Ready to Entertain an Angel?

Genesis 23:10-12 (MSG)
  Ephron was part of the local Hittite community. Then Ephron the Hittite spoke up, answering Abraham with all the Hittites who were part of the town council listening:
  "Oh no, my master! I couldn't do that. The field is yours—a gift. I'll give it and the cave to you. With my people as witnesses, I give it to you. Bury your deceased wife."
  Abraham bowed respectfully before the assembled council

When reading the interchange between Ephron and Abraham, one would think the grieving man was not thinking straight. Ephron offered to freely give him the land, but Abraham insisted on paying a fair price. But this was a custom in that time. Each man knew how this transaction would end. Each man was honoring the other.

Hospitality isn't merely the nice thing to practice. No, there is an entire Hospitality Industry in our world. When was the last time you stayed in a motel? How were you welcomed? What did you find when you entered your room? Did you find any indication that you were not only wanted but expected? Was there a mint on your pillow, or maybe even a complimentary coupon for breakfast?

Part of extending hospitality to another is to show respect. A stranger may seem strange, but that is only because they are not familiar to us - yet. Once we take the time to get to know them we are able to embrace our similarities and appreciate the differences. Sometimes, it is those very differences which make the person endearing.

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 (NIV) 

Hospitality is defined as the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. Hospitality is not only making a stranger feel welcome, it begins by noticing them. We all want to be acknowledged. It is important we feel welcome and accepted when entering a new environment.  Everyone was once a stranger until we got to know them - even our best friend.

Genesis 23:10-12

Acts 9: 10-15

The Story of Ananias

Who? The Journey Bible (NIV) describes him this way; Ananias: 1. The husband of Sapphira; he was struck dead for lying to God  2. disciple who baptized Saul  3. The high priest before whom Paul was tried in Jerusalem

So Ananias was in good standing with God, and then he wasn't, and then he was, and then he wasn't. That sounds familiar doesn't it!

At one point in his life, Ananias was used by God in one of the most significant transformations recorded in the bible-Saul converting from God hater and Christian killer to a Christ following disciple willing to speak out and suffer intensely in the name of the Lord. (Paul)

We all fall in and out of God’s favor, as we allow our human desires and tendencies to control our thoughts and actions.  His grace however, always remains and regardless of our sin, we can be used by God.

Ananias was instructed by God to go to Saul. He did not want to go. Ananias had heard about all the terrible things Saul had done and of his murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He did as God called him to do though, and through him, Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit and was changed.

It is difficult to imagine the Lord using us to deliver the Holy Spirit to others in this way, but it happens. Regular God loving folks like you and I are used as vehicles for God’s purpose all the time.  We may need to approach scary and uncomfortable people or situations for His purpose. We might be stretched far beyond our comfort zone only to feel our actions are futile, but often we are not meant to see the difference we make. The result of our actions may not surface for years, and perhaps we will never know one way or the other, but it doesn't matter. We are to simply  follow Jesus' example, and let the Holy Spirit guide us to where God wants us to be.

Live, Love, Reach out. Our actions may change the life of another,....... for eternity!

Read/Listen to Acts 9:10-15

Pray. Give. Go.

The Mission Challenge

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. Acts 1:9

The apostles heard the last words of Jesus just before He ascended into heaven. What an incredible honor, accompanied by an assignment of amazing significance and responsibility!

The words of verse 8, a variation of what is often called the “Great Commission,” offer a purpose and direction for all of Jesus’ followers. Jesus was saying, Go! Do not stand and watch my cloud dissolve into the evening sky. Get out there and make a difference for others, as I have for you.

When I realized my next assignment was addressing Acts 1:8, my thoughts went immediately to the Acts 1:8 Ministry I have heard so much about. I then realized how much I didn’t know, so of course, I Googled it.

 Their Home Page reads:

God is seeking to enter the heart of every person on this planet, but many Christians are intimidated by the idea of sharing their faith. Planned Acts of Christian Kindness (P.A.C.K.®) operates on a simple premise, sharing our faith in practical ways by being an example for Christ.

Reach out!

We are not all preachers, missionaries, or speakers, but we do have God given gifts the Lord expects us to use for His purpose. Perhaps Acts 1:8 Ministry is just the ticket for some of us to get started.

Acts 1:8 Ministry offers a FREE Christian outreach program to churches, organizations and individuals. 

Every day as we walk out of our homes, we are entering the mission fields. Each encounter we have with others opens a door to share the love of Christ with others. What are we waiting for? 

“It’s Time For Us To Do Something!”

Read/Listen to Acts 1:8

Watch and Listen to: It’s Time For Us To Do Something by Mathew West

Check out Acts 1:8 Ministry