Everyone’s Welcome
“Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.” Acts 10:34-35
My family tends to live by the ‘Everyone’s Welcome’ mission statement. You just never know who may be there for dinner. My parents never want anyone to eat alone. You might get there for Thanksgiving and find extra chairs at the table with an explanation of how the people are facing hard times or why they wouldn’t have a family to eat with. Mom and dad have been known to take people in when they’re down on their luck or just in town for a few days. My sister Lori and I used to joke about our ‘brother Chris’ who stayed with our parents and shared many a family meal.
The words ‘Welcome’ and ‘everyone’ struck me as I was reading these verses in Acts. I think everyone knows what it feels like to be the outsider at some point in their life, to be the one not picked for the team, to eat alone. God never planned for us to have experiences like this. It’s not the way God loves and it’s not the way He wants His children to love; especially not the children in His church. God’s eyes are not just on the “chosen few”. Psalms 33:13-15 talks about how God watches over all mankind. Believers can’t have the ‘just my four and no more’ attitude.
[tweetthis]We honor God when we adopt the ‘Everyone’s Welcome’ mission statement. [/tweetthis]
It’s funny how God’s timing works, but the weekend this devotion is going out, I’m staying at a friend’s home in Winnipeg where I was speaking at some amazing Women’s events. So, why not follow their lead? Be like my family or Betty and Bruce; set an extra chair or two at your table this week and let the world know, Everyone’s Welcome!
Prayer
Father…I ask you to expand my heart and let it be like yours. Help me not live trying to stay safe, and closed off to others. Don’t let me show favoritism to one, over another. May the door of my heart swing wide open, welcoming everyone in. In Jesus Name…Amen
#Dare2Share
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