Lydia: Called to Serve: Showing Generous Hospitality

 

The Heart of God.

 

Focus On Eternal Life: 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, ¹⁸ while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

The trials and tribulations we are suffering while here on earth pale in comparison to the glory we will receive when we get to heaven. Things in this life are temporary, but the unseen eternal is forever. Revelation 21:4 confirms this statement by stating, And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 

Standing Firm on Our Faith: Hebrews 10:23-25

 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day as approaching.

I write this message as a source of encouragement to my brothers and sisters to stand fast in our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Regardless of our situation, we must hold fast to the profession of our faith. In doing so, we reaffirm our trust and confidence in God and His promises of never to leave nor forsake His own; all believers are children of God.

As we stand fast in our faith, we encourage our brothers and sisters who may lack the same level of confidence as we do. We encourage our fellow men in words, doing good deeds such as if there is a physical need, then meet that need or calling them on the telephone to say hi and or bring a smile to the person. We can always pray for our brothers and sisters as well as provide and share a scripture verse. We also offer encouragement by inviting them to meet me at church to worship and fellowship together.

As we interact with one another, we will further enhance our spiritual growth and our spiritual fruit manifestation, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. They are love, kindness, joy, peace, longsuffering, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

Showing love to one another is one of the hallmarks of the Christian church and our obedience to the commandment of Christ to love one another.

 

Be willing to forgive and Help One Another: Galatians 6:1-2

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which is spiritual, restore such a (an) one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.  Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Today, it appears that sin has overtaken the world, and there are no good people in the world. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God; therefore, we must be willing to forgive and restore our fellow man who has been overtaken by sin (a fault). Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior forgave us of our sins through His atoning death on the cross. What this means is that there was a point in our lives where we were dead to sin with no hope of restoration, but thanks to Jesus’ willingness to bear our sins and give us right standing with our heavenly Father.

We are encouraged to look past our fellowman’s faults and, when he/she has a need, fulfill that need to the best of our abilities. In doing so, we will be fulfilling the Law of Christ.

God, Our Refuge

Psalm 9:9, The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. The Lord God is our refuge; our siding place; therefore, let us cover ourselves in His love, grace, and mercy.

The Lord Is My Shepherd