Daily Devotional June 7, 2021

This month, I begin my sixteenth year of ministry at FUMC Temple.  It has been quite a ride.

Because of my extended time at the church, I have been able to witness what few Methodist pastors get to see.  Things have changed.

The children I visited with during the children’s time, are now in college.  The church campus is no longer divided into four separate city blocks but one large piece of property with new buildings.  Live streaming worship services and zoom video bible studies are the norm.   Writing daily devotionals has become part of my routine.   I have conducted many weddings and watched new families form.  I have conducted many funerals, saying goodbye to people I dearly love but knowing they are now with Jesus.  Through counseling sessions, I have had a minor role in helping stressed couples resolve their differences and become healthy and whole.  And, Sunday after Sunday, I have watched our children fan out across the sanctuary, share a Tootsie Roll, and say, “God Loves You!”  All of this has been an incredible privilege that I do not take for granted.

Unfortunately, I have also watched as good people decided they could no longer stay married, some moved to other cities, and some deciding a different church would be a better fit.   And while all of this is the norm in the life of a church, it does make me sad.  

In both the good and bad, the joyful and sad, I am reminded God continues to use the different experiences of our church family to mold us for his purpose.  This is what Paul meant by saying,  “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

So today, let me thank you for the wonderful privilege of walking through life with you.  I pray our journey together continues for many more years.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, please continue to bless our church family.  Mold and shape us for your purpose.  Help us be a shining light of your love, mercy, and grace.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

I realize that some who will read this devotional are not a part of our congregation.  My prayer is that God blesses your church the same way God has blessed ours. 

Also, just for the record, when I came to Temple, my hair was brown.  Now it’s gray.

Shannon says my gray hair makes me look distinguished but the truth is I am getting older.  That’s a change I’m good with because every day I get older is one day closer to seeing Jesus face-to-face.

Again, thank you for letting me be your pastor.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.

Tom Robbins