CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 730

“Friend of God”

James 2:23 (ESV) “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”— and he was called a friend of God.

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Friendship is not measured in the abundance of a person’s acquaintances but rather by their depth. In this age of social networking websites and virtual, instead of personal interactions, friendships tend to be shallow at best.

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. – Proverbs 18:24

Far too many of us prefer the safety of shallow interpersonal relationships. There is less vulnerability to being hurt in such relationships. There is also less accountability. But there will come a time when we will need the help of a true friend and they will not be found.

A true friend is one who makes the personal sacrifice to come to your aid when they would rather be somewhere else. They are those who remain present in your time of need when all others abandon you. To have such friends we must first be a friend. True friends are indeed precious relationships. However, there is one friendship relationship that we must not ignore or take for granted and that is our relationship with Jesus Christ.

The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. – Psalms 25:14

…You are my friends if you do what I command you… – John 15:14

Friendship is characterized as a mutual relationship of trust, faith, and caring. Our friendship relationship with Jesus must not be diluted by misplaced trust and faith in the things of this world.

Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? – James 4:4

We are friends with the world when we trust in the things of this world more than we trust in God.

We betray our friendship with Jesus when we place our faith in ourselves, employers, spouses, bank accounts etc. more so than having faith in God’s Word.

Our friendship with the world usurps our friendship with Jesus when we care more about our work or sports or relaxation time to the extent that we neglect daily prayer and regular worship at church.

Friendship with God is not a matter of religion or following a religious system of rituals. It has everything to do with a personal depth of relationship with Jesus Christ.

Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice of His life in order to save your life.

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. – John 15:13

Jesus is trustworthy and cares for you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. May you seek the depth of His friendship above all else in this world. May you be called a friend of God.

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & dedication of your work to the glory of God