Day 12.......Trust His friendship

Hey everyone:

I'm finding out that the further we progress in this study, the deeper it gets. As I was saying yesterday friendship is give and take. I've been told before that I'm not like any pastor anyone has ever known. In fact the statement is usually, "You don't look like any pastor I've ever seen!" I have to say, I'm kind happy about that. I don't want to try and fit into some preconceived notion of who I'm supposed to be, or whom I'm supposed to be like. I am a friend of God. He's first. Everyone and everything else is secondary. Most "religious" folk are scared by someone who's real. Someone who tells it like it is. Most folks (especially those in leadership) don't want anyone to know that they are fallible. I do. I always say, "If you're expecting a perfect pastor, I'm not him." I have faults, hang-ups, and questions. I have faith too. I believe God. I don't believe much anyone else says, but I believe God. He's not going to forget me, or get too worked up if I have a question or two for Him. It doesn't even bother Him if I get mad once in a while. He gets mad. We're created in His image.......He can handle it when we get mad. He can handle it when "get in His face" so to speak. No one can calm me down like my best friend. As I've said many times "God knows me inside and out.....He knows everything about me, past and present.....and He still loves me." That is amazing. The real me isn't who you see when you see me in person. No, that's just my shell. The real me is who I am. Not who I say I am, or project, but who I really am. Many of us have insecurities or hang-ups that we don't want anyone to know about. That's being human folks. God knows all those things. He still loves you. Sometimes we hurt the ones we love the most by saying mean things. You know......lashing out. That doesn't phase God at all. He won't leave you, take a timeout from you, or even fight back. No, He just opens His arms wider, and says, "Come here My child......My friend......I love you." We've got to trust in His friendship, and yes, desire it above all. We truly are as close to God as we choose to be. I've said that many times myself. It's up to us......He won't force Himself on us....on anyone. That's why you've heard we have, "Free Will" or choice.....whether or not to be His friend or not. Moses was His friend.......and even reminded Him of His promises that He made. God has made promises to us in His word. Let's remind Him, and ourselves of those promises....if need be......daily.

"What practical choices will I make today in order to grow closer to God?"

I think one thing I could do is to make sure I include Him in every part of my day. Whether I'm going to the post office, bank, Wal-Mart.........where ever I'm going......whatever I'm doing......He wants to be a part of it. I've heard people laugh at others who describe asking God for close parking place, or a great table at a restaurant. But the truth is that God cares about every little thing that matters to you. He's not so busy that He won't take the time to answer those "little" prayers we pray everyday. He loves to bless His children because He loves them......us. What that tells me is that those folks have a very intimate relationship with God. They're not afraid to ask Him even for the smallest thing. Why? Because they know He's listening to them......all day long. Everything that's important to us, is important to Him. What do you think He meant when Jesus said, "I'll be with you always, even to the end of the age?" He meant always. Always means always. Take Him at His word. Trust in His friendship. What do you think???