Changing ISPs

About a month ago, I changed ISPs (Internet Service Provider). Received a new router and consequently had to update the wifi settings on the devices in my home needing access to the internet. Updated my personal and business laptops, iMac, television, and irrigation system controller.

Everything ran smoothly until the day I unplugged my old router. Got up the next morning and told Alexa to play some music but she responded with an “unable to access the internet,” message. At first I thought there must have been an “Alexa outage,” but that would be rare so I checked the device status on my app.

All Alexa devices were offline.

One by one I went to each device, five in all, and updated wifi settings directing access from the new router. I could listen to music in every room of the house again.

That evening, as I was heading off to bed, I attempted to turn down the thermostat (sleep better when it’s colder) but found it was offline too.

Updated the wifi settings directing it to the new router and slept like a baby.

The next day, as I settled into my morning routine, I noticed the digital photo frame by the TV displaying an error message. No photos were present because it too was offline, and had no access to the internet.

Updated the wifi settings and once again saw the pictures Sara, Stephanie, and Ellie had uploaded.

As far as I know, I’ve now updated all of the wifi enabled devices in my home, but wouldn’t be surprised if I come across yet another one I’ve overlooked. (update – I did, security cameras)

Everything was fine until I unplugged the old router. Although I’d cancelled my account with the old ISP weeks ago, they were still providing an active signal, and all the devices in my home didn’t care which ISP they were using to access the internet, they just needed a wifi connection to get there.

When you become a Christian, you too get a new ISP. (Internal Spiritual Provider) As a new creation in Christ (2 Co 5:17) you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit who’s ministry in part, is to reveal the things of God directly from Kingdom of heaven. He leads us into all truth. Everything we need to know can be accessed through our new ISP.

This is the part where I’d like to tell you to just unplug the old router, but that’s not how it works. Until Jesus returns and makes all things right, there will always be two ISPs. The heavenly ISP (Internal Spiritual Provider – spirit), and the earthly ISP (Internal Sin Provider – flesh).

The one to which you connect is up to you.

Romans 12:2 tells us how. (AMP)
“2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].”

Your spirit becomes alive (reconciled to God) when you’re baptized into the Body of Christ (new router), but renewing your mind is not possible if you’re still connected to your old router, and you will live a life of conformity, not transformation.

Might be a good time to check all of your devices.