May 24, 2012 (1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8; Psalm 136; Romans 5)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” Romans 5:11 NLT
Observation: Paul makes it clear there is nothing more joyful than knowing you are in a right relationship with God. The only way to have this right relationship is through faith in Jesus Christ. We can rejoice because of the price Jesus paid on our behalf. We owed a debt we couldn’t pay, and yet He paid the price He didn’t owe. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand. For all who receive the gift of God’s grace will live in triumph over sin and death through faith in Jesus Christ. When we receive the gift of God’s grace we are filled with His Holy Spirit that empowers us to surrender our own will and live according to God’s perfect will.
Application: We like to be called friends of God. But are we a friend to Him? Are we the kind of friend that always takes and never gives? Are we the kind of friend that uses and abuses His kindness? God teaches us by example how to be a real friend. Faithfulness and commitment are essential traits of real friends. He is faithful no doubt, but what about us? Do we even have a responsibility to be faithful to Him as a friend? After all isn’t our salvation based on Christ and Him alone? Must we really forsake sin when we receive Christ? Are we still sinners after we have committed ourselves to faith in Christ? Is salvation a one-sided commitment, only to be honored by God? To be called His friend, we must learn to be a friend to Him.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank You and praise You for who You are! Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for the price Jesus paid for me. Teach me how to be Your friend. Place the desire to be faithful within me. As I rejoice in our wonderful relationship help me to never take You for granted or become boastful and act as if You owe me salvation. I thank You for the gift You have given and I’m eternally grateful, in Jesus name, Amen!