Bible Verse: Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:8
Indwell is an amazing charity that provides affordable housing. It began with a couple propelled by God’s love. They welcomed someone off the street into their spare room.
Indwell recently ran a pilot program where they took in some of the “hardest to house” individuals in Hamilton (think of the most troublesome homeless folks). These individuals were the cause of hundreds of 911 calls each year. After being housed and finding a home in the Indwell community, that number was reduced to almost zero!
Charles Spurgeon reportedly carried in his pocket a list of 100 people who didn’t know Christ and whom he prayed for daily. Most were converted by his death, and the few holdouts by the end of his funeral!
Nicky Gumbel was an arrogant lawyer who initially refused both God’s healing (for his athlete’s foot) and God’s call to salvation. He’s since become one of the world’s most influential leaders of a team evangelism approach (Alpha).
These beautiful stories are about open hearts, homes, and mouths. Spurgeon carried that list and persevered in prayer because he loved those who didn’t walk with Christ. Indwell began with an open home. Gumbel and Alpha’s witness is all about open mouths that share the Gospel.
We all love these stories and long to see them happen in our midst.
Now, we cannot control the outcomes of living missionally, and we can’t make people follow Jesus or control the rate at which life change occurs.
“…we cared for you. Because we loved (heart) you so much, we were delighted to share (mouth) with you not only the gospel of God but our lives (home) as well.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8)
What we can do is open our hearts. Ask God to break your heart for what breaks His and fill your heart with His love.
We can make space in our homes. Invite others into sacred areas like our Christmas or birthday dinners. For most, North America is a lonely place, and mission is about inviting people into a family, not just a church.
We can also open our mouths. The Gospel really is the good news of Christ, so let’s share!
Prayer: Lord, I need to know You better and love You more. Help me open my heart, home, and mouth. Let Your kingdom come, and Your will be done. Amen
Reflection: Which of these (open heart, open home, and open mouth) is the most natural for you, and which is the hardest? Why?
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