Devotion Series

Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:5-7 (The Message)

“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought. “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat. “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

Reflection

In a world of “that’s not enough” and “I have to have” and “that’s mine, not yours” and “I deserve” and “I’ve earned,” Jesus’ words may sound like a foreign language. “You’re blessed when you are content with who you are — no more, no less.” I think about how many minutes, hours, weeks, and months of my life I have spent on the “I have to have” or “that’s not enough” thoughts and how wasted that time has been. A shift in perspective toward a posture of finding blessings in every moment of my current situation is freeing. I am released to find even more blessings in caring for others and allowing myself to be “cared for” by others.

Heart for the Homeless

After ten years as the pastor of a church that seeks to walk alongside many persons who are homeless or live in poverty, I am blessed. I am blessed by the relationships I have been afforded. I am blessed by what I have learned from those who live without the comforts of life that many of us take for granted. I have learned that contentment and caring are life choices not a life condition. I am blessed as I meet Jesus every day in persons who struggle in poverty, homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. I am blessed with the riches of friendships made outside of socio-economic boundaries which often keep us separated in the Church of Jesus Christ.

Author: Kurt Stutler

Kurt Stutler has been the Pastor and Director of South Main Chapel & Mercy Center in Anderson, South Carolina since June 2014. The church sits in a former textile mill neighborhood. It has become a diverse congregation that ministers to the physical health, mental health, and spiritual health needs of many persons who live in poverty or homelessness and often with substance use and mental health disorders.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 27:13 (NKJV)

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see
the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Reflection

Life can get really tough, and it’s easy to lose hope. In Psalms, David found strength by believing that he would see God’s goodness. I believe this faith isn’t just for ourselves; it’s a call to reflect God’s goodness to others. We never know when someone will experience God’s love through our actions, which is why it’s so important to strive every day to be that light for someone else. A small act of kindness, a word of encouragement, or a helping hand could be the very thing that shows someone the goodness of God in their life.

Heart for the Homeless

Every day, we encounter people who feel forgotten, especially those experiencing homelessness and poverty. We can truly embody God’s goodness by consistently extending our love and compassion. Psalm 27 encourages all of us, especially those who feel abandoned, lost, or lonely. Join me in committing to live with open hearts, ensuring that through our actions, others can see that God’s goodness is alive and active in the world. 

Author: David Kimbrell

For a long time, I struggled with addiction and homelessness, feeling completely hopeless and distant from God. I never really thought about God’s goodness until I saw it firsthand through the kindness of others. That compassion became a turning point for me—it showed me that I was worthy of love and that God’s goodness was real. This experience transformed my life and ignited my journey to recovery and faith. Now, I strive every day to reflect that same goodness to others, knowing that even a small act of kindness can reveal God’s love to someone who desperately needs it.

Scripture: Matthew 6:25

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”

Reflection

Too often, we find one, if not more, things to worry about each day. Here, Jesus is telling us that there is no need for that. May He, the one who created the heavens and the earth, as well as us, suffice and be all that we need each day and season. 

Heart for the Homeless

Before coming to know all those involved in HOPE Missions, I was working full-time, living in my own place, and making well beyond my needs. I began my journey in seeking God and in due time felt led to release the life of comfort that I once knew, to enter one of uncertainty with God. I left my job, and with it went everything else I used to cling to. Talk about a wilderness…I was confused, angry, and scared. And I never wanted anyone to know that “God made me do it” because I felt crazy. In hindsight, I realize that God not only strengthened me through it, but He also restored my faith. No more do I worry about how a bill will get paid, how I will make it to work, or how something will be provided because I never once went without a meal, clothing, or some type of shelter. If it’s His will, He will make a way…and you never know, His provisions for someone may very well come through you. Thank you to all those who were willing!

Author: Kiana Geer

As long as I’ve lived in Anderson, SC, and driven up W Whitner and W Market Street, I never took notice of the space in between. That was until I found myself living in that very square. During my stay at the Salvation Army, I learned so much about the homeless community. Most of all, they were people too and needed to be treated as such. They were someone’s daughter, son, brother, or mother. I was previously ignorant of them. Going on with my day-to-day things that I never took notice of that man on the bench sleeping or that woman on the stoop with her head hanging low. Simply put, I have a heart for the homeless because someone had a heart for me when I was in that position.

Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 9:14-16

There was found … a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city.

Reflection

Denver Moore lived on the streets of Fort Worth for decades, which will make a man mean. But with the help of friends Deb and Ron Hall, his life changed. Before he died in 2012, he went on to help raise millions of dollars for homeless shelters and was recognized as one of Fort Worth’s leading philanthropists. He also shared these words of wisdom:

Whether we is rich or poor, or something in between, this earth ain’t no final resting place. So, in a way, we is all homeless, just working our way toward home.”*

Those words remind me that this world is not my home, as the hymn says; however, it matters what I do while I am passing through. Jesus said that loving him involves loving and caring about others. It is as simple as that. All talk, no action, doesn’t cut it.

Heart for the Homeless

I was inspired by Denver’s story as told in the film and book, Same Kind of Different as Me. He was poor but profound, and he showed us how we can make our city better: care about everyone in it, just as Jesus asked us to do.

Author: Phil Randall

Fortunately, I was born into a loving, stable home and never missed a meal in my life unless I wanted to. That is a true blessing! However, as a young man, I was a newspaper police reporter, and my eyes were opened to the hardships many people face and the things that wreck lives. I remember writing a newspaper series about life for Anderson’s street people of the 1970s, people “who lived under the viaduct” and frequently landed in jail. It made me thankful for much I had once taken for granted in my own life.

I was also part of the “Jesus People” movement of the 1970s, very much as you see in the movie Jesus Revolution starring Jonathan Roumie. It enthused me to get out there and do what Jesus would have me do. One of the things the Bible says is to care for the poor. Isaiah 58:7 (NLT) says, “Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.” You don’t need a theology degree to get that one!

At this time, I see my role in the body of Christ as a supporter of other people’s ministries. I plug into them. Locally, that is HOPE Missions, the Salvation Army, and Sidewalk Sunday School. Good works like these need Christian community backing, and I want to help.

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*Film Same Kind of Different as Me. Copyright 2017, Pure Flix Entertainment.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 15:11

There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.

Reflection

The Lord is saying that since there will always be someone in need, we should always be kind and reach out to help those who need help.

Always be willing to open your hand and door if anyone can help in any way. Do not be scared to do it, for you may need it one day, and then kindness will be returned.

Do it straight from purity, love, and satisfaction. I believe this is one way to spread love and faith with the belief in God and humanity.

Heart for the Homeless

Homelessness is not what the average person may think. It is harder than having bills and a house. It does a lot of wear and tear on the body. The weight and stress and also the opinions of others don’t make our hard situations any easier. People experiencing homelessness do not want this. Some have been homeless for so long that they just get comfortable because it’s been so long since someone has cared enough for them that they begin to believe they’re not worthy.

Author: Lisa “Smiley” Jones

This is my first time literally on the streets, but I have experienced homelessness since 2019. My faith in Christ has never disappeared but did slim. I think God put me in my situation to realize He was all I needed. It has brought me closer to Him, and my faith in Him has been amazing. I have learned more than I can write down. I am a pretty well-known artist here who has overcome challenges with my faith, my strength, and my will to survive. It’s taught me so much, especially to be humble and never take basic necessities for granted.

Experiencing homelessness for the first time is a rough road and requires strength, endurance, and a lot of prayer and faith. Always be nice, but always be cautious about who you consider friends, stand your ground, and watch your surroundings. I think the biggest mistake was trusting and believing the words of those who take advantage of newbies. I wouldn’t change the journey because it has made me stronger and who I am today. Always praise God for everything because it has made you who you are.

Scripture Reference: John 4:23-24 NASB20

But a time is coming, and even now has arrived, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

Reflection

Early in His ministry, Jesus met a woman at a remote well in Samaria, north of Jerusalem. He asked her to give Him a drink of water. This simple request led to a long conversation about her life and lifestyle. She lived in a different country and culture than the one Jesus knew. The discussion eventually led to the differences in how and where they worshiped God. The woman reminded Jesus that “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and yet you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one must worship.” John 4:20, NASB20. But Jesus knew that both Samaritans and Jews had strayed far from the worship God desired. So, He spoke of a time to come. Read again John 4:23-24. From this story, we should see three important ideas about worship.

First, worship is vitally important in the grand scheme of the Christian life. God created us to express His glory.

Second, when Jesus referred to “true worshipers,” He implied that worshipers, or how they worshiped, could be wrong in some way, incomplete, or even false.

And third, we begin to see that God wanted a worship that was different than previously done. He said the Father was seeking those who would worship Him in a new way, not as a religious practice, but deeper and more personally. In spirit, as opposed to a ritual. And, in truth, as opposed to the many false rules and practices contrived over the years by religion.

Heart for the Homeless

No matter where we come from, no matter our background, and no matter the difficult situation in which we find ourselves, God is inviting us to worship Him now. To speak His name, sing about His character, and thank Him for His grace and mercy. If we think of worship as something we only do at church on Sunday, this view reflects the old way of worship that Jesus came to replace. God is still God on Monday and every day. Just as Jesus taught the woman at the well, He teaches us today that worship is not an occasional religious practice, but a daily way of life.

We can call out to our Father wherever and whenever we desire; in fact, Jesus said that the Father seeks this kind of worshiper. He desires someone who will make worship a central part of every day, who will recognize His authority over every aspect of life, and who will worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Let’s take Jesus’ challenge to the Samaritan woman to heart and make worship of our Heavenly Father part of our life and lifestyle.  God wants this kind of everyday relationship with us, and we’ll be blessed by His continual presence in our lives.

Author: Greg Dixon

Greg Dixon, a lifelong student of the Bible, has served God through the local church for nearly half a century. As chief technology officer in a Fortune 1000 company, Greg taught emerging technologies to non-technical people working in worldwide product distribution. In 2020, he retired to find his voice in Christian writing and teaching. Greg is a husband, father, and proud grandfather. “I’ve been able to get to know and love many of Anderson’s homeless citizens through volunteering at some of our local non-profit organizations. I’ve come to see so much potential in these neighbors.  And I’ve discovered the difference in wanting to do something ­­­­for them — and actually making a difference – is as simple as just stepping up and saying, ‘Put me to work.’”

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 24:11

Rescue those who are being led away to death, hold back those staggering towards the slaughter.

Reflection

Rescue those……hold back those…..This verse implies a certain group in a state of desperation, so much so that they needed rescue.  While the word “staggering” denotes drunkenness in our culture, here in the “Book of Wisdom,” it speaks primarily of those unable to see spiritually. The blind are given sight in the Bible numerous times and in numerous ways. One is healed instantly, another is given a task of obedience to usher in their healing. Another’s healing seemingly came in stages (Mark 8:24). Jesus could speak life to Jarius’s deceased daughter from a distance, but it was the blind who received the attention of His hands. The method then and now remains the prerogative of Jesus, but the issue remained the same. These folks were blind! It’s interesting that while Jesus’ disciples performed some miracles, healing the blind predominately fell to Jesus.

Stopping for the blind was a common practice of Jesus. I’m convinced that these repeated references were meant to highlight not only Jesus’ heart but also the seriousness of that culture’s greatest problem. And so it is with ours today, and that being spiritual blindness. Among the broken things we experience daily, injustice, trauma and pain, hunger, and homelessness, to name a few…the worst plight still today remains one of spiritual blindness…lostness. Jesus’ compassion and passion towards the blind accentuates time and again this message to us. The word “slaughter” projects a seriousness of crisis proportions, even more sobering than physical blindness. Indeed, it was lostness at the heartbeat of each of Jesus’ acts of kindness, from the feeding of thousands to the training of the twelve. It was the blind who were depicted as outcasts, beggars, dirty, ridiculed, and pushed aside. Sadly, this will one day be the reality for those who are the spiritually blind. They will beg one day for salvation, but it will be too late. Jesus in scripture is portrayed as hearing their cries above the noise, seemingly listening for those for whom He came to touch. Greater than blindness was the issue of lostness and each of Jesus’ healings propelled Him towards obedience of the cross. The blind who called to Jesus during those days pointed towards a future day of our calling to Him, remarkably able to see our need for a Savior.

