Just a Moment With Pastor Fred

I love the story of the family who had invited the pastor and his wife over for dinner one Saturday evening. Trying to show off, the woman of the house asked her 6 year old son to pray for the meal. A tad shy he said he didn’t know what to say. Mom said, “Just pray as you’ve heard me.” So the lad said, “Dear Lord, why did I invite pastor over tonight.” 

1 Pet 4:9, Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Peter was a realist, hospitality can become time consuming. And yet it is a command – not a suggestion. Hospitality is love in action. Within the family of God we discover relationships that surpass blood. Salvation unites us as family members. We open our hearts by opening our homes. It’s in our homes that we get to know each other – over the kitchen table with a cup of coffee or relaxed in the living room with a bowl of popcorn.

We at HBC need to make hospitality a priority, Rom 12:13, 

practice hospitality. We’re to think about it – plan for it, prepare for it, pray about it – seek opportunities in which to practice it. We must yield ourselves to it. Remember, hospitality isn’t to impress others – it’s done to express God’s love. The truth is if we don’t schedule it in our crowded calendars it won’t happen. Pick a time. Keep it simple – don’t think the house must be spotless or the food a 6-course meal. One of the greatest blessings our family enjoyed together when the kids were with us was the ministry of hospitality. They grew up expecting people to be in our home. It wasn’t an obligation – but a tremendous opportunity. What rich memories we share – the blessings have truly been ours.