Connected Series

In order for a person to be holy, he or she must be connected to the Source of holiness—God Himself. Such a relationship begins at the moment of salvation. When a sinner repents of his sins, and places his faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ as the lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world, Jesus enters his heart and becomes his Lord and Savior.

According to a recent poll of marriage counselors, the number one reason cited for divorce, surprisingly, was not infidelity. Marriage counselors cited a breakdown in communication as the number one reason for divorces. Think about that, let it sink in. It really does make sense that if there is no good communication, then there will be a failed relationship.

We Christians strive to have a better relationship with God. Naturally, a better relationship with God will produce more holiness. So the best way to make sure that we are having that best connection with God would be to improve our communication with Him.

BIBLE CONNECTION

A child was asking mommy questions about creation. “Mommy, Sunday School teacher said that we were made by God from dust. Is that true?” “Well, if she said so from the Bible, then yes it is true.” The child continued, “Teacher also said that when we die we go back to dust. Is that true?” Mommy answered, “If she said it is in the Bible, then it is true.” “Then please hurry quick, ‘cause somebody is either coming or going under my bed!”

This funny story really underscores how important having a regular Bible connection really is for children of God. If a child can learn and use it in this way, how much more can we benefit from it. But the real question is how?

There are a number of ways that we can infuse more Bible connection into our lives. The first and most obvious is to purposefully set aside more time. Even a few minutes a day will do wonders. Set aside time to just read your Bible. There are guides to read through the Bible in a year, and with us starting a new year, that would be a great way to connect more. Or choose a book in the Bible and read a chapter a day. Some folks find it helpful to read devotions. Others like to journal with their Bible reading. Another popular method is to take notes during sermons. We have Sunday School at 10am every Sunday, and our Sunday School attendance really isn’t where it ought to be. We have moved our Bible study to Wednesday evenings to try to encourage more attendance.

Both individual and corporate Bible study are essential for growth and striving to live out holier lives. And its not just a “bright idea,” either. The Lord Himself is pretty much on board with it, too. 2 Timothy 2:15 states that we are to “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth”(MSG).

So, do you want to do your utmost for God? Want to be approved by God? Want to avoid being ashamed in front of God? Then now is the time to up your game in studying the Bible. Resolve and determine to do it now! This will sincerely help in being able to live out a holier life!

PRAYER CONNECTION

There was a lady who had invited some people over for dinner. At the table she turned to her six-year-old daughter and said, “Would you like to say the blessing?” The girl replied, “I wouldn’t know what to say.” “Just say what you heard Mommy say,” the mother answered. The daughter bowed her head and said, “Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?”

Kids certainly have a way with prayer, don’t they? (Pause) If only we took prayer as literally and seriously as they do…

As stated earlier, a breakdown in communication is the number one reason marriage counselors identify for divorce. So, if we were to go to a marriage counselor with God in searching for ways to better our relationship, how would that communication thing work for you?

1 Thessalonians 5:17 says that we should “pray without ceasing.” “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1)ESV. Furthermore, Collasians 4:2 tells us to “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving”ESV. And last, Philippians 4:6 lets us know that we should “not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God”ESV.