BECOMING A FRIEND OF GOD part 1

We shall be drawing on examples from the bible to show how God has
repeatedly proven himself faithful to those He calls friend.

The term 'friend' conveys a sense of proximity, trust and reliability. We shall take a look at the patriarch Abraham, whom God calls His friend.

One might add at this point that in the case of Abraham, it is beyond understanding how a mortal, limited, physical and fallible being would be considered by the all powerful, infallible,
immortal, all knowing and supreme God as friend.

The scope simply goes beyond human understanding and is best understood when adduced to His merciful nature.

Isiah55:9. What do we know about Abraham? We know that Abram as he was initially called descended from
Noah and was the offspring of Shem, down through to Terah.

God chose to single him out and told him to get out of his country and from his kindred. The bible tells us...'Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him
as righteousness and he was called the friend of God' James2:23. In order to be called a friend, there are.certain criteria that must be met.

The poignant question is, can anyone be called a friend of God and enjoy the
same kind of relationship that Abraham had with God? The answer is yes! God is not a respecter of man and what He does for one, He can equally do for another.

What then are the values that qualified the patriarch Abraham as friend? Well, first, Abraham fulfilled all the factors that contributes to endearing friendship. His heart beats resonates with the heart beat of God.

Abraham was in complete and total agreement with God.

The bible says, can two walk together except they agree? Abraham had faith in God, obeyed God and kept His commandments.

Consider this; Abraham was even willing
to lay down as sacrifice unto God his only son Isaac, that was eagerly and long awaited, when told to give him up.

He was equally willing to leave behind his homeland to live in a strange land when told by God. Indeed, his loyalty and his dependability was unrivalled.

For all of these, God made unconditional promises to Abraham which adhered
to his generations to come.

See Gen26:4-5. Abraham's relationship with God was such that God would not even conceal anything from him '..Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, seeing that Abraham shall become a great and mighty nation..' Gen8:17.

Every believer can enjoy this kind of walk with God and enjoy the various privileges that Father Abraham enjoyed provided you can forge a lasting and endearing
relationship with God.

May I ask you to please pray that
children of God will enjoy the blessings and favour of God.

Pray that they will desire to become Gods friends as God longs for it.

'NO LONGER DO I CALL YOU
SERVANTS, FOR THE SERVANT DOES NOT KNOW WHAT HIS MASTER IS DOING; BUT I HAVE
CALLED YOU FRIENDS, FOR ALL THAT I HAVE HEARD FROM MY FATHER I HAVE MADE KNOWN
TO YOU' Joh15:15.
God bless you all.

From, Pastor Tina (Jewels of God ministries UK)