JUNE 1, Philippians 2:13

“Can I skip my Bible study group tonight?” asked Ryan as he got up to help clear the table. “I didn’t have time to do my lesson this week and I know Uncle Frank doesn’t like it when that happens.” Ryan sighed. “Actually, I don’t have time to do all those assignments,” he said. “I’ve been thinking about quitting.”

“Not a good idea,” said Mom as she turned on the radio. She clicked the on/off button a couple of times. “I wanted to listen to music while I clean up the kitchen but this radio isn’t working.”

As Ryan looked at the radio, he noticed the cord lying loosely on the counter. “Here’s your trouble, Mom.” He said with a laugh. “You need power to run this thing, you know. No power, no music.” He plugged the radio into the outlet.

“Oops!” Mom laughed too. The music she wanted came on but there was also a lot of static. Mom moved the radio to different positions till she found a spot where it played without the annoying, crackling sounds. “I don’t want you to become like this radio,” she said with a frown.

“What do you mean?” asked Ryan. “Well,” replied Mom, “like the radio, Christians need to be ‘plugged in’ to their power source so they can live for God and witness for Him. One way to ‘plug in’ is to spend time in Bible study.”

“You mean if I drop out of my Bible study group, I won’t be plugged in?” asked Ryan. “That sounds like I wouldn’t be saved anymore!”

“Wow! That’s not such a good comparison after all,” said Mom. “Okay, you are plugged into God - your source of spiritual power. But things you read and hear may be like ‘static’ and keep you from hearing God clearly. I’m suggesting that your Bible study group is one way to help keep a clear line to Him. You’ve said it’s tough to be a witness at school and that you feel like you’re the only Christian in class. You need to depend on God to help you in those situations.”

Ryan sighed. “Okay, I’ll go to my Bible study group.” He grinned at his mother. “As if I really had a choice anyway!” he added. “But I don’t mind. If it helps me be a better witness to the other guys, it’s worth it.”

Thought: What are you doing to help keep in close touch with God – your power source?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that I should depend on You for strength at all times. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.