God as a Friend?

Typically, I hate that analogy.

God is our Creator, Father in Heaven, Savior, and Holy Spirit that lives in us.

To reduce all of that to "friend" seems a like it really misses the point.

However, I heard some great perspective from the evening service tonight at church. I've worked with the high school youth group for almost six years now and I was reminded one of the greatest reasons why: we grow as Christians together (in the soil of HOPE, as Trygve taught me some years ago while I was a student at Hope College).

The youth group just arrived home from their missions trip, serving at camp, and one of the offered some incredible perspective on how God is ACTUALLY our friend.

*Paraphrased*

"I've always known that God loves me and that He's my Savior and King. That part I've always understood and made sense to me. What really got me is how incredibly personal He is, like a REAL friend. I've never really understood until now and it's incredible."

We were told that this was an incredible (and emotional) discussion and I loved hearing about it. I don't like the idea of reducing God simply to a friend, but when it's put in the perspective of that close friend who gets you on the deepest level and loves you like another family member (as opposed to acquaintances that we might label "friend" but not really truthfully)... that I certainly agree with.

Proud as can be of these kids. Looking forward to the rest of summer and what it holds with them.

Over My Head

Great thoughts from the guys in Starfield (not my work at all)

The wonder of all You've made,
Foundations Your hands have laid,
Bringing me back to my knees, to my knees...

I'm lost for the words to say,
Lost for another way,
Bringing me back to my knees, to my knees.
I'm lost for the words to say,
Lost for another way,
Ruined for anything other than Your love.

I'm desperate to know You, Lord,
Desperate for what's in store,
Finding my hope in only You, in only You.
Take me beyond this door,
Lead me to something more,
Open my heart up for more of You, more of You

From a Friend

I received an e-mail tonight from a friend; a very close friend.

He shared some wisdom that hit me between the eyes in the best way possible.

"...when I am serving or thinking about others and not myself, I am filled up with God's peace and joy and those things actually benefit me, my heart, my soul. I don't want to waste my time here by living selfishly in a way that is neither beneficial or constructive to me or God's kingdom."

I couldn't have said it better myself.

What an awesome goal.