Daily Devotional for July 7, 2021

Yesterday, while eating lunch in the Dennis Hall breakroom, Pastor Kit was telling me how proud he was of his daughter, True.  That’s because True’s coaches had given her a T-shirt for working out so hard.  They appreciated her effort.

Kit explained to True that hard work will always go further than talent.  I agreed.

Then we began to talk about me.  I could not decide if was my talent or good looks that had gotten me so far.  I noticed Kit was also have trouble deciding.  Then we asked Laura.

I knew I was in trouble because Laura always has a quick answer.  But to my surprise, Laura didn’t say a word.  At that moment, I realized Laura was wrestling with her inner self.  Her lips were quivering, her eyes were watering, and it looked like her cheek had developed a nervous tick.

As I watched Laura’s internal struggle suddenly exhibit very weird physical symptoms, she explained that if she said anything, she would end up being a devotional and she didn’t want to be a devotional.   But I knew she wouldn’t be able to resist too long.  I was right.

A few minutes later, as I walked through the reception area, Laura saw that I was wearing shorts for vacation bible school.  She said, “Look at those legs.”  It wasn’t a compliment.

I explained legs that look like mine should be shared with the world.  Laura loudly disagreed.

As much as Laura didn’t want to say anything that would make her a devotional, she couldn’t resist.  This got me thinking.

There are times when I have knowingly done something I know is offensive to God.  And in those self-absorbed moments, I find myself in ancient dilemma Paul faced.  He said, “I do not understand my own actions.  For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”  (Romans 7:15)

Sadly, each of us has to admit, there are times we choose sin over following God’s will for our lives.  And while we may hate it, we choose it anyway.  This is why none of us will every be pure enough, righteous enough, or virtuous enough to enter heaven on our own merits. 

The only way to see God’s beautiful face is to rely on the grace that comes through Jesus.  Without that, we are truly lost souls.

So today, take a moment to thank God for loving us, warts, and all.  God’s grace is the only way home.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, I am very sorry for continually choosing to put you second. This is not what I want.  Give me the wisdom, strength, and resolve to put your wishes before mine.  Make me your child once more.  In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Just for the record, if you ever see me in shorts, I pray you are wearing sunglasses.  Otherwise, my glowing white legs may blind you.  Nobody wants that.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins