HOSPITALITY
Matthew 11:28
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
The climb is a tough one. We started at 10,000 ft and in less than a 1/2 mile we were at 11,000 ft. If you've never hunted or climbed in mountains, that's a steep and rough climb.
At this point my brother Dave saw an overlook ahead and headed for it. As we walked out onto the point where we could see you miles up and down the Perdido Creek basin. Dave almost immediately name the place, "The crows nest". "The crows nest became our regular resting place. I don't remember a time that we went up that mountain that we didn't stop and rest on that point. Nearly everyone that came to the ranch was treated to a view from the "The crows nest". There was something special about the place. It not only provided physical rest, but more importantly it provided emotional and spiritual rest.
In 2 Kings 4, we read a story of a Shunem woman who gave meals to the prophet Elisha as he traveled through their area. Then she had so much concern for this man of God that she had her husband build him his own room in their house so he always had a place to rest and refresh.
In 1 Peter 4:9 it tells us that all have a responsibility to be hospitable to one another. We are called to live to be hospitable to brothers and sisters as well as to strangers. Some are called beyond occasional hospitality but to a life and ministry of hospitality.
"Be hospitable to one another without complaint." (1 Peter 4:9)
The last couple days Linda and I were treated to amazing hospitality, rest and refreshing at a home aptly named "The Shunem House." The house and the people are being used by God in amazing ways to offer much needed rest and refreshment for those that are serving Him in ministry and missions.
Again, 1 Peter 4:9 calls all of us to be hospitable, listen carefully to that verse. Similarly, if you have a gift of hospitality, use it to God's glory. When you put that gift to God's use you could be refreshing the changing lives and elevating God's ministry. Likewise you will be blessed for listening to God's word.
Help achieve the mission - GIVE today
Click the button to sign up for Dean’s Daily Devotional. FREE and delivered daily.