Time with a Friend

Bible Reading: John 15:9-17

It seems like so many of the guys just want to play basketball all the time,” complained Maverick one afternoon. “Clayton and I always did stuff together, but now he spends more time with other kids than with me!” As Mom started to speak, Maverick reached into his backpack and changed the subject. “I got an A on my math test!” he announced with a grin. “Since I did so well, can I have an extra half-hour of TV tonight? There’s a quiz show that’s fun to watch.”

“All right,” said Mom, “but first do your homework—and your Bible reading too. We all agreed to read and think about a few verses each day, remember?”

“Okay, Mom,” said Maverick as he hurried off.

Soon Maverick returned to the family room and turned on the TV. “Is all your work done already?” asked Mom. “Bible reading too?”

Maverick frowned. “Well, um…I’ll read it later,” he said.

Mom turned the TV off. “That wasn’t the agreement.”

“But, Mom, Bible reading is…” Maverick hesitated. “It’s kinda boring.”

Mom sat on the couch beside Maverick. “Are you happy when Clayton goes off to play with other guys instead of spending time with you?” she asked.

“No,” said Maverick. “Of course not.”

“Friends want to spend time together, doing things or just talking. We call that having fellowship with one another,” said Mom. “We should also have fellowship with Jesus. We should spend time with Him—talking with Him and listening to what He says to us.”

“I guess so,” Maverick replied. “But won’t Jesus know I’m sort of bored?”

Mom smiled. “If Jesus were standing here and wanted to tell you something, would you want to hear it?” Maverick nodded. “Well, He has something to say to you, and He speaks through His Word,” said Mom. “The Bible is His story, and reading it is one of the best ways to spend time with Jesus and learn more about Him. Try reading it with that in mind. You might discover it’s not so boring after all.” She glanced at the clock. “Let’s look at our Bible verses together tonight—there’s enough time before the quiz show. And then I’ll fix some popcorn for us to munch while we watch.” – Jennifer Dorsey

How About You?

Do you have time to watch TV, play video games, hang out with friends, and go online? What about Jesus—do you have time for Him? He says those who love Him are His friends—and friends spend time together. Tell him about what’s going on in your life, and listen to Him by reading His Word and thinking about what it says. Spend time with Him every day and enjoy fellowship with Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 John 1:3 (NIV) We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

Today’s Key Thought:

Treat Jesus as a friend