Daily Devotional for August 31, 2022

When I was a little boy, I went to church every Sunday because Dad was the pastor.  I was glad to be there.
 
When I was a teenager, I began to resent the fact that many of my friends were waterskiing on Sunday mornings while I was in church.  I was not quite as glad to be there, but I always remembered my father’s rule.  He gave me two options.  I could either go to church or die.  It was totally up to me.  I chose to go to church.
 
When I went away to college, I did not go to church, partially because I knew God wanted me to be a pastor and I wasn’t going to do it.  I was not in church but also knew my life was disjointed and incomplete.
 
When I was a young officer in the Army, my beautiful daughter, Lindsey came into the world.  When she was born, I immediately realized both I and my new family needed to be in church.  I was glad to be there.
 
Sadly, throughout my teenage and college years, I didn’t have much use for the Bible.  If I had a question about the Bible, my father was always able to answer.  I convinced myself because I had Dad as a resource, there was no reason to spend time in God’s Word.  The expert was always a phone call away.  This came back to haunt me.
 
As a young man, I concluded God was calling me to be a pastor.  The best way to explain being called to ministry is like needing to vomit.  You can put it off but sooner or later, you’ve got to do something about it.
 
I did something about it.  I resigned my commission from the Army and enrolled in seminary.
 
The first day of class, the professor walked in and said, “Everyone, turn in your Bibles to the book of Zephaniah.”
 
Everyone immediately opened their Bibles to the right book.  While I thought to myself, “Zephaniah, is that even in the Bible.”  I had to use the index to find it.
 
While I started seminary far behind the power curve on knowing scripture, it didn’t take long to fall in love with the Bible.  It changed my life for the better.  I want the same for you.
 
Tonight, our church begins the Wednesday Evening Programs.  One of these is a Bible study I will teach after the church-wide dinner.  It would be my tremendous privilege to help you fall in love with the Bible the way I have.  It will change your life.
 
We serve the meal between 5:30-6:30. The Bible study starts at 6:30.  I hope to see you there.
 
 
Long ago, an old pastor named Paul, explained to a young pastor named Timothy, the value of knowing the Bible.  Paul said, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”  (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
 
Come tonight and learn the Bible.  It will make you a better person.  I promise.
 
Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me understand your word and apply it to my life in such a way, I become the person you created me to be.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.
 
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins