Rerun of Devotional for September 18, 2014
On Tuesday, I had the privilege of preaching in a revival at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas. My brother, John, had invited each Robbins pastor to preach at the revival. My favorite part of the trip was spending time with John but interacting with that congregation was a wonderful experience and I was glad to have the opportunity.
As I was driving back to Texas, I was thinking about meeting all those gracious people and their responses after the sermon. I was able to make a few observations. First, I think the large crowds may have been due to curiosity over what kind of warped family would have so many pastors. Secondly, many people asked me where Temple, Texas was located. A common question was, “Is it near Houston?”
I am used to remarks about the large number of pastors in my family. It was the question about Temple’s location that really got me thinking. Why didn’t all those people in Fayetteville, Arkansas, understand that Temple is the center of the universe? It certainly is mine.
How could they not have known were Temple was located? Everyone around here knows exactly where Temple is? Most people around here drive to or through Temple every day. Could it be that the world really doesn’t revolve around Temple and that my frame of reference may not be the same as that of a Christian in Fayetteville, Arkansas?
For Christians, our primary frame of reference is not grounded in where we live, work or relax. For us, everything revolves around Jesus Christ. He is the center of a Christian’s universe. He is always here, ready to hold close anyone who turns to him. This is what Jesus means when he says, “Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. Revelation 3:20
This means that even if you think Temple is near Houston, you can still be saved by Jesus Christ. Salvation is never dependent on location. It is dependent on a person’s willingness to put Jesus first.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me to make you my first priority. Guide me in loving others. Use me as you see fit. I pray I make a difference for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Please pray for all those wonderful friendly people in Arkansas who do not know where Temple is. That’s just wrong.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 