Have you ever thought or considered this question, unless we do and then learn how to apply this in our lives, we will constantly be led by the world, self or others, and not by God.
Did you realise that The Kingdom is focused on things we can often miss? Things we miss or overlook due to being busy, or distracted by self-gain, self-motive or agenda.
Yet, in reading through the gospels we see Jesus stopping in places Jews would not stop at and talking to people the culture didn’t accept. Which by the way often frustrated His closes disciples and brought criticism from the leaders.
And so many tried to test Jesus however He knew that He saw these challenges as opportunities to reveal the Father even more.
Jesus viewed thing from a total different perspective. We see it here:
John 5:19-20 (NIV)
“Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.
For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all he does. Yes, and He will show Him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed”.
John 12:49 (NIV)
“For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken”.
He was a witness of what an abundant life was, but why?
His life had meaning, purpose and made a difference! It changed culture and brought down barriers, everyone was included, as He met everyone where they were at and for who they were. The result was that every person was dramatically changed from the Encounter with Him.
His one thing was He found what the Father was doing and where the Father was working and focused on that. As we read through the bible Jesus doing this again and again. Yes there were other things He did, He worked as a carpenter and I would suggest daily commitment too.
Yet His heart attitude was focus on the thing (s) the Father wanted Him to do every day. From His very short time of this earth He made a remarkable difference.
Now I am not talking about dying on the Cross which was His special unique only Him assignment from the Father, but His daily assignment that we are all called to do.
It is To inquire of the Lord what He is doing and where He is doing it, and focus completely sold out on that!
So if focusing on Him is how we see,hear and perceive the spirit of God and are welcome in by Him to see and co labour with Him. well what’s the opposite?
Yes the opposite or enemy of focusing on God , is the enemy called distraction known as satan , this simply means our focus, eyes, heart posture, attitude, is elsewhere and not where God is.
Distraction is why we miss out and miss God! It’s distraction by the enemy, ourselves or others ( which all come from satan) for we are simply doing what we consider big, important or significant things, that we call I’m doing for God, which sadly implies we are missing the minor, the small yet now things the Lord is doing and inviting us to be a part of.
Right, so what are these minor things, Paul talks about them in Hebrews 13:2
Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it”.
Did you see it, we are reminded to show, demonstrate, offer, initiate, HOSPITALITY to strangers (those we don’t know, particularly like, or even do life with)
Hospitality means: an act of righteous Godly behaviour, the act or practice of receiving and entertaining strangers or guests without reward, or with kind and generous liberality.
Biblical Hospitality – Jesus Way, we are to be the gift to others, with no expectation of retaliation or recognition! Ooh humbled!
Generous – there’s no room for stinginess’, it’s lavish, extravagant generosity that we received from God and pour out to others.
Love & Serve others – seeing them through God’s eyes and treating them as He does warm, welcoming, affirming who He created them to be, calling forth the Child of God within them.
Inclusive – there’s room at the table for more, the feast is open to all who desire to come and see Jesus.
Invite to become Family – the Kingdom is Family! God wants All His kids back in the palm of His hand and in His embrace, Holy Spirit moves through you to be Jesus with skin on to another, are you willing in heart, mind, Spirit to be used by Him?
Back to the scripture, yep the minor thing, is actually major and key to Kingdom Hmm, how many strangers have we passed by and not extended hospitality to, which is our invitation from the Lord?
Selah there, we’ll continue this next time with some testimonies of how to recognise angels or offer hospitality to one’s Holy Spirit brings.
Challenge Time
- Ask the Lord –What’s my view on challenges? Today Lord are You showing me a new view on them? Write down all He says, and record if you are willing to pick up His new view on them, and declare this to Him aloud.
- Lord I give You permission to reveal any areas in my heart, life, mind that are distracted or closed off to You? Record what He says, and declare today I’m asking You to bring Focus and concentration of You to them so You are the Lord of All of me, soul, spirit, body.
- Lord would You bring someone into my life who I get to show abundant life to through Hospitality?
- Record: Lord who is it? What’s the first step in how I reach them and show Hospitality?
- It could be through being generous, loving & serving them, including them, or inviting them into the Family of God?
- Thank Him for His goodness to you and for the many opportunities and invitations He will bring your way to practice the One thing for Him.
Abba Father, thank You for Your goodness, faithfulness and provision of all we need and are in Jesus. We ask that You lead us Holy Spirit to recognise and act on Your promptings to offer abundant life, through Hospitality to the ones You bring. All Glory goes to You God. You are worthy. In Jesus name. Amen.
