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December 18, 1998, Friday
Who can be God's friend and make a pact with Him that He will
consistently maintain? Does God state in His pact and covenant
with His people that He will not reject them? Will He converse
with you as a friend and encourage you with His presence?
The Psalmist was able to determine after much observation that
God chooses His friends carefully. Those that listen to Him--
via His Word (The Scripture), His Prophets (Preachers), His
Teachers, and His Authorities (Parents, Government Authorities)-
"The Lord is the friend of those who obey Him and He affirms
His covenant with them. I look to the Lord for help at all
times, and He rescues me from danger" (Psa 25:14-15). God
proves His friendship to those that apply His teaching in
their life. He gives evidence every day that He maintains
His pact and covenant with the one that obeys Him.
As God spoke through Isaiah to Israel, He explained that
just as Abraham had become God's friend by faith, Others
could be God's friend by their faith as well. The country
of "Spiritual Israel" is that group of people who have
responded to God's call and answered Him in sincerity--
"But you, Israel My servant, you are the people that I
have chosen, the descendants of Abraham, My friend. I
brought you from the ends of the earth; I called you
from its farthest corners and said to you, 'You are My
servant.' I did not reject you, but chose you. Do not
be afraid—I am with you! I am your God—let nothing
terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I
will protect you and save you" (Isa 41:8-10). God's
call and choice is to all who accept Him in truth.
As Moses spoke to God, he let Him know of his concerns.
He did not want to move from the place that He was if
God would not go with Him. He wanted God's presence----
"The Lord would speak with Moses face-to-face, just as
someone speaks with a friend-- The Lord answered, "I will
make all my splendor pass before you and in your presence
I will pronounce My Sacred Name. I am the Lord, and I
show compassion and pity on those I choose" (Exo 33:11,19).
He has made a call to every person, He has made a choice
for every person, and He waits to show mercy on the one
that will respond to Him in truth to be His friend.
Let us remember who is our Best Friend. God's name is
Jehová Adonai. He is the God who accepts us as we are
without any modifications. He is the God who will never fail
you nor forget you. He will never leave you or let you down.
Lift your hands to your Best Friend. Praise Him and thank
Him for all the blessings of His acceptance and friendship.
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