Yesterday was my first day back to the church after having COVID. I was kind of irritated. All the buildings were still standing, there were no crowds cheering my return, and, because Pastor Kit and Pastor Leslie are so good, no one even noticed I had been gone. When it was time for me to teach one of the Methodist Women with a Mission circles, I walked into the room with fear and trepidation because they are a pretty rough crew. At that moment, one of the women (Lucia, but I’m not going to use her name) began to say what a great sermon Pastor Kit had preached this past Sunday. Then she said, “Pastor Kit needs to preach more often.” I immediately took that to mean she wanted me to preach less. This got me thinking. While it’s true my sermons are off the charts good, that doesn’t mean I am the only one God can speak through. This past Sunday, God truly spoke through Pastor Kit in a powerful way. My ego will just have to get used to it. I truly believe the moment we begin to think we are somebody is the moment we are in real trouble. Humility is the key to a healthy perspective on life. All you have to do is look at scripture to see the pitfalls of arrogance. Remember Nebuchadnezzar? Even though God had warned him not to think he was the end-all, be-all of kings, he refused to listen. And the moment he took credit for all the accomplishments of his empire was the moment he lost it all. (Daniel 4:28-37) It was only after Nebuchadnezzar realized his blessings had come from God, was he able to say, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are truth, and his ways are justice; and he is able to bring low those who walk in pride. (Daniel 4:37) When you look at the blessings in your life, know they come from the One who loves you. Don’t be Nebuchadnezzar and don’t be me. You are better than that. Giving God the glory puts everything in the right perspective. Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, please help me be a person of humility and service. I pray the way I lead my life brings you joy. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. Push all the pride and arrogance out of your life. You will be glad you did. Also, just for the record, I am going to fire Pastor Kit today. I feel bad because I really like him but there can only be One greatest preacher in the history of preaching. But now that I think about it, Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount. That truly is the greatest sermon of all time. And now I have to figure out where I rank in the scheme of things. It’s probably not as high as I think it should be. I’m good with that. I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter. Tom Robbins |
Daily Devotional February 16, 2023
Published
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 