god – Page 2 – Men's Small Group Blog

Seeds of Brotherhood: Investing in Friendships Early

When we think about planning for retirement, we hear the same advice over and over again: start early. Financial advisors tell us that the earlier we begin to invest, even with small amounts, the more our savings can grow over time. Compound interest works best when time is on your side. But the same is true in our spiritual and relational lives — especially when it comes to building strong, life-giving friendships.

Friendship, like any meaningful investment, takes time. It’s not built in a rush or squeezed into the leftover moments of our lives. It’s something we plant, water, and nurture over the years. If we want to enjoy the deep comfort, trust, and encouragement of close brothers in Christ later in life, we need to start planting those seeds now.

A Biblical View of Friendship

Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” That kind of brotherhood doesn’t come out of nowhere. It grows through shared time, prayer, and intentional care. Like any good crop, it starts with planting — early and consistently.

Jesus modeled this beautifully. Though He had a public ministry of just three years, He invested deeply in His disciples from the beginning. He ate with them, traveled with them, laughed and cried with them. Even knowing He’d only be with them for a short time, Jesus planted seeds of friendship that would eventually become the foundation of the early Church.

Investing Now for What’s to Come

It’s tempting to put friendship on the backburner — especially in busy seasons of life. Work, family, and other responsibilities can make meaningful connection feel optional. But here’s the thing: when adversity hits, it’s too late to start planting. You need roots already in place.

The best time to invest in friendship is before you think you “need” it.

Friendships are your spiritual 401(k). They won’t grow unless you feed them regularly. That could be a simple weekly check-in, joining a Bible study, making space for coffee with a brother, or even shooting a quick text just to say “thinking of you.” Small investments, over time, pay big dividends.

Jesus Invested in You, Too

Let’s not forget: our model for friendship starts with Jesus. He calls us friends (John 15:15) and laid down His life for us while we were still sinners. If the Savior of the world saw friendship as essential, shouldn’t we?

He knew that relationships are eternal. Money, achievements, and schedules will all pass away, but the love we show and the lives we touch will echo into eternity.

Reflection Questions

Do you agree that investing in friendships can bear an “investment return” similar to your return on your financial investments?
How are you currently investing in your friendships? Are there relationships you’ve been meaning to nurture?
Are you waiting for “free time” to grow friendships? What would change if you prioritized connection like you would a financial investment?
What kind of friend do you want to be remembered as, and what seeds can you start planting today to become that man?

Fewer Soldiers, Bigger God

When we think about gearing up for a battle—whether it’s a literal fight or just the challenge of getting through a tough day—we usually want to bring everything we’ve got. We like having the odds in our favor. But God’s way is very different.

In Judges 7, we meet Gideon, a man called by God to lead Israel against the Midianites. The enemy’s army was massive, like “a swarm of locusts” (Judges 7:12), while Gideon started with a modest force of 32,000 men. But then, God did something unexpected: He told Gideon there were too many soldiers. God didn’t want Israel to claim victory by their own strength. Instead, He wanted the glory to go to Him. So, God told Gideon to let anyone who was afraid go home. That left 10,000.

Still too many.

Then came another cut—this time based on how the men drank water. In the end, only 300 soldiers remained. Three hundred against an army too big to count. But with God, they had everything they needed. And sure enough, through clever strategy and God’s power, they won the battle without even lifting a sword in the initial clash.

So what does that mean for us?

Each day, we step into situations that feel too big. Maybe it’s a workload we don’t feel prepared for, a relationship that feels strained, or a decision we don’t know how to make. Like Gideon, we often wish we had more—more strength, more time, more resources. But sometimes, God allows our “army” to shrink so that we lean harder on Him. He’s not trying to set us up for failure; He’s reminding us that victory doesn’t come from our own strength. It comes from trusting Him.

2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Just like with Gideon, our weakness can be the perfect setting for God’s strength to shine.

When we start our day feeling under-resourced, we’re in the perfect place to say, “God, I can’t do this on my own—but I know You can.” That’s faith. That’s where growth happens.

Questions:

What resonated with you most about today’s lesson?
Have you ever felt like you didn’t have enough to face a challenge—but somehow got through it?
Can you think of a time when something that seemed like a setback turned out to be a way God showed His power?
What would it look like to trust God more fully in a current situation you’re facing?

