Throughout the New Testament, there are several verses which speak about showing hospitality to others. In 1 Peter 4:9, we are told, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” Two other passages list  hospitality as a requirement for leaders in the church. There are numerous examples of people who showed hospitality to others, in the Bible. Think of Mary and Martha, who with their brother, Lazarus, received Jesus into their home! Later, we see believers opening their homes to other Christians as thy traveled through each area. And in Romans 12:13, we read that we should be “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

“Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of Thy countenance. In Thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in Thy righteousness shall they be exalted. For Thou art the glory of their strength: and in Thy favor our horn shall be exalted. For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our King.” ~Psalm 89:15–18~
 
My sister’s diligent efforts in studying for the local Bible Bee competition culminated in a grand vacation to Bible Bee Nationals which our entire family was able to enjoy. Thus, on this particular November day, I found myself in a dazzling hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois, surrounded by godly, likeminded believers who truly treasured God’s Word.

I was in the process of running an errand when I overheard a conversation between two young men on the hotel elevator. One of them, having noticed the other’s Bible Bee contestant shirt, asked, “How is your test day going?” When the contestant replied that all seemed to be going well, the young man continued, “Are you ready to dominate the Bible?”

I felt stunned. Immediately, my heart was filled with grief and disappointment at the sound of one esteeming God’s Word in such an irreverent manner. As if any mere human could possibly supersede God’s holy, inerrant, immutable Word! How I longed to lovingly but firmly refute his statement! Before my mind could collect a response, however, the contestant spoke up, smiling in obvious earnestness: “I don’t believe the Bible can be dominated.”

Visibly embarrassed, the other young man made feeble attempts to rectify his original statement. “Well, yeah,” he stammered, “but, well, be dominated by the Bible . . . you know what I mean.”

As the elevator reached its destination, the contestant thought for one brief moment before he said, “I do want my life to be controlled by God’s Word.”

​[I want to clarify that the National Bible Bee in no way endorses or facilitates inappropriate attitudes toward God’s Word. Rather, the contestant’s response in this story is a more accurate picture of what God is using the Bible Bee to work in families all across the nation. The person who made the other statement was not even enrolled in the Bible Bee, and I do believe that he did not intend to be irreverent toward God’s Word. He seemed caught up in the excitement of the event, and simply used the wrong words. However, the object lesson I gained from the situation became the foundation for others, including this article.]

Hello Girls,
  
For my family, hospitality is very important. And I can’t say that we have always done hospitality the same way, which is why I would like to share my stories and some suggestions of hospitality.
  
First of all, hospitality and family boils down to the same thing: to bring glory to God. Then it is clear to see that:
  
​The family is powerful.

There is a drastic difference between the ways of the world and the teachings of the Bible. While the world promotes rebellion, independence, and disrespect for authority, the Bible teaches submission and honor. While pride and “me first” attitudes are common in the world, the Bible way is to humbly prefer others before ourselves. The list could go on—in music, dress, attitude, yes—in every area of life—God’s ways, and the world’s, are in opposition.

Besides being an excellent ministry opportunity, hospitality provides a great foundation for building healthy Have you ever wanted to have a family ministry that was based in your own home? Look no further than your own front door! Hospitality is a fantastic way to bless others while still being able to stay at home and work together as a family. Galatians 6:10 says: “Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those of the household of faith.”

Sigh! Do you have the habit of allowing sighs to escape your lips throughout the day? Have you ever thought to consider that little gesture? Most of the time they transpire without our realizing. I was convicted about sighs recently and would like to share with you what the Lord revealed to me. Are they only harmless little puffs of air?
   
​What type of sigh do you utter?

Thanks to God!
(by August Ludwig Storm, translated by Carl E. Backstrom)
 
Thanks to God for my Redeemer, Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a mem’ry, Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, cheerful springtime, Thanks for summer, winter, fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten, Thanks for peace within my soul!
 
Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered, Thanks for what Thou dost deny!
Thanks for storms that I have weathered, Thanks for all Thou dost supply!
Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure, Thanks for comfort in despair!
Thanks for grace that none can measure, Thanks for love beyond compare!
 
Thanks for roses by the wayside, Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for homes and thanks for fireside, Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow, Thanks for heavenly peace with Thee!
Thanks for hope for the tomorrow, Thanks through all eternity!
 
      “O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever.”
—1 Chronicles 16:34

      “By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.”—Hebrews 13:15
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      “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:18

With fervor, the young lady scrubbed the dirty dinner pot. She was growing frustrated with the seemingly enormous stack of dishes that awaited her attention, for she wanted to finish a sewing project after kitchen duties were completed. Her siblings had vanished after the meal was over, leaving her alone to clean up. Sharon inwardly grumbled in self-pity, when her thoughts were shocked to silence when her mom walked in the kitchen with a sober face. Her announcement was startling.

​While I am grateful for this opportunity to praise the Lord for saving me, I am pondering how to fit a collection of thoughts, feelings, and lessons into one tiny article! The more I grow in Him, the more obvious His mercy becomes to me, and I am eternally thankful for His love and mercy. Every day the Lord grows and teaches me. Salvation is only the beginning of our journey with Him!