Daily Devotional for May 11, 2023

There are some things in life that are indisputably true.  The sun will always rise in the east, I will always be incredibly handsome, and Methodists never come to church whenever it rains.

The last one got me thinking.

Throughout my thirty-plus years as a pastor, I have seen whenever it rains on a Sunday, church attendance drops through the floor.

At first, I thought it was because all Methodists are sweet and sugar melts, but I think there may be more to it.

Listed below are a few of the excuses people use for not coming to church.

1.  It’s the only day they can sleep late.
2. The children have sporting events.
3. “The football kickoff is at noon, and I don’t want to miss it.”
4. I was once told, “I can talk to God as well when I am fishing as when I am in church.”
5. “I let my children decide.”
6. The preaching is dull. (Never at our church!)
7. “I had a sore throat last Tuesday.”
8. The pews are uncomfortable.
9. “I don’t have anything to wear.”
10. When I asked Melissa, she said, “Some will say they drank too much on Saturday night.”
11. The list goes on and on….

Listed below are a few of the reasons we should go to church.

1. Because God said so.  (Exodus 20:8)
2. To learn more about the Bible and how it applies to everyday life.
3. To be with other people going through the same trials and tribulations while seeking God’s guidance and comfort.
4. To be with other people celebrating and singing the goodness of God.
5. To hear the greatest sermons in the history of sermons.  (Always at our church!)
6. To remember what God has done to save us.
7. To tell God thank you.
8. How my father explained it when I was a rebellious teenager: “You can go to church, or you can die.  Your choice.”
9. Coming to church will remind you what really matters.  
10. When I asked Melissa, she said, “So my children know God loves them the most.”
11. The list goes on and on….

There will always reasons to avoid church on Sunday morning.  Don’t buy them.  They are wrong.

I truly want the best for your life.  Part of that means going to church.

The writer of Hebrews said, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”  (Hebrews 12:28)

Don’t make excuses.  Come to church.  You will be better for it.  I promise.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in those moments when I am tempted to find reasons not to worship, remind of your goodness, grace, and love.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

The weather forecast calls for rain this coming Sunday.  I hope to see you in church.

Oh, I almost forgot.  If you come to church, you get to see me.  That’s more than worth the price of admission.

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