Hello or Woe

"I made the earth, formed it, and set it in place. My name is the Lord. This is what the Lord says: Call to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you great and mysterious things that you do not know."
Jeremiah 33:2-3 God's Word Translation

One of the great frustrations in parenting is calling your child, knowing they can hear your call, and they don't answer. It's just as frustrating in business, and even socially; you call on the phone and get no answer. Nobody likes it. Sometimes, there are reasons for it, especially when you're at work, but other times, we're just busy. Don't you hate that? I know I do - and what I hate even more is that sometimes I'm the one guilty of being busy...

Wanna know something? God hates it, too. And He hates it with a passion. I woke up with 'Answer' on my brain, so I did a word search for 'call answer' on BibleGateway. I was looking for Scripture pertaining to how God answers when we call on Him - and I found those - but I found more Scriptures about what God does and will do when He calls and we don't answer. Woe be unto us! Literally...

However, there are great promises for those who WILL hear God's call and answer Him. Our text for today and these two are some of my favorite passages:

Isaiah 65:23-24, "They will not work in vain, and their children will not be doomed to misfortune. For they are people blessed by the Lord, and their children, too, will be blessed. I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!"

Psalm 91:14-16, "The Lord says, I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation."

We all love to read how God will answer us when we call, but it's only when we are obedient and listen to His voice. Follow His commands. He's not obligated to hear us if we won't hear Him.

Think about it for a moment. Has God spoken to you - called to get your attention about something? Did you answer? It's either Hello or Woe... Answer the call.

Prayer:

Father,
          Forgive us for our disobedience - our rebellion - in not responding when You call us. Let our hearts respond to You as Samuel did, 'Here am I'. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* Reaching Out

Like a cool drink of water when you're worn out and weary is a letter from a long-lost friend.

Proverbs 25:25 The Message

Have you ever been dry in your journey with the Lord? Have you ever been parched from the heat of the battle? Or worn out from wielding your sword and weary from holding up your shield of faith? So busy fighting off the onslaught of the enemy that you couldn't even look to see if anyone was fighting with you? And half afraid to look in case there wasn't anyone there?

If so, then you know what it's like when you call out and hear a friend's voice answer. It IS like a cool drink of water; refreshing, strengthening, renewing, solidifying your place in the fight. Providing hope that enables you to stand when you've done all you can to stand, pushing you toward the Father, for the battle is His and the victory is ours!

So whether you're the caller or the callee - reach out! Someone needs to know you're there.

Prayer:

Father,

          Cause us to be ever mindful of those around us who are fighting every day, spiritually, physically, emotionally. Let us see with Your heart of compassion so we may call out to them...just like You call to us. Let our words be words of hope, just as Yours are to us...Come all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest... Help us to not be weary in well-doing. In Jesus' Name we pray.  Amen

* Answer the Call

I made the earth, formed it, and set it in place. My name is the Lord. This is what the Lord says: Call to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you great and mysterious things that you do not know.

Jeremiah 33:2-3 God's Word Translation

One of the great frustrations in parenting is calling your child, knowing they can hear your call, and they don't answer. It's just as frustrating in business, and even socially; you call on the phone and get no answer. Nobody likes it. Sometimes, there are reasons for it, especially when you're at work, but other times, we're just busy. Don't you hate that? I know I do - and what I hate even more is that sometimes I'm the one guilty of being busy...

Wanna know something? God hates it, too. And He hates it with a passion. I woke up this morning with Answer on my brain, so I did a word search for call answer on BibleGateway. I was looking for Scripture pertaining to how God answers when we call on Him...and I found those...but I found more Scriptures about what God does and will do when He calls and we don't answer. Woe be unto us... Literally...

However, there are great promises for those who WILL hear God's call and answer Him. Our text for today and these two are some of my favorite passages:

Isaiah 65:23-24, They will not work in vain, and their children will not be doomed to misfortune. For they are people blessed by the Lord, and their children, too, will be blessed. I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! 

Psalm 91:14-16, The Lord says, I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.

We all love to read how God will answer us when we call, but it's only when we are obedient and listen to His voice. Follow His commands. He's not obligated to hear us if we won't hear Him.

Think about it for a moment. Has God spoken to you - called to get your attention about something? Did you answer? It's either Hello or Woe...  Answer the call.

Prayer:

Father,

         Forgive us for our disobedience - our rebellion - in not responding when You call us. Let our hearts respond to You as Samuel did, Here am I.  In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen