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.