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1)# ’I have made you a watchman.’

Ezekiel 3:17 (16-19)

In Ezekiel’s day, a watchman warned of impending danger and had the responsibility for life and death situations. Being alert and aware were essential qualities. He needed to know what to look out for and to be able to communicate clearly. Not always easy when the pressure is on and time is short.

God called Ezekiel to be a watchman for Israel and he calls us to be the same for society today. Moral values are being eroded and a respect for the LORD God continues to decline. Changes in legislation about marriage and sexuality, undermine Biblical teaching and will result in more broken relationships and damaged lives. God’s call on his Church is still to be that ‘watchman’. In Matthew 5, Jesus spoke of us being salt and light - making a difference for good. So, as we move into a new year, whether it is in word or action, let’s recommit to being watch-men and women today and for the rest of this year.


2)# ’He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.’

John 15:2 (1-8)

In this passage Jesus is speaking of two sorts of cutting. One is a cutting off of the unfruitful branches and the other is a cutting back of the fruitful branches, so that they can be ‘even more fruitful’. Developing a Christ-like life is what Jesus is speaking of here and the fruit will be that of the Holy Spirit, manifest in our lives (cf Gal 5). Pruning concentrates the energy where it is most useful and removes what is wasteful. What is left is stronger and healthier and will be more productive.

The same is true for all who follow Christ - but it can be difficult. Sometimes we confuse being busy with Church activities with being fruitful for Christ. But lots of leaves can cover up the lack of fruit as in Mark 11. Making changes to what we do and how we do it can be hard, but it may be necessary if the fruit of the Spirit is to reach its full potential in our lives. As Bishop Taylor-Smith once said, ‘Beware the barrenness of a busy life.’ So let’s submit to the pruning work of the Holy Spirit in our lives today.


3)# ’Dress the wound ... as though it were not serious.’

Jeremiah 6:14 (12-15)

The prophets and priests of God’s people were not taking things seriously. They were playing at serving God without dealing with underlying problems. In fact they had become part of the problem. They were reassuring people when they should have been rebuking them; covering things up rather than exposing them and sorting them out. They were turning a blind eye to ungodliness and were even benefiting from it themselves.

Popularity and ease of life were more important than obedience to the Lord. It’s something that we have to be aware of for ourselves. Accepting the wrong actions and opinions of modern society around us, even allowing them within the Church can be easy and popular, but not right with the Lord Jesus. Excusing wrong behaviour and attitudes does not deal with them. God’s call for a holy people has not changed and we must take it seriously or face the consequences.

    
4)# ’For you are all one in Christ Jesus.’

Galatians 3:28 (26-29)

This is not about losing our identity, but rather about recognising our identity. Who we are as God’s people is not about our external state or standing (Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female), but about being one in Christ and of equal worth before Father God. Difference and diversity are part of God’s wonderful creation, to be celebrated and enjoyed within the discipline of holy living. But it’s a shame when we let differences segregate and separate, particularly in the Church.

Recognising that we are all ‘one in Christ’ means allowing our differences to make us a more complete, and useful, people of God. The new heaven and earth will be filled with those from every tribe, language, people and nation, yet still one kingdom and priesthood of God. Let’s celebrate our diversity within the unity of Christ today, in preparation for that which is to come.


5)# ’It is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves.’

1 Samuel 17:47 (41-47)

It’s not that the Lord doesn’t use physical tools or means to bring about his purposes, of course he does. But the point here is how we regard our battles and what, or who we rely on to achieve victory. David’s trust in the Lord to use his skill with sling and stone was key to gaining victory over the enemy. King Saul and his army saw the battle just from a human perspective and were left cowering in their camp. David knew there was a spiritual dimension to what was happening and so trusted in the Lord, rather than in the armour being offered to him.

As Christians, we are engaging in spiritual as well as physical dimensions. The ‘giants’ of life come in all shapes and sizes, but can often have a spiritual aspect, so we need the help of the Holy Spirit and the armour that he provides to help us to overcome (Eph 6). As David demonstrated, when our reliance is fully on the Lord, then he can use what the world despises and belittles to bring about a mighty victory for his glory (1 Cor 1:27ff). So let’s not be put off by the size or strength of the ’giants’ we might face. Let’s put on the armour of God and trust in the Holy Spirit to give us victory using whatever means he chooses.


