"Famine Of Hearing"

"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD." Amos 8:11

I was thinking about how gracious the Lord is to speak to us the way He does. He is constantly speaking. There is no shortage of His word. He speaks to us through His written word (the Bible). Each day I receive close to a dozen different email devotionals. I have numerous books that have been inspired by Him which expound His word to me. Then there are Christian programs on television and radio, church services during the week, not to mention the conversations that I have during the day with other believers- all avenues through which He speaks to me. When you think about it, it seems as if He is never really silent because there is always some sort of "preaching" of His word going forth.

He is speaking, but the problem is-- are we listening? The prophet didn't say there was a famine of the word, but of the "hearing" of the words of the Lord. If we are listening, then why aren't we being transformed? Why aren't we any different? Why are we still living in bondage as slaves to besetting sins? If we are hearing His word, why aren't we treating each other with more kindness? Why aren't we loving our enemies and blessing those who curse us? Why are we becoming more materialistic and less self denying? Why aren't we sharing the good news of salvation through Jesus with the lost?

When I send out the Coffee Break devotional, I always pray that the Lord would give those who receive it an "ear to hear what the Spirit is saying" though it. I pray that He would help each one to be a "doer and not a hearer only". (I pray this for myself as well.) God's word has been given to us for more than to just have some good "reading material" available to us. It was given to us for many reasons, but mainly to reveal who He is and for application. Are you applying it to your life? Are you living by it? Does it govern your actions, speech and attitudes? Are you really hearing it? If you are, then it will have an affect on you, that affect is a transformed life.

Have a great day. Did you hear what the Word said?

For further reading:
James 1:22-25
Luke 6:49; 8:5-15
1 Peter 2:2

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
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