A Daily Devotional with Pastor Doug Crouse March 23, 2018 The Payoff of Practice Scripture Reading – Romans 12:11 - 13 (NLT) “Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality."

 It's so easy to be a spectator in life, or an armchair quarterback. One who criticizes the pass receiver for dropping what looked like such an easy catch, or who can't believe that the goalie of their professional hockey team could let in such an easy shot, or even to mutter at the skater who missed an easy double sow cow, and came in fourth place as a result.

One has to realize in life that people who have been given gifts, have received them from God, but none of them arrive at a place where people will gather by the tens and hundreds of thousands or more and watch them sport their craft.

When I hear the critic, I muse in my mind what it would be like for that person just to have to try and catch one pass in the fury of a football game, or stand between the pipes while a player rifles a slap shot towards them and the net, or even all alone - with no pressure attempts a double sow cow, only to look like a cow on ice.

Today's text reminds us most importantly that in eternal life we need to realize that everyone has been given gifts, and is responsible to realize, 'The Payoff of Practice'. Please take note when practice pays off spiritually: when one needs hope, when one is in times of testing and trouble, when one feels like stopping to pray, or be lazy in spiritual disciplines, or even just do what needs to be done instead of really doing one's best, and at all times show a willingness to open up your homes and lives to be a hospitable person in Jesus name.

And as amazing as a cup or a medal, or even hearing your national anthem played is to the one who has honed their gifting for peak performance - in eternity, God will reward His servants for each and every effort made and that reward will never, ever, ever tarnish, fade away or get old. 

Prayer My Father in heaven, I rejoice in the life You have given me through Jesus, and the gifts that You have bestowed upon me. Holy Spirit fill me today, and remind me to serve with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength, for the glory of Jesus I pray. 

Memory Verse:  1 Chronicles 16:11 NLT“________ for the ______ and for his _________; ____________ ______ him.”