Checklist #2: Contacts
By Ben Furman

“I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.”
(Psalm 116:17)

Technology today has made keeping track of our current contacts pretty easy. Smartphones, smart-TVs, tablets and laptops make it possible to take our contact list along with us wherever we go. What a blessing when we need help in a travel emergency.

Here’s another amazing blessing: the blessing of calling on the name of the Lord in prayer . . . Wherever and whenever. We have 24/7 access to the Creator of the universe. From the North Pole to the South Pole, we can talk to the King of kings. The one true triune God is always listening. It’s an amazing blessing, really, but one we easily take for granted.

We have a contact list like no other — a Friend in the highest of places. To remind me to call on the Lord first, always, and often, I have added “Jesus Christ” to my smartphone’s contact list. He’s right at the top of my “favorites list.” Sounds strange, I know. But it really is a great reminder to spend my time talking to Him and not just the others on my list.

As we can see from this Covid-19 pandemic, it’s easy to get distracted by the craziness of our lives. We call our spouses, check in at work, and order take-out or delivery food, but we forget to call upon the One who gave us life. REAL LIFE! God’s forever kind of life!
Throughout Jesus’ life & ministry here on earth, He made prayer a priority:

“And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.”        (Matthew 14:23)

“Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.”                                    (Luke 6:12)

“Jesus would withdraw to desolate places to pray.”    (Luke 5:16)

If we went to those mountains and desolate places to pray, it’s possible we wouldn’t have phone service or Wi-Fi. Maybe that’s not such a bad idea. Today, find a quiet place to call on the name of the Lord in prayer, cast your cares on Him, and enjoy the peace He brings to your heart.

PRAYER STARTER:
Dear Jesus, I know You’re always there to listen. Hear my prayer . . .