6)# ’She poured the perfume on his head.’

Mark 14:3 (3-9)

This lady’s behaviour was very deliberate and teaches us three things. Firstly, it was personal. What she did was out of her love for Jesus. Secondly, it was focussed, she came specifically to anoint Christ. And thirdly, it was complete, she gave the very best she had and gave it all to Jesus.

Our love for Christ must be personal. We can’t rely on someone else’s devotion. We have to have a relationship with Jesus for ourselves. When we do, it will change our heart and affect our actions.

Secondly, our lives must be focussed on living for Christ. He is the head of his body, the Church and he must be Lord of our lives. When he is, we begin to see everything we have and are, from a right perspective.

Lastly, we give everything to Christ. We are completely his. Our past, our present and our future are his to deal with and sort out. Our work, money, family, hopes and dreams are all his to use as he wants. This lady had nothing left in her bottle, but went away with everything she ever needed. Forgiveness, peace and a new life. She sets us an example well worth following.


7)# ’Jesus, remember me.’

Luke 23:42 (38-43)

This must be one of the shortest prayers for salvation ever - but it was effective. This was no ‘say after me..’ or steps 1-2-3 to be saved. Just a simple cry from one broken heart to One whose heart was broken (literally ‘ruptured’ Lk 19:34) for him. It’s not the words that matter, but the desire of the heart, and that’s what Jesus responds to. It’s not so much about saying the right words, as saying the words to the right Person. Because this thief got this right, his prayer was effective - ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise’.

And now we too remember this thief, not for the many things he’d done wrong, but for the one thing he got right. Perhaps something worth remembering when we get too particular about appearances, reputations or how people express things.


8)# ’Did God really say...?’

Genesis 3:1 (1-7)

One of the main tactics of Satan is to distort what God says and challenge his authority. Satan appeals to our senses and our emotions. Today, this distortion may come through political correctness or popular views. It may come from outside or inside the Church and be disguised as being ‘non-judgmental’ and ‘tolerant’. That’s why we need to know what God has said both through his written Word (Bible) and his revealed Word (Christ).

As Jesus showed in the wilderness, countering Satan’s distortion with what God has said is the only way to avoid being misled and with the help of the Holy Spirit we can do this. Regular Bible reading and study, along with focussed prayer, will help us to be ready and on our guard. Let’s not be caught out or deceived.


9)# ’Since he has no root, he lasts only a short time.’

Matthew 13:21 (18-23)

Until a seed or plant has taken root, it won’t last. However good a plant may look on top, it’s what is underground that matters. Deep roots will help the plant to be secure and survive. The same is true for all who follow Jesus. We can have an appearance of being a Christian, but if our roots are not deep in Christ, then we’ll struggle to survive.

Being rooted in Christ requires effort and discipline. You can quickly get involved in church activities, sing the songs and look the part, but that’s all ‘above ground’. Away from the meetings and the people, our roots will be tested, especially out in the world. That’s why it’s important to work at being rooted in God’s Word, applying it to our lives and letting the Holy Spirit change us from within. This may take time, but it will keep us secure through the challenging times.


10)# ’He is my refuge and my fortress.’

Psalm 91:2 (1-7)
 
A refuge is a place where you find shelter. It speaks of safety, rest and peace. When on the run from Saul, David needed a refuge, a place of security, comfort and reassurance. He found it in the LORD, his God.

However capable we might be, life throws things our way that cause us to be troubled and distressed. There are times when we don’t know what to do or say. Times when things are against us and we feel harassed. That’s when we need a refuge and that’s what Christ will be for all who hide in him.

A fortress is strong and stands against attack. It is impenetrable and unaffected by outside disturbance. It is reliable and cannot be overwhelmed. It gives courage and boldness to those inside to stand against the enemy. For David, the LORD was his fortress, as he will be for us if we trust in him day by day.


11)# ’But that night they caught nothing.’

John 21:3 (1-6)

We can assume that there were fish in the Sea of Tiberius and we can assume that the fishermen hadn’t lost their touch. ‘But that night they caught nothing’. Many of us will have been in a similar situation asking ‘why?’ or what’s going on?’. Things we’ve done many times before, now go wrong. Changes in our life may undermine our identity. Maybe we’ve even lost our way in following Jesus and we’re left, like the disciples, sitting around on the beach wondering what next.

