Cut-Off Communication (Jun 7)

Several weeks ago, I was speaking with a friend on the telephone. We had spoken for quite some time and the conversation was just about over, but before it was, the call went dead. Another time we were talking, right in the middle of a question, the call again went dead. In both instances, the problem was a dead battery, so we couldn't just reconnect and continue the conversation. When the call went dead, the conversation was over. Now, I know, the conversation was probably about over anyway, but it was different, not having said bye and all that other stuff to end a conversation. Sometimes you lose a call on your cell phone when you go through a bad reception area and there were still some things that you wanted to talk about. When communication lines aren't good, conversations get cut short. Sometimes it's awkward. Sometimes you sit there thinking, “Wait! We weren't done!” Sometimes you just say, “Oh well, we were almost done talking anyway.” We need to have good lines of communication open with God so that we can hear Him speak to us, and also so that we can share our praise, worship, intercession, and requests with Him.

Zechariah 7:11-12

11 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. 12 Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.

I suppose I should also mention the times that we hang up on people. I can only think of a couple of rare instances that I have done this, but sometimes if we don't want to talk to someone or they are getting on our nerves, we might just hang up to end the conversation. (This is the same as when we avoid, ignore, or blow-off people in regular face-to-face conversations or greetings.) But, let me share a few more scriptures about how important it is to listen to God and also to be in constant communication with Him.

Proverbs 8:32-36

32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. 34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the LORD. 36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

Matthew 26:41

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Ephesians 6:18

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Luke 18:1

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Acts 4:13

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Keep the lines of communication open with the Lord: you don't want to miss an important word from the Lord! Pour out your heart to Him in prayer: He doesn't want to miss a word from you! When you have been with Jesus, it will be obvious. People will know: they will see it! Likewise, when you haven't been with Him, for whatever reason the continual conversation may have been cut off, it will be quite evident in your life!