What is Hospitality

February 2nd, 2012 dsisler

Usually when people want to learn about hospitality they look to Martha Stewart or even Betty Crocker. Some good tips come from the Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book, copyright 1950. I didn’t know that I was supposed to “notice humorous and interesting incidents throughout the day to relate at dinner time” or in my preparation for dinner guests, “if you feel tired, lie down on the floor on your back, put your hands above your head, close your eyes, and relax for 3 to 5 minutes.”[i]These suggestions may seem a bit odd, but in reality we want to have pleasant conversation during dinner and we, as hosts and hostesses would want to be refreshed for our guests (I know if you have this cook book you are running for it now to see what other suggestions this page holds).
Thefreedictionary.com defines hospitality like this. “Disposed to treat guests with warmth and generosity; indicative of cordiality toward guests.” This definition is what we typically think of when we think about hospitality, treating guests well and being cordial. Showing them kindness with a welcoming spirit. But I’d like to suggest that the Bible gives us another perspective on what hospitality means. Let’s look at some biblical instances of hospitality:
  • The Widow of Zarepheth gave Elijah the last of the food she had for her son and herself. Because of this, God provided continual flour and oil for the three of them to last through the drought. What amazing faith to share all that she had without a guarantee that she would be provided for, instead of keeping it for her family (1 Kings 17:9-16).
  • The Islanders of Malta who showed a group of shipwrecked sailors, soldiers, and prisoners unusual kindness for three months. The Islanders provided warmth from a fire on a cold, rainy day; they were entertained hospitably; they were honored in many ways; and were given provisions upon their departure. Through these acts of kindness, God was able to use this situation for His glory (Acts 28:1-10).
These instances show us one way of providing hospitality: giving food and lodging to those in need. The next examples show how those who shared the Good News were given hospitality.
  • Zacchaeus was chosen by Jesus to visit in his home. Jesus was pretty clear in His words, “He (Jesus) must stay at your (Zacchaeus’) house today.” And what results! A changed heart and, Zacchaeus accepted Jesus as his savior (Luke 19:1-10).
  • Lydia’s heart was opened and she received salvation by a river, then she offered hospitality to Paul, Silas, and their traveling companions. Again, she was very convincing. She persuaded the group to stay with her so that she might offer hospitality to them (Acts 16:13-15).
  • What a night! Singing in the inner prison, an earthquake, and prison doors thrown open! It’s what happened after that that made the difference in one man’s life. After hearing the Gospel, the Philippian Jailer was baptized in the middle of the night, and then he took Paul and Silas home. He not only offered them food, but he also washed the wounds of his prisoners (Acts 16:25-34).
But my favorite account of hospitality is of Priscilla and Aquila. Apollos was preaching the Gospel with great fervor. He was a learned man and had a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. But he was missing something. When Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollo’s teaching of Jesus, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. I believe there are several lessons to be learned here…for one, there is always room for improvement and learning. But I believe the most important lesson to be learned is that our homes can and should be used as a resource to share God’s message to anyone we cross paths with (Acts 18:24-26).
When we bring hospitality down to sharing the Gospel with those we invite into our homes, I think we’ve come to a true and full understanding of hospitality. It’s more than the practice of receiving and entertaining strangers and guests with kindness. It is sharing of our lives, sharing of our faith, and sharing of the grace we’ve received through our relationship with Jesus Christ with others. Who can you share the Gospel with today? And who will you provide hospitality to? Please don’t pass up an opportunity that God has provided.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Romans 12:12-13
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i]Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book, copyright 1950, Macmillon and General Mills, Inc., pg. 431
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Do Not Speed

