When I think of the stranger, someone who is different from me, it opens so many doors: the young, the handicapped, the very poor, the immigrant, one of the 400 International students who work in my community during the tourist season… Here I am with 3 of my students from this season, from Ukraine and Kazakhstan. (And by the way, isn’t it fun to have Eunice from Nigeria joining us on the blog? She has come to us for fellowship!)
It is strategic to get to know these students, not only out of obedience to Jesus, but also because it is much easier and less expensive for them to come to us and learn our language than for us to go to them and learn theirs. Not only that, these are leaders who, if they come to Christ, will be missionaries when they go back to their countries, some of which are closed to Christianity.
Remember how Keller said hospitality is one of the sacraments in that God may flood it with His Spirit? On the evening I took these three to “Eagle Tower” in our park, the girls “happened” to see “Cristian” as we were driving away and said: “STOP THE CAR — THERE’S CRISTIAN!” I did and asked who he was. Anhelina said to me, “His name is Cristian and he acts like a Christian. He often gives us rides home from Piggly Wiggly (the grocery store where they work) so we don’t have to make the long bike ride up hills.”
So, the next time I was at Piggly Wiggly, I made sure I was at Cristian’s check-out counter. I told him what Anhelina had said. He said, “Well, I’m not a Christian yet, but I’m looking into it. I’m reading a book by C. S. Lewis called Mere Christianity, but because English is my 2nd language, I’m reading slowly.”
I said, “Cristian! That is the book that brought me to Christ, but I thought it was hard too, but English is my native language!” Cristian and I have become friends, have had a meal together, had him at my home, and he is now reading a book I gave him: The Case for Christ. He is soooo close and he is a leader. He’s holding 5 jobs, and one is as an author! Please pray for Cristian. This is SOOO EXCITING.
You may have a ministry that reaches out to Internationals near you. Here are two I’ve been involved with and highly recommend. They simply pair you with a student or student and be a friend — you can do little or much. They never have enough hosts so they appreciate whatever you will do. Perhaps just have them over for Thanksgiving — but hopefully, more.
https://www.bridgesinternational.com/about/.
I also want you to see a photo of sweet Eunice, our now 17-year-old, who has joined us from Nigeria, looking for mentors! Isn’t she a joy? She practices hospitality even from her dorm room. And all of you have been so hospitable in your hearts to her! She lives in Southern Nigeria where Christianity is alive, but in Northern Nigeria Muslims are martyring 35 Christians a day. (Pray and write to your representatives asking Nigeria to be a country of interest.) Eunice is a happy soul, and we are so glad to have her in our family.
Click here for sermon (transcript will be printed with days)
https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/hospitality/
Sunday:
- How has the Lord opened His arms to you this week?
Monday: Ratching Up Hospitality
Prepare your heart by singing along with this:
Listen and read up to “Wow! That’s hospitality. Yes!”
But when God made a covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai and he started to tell them the kind of community he wanted them to be, God took hospitality and ratcheted it up in importance way beyond its value in any other ancient culture. Hospitality. To the Jews, hospitality in Israel was way beyond anything as valued as it was elsewhere. This was way beyond that. And you can see it, some of it, for example, in Deuteronomy. Here’s one example of what God says about hospitality. Deuteronomy 10, 17, 19. He says, I am the great God and I am not partial and I take no bribes. I execute justice for the orphan and the widow. I love the stranger, providing him with food and clothing. And you too shall love the stranger and the alien, the wanderer, for you are strangers in the land of Egypt. Now listen to that. Did you hear that?
There are two ways in which that ratchets hospitality up way beyond anything that any other ancient culture held. First of all, it was a far deeper basis for hospitality. See, in ancient cultures, why was hospitality valued? Expediency. You couldn’t have traveling if you didn’t have hospitality. And there were also sort of oriental, ancient canons of courtesy. Courtesy was a very big deal in those more patriarchal, hierarchical, traditional societies. But God says, I’m going to give you a whole different basis for why you need to be hospitable to the outsider, to the stranger. Here’s why. Because you were aliens in Egypt and you were wanderers in the wilderness. You were weary wanderers and you would have died out there, but I clothed you, I fed you, and eventually I brought you home, so you were no longer strangers. I brought you home. You live only by my hospitality. My salvation, says God, was hospitality. If you’ve been saved by my grace, then you are the recipients of life giving hospitality, my spiritual hospitality. And therefore, because you were strangers, you were aliens. See, you were weary wanderers and I saved you with my hospitality. Now you turn around to others and do the same thing. So that’s a much more powerful basis.
But not only that, if you, did you hear what it said there in Deuteronomy 10? God also has blown the scope out of it. See, ancient hospitality was just foreign travelers for two nights. But God says to be hospitable means care for the orphan and the widow, your own poor, and care for. When he says strangers and aliens, he’s talking about immigrants, people who’ve come here from other lands, refugees in many cases, or people from other lands. And when he. When he says, that’s your hospitality, that’s not just travelers for two nights, this is what he’s saying. If you have the world’s goods, the poor are like weary travelers. The immigrants and people of other ethnicities and races who have moved here without money, without power, without connections, you are supposed to spend yourself.
In other words, what God is saying here is not that hospitality at this point is being redefined. That. Not that it’s less than bringing people into your home. It’s still that, but it’s much more. It means to take your possessions, take your things, take your money, take your goods, take your home and spend it on people with less of the world’s goods than you. You’re supposed to be so open to the outsider, so open to people who are strangers, so open to people who don’t believe like you, that don’t look like you and that don’t have the world’s goods, and you are supposed to be hospitable to them because they’re like weary travelers. Wow! That’s hospitality. Yes.
2, Read Deuteronomy 10:17-19
- What do you learn about the Lord here, and what impact should it have upon us that He shows no partiality? (v. 17)
- What 3 groups in particular are mentioned? (v. 18)
- Why should we love foreigners? (v. 19)
3. After reading this, how has God raised the bar for what is expected of us as believers in hospitality? How might you apply this?
Tuesday: The Sacrament of Hospitality
Listen and read up to right after he quotes John Piper and then says: We should always be thinking things like how can I draw the most people into a deep experience of God’s hospitality? By the use of my money, by the use of my things, by the use of my home, by the use of my church home.
And when you actually get to the New Testament, if anything, the promise of hospitality is ratcheted up even a little bit more. And we see it right here in this verse, because this verse says, do not forget to do hospitality. Don’t forget to love the stranger. For by doing so, some people have entertained angels unawares. And Bill Lane, in his commentary on Hebrews, says, that’s a fascinating little statement. Well, you know what it’s saying? It’s saying this. For Christians, the expectation is that God will play a significant role in the ordinary exchange between guests and hosts. And this expectation lends to hospitality a sacramental quality. The reference to those who entertained angels without knowing it reflects the writer’s sensitivity to the numinous qualities of hospitality. It throws into bold relief the element of surprise that is stressed in the biblical accounts, as with Abraham and in Genesis 18, when the stranger received was God’s special envoy, as with the Emmaus disciples in Luke 24, who discovered not that they had just unknowingly taken in an angel, but the Lord himself. Now, here’s what this means. Sacramental. This is very very interesting.
What is a sacrament? Baptism, The Lord’s Supper. Well, what is a sacrament? Common stuff like water, bread, wine. Common stuff. You can get it anywhere, see, nothing special.
And yet when dedicated to God, when used by God, it’s a vehicle. That common thing is a vehicle for God’s power and grace coming into our lives. And in some ways, that’s what hospitality is here. That’s the promise. You know what that means? To take somebody out for coffee and to listen to their problems, to meet somebody new who’s different than you in your apartment building and invite them into your apartment and just listen to them and just welcome them. That’s not social work, that’s not counseling, that’s not spiritual direction. You’re not a trained spiritual director, you’re not a trained counselor. You’re not, you know, there’s no technique involved. It’s just common. It’s just get together over coffee. Yet God, according to the text, can work powerfully in that.
John Piper did a sermon some years ago called Strategic Hospitality and he puts it like this. He says, when we practice hospitality, we experience the refreshing joy of becoming God’s conduit. Pardon me, becoming the conduits of God’s hospitality rather than being self- decaying cul de sacs. Did you catch the imagery there? God has given you hospitality. If you’re saved, you are the recipient of God’s hospitality. But he says when we practice hospitality, we experience the refreshing joy of becoming conduits of God’s hospitality rather than being self-decaying cul de sacs. The joy of receiving God’s hospitality decays and dies if it doesn’t flourish in our hospitality to others. We should always be thinking things like how can I draw the most people into a deep experience of God’s hospitality? By the use of my money, by the use of my things, by the use of my home, by the use of my church home.
