_ In her devotions, Rebecca Barlow Jordan points out that true intimacy with God costs time, selflessness, absolute trust and often, suffering. In other words, true intimacy comes at a price.

Abraham was called God’s friend but the friendship came at a price. God promised Abraham the impossible; that he will be the father of many nations at his old age and Abraham waited thirteen years for Isaac – the promised seed. God then upped the stake by asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac to HIM and by faith, Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice... although God has said to him, “in Isaac, your seed shall be called.”

Abraham undoubtedly displayed a selfless act and an absolute trust in his ‘friend.’ He was certain God will not fail him and God proved HIMSELF true by making Abraham a father of many nation hence Abraham was called God’s friends because he shared a true intimacy with God.

When you decide to pursue a true intimacy with God, the path may be narrow and rough at times, but HIS friendship will never fail you.

Hebrew 11:17-19
By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.

_The human brain is remarkably wonderful in recalling memories back to life when you see a familiar stranger that was once close to you.

I knew him well due to the constant communication we had back then. Even if others doubted his abilities and motives, I was certain of his character and integrity. God too would like us to have such trust in HIM. HE often reminds me on how constant communication could help forge a solid foundation of trust.

The time we spent in prayer and reading HIS words will enable us to learn more of HIS character. Both practices will keep us in constant communication with HIM and maintain a personal intimacy that is steadfast. With such relationship, we will be able to be certain of God’s character and integrity.  Don’t let God be a familiar stranger in your life as HE will always remain true to you.

Deuteronomy 4:29
But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.

When I was younger, my piano teacher used to say, “No matter how little time you have, say hello to your piano everyday.” Of course, I hardly paid attention to her advice and was often lazy to do it. Now, I know better.

During the times that I actually practiced, I was always able to play the given song well during my piano lessons. However, when I compromised on practice, I could feel that something was amiss when I played. I felt less “connected” to my piano .

I have come to realize that practicing every day helps my fingers to become familiarize with the piano keys. As such, I could produce better sounding melodies. When I left my piano untouched—even if only for a few days—I lose that “connectedness.” It would seem like I have forgotten the character of my piano.

Our walk with Christ may be likened to practicing the piano. Communicating with Him everyday helps us to remain sensitive to His voice. An intimate walk with Christ will allow us to know His character more deeply and understand His will for us. Conversely, an on-off relationship with Christ can cause us to become “disconnected” with Him. Hence, we will find it difficult to distinguish His voice from the other voices vying for our attention. May we seek to establish a more intimate walk with Christ!

Jeremiah 29:12-13
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

(**Article from : P. Stevanni - YMIblog)

Last night I said goodbye to one of my closest friend of nearly twelve years. She will be leaving the country for good and although we are certain we will be keeping a regular contact, we felt certain heaviness letting go of our farewell hug.

At the last moment of farewell, we both knew that we had been taking each other for granted all these years and there was a moment of silence acknowledging the regret.

Saying goodbye is not one of my fondest moments. In fact this goodbye made me reflect on two other goodbyes that have changed my life. I never got to tell these two special people on how thankful I was for their presence in my life. I took them for granted thinking that they will always be there, that there will be a better time to tell them that I love them and sometimes I just assumed that they should know how much I care. Little did I know, God had other plans and my final goodbyes were said at their funerals.

We all have much to be thankful for. In this month of Thanksgiving, let’s not forget about all the good things that God, our friends and loved ones have done for us. Don’t take God and everyone for granted as the Bible warns that in the last days, people will become more selfish and less thankful.

Let’s find a way to say thank you and show gratitude to the people around you so that when it is time for you to say goodbye to them, your goodbye will not be filled with regrets.

2 Timothy 3:1-2 (KJV)
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.

_As a Christian, we may sometimes feel that we lose more than we gained.  There will be times when we are required to show the first act of love, the first act of giving, the first act of sharing our lives to certain people or strangers we aren’t necessary close with or comfortable with.

Take a farmer for example. When he sows in his field, he throws the seed away. The seed seems lost but in due time (during harvest) he gets it back multiplied. That rule applies to life in Christ as well. When we give our resources, time and energy to others in the name of Christ, we will gain more in return.

The Bible teaches us that God blesses those who give of their lives and resources.  The New Testament tells of Jesus teaching us to measure our losses rather than our gains, sacrifices rather than self preservation, love given away rather than love taken in.

Give more and you will have more to give, trust more and you’ll earn more of it, give out love and you will have more love for others than before. Nothing will be lost but much will be gained.

2 Corinthians 9: 6
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.