Happy Thanksgiving to all!

"I thank my God always concerning you..." 1 Cor. 1:4
I agree with Paul who wrote this verse in giving thanks for all of you that visit this site. I will post asap - got behind with the holidays ... hope all of you are well and enjoyed some food, family and rest.

Chapter 13- Worship That Pleases God

This chapter in the PDL talks about the four characteristics of worship that is pleasing to God; those characteristics being accuracy, authenticity, practicality and thoughtfulness. Accuracy obviously involves truth of Scripture and our own personal study and application thereof. Authenticity, practicality, and thoughtfulness are all in reference to the intentions behind our acts of worship. Are our intentions genuine, sincere, and heartfelt? If not, don't bother- because you're doing nothing more than adding ammunition to Satan's arsenal.

This chapter holds my favorite quote from the book thus far. I absolutely love the sentence that reads, "You cannot exalt God and yourself at the same time." What else is there to say about worship? That pretty much sums the chapter up in a nutshell. It's about exalting God wholeheartedly in everything that we do everyday...not just Sunday.

Developing your friendship with God - Chp. 12

The other day my little girl said to me "Mom we are going to be best friends forever." I looked at her and smiled with great love and affection. She was communicating to me that we are very close and that she trusts and loves me. She knows that I am her mom and yet we have a beautiful relationship between us. That is a small example of how God's friendship is with us.

I know that calling God our friend may seem to communicate a casual relationship but it really does communicate intimacy. There are many references to God being our friend like He is a "friend of sinners" or others about how we are His friend. Jesus healed the paralyzed man and said "friend your sins are forgiven" and also talks about how we are "friends of the bridegroom."

This chapter challenges us to draw close to God and he will draw close to us(James 4:8). The PDL asks us to be honest, obey and yearn for a passionate friendship with the Savior. We are friends of God! (Paula, I totally understand your last Blog entry, let's work on this together and any other girls out there!)

Chapter 11-Becoming Best Friends with God

I read this chapter twice, mostly because I have really struggled with the concept that we need to aspire to be "best friends" with God. We definitely have to develop a relationship with God and constantly cultivate that relationship. But, I still feel like I am the servent and God is the Master. James 4:8 says "Come near to God and he will come near to you..." There is no doubt that constant conversation and continual meditation will help you draw close to God. I really like the "breath prayer" and I probably actually say breath prayers more than I was ever aware. However, unless he has something really, really awe-inspiring in the next chapter,(I didn't read ahead) I have to say that to me, my relationship is still like that of a servant and master or father and child. While I endeavor to draw ever closer to God, I can only imagine ever aspiring to be a servant who finds some favor in His eyes. To me, God's friendship is far more than I am worthy of.

Perhaps I'm over-thinking this but when I read through John chapter 15, what I'm reading is Jesus in the flesh speaking to his disciples in the flesh. In verse 15 he says "I no longer call you servants," he didn't say 'my Father no longer calls you servants'. Then he concluded the verse with "...everything that I have learned from my Father I have made known to you." To me, that still shows the Father reigning a tier above.

Please feel free to offer your thoughts and perspective here as well. I have much to learn and I do not expect that we will all see eye to eye all the time. This post reflects the personal thoughts and perspectives of no one other than myself. I understand that I could be wrong and I am open to discussion in that regard.