4. Keller gave the example of Abraham being hospital to strangers and to the two on the road to Emmaus. How did God flood both of those examples.
5. Can you think of a time when you sensed God was allowing you to be a conduit of His grace through hospitality?
6. What else stands out to you from this section and why?
Wednesday: Blessed to be a Blessing
A few weeks ago I had a friend in ministry come for a long weekend with her sister-in-law. I got the sweetest thank-you note from her sister-in-law, saying her life was changed by the weekend. Partly it was just the beauty of where I am blessed to live, but she also mentioned just a little comment I made. I asked her if she was a reader and she said she didn’t have time. Later, I told you, “I don’t think you don’t read because you don’t have time — I think you’ve forgotten how fun it is.” So, she’s reading again!
Listen and read up to: And it means finding ways to put your money and your goods and your time into their lives so they’re refreshed.
What might need, pardon me, who right now needs reinforcements in the battle against loneliness? Who needs to be asked out? Who needs to be asked in just because they’re lonely? What two or three people’s complementary abilities might explode in a new ministry if they had two hours to brainstorm over dinner in my house? You know, and over the years, if you are radical and you are consistent about hospitality, always noticing somebody who feels, seems to be on the outside, meeting new people, seeing people who seem to be lonely, seeing people who seem to be confused and caught and doing what? Sometimes very, very little. You know, if you invite somebody into your home, it’s not the silver and the china. That’s the Martha Stewart approach. No offense, Martha, because after all, you know, it’s New York, so you might be here. And secondly, because if you can do it nicely, if you can do it nicely, it’s all right. You know, it makes people feel special, but that’s not the point. Peanut butter and jelly could be just fine. It’s common. But it could change somebody’s life.
And over the years, if you’ve done a lot of this, you know that in many cases, you really don’t even know just, you know, to what extent those conversations and that welcome and that reaching out to people has had an impact. And yet there are people. There are people walking around right now. There’s maybe some people in this room who remember a night like that or remember a conversation like that. And they’ve never forgotten it. It helped them. It put them through. Got them through a tough patch. And now you’re out there doing all kinds of great things. In other words, that hospitality has been multiplied in the lives of all kinds of people. You know what that meant? You were entertaining angels unawares. It was an angel and you didn’t know it. You never know. There’s a sacramental quality. God works through your hospitality, having people in your home, you pressing your time and your effort and your money into the lives of the immigrants, of the poor, of the marginalized. That’s God’s hospitality.
Okay, let’s summarize here before moving on. What does hospitality mean? Hospitality is an attitude of heart and a practice. It’s an attitude of heart that seeks to turn strangers into guests, friends, and eventually brothers and sisters. It’s an attitude of heart that goes after new people and makes them feel welcome just by the way. In which. Just by your facial expression, just by your spirit. And especially it goes after and welcomes people who the world excludes. People who are different, people who are unlovely, people who are unwealthy, people who are unconnected. When you make people like that feel welcome, when you make people like that feel included, you’ve got God’s spirit of hospitality. So, it’s an attitude of heart. But then it’s the practice. It’s bringing people into your home. Yeah. Or taking people out to your favorite places. Yeah. And with that attitude of heart, opening to them and listening to them and making them feel accepted. But beyond that, as we can see, it means the widow and the orphan and the immigrant and the homeless. Homeless people who need hospitality more than anybody. And it means finding ways to put your money and your goods and your time into their lives so they’re refreshed.
7. Keller asks 3 questions in the opening. Does this give you any ideas on whom God might be leading you to have over?
8. What stands out to you from the final paragraph is this section when he summarizes hospitality. Why does it stand out?
Thursday: 8 Ways
He’s talking to New Yorkers involved with Redeemer, so some won’t apply – but listen and read up to “So there’s eight ways. Hard. Expensive” See if you can find one or two that apply.
And would you like to know eight ways you could do hospitality as a resident of New York City and maybe as a person and redeemer. Eight ways you could do it individually and corporately. Here they go. Ready? Here’s four ways to do it individually. If you’re a Christian, you’re starting to get the vision for hospitality. Here’s four things you could do individually. Number one, in your apartment building, you should be asking other people in your apartment building into your space. Invite them into your space. Oh, a lot of them are not gonna come. A lot of em are gonna wonder what you’re up to, whether you’re really basically an insurance salesperson or something like that, you know, and they’ll suspect, but a lot of people will. The first thing is you’ll invite people in your apartment building into your physical home.
Secondly, you should start to invite colleagues, friends and neighbors into your spiritual home. What’s your spiritual home? This, I don’t mean hunter, I mean small groups, I mean ministries you’re doing out in the city. I mean school, worship services. To say, come with me to this meeting, come with me to this event, and afterwards we’ll go out to eat and I’ll pay. That’s hospitality. It’s not just inviting members of your apartment building into your physical home. It’s inviting members of your networks into your spiritual home. Are you beginning to realize how expensive hospitality is? It’s expensive, not just the food. Oh, no, don’t forget peanut butter sandwiches. Maybe peanut butter and jelly might be just.
Especially if you get the right kind of peanut butter. But you’re sticking your neck out when you out yourself as a Christian and invite somebody into your spiritual home.
Here’s a third way. Christians should just be eating together informally all the time. Things happen there that would never happen when you plan them to happen. Events, studies, seminars. Oh, we’re New Yorkers. We want everything planned out. Bullet points, agenda down to the five minutes. And then there’s hospitality, in which all the really great stuff happens.
And fourth thing you could do is you could host. It’s a very important part of hospitality. Host a small group in your home and watch people’s lives change. “My little tiny home?” Yes, my little tiny home. Everybody’s got a little tiny home. It’s New York. Okay, so invite the people in your apartment into your physical home. Invite the people in your networks into your spiritual home. Eat together, do hospitality one with another, and host a small Group. And here’s four corporate ways, real fast.
Help the diaconate. You know what our diaconate is doing? Our diaconate is basically doing corporate hospitality. It’s finding people with material needs and emotional problems and spiritual needs and some very kind financial needs. They’re all over the map, but they’re working with those folks. And you could either give money to the diaconal fund or even say to them, here’s what I do for a living. If you feel like this would be of some help in your greeting and welcoming and helping people, let me know. So, help the diaconate.
Secondly, volunteer through Hope for New York and all the ministries out in the city, which is definitely part of the hospitality that God has enjoined.
Thirdly, be an usher. Volunteer at these services. Help us do this. You know, be on one of the tables. It’s a terrific way to welcome people.
And fourthly, you know when at the end of a prayer or at the end of a sacrament, you know, when we say, turn to each other and greet one another, what do you think that is? Is that just an icebreaker? No. Do you realize for 2,000 years there’s been a part of the ancient Christian liturgy called passing the peace? Do you know what that is? When we say turn to somebody, greet somebody, you don’t know, that is. That is so important. What you’re doing is you’re turning to other people and saying, I was a stranger, but God took me in and now I don’t want to be worshiping around any strangers. It’s turning strangers to guests. It’s turning strangers into potential friends. That’s what hospitality is. Know what you’re doing when you pass the peace and greet one another. So, there’s eight ways, hard, expensive.
9. What one or two ways might apply to you?
Friday: The Impetus for It All
Listen/read to the end.
Where do we get the impetus for it?
The great thing we see here is there’s two great resources that God gives us, two great resources for hospitality. One is in the past and one is in the future. Here’s what’s in the past. Verse 5. If you want to have lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, if you want your lives so free from fear and so contented that you can pay the price of hospitality, you have to know this. God has said, I will never leave you. I will never forsake you.
Now, in the Greek, in the original Greek, this is one of the most wonderful verses in the Bible, because the first time, the English translations almost never get this across. The first clause says, I will never, ever leave you. It’s two negatives I will never, never leave you.
And the second clause is. I will never, never, never forsake you. Five negatives over the top, grammatically just pounding us with the unconditionality of what God is saying here. Do you know, sometimes we sing a hymn, and there’s a line in the hymn that says that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake. Now, when the writer of the lyric was writing that, he wasn’t just putting never, never, never, never just trying to fill out the line. Cause that’s how many beats was in the line. And we just had to have words to fill up. No, he was. It’s literally what the text says. I’ll never, never, never, never, never forsake you. Absolutely unconditional!
How could we know that? See, if you know that, if you have that absolute certainty of God’s love, that absolute certainty of God never abandoning you, never that frees you to be hospitable, well, how can you get that? How do you know that’s true? Here’s how you know. It tells us in verse 11 and following. So, Jesus suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Do you know what that means outside the gate?
