Are You Plugged In?

Several years ago, one of our office assistants complained that her computer shut down and wouldn’t turn back on. At the time, I was the resident “go-to” for tech issues, so I asked, “What happened when it shut down?”

“I dropped my mouse,” she said.

That normally wouldn’t turn off a computer, so I assumed something else had happened. “Check all the wires behind the computer and try turning it on again.” She did, and it didn’t respond.

“Where did you drop your mouse?” I asked.

“Right here, behind the desk.” I looked underneath, and sure enough…when she dropped the mouse it landed on the power button of the power strip. The computer wouldn’t turn on because there was no power feeding it.

“Nice shot.”

Do you have power coming in? Do you keep your battery charged?

I’ve been a follower of Jesus for forty years. In that time, if there is one thing that I have learned about living the Christian life, it is that I need constant input from the power source. If I’m not “plugged in” and “recharged” daily, I struggle. Any growth that has ever taken place in my faith has been in some way related to my time alone with God, reading his word and talking with him. When I’m doing that…maintaining a daily personal quiet time, I’m growing spiritually. When I’m not, I’m not.

Do you have a time like that? Do you make the time every day to read God’s Word and to pray? I challenge you, make the commitment to get started. It will change your life in so many ways!

Maybe you don’t know where to start. Here are some suggestions:

• Make an appointment with God and get it on your calendar. Same time every day (20-30 minutes).
• Pick a book in the Bible and read, reread, and reread again. (Start in the New Testament, i.e. Matthew.)
• Log in a journal just a few things that you learn and can apply.
• Start a prayer list for personal requests, family & friends, church.

Life drains us. Time with God recharges us. And when you consistently make the time to be alone with Him, it’s amazing how you sense His presence throughout the rest of the day.