Come On In!

"Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality." Romans 12:13

My husband and I had lived in Military Base Housing for twenty years when we decided it was time to buy our first home. We were so excited!  We began driving around our small town to look at houses that were up for sale and began to pray, asking the Lord which one He would want us to have. Every time we drove around town, we would drive by this one tiny house.  It was a neglected house; one used as a Rental property and had been on the market for over a year.  When a house is on the market for that length of time, it's easy to wonder, 'What is wrong with this house?'  But the more times we drove by this old house, we were beginning to wonder if this house had been on the market this long because it was the house the Lord had chosen for us.  We decided to contact the Realtor and take a look inside.  We were right.  It was old, damaged, outdated and needed a lot of work, but as we walked around from room to room, my husband and I just looked at each other and new:  The Lord wants us here!  

The day of signing, we promised God that we would repair and take care of this dilapidated house and use it for His honor and glory.

The other night we were privileged to host the Singles Bible Study group in our home.  As each young person walked into our home, my heart smiled.  We've kept that promise to the Lord, to use what He has given to us for others throughout the years. (It really belongs to Him anyway!)

There are many examples in the bible of those who have opened their homes for bible studies, for the ministering of the saints, or for just a simple refuge in a time of need.

There is the widow in Zarephath who ministered to Elijah in 1 Kings 17:9.

Lydia in Acts 16:15.

Priscilla and Aquila who expounded the word of God to Apollos in Acts 18:26.

Even the converted jailer brought Paul and Silas into his home in Acts 16:34, and this is just to name a few.

Hospitality can be misunderstood...

    it's not about elaborate meals, or a perfect home...

        It's about inviting someone inside, whose been left outside...

            And letting them know that you care...

                But that's just me!