Organizing By THE BOOK
July 27, 2007
Curious to see a sample of Sandra Felton’s newest book? We would like to share with you 2 different devotionals from her latest work Organizing By THE BOOK, Devotional Ideas from God’s Word
39 Forget Not to Show Hospitality
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2
This is not just a thought or an inspiration. It is a command. For some of us it is one of the most difficult commandments to keep.
“Thereby some have entertained angels unawares,” says the Scripture, probably referring most directly to the hospitality Sarah and Abraham showed to the angels who came to deliver the message that they would have a baby of their own. They entertained in an appropriate manner for the nomads they were.
For some of us the experience would be different, I am afraid. We hear a knock at the door in our modern home.
“Hello, Mr. Angel!” we gasp as we stall on the front porch, startled by the shining and the large wings. (“Kids pick up the living room! Dump all of that stuff in the bedroom!” we whisper urgently over our shoulder toward the living room.) “How can I help you? Does the Lord need something special from me today?” (“Hurry up kids, hurry!”)
“Well, I’m not quite ready to do anything extra today. I have so many things to get caught up with. I really wish I could.” (“Is it all clear yet, kids? Not yet? Just shovel it all in the back. We’ll clean it up later.”)
“You have to go…, so soon? Can’t you stay a minute longer? Well, can you come back when I’m not so busy? Let me know a little in advance if you can. But I want you to know, I want to serve the Lord in every way I can. Please come back. I’m just not quite ready today.” (“Never mind, kids,” you sob closing the door. “It’s too late this time.”)
But it is a life changing experience. Angels will return. They always do. From now on you will be ready to show hospitality to them whether or not they come with wings. Friends who need God’s salvation, unexpected visitors from church, family, those who are in need or have come to meet your need will be welcomed.
Your house is not just a changing, sleeping, or eating station. It is a place of hospitality —- hospitality for God.
Apply to your life
What can you do to be a more hospitable person?
33 Refer to Your To-Do List Regularly
“That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him.” Esther 6:1-3
The to-do list is an ancient memory device. In the passage above it is used by the king to make sure he has done everything he intended to do. Let’s take a hint from him.
Your TO-DO list is your memory for changeable daily items basically in four areas, buying, calling, doing, and writing. Perhaps your four basic areas will be different from these.
Fold a piece of writing paper into four squares and label each square with one of the activities like these:
BUY (Things you generally do in the car) - Paper clips, bridal present, etc. Take the clothes to the charity store.
CALL (Things you do with the phone) - The children’s camp, the phone company, make doctor appointment.
DO (Special activities at the house, not the usual routine items) - Sew on the red button, get out Easter decorations, change air conditioner filter.
WRITE (Done at he computer or with a pen and paper) - Return email letters, inquire about class reunion, write thank you note.
You don’t want to carry these little details around in your head. Free your mind and write them down.
Apply to your life
Note the sample. Using it or one of your own designs, begin writing down activities you want to accomplish.
