MAY 14,  Luke 4:4

“I wish we didn’t have family devotions right after breakfast every day”, thought Ally. She especially wished they could skip them on days when she was late and had to wait till after devotions to eat breakfast—and that happened quite often. One day when she was late, she decided to ask about it.

“How come we have to do this every single day—even when I’m really busy?” she asked when Dad ended his prayer. “Emma’s family never has devotions.” Instead of answering her question right away, Dad picked up the cereal box and held it toward her. Before she could take it, he pulled it back. “Oh… maybe you don’t want breakfast today,” he said.

“Of course I do!” Ally exclaimed. “I’m starving! Besides, our teacher says breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” “I see.” Dad handed her the cereal. “Well, I don’t suppose you’ll be eating lunch today, will you?” he asked.

Ally looked at him in surprise. “Why wouldn’t I? You know I always eat in the cafeteria or come home for lunch.” “Oh, that’s right. Well, what about dinner?” Dad asked. “Do you plan to eat dinner today, too?” “Da-a-ad!” Ally was beginning to get irritated. “Why are you asking all those questions? You know I always eat all my meals. I love food!”

“Yes, I know you always have in the past,” Dad said, “but don’t you think it might be a good idea to give up eating on busy days?” “Give up eating?” Ally repeated, pouring milk onto her cereal. “When I’m busy, I need food even more than when I don’t have much to do. We talked about that in health class, too. So why are you…” Suddenly she stopped. “Oh,” she added slowly, “you’re trying to tell me I need a time of devotions on busy days, too, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” agreed Dad with a smile, “perhaps it’s even more important on busy days. I think of daily Bible reading as getting spiritual food every day. It’s good to spend some time each day with God and His Word. Don’t you agree?”

Buttering a piece of toast, Ally said, “I do.” Smiling, Dad nodded.

Thought: You wouldn’t go very long without food for your body, would you? How about food for your soul?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you so much for thy word. May I learn more of it bit by bit that I may be able to appreciate how wonderful and true the Bible is – my spiritual food! And may I indeed follow the formula for the RPG – Read, Pray and Grow! In Jesus’ name, amen.