~ C. P. Hia- I woke up one morning and discovered that my Internet connection was not working. My service provider conducted some tests and concluded that my modem needed to be replaced, but the earliest they could do so was the next day.

I panicked a little when I thought about being without the Internet connection for 24 hours! I thought, How am I going to survive without it? (Google image, My computer won't work)

Then I asked myself, Would I also panic if my connection with God was disrupted for a day? We keep our connection with God alive by spending time in His Word and in prayer. Then we are to be "doers of the Word" (James 1:22-24 NKJV).

The writer of Psalm 119 recognized the importance of a connection to God. He asked God to teach him His decrees and give him understanding of His law (vv. 33-34). Then he prayed that he would observe it with his whole heart (v. 34), walk in the path of God's commandments (v. 35), and turn away his eyes from looking at worthless things (v. 37).

By meditating on God's Word and then applying it, the psalmist stayed "connected" to God. God has given us His Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path to lead us to Him. C. P. Hia

Let's pray-

Father, there will be times that we'll not have the internet connection, and our reaction may surprise us. Are we so connected to it, that we feel we can't survive without it?

Would we also panic if our connection with You was interrupted for a day or two? If we stay connected with You through spending time in Your Word and in prayer, we'll learn to be doers of Your Word, and not just hearers only.

May we be open and teachable to the importance of keeping our connection with You of the most importance, and to make every effort to observe what we know to do with our whole hearts. Please turn our eyes from looking at worthless things that are an attraction to us daily, which tend to distract us from the importance of spending time with You for guidance and strength to do Your will.

I ask this in Jesus' name for our good and for His glory through our obedience. Amen.

Today's Bible verses-

1 Samuel 2:2 (Hannah prayed) "There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God."

Romans 11:33 "Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!"

Ps. 139:1-6 "You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful or me, too lofty for me to attain."

Quote for today-

~ Dr. Francis J. Sizer- "Power over the enemy illustrates that the two kingdoms are diametrically opposed to one another. The kingdom of God is in direct opposition to the Kingdom of darkness. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross represents the ultimate victory of the Kingdom of God over the kingdom of evil. Every believer must take this truth and apply it to their circumstances for victory." [p. 55 in his book, POWER ENCOUNTERS]

Words of wisdom-

~ When we have opportunities to work together on projects, how pleasant it is to be unified to see the projects done! Nothing is more rewarding, for we are working together to accomplish the task at hand. God wants His people to enjoy their lives in such a way that they live in unity, savoring times of service together.

Today's question-

WHY LET THE GOSPEL BE YOUR GUIDE?

When looking at what the world offers through the newspaper, media and other means of communication, we see various interpretations of what's important to read about. They tell us what we should do about them, offering all sorts of thoughts of action.

When we consider the truths of Ps. 16:5-11, concerning our keeping the Lord's way, we can maintain our peace. It's the way we're to take action; choosing to agree every day with God what He says in His Word.

As Christians, we are justified through Christ's death on the cross on our behalf, when we believe and receive it for ourselves personally. This is called Justification.

The daily living for Him, and the process of changing us into His likeness, is called Sanctification.

Remember, God's not impressed with you, but He is with the Christ living within you. His Spirit within us gives power to believe that He's in charge. We can trust His character, and know that He promises a good future for us.

We're not to listen to the volume of condemnation we hear daily, but to the Good News we read from the Bible. As He's removed our sins from us as far as the East is from the West, we can live with the hope that Jesus is coming again for His believers.

We're not to allow the news we hear to dismay us, for in the Truth we read from His Word, He will triumph. Read the back of the Book, and you'll understand what is meant by His overcoming all evil, and that He has a good plan to do it.