Totally radical!

This month we are on a series entitled Radical Hospitality from the book entitled, The 5 Practices of Fruitful Congregations by Robert Schnase.

This past Sunday we took a look at Luke 10:1-11, 17-20. Seventy followers were sent out on a mission with nothing to take with them. They were instructed only to offer peace as they entered a house. If the household accepts and shares in that peace, remain there. Eat and drink what is offered while curing the sick and sharing with them the Kingdom of God. If they do not welcome you, basically, walk away, still sharing that the Kingdom has come near.

Motel 6 is a very welcoming place. They offer basic conveniences at an affordable price. They will provide for you what you may need during your stay. They even advertise to keep the light on for you! They truly welcome your stay. They are radical in their hospitality. This hospitality can be abused at times. A guest may feel they need an extra towel or two at home. Or perhaps since there is coffee available, one may want to fill their thermos before hitting the road.

As we seek ways to be radically hospitable to anyone we meet, we must not be surprised by rejection and abuse. After all, wasn't Jesus rejected and abused? He laid down his life for all of us who were still yet sinners. That is radical hospitality if you ask me! It is this grace and forgiveness that Jesus offers that we need to share.

As Rev. Gordon Myers put it, hospitality is a virtue. "Radical hospitality is part of our life, not and extension of our life." It is a Christian virtue, "to give of ourselves and to love our neighbor". Yes, we may be rejected or even abused, but we must not make that an issue. We pray for and let God work in those situations. Love for neighbor is still very much in order!

May you be a radical blessing to someone this week.

God has desires too

This past Sunday we looked at God's plans, desires, and purposes in our lives. What does each of those mean to us? This lesson was based on the prophet Jeremiah's experience as he watched the potter working at his wheel. (Jer. 18:1-11). The potter planned to make a pot, however, as he was working, it spoiled in his hand and he reworked it into another vessel. The word was given to Jeramiah, "Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel..."

I found in this lesson, God can change his plans. He is the Almighty and can do as he sees fit, however, in conjunction with that, I believe he looks upon us with love and compassion. It is with this love and compassion that he has for His creation, His deepest desire is to have a relationship with us. This is why He sent His Son for us.

I confess, when I have a plan, I move forward and find my only desire it to accomplish the plan. I am grateful God is not so focused on His plan that He forgets the main purpose...a desired relationship. When I find I am willing to have the same desire as He does, it is then I feel His hands forming and shaping me to be more like Him.

God's purposes are being carried out through those willing to be formed, shaped and molded into His likeness. This process can be painful as the old is removed and new things are put in place, but the freedom in being transformed is indescribable!

For me I find it refreshing not to worry so much about "God's plan for my life" anymore. I find peace and freedom knowing God has the "constant ability to take my messes and breathe in His purpose" which satisfies His desire for a closer relationship.

Where are you? Does your plan, purpose or desire line up with God's?

Peace,
Tina

What do you worship?

I recently read a blog post created by one of Rockport's own young adults...regarding worship.

This is what I choose to share this day:

http://alexwelsh.wordpress.com/2010/08/26/what-do-you-worship/