For the disciples in general and Peter in particular, Jesus needed to help them move on to do a new work that they hadn’t done before, relying on him instead of relying on themselves. The same may be true for us. When we begin to catch nothing, as it were, it may be that the Lord is helping us to move on to do something new, relying on him to guide and provide. But whether it’s moving on or staying put, we must always take our lead from God, with the help of the Holy Spirit.


12)# ’Conformed to the standards of the nations around you.’

Ezekiel 11:12 (5-12)

How relevant this is for us today! Pressure is increasing on Christians, to modify and change our views on marriage, homosexual practice and individual identity, amongst other things, so as to conform to present social views. Human rights and freedom of expression sound good, until some rights have more right than others, and some have more freedom to express their views than other people do.

Traditional Biblical teaching is now seen as out of touch, unrealistic and even prejudiced. Re-interpretation of Scripture is required if we want to keep in step with society. But this will mean being out of step with the Spirit of God. As Christians, we’re not to conform to the standards of the nations around us, but to be transformed as we submit to the work of the Holy Spirit within us (Rom 12:2). Then, as the salt and light of Christ, we can be an influence for good in the lives of those around us. Let’s reaffirm our allegiance to God’s unchanging Word today.


13)# ’But I have prayed for you.’

Luke 22:32 (31-34)

How reassuring is this. Even before Peter’s denial happened in time, Christ had interceded before God the Father on his behalf. Little did Peter realise, at the time, the importance of this prayer. In Romans chapter eight, Paul speaks of Christ now interceding on our behalf in the heavenly realms. We may not realise now the difference Christ’s intercession makes for us here on earth, but one day we will. One thing we can know is that if Christ intercedes for us, then we need it! How grateful we can be that he prays and acts on our behalf.

Satan’s ‘sifting’ of Peter was intended to bring his faith to ruin and Satan still wants to ruin God’s work in our lives just like he has done since the Garden of Eden. But ‘he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus’ (Phil 1:6). Christ’s prayer for Peter enabled repentance, forgiveness and restoration. What Satan intended for harm, Christ turned to victory through Peter’s ministry. Let’s join with Christ in praying for one another, especially for those who are being ‘sifted’.


14)# ’Do not neglect your gift.’

1 Timothy 4:14 (9-16)

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul states that a gift (manifestation) of the Spirit is given to each one who is part of the Body of Christ. These gifts are to be used for the good of others (1 Cor 12:7). Gifts can be natural abilities that we offer back to God for him to empower by his Spirit. They can be supernatural abilities direct from the Holy Spirit for certain times and situations. Either way, they need to be identified, recognised and used by the individual as well as by the wider Church.
 
But gifts can be neglected, either because another gift is desired / preferred or because opportunity is not given or taken. So it is important for us to help one another discover, then use, our gifts. In this way ‘the whole body ... grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work’ (Eph 4:16).


15)# ’You adorn yourself in vain.’

Jeremiah 4:30 (29-31)

In the UK we spend tens of billions of pounds each year on clothing and beauty products. All to make ourselves look and feel good, as we grow older by the day. Not much has changed then since Jeremiah’s day. The Israelites were more concerned about their appearance and creature comforts than they were about their spiritual wellbeing. The prophet expresses the Lord’s amazement when he says, ‘What are you doing, O devastated (spoiled) one?’

If God’s people, back then, could be so distracted, they serve as a warning for us now to check our priorities. Let’s not think that we are either immune from such dangers or can justify excess. The glamour of the world is very attractive and sensual, massaging our physical and emotional desires. But, however costly, they do not last and can easily distract us from things that have eternal value. A beautiful heart matters more than a beautiful face, and it’s what the Lord notices. Let’s not waste time and money unnecessarily.


16)# ’Who can forgive sins but God alone?’

Luke 5:21 (17-26)

Who indeed?! Little did the Pharisees realise just what they were acknowledging in this question. As Jesus clearly demonstrated, he has the power to forgive sins, so he was indeed God incarnate. There are many today who will deny the deity of Christ so as to avoid the implications and challenges of God revealed in flesh and blood. Yet in so doing, they deny themselves the forgiveness that God alone can give.

