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My assumption is this quote relates to relationships we form in our churches. Personally, 2-3 people is a high number, but the point stands. And 2-3 people is still significant. This is one of those things they don't prepare you for. I'm not sure how you can prepare for it. As long as someone says they consider my local congregation their church, I pray for them on a regular basis and do my best to stay connected. When people move on, especially when there's no communication, it hurts. Pastors, I’ve seen this stat a lot. Is this true for you? pic.twitter.com/Y9H9G7dAaR — Luke Simmons (@lukedsimmons) May 30, 2025 Stay blessed...john

  Exodus 33:12-17 Listen to today's devotional I finally got around to watching  The Chosen . It's early in the series, but one scene has stuck with me. It's of Peter, frustrated after a night of failed attempts to catch fish. If prayer is merely conversation with God, Peter begins to pray. It's not the composed prayer we might recite on Sunday mornings. Rather, it's the kind that grows from weariness and unmet expectations. Peter isn't happy about his circumstance. And he isn't too thrilled with the Lord either. As he casts out and draws in his empty nets, he recounts what God has done for his people. What some might call rehearsing the story of God. He does so remembering what God had done for "us," before he let's out some frustration he, personally, has with the Lord. This kind of scene from projects like  The Chosen  always spark debate. How much of this is biblical or artistic interpretation? I can remember being so sure of myself and my ...

  Ephesians 1:15-23 Listen to today's devotional In every church I've served, we've had what's affectionately called  popcorn prayer . That's when prayer requests pop up from all around the sanctuary. Popcorn praying is a way for the church to share what they've been praying for. Most times, they represent immediate needs. There's something happening right now. Or we're hoping for something now. Of course, we pray for what's popping in your life today. We want people to experience healing, comfort and well being. We celebrate and mourn with each other every week. And those prayers are meaningful ways to care for one another. But, in the letter to the Ephesians, we're given something even deeper that we can ask God for. The epistle opens with a broad and powerful prayer request. The community of faith is not forgotten in prayer. The writer prays they would know God, have spiritual wisdom and revelation and have their hearts enlightened. To underst...

  Luke 2:36-38 Listen to today's devotional For more than four decades, Florence Martus waved at every ship that passed through the Port of Savannah. Day and night, travelers and sailors looked forward to seeing "The Waving Lady." Handkerchief in hand and dog alongside, legend says she waved at over 50,000 ships. I imagine seeing her waving was like seeing the Harbor Bridge as you approach Corpus Christi. Certain places and even certain people become signs of comfort, hope and joy. Florence's wave was a meaningful travel marker for many people. In a way, Anna was the same. Luke tells us she never left the temple. Depending on how you read the text, when Jesus was born she was 84 or 105 years old. We don't know more than a few sentences about her. But we know that for decades she personified the later words of 1 Thessalonians 5:7. She prayed and fasted night and day. That speaks to her devotion and faith. It also points to a unwavering hope and conviction. Imagine ...

  Revelation 21:15-22 Listen to today's devotional Bruce Springsteen said his father "was always fixated by money." The elder Springsteen would take the family to look at a big house outside of town. This house represented aspiration. It was a symbol of success, and something better than their blue-collar life. The Boss captured this image in his song  Mansion on the Hill . Do you have a symbol like that? Something that points you to something better or that inspires you to pursue your dreams and goals? Personally, it's the Florida Keys. My stepfather and I always talked about moving there someday. That was our better place. As Christians, we carry a similar vision. Our hearts point toward heaven. "Our citizenship is in heaven," after all (Philippians 3:20). When someone passes, we say they went to a better place: Home. Heaven, then, is our reward. Heaven is also our inspiration. Yes, we believe one day all things will be made new. God will wipe away every t...

  1 Chronicles 12:16-18 Listen to today's devotional "The ultimate witness is withness." That's a great quote I read the other day. Even though I read it around two in the morning because I couldn't sleep, it's something I've been reflecting on since. Most historians don't blame the fall of the Roman Empire on plagues. But in the second and third centuries, the empire suffered greatly as the result of, at least, two to three. The plagues decimated the Roman population and exposed some of its weaknesses. It's estimated the Antonine plague, the first epidemic recorded in history, killed up to 10 million people. That would represent a third of the population. The emperor blamed Christians for the plague. Their unwillingness to offer sacrifices angered the gods, he argued. History, though, shows something else about the Christians. Those Romans who could flee the devastation did. Consequently, many people were left to die. But Christians stayed. They h...

Listen on Spotify Watch on YouTube M onday: The Gift of Peace Devotional Thought: Today, reflect on the idea presented in the sermon that peace is a gift from Jesus, not a shallow, temporary feeling but a lasting and transformative gift. Consider how this divine peace is different from the fleeting moments of calm we often experience. Scripture Reading: John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." Reflection Questions: How do you experience the difference between the world’s version of peace and the peace that Jesus offers? In what ways can you more actively receive Jesus' gift of peace in your daily life? Additional Scripture: Isaiah 26:3-4 Tuesday: Misconceptions About Peace Devotional Thought: Reflect on the misconception that peace is meant to escape us from our challenges. Instead, consider how true ...

