July 5, 2019

An Oldie But A Goodie

Devotional for June 20, 2014

A few months ago, during the Children’s Sermon, I used a Magic 8 Ball as an object lesson. In front of hundreds of people, I asked the Magic 8 Ball if I was going to preach a good sermon that day. As the answer floated into the little window of the Magic 8 Ball, I read these words, “Very doubtful.”

Since I didn’t get the answer I wanted, I tried again. I said, “Magic 8 Ball, are you sure I am not going to preach a good sermon?” The answer from the Magic 8 Ball was, “It is decidedly so.”

I decided to stop while I was behind. And now that I think about that sermon, the Magic 8 Ball was right. That sermon was a real stinker.

There are times when we do not get what we want. That is just a fact of life. Magic 8 Balls don’t always give us the answers we want to hear. We may have to drive a Ford instead of a Mercedes. We may have to settle for a little plastic wading pool instead of a big private pool in our back yard. We may have to eat hamburger instead of steak. That’s okay.

For us, as Christians, while we may not get what we want, we have faith in God that we will get what we need. This runs contrary to the notions of our society that we must always have more and better stuff. But when is enough really enough?

To be content is one of the greatest blessings we can experience. This is what Paul tells Timothy: “Actually, godliness is a great source of profit when it is combined with being happy with what you already have. We didn’t bring anything into the world and so we can’t take anything out of it: we’ll be happy with food and clothing.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8

If our basic needs have been met, then we should be happy and content that God has blessed us beyond measure. Everything else is really meaningless.

Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly Father, I pray that I do not take my life and many blessings for granted. Help me to be content and happy with what you have given me. Forgive my sins. And continually remind me that I am your child. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

I just asked the Magic 8 Ball if this is a good devotional. It’s answer is, “Concentrate and ask again.” I think I better leave it alone.

I pray you see just how much God has blessed you this day.

Tom Robbins