Maturing the Heart of Hospitality

 

'...Given to hospitality.' Romans 12:13 NKJV

Have you ever been around those who just make your visit in there home something special? Making others feel loved and valued is a hallmark of discipleship (John 13:34-35). Welcoming newcomers was important in the early church, and it's just as important today. Social customs may change, but God's Word doesn't. Jesus said, 'Anyone who receives you receives Me...' (Matthew 10:40 NLT)
 
As a follower of Christ it's your job to make new people feel like part of 'the household of faith' (Galatians 6:10 NKJV). Yes it is, I saw that look on your face. Established friendships within churches can easily become religious cliques where we smile and speak to newcomers, but spend all our time with a select group of people we already know. Most of us are satisfied with our existing circle of friends, so we need to be looking for ways to include others. Not because you have to, because God asks you too. 
 
People come to church and ours is nor different; hoping for love and acceptance, and if they don't find it within a short time they move on. So keep your spiritual antenna tuned to people who seem uncomfortable and out of place. Most people have had at least one negative experience in church, so they need some extra T.L.C. (Tender Loving Care). The Bible says, 'Carry each other's burdens...' (Galatians 6:2 NIV) Genuine warmth and caring attract people. First impressions count. My desire for our Church is that it should be a place where our love for people who are hurting is evident from the minute they walk in the door. And remember, God doesn't just use these relationships to meet the needs of those coming out of difficult situations - He uses them to mature us too. You are loved!

Why do we do It?

    

'...They gather gossip, and...spread it...' Psalms 41:6 NLT

As I was reading through the Psalms today; I had to ask my self the question, "Why do we do it?" Why do we find enjoyment in telling others about someone's woes?

A man is said to have approached Socrates one day to share some gossip. The wise philosopher asked, 'First, are you certain it's true? Second, is it something good? Third, is it something useful?' When the man said, 'Not really,' Socrates replied, 'Well, if it's not true, good or useful, why talk about it?' Gossip can feel like a form of intimacy, but it's actually a false bond motivated by the desire to diminish another person and make yourself look good. David said, 'They visit...as if they were my friends, but...they gather gossip, and...spread it...' Solomon said, 'Gossip separates...best...friends' (Proverbs 16:28 NLT), and it can cause you to lose 'your good reputation' (Proverbs 25:10 NLT).

A challenge in ministry to others is confidentiality - how open can you be? The following questions can help you decide: Are you telling someone who can do something about the problem by helping, or offering discipline or correction? Are you talking to someone wise enough to help you process your feelings and courageous enough to make you do the right thing by confronting the other person, or confessing where you're at fault? Is this news approved for sharing? Are you breaking a confidence, and if so, is it strictly because the person is endangering someone's life, including their own? Are you willing to divulge your source so it can be checked? When you say this, does it break your heart? Have you examined your own life and confessed where you've sinned in similar areas? Are you praying for the person? Would you be comfortable if someone was saying this about you?' If you are not comfortable with any of these yourself, then the simple response would be stop! That's what the bible says to do.You are loved...

Spiritual Maturity Comes By Degrees

   

'...From one degree of glory to another...' 2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP

How would you describe someone who is spiritually mature? That's the question many have asked and failed to answer.

Leonard Wedel says: 'A mature person does not take himself too seriously...keeps himself alert in mind...does not always view with alarm every adverse situation that arises...Is too big to be little...never feels too great to do little things, and is never too proud to do humble things...never accepts either success or failure in themselves as permanent...is one who is able to control his or her impulses...is not afraid to make mistakes...has faith in themselves which becomes stronger as it is fortified by their faith in God.'

So, I have to ask the question...measured by that standard, how well are you doing? Are you able to evaluate your progress, without getting discouraged or feeling condemned? Can you look at how far you still have to go, yet be able to appreciate and celebrate how far you have already come? The Bible says we are changed 'from one degree of glory to another'. That's our journey of faith changing as we trust God. Notice, spiritual maturity takes place by degrees. If you have ever hiked Badger Mountain, you know that it is by degrees you make your way up by the switch backs that bring you to the top. Spiritual maturity comes in small steps, not giant leaps. You must learn to live by God's Word, not by how you feel, for His Word states that as long as you believe, God is working in you. '...The Word of God...is effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its superhuman power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it].' (1 Thessalonians 2:13 AMP) There is a direct connection between your daily intake of God's Word and your maturity level. And the good news is: God hasn't left us to do it on our own. 'We...are being transformed...from glory to glory...by the Spirit...' (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV) You are loved!

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus (2)

     

'...Jesus...went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.' Acts 10:38 NKJV

Good Morning, I received this last night from Art so please keep Janis in your prayers. (please pray for Janis Ibarra I had to take her to the hospital after church. They are doing an MRI to see what is going on with her brain activity and her blood pressure was really high. Pray for wisdom for the dr.`s and healing for Janis. GOD BLESS) Thanks for your prayers....

