DAILY HOPE DEVOTIONAL: SEPTEMBER 27 HOW TO BECOME GOD’S FRIEND (2) SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 1: 18; 43: 26; MATTHEW 11: 28; JOHN 15: 15

Becoming God’s friend as discussed yesterday simply means becoming God’s close associate and an acquaintance that an intimate relationship is established. Becoming God’s friend means getting interested in knowing everything about God and knowing what He wants someone do to please Him and how to be loyal and affectionately attached to Him. This kind of relationship is very possible. Right from the Old Testament times, many people have established friendly relationship with God. We did mention Abraham and King David in yesterday’s devotional.

Again, someone might be tempted to believe that man cannot establish cordial relationship with God that can be translated as friendship. Establishing relationship with God usually start from observing His creations and admiring how scientific, creative, thoughtful, insightful, intelligent and powerful God is. The like of Abraham, Noah, Enoch, Moses to mention but few, were likely drawn in their hearts to God by this method. God called upon Moses when Moses wanted to see why there was burning bush, yet the shrubs were not consumed.

Abraham and Noah saw wonderful natures created by unseen creator. This caused them to revere the unseen Creator and was drawn to God for friendship. They became very loyal and passionately connected in their hearts to God. God responded by calling at them personally and began giving them instructions. Even today, becoming a friend to God is very possible. God is like our earthly father. Every good father does all things possible to be more of a friend to the children than being a tyrant to them.

It is really funny hearing some saying God is full of dos and don’ts, therefore; becoming His friend will be too hard. Such knowledge is from the pit of hell.

God extends His Fatherly hands of friendship to people ever since. Reason He would say: Come and let us reason together” (Isa. 1: 18). He says this: “Take me to court; let us argue together…” (Isa. 43: 26a). He would also say: “State your case so that you may be vindicated” (Isa. 43: 26b). Reason His Son Jesus Christ would say: “Come all ye that are heavy laden… (Matt. 11: 28).” Jesus would also say: “…I no longer call you slaves, for slaves do not know what their masters do. I now call you friend (John 15: 15*).” All these are friendly invitations from God and Jesus to the people of the world. Dear friends, you too are amongst the invited ones into the members of God’s friends. He wants you close to Him. He wants to discuss with you intimately to the extent of telling you the “secrets things that you never knew!” Get ready from today to become God’s own friend, the beloved.

PRAYER:

HOLY AND MERCIFUL FATHER, grant me the privilege of becoming your friend from today in Jesus name. Call upon me and I will answer and run to your bosom in Jesus name.

CONFESSIONAL DECLARATION:

I am all ears to hear the Lord calling me today. Father I am on my way coming to you. Hallelujah!

bishopubaudenyi@hopealivechurch