[Dansey]

Dear StarGirl,

The Lord has been dealing with me on a similar issue - he is teaching me how to be around ungodly people even as friends but still obey the Lord. I never understood how Jesus could be friend to tax collectors and sinners but not be part of the world. This is the process the Holy Spirit has taken me through so far which has taken a LONG period of time (Maybe 5 years) of course some of the lessons have been for other things as well. Hopefully this testimony will encourage you and help you to recognize the Holy Spirit's Work in your life.

I believe these are the things that Jesus had that he is endeavoring to work in His people that enabled Him to have these relationships:
1. He only did what the Father showed Him.
2. He had close fellowship with believers (of course except for Judas)
3. He had communion with the father.

He only did what the Father Showed Him - I think that the Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of belivers is the only thing that can set them free from living under law. Romans talks extensively on this but one cool verse that the Lord showed me the other day sums up what the past 4 or so years of training by the Lord is beginning to teach me. Romans 7:6 - (Amplified Version) But now we are discharged from the Law and have terminated all intercourse with it, having died to what once retrained us and held us captive. So now we serve not under [obedience to] the old code of written regulations, but [under obedience to the promptings] of the Spirit in the newness (of life).



(In my words, Christianity is not about living with a bunch of do's and donts - for example: Don't hang out with non-christians, do hang out with only Christians but about hearing the voice of the Spirit in every decision and for every situation Example: One day the Holy Spirit will show you to go here and do this, one day He will tell you to not go to be with friends but say no)

The important thing here is before you can be free to hang out with non Christians safely, you must learn to be obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

He has showed me this analogy: A dog on a leash versus a dog off a leash. A dog on a leash does not know the commands of his master so he is restrained by the regulation of the leash. A dog that hears and obeys the voice of the master does not need a leash (the law) and has much more freedom and can go many more places but will be just as safe.

So, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal the will of the Lord to you in every situation is something that will kick start His training you in this (which might take quite some time) He has to teach you this, then you will start to see how we could abandon the "Rules" because it is an inward rule not an external one.

2. I believe that every person needs friends and people to be around. What is sad is that sometimes our church environment is not conducive to making sincere friends (at least that is what I encountered). Jesus lived in deep community, so did the early church. I pray right now that God will lead your steps to find the community your soul needs. I had been lonely for years because I felt like I could not connect with people at church. I have asked Him to give that to me and he has opened doors for friendships that have fulfilled that need. Heck back in the day Christians hung out and had a meal together practically every day!!!! Lord, restore this kind of community to your body!!! Anyway - I think its natural that you feel lonely.

I think it is a terrible idea to go back to your friends based on this loneliness. You obviously have doubts about going back to your friends "Whatever is not from faith is sin" If your conscience is saying no don't - trust in the Lord - tell Him your need - wait on his plan for you in terms of friends. This waiting and trusting is the "suffering" of Christ. He has much better friends in store for you with much deeper fellowship - if you ask that of Him He will do it - (sometimes he works slowly - always His timing has a purpose) but keep believing that He will.

3. Jesus had deep communion with the father. One time I got a whole bunch of Christian friends at once and it was awesome!!!!! I had so much fellowship and it was a wonderful time in my life. I was about to go hang out with them when the Holy Spirit said, "No" come spend time with me. I was unsure that it was him - so I drove to almost there and it got stronger - finally I stopped at a nearby gas station and just waited for him to make it absoultely clear. Finally I consented to a clear no. I wanted to hang out with them so much - that I was starting to put them before God voice and obedience to Him. It is always important to make sure that your friends do not prevent you from obeying God when he calls - then you know you have an unhealthy relationship (and thinking back I did).

Wow - this was long.

I pray that you will be strengthened in the Spirit in your inner man to do the will of the Lord in your situation but also that you may know that His perfect will has so much more life and joy in it. I also pray that you will learn the awesome freedom of walking in the Spirit and in Grace. I pray for Godly wisdom to fill your heart, and that you will be able to rest in trusting the Lord to provide you with needed friends. I pray he will give you lots of his Grace to resist any temptations. I also pray that you will open doors to new close friendships with believers. Thanks Lord for what you are about to do in this sister's life!
Yea God!