Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Ecclesiastes 11-12 | 1 Corinthians 16

We often let our differences create distance between us and others. We trick ourselves into believing that if someone has a cultural background, lifestyle, political opinion, or financial situation that is different from our own, it means we don’t need to connect with them.

While it can be easy to let our differences keep us apart, God gives us a clear invitation to bridge those gaps.

Moving toward others is often the first step in breaking down barriers and building meaningful connections. When we see someone in our path, we have the opportunity to take initiative and reflect Jesus’ heart. Exploring how intentionally moving toward people can give us the confidence to live out the calling found in the following verse. 

Matthew 28:19
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

This verse is known as part of the Great Commission. It was Jesus' commandment to his disciples before his ascension into Heaven. He made it very clear exactly what his disciples should do in his absence - make more disciples.

These were some of Jesus’ last words, and they should be our first priority. It’s just as important today as it was in biblical times that we introduce people to Jesus and his life-changing adventure. 

The Great Commission sounds like it requires a big commitment and bold moves, but it doesn’t need to. Moving toward someone can be as simple as coming closer to them. Look for opportunities to know your server's name at lunch, hang out with your gym buddies, or spend time interacting with the parents at your kids’ sporting events. 

It’s not necessary to make every moment spiritual. Moving toward someone can also be accomplished by the practice of spiritual hospitality.

An AI-generated definition of spiritual hospitality is “the intentional practice of creating a safe, welcoming space where strangers or people with different worldviews can feel valued, heard, and loved without the pressure of immediate conformity.”

Spiritual hospitality is about intentionally creating welcoming spaces for people of all beliefs and backgrounds. As we create this space, we can begin moving toward those who may feel restless or far from faith. 

As you think about ways to practice this in your own life, consider who God might be placing in your path and be open to the opportunities God gives you to move toward them. 

Questions:
Are you letting personal differences stop you from sharing the good news about Jesus and eternity? If so, what can you do to bridge the distance?

Are you practicing the spiritual discipline of hospitality by creating safe, welcoming spaces for strangers or people with different worldviews?

Next Steps:
CedarCreek practices spiritual hospitality with several series every year, such as Halloweekend, At The Movies, and during our Christmas and Easter services. Before these series start, ask yourself these questions: Who can I invite? Who can I pray for? How can I serve? 

Be prepared to see how God moves you.

CedarCreek has a My Top 5 card where you can enter important names of people who you are inviting and investing in. After you’ve filled it out, print it and place the card somewhere you’ll see it often as a reminder to pray for, encourage, invest in, and invite them. Click the My Top 5 link to get started to be for ONE MORE and move towards.

21 Days of Prayer | Today’s Focus: To Surrender to God 

Prayer: 
Gracious God, everything is yours, and I thank you for your generous gifts: the time you’ve given me, the resources you have provided, the relationships you put in my life, and the talents you’ve  granted me. You are the owner; I am only a caretaker of what you have entrusted to me. So Lord, help me offer these things back to you. Give me the faith to let go of my need for control and to surrender all of my life to you. Make me a living sacrifice for your glory. Direct my steps and show me how to use what you have given me to truly worship you. May your will be done in me and through me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. 

Series Theme Verse:
John 13:35
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” 

Written by Jenn Macke, a regular contributor to the Daily Devotional.