The Friendship of The Lord

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith,

Abraham believed God,

and it was imputed unto him for righteousness:

and he was called the Friend of God.

James 2:23

The Friendship of The Lord

Minister Tracey L. Green

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There were not many men that God counted as His Friend. Imagine that – being counted as a friend to the Supreme God of the Universe! Being a friend of God places one in good company. There were people in the Bible that accomplished this feat. It is not a insurmountable task to achieve, but it is one that may cost you everything to gain. There are four (4) phases to be successfully realized before one could attain friendship with God on the level of these men. We are going to explore each of these phases to help local ourselves in the process. The first phase we are going to address is The Separation Phase.

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Abraham: Separated For Destiny

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When most people think of Abraham, there are a few things that automatically come to mind. He is called the “father of faith”, the father of the Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, along with having an eternal covenant with God. All of these facts are true, but one thing is often overlooked.

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Abraham was born and lived in a pagan Chaldean culture. The Chaldeans were the early settlers of what we know of Babylon (modern day Turkey and Iraq). They worshipped many gods and practices. However, out of the midst of this family and culture, God called Abraham out from amongst them unto Himself. The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" Genesis 12:1-3.

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He drew Abraham unto Himself and hallowed him out for His divine plan and purpose. Although Abraham didn’t fully obey the Lord, which caused him hardship later on; one could only imagine his hesitancy and reluctance! He was leaving all was comfortable and familiar to embrace the Unknown. But, he did move to follow the voice of the Lord. Going, not knowing – but he was willing! God took a life that we might we deem as unacceptable and sanctify it unto good works for His glory. Abraham’s faith and obedience was counted unto righteousness.
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God has a unique tendency of calling one out of situations and conditions for His purposes. These may be a toxic relationship, from amongst actual family members and influences, out of a literal locality or a paradigm. Abraham’s obedience signified a death to all that he knew, valued, or understood. He walked away from his past and present to embrace a new uncertain future.

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As we press into establishing and building a relationship with the Lord, we also must be willing to lay aside the “ties that bind” and hinders us. This separation is not easy or easily embraced. Abraham’s decision brought him into a new place, encountering new people and ways of doing things, and discovering things about his own heart and character that he would have never known. This place of separation is liken to a gold refinery. As the heat (of situations and choices) increases, all of the impurities in the "pot" begin rise to the surface and are removed.

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During this time, Abraham learned the heart and character of His God through his walk with Him. He also learned something about his own human frailties. As believers, when we set our hearts to know God and be known of Him, this is the first bridge that we must be willing to cross. When the call comes forth, will we be found faithful or faint-hearted?

PRAY

Father God, We thank you that Your heart is forever towards us. Just as You called Abraham unto Yourself, You are still calling for those who will hear and arise to obey Your voice.

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Lord, we are asking You to give us the grace to embrace the call of separation. For in it is this place of consecration and separation that there is protection and prosperity. The Word declares that Abraham prospered in the new lands that You brought him into. Let the saints of God answer the call and come into the wealthy place that You have prepared for us. Not prosperity in terms of finances, but affirmation, identity, and security in You.

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We love and thank You that You count us worthy to serve. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

BridgeBuilders Ministries International of Grand Rapids, MI USA