In today’s daily devotional of having a deeper friendship with the Holy Spirit, the aim is to inspire and guide you in exploring the depths of God’s love, grace, and presence in the life of the believer.
Come with me on this journey of spiritual growth and renewal, where we learn to cultivate a closer relationship with the Third Person of the Trinity.
» Tuesday, 7th February 2023 | I Stand In The Gap Daily Devotional | Deeper Friendship with the Holy Spirit
Yesterday’s daily devotional was on the topic of “The Gift of the Holy Spirit” and today’s is about Deeper Friendship with the Holy Spirit.
Anchor verse of the day
But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
John 15:26-27 (NKJV)
In our anchor verse of the day, Jesus is telling his disciples that the Holy Spirit will be sent to them as a Comforter and will also bear witness to him. This refers to or highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in helping us build a deeper relationship with Jesus and guiding us in truth.
Themes in John 15:26-27:
- The Holy Spirit as a helper
- The Holy Spirit as a witness:
- The Holy Spirit as a comforter
- The Holy Spirit as a teacher
Background
In John 15:26-27, Jesus is teaching his disciples during the Last Supper and preparing them for his upcoming death, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Hence the right time to let them know the relationship thereof.
In these verses, Jesus explained that the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, will come to them and continue to guide and comfort them in their ministry.
In a nutshell, our anchor passage of the day is part of Jesus’ farewell discourse and is meant to encourage and reassure his disciples as they face difficult times ahead.
How can the believer cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit?
- Spend time in prayer and meditation
- Read the Bible daily
- Obey the leading of the Holy Spirit
- Obey the leading of the Holy Spirit
- Seek the gifts of the Spirit
- Cultivate a spirit of thankfulness
- Be baptized in the Holy Spirit
- Fellowship with other believers
- Keep your heart pure
- Surrender to God’s will
Similar verses to John 15:26-27
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
Romans 8:14-16 (NKJV)
This verse speaks to the intimate relationship that believers have with the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are led into a deeper relationship with God as their heavenly Father.
The Holy Spirit testifies to the believer’s spirit, confirming their status as children of God.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:22-25 (NKJV)
This verse speaks to the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit produces fruit in the lives of believers, and this fruit is evidence of a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Through the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to live in accordance with the will of God.
Reflection on the theme of deeper friendship with the Holy Spirit
In order to have a deeper friendship with the Holy Spirit, Christians of all backgrounds are being called to live their lives in a way that cultivates a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. This means being open and receptive to the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of their lives. It also means yielding to the Holy Spirit’s presence in them, allowing Him to work through them and manifest His character in their lives.
To live this kind of life, the believer must seek to grow in their knowledge and understanding of the Holy Spirit.
This can be done by reading and studying the Bible, participating in prayer and worship, and spending time in quiet reflection and meditation.
Additionally, the believer can also cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit by seeking to live a life that is pleasing to God, by loving others as themselves, and by actively seeking to obey God’s will in their lives.
By doing the above, the Christian will experience a closer and more intimate and personal relationship with the Holy Spirit and be empowered to live a life that brings glory to God and helps to fulfill His mission in the world.
Prayer for a deeper friendship with the Holy Spirit
Dear Father,
As we come to you today, we solemnly ask for guidance and strength in our relationship with the Holy Spirit. We thank you dearly for the gift of your Holy Spirit, our helper, comforter, and friend.
In John 15:26-27, we are reminded of the deep bond and relationship we have with the Holy Spirit, and we pray that you will help us cultivate this deeper friendship with Him by remaining in you and obeying your commands.
We again pray that your Spirit would fill us with your love, wisdom, and power. Enable us to bear fruit and produce much fruit in our lives, to the glory of your Holy name.
Father, thank you for being our companion in the form of the Holy Spirit, and for equipping us to live a life worthy of your calling as believers.
We ask all these things in Jesus’ mighty name.
Amen.