The journalist, novelist and avowed atheist, Marghanita Laski, once said,‘'What I envy most about you Christians is your forgiveness. I have no-one to forgive me.” The burden of unforgiven sin weighs heavily on us all, however much we pretend it doesn’t matter or however much time passes by. Many fit-looking people are going through life crippled by unforgiven sin. If that is you, then today is as good a day as ever to come to the One who alone can forgive sin, and experience the healing and freedom that his forgiveness brings.


17)# ’He held fast to the LORD.’

2 Kings 18:6 (5-8)

King Hezekiah lived in turbulent times. God’s people had once again rebelled and gone after other gods. Even their worship of the Lord had become a charade and they made idols out of the holy things. They were suffering regular attacks from their enemies and their future as a people was bleak. But, whilst others had turned away from the Lord, Hezekiah held fast to the Lord and God used him to bring deliverance for the people of Judah.

Things are turbulent in our world today. Politically, economically, socially and environmentally. Discontent is increasing even as scientific and technological progress is made. Moral standards are in decline and in some parts of the Christian Church, the views and values of modern society have more influence than God’s Word.

How we need people like Hezekiah who will remain faithful to the Lord and his Word. People who will stand against the wrong and corruption in all levels of society. People who will do what is right, even when it’s not popular. People who will live with honesty and integrity, even when it’s at a personal cost. And you and I, the Church of Jesus, are called to be that people.


18)# ’Take off the grave clothes and let him go.’

John 11:44 (38-46)

Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. The stench of death was around him. Stiffness and decay were setting in. Martha believed in resurrection, but for the future, not for the present. But Jesus is the resurrection and the life now, and the raising of Lazarus from the dead is both real and symbolic, a foretaste of what was and is to come.

Lazarus came back to life to die again, but Jesus rose on to life, never to die again. Now, all who trust in him will one day rise on to eternal life in a resurrected body. But even now another resurrection is available. Through Christ’s death and resurrection we can put to death the sinful nature and rise to live a new life (Rom 6:4). The grave clothes of the old life, the bad habits, bad attitudes, wrong actions do not have to bind us up. The Holy Spirit sets us free to live according to his ways. So let’s live today, free from the constraints of the sinful nature, but with the enabling power of the Holy Spirit.


19)# ’Do not let your mouth lead you into sin.’

Ecclesiastes 5:6 (4-9)

In the heat of the moment it is easy to say things which we regret later on. It may be making rash promises that we cannot keep, as is spoken of here. It may be speaking harshly out of frustration or anger, which causes hurt and upset, as in James 3. Either way, the warning here is against letting our words lead to sin. Jesus said that what we say reflects what is in our heart and can make us unclean (Matt 15:11). ‘Think before you speak’ is good advice and we would do well to heed it.

As well as speech, our ‘mouth’ can be social media such as X, TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp or Facebook as well as text messages. As many have found to their cost, once something is said, posted or sent, it cannot be taken back. Many wise-cracks have later revealed the fool who made them. As followers of Christ, let’s be known for keeping our promises and speaking words that encourage and build up, especially when there’s little to say.


20)# ’You have fallen away from grace.’

Galatians 5:4 (1-6)

The Church in Galatia had allowed legalism to take a hold. A group of Jewish believers had emphasised the need to adhere to certain traditions and rites, especially circumcision. They had ‘fallen away from grace’ and relied on keeping the Law to be right before God. Rules and  regulations replaced dependancy on God’s mercy and grace in Christ. Gentile believers had to conform to Jewish requirements to avoid discrimination. It’s easily done.

We might emphasise certain aspects of our denominational beliefs or ways, so as to see them as necessary for salvation. These might range from what we do or don’t wear to what ‘rituals’ we do or don’t practise. The danger is that these become an unnecessary stumbling block for others in their following of Jesus. Much better to emphasise that our salvation is only by faith in what Christ has done and then God’s grace will be shown in our attitudes and actions towards other people.


21)# ’She served Naaman’s wife.’

2 Kings 5:2 (1-6)

This young girl had been captured and given as a slave to Naaman’s wife. But whilst she served her mistress, she also remembered the prophet Elisha, who served the living God. When opportunity came she spoke boldly of her faith in a God who heals. Being a servant in a foreign land didn’t stop this girl from wanting good for others, even for her master. Her service went further than simply fulfilling her household duties.

