Connect or Not it is Your Choice
Pastor Jerry Wilhite,
author
How is it that so many people believe what they have is theirs? We have nothing at birth and when we die we leave with nothing except knowledge, wisdom, and relationship with God. Beyond that all else is fleeting; if it is physical in nature it does not last. Nothing that man creates, manufactures, builds, etc lasts. In time it all returns to where it came from - dust.
Still we believe that what we have is ours, what we earn is ours, and what we buy is ours. Then the IRS audits us and nothing is ours; it is then theirs, or a judgement against us takes it all away.
Those things that really count, what really matters, are who we are, our health and relationships that we have while we are here. Who we are is determined by the words of our mouths and our actions. But in 100 years who will remember any of it? In a few hundred years who will even remember us? No one, that is except God. We have a chance while we are here to connect with God in a one on one relationship with Him. If we take the time to develop that relationship we learn what truly counts and matters.
Proverbs 10
19. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lipsis wise.
Matthew 12
37. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned
1 Samual 2
3. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; letnot arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORDis a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
Pastors, Priests, Evangelists, Teachers, etc all believe it is the work that matters. But I say, "No, the work is either a side effect of our love for Him or a delusion of who and what we are about."Unfortunately more fall into the last group. They are too busy doing God's work to listen to Him. If I had someone work for me and they did not have time for me I would wonder who they really are working for, me or the competition (enemy).
Matthew 4
4. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
How are we to live on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God if we do not listen?
Matthew 12
36. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
37. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Would you agree thatwe are to follow after Jesus and do no less or at least strive to do as He did?
John 14
10.Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
We should do as He says, listen to and hear from God.
John 14
26. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
If you believe the Holy Spirit and God are not one in the same and the Spirit is not important then read John 4:22-23.
John 4
22. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
23. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
The physical state that we are in is less important than the Spirit and all that is of either is God’s. We are completely His, our bodies our property our money, everything is His. He let's us use it while we are here, but if you believe it is yours tell me that again when you are about to leave this life. In many years of serving at a nursing home I was with many in their last minutes. Each time one thing was made very clear and that is just how little time they really have here no matter if it is 50, 80 or more years. It is phenomenal to me how little we really appreciate that which really matters. What matters is health, relationships and love; all the rest is used to take our eyes off what really matters.
The point is it is His entirely, not ours. How can we rob God and argue with him about what is His and what is ours, when all He asks is so little and He gives so much in return?
If you do not know what He gives, first consider your life, the life of those you love and the health of each.
Can anyone buy a life, or good health, or a true relationship?
Remember it is all His, but what really counts is connecting. I mean connecting with each other, with Him and having time to appreciate it.
Some verses to read Malachi chapters 1-4, Matthew 6-7, and John 14