When the Ground Feels Shaky: Trusting God in Uncertain Times

Uncertainty doesn’t sit well with most of us. Whether it’s the economy, professional related, or personal, unknowns can make us feel like the ground beneath us is shifting.

I bring this up because lately parts of the economy and daily life have felt less predictable than ever. More frequently in the past few weeks, I’ve heard friends say that they’ve had deals pause or get canceled. And I understand from my son that many of his friends are struggling to find their first job out of college. While these things can stir up anxiety, it can also do something else—it can drive us back to God.

And maybe that’s the point.

Scripture doesn’t promise us an easy or certain path. In fact, Jesus says in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” That’s not a dismissal of our fears; it’s a reminder that He sees us, knows our struggles, and offers us something steadier than any market: Himself.

When things are going smoothly, it’s easy to think we’re in control. But uncertain times remind us of a deeper truth—we were never meant to walk this life without leaning fully on God. Proverbs 3:5–6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” It’s a call to let go of our tight grip and place our confidence in His faithfulness, not in what we can predict or plan.

And while we’re trusting God with our own uncertainties, let’s not forget to look around. Someone near us might be carrying more than they’re letting on. A quiet word of encouragement, a listening ear, or even a simple check-in can go a long way. We were never meant to walk this journey alone—and sometimes, the way God shows up in uncertainty is through each other. Empathy doesn’t cost much, but it can be the very thing that helps someone else breathe a little easier today.

Uncertainty isn’t a punishment—it’s often an invitation. An invitation to pause. To reconnect. To remember that while we may not know what tomorrow brings, we do know the One who holds tomorrow.

Questions:

Have you also experienced more uncertainty than usual recently – personally or those close to you?
How do you usually respond to uncertainty—do you tend to worry, plan harder, or turn to God?
Can you think of a time when looking back, you saw how God carried you through something uncertain?
How can we support each other better as a group when we’re going through uncertain times?

Saving the Best for Last

Today’s lesson is based on Dr. Bill’s sermon from Sunday. And today’s scripture is from 2 Corinthians 5:17 which says:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Saving the Best for Last

We all love a good transformation story—whether it’s an underdog sports team making an epic comeback, a struggling business turning things around, or even just a home renovation show where a worn-down house becomes something beautiful. There’s something about transformation that grabs our attention.

That’s part of what makes Jesus’ first recorded miracle so compelling. In John 2, we see Him take something ordinary—water—and transform it into something extraordinary—fine wine. But there’s more to this moment than just an impressive display of power. It’s a glimpse into how God works in our lives, often in ways we don’t expect.

An Unexpected Miracle

The setting is a wedding in Cana, a town in Galilee. In that culture, weddings weren’t just an afternoon event with a reception—they were multi-day celebrations, and hospitality was everything. To run out of wine wasn’t just an inconvenience; it was a major embarrassment for the couple and their families.

Mary, Jesus’ mother, notices the problem and brings it to Him. At first, Jesus seems hesitant—“My time has not yet come,” He says. But then, despite that statement, He acts. He tells the servants to fill six large stone jars with water, and by the time they serve it, the water has become the finest wine. The crisis is averted, and the celebration continues.

At first glance, this might seem like a small, almost trivial, miracle. But it points to something much bigger: the nature of Jesus’ mission and the way He transforms not just water, but lives.

More Than Just Wine

One of the fascinating things about this story is that Jesus didn’t have to do anything. The need wasn’t life-threatening. No one was sick, blind, or paralyzed. And yet, He stepped in—perhaps at the urging of His mother—to meet a simple, human need.

It’s a reminder that God cares about both the big and small moments in our lives. We sometimes assume that God is only interested in major crises—health scares, financial ruin, spiritual struggles. But this miracle suggests otherwise. If Jesus was willing to save a newlywed couple from embarrassment, how much more does He care about the everyday struggles we face?

Have you ever experienced a time when God stepped into your life in an unexpected way?

God’s Timing and Transformation

There’s also a tension in this story. Jesus initially says, “My time has not yet come,” but then performs the miracle anyway. It’s a reminder that God’s timing doesn’t always align with ours. We may want things to happen now, but He sees the bigger picture.

At the same time, we see that when Jesus does act, transformation happens. Water becomes wine. Sinners become saints. The broken are made whole. And—perhaps most encouragingly—He saves the best for last.

