In light of the day’s reading, pause to reflect on the specific areas you long to see made new and how Jesus’s ministry calls us to join in that restoration. Let these shape your prayers today.
Jesus sought out the sinners and those on the edges of society to eat at His table. So we reach out with our words and actions, inviting others to join us in the good news of the King’s table, toward the promised end when God’s people are welcomed fully into His presence.
After you’ve read, spend some time in prayer about what you can do to invite others into God’s presence. Comment/share with the community anything that stood out to you or encouraged you from the reading or your time in prayer.
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57 thoughts on "A Ministry of Invitation"
This is the 3rd time in a day I’ve heard / read the story of the woman washing Jesus feet. Praying for understanding of the message and what the lord is trying to teach me through it .
Thank you for your forgiveness God
Forgot to comment yesterday.. so I am doing it today!
James 2:10
*Wow! This is convicting and humbling in such a GOOD way!!! Thank you for this revelation, adjustment and reminder!! So thankful for You God!!
James 2:12-13
*speak and act through love, Christ’s love (the law of freedom) He redeems and restores us to God!! May we live the greatest commandment (love) out!! Thank You Father for Your mercy and for Your judgment!! Thank You that You triumph over ALL!!! So Grateful!!
Luke 14:18
*excuses… my flesh loves excuses!! And they are one of the easiest things to fall prey to!! Lord help me not to excuse myself but to subject myself to You!! Give me an unquenching desire to please You and to attend to anything that You ask of me!! Help me to stop at the sound of Your voice, wait and obey!! Keep me tapped and tuned in with You, always prepared (I think of the 10 virgins and their lamps) and waiting with joy and faith-filled expectancy!! Thank You Father!! Amen!!
Luke 7:41-48
*This woman’s love for Jesus and how she displays it… Wow!! It gets me every time!! She doesn’t care AT ALL how others look at or perceive her, she only cares that she gets to show her love for Jesus!! Wow!! May I be more like this woman!! I also love the reminder that those who are forgiven much, love much!!! It reminds me that ALL sin is the same in God’s eyes, whether it is pride, stubbornness, a harsh word, idolatry, sexual deviancy or murder, it is all the same!! And this reminds me that there is SO much that God forgives me of every single day, hourly & minute by minute!! It humbles me in such a good way!! Thank You Father! Amen.
Mark 10:15
*I love the reminder to be childlike, a child gives you their whole heart, complete trust and joy!! Help me to be more childlike God!! I also love the reminder that we are children of God! May we act and live like we are!! Amen.
Mercy over judgment.
I strived to treat everyone the same. I pray that I can be convicted if I am not or if I judge before I know the person
It always amazes me that our God sent Jesus to us to remind us that everyone is welcome at the table. That even when you sin, you are still welcome. That if you repent and have enough faith to believe you are welcome in the arms of our Lord.
Happy Thursday ladies! I agree I am so open to accepting certain people who I have empathy for like my cancer patients but yet I have the HARDEST time accepting a coworker who’s not the easiest to work with. I don’t know why I can be like that and I pray to do better everyday. Thank you all so much for the prayers! I am so so nervous and have even shed some tears today haha.
I’m encouraged by the desire of mercy instead of sacrifice. Thank goodness that is not what God wants most from me. He wants to give me unconditional forgiveness. I was convicted by the banquet story this time because I’m afraid I am all too often the one that is too busy to dine with or be in the presence of Jesus. Lord increase my passion and make you my Priority!!
A creditor had two debtors. One owned little, and one owed much. The one that is forgiven much is capable of loving his/her forgiver much more. I think about this in the context of marriage. Marriage is the context how we relate to God and relate to the faulty significant other (just like us). I see a vast difference between a God-centered marriage, and a secular one. The one where Godly principles are followed and obeyed, forgiveness is sown, and the husband loves the wife much more, for he was forgiven much (and vice versa, the wife loves her husband much more when he puts away her wrongs and visits that no more). In the secular marriage, bitterness and resentment is a stronghold, stemming from comparison of efforts, chores & income contributions, love drowns in the absence of forgiveness. The one who is forgiven much, loves much. Forgiveness sets the capacity of love. Much forgiveness, much love. Who is without fault?
