When I was 10, I had a close friend who lived next door. We spent every waking moment together. One day we discovered a perfect place to build a fort. Everything about it was top secret. Only our best friends were trusted with the location and password. Even at that age, we knew friendship had privileges...'
Best friends love to be together, even when they have nothing they need to talk about. Best friends share jokes, thoughts, questions and observations. Best friends celebrate each other's success, and support each other through challenges. Best friends dream together about the future. Because they care for each other, they feel safe to share secrets. I believe God has designed each of us for this kind of friendship with Him.
'I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I have learned from my Father I have made known to you.' (John 15:15)
In addition to the honor of serving the Father, believers in Jesus share the benefits of friendship with the Father. More than church meetings or a daily time of prayer, His Holy Spirit brings us the gift of continual, intimate connection with Him. Friendship with God is much more fun, varied and fulfilling than we are often led to believe. His presence brings joy, pleasure. freedom and peace.
Friendship with Him opens up a whole world, completely inaccessible by any other means. The mind and heart of God are full of wisdom, revelation and creativity. His thoughts are unquantifiable and unconstrained by time and circumstance. He has plans, messages and dreams for every person, every family, every city and every nation...the best thing is, He loves to share them with His friends.
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The opening extract of this entry is from my newly released book, Hearing 101. To purchase a copy, visit the book section of my web store.