Day 1 – I am a Friend of God

And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend (James 2:23).

            One of the most amazing truths in the Bible is that God is not angry with us. He wants an intimate relationship with us. He wants to have fellowship with us. He desires to spend time with us. He wants to be friends with us. We were created for friendship with God.

            God had a personal relationship with Abraham. The Bible calls Abraham a friend of God. You and I are sons and daughters of Abraham. Abraham, who is known as the father of faith, was friends with God and we are his offspring and descendants. The Bible says, “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29). We are heirs to the promise. A great promise and blessing is being a friend of God. The Bible also says, “Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham (Galatians 3:7). We have access to all the benefits of Abraham, our father in the faith. The biggest benefit of being in the family of Abraham is being called a friend of God.

            God is not waiting for us to mess up so He can punish us. He is not standing rigid and angry with a mean, hard look on His face. He offered His very best possession for this friendship to exist. Our amazing and loving Father gave His only son to die for us. This ultimate act of love was not just for our ticket to heaven. If we choose, we can fulfill His desire to have friendship with us as we have faith in Him based upon the truth that He is good.

            Some would have us believe that God’s motive is to take away all joy and life, and that He puts the fire out at the party. But I would submit that God is the life of the party. He is full of joy and gives unto us fullness of joy. He wants friendship with us at the party and as we hang out with other friends we always include Him.

Some believe that God our Father came to steal, kill and destroy. If it steals, kills, or destroys, mark it down as the enemy. Jesus Christ said, “I am come that they may have life and have it more abundantly, (superior in quality and abundant in quantity)” (John 10:10 Amp). This abundant life is experiencing constant friendship and fellowship with our maker.

            Some would believe that the cross at Calvary and the resurrection of Christ was just so that we could go to heaven. However, while we live on the earth we are lonely, depressed, dejected, and left on our own to struggle through life in bitterness.

Contrary to this belief, the Lord Himself said, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever, the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:16-18). Wow! Think of it. Our loving creator is with us, to help us, as a personal friend. We can talk to Him, and walk with Him, and tell Him all we know. You and I are friends of God.

Meditate for five minutes on this lesson.

Journal one whole page.  Post something on Twitter or Facebook from your reflection

Pray this Prayer: Father, help me build my friendship with You and live in the reality of it. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!