If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 NKJV

Friends. We all have them. They come in all shapes, sizes and varieties. There is that one friend who you haven’t spoken to in a year or more, yet when you get together you pick up where you left off. There is the friend who is great at making decisions; you call her when you need advice. Or the friend who just makes you laugh no matter what. She is your “go to” girl when you need a pick me up out of that pit of self-pity.

Then there is our BEST friend. Your best friend is the one you talk to everyday. The one who knows you better than anyone else, who accepts your weaknesses and celebrates your strengths. The one who tells you the truth even if it hurts. The one who pushes you out of your comfort zone and encourages you to do new things.

Jesus desires to be all these friends and more wrapped up into one relationship.

Abiding in Christ means recognizing and treating Him as your All in All. He wants to be your best friend, confidant, counselor, Father, encourager, protector, and most importantly, Savior. He wants to talk with you each and every day, to guide you and give you advice, to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and experience new things.

So how do you abide in Christ? Begin by reading the Bible and getting to know who God is, and what His promises are for you. The more you read the Bible, the more you know God. The more you know Him the more you understand Him and the more you understand Him, the more you LOVE Him. The more you love Him, the more you worship Him and want to be with Him and thus you Abide in Him.

Abiding in Christ means drawing near to Him in times of trouble and turning to Him for advice. It means thanking Him for all circumstances, even the less desirable ones. It means putting Jesus first in your life, living with purpose and allowing Him to direct your steps. It means trusting Him with everything that you have and who you are. And ultimately, it means being filled to overflowing with His love, joy and peace. Abiding in Christ is walking in the light as He is in the light and having fellowship with Christ and one another, being cleansed from all sin by His blood.

‍Create a collection of brief prayers such as “Help me Jesus. Fill me with Your peace. Show me Your way.” These requests are spiritual nutrients-soul vitamins. The more you use them the healthier and happier you will be. “Jesus Today” by Sarah Young (pg 24)

Dear Heavenly Father, You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. I pray Lord that You will make Your face shine upon us, and be gracious to us this day. Thank You that we can look to You to be our Counselor, Confidant, Friend, Father, Provider and Savior. You are amazing and we praise Your Holy Name. In Jesus’ Precious Name we pray, Amen.

Enjoy this music video by Phillips Craig & Dean: I am a Friend of God!