When Jesus Christ died, he experienced the absolute opposite of everything the Bible says about hospitality. Yeah, because you know what hospitality is? Hospitality is a stranger comes to near the city gate, and hospitality is going out to take the cold and weary stranger in. And yet Jesus Christ was inside and he was thrown out and he was killed. Exactly the opposite of hospitality. Why? The reason why goes all the way back to the beginning. In the Garden of Eden, we were home. When you go back to the beginning of Genesis, in the Garden of Eden, we were home. What do I mean? It was a place without death or parting. See, home is a place where you’re loved. Home is a place that fits you. A place where. And in the Garden of Eden, there was no death or parting. There was no decay, there was no fading. There was no disease. We were absolutely home. And then we were lost. We lost it because when we turned away from God, we went into exile. You know, John Lynn, read that great text that’s on in the front of your bulletin. Don’t look at it now. But we. Even those people with great homes, even those people who have been born and raised in a particular country, there’s another sense in which none of those places are really home.
Because even if you just stay put One of the worst things about staying put is to see change. One of the worst things about having a wonderful home is to watch people leave or die. There is. We aren’t home. We’re all wanderers, in a sense. We’re all restless wanderers. We’re all cold and weary wanderers. We’re all in exile because we’re alienated from God and we deserve it. I know that’s a hard thing to say and a hard thing to hear, but don’t you remember in ancient hospitality, if you were outside the gate, they screened you to make sure that you weren’t trying to take over the city. But you see, that’s the essence of sin. You know what your heart is really wants. Your heart wants to be in charge. You want to run the world. You don’t want God to tell you how to do it. You want to run your own life. You don’t want God to tell you how to do it. And because of that, we should be in exile. That’s what we deserve.
But on the cross, Jesus Christ was cast out of the gate. In fact, he started that way. He was born in a feed trough, an inn, not home. And at one point he says, foxes have holes, birds have nests, and the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head. He was homeless, wanderer, and he died outside the gate. Thrown out, killed. And, on the cross, he said, what? My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Forsaken me, it says, never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. And yet God did it to Jesus. Yes. You know why? It’s what we deserve. In our place, Jesus Christ took cosmic homelessness. In our place, Jesus Christ took the exile we deserve, so that our sins are paid for, so that now God could bring us in. He was cast out so that God could bring us in. He was made homeless so God could give us his radical hospitality and bring us into his family. And it says so. Paul says it perfectly in Ephesians 2, where he says, remember then that you were separated from Christ, alienated and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now you are no longer strangers or sojourners, but members of the household of God. Jesus died for us to make room in the household of God. He had no place to lay his head, so we could receive a place in the household of God. And that’s just the past.
Then there’s the future, because verse 14 says, we’re waiting for the city which is to come. Do you know what city that is, class? Revelation 21, 22. The City of God at the end of time. And if you look into that city in Revelation 21 and 22, you’ll see the Tree of Life. It’s the Garden of Eden. That’s your real home. In the future, God will finally, because of what Jesus Christ has done, open the gates of real home and give you that final feast and show you the final home that your heart’s been longing for. And finally, you will no longer be a weary traveler. And finally, you will find your heart’s desire. And you know, at the end of the Narnia Chronicles, there’s a. When they get to the very end of this very moment, one of the characters puts it like this. I’ve come home at last. This is my real country. I belong here. This is the land I’ve been looking for all my life, though I never knew it. And that’s what you’re going to say on that day. I belong here. This is the country I’ve been looking for all of my life. This is the home I’ve been looking for all my life, and I never knew it. And because Jesus Christ was cast out and experienced ultimate homelessness, he now is the ultimate
host. You know, the New Testament is constantly saying, Jesus is the ultimate host. John 13. Jesus washes our feet. John 14. I go to prepare a place for you in my Father’s home. John 2. He’s Lord of the feast, master of the banquet. He’s always feeding people. Feeding 5,000, feeding 4,000. Why, he is the ultimate host. And ultimately his radical hospitality is gonna heal all of your wearinesses and satisfy all your heart’s desires. And if you know that, now, verse 13. Let us follow him outside the gate. What does that mean? Let’s pay the cost of hospitality. Because whatever cost it’s gonna be for you to stick your neck out to invite somebody to redeem her, for you to spend your money on the poor, for you to spend the money to bring people into your home all the time. That’s nothing compared to the cost that Jesus Christ has paid to bring you home. So, let’s look for the outsider. Let’s look for the seeker. Let’s look for the poor. Let’s look for those people, and let’s be hospitable to them as Christ was hospitable to us. And guess what? You may find your entertaining angels unawares.
Let’s pray. Thank you, Father, for giving us the promise that if we open our homes and our wallets and our hearts to strangers. You will work because that’s how we were saved. And it’ll be expensive, but nothing like the expense of Jesus paid when he was cast out so we could be brought in. We thank you for these resources and we thank you for this power and this motivation. And now we pray you’d make us a church filled with the spirit of the One who said, I have a feast for you. I have water for you to drink. I have bread for you to eat that will finally give rest to your soul. It’s in Jesus name we pray all this. Amen.
10. This is what I call a Keller ending, bring us back to the gospel. Can you explain how Jesus death is an impetus for us to go after people “outside the gate” and bring them in?
11. What else stands out and why?
Saturday:
12. What change have these last two weeks brought to your heart or life?
140 comments
I’d appreciate prayer for a long road trip I’m doing over the next week over four states for ministry and family — driving through some busy cities, hoping to be a conduit of love and realize I’m not as a good a driver as was once and need to be alert and hopefully get some naps. Thank you! I’ve a grand-daughter’s “Indian” wedding in the mix. Pray God works with to show love to her new in-laws. Also, Cristian, my new Romanian friend, is staying at my house. May that bless him! Thank you, sisters.
I will be praying, Dee. Praying that the Lord will keep you safe, with good weather, safe places to stay, good health and good rest at night. May God be very present with every occasion, especially the wedding. May Cristian be blessed by your hospitality.
The date on this is Dec 2024…is this current?
This is current — have no idea why the date is wrong!
Thank you, Patti.
Sunday:
How has the Lord opened His arms to you this week?
—It was a busy week for us because we live in a small town and a more rural part of Nebraska. We travel 60 to 80 miles one way for some of our medical appointments. This past week we were on the road 3 different days and then we had two of our teenage grandsons and two friends of theirs overnight Friday. Preparation for 3 meals and wet towels on the floor wore me out. But the joy of their presence in wanting to be with their grandpa and grandma to watch football and eat is a delight. It was a sweet blessing to have them. They are all young men who truly love Jesus.
But honestly I most felt the open arms of my Lord in my Bible reading this past week. I am in the book of Luke and reading the words of Jesus that are so full of meaning and teaching often spoke to the needs of my heart. So many examples and stories of how He meets the needs of sinners like myself. There is a beauty in the knowledge of his Presence associated with the living Word. I come away feeling loved and encouraged by Him.
So sweet to see the picture of Eunice 💕 What a joy to have her as part of this blog. It is such a blessing to share this place with a young believer.
I love that being in Luke was the sweetest part of your week.
Autumn is gorgeous where I live and always turns my heart to Him.
Cristian also came over for a morning — I am so impressed with him, yet the gospel penny has not yet dropped. He feels that if he took the plunge he would have to be so very good… but I absolutely know the Lord is after him. So, it’s exciting.
Dee, this is so exciting. I will continue praying for Cristian. Praising God for this young man’s interest. And Praising God for the beauty of the earth and the miracle of the seasons.
Sunday:
How has the Lord opened his arms to you this week?
God’s timing is everything! Today, the prompt for AnnV.’s one thousand gifts was “ 3 things extravagant”. The first thing that came to mind was “Jesus dying for me by shedding his precious blood”. He opened his arms to me, perhaps, initially, a long time ago but He continually does so, even today. The very fact that I am still alive, have a roof over my head and food to eat and clothes to wear that matched( vanity alert this morning lol) -all these but for His Grace alone-I am thankful.
Thanks for the beautiful picture of Eunice. And the links to the two organizations you are involved with, Dee. They have brought back memories of our time in the Philippines, Lawrence, KS and Maryville,MO. One of our key partners with an international student ministry in Maryville was an associate professor at the local university. He also came from Nigeria. Bayo is a wonderful godly Christian who reached out to American and international students alike. I believe he is still actively doing that in the same university. His story about how he came to the US as a young man is one to tell.
Love your 3 things extravagant — and your link with internationals!
Sunday:
This week God really really came through for me.
I’ve been planning to resume back to college for my second year after our three months holiday, and it felt like so many things were wrong! I needed to get foodstuffs, because we don’t have college cafeterias anymore in my school, so we cook out foods ourselves. I needed to get some new clothes, because I’ve outgrown my old ones and I needed a bedspace. In my school you have to sort of ballot for rooms and 97% of the time we don’t get bedspace. I didn’t get one and some students who lived off campus but got rooms they didn’t need were going to sell their bedspace for like ₦200,000 that’s like $200 and that’s just too much. I was really disturbed because I’m supposed to resume this Monday.
I cried at one point because I felt so tired already. I told God about how I felt and I felt His presence , like He was actually holding me. He reminded me of how He’s never going to leave me nor forsake me. How He is always going to provide for my needs. And yes, I’ve gotten some of the stuffs I need, and one of my friends linked me up with the Vice Director of Student Affairs, so that’s good.
Eunice, I love that picture of you! Such joy on your face!
Where will you stay if you don’t get a bed? Is your family near? What are you studying? I have so many questions and I am so glad you are here with us!
I will pray for you and your situation 🙏🙏🙏.
Eunice, I love seeing your photo and your beautiful smile.
I will join the others and pray for your bed space and other needs. It is a joy to have you here and to learn about all you are doing. God is so good and He has no boundaries in His goodness. You are a blessing! I love that you felt God holding you. Yes, you are loved!
Thank you Mama Patti.
Thank you, I really need it.
Yes! Thank you so much.
Good day!
Thank you soooooo much for your prayers.
I’ve gotten a room to stay already. I’ll be staying with someone from my fellowship, Peace House and it’s for free.
I hope I like it there.
I’ll be resuming tomorrow.
I’m really glad.
Awww, thank you so much for this Mama Dee. Yes, please. We really need your prayers. I appreciate every one of you.
And yessss, it is so good to be a part of this family. Really.
Let me tell you something, days when I’m unable to give my responses for the day I always feel bad, because I always feel like I’m missing out of this beautiful relationship here. And any day I’m having a bad day I like to go over old comments. It makes me feel better.
It’s so good to be a part of youuu!
God bless you guys.
I love youuuu! 💜
You are loved here Eunice. I pray God will meet your needs sooner than later!
Amen. Thank youuuu!
Yes, Eunice! You being a part of this blog is very refreshing. You are a gift to each one of us!
1. How has the Lord opened His arms to you this week?
He has been so good to me this week…I think the one thing that stands out was in nature. We were driving to my friends house and got to the end of our street and there was this absolutely amazing double rainbow that was completely full from end to end. The kids (and I!) were going nuts seeing it and I had to stop to take pictures! The grands were saying, “What a blessing from God! Can you believe we get to see this?” They were truly amazed at the beauty. My pictures didn’t come out great, but here is one my friend sent me. Someone took it from their back deck on a local pond. Just beautiful.
https://share.icloud.com/photos/014NIWTBu-hEKtgtM9C0ZeBBA
That is glorious. If it is okay with your friend, I could put it on the blog.
I’m not sure who it actually belongs to. I think it’s public on a NH FB page called “u local NH.” I’m checking and will let you know.
She didn’t think it would be a problem. I say share it!
Oh, Laura! What a great experience! Wow! That is gorgeous!
That is absolutely amazing!! God in his majesty and glory revealed in Creation 💕
That’s niccceee.
I clicked on the link, but I couldn’t get the picture.
I really want to see it.
Copy it and paste it into your browser. The link isn’t actually working.
I did that, I still didn’t see it. 😂
And I’ve replied your questions, but they keep disappearing. I don’t know if this particular response is going to send either.
Sorry about that! Dee is going to post it.
Monday:
2, Read Deuteronomy 10:17-19
What do you learn about the Lord here, and what impact should it have upon us that He shows no partiality? (v. 17)
I learnt that God is really above every other God’s or kings. He’s the ultimate one.
The fact that we’re His children means we must follow exactly in His footsteps and that means that we are to show impartiality just like He did with the Israelites during their journey. I think impartiality is also emphasized by James in the book of James too.
What 3 groups in particular are mentioned? (v. 18)
The orphan, the widow, and the sojourner.
Why should we love foreigners? (v. 19)
I think it goes deeper than being just strangers. In my opinion I think it’s also about the fact that as children of God we have been adopted into God’s family and so we are His children, but their are still some people who have not yet been saved and so they’re strangers. My dad gives a sort of illustration about how Egypt represents the world and how people who are genuinely saved are like the Israelites who leave it. So those who are still in it are strangers to the family of God. And because they’re strangers we should actually be hospitable to them and be willing to bring them in to the family of God. Readily serving them the Bread and the Water of life.
3. After reading this, how has God raised the bar for what is expected of us as believers in hospitality? How might you apply this?
I don’t really get the first part of this question, but I think this passage just sums up to us being genuinely hospitable and willing and ready to take people in. And help them. Willingly.
😂 I must have mentioned willingly several times now. 😂
I love your dad’s perspective on how Egypt represents the world—and strangers to the family of God.
Is the part of the question you don’t understand is “How has God raised the bar on hospitality?” I think you do get it from your answers. The world is hospitable to friends and family — but He wants us to be hospitable to the poor, the immigrant, the lonely — not just friends and family.
Oh, thank you Mama Dee.
Eunice, You are so much wisdom for a young woman. You are a wonderful addition to this blog. I so enjoy your posts and loved all of these answers!
Thank you Mama Patti. 💜
Sunday:
How has the Lord opened His arms to you this week? We had a beautiful night with family on Sunday as we gathered to remember our grandson who passed into glory last October at only 23 weeks gestation, after our DIL’s water broke prematurely. Little Malachi would have been one on Saturday. Our son said a beautiful prayer before the meal, saying thanks for family who could gather with them to remember little Malachi and look forward to seeing him in eternity. I just love to see how our kids support one another in the darkest of hours. The Lord has blessed us immeasurably with children who love him. I had a conversation with our DIL’s mom while there and felt compassion for her as she seemed rather full of anxiety. I’m contemplating inviting her for coffee sometime. They are going to church but feeling disconnected from fellowship. I think she’s needing someone to help. Please pray because it’s not something I want to do, but I’m feeling maybe the Spirit is leading.
How beautiful. I often feel like this world is the wilderness we are walking through to the Promised Land, and how badly we need one another in the dark.
Chris, What a lovely evening honoring God and baby Malachi. God is so good, even in grief. I will pray for God’s leading and wisdom about coffee time width your DIL’s mom. What a lovely thing to do.
Monday
2, Read Deuteronomy 10:17-19
What do you learn about the Lord here, and what impact should it have upon us that He shows no partiality? (v. 17) He is supreme (God of gods), sovereign (Lord of lords), Almighty, impartial (deals justly with all persons), doesn’t take bribes, gives justice for orphans and widows, and loves strangers (giving food/clothing).
God accepts all who come to Him in faith regardless of ethnicity, rich or poor, mighty or feeble, educated or not; He treats all equally. If that is how God treated ME, I should do no less in treating others.
What 3 groups in particular are mentioned? (v. 18) Orphans, widows, strangers
Why should we love foreigners? (v. 19) Because we were once foreigners, lost and wandering until the Lord quickened us and brought us home.
3. After reading this, how has God raised the bar for what is expected of us as believers in hospitality? How might you apply this? He has raised the bar by knocking down pride. I was nothing but a wandering stranger/foreigner until He took me in (Eph. 2:12). He has raised the bar by reminding me of how He acts and what He has done, calling me to do the same. I can apply this by viewing all people with more grace and kindness.
Mama Cheryl Ann, I loooovvveetttt!
Everything you said is so true.
“If that is how God treated ME, I should do no less in treating others.” stands out for me.
How kind you are, Eunice, and so enthusiastic! Yes, this study has helped me see hospitality in a different way, too.
Dear Cheryl, Love you answer to 3. I need to do this too.
Love all your responses Cheryl! Especially, love 3.
Monday: Ratching Up Hospitality
2, Read Deuteronomy 10:17-19
* What do you learn about the Lord here, and what impact should it have upon us that He shows no partiality? (v. 17)
—It says He is LORD in capital letters who is the God of Gods and Lord of Lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God. Considering Who God as God truly is, above all others and he shows no partiality to anyone and no one can bribe him or curry favor with him I dare not think of myself more highly than anyone else. God freely gives Salvation to all who ask and receive it. And we who have salvation are called on to have a heart like God’s heart.
* What 3 groups in particular are mentioned? (v. 18)
—Orphans, widows and foreigners.
* Why should we love foreigners? (v. 19)
—Because in reality at one time we were foreigners ourselves and like Paul says to the Ephesians in chapter 2 verse 12 & 13
“In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.”
3. After reading this, how has God raised the bar for what is expected of us as believers in hospitality? How might you apply this?
—It challenges me to be open to others like God is open to all lost and weary sinners. And to be open with my heart and my resources. I need to take a closer look at who is in my circle of life in need of care practically speaking and spiritually speaking.
Mama Bev, this part where you say “It challenges me to be open to others like God is open to all lost and weary sinners. And to be open with my heart and my resources. I need to take a closer look at who is in my circle of life in need of care practically speaking and spiritually speaking.” is so true. And I like the fact that you say ‘challenge’ we just have to really alert for when it really comes our way.
Love how you are plugging in, Eunice!
Monday: Ratcheting Up Hospitality
2. Read Deuteronomy 10:17-19
What do you learn about the Lord here, and what impact should it have upon us that He shows no partiality? (v. 17)
He is the God of gods and LORD of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God. This description shows us the character of God. God (Elohim) of gods tells us He is Supreme. LORD (Jehovah, Yahweh) the existing One, I AM.
If God, the great I Am, Supreme over all, mighty and awesome shows no partially, who am I that I should not show partiality as well.
What 3 groups in particular are mentioned? (v. 18)
Orphans, widows and foreigners.
Why should we love foreigners? (v. 19)
Just as the Israelites were once foreigners in the land of Egypt, we were foreigners, lost and wondering. God took us in, showing us hospitality just as He did with the Israelites. We were saved because of His hospitality.
3. After reading this, how has God raised the bar for what is expected of us as believers in hospitality?
Not only are we to bring orphans, widows and foreigners/strangers into our homes, but give our possessions, our money, our time, ourselves and give to those who have less than we do, believe differently and look different. Be hospitable to them like they’re weary travelers.
How might you apply this?
My prayer is that God will give me a spirit of hospitality for others just as He did for me and that He will open up my heart to open up my home to those in need.
Please pray for me.
Sharon, I’m praying for you. I love your heart for others as I have seen here on our blog. I love the time you spend with grandkids. This is so important today, as some kids don’t have anyone. Mostly, I love the knowledge you have of the scriptures. Often you will add a scripture to your post that really has a big impact on me. Thank you.
Dear Lord, As Sharon and all the rest of us learn more, and lean mor, help us to be more aware of others. As opportunities come our way, may we take that step to show hospitality with open hearts. We want to reflect Your love to the world around us, giving You the glory, honor, and praise. In Jesus name, and for His sake, I pray. amen
Sharon, You have so many gifts that you share right here, I pray that our Heavenly Father will lead you to continue to share them with others. I agree, you are such a gift to your grandchildren, and I pray that God will bring others to you that can benefit from your gifts. I am so thankful to know you on our blog. I have learned much from your wisdom and your life experiences.
Father, thank you for Sharon! Please bring healing for past hurts with “strangers.” I pray You will be mighty force in her interactions with her grandchildren, and that she will live to see them serving You. In Jesus Name I pray.
I am so thankful for your prayers and encouragement …it means more than you know😊❤️
Sharon, prayers for you and that God would open doors for you to share hospitality with those in need. May He surprise you with many joys in your desire to obey Him in this regard.
Praying with the others, Sharon.
2, Read Deuteronomy 10:17-19
What do you learn about the Lord here, and what impact should it have upon us that He shows no partiality? (v. 17)
He is the Lord who assures justice to His people. He looks after widows and orphans. He can’t be bribed and is fair to all, including foreigners.
What 3 groups in particular are mentioned? (v. 18)
Widows, orphans, and foreigners.
Why should we love foreigners? (v. 19)
We too were once foreigners in a foreign land.
3. After reading this, how has God raised the bar for what is expected of us as believers in hospitality? How might you apply this?
We are expected to accept those who are different than ourselves. We are stepping in for God; the hands and feet of Jesus. can remember this the next time I am in a position where I don’t know people.
Laura, I like how you say you will remember this the next time you are in a position where you don’t know people. I often say I am shy in a group of strangers and after Keller’s message on self-forgetfulness, I’m realizing its been all about me and how I feel rather than focusing on others and how they are or what they need. My perspective is changed.
That’s exciting, Chris! Praying for you.
Laura — I e-mailed you — need help with that zip file!
On it!
Tuesday
4. Keller gave the example of Abraham being hospital to strangers and to the two on the road to Emmaus. How did God flood both of those examples.
I’m not sure I understand the meaning of flood. Keller says these examples make hospitality, something everyday like getting together for coffee, into something sacramental-used by God.
5. Can you think of a time when you sensed God was allowing you to be a conduit of His grace through hospitality? The bridal shower I hosted for my new DIL was a beautiful time to share the gospel with her family who do not live out their faith. Several later thanked me. And I suspect now as I am about to invite my DIL’s mom for coffee. It’s interesting because she is a realtor and uses some interesting ways to interact with clients. She sent a postcard in the mail just last week inviting anyone to a free cup of coffee and conversation with her at a local coffee shop. This is when I first had the idea that maybe I should invite her to coffee. The reason this is interesting is because this study was coming and now it’s so obvious to me that the Lord is using this lesson to push me out of my comfort zone. At our gathering on Sunday, my family purposely avoids my DIL’s mom because she is so passive aggressive. Pray for me as this is really out of my comfort zone and yet I feel I need to pray about how the Lord will use this. I’m going into it leaning on his desire and not with my own agenda.
6. What else stands out to you from this section and why? The road to Emmaus is one of my favorite passages along with the passage with Abraham where the Lord surprises those he loves. I’m looking to be surprised 🤍
Also! I love the imagery of being a conduit of God’s hospitality rather than a decaying cul-de-sac. I felt like the church we used to attend was definitely the latter! I’m glad to see them changing things now.
Dear Lord, As Sharon and all the rest of us learn more, and lean mor, help us to be more aware of others. As opportunities come our way, may we take that step to show hospitality with open hearts. We want to reflect Your love to the world around us, giving You the glory, honor, and praise. In Jesus name, and for His sake, I pray. amen
Sounds like the Lord might be moving with your DIL’s mom. I was passive aggressive once so I’m sympathetic to her!
Father, please be with this coffee time and flood it with your Spirit!
Tuesday
4. Keller gave the example of Abraham being hospital to strangers and to the two on the road to Emmaus. How did God flood both of those examples. I am assuming you mean how did God flood through the conduit of Abraham, disciples, their hospitality. Abraham showed great respect and provide for the needs and comfort of the “strangers.” The disciples pled with “the stranger” to stay and eat with them. In both cases it was a divine encounter, with angels and Jesus, but Abraham and the disciples did not know that beforehand. They were simply showing hospitality, and God flowed through that.
5. Can you think of a time when you sensed God was allowing you to be a conduit of His grace through hospitality? I haven’t sensed that I was a conduit at the time I offered hospitality, it was only afterwards when I saw a result that I knew it was God’s grace. For example: I invited someone over for lunch, and afterwards they started to attend church with me, that led to salvation.
6. What else stands out to you from this section and why? If we don’t use the hospitality that the Lord has shown us, it decays and rots. In a way it’s as if our souls become stagnant. We lose the joy of our salvation.
Love this from Cheryl:
f we don’t use the hospitality that the Lord has shown us, it decays and rots. In a way it’s as if our souls become stagnant. We lose the joy of our salvation.
Ahh, this use of flood makes sense. Thanks.😊 Love that you didn’t even know you were being used and you are right about our souls becoming stagnant if we don’t use hospitality. It does give joy to serve. I find I need to get my focus onto others at times and off myself in order to do this. Sounds like I may see my DIL’s mother this Saturday-because of these studies from Dee, I am able to do this without trying to think through everything we might say and just rest in the Lord’s plan for conversation. He will prepare my heart for what I need to say and the Spirit will give me the words.
Sunday:
1. How has the Lord opened His arms to you this week? – After being gone for two and a half weeks transferring paperwork over on our ‘new’ camper to our names and then a week in Indiana to stay with Deb our dear friend as she said goodbye for now to her husband, we came back home and made it back to church. There were hugs and how are you’s because they knew why we were gone. Family does not have to be blood; it can be anyone who loves you like Jesus does and we truly have that in our church family.
So true about family.
Love this truth, Julie. Love your community family.
Monday: Ratching Up Hospitality
2, Read Deuteronomy 10:17-19
What do you learn about the Lord here, and what impact should it have upon us that He shows no partiality? (v. 17) – He is the God of everyone. He’s mighty and shows no partiality. He doesn’t see where people came from, what they’ve been through, we are all the same in his eyes.
What 3 groups in particular are mentioned? (v. 18) – The fatherless, the widow and aliens
Why should we love foreigners? (v. 19) – We were once aliens in our own land. Until we got established, we were in the same position.
3. After reading this, how has God raised the bar for what is expected of us as believers in hospitality? How might you apply this? – We shouldn’t see any type of label on people. We should see them only as God’s perfect creation. Sadly, I’m not close to applying this. (this is just my opinion and I’m not trying to offend anyone) I have a hard time when I see some people tear apart our country and expect or think they are entitled to everything we have with no effort on their part to make things right. I’m saddened by what I see happening.