  Psalm 67 Listen to today's devotional The first great controversy of the Christian movement surrounded the inclusion of Gentile converts. While we Gentiles today are grateful for the overwhelming affirmation of their inclusion into the faith, unfortunately, we often find new ways to alienate each other. Unknowingly or not, we construct new dividing walls that keep us from knowing the full reconciliation of God. What is worse is that we find these barriers comfortable and we, often, are not willing to further identify or deconstruct them. We are not comfortable even acknowledging them. So, they seem immovable. Consequently, what is left are unsettling feelings of distrust and suspicion. We cannot trust those from other races, political ideologies or theological backgrounds. Even generations attack each other and blame our collective problems on one another. Hostility remains. Does this mean the work of Christ has reached its time limit? Has God's work of reconciliation come to...

  Psalm 67 Listen to today's devotional A group of annual conference leaders once visited me while I was in seminary. We shared lunch and they used the time to connect and get to know me. They asked about my family and my background. Eventually, they inquired about my church upbringing. Growing up, I had little experience with church. Upon hearing that, one of my visitors made a comment that has stuck with me. They said, "Not growing up in the church is an advantage for you." That struck me because, by then, I had young children of my own. I could not imagine raising them without the church's support. I do not want them to know what life is without the local church. My three children had church grandmas and grandpas who loved them, prayed for them and showed them what faith looks like. It was my children’s and my family’s great advantage to have a loving and caring family of God surrounding them. Why would I ever consider that to be a disadvantage? Of course, I unders...

  Luke 10:25-28 Listen to today's devotional There's no denying the totality of the greatest commandment. Keep praying and reflecting on what it means and you realize the weight of loving God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and with all your mind. Now, if you give God your all, you might wonder what is leftover for anyone else. Thankfully, our  all  doesn't work like that. Your all isn't a measurement, but a posture. You give your all to God not so much in quantity but in devotion. Likewise, the love of God is not a reservoir that has the potential to run dry. It is a wellspring that always flows, pouring into us and through us, again and again. So, there is always something left to give to others. To be clear, establishing and protecting boundaries in your relationships is important. That, however, is a different conversation. Jesus once responded to a test from someone who already knew the right answer they were looking for. An expert of the law ...

Acts 11:27-30 Listen to today's devotional Many people have complaints about the church today. It surprises some that I share many of those same frustrations and critiques. And so some will wonder why I'd continue to be a part of such an imperfect institution. The answer is pretty simple. First, there are no perfect groups. If I left the church because of its imperfection, guess what I'd find anywhere else. Not even the first group Jesus started his church with was perfect. More importantly, I'm convinced the church is God's wisdom. Through our shared faith, the body of Christ lives and shares the peace of Christ with the world. We're not a non-profit organization. We're a prophetic people called to love and serve like Jesus. And we are at our best when we allow our love of God to guide how we care for others. Over the years, I've read a lot of church-growth literature. Often, it's business talk wrapped in a church banner. In all our focus on numbers...

  Psalm 133 Listen to today's devotional I once visited a church that did its best to live up to its name: Scum of the Earth Church. Their drive was to be a place for anyone to feel welcome and at home. In the congregation, there were khakis and high tops, young and old, a professor and a single mom. I loved it. The guy next to me was dressed in all black, had long hair, make up and probably more piercings than I could actually see. While I sat in a chair, he perched confidently atop a ramp at the side of the room. The leader finished our worship time by having us gather in a large circle. We held hands and recited The Lord's Prayer. Now, I've recited that prayer, probably, thousands of times. My impression was the guy next to me wasn't as used to it. But you could tell the words meant as much to him as anyone else. As usual, I finished the prayer with a hopeful, "Amen." He finished differently. Just as hopeful, mind you. I've prayed before that these word...

Listen on Spotify  Watch on YouTube Monday: The Foundation of Love Scripture: John 13:34-35 Reflection: As you start your week, consider the foundation upon which your actions and relationships are built. Jesus gave us a new commandment: to love one another as he has loved us. This isn't a suggestion, but a commandment to reflect his love in our daily interactions. Questions: How do you feel about love being a commandment rather than a suggestion? Reflect on a time you found it difficult to love someone. What barriers did you face? How can you prioritize love in your interactions today? Additional Scripture: 1 John 4:7-8 Tuesday: Love Through Service Scripture: John 13:1-17 Reflection: Jesus washed his disciples' feet, serving them with humility even knowing he would be betrayed. Consider how Jesus' act of service exemplifies love and think about ways you can humbly serve those around you. Questions: What does serving oth...

