Sunday, February 3, 2013

By: Brandon Bilbo

 

Thanks BUD

 

John 15:15  "I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me."

   

I recently had a friend ask me if there is a correct way to pray. She said that her way of thanking God is by saying, "Thanks Bud!" She wondered if that approach was appropriate. In my opinion, my friend is right on target! Today's verse reveals to us that God considers His disciples as FRIENDS.

 

You see, it doesn't matter whether we approach God with flowery words or we just call Him "Bud."  The main thing He wants from us is a relationship.  God desires for us to talk to Him throughout the day in the manner we would speak to our friends. I am sure you have at least one person that you are consistently in contact with daily. In your conservations, you probably talk about the challenges you may have or you may share your gratitude for the wonderful events of the day.

 

Certainly, we are ALWAYS supposed to approach God with respect and honor. However, I believe it brings Him honor when we call Him friend or even "Bud," and it brings Him GREAT JOY when we just TALK to Him. So often, the only time people talk to God is when they are in great need. Of course, in these situations, God desires for you to seek Him first, but He also desires for you to share ALL of your life with Him (not just the woes).

 

By being faithful to communicate with Him, you are consistently enabling a refilling of the Holy Spirit into your life. John 14:26 shares "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

 

Eventually, when you converse with someone daily, you begin to learn more of what and how that individual thinks. In the same way, as you are faithful to prayer and Bible reading (a vital key to communication with God), when trials come, you will begin to respond in such a way that is pleasing to God.

 

I challenge you today if you are looking for peace, answers, or simply to please God, develop a FRIENDSHIP with Him.

 

Dear Lord, thank You for thinking so much of me that You consider me to be Your "friend." Holy Spirit, please fill my life with Your presence bringing both counsel and comfort in my life as scripture promises.

 

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.