Many of us have to live and work in places and amongst people we might not ideally choose. We may want to be elsewhere, doing something different, and we can feel trapped by our circumstances. Well, just like this girl, let’s not miss opportunities that the Lord gives us to speak of hIm for the good of others. Because this girl spoke up, lives were changed, people with influence were affected and we have her example to follow. Let’s not be surprised by what the Lord can do through us, even when we might feel out of place.


22)# ’Yet instead of getting better she grew worse.’

Mark 5:26 (24-34)

We don’t know much about this lady, but she knew enough about Jesus to realise that just a touch of his clothes would be sufficient to bring healing. Not only had conventional treatment left her feeling worse, but it had left her in poverty. Whether her coming to Jesus was a first opportunity or a last resort doesn’t matter. The fact is that she came with enough faith to receive healing.

When we face difficulties, whatever they be, whether we receive help from people around us or not, let’s make sure we come to Jesus first of all rather than last of all. Coming to Jesus doesn’t exclude the help of other people, but he will guide and direct, give peace and healing and help us recognise his purpose for our lives, even through difficult times.


23)# ’Whose leaf does not wither.’

Psalm 1:3 (1-6)

Withered leaves and shrivelled fruit can indicate a lack of water. Death will set in unless the shortage is addressed. But simply spraying water on the leaves will not deal with the main problem. It’s the roots that need the water. Then the leaves and fruit will flourish. The same is true for us, as the Psalmist explains in these verses. If our lives are rooted in the ways of the Lord; if our ‘delight is in the law of the Lord’ then we will have ‘streams of water’ and ‘fruit in season’.

Jesus gives ‘living water’ to all who come to him (Jn 4). As we abide in him and he in us we ‘will bear much fruit’ (Jn 15), and the Holy Spirit works in us to produce fruit for the good of all (Gal 5). This is what Jesus spoke of as life in all its fulness. As any gardener knows, looking after the plants and trees is an ongoing business. Neglect will lead to withered leaves. Let’s make sure that we keep our spiritual roots in Christ and keep being filled with his Spirit day by day. That way our spiritual life will be renewed even if the physical body grows weary (2 Cor 4:16).


24)# ’But some doubted.’

Matthew 28:17 (16-20)

I wonder why? And what was their doubt about? It can’t have been whether Jesus had risen or not because he’d given them ‘many convincing proofs that he was alive’ (Acts 1:3). But now it seems that some of the disciples wavered in their opinion of what had been going on and what would happen next. Jesus was about to depart; a commission was being given to them; Holy Spirit power was promised - but would it all happen if Jesus was physically absent? Whatever the doubts, they were acknowledged, so that they could be dealt with.

From being on top of the mountain, they were to go and wait in Jerusalem - on their own. For you and me, ordinary, every-day life has a way of bringing doubt on the promises of Christ, particularly if we expect the mountain-top experience to last. But in acknowledging our doubts, we can receive reassurance. The disciples discovered that Jesus’ promises were true and they experienced the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to live as his witnesses. He can do the same for you and me as we live for him, day by day. Then our doubts will be replaced with reassurance.


25)# ’Watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.’

Galatians 6:1 (1-5)

It seems that the Apostle Paul is speaking of helping those who are believers, but have slipped up and made a mistake and fallen into sin. He encourages others to ‘restore that person gently’. We can be quick to criticise and come down hard, even gloat over the mistakes of other people, feeling rather smug that we haven’t done the same. We offer help, with a touch of superiority. Well here’s the warning. ‘Watch yourself.’

The danger is that in helping someone else, we drop our guard and become vulnerable to sin ourselves. Not necessarily the same sin, but sin of another kind. ‘If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!’ (1 Cor 10:12). Pride takes advantage of these situations (v3). Gossip can grow under the guise of sharing for prayer. Finding out details can satisfy our curiosity and feed distorted opinions. Keeping a close watch on our motives as well as on our eyes, ears and mouths, is important to avoid temptation.


26)# ’Because of the good he had done.’

2 Chronicles 24:16 (12-16)

Doing good is important especially when others are doing evil. Jehoiada was a priest serving at a time of great upheaval with different families wanting power and control over Israel.  Yet he and his wife remained faithful in serving God and helped restore the rightful king and bring the people back to worship the Lord Jehovah.

