Exodus 6:9 Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and cruel bondage.

You could say that timing is everything. Moses had been given a message for the Israelites that they urgently needed to hear, but they were too caught up in their circumstances to receive it. That’s why Jesus said repeatedly, “He who has ears, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15, etc.) When He was giving John the messages for the seven churches (Revelation 2-3) He got even more specific: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 2:7, etc.) In other words, if you have even one ear, you’d better listen up! God has spoken through His Word, and He continues to speak to each of His children, but all too often we are like those ancient Israelites, too caught up in our circumstances to pay any attention. What a waste! There are so many reasons to keep our focus on God, and specifically on Christ Jesus our Lord, as it says in Hebrews 12:2. It is only by doing that, that we will maintain hearing ears, to receive all that God wants to tell us for our encouragement, correction, direction, and blessing.

As a pastor I get very frustrated at times over how little people value daily devotions, but then I remember how long it took me to get into that solid practice. Now, I can’t imagine not doing it! I need to have patience with those around me, but not fail to keep encouraging them to make the time and take the time to be quiet before the Lord every morning. When I have experienced such rich blessings, it’s hard to grasp how people consider it an imposition. Soon I’ll be working with someone who is coming back from a spiritually rich environment into the “daily grind,” so to speak. This is an opportunity for me to grow in mentoring, as I teach him that “The God of the mountains is still God in the valleys,” as the song says. I know that he is eager to maintain the relationship with God that he enjoys right now, so this should certainly be a win-win situation.

Father, thank You for Your timing, along with all the rest of Your blessings. Sometimes I chafe and complain at Your timing. Forgive me. Help me listen to You on every level, responding in full obedience with all joy, so that Your purposes may be accomplished in and through me for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!