Today Daily Devotional

They went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles . . . right in front of Jesus.

— Luke 5:19

Have you ever lost your house key? I am so thankful that our house has a keypad entry so that all I have to remember is a code. On that note, have you ever lost your way about how to connect to the church? A woman sat in a pew, wishing for more. She had been part of a church for most of her life, but she was searching for a fresh place of worship, where she could use her gifts and abilities. She also lived with some doubts and pain from past experiences. She came to our church one day and found God’s freedom to forgive. Now she often helps with washing dishes after a church dinner. She’ll soon find other ways to serve too. A church may close its doors and leave some of its members looking for a new door to walk through. Our church happens to be on a street where some of those people walk by. They can walk through the door and engage in conversation. They can also wash dishes and study the Bible with others. In the presence of Jesus they can find new friends. Two adults and four small children came in, trying to put life back together. Finding a place to be accepted is important. We welcomed them, and now they bring coffee and make desserts with their kids to share with everyone. Is there an access point that you can use to help bring someone to Jesus?

Lord, help us to see different ways of opening doors for others. Give us courage and strength to try and to succeed so that people can meet you. Amen.

They urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening. . . .” So he went in to stay with them.

— Luke 24:29

One of the intriguing details of this story in Luke is that the two disciples who were walking and talking with Jesus didn’t know it was him. I suspect that the impact of the previous few days had distracted them. These followers of Jesus had seen him die on a cross, and they had heard some women say he was alive again, but they couldn’t understand what had happened. As they headed back home, they were probably tired and disheartened. So when a stranger came up and began talking with them on the road, they wouldn’t have expected the man to be Jesus. Yet even though they were feeling worn and beat up, they had the presence of mind to invite this stranger in. They must have wondered how this stranger knew so much about the Messiah and his suffering. He recounted a history that was accurate and compelling. They might well have thought he was some kind of rabbi or something. But then, in their home, “when he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it,” and gave it to them. And suddenly they recognized that Jesus was right there with them. Then, just as suddenly, Jesus disappeared—and they realized they needed to share this news with their friends. I wonder if we too recognize Jesus when we meet a stranger on the road, invite them into our home, or have a meal with them. 

God, help us to see Jesus in the strangers we meet each day. Help us to hear their story and listen well. Help us to tell our stories so that others will meet Jesus too. Amen.

It gave me great joy when . . . [I heard] about your faithfulness to the truth. . . .

— 3 John 3

Last year I watched the televised funeral of a godly leader and statesman. Tributes from a friend and a family member reminded me of a leader who worked diligently to bring God’s love, mercy, and justice into people’s lives. And that helped me picture what a person of peace looks like. A person of peace is deeply committed to God and to others. This is someone who is willing to reach out and find out how they can help to bring hope and change in communities. This is a person who sees people through the eyes of Jesus. A person who models well what it means to be a servant to others. A person who takes on risks to bring the good news of Jesus to others. I was reminded of the words of John as he writes to encourage a dear friend. And those words give us helpful reminders of our calling to be followers of Christ, to be people of peace. In a world that is often at odds with being a person of peace, we might rather avoid Jesus’ call and the challenges it can bring. But let’s be encouraged by the examples of so many people of peace who have gone before us—whether they are public figures and powerful influencers or ordinary people like neighbors, friends, and family members. Welcoming others with hospitality and working with them in Jesus’ name is our goal. Are you ready?

God, help us to become who you need us to be so that we can spread your gospel far and wide. Thank you for calling us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“And where is he?” . . . “Why did you leave him? Invite him to have something to eat.”

— Exodus 2:20

Church planting can bring lots of excitement and challenges. Have you ever met a church planter? They give up many of the comforts and expectations of a church home because God is calling them to reach out. They are moving in a direction that hasn’t been tested before. With that comes great excitement and a little fear. They are motivated to start a new church so that others can hear the good news and come to know Jesus. They invite others to join them, and that can mean serving on a steering committee. They meet neighbors and other Christians and share meals and ideas as they make conversation and discuss strategies and plans, and the list of people touched by God’s love continues to grow. Every church planter looks for the person or group in a community who can introduce them to others whom they might need to reach. These can be people who know how to connect with others and share stories, people with helpful skills, people who can help with financing or vision or provide support in other ways. They are all community champions and people of peace. Moses became a person like that when he helped Reuel’s daughters. They invited him in, and he became part of their family. He became a keeper of flocks. In that space he learned from God, who was preparing him for important work to do. In what ways might God be calling and preparing you to join him on mission? 

Lord, help us to hear you and respond to your plan and purpose for our lives. Guide us to move in the direction you are sending us in. Amen.

Use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace. . . .

— 1 Peter 4:10

It was Easter morning, and I was excited to be part of the church service that day. My ideas and sermon were ready to go. I was anticipating a great morning. When I arrived at the church building, there seemed to be more cars than usual, considering how early it was in the morning. I smiled and walked through the door. The smell of bacon and other breakfast favorites hit me, and I saw smiling faces who were ready to celebrate Easter too. What a surprise! I am sure I looked startled because it took me some time to adjust my face, and I think my heart skipped a few beats. Greeting me were new believers who were excited about sharing God’s love with others, and they had decided to surprise everyone with a wonderful breakfast before the worship service. One of these new Christians owned a small restaurant downtown, and he had planned it all. I am sure that Jesus was happy with all this, and after a few moments I was able to adjust too. We shared a wonderful meal and then a wonderful time of worship and praise to God—all with the smell of bacon still hanging in the air. Recognizing the gifts of others is a lesson we all need to learn. And celebrating all this to the glory of God is essential. What’s more, giving people room to use their gifts in ways that open doors lets them enjoy being people of peace. What is your gift? 

