On my Whole Truth postings I see so many people claiming they are praying to God but not getting any answers or blessings. These lack of responses from the Living God can discourage believers when preachers all over the world are preaching health and abundance if you would just accept Jesus. Good advice but not the whole story.
There is more to a relationship with God than just accepting Jesus. The demons accept Jesus and where do you think they are going?
We need to build a relationship with God through Jesus. Valentines Day was just last month. Did you get your spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend anything? Did you do anything to profess your love for them and that they come first in your life? I'm guessing you did. I did. Just like building a relationship with our significant other, we need to build a relationship with Jesus. Actions speak louder than words and your wife or girlfriend will remind us of this on many occasions.
The same is true with God. The words " Jesus I accept you as my Lord and Savior" are the first steps to that relationship. But there are many more steps to take.
Let's remember, God is not Santa Claus. Just being nice instead of naughty is not going to get us into a stronger relationship with God through His Son. Saying a prayer for money or a new job is not going to guarantee that those prayers will be answered. Our walk with God is a marathon and not a sprint and we must strengthen it every day. Here are some suggestions on making that happen.
Praise God every day, not money, not health, not your car. Determine who is your God and if it is not Him, change your thinking. There are no other Gods but Him.
Do not look to any sculptured or man made creations and lift them up above God.
Do not take God's name in vain. Next time you feel the urge, don't say G.. dammit or Jes.. Ch.. Find other words to use when dealing with difficult situations.
Take some time off on Saturday and read the Bible. Psalms is good. Try to remain at home or head to a park or nature and appreciate His creation. We have six days to do what we want, take this day and pay homage to the Creator.
We should give our parents a call and check in on them and let them know how grateful we are for their sacrifices for us.
Do not murder/kill anyone nor murder their reputation through negative comments
Do not be tempted by anyone other than your spouse. Be devoted only to them.
Do not take what is not yours. Even if it is owned by a big company, we should not acquire anything that is not ours to lawfully take. Free food at Costco demonstration tables is OK!!
Do not lie to anyone and be honest with everyone. Lies only damage in the end.
Finally, be happy with what you have. It is a gift from God and if you honor Him, He will give you more like your friends may have.
This is how we build a relationship with God. Do you see a pattern here or an explanation of commands from the Old Testament? Yes, the Ten Commandments apply today just like they did back in Moses day. This is the Law of Liberty and the one Jesus spoke of as He walked the plains of Galilee.
Jesus said in 1 John 2
Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
John continued on in 1 John
7 Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning.
9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
So there it is. Love God and your brother and you will become one with the Creator.
I am a living example of this. This past 12 months, almost 116 million people have contracted the Coronavirus and over 2.5 million have died. Me and my family were spared all of this. No Covid with us or our immediate family members. Additionally, some 22 million have lost their jobs in the US alone or had to work from home. We did not lose any money from Covid and I have been able to continue working on site at my place of business. 1.5 Billion students were sent home to conduct school via Zoom . While my son had to do this for a short time. he and his fellow classmates have been back on campus for the past 5 months. I could go on spouting the blessings God has poured on us but I think you get the idea.
A daily walk and relationship with the Most High is the goal of every living creature on this planet. It is not hard to do or requires anything of us that is not possible. No money or special talents are required for this experience to enjoy the power and presence of God in our lives.
Take some time this coming week to put these things into practice. Start small and build up. Every step we take in moving closer to Him is a step in the right direction. The fruit of this effort will fill our bellies and warm our hearts. This is the true answer to prayer and the true message of the Bible.
And that is the Whole Truth!
May God truly bless you in your walk with Him.
And remember, God always answers His kneemail.