Heart for the Homeless

The brokenness of this world is impossible to ignore. Physical and mental anguish are more normative than exceptional. Homes are broken, and lives lie in shambles, for we live in a broken world, and yes, how the broken cry out. We, with restored sight, have so much to share, most importantly, a remarkable story from Jesus. The one who sits on the throne says, “Behold, I am making all things new again…one life at a time. (Isaiah 43:19, Rev 21:5) While we walk these wilderness days, we will see the broken people. We have been there ourselves, but we have been healed! We are individuals and ministries, each of us gifted by God with passions representing our callings. We don’t create our passion; God does, and if we are passionate about something, God is blessing us.  There is so much to be done, and with passion comes the understanding of the part He wants us to play. May we give God the credit for our passion, not ourselves. As we walk this wilderness walk together, may we harmonize our hearts and unite, knowing that in this day of brokenness, there remains one need that is still the most urgent, one that surpasses them all. Let’s join in prayer that the good that we do never be our end goal. Let’s acknowledge it as God’s gift pulsating us and giving us access and energy to answer the blind who calls to us. Oh friend, in all that we do, may that good become great as we address the greatest need of our day and time. May it be heard from our mouths, “Let me take you to the Healer. He wants to give you sight”.

Author: Eddie Capps

Eddie is the Director of the Haven of Rest. He was born in Easley and received an AS Degree from Anderson University, a BS Degree from Clemson University, and a Masters of Divinity from New Orleans Theological Seminary. Eddie is married to Jane Zeigler Capps, and they have a daughter and a son.

A heart for discipleship describes Eddie’s desire to work with the Haven of Rest. His life has been molded by men who have taken the Great Commission seriously. A brother-in-law, youth minister, and friend shaped Eddie as they walked before him in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Today, Eddie wants to walk with this same kind of contagious Christianity.

Scripture Reference: John 6:10-13

Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.’  So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

Reflection

He said, “LET NOTHING BE WASTED.”  He wasn’t just talking about food, y’all.  Sometimes, we worry if we are enough. Sometimes, we hear from others that we are “extra.”  Some people are labeled as “not enough” or undeserving. Guess what? Jesus can use it all. Nothing is wasted. Not one single experience…not one ounce of faith…not one crumb.

I want to invite you to read the whole passage again and ask the Lord what part He wants you to see. Maybe it is just a reminder that He cares for every single person and that He invites everyone (even if over 5,000 people show up) to have a seat and experience His goodness and His unending love. He wants us to remember that if He can use two fish to make a lasting impact, He most certainly can use YOU! He wants us to see every encounter with another person (another one of His creations) as an opportunity to speak life and love into each other.  

Heart for the Homeless

As a former art teacher (15 years), I love to study the life stories of many artists. One of my favorite stories comes from a guy named Vincent Van Gogh. Although he is now one of the world’s most famous artists, he did not sell even one painting while he was alive.  He was a beautiful soul who struggled deeply with the status quo. Before becoming an artist, he was a self-proclaimed failed missionary who experienced homelessness for years. He quickly learned that his methodology of ministering to people was extremely frowned upon. He would go to people and sit with them… exactly where they were (physically and emotionally). Sometimes, that meant he frequented bars, the streets, and places known for being hotspots for sinners. His heart broke for the people God led him to see. He was obedient when asking God to truly give him eyes to see people and the world around him. I believe this is why his artwork reflects such a different take on reality. His paintings are marked by glimmers of light, even if slight. He saw the world in tiny fragments of light and color—all beautiful creations made by a Savior that he loved deeply. That’s how He saw people, too. God did not waste Van Gogh’s experience with homelessness. He encountered Jesus in a special way because of it. 

Author: Hannah Vernon

Hannah Vernon is the founder and president of Joy Comes, a nonprofit that exists to bring joy to all people. She ministers to homeless and under-resourced communities in Honduras and the United States. She and her husband, Jamie, have devoted their lives to ministry, including the care of children in the foster care system. After having two biological children, they adopted two children from social services and daily see the effects that poverty and a negative mindset can have on a person of any age. By God’s power, they have also gotten to witness the miraculous way that God can transform a situation that seems hopeless and make it into a masterpiece.

Scripture Reference: Matthew 25:35-36

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Reflection

There are so many acts of kindness we can perform if we sit on the right side of God.  Jesus used sheep and goats to distinguish between believers and non-believers. The believers are on the right, and the non-believers are on the left. It shows us that believers can easily show acts of mercy. The believers do not depend on ability or wealth; they perform acts of kindness that are freely given. We have no reason to avoid helping those less fortunate. These acts of kindness belong to all sheep, and Jesus wants us to help each other.  It also plants a seed in the heart of those we help, and hopefully, that seed grows.  Once it sprouts, God takes over. Most importantly, the things the sheep did for Jesus are what the Mission brings to their guests. 

