Tag: Hospitality

Today’s Word Is HOSPITALITY

Wed-Apr-15-2020

“The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” – N. D. Kalu (former NFL defensive lineman)

Several years ago, we bought a new home that suited our desires better. One thing we wanted to do was to entertain guests more often. Previously we had an open space on the main floor where a few people could hang out. Then there was a finished basement downstairs with another den. Now we have a one-level space with a larger gathering area.

The sale of the old and purchase of the new has a God-story in it. We understand that this is not “our” house … it belongs to God, as do all our possessions, along with ourselves. Thus, we are now able to  use our home for larger family gatherings and for entertaining more friends. A playroom next to the great room was part of the design to bless our grandkids, as well as the children of our visitors.

All of this is because we believe that the principle of hospitality is central to our Christian faith. We have hosted several people who have stayed with us a night or two or more in our new home. One had an apartment emergency and needed a place to stay temporarily. Another came as a guest after being incarcerated, and upon release needed temporary housing.

And we didn’t just start this recently. In many of our homes we have housed our parents, family members, and others for extended stays. But, of course, you should do hospitality your way. It doesn’t have to be large groups or extended stays. Maybe it is another couple for dinner, or a few friends occasionally, or even a weekly Bible study. All of this “social distancing” because of the Corona Virus has made us miss having guests. My wife and I can’t wait to get back to hosting friends and family.

If you are like us, then at some point along the way you will have to face your adversity to being inconvenienced, and finally submit to God’s little tests to see if you are willing to drop your selfishness, pride, and affinity to comfort in exchange for the chance to make a difference in someone else’s life. You will eventually forget most of your dislike for being inconvenienced and think more about the joy of serving others.

This is what it takes to have an attitude of hospitality. And leaving a legacy of hospitality will inspire others to do the same.

“Be sure to welcome strangers into your home. By doing this, some people have welcomed angels as guests, without even knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2 CEV)

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Christmas Word Is … HOSPITALITY

Mon-Dec-9-2019

Christmas is a family time. But there are those who don’t have family nearby or anyone with whom they can celebrate the holidays. What would you think of “adopting” someone who is very lonely at Christmas? Invite them over for dinner. Buy them a present, put it under the tree, and let them open it like everyone else in the family. Help them to be part of the family, included, wanted.

Many years ago, a family in the neighborhood where we lived befriended a woman who was living in the woods nearby. The parents and their teenage son and daughter ventured into the woods and introduced themselves. The homeless lady agreed to come to their home for Christmas dinner, where she received a wonderful meal, some items that helped her through the winter, and most of all … a sense of belonging.

In our home for the last several years, we have invited a certain lady to spend Christmas day with us. She has no local family to be with and would otherwise spend that special day alone. She opens her presents from under the tree just like the rest of us.

In biblical days, God’s people were taught this: “‘If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them as you would a foreigner and stranger, so they can continue to live among you.” (Leviticus 25:35) This applies to us as well.

The town of Bethlehem must have been jammed with people forced to travel there for the census. Wherever it was that Joseph and Mary sought out accommodations, someone took seriously God’s directive to be hospitable. And if there was no “room,” then a substitute must be found. So, Mary and Joseph ended up in someone’s barn. We have been taught to think of that as terrible. But not necessarily so.

In the inn or “house” there were probably many people, sleeping everywhere, noisy and boisterous. The choice of the stable gave them privacy and quiet. And most of all … it fit the story God wanted to tell, one of humble surroundings and solitude, including a manger for a baby bed. The shepherds would have felt quite at home, and the wise men were far more interested in the Holy One they sought than the nature of the surroundings.

Hospitality, generosity, and humility are all close to the heart of God. Why not take someone in who is in need of hospitality and family … even just for one meal?

You could make someone’s year!

Chaplain Mark

Other Verses:

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:35-36)

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:13)

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (Luke 2:1-7)