On this note, would you please pray for my parents’ marriage? There has been some bad things, and it broke my heart. Can you please pray for my dad and my mom to be able to forgive the wrongs and move past, and no longer keep a life-long records of wrongs (trash)? My mom held on to the right to be angry like it gives her some sort of leverage, and that equally is a torturer. This has indirectly affected so many of us on our mental wellness. Thank you so much for your prayers.❤️
@LINDA KING: may your laser eye procedure go well and good recovery.
@MICHELLE PATIRE: what lovely thought you had, and prayers for your heart desires to be soon granted, and joining you in prayers for our single she’s.
@MUNCHKIN: you need to be healed first before you can get back out there. Because the guardedness you have on reflects some degree of hurts that might still linger.
@THEBESTISYETTOCOME: rejoicing with you, may you have a safe trip with your baby.
@KIMBERLY Z: prayers for all to go well this weekend, may it be full of laughters.
@SEARCHING:❤️
@KELLY (NEO): “Do you see this woman?” what a question to pause at! Thank you for pointing this out.
@TERESA DONLEY: ❤️
@RHONDA J: amazing story, lifting more prayers for the ladies in jail, for their hearts to be receptive on new changes to come. And you are SO good!
@TINA: ❤️
Be blessed dear sisters.
I pray that God would help me to love those who are different from me and those who are looked down upon in our society. I pray that I would make everyone feel welcomed and accepted in my presence.
Sisters, so many wonderful sharing’s today! At one time on my day off, I would volunteer at a dental clinic in a homeless shelter (I worked in dentistry). We had sort of a sliding scale for payment, but most had no money. Many would feel bad after their appointment because they had nothing to give. One thing many offered was asking if they could pray for me. WOW, more precious than money, and I definitely needed those prayers. They had faith to share and to give.
This is at the last minute but I am having a laser procedure on my eye in just a little bit. I’d appreciate your prayers. Thank you!
Good morning all!
I noticed in today’s readings that not only does Jesus offer invitations but he also ACCEPTS invitations.
Matthew and the Pharisee both invited Jesus to dinner (likely both with very different motivations!) and he accepted! This spoke to me because I tend to keep to myself somewhat and often look for reasons NOT to accept invitations to various things. But as many have said today, how do I shine the light of Jesus if I’m not around people?!
Rev3:20 “Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.” (NLT)
I feel this verse shows the invitation (I knock at the door) and the acceptance of our invitation to his knock (I will come in)!! Thank you Lord!
Its interesting to me to see how often Jesus hung out with the riff-raff. And then I think, “How often do I hang out with the unfavorable people in my world?” This is where I tend to get uncomfortable. It’s not pleasant to hang with people who are out of my social circle. I’ve had contact with people who are “messy” and its draining. But isn’t this what we’re called to do? Aren’t we supposed to care about those people? Like Jesus said, its not the ‘well’ who need healing, but the ‘sick’. I truly must be better about reaching out to people who are sick and need healing. Please, Holy Spirit, make me more mindful of what I can do to help.
Obviously my reference to James 2:13 was supposed to sat “Mercy triumphs over righteousness…” I had typed trips so I don’t know what happened there! Great comments all around and an excellent and convicting day of reading!!!
SEARCHING – Questions I ask myself! ❤
RHONDA J and TINA – what blessings! ❤❤
Janes 2:1-4 really spoke to me today. I a different way that opened my eyes to favortism to the popular in the church. Those who are fun and outgoing and my eyes turn away from those who are not in the same economic group or the quiet ones. Thank you Jesus for opening my eyes to see those that might be left behind.
