Based on a message by Ps Sharon Kelly on February 6, 2019
Blog by Sandy Hopkins
I’m having guests stay at my home for a conference. When someone comes to your home – whether it’s for a meal or to stay a few days – you make sure they are going to have a great experience. I have spent much time cleaning & preparing for my guests. Things that I have “put up with” around the house for weeks, even months, have been organized (meaning put where they belong or thrown out ha!) My husband and children have been given tasks to complete by a certain date and my home is looking better than it has in quite some time.
When you own something and make it yours – something special happens. I’m owning the fact that guests are coming to my home and the level of hospitality I give them is a direct reflection of the esteem and honor I hold them in. I am anticipating they will have a wonderful time whilst staying with me, but more than that I have faith to believe that God will speak to them whilst they are at conference. Can you imagine what it would look like if we all owned our church in this same way?! This kind of ownership is the breeding ground for miracles, breakthrough, restoration, freedom…
“Every believer was faithfully devoted to following the teachings of the apostles. Their hearts were mutually linked to one another, sharing communion and coming together regularly for prayer. A deep sense of holy awe swept over everyone, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.” Acts 2:42-43 TPT
The dictionary definition of devoted is – zealous or ardent in attachment, loyalty or affection.
Wow – what a word! I’d like to think I’m a person who’s devoted, to God, to my family, and to my church, but am I still ardent in affection for my husband when he’s working late again? Am I zealously attached to the team I work with? Is my first response to my boss loyalty when I’m corrected? Yikes! The word devoted sounds lovely and romantic, but upon closer inspection, it sounds more like making daily choices. Correction – hourly choices (realistically maybe even choices each moment).
This Christian life is not for the faint of heart. I am in way over my head! God – what were you thinking when you chose me? Do you really think I can do this? I believe God’s response every time would be – if you try to do it on your own you’ll fail, but if we do it together all things are possible. I love God, I love my family and I love my church and my earnest desire is that I would grow in my zealous and ardent affection, loyalty and attachment to these things that are so dear to my heart.
Selah