February 1st, 2012 dsisler

Last February, I visited Daytona Beach for two weeks. What a trip! I was able to spend time with my mom and my two great aunts, attend several races at the Daytona International Speedway, and take daily walks on the beach. From my great aunt’s home, it was about four blocks to the Atlantic Ocean, so each day I would set out to walk the blocks that separated me from the ocean and stroll down the beach a while, then head back to the comfort of my family.
On one of these excursions, I passed a motorcycle that had a sign across the wind shield in large letters and in plain sight of the driver, “DO NOT SPEED.” Apparently, the driver of this cycle needed reminding that speeding was not a good idea.
Most highway systems these days have large electronic signs where important messages can be displayed for all drivers to see. Colorado is no different and I pass several signs each day in my travels.  My favorite message of late states, “75 means 75. Violators will be ticketed.” 
Now I typically drive faster than I should. Driving 5 to 10 miles over the speed limit is not unusual for me. I have, however, found that in our community, police officers don’t appreciate even that. To keep myself in check, I use my cruise control around town. I have no desire to receive my first speeding ticket in the Tri-Towns area.
On occasion, we all need to be reminded that we should or shouldn’t do something, whether it’s gossiping, lying, swearing, being kind to others, sharing the Gospel with our neighbor, or speeding. So God could say, “do not lie means do not lie.” Or “love your neighbor as yourself means love your neighbor as yourself.”  And even “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God meansdo not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Has the “ah ha” moment hit yet?
What about the times we take “signs” for granted? We see them each day and perhaps become used to them. They are just part of the scenery and then we ignore them. We go back to our old way of life and don’t take to heart the message. I think in those times, we need to remember to once again look at the signs and really see what they or God is saying. Ask God to enlighten the eyes of our hearts and bring us back to the message He has for us.
As for the cruise control, I think we can compare that to the Holy Spirit within us. He is there to keep us on track. To intercede, search our hearts, teach, fill us, and remind us of all things we’ve learned throughout our lives. Without His presence, we would surely fall into difficulties.
God’s Word continues to give us these reminders, but unless we are in His Word on a regular basis, we might miss some of them. Don’t ever think that God doesn’t have something to say to you. Be open to His subtle hints and be aware of His blunt reminders.
To be honest, that “75 means 75” sign has made an impact on my life. I now find myself traveling I-25 at 75 miles an hour more times than not. I still use my cruise control around my community. And part of this slowing down in my driving has helped me to slow down in all areas of my life. I now have more quality time and opportunity to spend with friends, family and most of all God. I pray these same things for you. May God bless you today in your travels and in your relationships.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Old County Jail

January 31st, 2012 dsisler

For my Mom’s 70th birthday, my sister and I took her to Bardstown, Kentucky to see the Stephen Foster musical, “My Old Kentucky Home.” We stayed in a bed and breakfast that had been the county jail for many decades. It was a whimsical evening and one we will never forget. The inn keeper sold some souvenirs: a key ring with “Jailer’s Inn” inscribed on it and t-shirts with hands wrapped around cell bars that read, “I spent my time in the old county jail.” I had to have these items, so I purchased them on our way out. As we left, the “jailer/inn keeper” quipped, “If you come to stay with us again, you’ll be a repeat offender.”
I returned to Colorado with my reminder key ring and t-shirt in hand. The key was added to my keyring with my mail box, car, and house keys. But the t-shirt was another story. I realized that I couldn’t wear it anywhere. I was on staff at a church, so it wasn’t appropriate work apparel. I am known in the community, so I thought it might not be a great witness to those I came in contact with to wear it around town. So with no other alternative, the t-shirt hung in my closet, hidden from the world.
Several months later, I realized that this t-shirt had a greater message for me. So I pulled it out and it is now hanging in my closet where I can see it everyday. This t-shirt reminds me that I was once held in bondage by my sinful nature. I had been confined within the four small walls of that prison cell where God could not use me. And I knew that I didn’t have to be held in that bondage any longer. I could break free. Yes, a prison escape! Free to live a life of freedom without condemnation. Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”  Without the chains and prison bars, I am no longer burdened. What a weight is lifted when we can walk away from that prison cell.
We also have the promise from Jesus in John 8:34-36. “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” How thankful I am for Jesus, the Son and what He has done in my life. The gift of freedom is more precious than ever each time I remember the sacrifice of my Savior. We no longer need to be slaves to sin. He has set us free.
Combined with the key, the t-shirt has a greater message. The key can unlock the prison doors. The prison doors of my sinful nature can be thrown open because Jesus has given me the key to do so. I no longer have to live in that prison cell. I can be free!
Oh, I occasionally go back to the jailhouse of bondage, and in despair ask God for forgiveness. And when I see my key and my t-shirt, I know the life I’m intended to live. I don’t want to hear the words of the jailer, “You are a repeat offender” ever again. I can live, not as a captive, but as a free woman living life abundantly. 
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Fear. An Ugly Four Letter Word.

January 30th, 2012 dsisler

It’s the first blog post I’ve ever written. How is that possible? But yes, it’s true. I’ve thought about it on many occasions and have written quite a bit for a blog through the years. I simply never took the time to actually do it! Well, maybe time really wasn’t the reason I’ve never blogged. Maybe nobody really cares what I have to say. Maybe I’m too afraid to put my words out there for the whole world to see. 

