Lengthen Your Life

George Beverly Shea, who sang at Billy Graham's gospel crusades for more than 60 years, turned 103 years old this past Wednesday. Shea was quoted as saying that his secret to long life is “the Lord, a good wife, and coffee.” That’s good advice!

People have questioned how the earliest patriarchs in the bible lived for hundreds of years. I’ve heard a couple possible explanations. One is that the atmosphere changed after Noah’s flood, which allowed for more of the sun’s ultraviolet rays to affect life on earth. Other ministers have suggested men speaking negative words have shortened lives. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

Nevertheless, believers who know their authority in Christ can live long lives if they desire to. Psalm 90:10 says we can claim a lifespan of at least seventy or eighty years. Genesis 6:3 has been interpreted to mean that men could live for up to 120 years. Despite that, many Christians including ministers have died at a young age. One reason for that is that some of them desired to be in heaven more than staying on the earth.

Aside from perhaps exercise and eating healthy foods, other factors that can contribute to longevity include obeying God’s word…

“That you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days…” - Deuteronomy 30:20

“My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.” - Proverbs 3:1-2

Valuing wisdom…

“Wisdom is with aged men, and with length of days, understanding.” - Job 12:12

“She [wisdom] is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.  Length of days is in her right hand…” - Proverbs 3:15-16

And respecting our parents…

“‘Honor your father and mother’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.’” - Ephesians 6:2-3

Don’t let religious people tell you that it’s “your time to go” if the devil attacks you with disease or tries to snuff you out in an accident. Ask God to give you long life and fulfill everything He’s called you to do!

“With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.” - Psalm 91:16

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Gospel Soul Winning Script

Image
During my early days with evangelism, I developed an approach called the Survey Technique . By asking short direct questions, you can maintain control of the conversation and find out quickly what a person’s spiritual beliefs are. Although the Survey Technique has helped me lead thousands to the Lord, I’m still open to utilizing new methods in reaching people with the gospel. Rodney Howard-Browne 's ministry uses a tool called the Gospel Soul-Winning Script , which originated during their Good News New York campaign in 1999. I became familiar with it a few years later during evangelism outreaches with Rodney’s church in Tampa, Florida. At first, I resisted using the script. I found it restrictive and thought sinners wouldn’t be receptive to me reading the whole thing to them. Then while taking part in a 2009 outreach with Rodney’s ministry in Washington, D.C., my team leader asked me to “stick with the script.” Wanting to maintain unity, I complied with his request. Initially it fe...
Read more

Toking the Ghost Revisited

Image
Back in February 2007, a fellow missionary I was traveling with started talking about “smoking the weed from heaven.”   He would pretend to have a joint of marijuana between his fingers and have “smoke breaks with Jesus.”   He also encouraged other believers to take “hits.”   I was a bit uncomfortable with this idea but didn't contest it. Then in October of that year, I heard John Crowder preach on “toking the Ghost” at a church in my hometown of Fargo, North Dakota.   I was inspired to make a video with John to share with my missionary friend.   During the filming, I experienced much laughter. I decided to make the video public figuring other people might enjoy it also. Two weeks later at a church in Minnesota, I heard Benjamin Dunn share testimonies of people getting healed from “toking the Ghost.”   This was just before he and John Crowder started ministering together.   I believed this was God confirming His word in the mouth of ...
Read more

A Tribute to Al Best

Image
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. This tribute is for one who went home to be with the Lord last Sunday. Al Best oversaw Light in Anoka Church in a northern suburb of Minneapolis. Originally from Florida, Al first gave his life to the Lord at 17 but then backslid. Meanwhile, he served 21 years in the Navy and worked various jobs. That included selling Rainbow vacuum cleaners. I would eventually get to know his sales manager. Eric Gonyon became an associate pastor at Rodney Howard-Browne ’s church (I usually attend services there when in Tampa).  A few years after recommitting his life to the Lord, Al became a pastor. In 2007, the Lord directed him to head north to Minnesota, where his wife Jean is from. First, they ministered in the small town of Dassel. What started as a youth mission transitioned into regular services for all ages. Then in 2016, Al and Jean moved to Anoka to take on a church originally called New Day Fellowship. To counter the city’s motto as the “Hallowee...
Read more