I love this portion of scripture because Peter so reminds me of me. The Bible says: 'Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshipped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God."' (Matthew 14:28-33 NKJV) The main message for you in this story is - where to stare in a storm. We cannot choose whether or not storms come, but we can choose where we stare during a storm. When you are staring into the face of cancer, heart disease, or some other life-threatening illness, some of the first questions that come to mind are: 'Who is the doctor? What is his experience? Is he able? Is he available?' The immediate answer is Yes, He is! Jesus! When we understand that 'God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power, and went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.' You can know that He can meet all your needs. So keep your eyes on Jesus and draw strength from Him. The One who 'went about doing good and healing all' is on your side today. You are loved!

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus (1)

'The boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves...' Matthew 14:24 NKJV

Jesus had accompanied His disciples in a previous storm and calmed it. But now He was up on a mountain praying, and they were alone, 'tossed by the waves'. Why? Because sometimes the teacher has to step back in order to see how much the pupil has learned. Is that what's happening in your life at the moment? The Sea of Galilee is only about 21 miles long and 12 miles wide. But when the wind sweeps down from the Golan Heights it can churn those waters into a blender for two or three days, and it could sink a fishing boat like the one the disciples were in. Note the words, 'tossed by the waves'. Is that where you are today? In the middle of a divorce, tossed by guilt? In the middle of a home foreclosure, harangued by creditors? In the middle of an illness, tossed by pain, and an even more painful prognosis? 'Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him...they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."' (Matthew 14:25-27 NKJV) Here are words worth writing down and recalling often: '...Take courage. I am here!' (Matthew 14:27 NLT) You will never go where Jesus cannot reach you. Look over your shoulder; that's Him following you. Look into the storm; that's Him coming toward you. Today, open your eyes and recognise Him. You'll be glad you did! You are loved...

The Power of Forgiveness (2)

    

'...Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another...' Colossians 3:13 NIV
'...Forgiving each other, just as...God forgave you.' Ephesians 4:32 NIV


I was reminded of the book Restoring Your Spiritual Passion I had read several years ago will sitting here staring at the computer this morning. Yes I have those days when writing seems hard...I ask God everyday what He wants me to share with you, but some days are harder that others.
 
All of us at some point have bad days and weeks in our relationships. But what do we do when we find ourselves drained and empty and out of balance in our relationships. We may hold some kind of unforgiveness towards someone, and it drains us spiritually. Our thought yesterday and today is on the power of forgiveness. How does forgiveness restore us not only with people but with God as well?  
 
Gordon MacDonald in his book Restoring Your Spiritual Passion writes: 'One memory that burns deep within is that of a plane flight on which I was headed toward a meeting that would determine a major decision in my ministry. I knew I was in desperate need of a spiritual passion that would provide wisdom and submission to God's purposes. But the passion was missing because I was steeped in resentment toward a colleague. For days I had tried everything to rid myself of vindictive thoughts toward that person. But try as I might, I would even wake in the night thinking of ways to subtly get back at him. I wanted to embarrass him for what he had done, to damage his credibility before his peers. My resentment was beginning to dominate me, and on that plane trip I came to a realization of how bad things really were... As the plane entered the landing pattern, I found myself crying silently to God for the power both to forgive and to experience liberation from my poisoned spirit. Suddenly it was as if an invisible knife cut a hole in my chest and I literally felt a thick substance oozing from within. Moments later I felt as if I'd been flushed out. I'd lost negative spiritual weight, the kind I needed to lose. I was free. I fairly bounced off that plane and soon entered a meeting that did in fact change the entire direction of my life.'
 
This is what Forgiveness does in your spiritual life: (1) Frees you from the grip of a negative force. (2) Positions you where God can bless you. (3) Teaches little people how to be big people.
You are loved!

The Power of Forgiveness (1)

'...Forgiving each other, just as...God forgave you.' Ephesians 4:32 NIV

The power of forgiveness is an awesome thing. No relationship can survive without it, much less thrive. Whatever the issue, forgiveness sets both sides free, takes a weapon out of Satan's hands, and opens the door for God to go to work in the situation. This is never more so than in your family. The truth is, it's easier to forgive an enemy you seldom see than a loved one you have to live with every day. But you must do it. A seventeenth century clergyman said, 'He who cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself.' Paul writes: '...Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love...' (Colossians 3:12-14 NIV) Teach your children how to forgive. If you expose them to your anger, make sure that they're also around when you show grace. Teach them how to deal with the issue, without attacking the person. Let them know that a difference of opinion can lead to a decision that makes things better for everyone, and that as a family member you can be 'wrong' and still be treated right. This may mean teaching them things you were never taught. If so, learn from your parent's mistakes and don't pass them on to your children. '...Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.' (Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV) In other words, forgive when you are hurt, and don't take your resentments to bed. You are loved!