Daily, Not Weekly, Monthly, Annual Or Lifetime Provision

Ex. 16:18,19 “When they measured it with an omer, he who had gathered much had no excess, and he who had gathered little had no lack; every man gathered as much as he should eat. And Moses said to them, “Let no man leave any of it until morning.’”

Matt. 6:11 “Give us this day our daily bread.”

The provision of God to all mankind, especially to His people, is a fact that is proven by history, taught in the scriptures, and accepted by faith by all His people. 

The provision is often what businessmen today would call “just in time” inventory management.  His provision is given in such a way that we get what we need, but in such a way that we don’t become unappreciative of it, thoughtless as to it’s origins. One of the worst things that can happen to a disciple is to be thoughtless, thankless and presumptuous in regard to the shower of blessings God gives. 

In hindsight, we can see that God took care of us last week, last month, over prior years, and even through out entire lives. But He does it one day at a time.  

So we have the need of daily requests and daily thanks. And when we think further on spiritual things, daily study (Acts 17:11). daily teaching (Acts 5:42), daily exhortation (Heb. 3:13), and daily self-denial and cross-bearing (Luke 9:23).

Simply Sincere

2 Cor. 1:12“…in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.”

The word translated as “holiness” is translated as “simplicity” in other versions. One of the reasons for variety of translation is that this word (hagiotēs) appears only once in scripture. Its root is the word commonly translated “holy,” but it seems to have more meaning here. So there are various translations of this verse:

KJV, NKJV, ESV“simplicity and godly sincerity”

ASV“holiness and sincerity of God”  “from God” (NIV)

CEV“honestly and sincerely”

NRSV“frankness and godly sincerity”

CSB“godly sincerity and purity”

Sincerity is in every translation and the variety of translations give the other as “simplicity, holiness, honesty, frankness or purity.” The connecting thread of all of these is open, honest, and right dealing. 

Compare this pure and helpful to others service that is our goal in Christ to what Christ condemned in the Pharisees: 

Matt. 23:14. 27“For you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation…you outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness”

In Christ, the conduct towards and serve to others is to be simply good. No pretense. Just sincere and pure and good.

All God’s Promises Are True

Think of all the comforts of God’s word. In an unstable and shifting world that are not many thing that we can rely on with absolute certainty. Only God is constant and true. His words and promises are a “strong encouragement” and the hope that we base on them are “an anchor of the soul...both sure and steadfast.” (Heb. 6:18,19)  

Yet even as we take comfort in the surety of God’s promises for help and good, we make take with equal seriousness all His promises that warn of punishment. So often we like to think of only the nice things. This is illustrated in the fact that poll after poll shows that a much greater number of people believe in heaven than in hell, even though we have equal evidence and authority for both. Jesus often speaks of rewards and punishments in the same sentence, yet only one is remembered.  But His promises of curses and consequences are just as sure as His promises of blessings and rewards. 

Both the righteous goodness and righteous severity of God has been equally spoken and equally proven. All of God’s word is confirmed. Will those living by the gospel faith go to heaven? Surely they will.  Will those who are not obedient to it go to hell? Just as surely they will also. Salvation and condemnation are based on the same sure word of God. The scriptures, history and experience all confirm that we must give heed to all that God has said. Let His word be a dreadful and fearful thing to those who won’t live by it – and let them not ignore it – even as His word is wondrously comforting to those who will live by it.

Realize This Could Always Go Either Way

Believers. expect that the life of faith to be a blessed one. And it is. But we often have a very physical expectation of what they life will be. 

Heb. 11:33-35“who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,

34  quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

35  Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection”

Faith! Victory! Conquering! Vanquishing! Whoo Hoo for the life of faith!  But…

Heb. 11:36-28“and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment.

37  They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated

38  (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.”

This were as faithful, but had trials, suffering, mocking, scourging, chains. These are just as possible for the faithful. Both lists were marks of the faithful. Both share the same reward in heaven and the approval of God. Don’t confuse the physical blessings with approval, or suffering like Christ as disapproval. Realize that either life is possible. “The LORD gives, the LORD takes away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job. 1:21)

Our Ancestor’s Great Walk With God

Heb. 11:5,6“By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

In the great list of faithful people in Hebrews 11, there are only two who are ancestors to us all. Since the descent of all mankind began anew after the flood with the family of Noah, only he and his great-grandfather Enoch are ancestors to all mankind and in the list of the faithful examples. 

