Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:16

I am so proud of myself! Patting-myself-on-the-back proud!

First, it’s important to understand that I am not “handy.” Not remotely. Rebekah is the tool person. She – for example – demolished the master bath (in Florida) down to the studs then did everything from drywall to cabinets to plumbing to laying tile and installing the floor. She actually (pre back and neck surgery) used to enjoy that kind of thing.

Me not so much.

I am also not technical. I am tenacious, I can both problem-solve and problem-create. I know to follow directions. But I do not have an intuitive grasp of what is going on when it comes to stuff like electronics, my iPhone, and how to use a smart tv.

So I am happy to report some success in this long process of getting everything going again, post lightning strike here at Maul-Hall.

Our internet provider was looking too far into the future for a service call, so instead I opted to go to their store and pick up the equipment myself. There were two boxes of space-age looking devices and an intimidating set of instructions written in what appeared to be Elven Runes.

Unfortunately, Gandalf was not available for a consult – or incantations – so I had to figure things out for myself.

The good news is it worked! I felt accomplished, clever, technical – heroic!

Additionally, and a real serendipity, replacing the burned out equipment has improved our Wi-Fi connection significantly.

This Message must be clear!

My point? Well I don’t think I can improve on the initial message from Sunday – (Lost), where I needed to be reminded how easily I allow circumstances to dictate my level of peace. But I can say I am keenly aware of how critical it is for both of us to be connected and active in the communication business.

Both Rebekah and I have a clear message to share that we believe is increasingly important for people to understand. Our country has moved into an era where the essential gospel message is often lost in the noise and confusion of loud, strident, manipulative voices that lack the compassion, mercy, grace, light, invitation, and love of Jesus.

Simply put, our ability to share the Good News Story is dependent on technology, both at our church and here at home.

This may sound presumptuous, but I am confident that Rebekah and I have both been called to share God’s love in a particular way, an understanding that offers a more invitational alternative to those (tens of millions) who have felt no reason to even consider approaching the Throne of Grace.

So that’s enough for today. It’s a theme that is driving a new book I’m working on. This is why I am grateful to be “up and running” again.

Because Jesus is God’s invitation – DEREK