I am not a phone person, and although I have friends and family who are, they know that if they want to reach me, it’s better to text, email or send a telegram. They’ve realized that, although I love them, the odds of me calling or picking up my ringing phone are slim.  And thankfully, no one complains (except for my Grandma who always says I should call more often).

But, enough about me.

In fact, I only give you this little glimpse into my psyche to emphasize just how differently Jesus sees things. Unlike me, he’s really into calling, and longs to hear from us at any given moment. As you work on strengthening your connection this week, remind yourself of His willingness to answer whenever you call. Chew on the verses below, and if you ever need me, I’m just an email away.

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:15

"It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24

(Here’s a little something for your to-go box: Psalm 20:6, Psalm 65:5, Psalm 86:5, Isaiah 55:6)

“The Lord will hear when I call to Him.” Psalm 4:3

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I have three email addresses. I check them every day, multiple times each day and I don’t need a chime or a “you’ve got mail” to remind me. I’m a bit obsessed with making sure I don’t miss anything (that next email could just change my life!) and though there’s rarely anything extremely pressing, I’m always on the look out for the next message.

A few weeks ago, it occurred to me that this obsession was getting ridiculous. I’d been misdirecting some perfectly good expectation, and maybe I was missing out. Now, the idea of quitting cold-turkey was out of the question (you’ll understand that if you’ve ever tried to kick a coffee habit), but a light-bulb moment had me wondering what would happen if I read my Bible each time I checked my email.

It’s an ongoing experiment, so let’s not talk about how I’m doing. I don’t want that to distract you from the point I’m making about becoming obsessed with reading the Word and staying connected to the Father. He’s crafted the greatest message of love and acceptance and awaits us with a fresh revelation of that message each time we choose to read it. If we were to approach His message with the same expectation we have when checking our email, I’m certain something remarkable would happen.

Here’s the bottom line: those updates, chain letters and sales pitches will keep coming, but it’s the message of the cross that will keep us going. Consider that the next time you check your email and feel free to forward this to ten people in the next 24 hours.

“…for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day…” Acts 17:11 NIV

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I am very rarely unplugged. There is a corner in our home where little green lights are always flashing. I have a phone that’s smart enough to call, email, text and surf, and  I’m a thumb or index finger away from reaching anyone anywhere at any given time.

I am always connected.

I’m a poster child for the digital age and I like it. There’s something so powerful about knowing I’m a click, call or email away from reaching  a loved one, getting information, picking up the latest Groupon or sharing my thoughts with all of you. I understand that being connected shrinks the distance between me and the “uttermost parts of the world.” I also understand that being this digitally connected often jeopardizes the divine connectedness that powers my life. It’s that thought that drives me as I connect with you this week. So, plug in and log on as we explore the power of being always connected.

“Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live…” Isaiah 55:3

Anitra Elmore is your server this week! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.