure became crushing when we got some more bad news. First, it became clear that we will have to get a new car, despite our best efforts to get our cars paid off. It was yet another financial hit at a time when we were still trying to recover after having to replace my husband’s transmission.

 

Then I discovered that the physical copies of my book, which I had just launched the day before, wouldn’t be delivered in time for an event where I had been put in the lineup of speakers specifically to testify about how God had brought me through all the challenges of my unusually complicated publishing process. 

 

I felt so defeated. How would we ever be able to afford a house? How would we ever afford the expenses of having children? All our goals and dreams seemed to fly another million miles away.

 

The next morning, I got up, turned on that day’s episode of Daily Audio Bible, and started getting ready for the day as normal. When the recording got to the daily passage in Psalms, this is what I heard:

 

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord,

And He delights in his way. 

When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, 

Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand. 

I have been young and now I am old, 

Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken 

Or his descendants begging bread.” 

–Psalm 37:23–25 (NASB)

 

If there has ever been a time when I experienced, more than just believed, the truth that God sees us and our struggles, it was at this moment. I was drowning in fears of financial failure and how that would affect our ability to care for our future children, and God met me right there through a few verses of Scripture written thousands of years ago.

 

Experiencing this reminded me of Exodus 3 when God told Moses that He had seen the oppression and pain of His people. The word translated as seen in our Bibles, doesn’t just refer to physical sight in the original language. It also carries a connotation of understanding something by experiencing it.

 

God wasn’t just saying that He saw what was going on from a distance. He was there with His people, experiencing their pain and providing the rescue they needed. That’s the God we serve! He’s not just interested in walking with us through the garden of Eden. He’s the God who joins us in the valley of the shadow of death, bringing with Him everything we need to make it through.

 

I don’t know about you, but just the thought of the Almighty being willing to come meet me in those dark and scary places relieves the tension in my shoulders. There is rest to be found in the truth—rest from fear and rest from despair—and I pray that you lean into that rest. Especially on the difficult days.

 

“The Lord said, ‘I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings. So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey'” (Exodus 3:7–8a NASB).

 

*I recommend Haley’s new book Practicing Swordplay. It’s a practical, powerful guide to overcoming the enemy’s lies and confidently walking in God’s truth as the victor you are in Christ! 

 

Haley V. Craft is a follower of Jesus and a life-long learner who fell in love with the power and beauty of language when she was in college. When she’s not teaching, she loves encouraging others to discover God’s fingerprints in the ordinary. She and her husband live in Mississippi where she enjoys making her students laugh, writing, and hobbies like designing jewelry and enjoying the sunshine with a comfy chair and a good book. You can connect with Haley V. on her website where she writes a weekly devotional: https://haleyvcraft.com/

 

 

January Book Recommendations

As we start a new year, have you already set aside a stack of books you’d like to read? I have a pile of good books I hope to read this year. But I’m always looking for new books and authors as well. =) Let me know what some of your favorites are, and here are a few recommendations from me to start the year. 

 

Fiction –

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer 

I’ve enjoyed all the books I’ve read by this author, but this is one of my favorites. This Texas historical romance is a story of redemption, love, and God’s mysterious ways of working all things for good. An ex-outlaw kidnaps a preacher as a gift for his daughter’s birthday—not knowing that her only wish/prayer is for her father’s salvation. The cowboy-turned-preacher is nothing like the old ex-outlaw expected. Through ups and downs, the main characters learn to trust and follow the Lord’s leading and watch Him do the miraculous in their lives. This story has heart, humor, (a little more melodrama than I prefer, but that’s okay), and a happy ending. 

 

Non-Fiction –

The Good, the Bad, and the Grace of God by Jep Robertson

This memoir about Jep and Jessica Robertson is real, honest, and filled with hope. I appreciate their willingness to share the hard and painful things in order to declare how powerful God’s grace has been in their lives. We all have broken places, but God’s grace is greater, and this couple testifies to that through sharing their story. 

(FYI there are serious issues mentioned in this book, and, while not graphic, it was sad and difficult to read in places. But God’s grace triumphs!)

 

Devotional –

Faith Alive: A 6-Week Devotional for Mothers by Anna Hawkes Cabral

This devotional is also encouraging for women in general, not just mothers. I appreciated how Anna emphasized God’s unconditional love, His power at work in our weaknesses, and His grace to live out daily faith in Him. The devotions are short with a focus verse and a reflection question or action step at the end. This devotional provides a way to pause for a few minutes in a busy day to focus on Jesus and His love for us.  

 

He Calls You Friend

Recently I had the privilege of being a judge in a book award contest. It was an interesting experience and one that God used to remind me of some important truths. 

As a first-round judge, my job was to look for mistakes—typos, punctuation, grammar or spelling errors, etc. I wasn’t looking for all the things the author did well. I was looking for every little mistake that didn’t measure up to the standards of book publishing. It was a very different reading experience than reading for pleasure or reading a book written by a friend. In those cases, I look for the good things. I applaud what the author did well and the parts I enjoyed. And it’s easier to overlook any mistakes that I do see. (I still see them even when I’m not specifically looking for them—occupational hazard.) 

As I thought about this, Jesus gave me such a vivid picture of our relationship with Him. Yes, God is the righteous judge. But He has already judged all of our sin when Jesus took it on Himself at the cross. As a judge, God punished Jesus for my sin, and then God declared me righteous with Jesus’ own righteousness! I no longer stand before God as judge. I stand with Jesus—who has called me “friend.” And while Jesus still sees my mistakes, sins, and failures (He’s God, He sees it all), He looks at me as a friend. Jesus focuses on all the moments I turn to Him, all the times I submit my will to His, all the times I rely on His strength not my own . . . all the good things, not the mistakes. 

I don’t know if that encourages you like it did me, but I hope so. God wants us to believe the truth about Him. And the truth is that He isn’t hovering over us waiting for us to mess up so He can judge us for it. That’s why Jesus came—to take the punishment our sins deserve. And to move us from “defendant” to “friend.”

Take a moment to picture Jesus treating you like the best friend possible. Imagine Him looking at all the good things about you, cheering you on, encouraging you in every godly decision, reminding you how precious and loved you are . . . That’s who He is. That’s how He sees you.

There’s another lesson I’ve learned in this process: I don’t want to act like a judge. Being a book judge is hard enough. You’d think that grammar and writing have a standard set of absolute rules, but they don’t. There are many areas where it could go one way or another way, depending on the context, genre, style of the writer, etc. The same is true in life. While some things are absolute truth and clearly right or wrong, there are many choices that could go one way or another way. I don’t want to judge other people, especially over things that are not absolute truth. I’m not the author of their story. I’m not the one who knows everything. And I’m not perfect. Only God is qualified to be the judge because He is all those things. He is both righteous and gracious.

At the beginning of this new year, I feel like this message is so important to carry with us. If you’re like me—a sinner, saved by God’s grace—I want to remind you that Jesus calls you friend. May that sweet truth transform the way you see God and how you think He sees you. And for those who don’t yet know this message, I want to tell them that Jesus took their place so that they can be judged righteous before God—and come to know Him as their friend. Such a gift still astounds me. I pray it will be a theme we carry all year. 

He calls you friend.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” –John 15:9-15