 My computer crashed last week. It had been in the shop all this week. Turns out, the repair shop had tried calling me earlier this week, but my voicemail, apparently, isn't set up.  But I got it back tonight. One of the pains is reinstalling everything. And realizing you lost some information. That'll teach me to do better at backing up my stuff! Here's my message from last Sunday . I finally had a chance to upload it tonight. Stay blessed...john

Our church provides a daily Bible reading intended to get the congregation thinking about Sunday. There's a question to ask each day as you reflect on a different verse.  I always wonder if anyone actually uses this. Today, someone told me they were doing their daily reading and noticed something. One of this week's reading didn't include a verse, not even a chapter. Just a book. Yep, on Tuesday, I asked the church to read the book of Exodus.  That's only about 28,000 words. You can do it! Of course, it could be that I just forgot to include the one verse I wanted you to read.  Stay blessed...john

  Daniel 7:13-14 I'm having computer issues. So, I didn't record today's devotional. Sometimes, I wonder why I even watch the news. It feels like every headline brings too much tragedy, scandal, conflict or brokenness to my soul. Do I need that? There are days when I finish a news segment and think I really didn't need to spend time hearing that. But I keep watching. Maybe to stay informed or maybe just out of habit. Who knows? It could be one day something good breaks through the noise and chaos. More often than not, however, I end up sighing. I get frustrated and tired. Hymns are for church, I know. But one line from an old hymn often comes to mind after the news: Kings and kingdoms will all pass away. I take it as a reminder and a call back to the reality of God's rule and reign of this world. Everything we see today--governments rising and falling, powerful voices speaking over each other--none of it will last forever. It's all vapor. What endures, of course...

  Ezekiel 3:1-3 Chances are you've heard a pastor say they've preached their sermon to themselves before they've preached it to the congregation. I'm one of them that does. I'm walking a journey of faith right along with you in the same community. We're a part of the same family of faith. So, what the Spirit wants you to hear, the Spirit wants me to hear, too. Not hear with your ears, but with your heart, and to obey. How, then, could we share that faith if I'm not willing to be obedient to what I'm offering to you? At my current church, I preached with a plunger on my first Sunday. The idea was that I was going to ask the church to do hard things sometimes. But I wouldn't ask anything I wouldn't do. I thought it was a good visual, but it wouldn't stand against any of the prophet Ezekiel's visions. In chapter 3 of Ezekiel, the Lord commands him to eat a scroll and fill his stomach with it. The scroll represented the word God wanted to giv...

  Psalm 100 People of God, we are noise makers. At least, the psalmist encourages us to be. He says, "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth" (Psalm 100:1). All people from all nations share the same invitation because we know God's goodness. It is steadfast and endures for all generations. And we know we belong to God. As a result, our lives are an ongoing praise service. Now, we often joke about our singing not being quite in tune, but at least being a noise. I'm someone who resembles that remark. So, I appreciate that even non-singers can praise with joy and conviction. Praise isn't limited by your vocal range. But let me encourage you to think of your joyful noise a little differently. Keep singing, mind you. In fact, sing more. When you join the church in worship, sing like you want heaven to hear you. Like you've been paying attention to how good God has been to you. Also, know that the psalmist isn't just talking about singing. A literal tra...

  Acts 9:32-35 Admittedly, I should've waited longer to lead worship again after my transplant. Many of you were too nice to say it, but the videos prove it. I always struggle deciding where to put the line between persistence and stubbornness. I'm hopeful you can be faithful in both. Still, part of my healing was having agency again. Being able to do what I once did. That isn't always possible, of course. But in our helping and encouragement of others, don't we want people to have their lives back as much as they can? In Acts 9, Peter finds himself in Lydda. Some commentators suggest he has committed to searching for people in need as he travels. Whether that's accurate or not, in Lydda, Peter came across a man with a great need. Aeneas was his name, and for eight years his condition limited his life to his bed. When Peter saw him, he told him that Jesus healed him. Then he told him to make his bed. Such a simple thing to do. It takes me two minutes. I can't im...

Revelation 15:1-4 Our church lost a beloved saint this weekend. She lived on earth for more than one hundred years. We have young adults today who remember her as a Sunday school teacher. That's how long she served--for as long as she could. Over the last month or so, she became more vocal in worship. Oh, yes, she was there every Sunday--except for a couple of weeks after she fell. Lately, you'd hear her voice after a prayer or song or during the sermon. "Holy, holy," she would say. We always marvel at what the mind holds on to as we age. For our dear sister, it was her faith that never faded. Several people have told me they weren't sure what she was saying at first. Once they realized, it made complete sense. For a person who loved her God and served however she could, of course praise would be on her mind. As we hold on to our faith in Jesus, we see how our faith in Jesus has carried us. The trust we give to God isn't for a season of life. It's certainl...

  Ezekiel 20:39-44 Click here to listen There are holy places. That is not to suggest that God's presence or power have limits. The highest heaven cannot contain God. But we do construct and maintain sanctuaries, camps and other spaces where we experience God's grace and mercy together. And we return to them. For most of us, church is that place. We know church, as a concept, is not a four-wall development. Church is the people called by God. Still, church as a place for God's people to gather is important. For generations, and for some still today, church was in homes, caves or under the brush arbor. No matter where it was, where the people met was a holy place. Sacred memories enfold these places. God meets us in these places. As a pastor, I'm usually quick to get things done. I always pause, though, when it comes to the sanctuary. People have strong feelings about changes in those places. Yes, we can have unhealthy overattachments to our pews and stained glass window...