Daily Devotional for January 12, 2022

Yesterday, I was scared to death because I was trapped at the house as our new internet service was installed while Chris was giving a presentation to the Seasoned Circle….and boy are they seasoned.

The Seasoned Circle is a large group of retirees in our church that meets monthly for fellowship, a program, and lunch.  They are a lot of fun.

I have no problem working with this group because the Army trained me in hand-to-hand combat.  But Chris had no combat or martial arts training.  And while I intended to be there to protect him, I was busy at our house, watching a man run wires, and install weird boxes that would allow us to connect with the rest of the world.   All I could do was pray Chris’ program went smoothly and Melissa wouldn’t have to call the police.

 After Chris finished his program, he sent the following text: “You missed a lot at my presentation.  Marjorie was heckling me standing on a chair, Lucia head dunked her way into trays of chicken spaghetti, and Kay was sharpening the guillotine.  Now I know what you must feel every Sunday.”  I responded: “AMEN.”

 The point to this meandering devotional about a rough and tumble group in our church is that Chris, knowing he was taking his life in his hands, was still willing to share his God-given gift of understanding the digital identity theft issues that are taking advantage of the older members of society.

 More than likely, you don’t have the degrees or technical expertise of Chris but there is something unique about you that God wants to use for the benefit of others.  That’s how Christianity works.

 Scripture is very clear that each of us has a gift, and all our gifts originate from the Holy Spirit for the good of the world.  That’s why Paul says, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.  To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”  (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
 
Use your gift and God will smile.  It’s a good deal.
 
Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, there are times when I feel as if I don’t have anything to offer.  Open my eyes, let me see why you made me, and give me the resolve to serve you by serving others.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.
 
God has blessed you with a way to bless others.
 
If you don’t know what your gift is, come see me.  We will figure it out together.
 
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins