He calls me Friend

These past two weeks God has been speaking to me about Friendship and it always amazes me how He  lines up the batting cage perfectly. My daily devotional has been focusing on the friendship between David and Jonathan and I have been especially humbled by the character of Jonathan. These two men had a deep spiritual bond and had the greatest love and respect for one another, Jonathan was slated to take over the throne after his father yet he recognized the Lord's will for the king's armourbearer (David) to be king. Jonathan did not become bitter or enraged instead he accepted His will and loved David so much that he gave up his right to the throne. "Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt" - this shows great humility and devotion. Would I do the same?

The chapter I read this week for my Bible study also focused on friendship and our relationship with the Lord. I read the verse James 2:23 that says "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness and he was called God's friend." The author of my Bible study book asked a very poignant question - Do I know God or do I know of Him? Can I too be called a friend of God? God knows me intimately and He wants me to know Him the same way yet do I...do we....take the time and effort to get to know Him? Yesterday the song by Philips, Craig, & Dean was playing on the radio as I drove into the parking lot at work and the message touched my heart...of course it was about friendship :) "Who am I that You are mindful of me? That you hear me when I call. Is it true that You are thinking of me? How You love me, It's amazing, I am a friend of God. He calls me friend".

Some of my Favorite Things

These quotes, songs, and "things" have really touched my heart over the past couple of days:

A woman's heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him just to find her  ~ Max Lucado

You will be safe in His arms because the hands that hold the world are holding your heart ~ Phil Wickham

I will move ahead bold and confident taking every step in obedience, while I'm waiting I will serve you   ~ John Waller

O and when the love spills over and music fills the night and when you can't contain your joy inside then dance for Jesus! And with your final heartbeat kiss the world goodbye then go in peace and laugh on Glory's side and Fly to Jesus. Fly to Jesus and live!   ~ Chris Rice

It really is an astounding truth that the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. He lives in me.  ~ Francis Chan

Only one life 'twill soon be past; Only what's done for Christ will last ~ author unknown

Hearing the birds sing praise to their Creator
When the Spirit opens my eyes to new truth from "old" Bible stories
When the Lord sends encouragement and laughter my way at the exact moment I need it most
Fellowship with Christian friends - they are truly a gift from heaven
Realizing that I am a citizen of heaven and earth is only my temporary home
Sponsoring a little girl in Haiti through worldvision