OH..SO Much today! And then so many good points in your comments, I’m not sure I can remember and sort out in my own comment! I am still on a high from our jail ministry yesterday! I was to teach with our leader out sick. I had came up with my own lesson plan last week to teach, and ended up sick, but then was able to do it yesterday! (this is a big deal…I am so NERVOUS to teach, I just like to participate!!) We had 8 ladies come, and I knew all but two! I love these ladies so much, I didn’t know my heart would feel all that empathy, and want to “save” them all. The lesson was on spiritual warfare and how to wear the armor of God. I thought it so fitting since they are having such a hard time trying to follow God with all that is against them. They responded, and we really had good conversation. So at that point I knew all were saved except the one girl, and that if anyone didn’t have Jesus as the Saviour, they could accept him then…and looked at her. She responded that she wasn’t sure about the whole thing, so I moved on. Once we were done with the lesson and singing, the other friend that was with me went to her and prayed with her….and she accepted Jesus!! We all clapped and celebrated! Emily is a part of our family now. She was only in there for 1 day, led in there by that 1 person, and now life changed forever! As this was going on, I cried and prayed with the other women. They are stuck in the waiting of not knowing if they will be released or be sent on to prison. They miss their families, they’re scared, they are in a toxic environment, they are broken. I love them. BUT why do I not have that empathy for just the neighbors this get on my nerves, or the ones that post pro-choice on social media, or make bad choices in the church, family members that are lost…yi, yi, yi..! I have compassion for some but not all. I have to work on this. Grace. Giving grace. God wants ALL at HIS table! It’s His table, not mine to pick who I want to attend!
SO much work to do…no wonder we must ALWAYS BE ABOUT MY FATHER”S BUSINESS!!! Learn, study, share, connect, repent, try again, grow, reach out, expand love, be generous, pray, meditate….Lord let me/us be humble and like the clay, be moldable and pliable, so you can shape us to be in your image, holy and good, and living for you in all we do. Let us be your hands and feet. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear, let us expand in our compassion, share where we need to.
Someone said about the urgency, and I’m glad my friend said ‘I wasn’t going to let Emily slip out of here without being saved!!!” WoW..I love that and your comment brought that to mind!! What if we only have one chance with someone going to hell or heaven?! I don’t want to be pushy, but I do need to emphasize that time is short.
Teresa-It’s good to see you back here!
Mercy that was good, thank you!
Kimberly-have a good, fun trip
Tracy-I love that, and think you could really make a difference with families dealing with that disease. If it is so rare, then that means those families need someone that has walked the road before them. I pray you keep “humble” with your dil this wkd! I had the same problem with my husband’s daughter. We are good now, but it will always be a little tension because she goes through him with all info on our grandkids rather than both of us, which I guess is expected. Life is such a journey, and as christians looking to grow, it really makes it more fun?! I like to apply the idea that satan is the one causing the problems, then it makes you view someone like that in our life a little more like a challenge!
Have a great day everyone!
Yes@Libby! The homeless have desire to be seen. Tina’s memories of Heidi and Kristine Loughman’s comments on ministering to the wounded church are also great examples of that truth. I volunteer at a homeless shelter and it came to me this week that the “guests” we house want to be known. Knowing their names, remembering past discussions and food preferences makes a huge difference. But I also realized that the nervous volunteer beside me also needed to be seen and encouraged as she dealt with an unfamiliar routine.
Jesus with the little children is always such a tender picture to me.
Loving the comments. Praying for all She’s to “see” and be “seen” today!
aThis passage was really powrrful to me today. James 2:13 – There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. NLT
And the CSB says,
“Mercy trumps righteousness.”
Matthew 9:9-13 reminded me that those criticizing Jesus did not follow the command that God gave the Israeli people in Deuteronomy 6:5 –
“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” I was reminded that their faith practices revolved around their emphasis on the law and not a faith involving the heart.
Got Questions says : “Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6— ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice’ — as an indictment against the Pharisees. They do not understand the verse’s true meaning and therefore do not perceive their own spiritually reprobate condition. The Pharisees observe the letter of the law perfectly. They are flawless in their execution of religious rituals and sacrifices. But, if they were truly righteous, they would appreciate the spirit of the law by demonstrating God’s kindness, compassion, and mercy toward the outcasts of society.”
And last: the passage about the ‘little children and having a childlike faith reminded me of how my kids were. They often befriended the ones that others avoided. I did the same growing up. Also, it reminded me that when a child really wants something, he/she is tenacious about it and seeks it with the whole heart. Do I seek God and His will with a similar tenacity. Sadly, I don’t always do that with a childlike fervor.