It’s encouraging to know that one of our people was such a faithful man. We’ve all learned a lot from our forebearers and through them have had much to live up to. In this case, our faithful ancestor “walked with God” (Gen. 5:22,24) and showed us that we can to walk in the same way and what the result of doing so will be. 

So our goal is to be as he was: 

Col. 1:10 “so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work…”

And our goal is to be taken up by the Lord to be at home with Him. 

1 Thess. 4:16,17 “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.”

None Of These Things Move Me

In Acts 20:24, the apostle Paul makes a most incredible statement. He says, “But none of these things move me.” The notable thing was what didn’t move Paul or cause him to flee to save his life. 

Acts 20:22-24“And now, behold, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there,

23except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.

24[But none of these things move me - KJV] nor I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.”

This is the very definition of courageous and selfless service. Paul knew that bonds and afflictions waited in Jerusalem. He’s going anyway. He was “bringing alms to his nation” (Acts 24:17) for the “poor saints in Jerusalem” (Rom. 15:26), and nothing was going to stand in the way, not even the need to be “rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea” (Rom. 15:31) Paul later received more details about what he would face: being bound and turned over to the Gentiles. (Acts 21:11) Brethren cried and pled for him not to go. This did not change his resolve all.  

Acts 21:13“Then Paul answered, ‘What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’”

Are we so dedicated to the serving others that “nothing would move” us to keep us from it?  It’s highly unlikely that serving others will cost us much. But it might, and we should do it even if it does.

The High And Holy & The Poor And Lowly

Ps. 113:4-7The LORD is high above all nations;  His glory is above the heavens.

5  Who is like the LORD our God,  Who is enthroned on high,

6  Who humbles Himself to behold  The things that are in heaven and in the earth?

7  He raises the poor from the dust  And lifts the needy from the ash heap”

The Great God, higher than all the nations, and even all the heavens that are available for us to see, and the great and amazing thing is that He cares for us.  

Ps. 8:4,5 What is man that You take thought of him,  And the son of man that You care for him?

5  Yet You have made him a little lower than God,  And You crown him with glory and majesty!

But it isn’t just that the Great and Exalted One cares from mankind generally, He cares for people individually and particularly—and those of low station and lowly in spirit—not favoring those who are esteemed in this world. 

Ps. 138:6For though the LORD is exalted,  Yet He regards the lowly,   But the haughty He knows from afar.

Isa. 66:2 “For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,” declares the LORD. “But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.”

Labor Day

In the United States, since the 1880s, we have set aside the first Monday of each September as a “tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country” (USDOL website).

As the church, we have no mandate to celebrate secular observances, but we certainly have to obligation to give tribute and honor to those who work for the Lord in His kingdom. 

1 Thess. 5:11-13“Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing. But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.”

Just as this country, its infrastructure, and its prosperity were built by those who have gone before, and it maintained and added to be the divergent efforts and great labor of those of the present day, so it is with the church as well. In the church, we stand on the foundation that was laid in Christ and the apostles, and worked diligently by those of generations past, and that work continues today in every functioning congregation. 

As Paul reminded the Corinthians that the body was made of many parts (1 Cor. 12:.12-16), so the laborers in the kingdom as a varied as the labors. Some teach, some organize count and prepare, some sing, some encourage, some give, some do many things, some do a few. But it they work and help, esteem them for that labor.

Jesus’ Love And Sickness, Death And Hope

Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. And it was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. The sisters therefore sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” But when Jesus heard it, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified by it.”  Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.  (John 11:1-5)

Even though the Lord loved Him, He still was sick. Righteousness protects the soul — not the body from all infirmity. Yes, even though Jesus loved him — he still became sick and died. This is not what the love of Jesus protects of from. This is what the love of Jesus gets us through.

So never think that sickness and death mean that Jesus doesn’t love you — know in the comfort of the hope of the resurrection that Jesus l loves you!