Yesterday I read an article about how fear keeps us from fulfilling our dreams. It keeps us dreaming! It doesn’t lead us to action! So, I decided it was time. Time to put my fears aside and start writing a blog. So what better topic to begin with than fear?

As a child, I was taught to fear a few things. Civil defense drills were part of our education in early elementary. I somehow believed that by ducking under my desk with my hands behind my neck or huddling in the hallway with my classmates would save me from a nuclear attack. But it also brought fear with it. 

Lying in bed at night, I would hear the engines of airplanes flying over head. They sounded like bombers. You know the ones you hear in World War II movies? I would be fearful that each night was the night my small world would be invaded. Of course, we lived within miles of an Air Force Base and Hancock International Airport, so the buzz of airplane engines could always be heard near my house.

Then there were the environmental fears. I specifically remember a man coming to our school and telling us that if we didn’t begin cleaning up the pollution in the world, as an adult, when putting on pantyhose, they would disintegrate in my hands because of the condition of the air. Pollution was a real fear for me and thankfully we, as a society, have used that fear to clean up the environment and make our world a better place for future generations. 

Well, I’ve managed to make it to adulthood without being attacked by bombers or without a single pair of pantyhose disintegrating in my hands due to pollution.

But as an adult, I have faced fear. Fear of terrorist attacks. A loved one dealing with serious illness. The death of someone I don’t know how to live without. Unemployment. And the list could go on. But, if I don’t learn how to deal with fear, it can immobilize me.

Fear can be crippling. We’ve heard that before, but let’s break it down. What is fear?
 
Dictionary.com states that fear is “a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined.” 

First of all, to think of being in distress stirs up emotions for certain. We feel as if we have lost all control. It leads us to believe that there is nothing we could do to get out of the situation. But is that the truth? In some cases, yes, but if truth were told, there might be something that could be done to get out of the some distressful situations.

The second part of this definition states that it doesn’t matter whether the threat is real or imagined. Boy can my imagination think up some pretty threatening things. I can watch an episode of Leave it to Beaver where the boys order a baby alligator and that night dream of monster alligators chasing my family through swamps! What is up with that? Well it would be my imagination. Maybe it is easier to deal with a threat if the threat is real. But if my imagination conjures up something to be fearful of, you can bet it will grow out of control pretty quickly.

But I must admit. I have never been in a truly frightening situation. Like a robbery, or a house fire, or a position where my life was in danger. The fears that I have faced as I’ve mentioned, were very frightening to me and in these cases, I could only do what my heart led me to do. Run to God. Cry out to the One who was able to get me through each fearful situation.

So what does God’s Word have to say about fear? It’s hard to say how many times “fear not” or its equivalent can be found in Scripture, but there are over 100 references on this topic. God knew fear would be an issue for us and He gave us plenty of material to guide us through each step of fear. On multiple occasions, Joshua was told not be afraid and trust God. He was told to be strong and courageous. God gave Joshua all he needed. Including confidence to go forward and win the battle.

Perhaps you are asking yourself, “Can I trust and have confidence that God is going to lead me into my own battle and that I can go without fear?” Please know that the answer is yes! God is right by your side in each battle. If I hadn’t experienced this personally, I could not be so confident, but I know for certain that God has shown me how to overcome fear.

David found himself fearful on occasion and in Psalm 34 he expresses his plan for overcoming fear. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Kind of sounds like my plan! 

David also gives encouragement with his words in Psalm 27:1. “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” What do we have to fear? Only fear itself. Even FDR believed that “the only thing to fear is fear itself.” 

With God on our side and His Holy Spirit within us, we can live lives where fear cannot cripple us. We can live strong and courageous lives.

So what is my plan for conquering fear? I spend time in God’s Word. I listen to what He has to say to me about it. I spend time in conversation with God. I tell Him about my fears. What is truly making me anxious about the situation and release those fears to Him. Then again, I listen to what He has to say. 

I’ll be honest. Sometimes it takes more than one time to put these fears aside, but at the end of the day, I know that God is with me and because of that, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

I’ve conquered this fear of blogging. You may not agree with me. You may not like my style of writing. You may never return for “Day 2” of this blog. But I know that whatever tomorrow holds, my God will be with me. And because of that truth, I have nothing to fear.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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    "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe." Ephesians 1:18-19


    I am a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. I lived in the beautiful state of Colorado for 20 years where I found great inspiration for my novels and devotional writings. Currently living in southwest Ohio.

    I am passionate about helping women find their way to Jesus through Bible study, teaching, speaking, inspirational writing and creative Bible journaling.

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