Tuesday: The Sacrament of Hospitality
4. Keller gave the example of Abraham being hospital to strangers and to the two on the road to Emmaus. How did God flood both of those examples. – God gave both the means and the heart to help them. It was a kindness that seemed to come upon them. God’s hand was playing a part in these situations.
5. Can you think of a time when you sensed God was allowing you to be a conduit of His grace through hospitality? – I really can’t think of anything but I’m sure God has orchestrated a time or maybe more and I’m not even aware of it. I guess it could be when I’ve stepped in to help when I know the help was needed??
6. What else stands out to you from this section and why? – This section seems to be a lot different than Monday’s. I can see taking someone out, using the normal, common things around me to be hospitable. My answer on Monday may seem a bit harsh now from reading this section. I love to help people, but I guess I know when it goes from help to enabling and that is what makes me a bit harsh.
Julie, I believe you are right in 6 that there needs to be discernment when helping others, but I believe the focus here is hospitality to strangers. Those we know in a more intimate way would lead us to a discerning heart as to how to help their situation.
Thank you Ladies. That fine line is where I’m at.
I don’t remember a harsh answer.
There is a fine line between helping and enabling.
2. Read Deuteronomy 10:17-19
What do you learn about the Lord here, and what impact should it have upon us that He shows no partiality? (v. 17)
The great and awesome God shows no partiality
What 3 groups in particular are mentioned? (v. 18)
The fatherless, the widow, and the foreigner
Why should we love foreigners? (v. 19)
Because we were once foreigners to God and He showed hospitality to us by welcoming us to Himself and we should do likewise.
1. After reading this, how has God raised the bar for what is expected of us as believers in hospitality? How might you apply this?
Hospitality for the believers should go beyond what is expected (sojourners, weary travelers, two nights). There is no limit to who we show hospitality to. The three specific people, the fatherless, the widow, and the orphan-sometimes, they are without even the very basics of life. And we have so much!
I am trying to prioritize my volunteering at school, and this study has helped me. The very young in the music class and the special ed group. They sound like the most needy group at this point, given my gifting and also my time.
I do not want to limit God and am asking for His leading in this regard.
Bing, I love your heart for serving.
Tuesday: The Sacrament of Hospitality
Listen and read up to right after he quotes John Piper and then says: We should always be thinking things like how can I draw the most people into a deep experience of God’s hospitality? By the use of my money, by the use of my things, by the use of my home, by the use of my church home.
1. Keller gave the example of Abraham being hospital to strangers and to the two on the road to Emmaus. How did God flood both of those examples?
The very common everyday stuff we have and share with others, like bread and water, God can use it as a vehicle coming into our lives through His power and grace.
2. Can you think of a time when you sensed God was allowing you to be a conduit of His grace through hospitality?
In one of my visits to the special ed classroom, I got to share a few minutes with the three kids they had that day. I shared the different flowers and herbs I grew in my garden. A few days later, the head teacher called me and asked if she could bring those three kids to see my garden. I said, Yes!
They came one day and spent half an hour, smelling, touching, and snipping a few flowers and herbs to take back to the classroom. I made a very easy scavenger hunt for them to do with the teachers who came with them. I sent a few small treats with them. I would call the experience a highlight of my first full-time retirement year!
3. What else stands out to you from this section and why?
I love these words from John Piper: “conduits of God’s hospitality instead of decaying cul-de-sacs”. It is not about a lavish display of food, nor a spotless home, nor exquisite home décor. The important thing is focusing on the God given opportunity to show his kindness and grace to others through me.
I love your garden extending hospitality.
Me too!
I so agree with the others, Bing! Love the Piper quote too! The meaning of life!
So good Bing!
4. Keller gave the example of Abraham being hospital to strangers and to the two on the road to Emmaus. How did God flood both of those examples.
Abraham encounters 3 men on a journey. He somehow knows one is the Lord (?). He offers to wash their feet and feed them. He has Sarah winsome bread, and a servant “quickly” kill and cook an animal for Him. He tells Abraham that he and Sarah will be. Jesse’s with a son by the next year. Sarah laughs and God calls her on it.
The men (Peter and another), on the road to Emmaus, were walking and encountered Jesus but they didn’t know it was Him. They told Him the story of the crucifixion and resurrection and asked Him to stay with them. He agreed, and while having a meal with them He revealed that it was He and then disappeared.
5. Can you think of a time when you sensed God was allowing you to be a conduit of His grace through hospitality?
We have allowed our daughter and SIL live with us, virtually free at times over the years. We have a “renter” who is an older gentleman who lives in our basement and does work for us at the house to pay for his rent.
6. What else stands out to you from this section and why?
Keller calls being hospitable, a sacrament. He says it’s bread, wine, and water, common things, that seal a bond with God. I find that an interesting comment. I never would have thought about being hospitable as a sacrament.
Hey Laura — I e-mailed you again!
I have had email issues the last 2 days. Did you ever get the picture?
Wednesday
7. Keller asks 3 questions in the opening. Does this give you any ideas on whom God might be leading you to have over? I’ve been thinking lately of four widows in particular. With the holiday season approaching, I want to send them a special note/card about how hard it is to celebrate family when someone you love isn’t there. now I’m thinking that I could go even further by spending time with them individually, either at my home or theirs.
8. What stands out to you from the final paragraph is this section when he summarizes hospitality. Why does it stand out? When he says hospitality is a heart attitude. I’ve been used to thinking that hospitality is just something you do, a practice, but now I see it as much more. Blessed to be a blessing isn’t just about material things, it’s the blessing I have in salvation and the love of the Lord that I can share through hospitality.
Cheryl, I love your heart for the four widows. I’m sure you will be a blessing to them. And I love how you brought out bringing out the love of the Lord through hospitality.
I agree with Chris!
Sweet Cheryl! Being a fairly new widow, I understand it is a treasure to have the gift of time with others. I am in a whole new life, and it has meant so much to me to have new friends, who spend time getting to know me. The food is not important, the time is everything.
❤️
Wednesday: Blessed to be a Blessing
7. Keller asks 3 questions in the opening. Does this give you any ideas on whom God might be leading you to have over? – Who right now needs reinforcements in the battle against loneliness? – My sweet friend Deb. I need to remind her it’s ok to grieve and to have not moved on yet. She doesn’t want to be in this struggle of losing her husband, but she needs to be I think so she can grieve and adjust. She needs to give herself some grace. Who needs to be asked out? My friend Sharon, she has some family issues going on and I think the enemy is getting into her head and bringing her down. Who needs to be asked in just because they’re lonely? – My neighbor and friend Valerie who recently had surgery and trying to heal and also take care of her husband who has dementia while staying off her leg. She is overwhelmed and at the end of her rope.
8. What stands out to you from the final paragraph is this section when he summarizes hospitality. Why does it stand out? – Hospitality is an attitude of heart and takes practice. We are created in God’s image and should walk in the ways Jesus walked, but just as our sanctification takes time, this attribute, hospitality, will also take time. I can see how I do some of these things, but as I grow in my relationship with Jesus and grow in His Word, hospitality will be so natural I won’t even know I’m doing it.
Julie, what a friend you are to see so many needs and want to respond to them. The Lord has given you a heart for ministry right where you are. 🤍
What an angel you are to your friends and neighbors, Julie. It is a gift to understand grief and be so supportive. You are a blessing to so many. God placed you in this new area and you are serving Him in so many ways.
So good, Julie, to intentionally name a person in response to the three questions. Praying for an opportunity for you to be with these ladies.
1. How has the Lord opened His arms to you this week?
On Sunday our sermon was on “What is my purpose in life?” The answer was “To Glorify God!” It was such a good message, and it focused on sharing God’s Word with others. It was about the ways we connect with others, to share God’s Word with them. Of course, it was so much about the great things being shared here on our blog. Relationships and Hospitality are such key ways to do that.
And, as it happened, Jenn, who is a friend of my daughter, Darcy, came to see me before she left for the Texas and the West Coast. She is a traveling nurse pathologist. I first met her when she was working on Wenatchee, WA. It was over two years ago, when my husband’s health was getting so fragile, and she came to visit Darcy at our home in Issaquah. After, Ronny died, she came back and we had a short visit, as she was leaving for her next assignment. I knew she was a Christian, but it was a chaotic time and we never had time to talk about that. Yesterday, she mentioned a couple of pastor that I greatly respect, and we had a wonderful time of sharing what the Lord has done in our lives. Jenn has two grown sons and two grandchildren. Her son in Texas does some kind of farming and he has a prison ministry near Plano, Texas! I told her about you, Dee, and about the ministry you and Linda have done. We were both glorifying God for three wonderful hours. It was such a blessing.