Lord, thank you for the joy of serving you and serving others. Remind us to be thankful for others’ gifts and to celebrate together. Amen.

Publius . . . welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days.

— Acts 28:7

Paul was on a ship with 275 other men riding out a storm that they could have avoided. Nevertheless, God had a plan. They were shipwrecked on an island where people needed to hear the gospel story. When the travelers arrived, ragged and wet but all safe, the islanders showed kindness and generosity. They provided food and a warm fire for everyone. Then Publius, the chief official, welcomed Paul and his companions into his home. And with God’s power Paul was able to heal Publius’s father. The door to the gospel was now opened to many more people. As the island residents heard of this healing, their hope increased, and they began to bring all the other sick people to Paul, who healed them. A new chapter began for the people of the island of Malta. They were so thankful that they continued in their hospitality and provided the travelers with the supplies they needed when they were ready to sail again. What had looked like a disastrous situation became a God moment. Sometimes God calls us out of our safety and comfort for the sake of sharing his good news. Are you ready for what God may have in store for you? 

Lord, thank you for your protection and faithfulness, even in the midst of storms. Lead us in the direction of people you are preparing to hear about you. Help us to become more like you. Amen.

“Let’s make a small room . . . for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.”

— 2 Kings 4:10

We have a guest room in our house. It gets used on a regular basis. My mother uses it when she comes to visit, our grandkids use it for sleepovers, and anyone else who has needed it has slept there too. It has a bed, a dresser, a chair, and a lamp. I’m sure it doesn’t look the same as the room that was made for Elisha, but it may have similarities in purpose. I wonder how God wants to use our spaces or our availability, wherever we may be. What are we willing to do to prepare for others? Are we ready for when Jesus calls us? I wonder if having a space available is about knowing that “the kingdom of God has come near” (Mark 1:15). I love the way my Korean friends pray. They pray in expectation so that they are ready for when Jesus shows up, wanting to do something in their lives. They are not scrambling at the last minute; they are in welcoming mode. They are prepared so that when Jesus or someone he has sent shows up, they can accommodate as needed, serving as people of peace. The woman in our text was a person of peace for Elisha, and I hope we too become people of peace for whoever may be in need of us. Are you looking forward to the next person Jesus is planning to send in your direction?

Dear God, help us to create space in our lives so that we can be people of peace to whomever you send into our lives. Thank you for challenging us to be prepared for every encounter. Amen.

“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you. . . . Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

— Jeremiah 29:7

Carrots and potatoes and peas—oh, my! Actually many kinds of vegetables show up in this community garden. It began when two people who were invited into our church found faith in Christ and wanted to begin growing vegetables to help provide others with healthful food. A small container garden took shape behind the church building. What started with a few containers soon multiplied as more people became curious. Then the city offered to give property to the church to create a much bigger garden. The city would provide water and electricity if the church would provide volunteers. Today, nine years later, a talented woman named Rebecca heads a team of gardeners from both the church and the local community to plant, grow, and harvest. The conversations about God that happen in the garden are inspiring and rich. The food is shared with people in need, and the vegetables used in church dinners are incredible. I am not sure who is more blessed, but everyone involved has a story of God’s blessing and peace to share. And those stories become a blessing and inspiration to others. None of us knows what will happen when we invite someone to partner with us in a project that the Lord makes available. But God knows.

Dear God, you have a plan for each of us. Thank you that when we reach out, you create space for much more. Help us to work with you in each new story you prepare for us. Amen.

“The Spirit of the Lord . . . has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners. . . .”

— Luke 4:18

In our city there is a center for forensic mental health. Part of its work involves care for people with mental illness who have been part of the criminal justice system. The center aims to help individuals begin a journey of recovery, and that includes providing some of them with day passes to volunteer in the community. Our church has had the opportunity to meet a number of these individuals, and many have become a regular part of our church life. They have volunteered in the kitchen, in the community garden, and in other areas. They also attend worship services on Sundays. It all started with one young man being invited in. He felt safe and invited others to join him. Some have even been baptized. I remember asking one young man about the difference Jesus has made in his life. He explained that he has been able to feel something for the first time in a very long time. His smile that day was radiant. One Sunday another young man from the health center read Scripture at the beginning of the worship service. I have also been able to spend time at the center hearing stories in which individuals share about the freedom Christ has brought them in the midst of tough situations. And as relationships have grown, our church has been invited to conduct worship services on-site. In what ways is Jesus calling on you to help others find freedom in him? 

Dear God, thank you for connecting us with people who need to hear your truth and who then quickly pass it along. Thank you for helping us to imagine where we can share your love. Amen.

“If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

— Matthew 10:42

I’m not sure how widespread the tradition is in your area, but when the 13th of the month falls on a Friday, like today, there is often a community gathering. In our area, anyone who is a biker heads off to the small town of Port Dover, Ontario. Thousands spend the day showing off their bikes, eating, and hanging out with people who have a shared interest in motorcycles. In the same small town is a wonderful ministry to young adults called the South Coast Beach Project, or SOCO for short. Young adults are welcomed into a home for the summer (May-August) where they share life together, grow in discipleship, and work and hang out in the community. A few years ago the young adults decided to set up a table on Friday the 13th when crowds of bikers came to town. They gave away freeze pops and made lots of connections. The SOCO director told me, "People couldn’t believe we would give something away for free. It was fun to say, ‘We are just being neighborly.’” It was a moment of hospitality and generosity. It was an open door for conversation. I love how the SOCO group partnered with an event already happening in the community, and how they could share a “Jesus in the neighborhood” moment. What kinds of local events can you partner with to invite gospel conversations?

God, thank you for opportunities to partner in our community. Help us to open our hearts to new ideas and new people. In Jesus, Amen.