Pagers seem to be everywhere these days. People who have one of these devices clipped to their belt receive a signal when they are needed. Being able to stay in touch with their home or office can give them great peace of mind. They know that if someone wants to contact them, they can be reached anywhere and at any time.

That's the kind of open line we need to maintain with heaven. Whatever peace of mind we get from carrying a pager or cell phone is minimal compared with the confidence of knowing that when God wants to speak to us through His Word, we're in a position to hear Him.

In chapters 2 and 3 of 1 Samuel, we learn that Eli was apparently no longer in that position. He had lost his spiritual receptivity because he had tolerated evil by not restraining his two sons for their wickedness. But Samuel had been dedicated to the Lord from his childhood, and in his innocence and openness he was able to hear heaven's message.

Check the "ears" of your heart. Are they dull because you are disobeying the Lord? You can regain the confidence of a clear conscience by confessing your sin. Then you will be able to say, "Speak, for Your servant hears."  — Mart De Haan