Jehoiada was one of those steady influences for good who didn’t lose his head when others were losing theirs and provided a godly guidance and restraint for the king and his people. How we need the good influence of Christian men and women today, in families, in work places, in society. People, young and older, who will live by God’s Word and stand firm for what is right, even when contrary to popular opinion. Like Jesus, who ‘went around doing good’ (Acts 10:38), we must do the same, today, especially at these times of political, social and spiritual upheaval.


27)# ’These women were helping to support them.’

Luke 8:3 (1-3)

In a society where women were seen as less than equal to men, Jesus chose them to be part of his ministry team. Indeed it seems that they were a crucial part of his work and he willingly accepted their practical help and support. By doing this, Jesus was not only encouraging women to play their part in his work, he was also challenging the men in his team, and the wider society, to recognise their worth.

Three of the women are mentioned by name, whilst ‘many others’ are not, but the fact is that they were all women and all an important part of Christ’s ministry. Maybe it’s a timely reminder for us today. Whether we are men or women, mentioned by name or not, we all matter to the Lord and have our part to play. So let’s not exclude ourselves or other people, but work together for the
extension of God’s Kingdom.


28)# ’The Lord was my support.’

Psalm 18:18 (16-19)

Not for the first time, David was being pursued by his enemies. His life was on the line and the threat of death was all around him. He was being chased from one hiding place to another, unsure who he could trust. But on reflection he declared this truth: ‘The Lord was my support’.

Sometimes in the midst of the struggles, we don’t recognise the support that the Lord gives us. But he is there - ‘Jehovah Shammah’. His Name promises that whatever may be going on, however tough life may be, wherever we are - ‘the LORD is there’. He lifts us up when we fall down. He keeps us going when we would otherwise give up. He gives us peace when trouble is all around us. He carries us when our strength is gone. The Lord is our support because his Name has promised it.


29)# ’Agree with each other in the Lord.’

Philippians 4:2 (1-7)

There had been some disagreement between Euodia and Syntyche which Paul was concerned should be sorted out. Both women had worked hard (laboured/wrestled) alongside Paul in ministry and his concern is such that he asks others to ‘help these women.’ Whether this help was to sort out the upset or to support them with their ministries is not clear, but Paul is concerned that the issue is dealt with before it affects other people.

This is not about agreeing to disagree, but more about understanding one another in order to be reconciled. Many upsets in the Church are caused through misunderstandings, often about minor issues. Spending time together, listening to one another and getting to know one another can help, but so often our busy lives don’t allow for this. We need to become people who will not take sides, but will take time to get to know one another, understand one another and bring about reconciliation, so that we can work together for God’s glory.


30)# ’Then the oil stopped flowing.’

2 Kings 4:6 (1-7)

The oil had done its job. The last available empty jar had been filled, so the oil stopped flowing. The oil was a means to an end, not the end in itself. The bottled oil could be sold and the money raised was enough to pay off the debts and provide for the widow and her sons. Jehovah Jireh! It was now time for the widow to leave the room and use what she now had to bless other people.

There’s a danger that when God does something wonderful in our lives we want to stay in that place, with that moment and live in it forever. We’re reluctant to move on and we might even try to recreate that occasion, experience, event, day after day. Well, when the oil stops flowing, so to speak, it’s time for us to move on and use the blessing we’ve received to bless other people and bring glory to the Lord. If we try to stay in that moment, we will miss out on what the Lord has for us to do next.  


31)# ’I have called you friends.’

John 15:15 (9-17)

Name-dropping is usually done to impress. An unknown person will mention friendship with a well known person in the hope that it will be to their advantage. It doesn’t usually happen the other way round. But here, the greater person, Jesus, is willing to speak of us, unworthy but redeemed sinners, as his friends! Amazing grace! And what’s more is the fact that it is all because of what Jesus has done for us.

Yet there’s even more in this friendship. Jesus then explains that, as his friends, we are in on all that the Father has made known to him, even ‘the secret of the kingdom of God’ (Mk 4:11). Our friendship with Jesus is proved by our obedience to him and our willingness to confess Christ as our Lord, Friend and Saviour before other people. If we do that, then we’ll get a mention, by Jesus, before his Father in heaven (Matt 10:32). Now that’s the best sort of name dropping!