Daily Devotional for October 3, 2022

Yesterday, Jack and Shannon were at church.  I love their family.  Jack sang in the choir and Shannon served Holy Communion.
 
After the service, as we were talking, I noticed none of their children were with them.  It made sense because the girls are away at college but that left Preston.  He was nowhere to be seen.
 
I have known Preston his entire life.  He is now in high school.  He was our summer intern.  He did a great job.  I was curious as to why he wasn’t there and because I have an exaggerated sense of entitlement, I asked why?
 
Jack said Preston was still in bed asleep when they left for church.
 
As the old saying goes, “Hell hath no fury like a pastor scorned.”
 
I asked Jack if he would call Preston on his cell phone so I could talk to him.  Preston answered the phone thinking it was his father by saying, “What’s up?”  I said, “Preston, this is Pastor Tom, why aren’t you in church?”  Without missing a beat, Preston said, “My parents left before I had time to get up.”
 
I must confess; I was really impressed by how quickly Preston threw his parents under the bus.
  
This got me thinking.
 
More than likely, God’s not going to call on the phone to ask why we didn’t go to church, extend a helping hand to someone in need, or offer forgiveness and grace in a merciless world, but that doesn’t mean God doesn’t notice when we fail to do the right thing.
 
So, outside of coming to church to hear the greatest sermons in the history of sermons, what does God want of you?   
 
God’s prophet said, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  (Micah 6:8)
 
Do what is right, avoid what is wrong, and trust God to guide you.  It’s a winning combination.
 
Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in those moments when I am lazy and self-consumed, remind me the best way to live life is to do your will.  Give me wisdom, guidance, and the resolve to follow your path.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.
 
Remember, God will never buy our excuses because life is too precious, we have a lot to do, and Jesus died so that we can live.

Also, even though it’s very early in the morning, I know Preston got a lot of sleep yesterday so I’m going to call and read yesterday’s sermon to him.  I know he will really appreciate my words of wisdom.  
 
Preston is really blessed to have me as his pastor.
 
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins