Daily Devotional for April 27, 2023

Yesterday afternoon, I as I walked through the church office, I saw two of our super volunteer van drivers.  Since I was going to get a bottle of water I asked if they wanted one.  Rosiland declined but Larry said, “You got any beer?”

I looked in the refrigerator but there wasn’t any.  Larry was very disappointed.

This got me thinking.

One of the hallmarks of being a Christian institution is that we are hospitable.  That’s why we offer water and coffee to everyone who walks through the doors of Dennis Hall.  This includes members, visitors, people needing assistance and our venders.

This small, simple gesture communicates concern and worth.  It matters.

Now don’t get me wrong.  We aren’t going to start stocking the church refrigerators with beer, but we will continue to find ways to show hospitality in this inhospitable world.

On Sunday mornings, we have people who walk through the doors of our church for the first time.  Are we hospitable?  Do we make sure they feel welcomed and valued?  Do we go out of our way to make sure our visitors know we are glad they are with us?  If not, then we aren’t doing our jobs as followers of Jesus Christ.

The writer of Hebrews said, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”  (Hebrews 13:2)

I want the angels to say we are a hospitable church.  It’s up to us to make it that way.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, centuries ago, your Son said, “Just as you have done it to the least of these, you have done it to me.”  I pray my interactions with others reflect my love for you.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Next Sunday, we will see visitors in our church.  When we welcome them in, we welcome God. 

Also, just for the record, I told Rosiland, I would only use Larry’s first name.  That way, no one would know which Larry I was talking about.  I am very smart.

In addition, I had Pete proof this devotional.  He said, “I’m with Larry.”

This got me thinking….

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins