1.31.10 "Friend of God"

"Friend of God"

Exodus 12:14-13:16
Matthew 20:29-21:22
Psalm 25:16-22
Proverbs 6:12-15

It's a privilege to be considered a friend of God. Because of what Christ has done for us, we can boldly approach his throne. We can talk to him any time we want. We can bring to him any need.

But what kind of friend am I? I was thinking this morning about how my friends know what I like to do. They know what I enjoy. They know what's appropriate in my house and what's not. My friends don't "use" me.

What kind of friend would I be if I showed up at a friend's house opened his fridge, tracked mud on the carpet, said a couple of things, borrowed some tools and left? (come to think of it, I realize there are a couple of friends i do this to!) What if I always did what I wanted to do with that friend, and never considered his desires, or what he enjoyed doing?

What's missing from that kind of friendship? Respect. Something is quite out of whack for me to live treating a friend like that. For me to act like that shows that I'm way too self-centered.

"Where is the man who fears the Lord? God will teach him how to choose the best. He shall live within God's circle of blessing, and his children shall inherit the earth. Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone he shares the secrets of his promises." Ps 25:12-14

The fear of the Lord is not a popular teaching. We want friendship with God, but FEAR? what do fear and friendship have to do with each other. When you think in terms of value, it makes it easier to understand. When we have an item of value, we protect it. We don't leave it lying around where it can be damaged, or destroyed. We take care of it. We fear that something may happen that could harm it.

When we love God intensely, we fear that something will damage our relationship. This is a healthy fear. We protect our relationship with the Lord. We wouldn't think of doing anything that could break the lines of communication. We know what pleases the Lord, and we do it out of love. We know selfishness will hinder the relationship, so we die to self.

I believe with all my heart that the Lord is preparing the church to meet with him. He's about to invite his friends home. He will be calling those who are prepared to meet with him. Those with clean clothes. Those who aren't just looking to raid his fridge and track mud on his carpet.

I need to step up my reverence for the Lord. Not just in "church" moments, but in every area of my life. Every thought, every word, every action needs to be put through the filter of reverence for Christ.

He's my friend. Why would I do any less.


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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