The master of ceremonies at the wedding is amazed. Typically, the best wine was served first, and the cheaper wine came out later. But here, the opposite happens. This detail speaks to something powerful about God’s character: He is always leading us toward something greater.

We often assume our best days are behind us. Maybe we feel like we’ve already peaked in our careers, in our relationships, in our faith. But God is in the business of saving the best for last.

Looking Ahead

God isn’t finished with us. He is still at work, and He is still in the business of transformation. The question is—are we willing to trust Him with the process?

And here are a few questions for the group:

Do you agree that God’s timing is not always our timing? If so, why do you believe we sometimes get out in front of God…or fall behind?
Where in your life do you need to trust that God is still working—that He’s not done with you yet?
How have you seen God transform something ordinary in your own life?
In what areas of your life do you struggle to believe that “the best is yet to come”?

Walking Humbly: The Foundation of a Godly Life

“He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?”
— Micah 6:8 (NKJV)

We’ve talked about justice—standing for what is right.
We’ve talked about mercy—extending grace when it’s undeserved.
Now, we come to the third call of Micah 6:8: to walk humbly with our God.

At first glance, humility might not seem as action-packed as justice or mercy. But in reality, humility is what keeps both of those things in check. Without humility, justice becomes prideful self-righteousness. Without humility, mercy can feel like an act of superiority rather than grace.

Humility isn’t just a posture—it’s the foundation of a godly life.

What Does It Mean to Walk Humbly?

To “walk” with God means to live in relationship with Him, moving in step with His ways rather than our own. To do it humbly means we recognize who He is—and who we are in comparison.

Humility is not weakness, self-hatred, or thinking you’re worthless. True humility is seeing yourself accurately—understanding that every good thing we have comes from God. It’s recognizing that He is God, and we are not.

Jesus modeled this perfectly. Philippians 2:6-8 tells us that though Jesus was God Himself, He humbled Himself, taking on the role of a servant, even to the point of dying on a cross. If the Son of God walked in humility, how much more should we?

Why Is Humility So Important?

The Bible makes it clear: God is drawn to humility and resists pride.

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10)
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

Pride makes us believe we can handle life on our own. It keeps us from admitting when we’re wrong. It makes us seek recognition rather than God’s glory. Humility, on the other hand, keeps our hearts open to correction, grace, and growth.

How Do We Walk Humbly with God?

Recognize that everything we have is from Him. (Our talents, wisdom, and even our next breath are gifts, not entitlements.)
Seek God’s will above our own. (Humility means surrendering our plans when they don’t align with His.)
Be teachable. (A humble heart is willing to admit mistakes and learn from others.)
Serve others instead of seeking status. (Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. What does that tell us about leadership and humility?)
Pray with dependence, not self-sufficiency. (Prayer isn’t just about asking—it’s about acknowledging our need for God.)

Reflection Questions

Do you agree that pride is one of the biggest obstacles to spiritual growth? Why or why not?
How do you recognize when pride is creeping into your heart?
Although no one is perfect, who is someone in your life that models humility well? What can you learn from them?
What’s one way you can practice humility in your daily life this week?

The Power of Forgiveness—Mercy in Action

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32

In our last discussion, we explored what it means to love mercy (Micah 6:8)—not just to show it when necessary but to cherish and actively pursue it. Today, we’re taking that idea further by looking at one of the most powerful ways we live out mercy: forgiveness.

Forgiveness isn’t easy. If you’ve ever been hurt, betrayed, or wronged, you know how hard it can be to let go. Sometimes, the pain feels too deep. The offense feels too personal. But Jesus makes it clear: forgiveness isn’t optional for those who follow Him.

Why Forgiveness is an Act of Mercy

Mercy is all about not giving someone the punishment they deserve. When we forgive, we choose to let go of our right to hold something against another person.

In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answers, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” In other words—keep forgiving.

Jesus follows this with the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23-35). A man is forgiven a massive debt by his king, but instead of extending the same mercy, he refuses to forgive someone who owes him a much smaller amount. The king is furious and punishes the man.

The message? We have been forgiven an immeasurable debt by God. How can we refuse to forgive others?

Forgiveness Sets You Free

Here’s the truth: forgiveness isn’t just for the other person—it’s for you.

Holding onto resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer. It chains us to the past, keeping us stuck in anger and bitterness. Mercy breaks those chains.

Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

How We Can Forgive When It’s Hard

Remember how much God has forgiven you. When we realize how deep His mercy is, it becomes easier to extend it to others.
Pray for the person who wronged you. It’s hard to stay bitter when you genuinely ask God to bless someone.
Release the right to revenge. Mercy means choosing to let go of payback and trusting God with justice.
Keep forgiving. Sometimes forgiveness is a process, not a one-time decision. Keep choosing mercy.

Forgiveness isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most powerful ways we can walk in mercy. And when we forgive, we show our commitment to reflecting God’s character.

Reflection Questions:

While both are important, do you agree that forgiving someone is more about setting yourself free than letting the other person off the hook?
Why do you think forgiveness is so hard for many people?
How does forgiving someone reflect the mercy God has shown us?
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard about forgiving someone?

Walking in Mercy: Living Out Micah 6:8

This lesson was inspired by Rev. Herlong’s Sunday message from Micah 6:8, specifically focusing on mercy.

“He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?” — Micah 6:8 (NKJV)

Micah 6:8 is one of those verses that cuts through all the noise and gets right to the heart of something important God desires from us. It’s not a list of religious checkboxes—it’s a call to live a life that reflects His character. And today, we will zero in on that second part: to love mercy.

What Does It Mean to Love Mercy?

It’s one thing to show mercy when it’s required, but to love mercy? That’s different. That means mercy isn’t just something we give reluctantly—it’s something we cherish, value, and actively pursue. It’s a mindset shift from “I guess I have to forgive” to “I get to extend grace because I have received it.”

Mercy means not giving someone the punishment they might deserve. It’s when we choose to release anger instead of holding a grudge, to respond with kindness instead of payback, to see others through the lens of grace instead of judgment.

God’s Mercy Toward Us

Before we can love mercy, we need to recognize how deeply we’ve received it. God’s mercy is woven all throughout Scripture. Over and over, He withholds the judgment we deserve, offering us grace instead.

“The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy.” (Psalm 145:8)
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” (Lamentations 3:22)

Think about your own life—how many times has God shown you mercy? How many times has He given you another chance when you didn’t deserve it? That’s the kind of mercy we’re called to love and extend to others.

Living It Out Daily

So how do we love mercy in everyday life?

Forgive quickly. Holding onto bitterness only weighs you down. When we love mercy, we let go of offenses instead of keeping score.
Give people the benefit of the doubt. Maybe that rude cashier is struggling with something heavy. Maybe your coworker’s attitude comes from a place of deep hurt. Mercy chooses to see others with compassion.
Be generous with grace. Mercy isn’t just about forgiving sins—it’s also about extending kindness, patience, and understanding even when it’s undeserved.
Remember your own need for mercy. It’s easier to show mercy when we remember how much we’ve received from God.

The Challenge

Micah 6:8 isn’t just a nice verse—it’s a way of life. Loving mercy means actively looking for ways to reflect God’s heart in how we treat others. It’s not always easy, but when we choose mercy, we reflect the character of God.

Reflection Questions

Can you think of a time when God showed you mercy? How did that impact you?
Why do you think God calls us to love mercy instead of just practice it occasionally?
How does remembering God’s mercy toward us help us extend it to others?
How would our communities, workplaces, and families change if we truly loved mercy?

Gratitude in the Snow

The past few days of bitter cold, icy roads, and restricted movement have been a stark reminder of how quickly life’s conveniences can slip away. Simple things—like safe travel, meeting with friends, or running errands—suddenly feel out of reach. But these moments of disruption can also serve as gentle nudges, inviting us to turn our hearts and minds toward God.

That brings us to today’s verses:

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. – Psalm 46:10

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

When our normal routines are interrupted, we’re given a chance to pause and reflect on the many blessings we often take for granted. The warmth of a safe home, the comfort of loved ones, and even the stillness of a day slowed down by the weather—each is a gift from God, a reminder of His provision and faithfulness.

These quiet, unexpected moments can draw us closer to Him. When life feels uncertain or inconvenient, we’re reminded that our true security and hope don’t rest in the things of this world but in God’s unchanging goodness. The icy roads may keep us from moving, but they can also give us space to stop, pray, and refocus on the One who provides for us in all seasons.

So, as we experience occasional inconveniences, consider taking time to lift your heart in gratitude for God’s blessings—both big and small. Think about ways to lean into His presence, trusting that even in life’s disruptions He is working for our good and drawing us nearer to Him.

