I was on a Zoom prayer call and suddenly I was answering a text that came in on my phone.  I felt the urge to finish the message I was typing, but that meant I was only half listening to the words and prayers being spoken on the call and NOT listening at all to the Lord for what He would say through me.

“Put it down,” I told myself.  I put it down only to pick it up again!

Suddenly I remembered a scripture verse;  If you do not love your brother whom you do see, how can you say you love God whom you do not see? (1 John 4:20 NLT paraphrased)

It came into my heart, if I can’t pay attention to these women I love, whose shining faces I can see right in front of me and who are full of treasure, how can I say I love God, from whom the treasure comes, and not leave my phone alone long enough to listen for His sweet voice?

My brothers and sisters, love the ones in front of you really well.  Love God enough to leave your devices in the other room while you spend precious time with the One who loves you and gave himself for you.  He’s worth it.