Devotional: Community doesn't happen by accident. It's something we have to pursue. In our busy lives, it's easy to let relationships fall by the wayside. But God designed us for community. When we don't have people in our lives who consistently point us to Jesus, we become isolated. This isolation can lead to spiritual and emotional sickness. Just as Jesus initiated a relationship with Zacchaeus, we too must take the first step in building meaningful connections. Let's be intentional in our pursuit of community, knowing that it is essential for our spiritual growth and well-being.

Verse: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. - Acts 2:42

Question: What steps can you take today to intentionally pursue and build a gospel-centered community?

Quote: "Community doesn't happen by accident. It's something we have to pursue."

Prayer: Lord, help me to be intentional in my pursuit of community. Give me the courage to initiate relationships and the wisdom to build connections that honor You. Amen.

Devotional: If community doesn't happen by accident, we must recognize that isolation is what happens naturally when we don't put the effort into moving toward others. Jesus broke through societal norms to initiate a relationship with Zacchaeus, showing us the importance of reaching out. Isolation can be a silent enemy, creeping into our lives when we least expect it. By following Jesus' example, we can break through the barriers of isolation and build meaningful relationships that reflect His love and grace.

Verse: For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. - Luke 19:10

Question: How can you break through the barriers of isolation in your life and reach out to others?

Quote: "If community doesn't happen by accident, I think we have to recognize that isolation is what happens naturally when we don't put the effort into moving toward others."

Prayer: Jesus, help me to recognize the isolation in my life and give me the strength to break through it. Guide me to reach out to others and build relationships that reflect Your love. Amen.

Devotional: Zacchaeus was transformed simply by being in Jesus' presence. They were together, and that togetherness brought about a profound change in Zacchaeus' heart. Sometimes, people who are not seen or who have been written off just need to be paid attention to. Our presence can have a powerful impact on others. By being present and attentive, we can create a safe space for transformation and growth. Let's strive to be present in our communities, offering our time and attention to those who need it most.

Verse: The Lord will search for his sheep and look after them. - Ezekiel 34:11

Quote: "Zacchaeus was transformed. Now, notice it was simply by Jesus being in Zacchaeus presence. They were together."

Prayer: Lord, help me to be present and attentive to those around me. Use my presence to bring about transformation and growth in the lives of others. Amen.

Devotional: Make gospel community a priority. When we don't have people in our lives that constantly and consistently point us to Jesus, we become isolated. God made us for community, and when we don't have it, we become spiritually and emotionally sick. We think that we can grow spiritually in isolation, but God didn't make us that way. By confessing, walking together, and living in an honest, trusting community centered on Jesus Christ, we grow. Let's prioritize gospel community and commit to walking together in faith.

Verse: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. - Matthew 5:9

Question: How can you prioritize gospel community in your life and commit to walking together in faith with others?

Quote: "Make gospel community a priority."

Prayer: God, help me to prioritize gospel community in my life. Lead me to people who will point me to Jesus and help me grow in my faith. Amen.

Devotional: Jesus initiated a relationship with Zacchaeus, and it was that relationship, that safety in love, that changed Zacchaeus' heart. We are propelled by the gospel to be changed, but we must do this together. By walking together, confessing, repenting, and being transformed, we can experience the fullness of God's love and grace. Let's follow Jesus' example and initiate relationships that lead to transformation, both in our lives and in the lives of others.

Verse: For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. - Luke 19:10

Question: How can you initiate relationships that lead to transformation in your life and the lives of others?

Quote: "Jesus pursues Zacchaeus, and it was that relationship, it was that safety in love that Zacchaeus felt from Jesus that changed his heart."

Prayer: Jesus, help me to initiate relationships that lead to transformation. Give me the courage to walk together with others, confess, repent, and be transformed by Your love. Amen.