Day 11 - Becoming Friends With God

Since we are restored to friendship with God by the death of His Son while we were still His enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by His life.

ROMANS 5:10 (NLT)

"God deeply desires that we know Him intimately.  In fact, he planned the universe and orchestrated history, including the details of our lives, so that we could become His friend.  The Bible says, "He made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find Him."" p87

"You will never grow a close relationship with God by just attending church once a week or even having a daily quiet time.  Friendship with God is built by sharing all you life experiences with Him  ...it is important to establish the habit of a daily devotion time with God, but he wants more than an appointment in your schedule." p87

"Everything you do can be "spending time with God" if He is invited to be part of it and you stay aware of His presence." p88

"In Eden, worship was not an event to attend, but a perpetual attitude; Adam and Eve were in constant communion with God.  Because God is with you all the time, no place is any closer to God than the place you are right now." p88

The Bible tells us to "pray all the time".  How is it possible to do this? one way is to use "breath prayers" throughout the day [such as]:

You are with me.

I receive your grace.

I'm depending on you.

I want to know you.

I belong to you.

Help me trust you.

You can also use a short phrase of Scripture:

For me to live is Christ.

You will never leave me.

Your are my God". p89

"...the Bible repeatedly urges us to meditate on who God is, what He has done, and what he has said."p90

"When you read the Bible or hear a sermon or listen to a tape, don't just forget it and walk away.  Develop the practice of reviewing the truth in your mind, thinking about it over and over.  The more time you spend reviewing what God has said, the more you will understand the "secrets" of this life that most people miss.  The Bible says, "Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence Him.  With them alone He shares the secrets of His promise." p91

Points to Ponder: God wants to be my best friend.

Verses to Remember: "Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence Him." PSALM 25:14a (LB)

Questions to Consider: What can I do to remind myself to think about God and talk to Him more often throughout the day?