But deep down I knew God does not play cruel jokes. He had us read Butterfield’s book as a church for a purpose: because the world was about to suffer in ways it had never suffered before, at least on a global scale. Human connection was about to come under severe attack and God was prepping us to handle the aftermath…
Read MoreDying to self involves handing our plans over to God, knowing that whatever He wills to do with them is for His glory and our good. To be clear, it is not inherently wrong to make plans. In fact, there can be much wisdom in planning. However, the heart-revealing question to ask when we start to formulate an agenda is this: are my plans held with clenched fists, or open hands that are willing to submit to whatever God tells me to do?..
Read MoreJesus and His disciples were radical in their willingness to associate with the outcasts of society; yet they did so through the very ordinary means of eating and drinking with them. In contrast, the Pharisees grumbled about this, seeing Jesus’ association with tax collectors as repugnant…
Read MoreThe best and easiest way to show this love and care is to ignore any weird pressures around hospitality and simply be yourself in front of the people who find themselves in your space. This is hard to do if you aren’t accustomed to it. It takes a willingness to get over some things, namely yourself and your means. But if you are willing to practice, you can overcome the tension you feel when people show up at the door, which will leave you free to relax and enjoy people…
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