Have you ever had a really fun friend? Someone who knew lots of neat places to go, who had great insights, a stimulating mind and a creative perspective on things. After you spent time with them, you were exhilarated; your head was spinning with new ideas and full of good memories of your time together. But also, this friend was someone you could trust whose advice you sought on serious matters. When they agreed with you, you felt you were on the right track. When they saw things a little differently, you took time to re-think your position in light of their input.

      Well, I have some good news. Through the fruit of relinquishment, the Holy Spirit can become that kind of friend. Prayer shouldn't be an invitation requesting the Lord's presence at specific events in our lives. He wants to be our lives, to be our friend. And, let's face it: His ideas are better than ours! Do you remember what Jesus said?

          But when He, the Spirit of truth comes,He will guide You into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mind.

      From the Father to the Son to the Spirit to your ears-- the same message. All truth in the universe--past, present, future--is at our disposal. Now we know that we are imperfect and incomplete vessels for such truth. Further, we know that our inherited sin nature has gotten in the way of the transmission. But, what a promise--what a resource. It should cause us to view prayer and the reading of Scripture, not as a rubber stamp for our ideas, but as an opportunity to hear from our best, dearest and wisest Friend.

Dear Lord, You call us friends! What an amazing thought. May we be the kind of friends that you deserve--loyal, trustworthy, and consistent.  In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Nancy S.
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