"We cannot experience the love and joy of life until we've connected to another at the level

of our soul“Larry Crabb

Anthro-lateral

qTheo-lateral

Relationship and connection are intertwined but not the same…

Connection requires relationship -but there can be relationship without connection

qCommitment and Trust are the point of contact

Without intention (willful) commitment there is no

connection

Am I committed to Him, Is He committed to

me?

Can He trust me? Do I, can I,, trust

Him?

The Great Disconnect

Numbers Chapter Twenty

(Nu 20:6-13). Moses and Aaron turned away from the people and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where they fell face down on the ground. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to them, and the Lord said to Moses, “You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, command the rock over there to pour out its water. You will get enough water from the rock to satisfy all the people and their livestock.”

So Moses did as he was told. He took the staff from the place where it was kept before the Lord. Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So all the people and their livestock drank their fill.

But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!”

The Problem

1. They did Not obey specifically

Nu 27:14. …for you both rebelled against my instructions in the wilderness of Zin.

The Problem

2. They assumed too much of the glory of this work of wonder to themselves:

Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?

When the people of Israel rebelled, you failed to demonstrate my holiness to them at the waters.” (Num. 27:14)

The Problem

3. They did not trust God“…you did not trust me enough to demonstrate

my holiness to the people of Israel…” 20:12b

The Problem

4. They said and did all in heat and passion

At Meribah, too, they angered the Lord,causing Moses serious trouble.

They made Moses angry,and he spoke foolishly. (Ps 106:32-33 NLT)

…for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (Jas 1:20).

1. They did Not obey specifically

2. They assumed too much of the glory to themselves:

3. They did not trust God

4. They said and did all in heat and passion

Self Obsession

1. They did Not obey specifically

2. They assumed too much of the glory to themselves:

3. They did not trust God

4. They said and did all in heat and passion

Self Obsession

And because of it, they did not get to live in the ‘Land

of Promise’

Self obsession breaks our connection with

God and keeps us from living in the ‘land of

Promise.’

My purpose is to give life in all its fullness. John 10:10b

The Land of PromiseLiving a peace filled life

Transcend our circumstances

Whatever we do working out for good

Knowing heaven awaits

Knowing there is a plan and following it

Living a significant and secure life

The disconnected life

AngerWorryFrustrationConfusionDoubtDefeat

Mark 4: 19 but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for nice things, so no crop is produced.

What to do?

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life. Matthew 16:24-28 (NLT)

For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. Their future is eternal destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and all they think about is this life here on earth.

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take these weak mortal bodies of ours and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same mighty power that he will use to conquer everything, everywhere. Philippians 3:17-21 (NLT)

Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to its lustful desires. Do not let any part of your body become a tool of wickedness, to be used for sinning. Instead, give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you to sin. Instead, you are free by God’s grace. (Romans 6:12-14)

But that isn’t what you were taught when you learned about Christ. Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness—righteous, holy, and true. (Eph 4:20-24)

Look to Jesus (put aside selfish ambition)

Focus on HeavenDon't let sin control you

Don't give in to sinful lusts

Give oneself to GodUse your gifts for God's kingdom - turn

whatever kingdom you're in into His

Matthew 5:12 (NLT)

Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too.

John 3:36 (NLT)

And all who believe in God’s Son have eternal life. Those who don’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life, but the wrath of God remains upon them.”

Romans 8:10 Since Christ lives within you, even though your body will die because of sin, your spirit is alive because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as he raised Christ from the dead, he will give life to your mortal body by this same Spirit living within you.

Matthew 10:38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. 39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it.

Romans 14:17-18 (NLT)

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God. And other people will approve of you, too.

Ephesians 4:17-32 (NLT)

With the Lord’s authority let me say this: Live no longer as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They don’t care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways. Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed.