If you have found your way here from my devotion published today at Proverbs 31 Ministry (click here), thank you for stopping by. We open our door wide and say “Welcome!” I pray you are refreshed here. “…refresh my heart in Christ.” Philemon 1:20
Today’s devotion, “The Guest List”, is a practical application of “godly guest list etiquette” from Luke 14:13-14 that the Lord put on my heart several years ago. Just as the Master invites us (the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind) to dine at the King’s table of eternal life, we can extend His love to others (who are poor, crippled, lame or blind) through the blessing of receiving an invitation. Ministering to His “least of these” by opening the door to your heart and home honors Him. “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” Proverbs 14:31
Your invitation and hospitality can soften hurt and hardened hearts to hear and receive the Gospel of God’s love. God does not want any to perish. He desires that His house may be full. As you invite unsuspecting guests to be your guests of honor, be sure to share the Gospel of Christ with them as the main course. May they be seated and feast at the King’s table forever! “Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love him?” James 2:5
Sharing your heart, hospitality and home is a wonderful way of splashing others in God’s gracious love. For a little fun here on Thanksgiving, I’d like to give the gift of Karen Ehman’s book “A Life That Says Welcome” to one visitor who leaves a comment! What do you do on Thanksgiving? What’s your favorite part of the meal? Who are you looking forward to seeing most? Have you invited any “guests of honor” to join your gathering? Answer one of these questions in your comment (be sure to include e-mail or contact information if it is not in your blogger profile). The recipient of the gift will be announced in a few days!
Do you feel crippled or lame today? The King is inviting you to come and dine with Him. He will renew, restore and refresh you. Open wide the door to your heart and receive His invitation. “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” Jeremiah 31:25
“Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” Luke 14:15
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? James 2:1-5
Please give your book to someone else.
I just want you to know how much I adore and love you! I am blessed and thanking God for His introduction over a year ago! I praise Him for the time He gave us three weeks ago to see each other even for a little while – to hug you and smile with you!
Sharon you are a treasure and I thank God for the heart of love for the brethren He has given you!
May your holiday season by full of His grace, peace, joy and love!
Much love from our family to yours!
Jill
Dear Sharon,
We travel around the country with my husband's job so Thanksgiving is usually a different opportunity every year as to who God blesses us to be with. This year however the work ran out so we opted to make a mad dash for home (22 hr drive with a visit with friends in TN along the way) Thankfully our old van managed to bring the six of us home despite all its ailments. God is so good. As I ran out to the store for food, and my husband tried to repair the van, my kids after greeting their friends said to me, "Mom who are we having over for thanksgiving? Is it just going to be us?" Since our plans had changed last minute, (we were originally to be celebrating up north), I had not thought ahead who to invite. Our usual friends already all had plans then I read your devotional. I thought "oh Lord please use us to bless someone who is hurting today". So even though it is last minute, I plan on inviting the family across the street who are going thru a difficult divorce. Maybe they'll say yes. If not, I'll keep trying.
You posted this verse on your blog :"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Jeremiah 31:25 and I realized that even if they are not available, I have a very weary and burdened husband who God is calling us to minister to as well. So regardless of the outcome, God will use this time to bless those around us or those under our very own roof.
We may be weary but we are so grateful for God's Love and His blessings. And I am so grateful for you and the other women from Proverbs 31 ministry that have encouraged me so much on our life on the road.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Loretta
Thanksgiving is a blast at our house, we have four boys 6 and under. My parents come over or my husbands sister family & mother in law…so we have a houseful..
My favorite part is just having all the family together!!!
Then the turkey (my hubby brines & seasons with a rub…) then the pumpkin pie or maybe my sister in loves sweet potato casserole.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, my friend!
Thanks for sharing your wisdom and love with the world the way you do.
Happy Thanksgiving. I've enjoyed working on Titus 2 with you and the other writers. I think it is going well so far.
My favorite part of Thanksgiving? We have two kids that are on their own now (on still in college, so she is only partly independent yet). But, they make it home for several days of Thanksgiving (and also for Christmas). It is great all of us hanging out together.
And my wife does an excellent job with the meal, so I have to add that I love a good drumstick!
Happy Thanksgiving.
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Sharon! We are having a wonderful time here in Iowa with hubby's family. It was relaxing not to have to cook or clean up! But I did feel alittle home sick after dinner when we were sitting and I realized all my extended family was somewhere else eating without me!
I was most looking forward to seeing my mother-in-love, because I only see her twice a year. She is wonderful!!!
I just wanted to stop by and say "Hi!" Congrats to whomever wins the book….
Blessings to you and your family!!!
I was so tickled to read your devotional at Encouragement Today–the other day! It was so wonderful!! Your writing and friendship are such a blessing to me!
We just got home from Tenn. for a great Thanksgiving with Craig's family. Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful!
Hugs!
Susan
I think Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love Christmas too, but I like the more laid back time of Thanksgiving with family. We have a small home, and I have to admit that I've not invited others into my home at times because things don't look as perfect as I want etc… Hate admitting that! I know it isn't what Christ wants me to feel. I've gotten better over the years though.
This Thanksgiving my daughters and family were able to come home to be with us. Everything went wonderfully except for the exploding lasagna dish that came out of the oven and was placed on a stove top burner that was on. Thankfully, no one was hurt as the glass dish blew apart and went everywhere. My son-in-laws quickly took over and ran out for pizza! At first I cried a few tears, feeling like a hospitality failure, but then we all were able to laugh together about it and everyone said this is a Thanksgiving we will all remember and smile about. I thank God for a close family who all love one another. Next week I'm going to blog about it and have some funny pictures to go along with it.
God is sooo Good to us,
Lee Ann