Eagle Brook Church Blog

Joe the Plumber and Life Transformation

Thanks to the poor choice of a Southern California plumber—I’ll call him “Joe”—Bible-reading became part of my daily routine. For the past 33 years, I’ve started each day by reading God’s Word. Here’s what happened.

I spent my first semester of college living in a dorm that utilized a shared restroom. Much to the delight of the guys in my dorm, Joe the plumber had installed a shut-off valve for the hot water in the hallway, just outside the restroom door. Everyone in the dorm considered it his personal responsibility—and his God-given right—to turn off the hot water anytime a fellow student was in the shower. Consequently, the only guarantee for a hot shower was to take one when everyone in the dorm was in class or asleep.

My strategic decision to address the issue was to shower so early in the morning that no one would consider it worthwhile to pile out of bed simply to turn off the hot water. As a result, I ended up with a surplus of wide-awake hours long before breakfast. At first, I tried investing my newfound hours doing homework or studying for a test. But that was boring. I wasn’t motivated to do school work first thing in the morning.

Early one morning I picked up my Bible and decided to read from the book of Proverbs. I was fascinated. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. The words came alive and gave me wisdom for the day. From that day, I eagerly anticipated my pre-dawn shower and the solitude that followed for Bible reading and prayer. The earsplitting r-r-r-r-ring of the alarm clock became sweet music. I’d spring from bed with vigor each morning, expecting God to show me something new from His Word.

I wish I could say that I continue to awaken every morning with that same sense of awe. The fact is, the initial sense of freshness lasted only a year or so. After that, Bible reading became more of a routine, a habit that was second nature. Though often monotonous, it’s been rewarding. Over the years, I’ve continued to read God’s Word each morning. And God surprises me with something new even though I’ve read the same passages repeatedly. There’s something fresh each day. I think that’s what Jeremiah was writing about in the Bible book of Lamentations.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!” Lamentations 3:22-24NLT

 The 40-Day Awaken experience is our opportunity as individuals to establish new habits that will transform our lives. It’s encouraging to read the journal entries and comments on the Awaken Blog. As each of us takes ownership for our own spiritual development, we will mature as a church family. Perhaps God will bring a “Joe the plumber” your way to help make Bible reading part of your daily routine.