CALL HOME

For many years, when my parents were still living, I called home every Saturday. For several years I traveled extensively, doing gospel meetings. I still called home every Saturday and very often took time to write a short note to my parents from each locale. When my mother died and we went through all her things, we found all those notes, neatly stacked and wrapped with rubber bands. It's good to call home.

Prayer is a vital part of the Christian's relationship with God. Along with allowing Him to speak to us through His word, it is the great privilege of the child of God to speak with his Father. It serves several useful purposes. For one thing, it keeps us in constant contact with the Father. That helps. A lot. It keeps you going straight and you're just less likely to get into trouble when your Father's on the line. How long since you called home?

THE FATHER IS AT HOME. You never have to call back because He is always there. You never have to worry about whether or not you can "get through," for He always listens to what you have to say. There is never a busy signal; the line is always open. "Let your manner of life be without covetousness," He said, "and be content with such things as you have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Heb. 13:5). Read the great throne room chapter in Revelation 4. God is on His throne, He is available. He will hear.

HE WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU. Just as my parents were concerned about where I was and what I was doing, He is concerned about where you are and what you are doing. He wants to hear from you because it is an indication that you are on speaking terms with Him. "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (Jas. 5:16). If He doesn't hear, it is logical to assume that you are not including Him in your present plans. Prayer is an indication of faithfulness. Sin hinders prayer (I Pet. 3:7). People who are out of duty seldom pray.

YOU CAN CALL FROM WHEREVER YOU ARE. What a blessed thought that you can stop whatever you are doing and say a little prayer (Phil 4:6). What a blessing to be able to pray from any place at any time and know for sure that He is available and that He is eager to hear from you. He never wearies of your calls, never fails to hear, no matter where you are. If you're doing well, He's glad to hear it. If you're having trouble, He's there to lend a listening ear. If you're sick, He cares. If you're going the wrong way, He surely wants you to contact Him then. "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers..." (I Pet. 3:12). It is indeed a joy to know that wherever you go, you can still reach Him. There is no place too far, no location too distant that He cannot be contacted.

YOU CAN CALL FOR HELP. The 911 concept has saved many a life because at the other end of the line there is always someone who can help. God is that someone. He cares. You can call Him when you have an emergency. You can call Him when you need to be taken to a place of care. You can call Him at any time, day or night. He provides intensive care. You can call Him when you are exasperated from having failed again and again. He cares. You can call Him when you've fallen and can't get up by yourself. And He will help you. You can call Him when you've been rejected- even by those you thought loved you. He still loves you and He will give you aid. You can call him when you're weary because of the long road you've traveled. He will give you rest.

YOU CAN TRUST HIM. He is always at home. He never refuses to answer. The line is never down; there is never any static on it and you don't ever have to wait on the line. And no matter how poorly you say it, He will interpret it well (Rom. 8:26). He wants to hear from you because He wants to help. He will hear and He will answer. He is your Father. He wants what is best for you. Trust Him, "casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (Pet. 5:7).

Why not call home? Right now.

By Dee Bowman, Southside Reminder, June 30, 1999

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