Spirit

Pastor J. R. Wilhite, author   Close Window

To truly start your walk with God of course requires you accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Most believers do not really give the attention what they need to next

Let me ask you a couple of questions.

1. What real benefit do you get from your television?
2. Would you spend 2 hours a night reading and studying for say 3-4 years if you knew at the end you would really be blessed?

Of course there is no benefit from watching television. I mean look at the name Tell-A-Vision; who's vision are you watching anyway?

I know it is enjoyable and relaxing; but is it really? How about sitting outside and watching a sunset? Is not that enjoyable and relaxing? Plus, it did not cost $300-$1,000 to buy.

The point is you have the time to watch TV and to do what I am about to suggest, but what I am suggesting in anywhere from 1 - 5 years (based on the time you give) will change your life for good.

You see, in 1989 I heard a TV evangelist talk about sowing and reaping and things of this nature and it got my attention (especially since I was broke, and needed money). The only problem is it does not happen overnight, but anything of great value never does.

I spent 3 years listening, and then attended a couple of Kenneth Copeland's Believer Conventions. Then for 3 - 5 years I read all I could get my hands on. I watched videos and listened to audio tapes of all the people doing it, Kenneth Copeland, Hagin, and others.

Then about 3 years ago it hit me. It is like weight loss programs; each is great and to some degree may help some people, but is mainly for the first person for whom it worked. We all have a weight control program in us. The same applies for getting close to and knowing God, sowing and reaping, healing, and so on.

In 1998 I started leaving those other books and tapes behind and spent more time alone. As I did, more tapes and books than ever before showed up. This told me I was on to something; we have an enemy and he hates to lose.

By 2001 I was talking to God constantly. I was spending all my free time with Him. I noticed things I loved before where even changing and finding out that I really did not love them or even really like them that much. They were just ways Satan had used to keep me confused, busy, and away from God and all my blessings.

From 1997- 2001 (Jan 2-4) I had been told I had diabetes, PMarkinson's, pulmonary hypertension, and one really bad back that needed surgery now.

Well based on all of the doctors findings I was not long for this world. In July of 2000 I was 253 lbs. and 6 ft tall.

I am writing this at the end of Feb 2001; I am 180 lbs. and free of all of the above, and feel great. Saturday I spent 3 hours, mowing, weed eating, and edging my yard. I then went for a bike ride, came home got cleaned up and went shopping with my wife for clothes, and other things, not bad for someone half-dead. Also in 1998 we lived in a 3-bed room, 40-year-old house that was in need of major work, and had at least $500,000 of debt and struggling. Now we live in a new 2 story, 4 bed room house with pool (heated), 2 new cars (paid cash for both), and only owe about 100K on the house. See the differences? Oh yes, we no longer struggle at all and for the first time have a savings account. No, it was not due to offerings or anything that was given to the ministry.

It was due to the fact that I have learned about my blessings in all areas and how to obtain them. It took me 12 years, it can take you a lot less or more time it is up to you.

Here is what you need to do:

1. Take time to listen, not just hear, but truly listen. For example, if someone spoke in a different language that you did not understand, you would hear him or her, but you would not listen or understand them. So you need to listen, of course hear, but understand what God has to say. This takes time. He has to get through a lot of walls. I have suggested using a puzzle to some people. This helps because as they get into the puzzle they are actually not thinking about anything else, and then God only has to overcome one thing, the puzzle. Still, this will take time, you have to get to a point and stop the puzzle and listen. It may take days, weeks, or (depending on how much time daily is spent) months.
2. Praise. Of course you know how to sing and praise, but I'm talking about listing your blessings from God. Start with a pad and pen and list all He has done for you. Do this daily until it is no longer just lip service, but much more and then let it grow from there. It can go into song, but be careful about the songs you sing. Even some of the best ones out there are not correct according to scripture and can hurt instead of help.
3. With both daily praise and listening you need to understand that none of this works unless you do this daily. If you miss a day just start where you left off, but do not skip a day to watch TV or else the next thing that will happen is you will be back in front of the TV all the time and lost all that you had gained.

Growing into the Fruit of the Spirit of God can only come from your one on one relationship with God. As your relationship grows, so will the fruit. First the love, as the love grows, then come the joy, and all the next 7 of the fruit. Yes, I know there are 9 fruit of the Spirit.

When you get to the 7^th (faith) you are complete. There are 9 fruit of the spirit, so how can we be complete? Because the 8^th is a new beginning. Your new beginning is one of gentleness and self-control.

My prayer for you is:

3 John 1

2. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth

Remember to show faith when you pray, then praise and give thanks.

God Bless You as you hear His words and follow His leading.

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