Hugh Shira was a big man with an even deeper voice. His was such a deep bass, you would swear he was speaking from the basement. His was a voice for radio and Hugh was an avid ham radio operator. More importantly, Hugh Shira was a great Christian preacher and one of my beloved teachers.
There is a rich heritage of Christian devotional writings. Many Christians use these daily devotionals as a way to stir up their souls as they begin each new day along with Bible reading, prayer and meditation. I have found these books to be an inspiring and enriching part of my spiritual growth. This past week I was pleased to learn that one of my classmates and good friends, David Ryal, has updated and reprinted Hugh Shira’s little devotional book, My Master’s Moments. Hugh was a charter member of the faculty at the Southern California School of Evangelism in 1969 and served as the director of the school for many years.
This week I’ve chosen to reprint the first of the 60 daily devotionals Hugh and David included in this wonderful little booklet. You’ll want to read the entire set.
Taste and See
“O, taste and see that the Lord is good,” Psalm 34:8.
That God is good should be too obvious to deny, yet we are so little affected by His goodness. And that is why David wrote what he did.
What is the best way to learn if God is indeed good? David did not say, hear and know; or believe and know, but taste and know.
Whether a food is good to your taste or not is determined, not by testimony of others, but by your tasting it. Likewise, do not rely on the experience of others or the authority of others concerning God. Learn of Him for yourself.
Experience is knowledge derived from experiment. Someone can talk to you about the peace of God, the joy of service or the consolation of the Holy Spirit. You may even be moved by their passion and your confidence in the speaker. However, until you experience the goodness of God for yourself, you can not be convinced to the fullest.
To taste and to see that God is good, experience the faith and obedience of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Place your soul in the hands of God and see the truth of the gospel. “Blessed is the man who trusts in Him,” as David wrote.
If you would like a copy of the whole series of devotionals, please contact:
David Ryal
P.O. Box 210
Morro Bay, CA 93443