Prayers for an appointment momentarily with a guy about a necessary home repair. So many vendors from which to choose! Prayers appreciated. I have to run but look forward to reading your comments when time allows. Sending love and hugs along with prayers.
Good morning, sweet She’s! I am so tired today and wanted to sleep more and almost did, but that would’ve meant me not having my devotions. I usually open up my Bible to every single passage that because I was so tired. I read through the app instead, and glad I did. I’m hoping instead of walking during my lunch break, I can sit in my car and highlight some of these passages in my Bible. Couple of things stood out to me this morning. Ironically, last night at youth group, I mentioned a memory to one of our leaders which she brought up this verse in Mark 10 when Jesus says, “ let the little children come to me “. About 20 something years ago, A church member whom he and his wife were mentors for young married, couples, (I was one of them ) dressed up as a homeless person, and sat himself up at the entrance of our beautiful church. I still belong to that church and it’s beautiful. Sadly, most adults were ignoring him, and I believe he was asked to leave. But guess who brought him food and water?. It was a little children. And this man who was dressed as homeless person, is a very wealthy man, (a farmer) who loves Jesus! He and his wife are still good friends of mine.  secondly, and I’ll make this short. And this is only to glorify God. My son and his manager were interviewing candidates for the Coffee shop they work at. And my son told me that one of the questions they were asking the interviewee is how do they feel about the homeless downtown as they come into that coffee shop quite a bit. Of course, I don’t know the answers that were given, but the main reason the interviewee was being asked this question was because at this coffee shop, they want to make sure the homeless are served with “dignity”. Although when it does become unsafe, they do have to ask them to leave but at least they are “served“ a cup of coffee. 
** praying alone in my car not with the guy. Lol. He did not know I did this.
@Sharon, JG- yes, I noticed the out of order gospels, too! Lol. But, of course, there must be a reason they structured it that way :)
@thebestisyettocome- Praise God!! Happy to hear prayers were answered and you can travel with your foster baby ❤️ God bless your travels tomorrow morning and thank you for your encouragement! ❤️
This reading really actually shows me the affection of Christ. He was not ashamed to have the woman being so extravagantly loving to Him. He was not ashamed to touch the little children, laying His hands on them to bless them. Oh, I do love this side of Jesus!
I am so struggling the past two weeks with not having romantic affection, I must confess. I am so content in the love of Jesus, truly. He has been so close. But there have been several instances over the past two weeks where I have been tested and have no other reaction but to lean on Jesus and cry out for him.
If I may be vulnerable for a second…
Yesterday, I delivered groceries (I work via Instacart) to a young man (around my age) and I ended up spending some time praying over him in my car afterwards. I could tell he was lonely and was looking to me for love, but instead I prayed so fervently that he would find Jesus in that place and be so satisfied in Him. That was not what my flesh wanted to do, but I knew in that moment I needed to overcome and pray for that guy’s relationship with God.
It is hard out here, guys. I would love your prayers. I think of @Sarah D, Kimberly Z, and Taylor – if I’m not mistaken, are all young and single. God help us stay so strong and reliant on His affection!! And may we find hugs and love through His body that surround us, locally, in the Church.
Gretel, follow your intuition, that is God speaking to you. I always have & I’ve always been safe.
❤
MUNCHKIN- I understand where you are coming from. I have found that God puts people into our lives that we need and who need us. Start by engaging more with the people you already come into contact with: the postal worker, the grocery clerk, the cashier, the bank teller, the fast food worker, the grocery pick up/delivery person, the person at church you haven’t met yet just to name a few.
Have a great Thursday everyone.
It’s so easy for us (me) to look all spiritual and righteous, but what’s really going on inside our hearts? I may not look like I’m being partial or judgemental but looks are so deceiving! Jesus sees right through our outward appearances all the way to the depths of our heart. Just as he knew the thoughts of the pharisee and his condemnation toward the woman at Jesus feet, He knows my thoughts. Because of this, I strive to bring every thought into the captivity making it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5) SO much easier said than done! But that is my goal. And praise God – mercy triumphs over judgement!
Side Note: does it bother anyone else that the scripture readings for the day are not in order, like today – why not Matthew, Mark Luke and then James? …it’s my OCD coming out in me! haha
@thebestisyettocome – praise God that He answered yet again and that your foster child is able to travel with you! Safe travels and have a wonderful trip, wherever you are going!
@Tina – thank you for “the rest of the story” of Heidi. God is so good and merciful and gracious – and a story that only He could write. All praise to our God!! And it goes to show that even thought we may think our lives or ministries aren’t having an impact – BUT GOD!
@Traci – prayers for your weekend and that you will be able to show Linda the love of Christ, may it shine through in spite of the fact that Satan doesn’t want it to happen.
Have a blessed and thankful Thursday! …It’s so nice to see all your sweet faces on FB – and to put faces to the names we have prayed for all these years!
When Tanner died I said that I needed to find my purpose. Before it was keeping him alive and taking the best care of him that I could. There are only 2,000 cased of his illness in the entire world. The cost of the medications, hospital stays, doctor visits can be staggering. The emotional toll is big. I want to figure out how I can help them. To show these families God’s love. To let them know that they are seen in the pain of parenting a sick child.
I think we all need to find the areas that we can make the most impact. Maybe for one it is the soup kitchen. Another teen pregnancy. I just know that I need to do something. My energy isn’t completely back living through this grief, but with God’s help I will be able. I’m so very thankful to this wonderful God that we have.
I love hearing about your life experiences, TINA. Your takeaways are always so good… so wise.
Luke 7:41-48 jumped out at me today, instead of just the woman with her alabaster jar, which always really got my attention… the verses that follow her wonderful example of devotion really got me today. To remember just how much we are forgiven of is just astounding! He loves us despite us.
As many have pointed out in the woman’s story with her alabaster jar… Jesus asks Simon, “Do you SEE this woman?” Really SEE others today, sweet sisters. He SEES us!
My thoughts are something completely different and wrong…..
So we’re supposed to invite random people into our lives?
Then I stated how illegal that felt and I don’t want to offend anyone with god’s word (not that I would in here).
Before reaching out to people, ask God for help. Then reach out to people you frequently encounter. Consider a neighbor, a teacher or coach to your child(ren), a friend or family member, a coworker.
I tend to stay to myself. I’ve been hurt in the past and sometimes it just seems easier to keep your cards close to your chest so to speak. But how can I help others unless I put myself out there? I’m slowly starting to talk more on SRT and trying to widen my circle in my day to day life, but I feel the Lord wants me to do more.
Here it is again – what does me living my Christian life show others? judgment or mercy? selfishness or generosity? condescending or welcoming? “I’m too busy” or “you’re important to me and have priority over ______”? More work on myself needed.
MERCY ❤️❤️❤️ thank you for sharing yesterday, reminding me of the importance of humility (thinking I do well in wearing it maybe means that I don’t?) and also of the importance of kindness over rightness, and remembering that I don’t know all the things that have impacted my spouse and others, shaping them into who they are.
KIMBERLY Z – praying for your weekend trip, that the Lord will guide you as you interact and learn more about those you’re with
CEE GEE – kids’ needs touch my heart every time! ❤️
KELLY (NEO) ❤️ “Do you see this woman?” So much to learn in these Scriptures and I’m so thankful Jesus sees us, hears us, knows us, loves us and forgives us.
TRACI GENDRON – praying for Linda, that the truth of Christ will touch her heart and mind
TINA ❤️ thank you for more on the wonderful work the Lord has done in Heidi’s life!
Mercy triumphs over judgement! He invites everyone to His table and there is room for all! Lord, help me to be merciful, gracious and inviting in all I do. Help me to love like You!
Help me walk in such a way that others want to be invited in to God’s presence.
Mercy va judgment and recollection of all my sins that He continues to forgive needs to guide my heart.
My Bible study this year is “Talmidim” (disciples) and we studied Matthew and Thomas last night. The Matthew 9 versus were our opening ones at Bible study too. Love when God places versus in my life on repeat so that I pay attention! Matthew was a tax collector, despised by his fellow Jews, disallowed from the synagogue, viewed as a traitor. Jesus “saw a man named Matthew.” He is not labeled as Matthew the tax collector or Matthew the sinner. Jesus saw through all that and saw Matthew, a man. A man who needed Jesus just like everyone else. Matthew dropped everything when Jesus said “Follow me.” May I see past the outward sins of others as Jesus did and look at the heart. Lord, help me rid my heart of any judgement towards others and invite everyone in to join the love of Jesus who loves us so much he died for us. My sins may be hidden, but that does not lesson the sins I commit compared to those whose sins are more obvious. Forgive me for any judgmentalism I hide in my heart.
Jesus went after those the world judged as unworthy, while the “righteous” turned away from Him. Oh Lord, give me eyes that see others as YOU see them, to REMEMBER how much I’ve been forgiven, and to freely go and love!
Mercy triumphs over judgment. The farther we fall, the more we come to understand, with God’s help, the power of grace. Jesus invites people into love and acceptance. For those whose hearts are ready, it’s allowing them to offer their best sacrifices to be in communion with Him. For others, a parable to drive home a point and teach them a lesson to soften their hearts and prepare them for repentance.
I was thinking about the “sinner” woman washing His feet with her hair and tears. When was I that aware of my sin that I feel the desire to be that humbled with gratitude. Lord, soften my heart!
The scriptures in last three days have really challenged me. My inclination so often is to create distance between myself and those who are different from me. But how does God tell me to treat people? How am I supposed to relate to those living a life far from God? First I’m to love them. I’m to accept them…all of them…and show compassion. Second, I’m to meet their needs from my own abundant blessings. And third…I’m to invite them in. I think it’s no mistake that the days came in this order. How can we expect anyone to come to God unless we as the church, his hands and feet in the world, first show them love? And how can we expect them to even think about their spiritual state if they are hungry, or grieving, or without a roof over their head? And only after we’ve done that, can we invite them to sit at the king’s table with us. Man, that is easy to type out but the challenge in it is weighing heavily on me. How can I love my neighbor better? How can I show acceptance and love better? Lord, please grant me the grace and the courage to respond first in love, second in generosity and finally with invitation.
Thank you for all the prayers! I received the permission to travel with my foster baby! I knew it would take a miracle for me to get to travel, and the Lord has been abundantly good. He has gone above and beyond! We leave tomorrow morning at 5 AM, all the planning has been more than just about the trip, it has been a journey of faith to see how God has opened doors.
This is meant to Encourage someone out there, we do what we can, and God does the rest! Stay in a posture of surrender God & will do some incredible things in your life. It might not look like what you think it should look like, but allow God to change your Vision. Love you SRT sisters!
I saw a homeless man on a city corner on Saturday holding a sign at the intersection we were stopped at. We had lots of snacks and I wanted to offer him a bag of chips (something I never do). My husband said no. We are often fearful of the homeless and offering money out of fear they will spend it drugs. But this simple gesture seemed kind and
Love your neighbor as yourself. Who is your neighbor? Everyone! Old, young, able, feeble, wealthy, poor, even those who believe differently than you. I’ll never forget one Christmas Eve, we went to the church service and it was packed of course. We scooted in to take available seats. However, a lady had draped her coat over the empty seat. At the time, my hubby was a little heavier than usual, and she was furious that we dared sit there. It felt like fat shaming as well as having the audacity to have her pick up her fur coat. She made it very clear that she was being “put out!”
This was in our own home church. This was years ago, yet it stays with me. On that day, I learned a valuable lesson. Always make room for others…with a joyful heart. (I hope I always had!)
Honestly this statement from Jesus pierces my heart every time, “Do you see this woman?”
Just think about this situation. Of course, everyone at the dinner “saw” her, but only Jesus saw HER as one worthy of compassion, mercy, grace, forgiveness, acceptance, and love.
Then, this from James, “Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
May I see those around me as You do, Jesus. All in need of Your mercy over my judgment.
THEBESTISYETTOCOME – did you get the permission to travel?
TRACI GENDRON – praying your trip this weekend brings you closer to your step-daughter. I’ve probably daid this before here, but when Jesus tells us to forgive 70 x 7, I believe part of that is because it is a process. Every time the offense comes up in our minds, forgive (release it).
Also will be praying for Linda.
SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – great news about Arian’s housing.
FOSTER MAMA – prayers that your goddaughter’s mother will have the clarity of mind long enough to seek the help she needs.
JAMIE – thrilled that the church plant’s first service went well.
ROXANE RICHARDSON – praying the Spirit give you discernment concerning your brother and safe boundaries
CHANGED LIFE – sorry for your friend’s loss.
KIMBERLY Z – may the Lord give you peace about the weekend
Inviting others to the good news of the King’s table.
I go to a church that is focused on reaching those people who are unchurched, who left the church, who have been hurt by the church. It is good for me to remember that not everyone sees the banquet as a beautiful feast. Some people feel unworthy, or have been made to feel less than. May I live my life in such a way that I don’t make anyone feel excluded. Jesus’s table is for everyone!
Good morning.
Luke 14:23 stood out to me this morning. I was interested in how the phrase “make them” read in other translations. This is what I found:
ESV, NIV, and KJV- “compel them”
NASB – “press upon them”
NLT – “urge anyone you find”
There is an urgency in this verse not to just wait for the lost to come to us, but to go out there and find them. Compel them, press upon them, urge them to come to the table before it is too late. I want that kind of urgency.
❤️
The so-called righteous were really not righteous. Simon the leper was inhospitable and judgmental. The disciples were cruel and condescending toward the children. Jesus, in contrasting who he came to save, reveals the true status of people’s hearts.
The ministry I am involved in as cook, is called The King’s Table!
This is my second home! I just love, have heart and empathy for our wonderful guests (most of the time lol). Some of my connection and walk with God, have been enhanced by my interactions with these beautiful humans, whose lives have been turned upside down through poor choices on their part,or others letting them down, or just plain old life and which side of the track they were born, in some instances.. loneliness.
I spoke of Heidi the other day.. let me continue her story..
So from what I remembered from those years ago, Heidi had a child in her young teens, that was taken into care. I remember on occasion she would talk of her son, and thst one day she hoped to get him home with her. But the life she led, one could surmise that there for sure, was no hope of life changing for her, because of her strong link to her brothers..
BUT GOD..
Here she is the day she reappeared, she looked the same and yet there was an air about her that was different. And as she stood there, whilst she held on to me, I asked her how she had been..
She began by telling me she had to move away from her brothers because she was losing herself, being associated with them. She wanted to be a better person, so she moved far enough away to sort herself out!
She found a little church and started attending, made friends and began helping out within the church. Over time she did the Alpha course, loved it and got more understanding of who Jesus was, and why we were the way we were. I am at this point, tears rolling down my face, holding her hand and silently thanking God.
She met someone, and through proving her life had changed dramatically to social services, her son is home with her, and as she looked at her watch, she said “I’ll have to go soon, because I have to pick him up from school”
My heart sings to tell this story, not because of my small part, but because God was, is and will always be in Heidi’s story. I know that now, and I believe, so does Heidi.
BUT GOD..
I was given a book once, my friend thought it funny to be giving me a book about feeding. Title was ALL GOD’S CHILDREN NEED FEEDING.
The thing is, I can do the physical feeding, BUT GOD, through us, can and will do the spiritual.
I am so very glad I saw Heidi recently, because, though I know what God can do, I doubted and had not a lot of hope for her back then, so very thankful for another ‘proof’ of who God is, and will always be! A Redeemer, A loving Father, and One who loves us without judgement.. and He will always bring us home to Him in ways we can never imagine..
AMEN.
Happy Thursday, dear hearts, wrapped in love, hugs and prayers from across the pond. ❤️❤️
What a wonderful reminder of what God can do with the seeds we may sow, the smile we give, the kind word we may say… Nothing is impossible with God!
SWEET Tina… thank you for sharing the rest of the story of Heidi. God is so good! When you mentioned that she had to go to pick up her son from school, that made my heart so glad!