Dan Houze, November 28, 2004

A God Dominated Heart

"Seeing God in Friendship"

I Samuel 18, 19, 20 and 23

"Friendship is a much underestimated aspect of spirituality. It's every bit as significant as prayer and fasting. Like the sacramental use of water and bread and wine, friendship takes what's common in human experience and turns it into something holy."

--Eugene Peterson

1. Friends reflect God in sacrifice (I Samuel 18:4)

Jonathan saw God in David, and abdicated his position to him as next in line to the throne.

Are my friendships built on convenience or sacrifice?

2. Friends reflect God in loyalty (I Samuel 19:4-5)

Jonathan confronted Dad (the king!) on his friend's behalf.

3. Friends reflect God in authenticity (I Samuel 20:41)

Authenticity: complete freedom to be oneself.

The desire to know and be known, to love and be loved, is in everyone. Can people declare, "I am sunk!" at TLCC and find support?

4. Friends reflect God in encouragement (I Samuel 23:15)

If your gift is encouragement, please don't stop using it!