Friends of God

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I had coffee today with Pastor Steve Harris from Timberline Church. It is always good to get connected with friends. Before he left I took the opportunity for him to evaluate my walking so he could see the improvement since the last time he visited. I am pleased that I have had some good strength the last few days. I have been walking a good 50-60 feet each evening with the walker.

I want those who prayed for my weight gain to know that their prayers were answered! Now I need you to pray for muscle development and perhaps some weight loss in the midst of developing my muscles. Related to that is the connection between neurological healing and muscle development. My Neurologist made the comment on Monday that muscles will only gain strength to the degree that nerves regenerate. I know from a nerve test on my left shoulder that some of those nerves are in the process of regeneration. The same may be true for the rest of my extremities. At any rate it was insight into how the body works, its interdependence, and the impact on the recovery process.

Today I also had a follow up echocardiogram. This test was to evaluate my ejection fraction, which is the amount of blood the heart pumps out with each beat. With my last infection mine had dropped below the normal range. So, I am anticipating that these results will show a return to normal numbers and I will be able to eliminate one of my medications from the list.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY


“No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.”   John 15:15 NKV

John’s gospel contains the longest discourse on the final week of Jesus life. The plot to kill Jesus, the last supper, the betrayal, crucifixion and resurrection in other gospels is covered in about four chapters; John’s gospel covers these events in 10 of the 21 chapters. Chapter 15 is part of what is called the “upper room discourse.”

It has been a long time since I have heard it, but I remember the chorus entitled, “I am a Friend of God.” The words of this praise song capture the wonder and rejoicing over this exalted position as a “friend of God.”

Who am I that You are mindful of me?

That You hear me when I call,

Is it true that You are thinking of me?

How you Love me It’s Amazing

I am a friend of God

 The word “friend” is used to describe varying levels of relationship.  At times that can water down the true concept of what it means to be a friend let alone the idea that we should be called a “friend” of God. After all that is how Abraham was known, as God’s friend. Proverb talks about “a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” (Prov. 18:24) But we realize that not all friendships are on that level.

When Jesus tells the disciples that He is calling them friends and then tells them what the marks of that friendship entail, it is a big deal! “
all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.”  Insight into the very heart of God! This describes a deep level of friendship. Friends like this spend time together, connect with each other and confide in each other.

Pastor Bill Johnson refers to this verse as Jesus giving His disciples the “ultimate promotion.”

He goes on and draws a contrast between the orientation of a servant and the orientation of a friend. He says a servant is task-oriented and focuses on obedience. And while, as Jesus’ friends, obedience is critical, friends in this context are more concerned about disappointing. This is obedience out of relationship not just authority. Bill Johnson says, “instead of asking ‘what should I do for Him?’ now they wonder, ‘How do my choices affect Him’?”  (Spiritual Java pg. 54)

During this Easter week, I challenge you to consider the price Christ paid on the cross that allows us in the midst of our failures and imperfections to be called “a friend of God”. I find it challenging in my life to stop and think, “are the choices I am making, is the life I am living, a delight or a disappointment my best friend?”