A Holiday of Hospitality

LAdies, It was great to see you all there tonight. You each are a great source of encouragement to me and I so enjoy getting to know you. I so hope you open your hearts and homes to Bibical Hospitality and enjoy a great holiday season.

Following is the Spiritual Entertaining Time Table discussed tonight and the hospitality acrostic:

A Person Of Christian Character Who Practices Biblical Hospitality Is . . .

H—Humble

Humility is the opposite of self-sufficiency and is a necessary prerequisite if I am going to be of service to my heavenly Father. I can exercise humility by choosing to step out of my "comfort zone" and invite individuals into my home with whom I may not be totally at ease or those who may have unrealistic expectations about the event (1 Pet 5:5b).

O—Obedient

The primary evidence that individuals are Christians is their choice to obey all of their Father's commands. I demonstrate obedience by obeying all of my Father's commands that focus on hospitality (1 Sam 15:22b).

S—Sincere

"Genuine," as well as an "absence of deceit or hypocrisy," describes sincere actions. I will "stay on my knees" (pray) until I can extend sincere invitations (2 Cor 1:12).

P—Prayerful

Prayer—that is, communicating with my heavenly Father, shows my desire for his direction about and dependence on him for the event. I resolve to pray about all aspects of the events that I plan (1 Thess 5:17).

I—Interested in Integrity

Integrity is choosing to do what is right when given a choice between right and wrong, even when it is unpopular. I will choose to adhere to my heavenly Father's standards, regardless of what the mainstream of society is doing (Ps 25:21).

T—Trustworthy

A trustworthy home provides an ambience of trust and confidence. I will study Elizabeth's life (Luke 1:39-56) as a model for my life (Prov 31:11).

A—Adopted into God's Family

Adoption is making a conscious choice legally to integrate an individual into another's home and nurturing him/her as if he/she were their biological child. I will choose, through the strength of the Holy Spirit, to behave in a way that reflects my royal heritage, so that my guests will observe a bit of "heaven on earth" in my home (Rom 8:15).

L—Led by the Spirit

Being led by the Spirit literally means keeping in step with the Holy Spirit. I will purpose to allow the Spirit to lead me so I will not carry out the desire of my flesh (Rom 8:14; Gal 5:16).

I—Instrumental in Producing Righteousness

Instrumental in producing righteousness suggests bringing "every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor 10:5) and refusing to fret or worry about anything (Phil 4:6-8). I must control what I think about and purpose to be spiritually renewed by humbly presenting my concerns to my loving heavenly Father—even when the hospitality event appears to be beyond my capabilities (Rom 6:13).

T—Thankful

Being thankful is an act of the will that generates the giving of thanks to God—regardless of the circumstances. I choose to learn to be content regardless of my circumstances (Phil 2:11b; Col 3:15).

Spiritual Entertainment Timetable

As I physically
Spiritually I will

Prepare my guest list.
Thank my heavenly Father that I am included on the guest list for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:7).

Create my menu.
Bring to mind God's providential care of me (Ps 104:27; 136:25; 145:15-16).

Prepare my time schedule.
Evaluate my use of time in relation to the brevity of life (Ps 90:12).

Grocery shop.
Recall that I was purchased with a price (I Cor 6:19-20).

Decide on my table linens.
Recall that God gave Moses specific instructions for the table appointments for the tabernacle including the color of the table linens (Num 4:7-10).

Select my table appointments (china, silver, glassware,etc.).
Focus on being a vessel of honor (2 Tim 2:21).

Make certain that all of my table appointments are spotless.
Examine my heart to ensure that it is clean (Ps 24:4; 51:10).

Sacrifice my time and energy to clean my home and prepare the meal.
Remind myself of Christ's sacrifice for me (Luke 24:44-47).

Serve my guests.
Reflect on Christ's example of servanthood (John 13:1-20).

Intentionally direct the conversation in wholesome avenues.
Model the speech of the Wise Woman (Prov 31:26).

Tidy my home after the event.
Think about the process of cleansing from sin (I John 1:7,9).

Here also is the link for Napkin Folding if you would like some other ideas!
http://www.napkinfoldingguide.com/

God Bless each of you and We would love to hear any of your comments, suggestions and opinions as well as your prayer requests. Stay updated for photos and New info

Blessings
Amanda