Then Abimelech went to his father's house at Ophrah and killed his brothers, the seventy sons of Jerubbaal [Giedeon], on one stone. But Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left, because he hid himself. And all the men of Shechem gathered together, all of Beth Millo, and they went and made Abimelech king beside the terebinth tree at the pillar that was in Shechem. Now when they told Jotham, he went and stood on top of Mount Gerizim, and lifted his voice and cried out. And he said to them: "Listen to me, you men of Shechem, that God may listen to you!" As we listen to the Word of God being spoken, God listens to us! Here we see that Jotham is the only remaining son who escaped from Abimelech. I find it interesting that he tells the people in Shechem, "I want you to listen to what I say, so God may listen to you." Isn't that incredible? In fact, as you're reading this devotional right now, God is listening to your words and thoughts. He loves you so much, and He desires to listen to everything you have to say. Look at what David says in the Psalms: "The Lord will hear when I call to Him" (Psalm 4:3b). "I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech" (Psalm 17:6). And think about this: Jotham was in some real dire circumstances, watching his brothers murdered and literally running for his life. Now I don't know what you're going through, but chances are it's not quite as bad as what Jotham here was up against. The response to your trials, fears, and concerns should be directed towards the Lord. Why? Because He has promised to listen to them and respond to you. So, get into His Word, keep in fellowship with other believers, and communicate to the One who is in heaven listening to your every word. 
Today's Devotion
From Mike MacIntosh
Judges 9:5-7
Mike MacIntosh: So, get into His Word, keep in fellowship with other believers, and communicate to the One who is in heaven listening to your every word.
