How is the Signal? (Living In 10 Codes 1)

How is the Signal? (Living In 10 Codes 1)

Having spent 10 years as a security officer, I have had a significant amount of time communicating over the radio. To abbreviate the length of communications, a code that begins with the number 10 is often used. There may be some variations to this code, but much of it is universal. Dating my daily prayer journal, I use the number 10 to indicate October. Writing these dates often reminds me of the corresponding 10 codes. For this month I will be writing a series related to these codes.

October begins and the first two dates are 10/1 and 10/2. These first two codes, 10–1 and 10–2, are related to the strength of a radio’s signal. (10–1 means signal is weak or broken and 10–2 means signal is strong and clear.) At the beginning of the shift or whenever there is concern, the dispatcher or officer may request a signal check. The response of 10–1 and 10–2 allows the other to hear and verify the status of communications.

There are several reasons that a signal can be 10-1. Some of these include being near the outer edge of the range, a low battery and interfering signals. Each radio system has an outer range in which signals can be received and sent. An officer nearing the edge of this range will lose the quality of communication with the base unit. Once past the edge of the range, communication will cease completely. Within the range of communications, a low battery can cause the signal to become statically and weak. When these first two conditions are good, an overpowering signal from a nearby frequency or another radio system can cause interference in radio communications.

The same conditions can cause interference in our communication with the Lord. God must always be the base of our spiritual communication. When we stay close to the Scripture and prayer, we are continually listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit. We will be able to hear God’s direction clearly. The signal is strong when we are near to Him. “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him sincerely and in truth.” (Psalm 145:18 AMP) If we find ourselves straying to the outer edges in our relationship with God, we need to turn and walk back towards Him. ^“Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].” (James 4:8 AMP)

To remain strong in the Lord, we must rely on His power in everything we do. Even if we have studied the Word of God faithfully for many years, we cannot put it aside and rely on what we have learned in the past. We can neither rely on old prayers nor live on the teachings of others. To keep our spiritual batteries charged, we must go to God regularly and receive our strength from Him. ^“But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 AMP) We have received important directions from Jesus and we have been provided the source of power that we need. We do not have to work in our own power, allowing our strength to continually weaken.

It is also important to remember that we cannot allow contrary voices to interfere with our communication with God. There is an enemy of our souls that will use any means by which to interrupt and overpower the flow of that communication. He is a liar and takes every opportunity to cast doubt in the minds of believers. This has occurred since that first “Has God really said…” in the Garden of Eden. (See Genesis 3:1) We are given this warning by the apostle Peter, ^“ Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 AMP) We must combat the enemy with the strategy of Jesus. (see Matthew 4:4) We are to reply with the Word of God. Faith filled words are the clearest communication.

If we have walked away from the path God has planned for us, we can return to it. If we have been operating in our own strength, we can return for a recharge of the power the Holy Spirit. If we of been listening to lies and doubts we can return to the truth. ^“Therefore say to them [the Jews of this day], Thus says the Lord of hosts: Return to Me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you; it is the utterance of the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 1:3 AMP) 

So keep your communication clear and strong. Jesus Christ is the base and secure foundation of our faith, Listen and respond to Him today. His signal is always 10-2!