The Annual County Fair
August 21, 2025

KEY FROM GOD’S WORD:

Proverbs 21:16
The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

 

THOUGHTS ON GOD’S WORD:

 

     As a young boy, I would go to the County Fair whenever it came to town. I would ride all the rides, play some of the games, and just have a great time. I remember while walking down the fairway, people who operated the booths would be yelling out, “Hey, try your luck for fifty cents” or “Twenty-five cents to see the multi-headed alligator.” Always yelling something crazy, trying to get you to come and see what they had.

 

     Sometimes, as a preacher, I feel like those carnival workers. Yelling at the top of my lungs, “Come see Christ, see what He’s done for you.” Doing my best to tell people, “For free, you can receive salvation, your admission price has been paid in full.” Nevertheless, it often seems to no avail as people wander by. Some will laugh, some just will not listen, while others do not believe that it is true. They wander out of the way of understanding and remain in the congregation of the dead.

 

     I hope you do not think for one second that I am trying to cheapen the church to the likes of a carnival, or the gospel message to a carny’s cry. I am merely trying to illustrate the frustration of preachers who want so badly for people to hear of the free salvation offered by Christ. The disappointment and concern they feel for the unsaved while watching people walk past in life and reject God’s message. As our verse said, “The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.”

 

CARRYING THAT THOUGHT THROUGH THE DAY:

    The rejection of the gospel is not surprising, just heartbreaking. Remember, Jesus said long ago, that they are not rejecting you, they are rejecting Him. So, keep telling people as long as they walk by. Occasionally, someone will listen, understand, and accept the truth of God’s love through His Son Jesus and be saved.

 

Did you have a chance to tell anyone yesterday about Jesus?
Will you tell someone today if you get the opportunity?

 

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage and today’s Devotion?

 

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

 

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

 

  

GOD TALKING TO ME:  August 21, 2025

THROUGH THE BIBLE ACCELERATED READING
^{(OT-1, NT & PS-2, Prov-Monthly)}
Isaiah 19-21 / Psalm 46
Proverbs 21 / Luke 13

 

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
Psa. 80-85  /  Rom. 13