Jesus went to His grieving friends. He cried with them at the cemetery. Then He made a great hopeful promise that all believers ever since have shared:

Jesus said to her, “Your brother shall rise again.” Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 2She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world. (Jn. 11:23-27)

And then He raised His friend from the dead.

Running To Win

The Olympic track and field competition currently underway. We will surely see much joy and sadness among the competitors as they win or lose, but none of them will show any more spirit and courage than an athlete who will be a very minor footnote in the 100 meter dash, the race that crowns “The World’s Fastest Man.” 

A Palestinian runner named Mohammed Abu Khousa, age 22, had little chance to win. His best times are about 1 second behind the elite, an eternity in a 10 second race. He gained to right to run in the main stage only by placing in a qualifying race. Unfortunately he hurt his hamstring in doing so.

Given the chance to race the world’s best on the world’s biggest stage, Modhammed ran injured, with both legs heavily taped. His pain could be seen from his first step out of the block. Far behind the others, he nearly stumbled, but continued and finished far behind the rest. After the race he was unable to walk off the track and was carried away by the medical staff. He couldn’t win, he could barely compete, but he could give it his all. 

The admonition for Christians is “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” (Col. 3:23) The sacrificial determination of the worst timed sprinter in the Olympic stadium is a lesson for us all.  

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  —    1 Corinthians 9:24,25

“Speak Evil Of No One” Titus 3:2

The King James, and the translations closest to it, translate Paul’s instruction that Titus was to teach the disciples as “Speak evil of no one.” 

This is a passage that we especially need to be mindful of as we enter this election season. The worldly-minded who have a partisan position and interest are often willing to say the most profane, disrespectful and horrific things about those in power and about those who seek power if they are on the opposite side. There seems to be no limit to the insults and accusations once some have entered the fray of partisanship.  

Do such things slander and malign the other side?  Often, but it seems of no consequence to the partisan.  But “slander” and “malign” are the translation of Paul’s instruction here. (see NIV, HCSB, NASB).  

Let us look at the entirety of Paul’s instruction for the disciples, remembering that it is based on the kindness of God that He has shown to all mankind to save us; to us: to those of opposing political views, and to the rulers who have been elected or appointed. 

Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.” (Titus 3:1,2)

Secret Sin

The scriptures clearly teach that salvation is for the faithfully obedient. 

Heb. 5:9“And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation”

So we boldly deny and decry the doctrine of “once saved always saved.” As a result of this constant teaching and our desire to live circumspectly, or biggest problem with sin is not members living openly it —not that it never happens, but it is the exception—rather is is living in sin in ways that few, especially the brethren, will ever know about. 

The consequences of this is the appearance of holiness without it’s real substance or power. It is hypocrisy to knowingly continue in this situation. The only cure is to whole-heartedly seek the things of God: 

Heb. 12:14-16“Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.”

Sanctified hearts are necessary. But sanctified hearts are wrecked when there is bitterness or any sin in the heart. All can see that when it’s done openly. But it works just the same if you cover it up.

Absalom & The Problem Of Legitimate Grievances

One of the most touching cries in scripture is David mourning the loss of his son, “And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And thus he said as he walked, ‘O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!’” (2 Sam. 18:33 and 19:4)

By that point, few in David’s kingdom felt the same way. Absalom had years before murdered his brother, been exiled, returned and ingratiated himself to many, used deception to stage a coup, driven David and those loyal to him into exile, make a public show of taking his father’s concubines and led a army against his father.  

Absalom’s conflicts with his family had started with a totally righteous cause, a completely legitimate grievance, a total injustice that those in power knew about but had not at all punished. his sister Tamar had been raped his his brother, another one of the princes in the land.  

The king did nothing, so Absalom seemed to be on the side of justice when he began. This is retaliation was indulged by his father. And he was indulged further still when he grew bolder in his actions until he ultimately destroyed those who loved him as well as himself.  

To warning: just because your complaint is entirely legitimate doesn’t mean that won’t eat your up and lead to destruction, and if people of goodwill indulge those who act improperly (even if it’s out of the best of intentions and a recognition that wrong have been done to them), then destruction consequences are all the more likely.

Seek Peace And Pursue It

Our nation and many of our communities have seen turmoil and strifeThis is not the kind of life that any of us would seek. The scriptures tell us how to have a life we can love and good days in it. 