ONLY GOD! Thanking Him for this wonderful time of bonding.
2, Read Deuteronomy 10:17-19
What do you learn about the Lord here, and what impact should it have upon us that He shows no partiality? (v. 17)
The Lord God is above all gods; He is Great, Awesome, and Mighty
God shows no partiality
He can not be bribed
Not one of us is more special than another
What 3 groups in particular are mentioned? (v. 18)
The orphan, the widow, the alien
Why should we love foreigners? (v. 19)
‘We were all aliens, until we became believers in God. I love Eunice’s dad’s response.
3. After reading this, how has God raised the bar for what is expected of us as believers in hospitality? How might you apply this?
We are to show Christian hospitality to all. I need to see each person I encounter in life, as a child of God. There are many who have been cast out of certain circles in our lives, for many reasons. It is important not to put up barriers, but be welcoming to all.
How I love that Jenn is in your life west coast and east coast!
What a wonderful time of sharing with Jenn. I absolutely love how the Lord orchestrates our lives! I appreciated your comment about not putting up barriers, which is a natural tendency that I need to guard against.
Thursday:
9. What one or two ways might apply to you? I can think of many ways to apply. I like how he makes a big deal of greeting in church service. Not just to say hello, but to make a new friend. I have always been one to just say hello, but always appreciate one who takes that moment and introduces themselves and asks a quick question to show they are interested in me. Granted there isn’t much time during service to do this, one needs to be purposeful and direct. I also like the idea of having a meal with people outside of small group time. There are great connections to be made and shepherding that can happen then if we are purposeful. During small group we are focused on getting our lesson done and covering prayer requests and then everyone has to go. There isn’t that opportunity for someone to share their deep burden or struggle, unless they are brave enough to open up to the whole group. Also, we have a ministry in our small rural town called, Project Hope. They have a thrift store and food pantry. It was started in the garage of a woman who cared about her neighbors and has grown into a large ministry! They are always looking for volunteers. I just find it hard to see time in my week for this, but maybe I need to make time. Many who serve there are retired. But maybe I could do this once a month. Often I find I am blessed more by doing this sort of thing than the one who needs me.
Project Hope sounds like a great ministry, Chris. I know you would bless them, especially the retired people. 😉
Chris, I love the idea behind the Project Hope. Volunteers! Yes, every community needs volunteers.
I love this from Chris: “Shepherding can happen (in quick conversations at church) if we are purposeful.” I don’t know who said it last week but she realized she wasn’t drawing people out was because she wasn’t self-forgetful.
4. Keller gave the example of Abraham being hospitable to strangers and to the two on the road to Emmaus. How did God flood both of those examples.
Abraham offered simple needs of the day for travelers, feet washing, water and bread. Simple things. The disciples on the road to Emmaus shared a meal. Both showed hospitality to strangers and both revealed the Lord was present.
5. Can you think of a time when you sensed God was allowing you to be a conduit of His grace through hospitality?
I felt the Lord’s presence when we helped some lovely strangers pack boxes for Operation Christmas Child, at a Retirement home. It was pure joy. I have been the recipient of others showing me great hospitality here in my new home of Rhode Island.
6. What else stands out to you from this section and why?
We can show hospitality in the simple things we do when we encounter people at the grocery store, Doctor’s office, a card ministry. People are not all super friendly here, but if you show a little interest in them, they shine.
Awe, I love how you see the best in people.
“if you show a little interest they shine,” how true!
A little interest and they shine. So true, Patti! And at times, we may never see that person again.
Thursday
9. What one or two ways might apply to you? I’m thinking that my husband and I could start a habit of just inviting people over after church, or take them out to eat at the local diner. I’m going to mention this to him, and maybe we can begin this Sunday.
I mean, make this a weekly habit, not just occasionally.
Eager for a report next week!
Thursday: 8 Ways
—This week I got derailed from spending time here but this morning I was greatly blessed by taking time to finish listening to Tim Keller’s message. Then I went through and read all the comments on the blog here. What a blessing to hear how God continues to teach us all through this particular study.
9. What one or two ways might apply to you?
—As I considered the 8 ways Keller recommends practicing hospitality I found affirmation and encouragement in what my husband and I have actually been doing for many years. We have practiced having an open home and actually done each of the four individual ways he suggests snd continue to do them. It has been our privilege to serve God in this way. He quoted Piper who said “when we practice hospitality, we experience the refreshing joy of becoming God’s conduit”. That is so true because often we have ended up being truly blessed by many of our guests. I have found people are so grateful to have an invitation into your own personal space and that it often deepens a relationship that you can have with them.
As far as the corporate methods of hospitality for us preparing and serving coffee every Sunday at our church for a number of years really gave us a special opportunity to welcome people into our church home. In that way we often were part of that first impression people got as they came into our church and had the opportunity to connect in a more personal way by asking questions and just getting to know who they were and where they were from.
Dee, I saw your prayer requests for travel, ministry and family and will remember you in that. Trusting God’s angels to be with you and his provision for strength and abundant grace in your life.
Also praying God will bless Christian in his time spent in your home which no doubt is a place of holy ground becauseof God’s presence there.
Thank you — this Indian wedding is a bit stressful for the bride for many reasons — so love that you are covering us. Pray also for both she and her groom, both pediatricians, feel better as they caught something from their little patients.
Dear Dee, Praying for you and for all attending this amazing wedding. May God be very present, may the bride and groom be well, and may it be a joy filled and memorable occasion for all. Praying for continued safe travels after the wedding.
Dee, praying for you and for this wedding and for the health of the bride and groom.
Wednesday: Blessed to be a Blessing
1. Keller asks 3 questions in the opening. Does this give you any ideas on whom God might be leading you to have over?
Who right now needs reinforcements in the battle against loneliness?
Two widowed friends, both named Janice. I see Janice R. every 10 days to help with her diabetic monitor. Janice P. is going to have surgery soon. I hope to bring some food to her house afterward. The latter attends our morning Bible Study, and Lord willing, we will pray with and for her before surgery.
Who needs to be asked out?
My neighbor, Stephanie.
Who needs to be asked in just because they’re lonely?
I am still praying because there are just too many that I can think of.
7. What stands out to you from the final paragraph is this section when he summarizes hospitality. Why does it stand out?
And especially it goes after and welcomes people who the world excludes. People who are different, people who are unlovely, people who are unwealthy, people who are unconnected. When you make people like that feel welcome, when you make people like that feel included, you’ve got God’s spirit of hospitality.
What struck me here is the thought that Keller expanded the group of people by using the word “different”. I have acquaintances who may fall under a category differently than me, perhaps, the movers and shakers of our community, most often, well-to-do. I tend to withdraw from these people. And one of the reasons is kind of like what our Sharon alluded to here in one of her comments. Where the practice of hospitality has pain associated with it.
I need to pray about the right attitude and be reminded of who I am in Christ. It is not about performance or people pleasing. Secure in Christ and secure in whatever service I am called to do.
Friday: The Impetus for It All
10. This is what I call a Keller ending, bring us back to the gospel. Can you explain how Jesus death is an impetus for us to go after people “outside the gate” and bring them in?
—Jesus laying his life down to save us from our sin and it’s curse that separated us from God the Father is the ultimate act of hospitality and invitation to come home to the Father and have sweet fellowship with Him and the family of God. We have eternal security in the fact that Heaven is our true home. Jesus went outside of the gate and opened the gate and it is through him and his invitation we can enter. We can come home through Jesus.
Keller said “ultimately his (Jesus’s) radical hospitality is gonna heal all of your wearinesses and satisfy all your heart’s desires”
For those of us who have entered into the sweetest of fellowship there is which is knowing and communing with God it only makes sense we would want to go back to that gate and tell the lost and wandering what we have found and invite them inside as well.
11. What else stands out and why?
—Keller’s explanation of the verse of God’s promise to never leave us or forsake us and how it was written in the Greek. That it is actually is saying I will never never leave you and I will never never never forsake you. It is the absolutely unconditional promise of God of his love and care for us and that gives us a certainty in going out to share the gospel with others and invite them into the same wonderful experience we have and enjoy.
Saturday:
12. What change have these last two weeks brought to your heart or life?
—I have a truly better understanding of what hospitality means and how important fellowship is in the life of the church and those of us who are believers.
I definitely look at the sojourner and foreigner in a new light. It is my desire to reach out in a significant way to Yuri and his wife Lin who are foreigners that God has put in my life.
Good day beautiful Mamas!
Thank you soooooo much for your prayers.
I’ve gotten a room to stay already. I’m staying with someone from my fellowship, Peace House and it’s for free. I like it very much here.
And I’m in school already. I’m really glad.
