In step

[RiverOL]

Scripture Reading — Luke 24:28-34

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.

 

[RiverOL]

Scripture Reading — Luke 5:17-26

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.

 

[RiverOL]

Scripture Reading — Philippians 2:1-4

[Look] not . . . to your own interests but . . . to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:4

I live in an area where snow falls in winter, and I would prefer that it would stay off my driveway. My husband looked outside at the snow one day and scowled. He knew I would need the driveway cleared off soon. Just then our doorbell rang, and three enthusiastic brothers stood at the door with shovels in hand, asking if they could help to clear our driveway. Delighted, my husband hired them right away.

Now, whenever snow falls, we wait for the doorbell to ring. We pay the neighbor boys in cash—and often in cookies too. Then their smiles get bigger.

They were here one day when we had company sitting at our table. I heard the bell and opened the door, and they had already shoveled half the driveway. They were letting me know they were there. When they finished, I offered them some goodies, and our guests remarked on how polite and well-mannered they were.

Then I shared part of their story. The youngest brother had recently gone through a battle with cancer. We gave thanks for the good news that his treatments were over and that he was home. Friends and neighbors had also gathered for a rooftop party at the hospital to encourage the young brother during that time. We talked about the many prayers and examples of care that were shared with the family. We thanked God that his family shows up when needed.

Thank you, God, for everyone who serves their neighbors. Thank you for your family of believers who pray, encourage, and help. May we be people who show up for your sake. Amen.

 

[RiverOL]

Scripture Reading — Matthew 13:31-32

“Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds . . . perch in its branches.”
Matthew 13:32

The door opened, and in walked a woman I did not know. She explained that she was from a business downtown that had recently received the Terrific Tuesday Award. (Our church sends a bouquet of flowers each week to a different business or organization in town to encourage the staff and let them know that the church is praying for them that week.) She said she needed to stop in and share her story.

The owner of the business had recently been admitted to the hospital with a terminal illness, and the employees were trying to deal with that news when the flowers arrived. The woman said she had been praying and that when the flowers came, she was reassured that God was listening and in control. She wanted to thank us for our part in offering them hope at this difficult time. She also asked if we would continue to pray for the business owner, who was now in palliative care. This helped me realize how we need to remember that God is always at work in the details of our lives.

When we began sending flowers on Tuesdays, we had no idea how often it might create an opportunity for sharing God’s love and peace. But it helped make connections we hadn’t imagined, and we were able to pray and share with people who needed hope and encouragement. Jesus used it to show up in people’s lives.

Dear Lord, thank you for opportunities to reach out to all kinds of people so that, like a mustard seed, your kingdom will grow. Amen.

 

[RiverOL]

Scripture Reading — Ephesians 4:1-6

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:3

Years ago, when we served a church in the community of Terrace Bay, Ontario, we were far away (17 hours by car) from our extended family. If we wanted to get home quicker (14 hours), we could cross the Mackinac Bridge, which is five miles (8 km) long.

When we visited Nova Scotia a few summers ago, we encountered a different kind of bridge. It was the connector at Little Narrows. Actually, it wasn’t a bridge but a ferryboat. The crossing is only 150 meters, but it is also part of the highway.

I mention these connectors because they are a part of how life unfolds. We don’t all have the same journey, but we all have the ability to be a “bridge” that brings people together with the story of the good news of God’s kingdom. One of my favorite sayings is this: “You need to build a bridge so that Jesus can walk from your heart to someone else’s heart.”

We are the connectors, the people of peace that Jesus wants to use. He showed us how to make connections to others, and then he said, “Do the same.” It requires effort and commitment—much like that of the engineers who have colossal bridges and powerful boats.

What are you building to help make connections so that people can meet Jesus?

Dear Lord, guide us to become the bridges and other connectors that help people to meet you. Help us to build with unity and purpose, secured by the presence of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

[RiverOL]

Scripture Reading — Luke 3:10-18

John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
Luke 3:10-11

The man had been invited in, and he had become part of the church. He lived on a pension and struggled with a mental illness. He had been the CEO of a large company in Toronto until his health had changed. His life had become drastically different, but he lived with a large and generous heart. He wanted to contribute, and one day he walked into the church to join others.

He said, “I have eight sausages, still frozen. I don’t like sausages, but I would like to share them with others. Can we make two pots of soup; one with sausage, and one without?” We assured him that we could do that. He enjoyed the soup that had no sausage, and he was pleased that others enjoyed the soup with sausage.

He knew that meals were harder to find at the end of the month. He had learned that a pension check goes only so far. He knew that if he shared with others, it would be good news for them. His sharing also inspired others. It was the start of our church’s Stone Soup meal, and many people have contributed to it. He was glad to find a place of peace that could help him serve others.

Stone Soup is now a community event where food, clothes, and friendship are shared on two Thursdays each month. Many are invited so that the good news can be shared. This has led many people to walk through the door of a church who might not have otherwise done so. You are invited too!

Dear God, help us to be generous and kind even if our life turns upside down. Help us to use what you have given us to bless others. Amen.

 

[RiverOL]

Scripture Reading — 2 Kings 5:1-19

“If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”
2 Kings 5:3

I love this Bible story for many reasons. Naaman was a guy who had everything. As an army commander, he could tell people what to do and where to go. He also had a family and was very wealthy. His army carried out raids on other countries, and one day they carried off a young Israelite girl who became a servant for Naaman’s wife.

But Naaman learned that having everything wasn’t enough. He discovered that he had leprosy, which in those days often led to banishment, disfigurement, and a lonely death.

The young slave girl could have said nothing, but she loved God and others and had good news to share. She told Naaman’s wife that he should go to Elisha the prophet and be healed. Naaman was humbled by that, but he eventually did what he was told and was healed. Naaman’s life turned around, and he became a follower of God in a foreign land.

This story could easily have turned out differently. But a young girl chose to share the love of God, and she opened a door for healing and restoration to happen. Naaman was in a tough situation, but Elisha blessed him with peace.

We too have choices to make. We can hold back and justify our reasons for not sharing our faith, or we can choose to be gracious and giving even to people who may have offended or harmed us.

What can you do to share God’s love and bring peace?

Dear God, help us to share your message of hope and healing, even if we are tempted to hold on to grudges or bitterness. In Jesus, Amen.

 

[RiverOL]

Scripture Reading — Psalm 23:1-6

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. . . .
Psalm 23:4

Bible teachers have often wondered about the setting of this song of David. When was it written?

In Psalm 23 we find descriptions of the work of a young man who herded and guarded his father’s sheep, finding calm pastureland and plenty of water so that the sheep could eat
and drink.

We also hear echoes of David’s life as a king, in which he often had to be wary of enemies. God provided a banquet table and an anointing or blessing, providing protection, abundance, and favor despite those enemies.

In addition, we observe the reflections of an older man, looking back on his journey of life and looking forward to living with the Lord . . . forever!

Many key phrases in this psalm have been read at commemorative services and at funerals. One key word is through. When you are in the midst of trouble and hardship, you want to know that it will come to an end. You want to be assured that you will come out on the other side.

We can get through the darkest valleys in life knowing that God is with us. This month, as we review key texts about the faithfulness of God in the Bible, we will see again and again that God’s faithfulness is part of the promise of his presence with us.

In what areas do you need the assurance of God’s presence in your life?

Lord, may we know your presence so that we can take every step with you, no matter what is before us. Thank you for being our shepherd. Amen.