Heart for the Homeless

Many of us, at times, are in darkness, and for all of us, if we believe, then we can enter the light. It’s not possible to be in the light all the time, but we can take measures through our actions to show those experiencing homelessness the light. A few words of encouragement, a friendly smile, actively listening, showing that you care, and sometimes, just by looking directly into their eyes, they can see Jesus in your eyes. In return, you will see Jesus in their eyes.

We see people on a daily basis who are down on their luck. Things just do not seem to go their way. Volunteering on a regular basis shows that you care and lets those you communicate with feel that they are cared for. The verse above shows us that we, as volunteer servants, care about all and hope that each finds the Holy Spirit in their hearts and that He can change their lives. Nice, thoughtful deeds that seem small and not really much to us can certainly make a change in people’s lives.

Author: Phil Morse

My first experience with homelessness was back in 2019 while residing in Maine. I was at work having a conversation with some employees and found out that one person working there was living in their car. I was shocked and hurt that someone had to live like that, so I invited him to stay at our house. I never thought it was a Godly thing to do. I thought it was the right thing to do. I was not a religious person and never gave a thought about God. I always thought there was something, but I could never place my finger on it. When I retired and moved to Anderson in 2020, I found Jesus and was baptized in 2023. I always had God/Holy Spirit in my heart but never put the two together. Now, I enjoy going to HOPE Missions four days a week; I like to cook for them. I think everyone should get at least one hot meal a day, so when money permits, my wife and I will put together something. I am glad I am able to contribute through volunteering to the Mission, and I pray that I can keep it up for months to come. God is in all our hearts. We just need to accept him and know of His presence.

Scripture Reference: Isaiah 61:1-3

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

Reflection

The book of Luke provides insight into the passage I selected for this devotional.  Jesus is beginning His public ministry and operating through the power of the Holy Spirit in Galilee. Reports of His ministry are surfacing and He is being glorified.  Next up, a stop in His hometown, Nazareth.  Per Jesus’ custom, He went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day.  Jesus then does something fascinating!  He stands up to preach from the scroll of Isaiah and reads the above passage from Isaiah (Luke 4:18-19).  Suddenly, as quickly as He unrolled the scroll to quote the famous prophet, there occurs a ‘mic drop moment’.  Jesus rolls the scroll back up and takes His seat.  Pause to think about this.  Jesus had access to many Scriptural scrolls at this point in time.  Why do you think He chose Isaiah 61 as His chosen passage on that particular day?

Heart for the Homeless

We, the modern church, cry out, ‘I want to be like Jesus’!  So often, we do this by ‘doing church.’  Hear me out. There’s nothing wrong with having gatherings to worship our great God!  As a matter of fact, I’ve devoted the past 18 years of my life to serving in full-time ministry, and Scripture encourages us not to neglect meeting together.  But I think there is so much more!  

Back to the question in the reflection.  I believe Jesus chose a passage about poor, broken-hearted, captive, and mourning people that day because these types of people matter DEEPLY to Him.  His message in that synagogue is just as applicable to us today.  

God’s people are called to intentionally GO OUTSIDE THE WALLS of our churches.  We’re called to meet people where they are in their brokenness, addiction, fragile mental states, and living on the streets.  I challenge myself: ‘If it matters deeply to Jesus, it should matter deeply to me.’  I’m thankful people in Anderson care about what God cares about.

Author: Tom Haren

“Why does no one care”?! “Why do our homeless friends feel invisible”?! “Doesn’t ‘the Church’ want to be like Jesus”?! I’ve had these thoughts for many years. Truth is, often people do care. Often, churches care. Often these words are an indictment against me and my actions (or at times, inaction) toward the poor, marginalized and least of these. These are people God cares greatly about. It’s my desire to make a difference in the homeless community by sharing my life, sharing Christ and supporting organizations like HOPE Missions who exist for these purposes. I want to bring people along this journey, not solely for the sake of the homeless, but also for the sake of the volunteers whose lives are equally changed by the great honor of being a part of our friends lives.