By the Rev. Adren Bivins

In our modern world of technology today, a lot of things are different than the way they used to be when I was a young boy growing up in the 50’s and 60’s in Plant City, Florida. Last week as we were traveling home to see my mother, who is 96 years young and full of spirit and wisdom, several times we tried to call her to let her know we were on our way. She loves to have us a good home-cooked meal when we get there. Several times we could not reach her because the line was busy.

I remember when I was growing up, when we were finally able to get a telephone, there was a line called a party line. When you picked up the telephone, there would be another person on the telephone talking and we would have to hang up and wait for the line to be clear. Sometimes their conversations were heard while talking. With technology today, very seldom the telephone line is busy. Most of the times, we have calling waiting, or an answering service. All of that has changed from party to private lines, and all other forms of communication.

There is one thing that will never change and that is God’s word. The Bible clearly says in Malachi 3:6 that God does not change. He is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow. We cannot add to his word or take away from his word. God’s word will stand forever. When we are burden down, and carrying a heavy load, and there is no one you can turn to, I have learned from experience that I can call Jesus any time and tell Him what I want. His line is never busy, and he is listening at all times. He never slumbers nor sleeps and we will never get an answering machine or will be placed on hold. When we need someone to talk to, who understands and can fix every problem or situation, we can call on Jesus and He will answer. He says to cast all of our cares and burdens on Him because he cares for us.

There is a song that we still sing today, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grieves to bear, what a privilege it is to carry everything to God in prayer; have we trials and temptations, is there trouble everywhere, we shall never be discouraged take it to the Lord in prayer.”

We can carry everything to Jesus and he will always be there. He is a true friend to the end. When we are following Jesus, he did not say it would be easy. We are going to endure, suffering, pain, and persecution, and may even lose our life. But, when we decide to follow Jesus, there should be no turning back. His disciples suffered and were even killed except John, who died of old age. Jesus also suffered and we too must suffer; but the reward is greater than the suffering.

We must realize as Christians and none Christians, that God loves us all. He does not love the sin, but he loves the sinner. John 3:16 tells us that “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him, shall not perish but have everlasting life.” This world is not our home; we are just strangers passing through. We have an eternal home, not made by man where we can live forever and be with the Lord.

The Lord wants everyone to be saved and set free. We do not have to live in the bondage of sin because, Jesus has already paid the price for every sin that we have committed in the past, present the future. The Bible tells us in Romans 5:8 (KJV), “But God commended his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Also, Romans 10:9 KJV tell us “If thou shall confess with thou mouth, the Lord Jesus and shall believe in thine heart, that God has raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved.” It is now time to call on Jesus, because he is on the main line; call him up and tell him what you want. If you want your soul saved, now is the time to confess, believe and receive Jesus into your heart and he will give you peace, rest and joy. Whatever the situation is, call on him any all time. He never gets tired of us because his love and mercy endures forever.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you for your many blessings. Come into our hearts and fill us with your Holy Spirit, so that we can live for you and love one another as you have loved us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.