You are not the sum of what other people think of you. You are more than your victories or your mistakes. You, like John, are the one Jesus loves.
The apostle John grew up just like us. People handed him a ready list of labels—the brother of James, a Jew, a fisherman, a hothead—but then Jesus gave him a new direction in life. Writing about these events many years later, John referred to himself using a curious label. He always writes as “the one Jesus loved.” Many wonder about this choice. Some even think it’s presumptuous. Why would anyone single themselves out as the one loved by Jesus?
Rusty George wisely sees that John called himself “the one Jesus loves” so every reader could see that Jesus values and deeply loves them. Friend of God takes you inside John’s writings—his Gospel, his letters, and the Revelation—so you can discover how Jesus saw John, and thus how he sees you. The only person who gets to say who you are is Jesus.
Written as short devotional entries, Friend of God encourages you to take the next 45 days and see how your relationship with Jesus grows.
“Nothing is more powerful and life-transforming than seeing yourself as one Jesus loves. Rusty shows the way clearly with great skill and insight. This is a book to read and reread.”
—Jud Wilhite, senior pastor of Central Church, author of Uncaged
“Rusty’s heart for people shines through in this book. It’s a fantastic daily encouragement, full of relatable stories and thoughtful commentary.”
—Kyle Idelman, senior pastor, Southeast Christian Church, author of Don’t Give Up
"Rusty's wisdom is so needed for the church today."
—Mark Batterson, New York Times best-selling author of The Circle Maker and lead pastor of National Community Church
"Rusty's insights are so timely and needed today."
—Andy Stanley, pastor at North Point Community Church and founder of North Point Ministries
“Friend of God by Rusty George presents a powerful 40-day devotional journey, inviting readers to see themselves as the beloved of Jesus. It’s a transformative experience that deepens our understanding of divine love, reshaping our identity and faith with each passing day.”
—Dave Dummitt, lead pastor of Willow Creek Community Church
“I have a tattoo on my arm, ‘The one Jesus loves.’ I believe it’s the most important truth about me, and also one of the hardest for me to believe. That’s why I am so thankful for this new book, Friend of God, by one of my favorite and most trustworthy authors, Rusty George. He’s the right person to help us embrace this life-changing truth.”
—Vince Antonucci, pastor and author
“Pastor Rusty George has done it again!!! In his new book, Friend of God, he helps the reader discover the answer to one of humanity’s greatest needs: what it feels like to be unconditionally loved and accepted.”
—Brian Dodd, Leadership Coach and author
“This book is the perfect daily reader for anyone wanting to start seeing themself as one Jesus loves!”
—Clay Scroggins, author of How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge
“I read everything Rusty puts out because it always moves me into a better place with my faith. Friend of God will do the same for all who read it.”
—Randy Frazee, pastor and author of His Mighty Strength
“Perhaps the greatest challenge we face as humans is wrestling with our own identity and viewing ourselves the way Jesus truly sees us. Rusty has done all of us a great service in helping us all see what Jesus sees in us and becoming what Jesus wants us to become. Every person on the planet needs this book!”
—Shawn Lovejoy, Founder and CEO, CourageToLead.com and Courageouspastors.com
