Daily Devotional for August 18, 2022

Yesterday, as I sat in my office working on the sermon, I got very drowsy.  Knowing I had a lot to do and needed to stay awake, I drove down Adams Avenue to the HEB to buy a gallon of unsweet tea.
 
I decided to check out in the self-checkout section.  That’s when I saw Kathy.  She was standing at a different register.
 
I quickly paid for my tea and walked by Kathy.  At that moment I turned to the HEB employee who was there to assist people in the self-checkout, and said, “I know this woman.  You need to watch her closely.”
 
The woman from HEB smiled and said, “That’s the exact same thing she said about you.”
 
This got me thinking.
 
Anyone who looks at me automatically knows I am completely trustworthy.  I just have one of those sorts of faces.  
 
Kathy looks relatively trustworthy.  But the reason I know she is completely trustworthy is because I see her every Sunday in the sanctuary, worshiping and praising our wonderful God.  And even more importantly, I see her son and daughter-in-law as well as the grandchildren and other extended family members.
 
The way Kathy has lived her life has born a lot of fruit.  That’s because she made God a priority.  It shows in her family.  
 
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”  (John 15:5-6)
 
Make God your priority, and while your face still may not be as trustworthy looking as mine, you will bear fruit and make a difference.  That’s why you are here.
 
Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me live my life in a way that brings healing, wholeness, and most importantly, the saving love of Jesus into the lives of others.  Please help me bear fruit.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.
 
The way you live your life may be the only Bible someone reads.  Make it count.
 
Also, if I was having trouble staying awake while writing Sunday’s sermon, I recommend you drink a lot of coffee before coming to church.
 
Forewarned is forearmed. 
 
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins