PRAISE GOD WITH HOSPITALITY!
"Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:9-11 KJV)
Praising God is not limited to worship. clapping, singing and dancing. Being hospitable is a way of praising God. When you attend to the needs of others, in return God attends to your needs.
Hospitality is being favourably disposed to treating others in a cordial and generous manner. Hospitality is an act of open mindedness! The scripture above commands us as believers to be hospitable to one another without complaining. I like the Message Bible translation of this verse
"Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless-cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it:"
Hospitality is giving food to the hungry, a bed to the homeless and welcoming a stranger with open hands. When you are generous to people God sees it as an act of praise. Remember that praise attracts blessings,therefore your being hospitable makes you a candidate for blessings. As God's oracle and minister,it is expected that everything you do should be as unto the Lord. The last part of our opening scripture says, when you are hospitable in all things,God will be glorified through Jesus Christ and your hospitality will bring praises and dominion to God for ever and ever.
Remember the story of Lazarus where praise and thanksgiving brought Lazarus back to life. Another woman named Dorcas came back to life by simply praising God through hospitality.
"And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up." (Acts 9:37, 39, 40 KJV).
The way the Lord Jesus lifted up His eyes at Lazarus tomb was the same way the things Dorcas gave in hospitality were lifted up for her restoration. The Bible says, Peter put forth those gifts to give God reasons why she should live.
Hospitality is an act of praise and praise has power over untimely death. Every act of hospitality preserves you and all that belongs to you. Henceforth include hospitality as part of your praise and worship unto God. Be kind hearted to those around you and be generous to all men.
TONIGHT'S RESPONSE.
Show someone hospitality from today as your act of praise unto God.
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