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.

 

[RiverOL]

Scripture Reading — Lamentations 3:19-26

His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

Have you ever lost sleep because your mind and heart were busy or burdened? You can lie down and try to fall asleep, but sleep won’t come.

Jeremiah surely knew what that was like. He often poured out his heart and soul to God and to his people, but most of the people ignored what he had to say as God’s prophet. At times he was even put in prison for speaking God’s Word.

Jeremiah lamented over the people who denied God and persecuted him. The book of Lamentations is a brief collection of some of those laments. They are a companion piece to the narrative provided in the book of Jeremiah. Jeremiah had done all he could to bring God’s Word to his people, but it was not enough. Even so, one of the great hymns of faith—“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”—arises from the passage we have read for today.

I have often wondered how a great song about faithfulness could be born out of lament. Yet this is a key insight for us to ponder. When times are good, we tend to forget about God and rely on ourselves. But when times are hard and we cry out to God in our struggles, we can often see God and his work more clearly. God’s love, compassion, and faithfulness stand out against the darkness of sin and destruction.

God is with us always, and he promises new beginnings and new life each day to all who seek him. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” is a song we can sing every day!

God of all days and nights, thank you for your faithfulness to us each day and throughout every season. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

[RiverOL]

Scripture Reading — Genesis 3:1-15

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
Genesis 3:15

The story in Genesis 3 is often described as “the fall into sin.” Adam and Eve started with a wonderful, day-by-day relationship with God, but then one day they sinned. And they hid from God in their shame. God had said they should not eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). But then the devil, Satan, planted seeds of doubt in their minds, and they disobeyed. They ate the forbidden fruit and fell from their close relationship with God.

The curse of disobeying, God had said, would be death. But Adam and Eve did not die that day. God sought them out and did not strike them down. They also failed to take the blame for their actions, and God took the consequences of their sin on himself. It turned out that one day his own Son, who was also their offspring, would give up his own life to pay for the sins of all people (Matthew 1:18-25).

Friends are faithful to each other. God is always a friend to us, but we are not equally faithful. We sin. We are often unfaithful, but God is faithful.

How could God make us right with him? The plan of salvation is not what we would expect. It was not fully visible to Adam and Eve, but it started, continued, and became complete when God sent his Son, born of a woman, to live without sin and to give his life to pay for all our sin. What an amazing, faithful God!

Dear God, we sin in many ways every day. Thank you for being faithful, and please help us to live faithfully for you. In Jesus, Amen.

 

[RiverOL]

Scripture Reading — Genesis 4:1-12, 25-26

“God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.”
Genesis 4:25

God had told Adam and Eve that there would be consequences for their sin. When Eve gave birth to Cain and then Abel, she experienced the pain of childbirth—but, sadly, more pain would come.

As the boys grew up, one was drawn to till the soil, and the other to keep flocks. But when they brought offerings to God from the fruits of their labors, there was a difference. Abel brought the best portions, but Cain brought merely “some of the fruits of the soil.” God looked with favor on Abel, but not on Cain. Jealousy sparked, and Cain grew angry while Abel grew closer to God. Cain nurtured his anger, and eventually he killed his brother.

Adam and Eve grieved the loss of one son by death and of the other by banishment through the just judgment of God. Their home was no longer full. The pain of childbirth could not compare to the pain of losing both sons.

Then Adam and Eve conceived again and welcomed a new child, and Eve gave praise for what God granted.

Some of you know the pain of losing a child. Some wonder if God can bring new life in after such a loss. Pain is not the end of our story because God, who loves us, is present with us.

Through Adam and Eve’s new child, Seth, God began preparing a way for his own Son, Jesus, to come into the world. And he became the Savior from sin for all who believe in him.

Dear God, help us to see beyond our pain and to trust that you can bring us healing and even joy again. Thank you for being present with us. In Jesus, Amen.

 

[RiverOL]

Scripture Reading — Genesis 9:1-17

God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant . . . between me and all life on the earth.”
Genesis 9:17

God works in line with his character and principles—and he has made those clear to us, as we can see in this passage and in others. For example, there are consequences to sin and evil. When the earth was filled with wickedness, God made a clean slate by sending a flood (Genesis 6-8). And God chose Noah and his family to make a new start.

Yet as Noah and his family took tentative steps into this new beginning, God encouraged them by making a promise: “Never again will all life be destroyed by . . . a flood.” And this promise was not only for Noah’s family; it was for all future generations.

In this covenant, God does not rely on Noah and his descendants to keep from sinning. In fact, sin continues in the human story. The only way that this promise or covenant can be kept is if God is willing to step in and hold both ends of it. God notes also that the rainbow will be a sign of his enduring promise. The rainbow will be a reminder of his covenant with us and with “all living creatures of every kind.”

This story shows us a pattern that began to unfold early in our history: God is the covenant maker and the covenant keeper for us and for our salvation.

Dear God, thank you for your care for us and for all of your creation. Help us to understand that you care for all of life. May we see it as your precious work that you faithfully love and hold in your hands. Amen.