Divine Connections: Transforming Lives Through Faithful Obedience

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Connections Lead to Changed Lives

God often orchestrates encounters that seem ordinary but are actually divine appointments, just as Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well. These moments can have a ripple effect, changing not only our lives but the lives of many others. When we are attentive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting, even a simple invitation or conversation can become the catalyst for transformation, as seen in the story of Rita’s invitation that led to a lifetime of ministry and hundreds of churches being planted. Be open to the people God places in your path today—your willingness to connect could be the beginning of a story only God can write. [56:56]

John 4:4-7, 39-42 (ESV)
And he had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” ... Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”

Reflection: Who is one person God has placed in your life recently that you sense could be a divine connection? How can you intentionally reach out to them this week, trusting God to use your interaction for His purposes?

Day 2: Obedience in Small Things Unlocks Greater Things

When you respond to the Holy Spirit’s promptings—even in seemingly small or inconvenient moments—God entrusts you with greater opportunities. A quick prayer in a grocery line or a simple act of kindness can be the seed for something much bigger. Faithful obedience, even when it feels insignificant, is powerful in God’s hands and can lead to greater revelation and impact than you might ever imagine. [49:56]

Luke 16:10 (ESV)
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”

Reflection: What is one small act of obedience you can take today—perhaps a prayer, a word of encouragement, or a step of faith—that you’ve been sensing God nudging you to do? Will you choose to act on it?

Day 3: Saying “Yes” to God’s Call, Even When It Seems Impossible

God often calls us to step out in faith into situations that seem beyond our resources or abilities. When you say “yes” to what God puts on your heart, He moves in ways you could never orchestrate on your own. The journey may include challenges, doubts, or setbacks, but your willingness to trust and obey opens the door for God to work miracles and bring about lasting change. [01:05:08]

Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Reflection: Is there something God has placed on your heart that feels too big or too risky? What would it look like for you to say “yes” to God today, trusting Him to provide what you need?

Day 4: Caring for People Beyond Easy Answers

True compassion means walking alongside others in their pain and questions, not just offering quick fixes or easy Christian answers. Sometimes, the most Christlike thing you can do is to be present, listen, and love persistently, even when you don’t have all the answers. Your willingness to care deeply and build genuine relationships can open hearts to God’s love in ways that words alone cannot. [01:03:32]

Romans 12:15 (ESV)
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Reflection: Who in your life is carrying a heavy burden or wrestling with deep questions? How can you show them Christ’s love this week by simply being present and caring, rather than trying to fix their situation?

Day 5: God’s Power Works Through Imperfect People and Messy Situations

God delights in working through people who are still in process and situations that are far from perfect. Whether it’s a chaotic church service or a life that’s still rough around the edges, God’s presence can transform any environment. Don’t wait until everything is “in order” to invite God in—He meets us in our mess and uses us as we are, step by step, for His glory. [01:14:24]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel most inadequate or “messy”? How might God want to use you right there, trusting that His power is made perfect in your weakness?

Sermon Summary

Brenda and I have been blessed to serve as missionaries for over four decades, and our journey has been marked by the power of divine connections—moments when God brings people together in unexpected ways to change lives. From our roots in Colorado to our ministry across Central America, Russia, and especially Eastern Europe, we have witnessed how a simple act of obedience or a small step of faith can ripple out to impact countless others. Whether it’s a brief prayer in a grocery line or a conversation with a stranger, God uses these moments to accomplish His purposes.

Our work in Eastern Europe has focused on partnering with national leaders to plant churches in towns and villages where the gospel has never been preached. Since 2000, we’ve seen over 300 churches established, many in places where there was previously no Christian witness. These churches are often small, sometimes facing great challenges, but they are beacons of hope and preparation for revival. We’ve also had the privilege of ministering among marginalized communities, such as the Roma (Gypsy) people, where God’s love breaks through cultural barriers and brings transformation.

The story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well reminds us that divine connections often happen in the ordinary moments of life. Jesus, tired from His journey, simply sat by a well and engaged in conversation, leading to a whole community being touched by God. In the same way, our lives are filled with opportunities for divine appointments—if we are attentive and willing to say “yes” to God’s prompting.

Personal stories, like Brenda’s friendship with Louisa, a Holocaust survivor in Budapest, illustrate that caring for people is at the heart of God’s mission. Sometimes, it’s not about immediate results or dramatic conversions, but about faithfully loving and being present. Even when things look like failure in the world’s eyes, God is at work in ways we may not see.

Ultimately, the call is to be obedient in the small things, to trust God with the outcomes, and to recognize that every connection—no matter how ordinary—can be a doorway to changed lives. The best is yet to come, both for the places we serve and for each of us as we walk in step with God’s purposes.

Key Takeaways

1. Obedience in Small Things Unlocks Greater Things God often begins with small promptings—like a nudge to pray for someone or to start a conversation. When we are faithful in these seemingly insignificant moments, He entrusts us with greater opportunities and responsibilities. The journey of faith is built on saying “yes” to God, even when the step seems minor or inconvenient. [49:56]
2. Divine Connections Can Change Generations A single invitation or act of kindness can set off a chain reaction that impacts countless lives. Just as Rita’s invitation led to a life transformed and hundreds of churches planted, our willingness to reach out can have eternal consequences far beyond what we see. Never underestimate the power of one faithful act in God’s hands. [57:34]
3. True Ministry Begins with Genuine Care for People Transformation often starts not with preaching, but with friendship and compassion. Brenda’s relationship with Louisa, marked by years of simple presence and care, demonstrates that loving people where they are is the foundation of effective ministry. Sometimes, the most Christlike thing we can do is to be a faithful friend, even when answers are hard to give. [63:32]
4. God’s Work Thrives Amid Imperfection and Chaos Churches and communities are messy, filled with brokenness and challenges. Yet, God’s presence is not limited by our order or perfection. In the chaos of a gypsy church or the struggles of a new congregation, God moves powerfully, reminding us that He values authenticity and openness over outward appearances. [72:40]
5. Faithfulness Matters More Than Visible Success Not every effort will look successful by worldly standards—some churches close, some people walk away, and some stories seem unfinished. But God measures faithfulness, not just results. Even what appears as failure can be the seed for future transformation, as seen in the enduring impact of Paul’s letters and the cross itself.

** [68:10]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[47:21] - Brenda and Our Journey Together
[47:49] - Colorado Roots and Family
[48:31] - The Power of Prayer and Support
[49:56] - Obedience in Small Things
[50:23] - Mission Work Across the Globe
[51:33] - Ministry in Eastern Europe
[52:44] - Over 300 Churches Planted
[54:12] - Hearing God in Everyday Life
[54:59] - Jesus’ Humanity at the Well
[56:26] - The Ripple Effect of Testimony
[57:34] - The Power of an Invitation
[59:39] - Strategic Placement and Language
[61:24] - Brenda’s Divine Connections
[63:32] - Friendship with Louisa
[68:10] - Redefining Success in Ministry
[72:40] - God’s Presence in Chaos
[74:43] - Perseverance and the Future

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 4:4-6, 7, 39-42 (ESV) — 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.”
...
39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”

Observation Questions

According to John 4, what was the reason Jesus was sitting by the well when he met the Samaritan woman? ([55:21])
In the sermon, what are some examples of “divine connections” that Jim and Brenda experienced in their ministry? ([49:56])
What was the result of the Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus at the well? ([56:26])
How did Brenda’s friendship with Louisa begin, and what made it significant? ([01:01:54])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose to engage the Samaritan woman in conversation, even though he was tired and she was an outsider? ([55:21])
The sermon mentions that “obedience in small things unlocks greater things.” How does this principle show up in both the story of the woman at the well and in Jim and Brenda’s ministry stories? ([49:56])
What does the story of Brenda and Louisa teach us about the importance of caring for people, even when there are no immediate results or clear answers? ([01:03:32])
The sermon says that “God’s work thrives amid imperfection and chaos.” How does this challenge our ideas of what church or ministry should look like? ([01:12:40])

Application Questions

Think about your daily routine. When was the last time you felt a “nudge” to talk to someone or pray for someone, even if it seemed small or inconvenient? Did you respond? Why or why not? ([49:56])
The story of Rita’s invitation changed the course of Jim’s life and led to hundreds of churches being planted. Who is someone in your life that you could invite to church or reach out to this week? What’s holding you back? ([57:34])
Brenda’s friendship with Louisa was built on years of simple presence and care, not quick answers. Is there someone in your life who needs you to just be present and listen, rather than try to “fix” things? How can you show them Christ’s love this week? ([01:03:32])
The sermon describes messy, imperfect churches—like the gypsy church in Macedonia—where God’s presence was still powerful. Are there areas in your life or church where you feel things are too messy or chaotic for God to work? How might God want to use those situations? ([01:12:40])
Not every effort in ministry or life looks successful by the world’s standards. Is there something you’ve done for God that feels like a “failure”? How does the idea that God values faithfulness over visible success encourage or challenge you? ([01:08:10])
The best is yet to come, both for the places we serve and for us as we walk with God. What is one area where you need to trust God with the outcome, even if you can’t see results right now? ([01:17:57])
Jim and Brenda’s story shows that God uses ordinary people and moments for extraordinary impact. What is one “ordinary” thing you can do this week to be open to a divine connection? ([49:56])

Sermon Clips

Let me say that again. 45 seconds of prayer mixed with faith is powerful. [00:49:03]

When you're obedient to those small things, then God begins to show us greater things. Let me say it again. When you're obedient to the small things, then God begins to show us greater, greater things. [00:49:57]

We know that we don't have to pray about whether God wants churches in those towns. And so we work with national leaders in all the countries of Eastern Europe to help them start churches in those towns. And since the year 2000, we have seen over 200 new churches established in these towns. And they're reaching people for Christ. Are very grateful for that. [00:52:25]

I believe every time we get together in the name of Jesus, God wants to speak. Amen. Whether it's a men's meeting, women's meeting, youth meeting, God wants to speak. But a lot of times we don't hear because we got other things on our mind. [00:54:12]

That was a divine connection. Sitting by the well. We have divine connections all the time. [00:56:56]

Because Rita invited me to a church like this. As a senior in high school in 1975, I gave my life to the Lord because Rita invited me to a church like this. I ended up going to Bible school in Oklahoma. Met my wife Brenda because Rita invited me to that, to the church. I ended up being a mission. We ended up being missionary. Six years in Central America of people graduate from a Bible school called Cristo el Mundo because Rita invited me to a church. Ended up being a missionary to Moscow for three years. Saw thousands of people to Christ because Rita invited me to a church. Saw over 300 churches started in Eastern Europe because Rita invited me to a church. I'm standing here today. I haven't talked to Rita since 1970, 77. But I'm talking about divine connections equals changed lives. [00:57:30]

How many of you know, God puts people in strategic places? [01:00:03]

Let me tell you, you can be a greeter at Walmart and be in God's strategic place, Will. [01:00:07]

How many of you know, easy Christian answers don't always work. Like all things work together for good. And she was burdened. She was 70, 80 years old. And Brenda walked away and she just heartbroken. And Brenda prayed just to herself that she would meet that lady again. [01:02:32]

It's about caring about people. It's about caring about people. We want them to get saved, but our purpose. Jesus cared about the woman at the well in Eastern Europe there where we work. [01:03:54]

Usually that somebody is you, because you've seen it, and usually you can't do it. But All God wants us to do is say yes. Everybody say yes. I find when God puts something in our hearts to do something, to take a step of faith, it'll seem impossible because of our checkbook or our. But when we say yes, then God begins to move behind the heaven and earth. [01:04:43]

Just because something looks like a failure in the natural, it doesn't mean it's failure in God's eyes. When Jesus died on the cross, it looked like a failure. When Paul was in jail writing these letters in the New Testament, it looked like a failure. But they're still changing lives today. God sees the supernatural. [01:08:01]

I'd rather have the presence of the Lord with chaos than everything decently in order and not the presence of God. Are you guys understanding what I'm talking about? [01:12:29]

Whatever happened to come as you are. Six months later, I went back to that church. There was still chaos, but maybe a little less. The 16 year old kids, one of the greeters smoking cigarettes. But he's in the church and the presence of God was still there. How many of you know we don't change in a day or six months or 45 years. Just ask Brenda. I'm still changing. [01:13:31]

That Gypsy church in Macedonia is no different new creation. It's just people that need Jesus that God died for. And so it's called divine connections. [01:14:19]

We just absolutely. We have no plans to retire. We love doing. Brenda says, I have a grace for traveling because I love traveling. Airports don't bother me. Delays don't bother me. I get where I'm going. And God moves and sometimes don't go as right. But they didn't always go as right with Jesus. [01:14:40]

We never told our kids they couldn't have something because they were missionaries and we let them. We just never even that any and therefore they never regret it. They loved growing up all over the world. They just thought it was what their parents were doing. [01:16:37]

We believe the best is yet to come. We believe the best is yet to come for Colorado, because people from Colorado, namely me, are changing the nations of the world. [01:17:44]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?