Three Phone Calls
A practical Christian study of “Three Phone Calls,” with clear application for faith, relationships, and everyday life.
Season 4, Episode 26 · Three Phone Calls
Play the original Excel Still More episode here without leaving the article.
The story behind the idea
Three times when someone died and placed a message in my heart and in the hearts of others that is still there today. Ultimately, the goal is for you to consider the letter you will be leaving with the people you love when you're gone from this life, because they won't just read it once. It will likely reside in their hearts as long as they live. We've got some things to dig into on that front, but first of all, I need to take you back to last week.
What stands out
Please do not make the people that you love ten years, twenty years after you're gone, have to change what they read in Scripture to find room for you. Because if the greatest gift you can possibly supply to them is eternal hope, what then is the worst possible curse you could plant into your family to grow after you're gone? Except a deep seated and undeniable doubt based on choices made and a life lived, that you are safe in spirit in the arms of Jesus.
Why it matters
I have grown a great deal in my life in understanding and embracing the grace of God, and all of that is up to him. I can tell you with confidence that what was left inside of a 13-year-old's heart was not biblical hope. To be honest, over the years I've struggled with anger about that.
A faithful way forward
More importantly, I can tell you that Miss Judy was a Christian. She had obeyed the gospel and joined the church and lived a life of faithfulness. After she and Michael's father divorced, she chose to remarry against the advice of the eldership where she worshipped, and it led her away from church and away from faith in many ways.
Put it into practice
While today's episode points to the future and last week's to the past, I'm still reminded of what kids said in our study last Saturday. I can't change what happened or the road that brought me here, but I can do the right thing today, and that's what God wants.
Take the idea with you.
- 01What idea from this study most needs my attention right now?
- 02Where does this challenge the way I am currently thinking or living?
- 03What is one faithful step I can take this week?
Prefer listening?
The original episode player is available near the top of this article, so you can listen without leaving the page.