Wonderful answers to prayer, Eunice!
Yes. Praise God!
Wow, Eunice! God showed up pretty quickly and answered your prayers specifically.
He did.
And I’m so glad. Praise God!
Thank You Lord Jesus! Eunice, can you upload your beautiful picture to the site?
Hi Mama Laura.
Hallelujah!
Oh, can I?
I don’t know how to do that. I’ll probably send it to Mama Dee. And if it’s okay by her, and you know how to upload pictures I don’t mind you uploading it.
And if you’ve responded to your mail I’ve not seen it yet. It’s probably network.
7. Keller asks 3 questions in the opening. Does this give you any ideas on whom God might be leading you to have over?
“Who right now needs reinforcements in the battle against loneliness? Who needs to be asked out? Who needs to be asked in just because they’re lonely?”
I have a couple of women I know from church who might be lonely right now. One is struggling with life and the other has a bad fall and had to spend some time in the hospital last week. I think her husband was out of town and her daughter and family flew back to Germany. I’m guessing she might be lonely. I need to check in on them both.
8. What stands out to you from the final paragraph is this section when he summarizes hospitality. Why does it stand out?
I like the idea of making people feel wanted when they may not be the most desirable to the world..God wants us to love each other. I can be the one to make them feel loved. I have awkward kids each day that I work with, who need to know someone cares for them. I try to be patient and caring. I hope they see that.
So good about loving those who might not be valued by the world but are so valued by Him.
Thursday: 8 Ways
9. What one or two ways might apply to you? – I can invite people over to my home, that may be new to our church. It would be a way to get to know them a little better outside of church. I could invite someone to bible study that has never been before and walk alongside them. I serve on a few teams at church, the prayer team; ladies ministry team and the benevolence team. All of these are ways to meet new people that may have a need in some way. I can be more intentional.
Friday: The Impetus for It All
10. This is what I call a Keller ending, bring us back to the gospel. Can you explain how Jesus’ death is an impetus for us to go after people “outside the gate” and bring them in? – Jesus paid the ultimate expense of death for us. We were chosen before the creation of the earth, but he did it because he loved us. He didn’t care about the cost to himself; he cared about our souls and that we have an eternal home in the Garden. We can step out in faith, maybe out of our comfort zone a little, but we can provide hospitality to others in a simpler and less drastic way than what Jesus did. Our hospitality to others shows the love of Christ in us.
11. What else stands out and why? – I never connected Revelation 21 & 22 with going back to the Garden of Eden. Where it all began, it will all end, but for us it will be with Jesus for all eternity.
Yes, back to Eden but wth no sin, no sorrow no death!
Saturday:
12. What change have these last two weeks brought to your heart or life? – I’m seeing that hospitality is not just entertaining someone, it is so much more. So much deeper and should be something I grow to do. It is making a stranger feel welcome, it is spreading the gospel to those who may not have heard it before, and it’s being intentional with the opportunities that God places before me. I shouldn’t be afraid to step out because Jesus will be with me each step. He will never, never, never leave me or forsake me.
I love “being intentional with opportunities God places before me.” So good, Julie. I know you bless many!
7. Keller asks 3 questions in the opening. Does this give you any ideas on whom God might be leading you to have over?
I love that Keller talks about Heart attitude. Living for Jesus, and caring for others is so important. The enlightenment centers on self, rather than others. I think that is the key in how we live and how we use our money and our gifts. Just visiting and listening is so important. I love learning a friend’s “story”. It help me know who they are on the inside. I keep their confidences and that builds trust. It is a huge blessing to share food and friendship and Jesus.
I have been entertaining more since I moved here, because my daughter has brought her friends over and we share the cooking. It has built bridges. And when my friends come to visit, Darcy comes over. I am having my Seattle neighbor/friend Anika over with her three roommates soon, I hope. They are all from different countries so it will be lots of fun. Anika goes to college about an hour away, and she is super busy, but we will try to do this! I still know all her favorite treats, that I used to make her when she was young and we were neighbors. I had her pick her favorite. I will make a big pan of that brownie for her to take back to their apartment.
Brownies, Patti-Yum!
Patti is the best baker I know — yet she stays tiny.
8. What stands out to you from the final paragraph is this section when he summarizes hospitality. Why does it stand out?
I love that Keller say that Hospitality is a heart attitude and a practice. It turns strangers into friends and We live in a world that, especially after Covid, has become isolating. I know so many young people who feel that way, which is really sad. And, as we age and experience loss, the isolation increases and health decreases. A visit is giving life and hope to others, the lonely, the outsider, the foreigner, the stranger, the outcast, the needy, the ill, and so many more. My daughter in Montana visits the widows, the shut-ins, makes cookies for those in nursing homes, and helps anyone who needs legal help or public assistance. She has blessed so many.
That is wonderful. And it is so true about isolation. We really have to reach out and be hospitable and let God use us.
10. This is what I call a Keller ending, bring us back to the gospel. Can you explain how Jesus death is an impetus for us to go after people “outside the gate” and bring them in? I do love how Keller brings us back to the gospel. Jesus took what we deserved when he came to this world and lived a life “outside the gate” and then died “outside the gate”-he did this for us, therefore, we should do this for others to bring them in. Those who are rejected or hurting. I just love the way Joni and Friends does this for the disabled around the world with their wheel chairs and the gospel.
11. What else stands out and why? The part about Jesus being a radical host, feeding 5,000, etc. We cannot perform miracles, but because of what he has done for us, we should expect miracles and look to be a part of them. Our church helps feed elementary school kids through a ministry called Hand 2 Hand. We support two area schools to fill the pantry that sends food home with kids for the weekend. Seems like a great ministry but I do wonder how the kids feel being the ones who need the food. Does it label them? It would be great to see families being made friends and invited to homes and invited to church to be mentored. I plan to ask our church coordinator about this.
Good questions, Chris!
Saturday:
12. What change have these last two weeks brought to your heart or life? I am becoming more aware of the ways the Lord can use me when I am self-forgetful and thinking about following the example Jesus gives us of hospitality in order to bring others in from outside the gate. I am greeting this Sunday and looking forward to helping someone new make a connection. I was at the hardware store on Friday and the gentleman helping me openly shared his sad story of 3 years of depression over his career change that occurred against his will. He has a heart for education and a teaching degree, but the politics in the schools led him away from that and now he is managing our local hardware store. He seemed still upset about this and as I listened I was keenly aware that the Lord put me there to hear his story. I did not try to have an agenda but just listened and tried to encourage. He made it known that he attended our local Christian school, so I spoke openly about how our identity can get tied to our workplace and how blessed the customers must be when they shop at his store due to the way he managed the store so well. I hope to have another interaction sometime and see how he is doing in his faith. It makes it fun to greet others with a hospitable manner when you can sense the Lord at work.
Another interesting encounter this week was when our fiber internet was installed. The installation men had accents and my son wanted to know where they were from. Because of our study I was curious to see if chatting with them would lead to any kind of opportunity for hospitality. The one man was from Moscow and shared that he lives here working for 6 months and then goes home. He apologized for his broken English, although I thought it was good. The second man was from Belarus. We didn’t get much time to talk but it made our day interesting and I am learning to ask questions and have a heart for hospitality.
That’s really nice. I love the way you were willing to actually relate with them. I love it for you Mama Chris
Thank you. I love hearing about the Lord’s work in your life as well! I love that we can have friends from afar through this study.
Saturday
12. What change have these last two weeks brought to your heart or life?
Usually, I’m always more open to taking people I know or people who know people I know in, because I don’t want it to be awkward. We’ll literally have nothing to say. But with these teachings, I’ve seen that I should always, ALWAYS be open to taking in even the stranger. To be hospitable to them. And not just physically. As a believer I should show God’s attribute of hospitality by preaching to the unbelievers and bringing them to God so that they can be taken in to our family. God’s home.
And like I said, some situations can be awkward, but I’ve learnt that when I allow myself to be a conduit of God’s grace through Hospitality Be wouldn’t let things get weird or awkward. All things would work out well the way it’s meant to work out.
That’s great, Eunice!
Got behind:
10. This is what I call a Keller ending, bring us back to the gospel. Can you explain how Jesus death is an impetus for us to go after people “outside the gate” and bring them in?
Jesus was crucified outside the gate so that through His death, He became the homeless one so He can bring us in from being exiled outside the gate.
11. What else stands out and why?
How Keller always brings back the gospel to all his messages. I pray I can be bold and wise to do the same, creating my own way of leading others to Jesus in a personal way.
Saturday:
12. What change have these last two weeks brought to your heart or life?
To be ready to practice hospitality like Jesus did without concern for its expenses and efforts, confident that God will open doors for me to do so and will provide what I need.