BECOMING GREAT FRIENDS WITH GOD

Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.
James 4:8a

We were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, so we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life. NOW we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God!
Romans 5:10 - 11

I no longer call you servants... Instead, I call you my friends!
John 15:15

... He is a God who is passionate about his relationship with you.
Exodus 34:14

How do you build that friendship?

1. DECIDE THAT KNOWING GOD IS MY NUMBER 1 PRIORITY.

Seek first the kingdom of God.
Matthew 6:33

Everything else is worthless compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus. I’ve discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may know Christ.
Philippians 3:8

You will find me when you seek me with ALL your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13

I’m as close to God as I choose to be.

2. SLOW DOWN AND JUST LISTEN.

Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10

Friendship with the Lord is reserved for those who reverence him. With them he shares the secrets of his covenant.
Psalm 25:14

When you come before God, don’t turn it into a theatrical production … Just find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
Matthew 6:5 - 6

3. DECIDE WHOSE FRIENDSHIP YOU WANT MOST.

Some people have missed the most important thing in life – they don’t know God.
1 Timothy 6:21

You should know that loving the world is the same as hating God. Anyone who wants to be a friend of the ‘world’ becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4

I have to choose to value what God values.
You are my friends if you obey me.
John 15:14

4. MAINTAIN A CONSTANT CONVERSATION.

Pray all the time!
1 Thessalonians 5:17

My determined purpose is that I may know Him—that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly.
Philippians 3:10

5. TRUST GOD IN YOUR VALLEYS

You talk with acquaintances; but you trust your friends.

Cast all your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 55:22

God can handle your honesty.

If you’re facing trouble right now…

I’ll get you out of your trouble. And I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me.
Psalm 91:14

If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak words that are worthy, you will be my spokesman. You are to influence them; do not let them influence you!
Jeremiah 15:19