Relationship Matters! ~ Series on Friendship

"He has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time." 2 Timothy 1:9 NIV

Friendship with God is not evidenced in self-sufficiency, academic knowledge, and social status, or in moral strength, natural ability, and life experience. Arrogance and self-reliant attitudes create barriers between us and God. Our relationship with God develops in our places of poverty - in our places of deepest need. This spiritual friendship finds fertile ground on mountains of despair, along valleys of darkness, in deserts of doubt. Jesus says, "You didn't choose Me, but I chose you!" 

Oswald Chambers writes, "The only thing of value is being taken into the compelling purpose of God and being made His friends." As God's Kingdom-friends, we become a part of His Bigger and Glorious Plan. Chambers goes on to say, "The most important aspect of Christianity is not the work we do, but the relationship we maintain." Our relationship with God defines our purpose and reveals our priority in our circle of influence. Only through Christ can we be made pure and holy. This holy calling becomes holy work. Within this divine friendship, our weaknesses find Grace and purpose. Relationship matters! ~ dho

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