This week I was reading Pastor Rick Warren’s book entitled The Purpose Driven Life when I received a ‘stay-at-home’ lunch invitation from God. There were no ifs, ands or buts about it. My invitation was sent special delivery.
To be honest, at first, I was not aware of what (or WHO) led me to the book, but I was compelled to open and browse through it after reading the sub-title printed on the bottom of the book cover: “What on Earth Am I Here For?”
So, I opened the book and the page fell on Chapter 12; “Developing Your Friendship With God”.
As I began to read Chapter 12, all I could think of was alphabet soup! I reference soup because as I have shared with some of my readers, I have been going through a layer of sicknesses that according to the doctors I will be facing for some years to come. Some home remedies have been suggested that I change my diet and begin consuming lots and lots of soups and salads.
Personally, I was praying and asking the Lord to examine my motives, frame of mind and service to Him. I was reminding Him of His many promises of contributing comfort and care for His people. I was seeking a closer walk with Him and His plans for my life. In other words, I wanted reassurance of our friendship.
God’s response to me was written in the first sentence of Chapter 12: “(My child,) you are as close to God as you choose to be.” (p. 92) The Holy Spirit continued to speak and He said; I AM your friend and always will be. It is up to you to develop your friendship with Me.
THUS BEGAN GOD’S RECIPE FOR OUR LUNCHEON MEAL: ALPHABET SOUP(*)
(*) And Pastor Warren’s chapter 12 provided our divine recipe.
| He offers his friendship to the godly. Proverbs 3:32 | ||
| A | Acceptance | Guard against leaving your first love. Phoniness breeds pain |
| B | Bold | Ask God to make His request of you plain; take notes |
| C | Confess | Tell your Good News story to others. Friends tell friends. |
| D | Deliberate | It takes a desire for Him more than anything else |
| E | Energize | You must have the energy to pursue |
| F | Frank | Don’t forget to mention your faults; be honest when confessing |
| G | Gratitude | Be gracious towards others just as He was gracious and merciful towards you |
| H | Honesty | Learn to share your feelings honestly and completely |
| I | Intimate | God can handle your boldness and frankness; humility is the key |
| J | Joy | Rejoice because you have been freely redeemed |
| K | Kind | Do not mistake God’s kindness for weakness. Stay focused. |
| L | Listen | Reframe from being judgmental; evaluate, trust |
| M | Meditating | Let your prayer life express your sentiments passionately. |
| N | Negotiate | Express any anger or resentment; don’t hold grudges |
| O | Obedience | The main characteristic of friendship…keeping the commandments |
| P | Passionate | Learn to care about what He cares about |
| Q | Question | It’s alright to complain, argue and even challenge…with love |
| R | Release | Remember, all things work together for good…desire peace |
| S | Share | Expressing your doubts takes you to the next level of intimacy with friends |
| T | Trust | Developed over time |
| U | Understanding | A true relationship isn’t passive; it is active. Go, be, do… |
| V | Vivacious | Put value on things God values. Care about others. |
| W | Worship | Friends with God does not make you his equal. Worship him not people. |
| X | Exemplary | Be an example; imitate Christ; strive for excellence |
| Y | Yearn | Obey God not out of duty, but out of love and trust for him |
| Z | Zealous | Bitterness is the greatest barrier to friendship…read Psalms…be inspired |
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED OUR LUNCH TOGETHER. TRY THE SOUP…YOU’LL LIKE IT!
Scripture Lesson: Draw close to God and God will draw close to you. James 4:8a
Click http://www.tgifmasterminds.com every Friday for a new post from the Master’s servant manager…ME!
Conversations With God Using Scripture 
Wonderful! I hope you’re doing well. You’ve been on my mind. 🙂 God bless.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed your cup of ‘soup’, my sister. Yes, I’m weathering this storm with the help of a FRIEND.
LikeLike
I’m so thankful that you have a friend who sticks closer than a brother and who desires to walk in deeper intimacy with you ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
God surely gives us ‘comfort and care’ at all times even though we do not recognize it. I’ve reread my own blog several times and the picture that the Holy Spirit gives me is the one where Jesus is walking along the sea shore and I’m with Him, BUT, there is only one set of foot prints. Yes, you guessed it…that’s because Jesus is carrying me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hallelujah!!
LikeLiked by 1 person