This is the fifth of seven devotions and music videos
with the theme from Galatians 5:22
"The Fruit of the Spirit is Goodness / Hospitality
SOWING HOSPITALITY
by
Rebecca Cooley
(Adapted from 1 Corinthians 13:7; 16:10-11)
We were traveling years ago and arrived at a pastor's home for a meeting. We would be there for a very short time and was excited about ministry and fellowship. The first evening the pastor said, "Now, we are not going to entertain you. We are busy people and don't have much time." I know that he must have meant well and it was his way of saying, make yourselves at home but we immediately felt uncomfortable and sensed we were in the way. The first morning, we were on our own.
When we make people feel bad or slighted, we are making Jesus feel bad. But when we make people feel valuable and good, we are not only making making them feel good but we are making Jesus feel good and we are getting involved in the currency of heaven. The currency of heaven is love. When we extend love, we are depositing into our heavenly account. We don't make withdrawals from this account. Instead, God sends blessings from the overflow of this account, some 30, some 60 and some 100 fold.
Paul sent Timothy to the Corinthians to minister and to fellowship. Paul told his host to see to it that Timothy was put at ease and made to feel comfortable when he arrives. He told them not to slight him or make him feel less than valuable and when his visit was over, to send him on his way in peace.
How much more should we follow these instructions of Paul on a daily basis? Paul also says that loves bears up under everything that comes and is ever ready to believe the best of every person. When we extend love to another individual, we are depositing currency into a heavenly account that God will use to send blessings to us in every area of our lives.
Father, love has hope and so do I. Love is enduring and I show endurance when I show love. As I walk through my day today and connect with all kinds of people, I am going to believe the best in them. I am going to tolerate the difficulties that are presented to me today by people and love them. I am going to make deposits into my heavenly account today.
"Child, my love never fails and my love extended through you never fails. You are valuable to me and when you make others feel valuable, you bring me much joy."
© LoveWalkPublishing
Rebecca Ann Cooley
All Rights Reserved
WHEN TIMOTHY ARRIVES
Devotion: Sowing Hospitality
(Adapted from 1 Corinthians 13:7; 16:10-11)
Verse:
When Timothy arrives see to it
That you put him at ease, see to it
When Timothy arrives see to it
That no one despises him or slights him
When Timothy arrives
Chorus:
Let everything you do be done in love
Let everything you do be inspired
By God's love for us,
By God's love working through us,
By God;s love for us,
By God's love working through us.
Bridge:
Don't manipulate;
Don't intimidate,
Don't you dominate
These tactics are based in fear
These tactics are not based in love
© LoveWalkMusic
WordsAndMusic by KentCliffordCooley
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