Daily Devotional for December 29, 2022

When the church remodeled Dennis Hall, the trustees put my office in the very back corner, as far away from people as they could get.  I think it’s because they were embarrassed of me.

Anyways, for my office, I have an open-door policy, which means, unless I am in a counseling session, the door remains open, and even if it is shut, if I am the only one in the office, the staff knows to walk on in.  This has led to some interesting observations.

First, whenever I am using the computer, my back is to the door.  Melissa likes to pretend she’s a ninja and sneaks up behind me before she makes any noise.  I think she likes scaring me and making me scream like a little girl.

Pete is always walking in and out of my office with regular updates on our church finances.  Most of the time, I really like talking to him because it is usually good news.  Every so often, it’s not.  That’s when I wish Pete wouldn’t walk into my office.

One of the problems with my commitment to always be accessible is that every once-in-a-while, even when I am busy writing the greatest sermon in the history of sermons, members of the staff will walk in to discuss whatever is on their agendas, even if it interrupts mine.

Tuesday, Shannon and Kay walked into my office and sat down in the chairs on the other side of my desk.  I knew I was in for a long conversation.  After talking with them for 72 hours straight, I knew I needed to get back to my sermon, so I said, “I love you both, now get out of my office.”

Kay smiled and looked at Shannon and said, “I think we’ve overstayed our welcome.”  And for the first time in the history of time, Shannon did exactly what I told her to.  This is how I know for sure Jesus is coming back at any minute.

The rest of the staff is also interesting.  Ellie gives me visitor information as well as who I am to pray for each week.  She’s very quiet and I hardly ever hear her.  All I know is I will turn around and the information will be sitting on my desk.

I always know when Pastor Kit is coming into my office because God did not make Kit to be quiet.  When you think of Pastor Kit, visualize a modern version of John the Baptist.  Nothing quiet there.

The good news is I’m not the only one with an open-door policy.

Did you know God also operates with an open-door policy?  

There is no time when God does not want to hear from you.  God is never too busy for you.  In fact, according to the scripture, when we pray, our prayers are so important to God, there is silence in heaven so God can lend his full attention to each prayer that is prayed.  (Revelation 8:1-5) 

You don’t have to be in church or be on your knees.  You can be seated, standing, or hanging from your toenails and God will still make sure he hears every word you say.  And the good news is God always answers.

This is what Paul meant by saying, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:6-7)

God’s door is always open.  God wants to hear from you.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, please guide my prayers.  Help me continually connect to you.  Thank you for always hearing me.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

If you want stability in the midst of the storms of life, if you want peace, guidance, wisdom, and strength to face the challenges of a new day, then pray.

Just for the record is the best part of always having an open door is the children always come marching in.  We eat candy, play with toys, and talk.  That’s what it’s all about.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins