jesus – 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?

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?

Hope on the Horizon

Easter is coming—and it brings with it a reminder we all need from time to time: God isn’t finished yet.

We all hit seasons that feel heavy. Maybe life’s felt stuck lately. Maybe you’ve been carrying questions, disappointments, or even quiet battles no one sees. And maybe you’ve wondered, “Is this it?”

But Easter says, “Not even close.”

When Jesus went to the cross, it looked like the end. From a human perspective, everything pointed to loss. His closest friends scattered. His enemies felt victorious. Hope seemed buried with Him in the tomb. But buried doesn’t mean gone. And dead doesn’t mean done.

The resurrection isn’t just a moment in history—it’s a message to every one of us. It’s God’s way of saying, “I’m still at work. I still bring dead things to life. I still write redemptive endings.”

Isaiah 43:19 puts it this way: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” That’s the heartbeat of Easter. New life. Fresh hope. A comeback no one saw coming.

And it’s not just for the polished or the put-together. It’s for the tired dad, the uncertain husband, the man who’s been showing up but feeling flat. Easter reminds us that our worst day isn’t the final word. That God can take what looks like defeat and turn it into resurrection.

Romans 8:11 gives us this incredible promise: “The Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.” That means resurrection power isn’t just something to celebrate—it’s something we can live from. Right here. Right now.

If you’re like me, you like to help God co-author your story. I’m great at trying to speed things up or blaze my own trail. But I only find real peace when I sit back and trust that His writing—both the content and the style—is far better and more effective than mine. And to anchor that truth, here are a few verses that remind us we really can trust Him to author our story:

Hebrews 12:2 refers to Jesus as “the author and perfecter of our faith”.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “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.”

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of God’s intentions: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Whatever season you’re in, Easter invites you to believe again. To trust that God is still writing your story, even if you’re stuck on a hard chapter.

Questions:

What part of today’s message resonated with you the most?

Where in your life do you need to be reminded that “God is not finished yet”?

If you are comfortable doing so, please share a time when God brought something good out of a difficult season in your life?

What does it look like, practically, to “sit back and trust” God in your current season?

Slowing Down for Lent: Making Space for What Matters

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)

Life doesn’t exactly ask us to slow down. Between work, family, responsibilities, and just trying to keep up, we can find ourselves running on fumes without even realizing it. That’s where Lent comes in.

Lent is the 40-day period leading up to Easter, a time when Christians around the world pause to reflect, reset, and realign their lives with God. It’s not about being perfect or checking religious boxes—it’s about making space. Space to hear God’s voice. Space to notice what we’ve been clinging to. Space to let go of what’s been holding us back.

Why 40 Days?

It mirrors the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness. He was tempted, tested, and stripped of comfort—but it was also a time of deep connection with God. Lent invites us into something similar. Not to suffer for the sake of it, but to step away from distractions and draw closer to the One who gives us real life.

It’s Not Just About Giving Something Up

People often give up things like sweets, social media, or caffeine. But it’s not about the “what” as much as the “why.” Giving something up can open space for something greater. Maybe you skip your morning scroll and talk to God instead. Or fast from negativity and choose encouragement. Lent can also mean adding something—like starting a gratitude journal, checking in on a friend each week, or spending 10 minutes in silence with God.

It’s About the Heart

God’s not impressed by how good we are at saying no to chocolate. He’s after our hearts. Lent is about returning to Him—letting Him reset what’s out of rhythm and remind us of who we really are: deeply loved, fully known, and never alone.

So whether you’ve practiced Lent for years or this is your first time hearing about it, you’re invited. Not to perform, but to pause. Not to impress, but to reconnect.

Questions:

Have you ever participated in Lent before (giving something up or adding something)? What was your experience like?
If you haven’t already, what’s one thing you’d consider giving up—or adding in—this Lent to make space for God?
When was the last time you slowed down just to be still with God?
What “noise” or distraction tends to pull your attention away from faith lately?
How could this group support you in your Lent journey?

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?

What Men Really Want

If you’re a married man with kids, have you ever stopped to think about what you really want out of life? Sure, career success, physical health, and financial security matter, but when you strip it all down, what’s at the core of your desires?

Most men, whether they say it outright or not, deeply long for three things:

1. Emotional Connection with Your Wife

It’s easy to assume that what you want in marriage is respect, admiration, or even submission. But underneath all of that, what you’re truly seeking is emotional connection. You want a wife who sees you, understands you, and walks with you through life—not just physically, but emotionally as well. The happiest marriages aren’t just built on teamwork; they’re built on deep, genuine connection.

2. Adult Children Who Like You

Raising kids isn’t just about making sure they turn out good—it’s about raising them into adults you enjoy being around and who want to be around you. Think about it: What greater joy is there than seeing your grown children choose to come back home, not because they have to, but because they want to? That kind of relationship is built through years of intentional love, wisdom, and grace.

3. Respect and Honor in Your Church and Community

Not everyone will hold a leadership title, but every man can live in a way that earns the respect of his church and community. True eldership isn’t about status—it’s about wisdom, faithfulness, generosity, and humility. The men who are most respected are those who have poured themselves into others, led with integrity, and served with a heart like Christ’s.

The Path to These Desires

So, how do you achieve these three things? The answer isn’t found in chasing personal success or worldly achievements—it’s found in following Jesus and living a Christ-centered life.

Think about the men you admire, those who have strong, lasting marriages, kids who love them, and a reputation of wisdom and faith in the community. What do they have in common? You’ll find that they prioritize faith, relationships, and service over self-interest.

The good news? It’s never too late to start.

Discussion Questions

Do you agree that the “secret” to satisfying the basic desires above is found in following Jesus and living a Christ-centered life.
Which of the three desires (marriage, children, community) resonates most with you right now? Why?
What are some practical ways you can strengthen your emotional connection with those closest to you?
What kind of relationship do you hope to have with your children when they’re adults? What steps can you take now to cultivate that?
What is one small, intentional step you can take this week to build a legacy of faith, love, and respect?

Who Is In Your Disciple ‘Tree’?

Peyton and I spoke after church on Sunday and he thought this would be a good topic. It’s based on the sermon Sunday and is consistent with our ongoing efforts to be intentional about our faith.

As Bill Burch mentioned in his sermon Sunday, Bill Belichick, one of the most successful NFL coaches, has a coaching “tree” full of leaders who’ve gone on to make their mark in football. This tree is comprised of many assistant coaches who’ve gone on to be head coaches in other programs.

Whether they’ve succeeded or stumbled, they carry his influence—his way of thinking, his strategies, his values. It’s a reminder that none of us live in isolation. We’re all influenced by someone, and in turn, we influence others.

The same is true in our walk of faith. As disciples of Jesus, we’re part of His “tree.” His teachings, His love, and His example shape who we are. And as we grow, God calls us to do the same for others—to teach, encourage, and influence people in our lives.

So, whose tree are you a part of? Who has poured into your life and helped you grow in faith? Maybe it’s a parent who prayed for you every day, a friend who encouraged you when life felt heavy, or a pastor whose words have stuck with you. And here’s the flip side: who is part of your tree? Who are you pouring into? Who are you encouraging, mentoring, and pointing toward Jesus?

We often think of discipleship as something formal—Bible studies or teaching sessions—but discipleship often happens in the small moments of life. It happens when you take the time to pray for someone, listen without judgment, or simply live in a way that reflects Christ.

Paul captures this so well in 1 Corinthians 11:1: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” Discipleship isn’t about perfection; it’s about pointing others to Jesus as you walk with Him yourself. It’s saying, “I’m following Him, and I want you to come along.”

This week, take some time to reflect on your tree—both the branches that shaped you and the branches you’re growing. As we do so, we can all work toward being part of a discipleship legacy that points to Jesus and helps others walk in His love.

Questions:

1. Who first introduced you to faith or helped you understand what it means to follow Jesus? How has their influence shaped your journey?

2. What qualities or actions stand out to you in someone who has discipled you? How can you reflect those qualities to others?

3. Who are you currently pouring into or walking alongside in faith? How can you intentionally invest in that person’s growth?

4. What barriers (time, fear, self-doubt) might be keeping you from discipling someone else? How can you trust God to overcome them?