Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 25 November 2020

Given to Hospitality

 

For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
(Titus 1:5-9)

 

Today’s Morsel:  One of the distinguishing marks of a true Christian is hospitality. You cannot be a true ‘Cross Bearer’ without giving to hospitality.  Paul told the church at Rome, “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.(Romans 12:9-13)  He cautions them not only to help the saints but to also give hospitality.  Invite others in.  They must be ready to offer and cheerfully entertain even strangers.  This is a duty that we see frequently in the scriptures.  In Hebrews 13:2, we are told “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby many have entertained angels unawares;”  Peter tells us in 1 Peter 4:9, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”  And Paul again makes it the duty of a Christian bishop, “A bishop then must ...be given to hospitality;” “and a lover of hospitality” 1 Timothy 3:2  and Titus 1:8. That stranger just might be the person that changes your life forever.  Do you love hospitality?  It is a requirement that Jesus give us.  

Sing:  You are welcome in the place mighty God, You are welcome in the place Abba Father,  You alone deserve our praise, to You our voice we raise, You are welcome in this place mighty God.

Thought For Today:  Does your welcome mat means what it says.


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