Friday, March 09, 2007

Day 12 – Developing my friendship with God

Developing my friendship with God

Continuing from yesterday’s topic, developing my friendship with God will require a desire from my part, my time and energy. If I want a deeper more intimate relationship with God, I will need to start by being very honest with Him, to trust Him when he asks me to do something, to care about the things He cares for and to desire His friendship more than anything else in my life.

Choosing to be honest with God is very important. God doesn’t expect me to be perfect, but to He does expect me to be totally open to and with Him. I can see from the bible that none of God’s friend were perfect as they all had their faults, fortunately because of His grace, God is still a friend of sinners – Matt. 11 vs. 19; and knows me by my name – Ex. 33 vs. 12, 17. He also expects me to be Frank with Him, sometimes it may seem as audacity but God doesn’t see it that, but instead as authenticity. Being Frank requires me to remove bitterness which when harboured will eventually become the greatest barrier to my friendship with God. It is important I tell Him how I feel all the time which includes me pouring out my grievances and troubles before Him. Psalm 142 vs. 2-3 – I pour out my complaint before Him, before Him I tell my trouble when spirit grows faint within me. It is you who knows my way. It is very important for me to know that all God’s friends had doubts sometimes and expressed them to God openly, and instead of masking their misgivings they told them to God openly. And that was How God was able to direct them. He can’t direct you if you don’t tell Him what the problems are. Yes he knows what you need, but He wants to be able to tell you, How He is going to bring about a change in that circumstance.

Choosing to obey God by faith is also very significant in developing my friendship with God. To know that whenever I do what God tells me to do, even if I don’t understand it deepens my friendship with Him – John 15 vs. 14 – You are my friends if you do what I command. Choosing to obey and follow God for me is really out of love, and gratitude for all He has done for me. And knowing that the closer I follow Him, the deeper my friendship with Him becomes is a great bonus –1 Sam. 15 vs. 22 – To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. To follow the example of the life of Jesus and how he lived obediently for thirty years – and this pleased God in him doing this [Luke 2 vs. 51].

Valuing what God values, is also very crucial with the development of my friendship with Him. To care more about the things He cares about, grieve over what grieves Him and rejoice over things that brings pleasure to Him. To be zealous for Him and be passionate like David a man after His own heart – Psalm 69 vs. 9 – for zeal for your house consumes me and the insults of those who insult you fall on me. To passionately want to share the death and resurrection of His son for me to countless others for whom the message is for also. To desire friendship with God more than anything in life – [Psalm 27 vs. 4; Psalm 63 vs. 3] and to refuse to let Him Go until he has blessed my life like Jacob did – Gen. 32 vs. 23.

Lessons Learnt on Day 12

Friendship with God is a choice not an accident, that I am only as close to God as I choose to be, so to make sure that I work on that choice, I need to resolve to draw nearer to Him always. To come near to God and he will come near to me – James 4 vs. 8.

7 comments:

NaijaBloke said...

So u still dont believe that was me ehn ..LOL

Yeah it was really nice and I really got a lot from the fellowship.

Will definately be back next week

The Life of a Stranger called me said...

@NB - I heard you say it was you, but the writings of the jovial carefree man I have grown to know didn't match the voice and the manner in which it was spoken. So I resolved to think it was you, but still had my reservations. Im glad you said it was you cause I'll still be wondering if it was someone else.

So we look forward to having you next week Godwilling. I am so beat -
Have a blessed weekend.

Naijadude said...

Awww.... Life of a Stranger....why didnt you tell me about TERC?? I am beating myself badly now because I have so many questions.
I am sure I asked u one, Jaycee and DiamondHawk! but next week sha!

Naijadude said...

And I always make a note/questions at the end of each chapter. I would really love to have them answer and have a debate on it, how about I do a compilation and it can be open as a series: ppl chip in their opinion/views on it?

The Life of a Stranger called me said...

@NJ - that would be great actually. Sorry about not letting you know about TERC - zioner even called in from canada. Let me know what you decide. Have a blessed one.

Eagle's Nest!!! said...

Inspiring piece!

The Life of a Stranger called me said...

@joel - where have u been good to see you.