It has been noted during this pandemic, many people are isolated

and lonely. Look around you—who is alone? Who could you reach

out and touch? It’s a part of our hospitality.

Psalm 68:6 (NLT)

“God places the lonely in families”…;

Although the world can be a very difficult and lonely place, the Lord watches out for the oppressed and the weary. God’s heart aches for children without a mother or a father, and He is con-cerned for the needs of the widowed. But not only does God care for these people, He calls His followers to care for them as well. Through His people, God reaches out to those who may be smil-ing on the outside but crying on the inside. God desires that all people experience the same fellowship He shares with the Son and the Spirit. Let us praise God that He cares for the oppressed.

LOVING FATHER, we praise You for bringing us into Your fami-ly. We thank You for the sisters and brothers You have given us through Your church. Open our eyes and our heart to those around us who are lonely and oppressed. Amen.

Will angels be welcome at your house?

SWRC Family Ministries Department

Pastor W. S. Lee, M.Div, D.Min

&

Wilma Kirk Lee, MSW, LCSW

Directors

2020 has been quite a confusing year! It’s the last part of July, and

NOTHING is like anyone anticipated, and it’s not anything like the

beginning of the year. Who could have imagined on January 1, 2020

that churches would be closed and services would be virtual? Yet,

here we are and there’s a good likelihood, your church is still offer-

ing virtual services. Have you ever considered we’re back where the

Christian church started? The early churches in the days of the

apostles, met in homes. Listen to what Peter tells us: “Be hospitable

to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift,

minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace

of God.” (1 Peter 4:9-10).

I know, you’re going to remind me about social distancing! Yet,

many of you live with your family: some families cover many gener-

ations. Do you have a hospitable home that could be considered a

church. Let’s define hospitality: Hospitality: The act or practice

of receiving and entertaining strangers or guests without reward,

or with kind and generous liberality. American Dictionary of

the English Language, Noah Webster, 1830.

Peter also bids us to be hospitable without grumbling. Our pride

often tempts us to feel imposed upon when we are asked to serve

others. But hospitality rendered with a truly humble spirit, without

pretense or pride, is a beautiful manifestation of the work of the

Spirit of God in the lives of His people. Through this happy labor we

are given the opportunity to touch other lives, promote peace within

the church and our families, witness and disciple, encourage those

who are laboring for the kingdom, uphold those who are suffering,

and comfort those in the midst of trials. What a privilege to be used

of God for such important things!

But...I have a tiny, messy house, no china, too few chairs, no gues-

troom, too many children, an obnoxious dog, very little free time,

and a minuscule food budget!

There are many challenges to providing hospitality, but we must not

let them become excuses. A little creative thinking can help us to

find solutions to our particular problems. We also need to examine

ourselves to determine if our biggest challenges might not be within

our homes, but rather, within our hearts. The focus of hospitality is on

our guests, not on our snazzy home decor, our immaculate housekeep-

ing, or our china and silver. Setting too high expectations for such

things is often a matter of pride.

Focusing on our guests is a good antidote for that problem. After all,

will our guests not enjoy themselves unless the ceiling is painted and

the carpet matches the wallpaper? Will their meal be ruined if it's

served on paper plates? Your guests will remember your conversation

and fellowship long after the plates and furniture are forgotten.

If we learn to be hospitable, we may find we experience the Presence

of the Lord in ways we never expected. Do you remember Abraham—

he extended hospitality and not only was he blessed, but his nephew—

who did not live in his house– was also blessed.

“Be ready with a meal or a bed when it’s needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it!” Hebrews 13:2 (MSG)

Real love for others produces tangible actions: hospitality to strangers

respect for your marriage vows and contentment with what you have

Make sure that your love runs deep enough to affect your hospitality,

empathy, fidelity, and contentment.

The author of Hebrews concludes the book with a series of instruc-

tions and exhortations for believers. Those who follow Christ are held

to a higher standard than those who do not follow Him. This higher

standard should manifest itself not only in a believer’s relationship

with God but in his or her relationships with other people as well. Be-

lievers should always look for the opportunity to show love and hospi-

tality to others.

Ages 3-6 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

Ages 7-12 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

I can focus on thingsI can control.

This is tough but soam I.

I can always ask forhelp.

Givesomeonea hug

Write ina journal

Hum orsing asong

I can try these things to feel better:

copyright big life journal - biglifejournal.com

I can move mybody by:

I can try thisbreathing activity:

I can listen to:

I can go outside and:

I can talk to: I can tell myself: