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| Daily Devotional for December 21, 2022 Because of everything happening this year, some of our committees are meeting later than usual. One of these is the Nominations Committee. Earlier this week, the Nominations Committee met in my office. We elected Adrian to be the secretary as we filled all the church officers for the next year. It was a lot. Later, I got the following text from Adrian. I could tell she was panicked. She wrote, “Am I really the person who has to check with all these people to see if they would be willing to serve on one of these committees????” I responded, “No ma’am. Ellie will do that during office hours at the church. You are off the hook.” Adrian replied, “Oh great!! I thought I was going to have to become a Catholic.” I responded, “You can, as long as you continue to give to First Methodist.” She said, “Give what????” I wrote, “Congratulations. You are going to be a future devotional.” She said, “You keep forgetting that I’m still an orphan AND a widow!!” I hate it when she plays the orphan/widow card. She does it all the time. This got me thinking. Scripture is very clear we are to care for those who are marginalized. And while Adrian’s excuse doesn’t hold much water, there are people in this world who are absolutely desperate. This is where our church excels. I am very blessed to report that on top of the usual large amount of missional outreach our church does, we have recently been able to help a young woman and her children escape an abusive relationship by providing a safe place until she was able to move into an apartment. Then, our church provided basic necessities, beds, and furniture, as well as a gift card so she could provide for her children. None of this would have been possible without your generosity. I am certain God smiled when he saw our congregation care for this helpless woman. That’s what it’s all about. This Christmas, as you count your many blessings, remember there are some in desperate situations. God expects us to do something about it. Scripture says, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:6) Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, you blessed us with your Son, help us to be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Just for the record, I’m not worried about Adrian becoming Catholic because she teaches in the Children’s Sunday School Department, and she would never give that up. She’s in for life. Also, if Ellie calls asking for you to serve, the appropriate answer is yes. I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter. Tom Robbins |
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Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 