NO-CALL LIST

Jeremiah 4:3-10
3 The Lord says . . . 4 "Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts, you men of Judah and people of Jerusalem, or My wrath will break out and burn like fire because of the evil you have done--burn with no one to quench it." 5 Announce in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem and say: "Sound the trumpet throughout the land!" Cry aloud and say: "Gather together! Let us flee to the fortified cities! 6 Raise the signal to go to Zion! Flee for safety without delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north, even terrible destruction." 7 A lion has come out of His lair; a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his place to lay waste your land. Your towns will lie in ruins without inhabitant. 8 So put on sackcloth, lament and wail, for the fierce anger of the Lord has not turned away from us. 9 "In that day," declares the Lord, "the king and the officials will lose heart, the priests will be horrified, and the prophets will be appalled." 10 Then I said, "Ah, Sovereign Lord, how completely you have deceived this people and Jerusalem by saying, 'You will have peace,' when the sword is at our throats."

Just as you're beginning dinner, the phone interrupts. A fast-talking person begins telling you about the replacement windows his company is offering you for your home at 30-percent off. Politely, you turn him down.

Three minutes later--another call. This time it's a police service organization asking for donations. During dessert, a computer voice offers you a 3-day, 2-night vacation at a time-share in Orlando, with a chance to sign up for a week every year at a discounted price. A few days later, in the middle of a Sunday afternoon nap, the jangling phone brings you an offer to refinance your home.

That's the last straw! You call the toll-free number and add your name to the national no-call list, joining millions of fellow Americans. The telemarketing calls cease, you can eat dinner in peace, and get through a Sunday afternoon without being awakened.

But we need to be careful not to block calls from God. In our enthusiasm to block out unwanted interruptions in our lives, we shouldn't block Him out. If we haven't heard from God lately, maybe it's because we've let Him know we don't want His calls.

Although Jeremiah lived in Judah's most troubled times, he made sure he kept the line between himself and God open. For many years he faithfully relayed the messages of God to His people. When "the word of the Lord" came to Jeremiah, he responded (Jeremiah 1:4-10). He obeyed the voice of God and became His spokesman.

Heard from God lately? Through a sermon or in His Word, has He been urging you to do some act of kindness, to give a little extra, or to speak some words in His name? If not, maybe it's because you've put yourself on a no-call list. --Dave Egner

DESTINATION POINTS

* I'll read the calls of Isaiah (6:1-8), Ezekiel (2:1-7), and Paul (Acts 9:1-9). How were they life-changing? Could that happen to me?
* What might be some indications that I'd like God to stop calling me?

LINKS:
National Do Not Call Registry
http://www.donotcall.gov/

bottom line: God's calling is our lifeline.

soul journey