Daily Devotional for December 21, 2021

A couple I dearly love moved to the Dallas Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.  I wanted them to commute to Temple on Sundays, but they decided driving almost three hours each way was too far, so they attend a church close to their home.  Their new pastors are friends of mine.

Last week, this hilarious couple sent a Christmas card that made my day.  It said, Pastor Tom, Just wanted to let you know that we miss your sermons, but Pastors John and Todd together equal your great sermons. Have a Merry Christmas.” 

Being the gracious person I am, I took a picture of the note and texted it to my pastor friends.  I couldn’t have been happier.

While you may not be dealing with an egocentric pastor who thinks the world revolves around him, there is someone in your life who needs a kind word, a gracious thought, or a generous gesture.

I’m not saying write a note telling a marginally adequate preacher what a great job he’s doing.  – That’s already been done.

Just know during this season of cheer, there are some who don’t have much to cheer about.  Divorce, depression, illness, financial strain, hopelessness, grief, and loneliness are just a few of the many burdens that exacerbate what is a very hard time of year for some people. 

We live in a world filled with walking wounded.  Lifting them up brings God joy. 

This is what the writer of Hebrews meant by saying, “God isn’t unjust so that he forgets your efforts and the love you have shown for his name’s sake when you served and continue to serve God’s holy people.”  (Hebrews 6:10)

Your small effort in helping brighten someone’s day can make all the difference in the world.  It matters.  It’s ministry.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, please use me to lighten someone’s heavy load.  Give me wisdom, grace, and patience.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

For many people, life is incredibly hard.  God wants us to make their lives easier.  That’s why we are here.

Also, just for the record, I’m not too surprised I am a better preacher than John or Todd.  That’s because….it’s me!

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