Peter quotes Ps. 34 to instruct those “who means to love life and see good days .” since God wants us to have a good life here on the earth. He did not create us to come here and suffer. He intended for this earth to be a good place to live. (Rf. Gen. 1:31)

The first instruction is to control our tongues. James calls the tongue is a fire, hard to control (Jas. 3:3-8). And the Proverbs note that the tongue can quickly get us in or out of trouble,“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Prov. 15:1)

Second, turn from evil and do good. The good man will not be troubled as the evil one is. The evil man must always be worried about being caught in his lies and deceptions and watching out for the retaliations of and recriminations from those whom he has harmed.“‘There is no peace,’ says my God, ‘for the wicked,’” (Isa. 57:20,21).   

Third, “seek peace and pursue it.” Peace with your neighbors is paramount to a good life. This peace is to be sought and pursued, it is to be hunted for and actively looked for. It is not an easy thing to find or maintain in a world full of malice, envy, strife, and murders. But we, as Christians, are to pursue it through prayers (1 Tim. 2:1-3), and reconciliation (Matt. 5:23-25).

Tragedy Calls For Self-Examination

Whenever there is a tragic lose of life we are reminded of Jesus’ reaction to multi-death tragedies and atrocities in His day: 

“Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And He answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered this fate? “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. “Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem?  “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:1-5)

When tragedies cause souls to perish, Jesus warned that considering how the victims might or might not morally compare to others is pointless. What mattered was each person realizing their own sin and the need of humility and repentance before God.

It is also a reminder to us of the need to pray.

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:1-4)

We need to pray those around the world withfor quiet and tranquil lives. We could all use more quietness and tranquility as we, like God, desire the salvation of all.

Weeping With Those Who Weep

Last week [June 2016] a young homosexual Muslim man pledged his alliance to the Islamic state and begin to murder as many people as he could in a gay night club that he frequented. In the hours before the police stopped him (one officer taking a bullet to to the front of his kevlar helmet), he callously killed 49 people, and wounded more than 50. 

The Christian response should be obvious: sorrow over the loss of life and compassion for the loved ones of the victim. As Paul clearly instructed, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Rom. 12:15).

Yet some believers are hindered from doing this because the sins of the victims are clearly known. Are we hindered from grief because alcohol, drugs or some other wrong preceded an untimely death? But what did God say? “I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord GOD. “Therefore, repent and live.”” (Ezek. 18:12, also Ezek. 18:23; 33:11) God is not pleased with their deaths, nor the death of any sinner. Would He have been pleased with our death before the time of our repentance? The average age of those who died was 29, the youngest just 18. How many who are saints today were fully ready for judgment at those young ages? 

liby charges of hypocrisy leveled by those using this tragedy and the sympathy rightly flowing from it for political gain. Christians cannot and do not celebrate the lifestyle of those who were terribly murdered. We do not take pride it in or anything associated with it (Eph. 5:11). But not celebrating and encouraging a sinful life is not a hinderance mourning a tragic passing, or in this cases, scores of them. Our understanding of the spiritual component of this should make the tragedy sting all the more, not be a reason for caring less.

A View From The Cheap Seats

In life we can we find ourselves spectators rather than active participants. Sometimes we observe from such a far position that we feel we aren't even a part of the action, like that time I saw a play from so far back in the balcony that I could rest my head against the back wall of the theater. 

Sometimes being distant from action in the lives of others is exactly what the gospel instructs since we are not be busybodies, nor it’s companion sin, gossip. (2 Thess 1:13; 1 TIm. 5:13; 1 Pet. 4:15) When things are not our business we need to be way back in the cheap seats. We do notice things since we are active and engaged in life and regularly interact with others, but we aren’t to be involved in every facet of everybody’s lives. 

Yet at other times we are in way in the back and disconnect when we shouldn't be. I remember an event I paid to go to at the Astrodome only a few rows from very top of the building. I could see individual horses, but had no idea who was on them. And when the concert portion started, I would have had no idea who was on stage except for the large video screens. It was like watching people watch a concert. 

That kind of disconnection and distance from people is not what we need. We are not just spectators in life. The rich man saw Lazarus at his gate and acted only as a spectator. Paul spoke of his deep connection to others in 2Co 11:29“Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?”

So sometimes the cheap seats, way in the back, out the way, not involved is exactly where we are supposed to be.  Other times, hanging back, uninvolved, physically or emotionally distant from the action and where we cannot provide the help and support we should be.

Jesus Is The Way

Jesus declared, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” (Jn. 14:6)

He is the way out. He in the way out of sin that deceives us and so easily entangles us (Heb. 12:1). Sin can be either blatant and subtleHe is the only one that sets of free from he slavery of sin. (Jn. 8:32)

He is the way through. When illness, oppression, depression, disappointments, failures and other things beset us, he alone always cares and always helps. Whether it is evil, wrong or indifference that besets us, He always calls, “Come unto me, my yoke is easy, my burden is light, you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt. 11:28-30)

He is the way in. We all seek some sort of satisfaction in life. Some find it by helping others, some by popularity or success. Worldly satisfactions and thing that depend on circumstances or other people pale in comparison to the deep and permanent blessedness that Jesus gives.“I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.” (Jn. 10:10)

He is the way up. The upward call in Jesus lifts us from sin and selfishness so that we can live a life of love, service and worship. No one can lift you to a level far above where they themselves are. Jesus can bring us to where He Himself is. 

He is the way to heaven. He promised his disciples a place in heaven that He was preparing for them. “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (Jn. 14:2,3)

Are You Ignoring Something? Amos 4:6-12

God made man and this creation in such a way that we might “seek Him and perhaps grope for Him and find Him.” (Acts 17:27)] yet many live life sinfully and ignorant of what God desires for mankind.. 

The sinful generations of Israel before its fall to Assyria exemplify this. God repeatedly sent them prophets whom they ignored.  “Since the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have sent you all My servants the prophets, daily rising early and sending them. Yet they did not listen to Me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck; they did more evil than their fathers.” (Jer. 7:25,26) So God moved on to other methods to call them to repentance.

God first sent famine (“cleanness of teeth”).“Yet you have not returned to Me.” (vs. 6) Then God sent such a severe drought. (vss. 7,8) and repeated, “Yet you have not returned to Me.” (vs. 8) Then came blasting hot winds, mildew, and tree and crop destroying worms to afflict them. “Yet you have not returned to Me.” (vs. 9) Then came an affliction that was comparable only to the plagues of Egypt, and again the refrain, “Yet you have not returned to Me.”(vs. 10) Then He gave them more time to repent, and tried again to correct them, but as they refused they were finally warned “Because I will do this to you, Prepare to meet your God, O Israel.” (vs. 12)

When such chastisements come on others, people often say (at least to themselves), “I wonder what they did to deserve that?” But they never seem to apply the same logic to themselves and ask, “What might I have done?” Despite the continual teaching of the scripture to examine ourselves, we’d much prefer to examine others. Let’s stop this and ask, “What is it that I have ignored and ‘Yet have not returned’ to the Lord?”

Using Our Devices For Spiritual Growth

Today, nearly all of us have some kind (or many kinds) of digital device(s). Laptops, smart phones, tablets, book readers etc. We even see them used in worship and Bible classes. These can be great tools for spiritual purposes (our sermons here are recorded on a phone, the slides advanced with a tablet, and most of teaching material here produced on a laptop). Spiritually, ow can we get the most out of these tools?  

Bible. Read the book; study the book, and follow along with the scriptures in class or worship with your device. Use online tools and spiritual websiteswith good content for edification and sharing.  

Prayers and Concerns. Do you have a paper notebook with you at all times? Probably not. But do you have you phone and a way to store notes?  Keep an updated list of things to keep in mind and in prayers on your device. 

Listen. There are so many good things that you can listen to with your device. Sermons from afar. Teachings of the past. Good things of the present available any time of day to download or to stream. 

Let this remind us that the internet is not just full of filth and frivolous diversions — it also contains a wealths enrichments, helps and education if we point our devices in the right way and with a view to holiness. 

Keep In Touch. Text, call, email or message folks you know. Facebook, tweet, Insta-whatever, Pin, good content, encouragements and invitations to wider audiences of people you know, or have some digital connection to. Does this replace face to face contact? No, but can nice supplement it. 

Do all things for the glory of God. That includes all digital things as well.