Warm hellos to you dear brethren, co-workers, spiritual family on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and scattered children of God, from here in east Texas.

My wife and I have been here a good part of the week visiting brethren, and will be privileged to be a guest of CGI’s “Bring on the Sabbath” this Friday evening in Tyler, as well as giving the sermon tomorrow at their Sabbath services in the morning. We’ll then also be at the COG Big Sandy in the afternoon where I’ve been asked to give the Bible Study and Sermon message. It will be a busy Sabbath but we cherish these opportunities to be with the family of God!

Not too long ago, just prior to departing from my office on another trip, I had an interesting and very challenging week.  Shortly after our normal Sabbath and visiting brethren one week, I began having difficulty with my internet connection, and at times with my landline phone. (I may be one of the few who still uses a cell phone, while also having a direct line into my office).

I would have stable internet connection for a few minutes, and then it would go out without warning for 2-4 hours.  I rely heavily on the internet to do my job, as well as stay in communication with brethren throughout the world.

On one evening, our normal monthly Bible Study where I connected between 25-30 people with a webcast, worked only for a little while and then went down….so most of our regular attendees by connection did not hear the entire study. I’d planned to use the study as an outline for my sermon that Sabbath.

Why do I mention this? Because we all become accustomed to having things “work” and can take that for granted. We rely on things working without interruption.

I also recall a few years ago when the electricity went off for most of the day at the hotel we were using for the Feast of Tabernacles in Cartagena, Colombia. I commended all, as not one person attending from Colombia complained! Perhaps their occasional inconvenience of such things had increased their patience beyond what some of us here have.

There may well be a time in the future where communication is interrupted for hours, days, maybe weeks. How will we respond to such?

Here in the United States folks have become so needy for their smart phones, that they seem bewildered and lost without it in their hands. I wish they were that concerned about having their Bibles with them…but I’ll save those comments for another day.

As time moves forward, and times become challenging…might we consider and focus on the true communication that is critical to our lives. Our lifeline is indeed prayer and God’s Word. We’ve additional opportunities with attending Sabbath Worship Services, (whether in person or remotely) Holy Days, and Bible Studies. What about fellowshipping with others in our homes?  These all are special. These all afford us opportunity to communicate with one another.

If tomorrow you were informed you would no longer, ever again, be able to attend, connect with , or have a church congregation so near…would that change things?…That you would not be able to just connect via the internet and listen to a message…would that change things for you?

The world stumbles along, busy with all its many distractions, entertainments, and requirements…and we understand we will always have commitments we must take care of.

There arises another “crisis” often daily in this world. Are we paying attention?

I do pray we are not caught up in it all, and oblivious to what is truly important. Matthew 6:33 has never been more relevant than as it indeed is today!

The history of God’s people is one of struggling to hang on to the truth, at times having to secretly study, pray and gather to avoid persecution. We still readily today are able to gather and worship and study God’s Word (if not at least remotely via the phone or web) here in the United States freely…that will not always be the case.

These are indeed sobering times. If we’ve learned anything these last few months I hope it is that we understand just how quickly things we are used to can disappear. That communication with each other and especially with our God is critical.

“Things” as we know it or them won’t always be here. What’s really important? What do we need to remain connected with God?

As I’ve mentioned before, Mark 10:17-31 Is a passage of scripture for us all to study, analyze and read in light of where we are today in this world. Please take some time to do so again would you please? Here it is below.

17 And when He was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?

27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,

30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

We’ve a calling to be out front, on the spiritual front lines if you will. Pretty scary? At times, it sure is. But, remember “Communication – Our lifeline with God” needs to constant and strong. And, all will be well in the end, that’s a promise.

Arms up friends! Our prayers and thoughts are with you daily. Please do pray for us as well.