Questions:

When we get ice and snow, why is it difficult to focus on gratitude and blessings instead of thoughts of fear and inconvenience?
What blessings in your life have you taken for granted recently?
How can you use moments of inconvenience or stillness to grow closer to God?
In what ways have you experienced God’s provision during difficult times?
What steps can you take today to express gratitude for both the small and big blessings in your life?

2025: A Year of Prayer

As we step into 2025, many of us are looking for ways to deepen our relationship with God and grow in our faith. We touched on this in last week’s group where someone mentioned the idea of needing some pointers on how to pray more effectively. So today, we’re going to discuss contemplative prayer.

It would be great if we resolved, as a group, to make 2025 a year of prayer. Think about the positive benefits of committing to growing in our understanding of what prayer is, practicing it regularly, and experiencing the peace, guidance, and closeness with God that comes from it.

Prayer is one of the greatest gifts we’ve been given. Yet, for many (most?) of us, prayer can feel intimidating. What should we say? How should we start? What if we don’t hear anything back? If that’s where you’re at, you’re not alone.

Contemplative Prayer: The Power of Listening

When we think of prayer, it’s easy to picture folding our hands, bowing our heads, and listing off our needs. While there’s absolutely a place for bringing our requests to God (Philippians 4:6-7), prayer is also about listening. This is where contemplative prayer comes in.

Contemplative prayer isn’t about saying the “right” words. In fact, it’s not about words at all. It’s about sitting quietly in God’s presence, inviting Him to speak to our hearts, and resting in His love. It’s a reminder that prayer isn’t a one-way street—it’s a conversation. Sometimes we need to pause and let God get a word in.

Simple Ways to Get Started

If prayer feels unfamiliar or overwhelming, start small. Here are some practical steps to help you make 2025 your year of prayer:

Set a Time and Place: Consistency helps build habits, even if it’s just for 5-10 minutes.
Start with Gratitude: Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we’ve been given.
Use Scripture: If you’re not sure what to pray, let the Bible guide you. For example, read Psalm 23 and pray through the verses, asking God to shepherd you this year.
Practice Listening: Spend a few minutes in silence. Ask God to speak, and then wait.
Write it down: Keep a notebook nearby to document words and ideas God puts on your heart during this time. Over time, go back and review your notes to see if you can recognize any patterns or themes that emerge.

As James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Let’s hold onto that promise as we grow together in prayer this year.

Here are some questions to consider as we step into this year of prayer:

How would you describe your current prayer life? What’s one thing you’d like to grow in?
Have you ever tried contemplative prayer or listening to God? What was that experience like?
What would it look like for you to make prayer a daily habit this year? What would be some of the positive benefits?
What do you think of the idea of making 2025 a year of prayer for our group? What are some things we could do to make that a reality?

New Year, New Mercies: Finding Hope in 2025

As we step into the new year, the promise of a fresh start often fills our hearts with hope. There’s something about flipping the calendar to January that makes us feel like anything is possible—like the mistakes, challenges, and burdens of the past year can be left behind. But while the new year can feel like a clean slate, we often find ourselves carrying some of the same struggles into January.

This is where God’s mercies shine. Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us:
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Every day—not just January 1st—is a chance to experience the renewal God offers. His mercies are new every morning, meaning we don’t have to wait for a new year to start fresh. The beauty of God’s grace is that it’s available to us all the time, no matter where we are in life or what we’ve been through.

As we dive into 2025, maybe you’ve set some goals or resolutions, which is great. But if you haven’t already done so, set an intention on what matters most: growing in our relationship with Christ. Instead of chasing perfection, focus on progress. Instead of striving for control, trust in God’s plans.

Encouragement for the Journey

2025 will bring its share of joys and challenges, but we don’t have to face any of it alone. God walks with us every step of the way. Let’s commit to encouraging one another, lifting each other up, and pointing each other to Christ as we navigate this new year together.

Remember, it’s not about having a “perfect” year; it’s about leaning into God’s perfect love and faithfulness. Let’s step into 2025 with courage and hope, knowing that His mercies are always new—and always enough.

Happy New Year!

Here are some questions to reflect on as you step into the new year.

What’s one thing you’re grateful for as you look back on 2024?
What’s an area of your life where you feel God inviting you to grow this year?
What’s one way you can remind yourself of God’s new mercies each day?
How can you prioritize building deeper relationships with others in your faith community in 2025?