June 14, 2019

Rerun Friday

Daily Devotional June 21, 2015

This year for Father’s Day, Shannon bought me an above ground swimming pool. It came with an instructional DVD for assembly.

The DVD showed a smiling couple happily assembling the pool. Each piece fit seamlessly. In watching the DVD, it was easy to see that this couple was having a great time putting the pool together. It was obvious that the experience was healthy for their relationship.

The DVD lied.

Shannon and I had a very different experience in assembling our pool. The DVD showed all the parts fitting with no problem. Our parts didn’t. The DVD showed sliding long polls through the waterproof material was effortless. Our polls did not slide. The DVD showed the smiling couple effortlessly setting up the walls of the pool. I had to bring in a backhoe, crane, 18 wheeler and the National Guard to get our walls up.

In addition, I got pinched, bruised and stung by a wasp.

When we finally got the pool assembled, we had a bunch of leftover parts. I still don’t know what they go to.

Needless to say, setting up my Father’s Day gift did not bring Shannon and me closer together.

Some things that look easy really aren’t. Being a follower of Jesus Christ is like that. It is easier said than done.

Jesus says I am to put God first. There are times I don’t want to. Jesus says I am to forgive. I’d rather not. Jesus says I am to care for others. That’s a whole lot of people. Jesus says I am to pray for my enemies. I really don’t like that. Jesus says that my primary concern should be what God wants. What about what I want? Do you see the problem?

Every Christian struggles with temptation, pride, ego and a host of other issues that the rest of the world doesn’t worry about. Is it still the best way to live? You bet.

Jesus says, “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son our daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:37-39)

Accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is by far the best way to live life. Even though it is not easy, it is the greatest blessing any of us can experience in this life.

Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, when I am self-centered and self-consumed, remind me who I really am. Help me to always keep you at the very center of my existence. Help me to live a life that pleases you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

I have come to the conclusion that even though Bible doesn’t exactly say so, I think hell is assembling a giant above ground pool that never ends.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.

Tom Robbins