What Does it Take to be a Friend of God?

What Does it Take to be a Friend of God?

I once sang in a choir, and we had a call-and-response song: "Are you a friend of God?" The answer was, "I am a friend of God." The writer of that song was inspired by Abraham's walk with God. God called Abraham His friend, a mere mortal! (James 2:23 MSG)

James 2:23 MSGV had this to say about Abraham: 

23 The full meaning of "believe" in the Scripture sentence, "Abraham believed God and was set right with God," includes his action. It's that mesh of believing and acting that got Abraham named "God's friend."

But What Does It Take to Be a Friend of the Highest God? 

Abraham wasn't just a believer; he acted on his faith without hesitation. He obeyed God's instructions, and that's what made him a friend of God.

I recently had a conversation with a 9-year-old about God. I asked her, "What would you like to become?" She mentioned several professions, and I asked if she had asked God. She laughed, unsure if God could speak to her. I encouraged her to ask God to speak to her through dreams.

CAN GOD SPEAK TO US? 

Yes, He does. He loves it too. 

During the middle of the year, I attended this women's conference. Every speaker who taught from their experience described how finding God's voice changed their life. I used to be that confused little girl with many insecurities, but after attending this conference, I wanted to hear God's voice too. 

And yes, I have. 

God wants to speak to us more than we want to talk to him about.

As we grow in our knowledge of God and walk with Him, we come to a point where He calls us friends. I want God to be my friend, partner, and companion in life. Knowing God as God is beautiful but knowing Him as a friend is the best.

Studying Abraham's life, I noticed his prompt obedience. It was as if he was determined to please God. When God wanted to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, He told His friend Abraham. Lot was spared because Abraham had a "friendship" with God. Abraham was all out for God with the "what can I do for Him today attitude?" 

God wants to be our friend at all times and for all times. When we cultivate this friendship, we are open to daily benefits. So, I ask again, Can God call you His friend? 

Are you a friend of God? 

Stay Revived!

By Guest writer.

Why Find Gratitude in Adversity?

 Pressed But Not Crushed: Finding Gratitude in Adversity

Last week was World Thanksgiving Day, but I am still feeling grateful to God for His goodness and faithfulness. Maybe it's because I had filled my year with so much nagging, complaining, and questioning of God's goodness amid adversity.

A Year of Unexpected Challenges 

Some had recently asked me to describe my year in one word, I said "extraordinary" because the events were unexpectedly extraordinary. 

My family began the year with unexpected debt, which cost us our only valuable property. This threw us into unexpected crises and constant conflicts, testing our resilience and faith. The days were filled with tears and pains, and the enemy sought to steal our joy, but God's goodness prevailed.

Finding Strength in God's Goodness

I am praising God today, not because my year was perfect, but because the Lord held me throughout the trials and tribulations. I am praising God because His mercies said no to the enemy, and His goodness gave me the strength to persevere in adversity.

A Psalm of Thanksgiving

Psalm 124 MSG says: "If God hadn't been for us... we would have been swallowed alive by their violent anger... swept away by the flood of rage... We've flown free from their fangs, free of their traps, free as a bird." It depicts the overwhelming seasons I experienced during the year, and how God's goodness helped me navigate them.

Reflections on God's Faithfulness

When David spoke of "the flood," my mind went to the children of Israel crossing the Red Sea, surrounded by enemies. And here was God, doing what He does best - showing up and turning things around amid adversity.

As the psalmist said, "If the Lord had not been on my side, the enemy would have stolen my health." What about you? What are you most grateful for in 2024? Any miracle is a miracle, no matter how small, and it's a testament to God's goodness and faithfulness.

The year seemed tough, but what if the Lord wasn't on our side? What if the Lord wasn't in the picture? Do you think the enemy would have allowed the "little joy that transcends your soul"? The enemy tried to steal your joy, but the Lord said No!

I feel so much alive, like a bird, as I reflect on God's goodness and the many times He came through amid adversity. 

Indeed, what if the Lord had shut His eyes as we thought? 

What are you most grateful for? 

Stay Revived!

By Guest writer.

What is that Good short prayer that works?

Growing up, I had a very narrow view of prayer. I used to think it had to be serious—no smiles, no distractions. "If you don't kneel, God won't listen," I thought. Over time, my understanding of prayer evolved. It became a lifestyle for me, and I started to love the idea of talking to God about everything on my mind. But I know I'm not alone in feeling that prayer can sometimes be difficult or even intimidating. I once had a friend tell me that she didn’t know how to pour out everything to the Lord, and that’s a struggle many face. The truth is, prayer isn't as complicated as it seems. It’s simply about being open and honest with God, speaking to Him from the heart.

What Is Prayer?

At its core, prayer is a two-way conversation between God and us, based on His Word. In prayer, we bring our petitions, worries, and desires to God, trusting that He can answer. God knows we may feel anxious after we pray, but He encourages us not to worry. In Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV), He reminds us: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

There are a few steps to praying I would like us to consider and also apply in our daily lives, especially when we've prayed and are in the waiting season.

