I HAVE A FRIEND

 

June 28, 2024

Psalm 25:14

 “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.”

John 15:15

“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”

We are at our week’s end and preparing for the Canada day weekend. What are your plans? 

I was thinking how this long weekend has become a time to appreciate our Country, while it is far from perfect, it is an awesome country. Canada Day weekend has become also a time of gathering with family and friends and celebrating the people in our lives and the blessing they are to us. These thoughts led me to think about “friendhip” in the Bible and in keeping with this week's theme, today I would like us to think about our Friendship with the Holy Spirit.

In friendship with the Holy Spirit we experience a sense of wholeness and joy that is beyond our reach in any other relationship or aspect of our lives.

Perhaps you recall Jesus saying in John 15:15, “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” God longs for friendship with his people. I believe that this is what we learn from the Garden of Eden story in Genesis 3. The Creator walking with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day. The Holy Spirit provides us with a constant link to God that we can always access. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit desire to do life with us. Through the Holy Spirit’s presence God wants to guide us, speak to us, and show his unfailing love for us.

So, how do we grow in friendship with the Holy Spirit?

Psalm 25:14 says, “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.”   Friendship with the Holy Spirit starts like any other true friendship. A meaningful friendship in our lives is one built on time spent together, doing things in life together, sharing ourselves with one another learning likes and dislikes, and as time goes along our knowledge grows and we learn to  respect, love, and value our friends guidance and wisdom. So it is with our relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Developing our friendship and fellowship with the Holy Spirit, like any other relationship happens through some consistent practices. Here are a few:

• Set aside time each day for prayer. Asking God help to grow in your understanding and knowledge of his Holy Spirit.
• Worship the Spirit by singing spiritual songs. One we use in worship, for example is Holy Spirit, We Welcome You. Have listen to it below.
• Read, study and meditate on Scripture. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand the Bible passages you’re reading.
• Expectantly wait for the Holy Spirit to speak to you and guide you.

Friendship with the Holy Spirit flows out of ongoing conversations and interactions with Him throughout your day. Therefore, Invite the Holy Spirit into your daily life and situations.

Here is what I have discovered, by developing friendship with the Holy Spirit, we experience His help in many practical ways:

• The Holy Spirit will help you in prayer, giving you discernment for what to pray about and how to pray effectively.
• He will give you fresh revelation as you study the Bible, teaching you and making the Word come alive.
• The Holy Spirit will bring wisdom and insight into the decisions you face.
• God’s Spirit will awaken spiritual gifts within you and empower you to use those gifts to bless others.

Today may we open up and allow the Holy Spirit to come upon us that we may discover the wealth of knowledge, guidance, and love God has to reveal and communicate to us.