Easy Practical Steps to Prayer:

There are a few key steps that can help guide our prayer life, especially when we find ourselves in the waiting season:

1. Adoration and Praise: Begin by adoring God and blessing His holy name. Just like when you approach a king, eulogizing Him makes Him eager to hear your request. Praising God stirs God's heart up.

2. Confession and Thanksgiving: Confession is important as we acknowledge our mistakes and seek God’s forgiveness. Thanksgiving is essential, too—giving thanks for all God has done, is doing, and will do, even before the answers come.

3. Supplication (Making Requests): This is where we present our needs and desires to God. But remember, prayer goes beyond asking for what we want. It’s about seeking His will and trusting His timing.

Prayer goes beyond this, different types of prayer are essential

Intercessory Prayer: This is when you pray on behalf of others, interceding for people, nations, or situations. You don’t have to know them personally to pray for them. Intercession builds unity and encourages God’s intervention it consistently causes God to Intervene in the affairs of the parties involved. (1 Timothy 2:1-4, Galatians 6:2)

Silent prayer and Groaning: Silent prayer happens in the heart. Sometimes, words fail us, and all we can do is pray silently, trusting that God hears us. Groaning is when we pray beyond words, and the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. 1 Samuel 1:12-13 and Genesis 24:45 show us how God understands our deepest cries.

Thanksgiving Prayer: Should we give thanks when we have not gotten the answers we desire? Even before we receive what we ask for, it’s important to give thanks. Thanksgiving is not just an expression of gratitude, but also a way to invite more blessings. King David exemplified this kind of prayer, praising God even before the answer came. After Presenting our prayers to God in faith we must wait in thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is an application for more, Thanksgiving sets us in line for the miraculous, it is appreciating God for what He has done, What He will do, and What He is doing.

Praying with Specificity

When we pray, it’s important to be specific. Don’t just offer vague prayers—be direct about what you want and need from God. And always back your prayers with God’s Word. Reading and knowing the Bible allows you to pray with authority, quoting verses that align with God’s promises. Praying in line with His Word accelerates results and strengthens our faith. Even Jesus prayed persistently, asking God for the same thing more than once. So, don’t give up—keep pressing in prayer until you see the answers. Prayer has transformative power—it lightens your heart, relieves worries, and brings you closer to God.

Trusting God’s Timing

Sometimes, it can feel like God isn’t listening, or that your prayers are going unanswered. But remember, there’s no time wasted in the Lord. His timing is perfect, and He makes everything beautiful in its season. God hears even the smallest requests. I remember during my service year, I asked God for a free ride one morning, and within minutes, I got exactly that. God hears us. No matter how small or big your request may seem, don’t give up. Keep pressing on in faith, and trust that God will answer.

Making prayer a lifestyle is one of the best things you can do. It changes everything, strengthens your relationship with God, and transforms your life. So, I encourage you to make prayer a priority. It’s not just about asking—it’s about connecting with God, growing in faith, and experiencing His love.

I pray that the Lord gives you the strength to partner with Him and give your life a fresh perspective. Amen, and God bless you!

Why Find Resilience in Adversity?

Pressed But Not Crushed: Finding Resilience in Adversity. 

I had an encounter with a cockroach some nights back, and I struck it thinking it was dead. When I woke up the next morning, It still struggled for breath. 

This sparked a conversation between me and my sister about the tenacity and strength of cockroaches to survive against all odds.

Cockroaches are notoriously resilient and can thrive in various environments. There's something we can learn from them if we pay closer attention. They move with the survive against all odds mentality and this inbuilt and innate characteristic is their key survival factor. 

As I reflected on every month of the year, I thought about my wins and losses. My losses stood out more to me. Before April, I had applied to over thirty industries in search of a job. I was either rejected or never received a response.

These rejections affected my self-esteem, making me question my abilities. I struggled to accept if I was good enough for anything.

God's word in 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 came as a reminder to me that:

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." (ESV)

This passage is a reminder to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even amid uncertainty. By fixing our eyes on Him, we can find the strength to persevere and overcome adversity.

The Message version says, "We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do..." But God knows what to do.

As I pondered on this, I realized that I might not know what I want to do with my life, but God knows what to do, and that's why He will always remain the all-knowing.

In a world surrounded by people fixing their identity from the kind of job they do or to their ability to earn a certain sum of figures of money, one with less will tend to shy away. 

But God wants to be the one who gives meaning to our lives. Not based on our crises or rejection but because of the love he has for us. 

As we go through today, be reminded that we are pressed but not crushed. We may face challenges, but with God's strength and our resilience, we can overcome them. We press on, trusting in God to take care of us. 

I KEVWE AM PRESSED BUT NOT CRUSHED. I... (YOUR NAME) AM PRESSED BUT NOT CRUSHED. 

Stay Revived!

By Guest writer.