"Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:13

I love the holidays – especially Christmas – spending time with family and friends. It’s so much fun to get together with those you love. Laughing…Sharing…The warmth of the fire place. 

But the real blessing comes when you are able to give to someone who’s in need. When you do, you are the one who receives the greater blessing. That’s God’s gift to those who give! 

Watching an elderly lady beam with joy because someone decided to clean her home…A young family is able to pay off a debt due to an anonymous financial gift…A single mom gets a night off because someone offered to watch her kids…these are definitions of true hospitality. And it is the kind of giving that touches the heart of God.

When was the last time you reached out and touched someone? Look around your neighborhood. Talk with the leaders of your church about needs within the congregation. Visit a local nursing facility or homeless shelter. Serve as a volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center. Call a friend. Smile at someone. There are millions of ways to practice hospitality. God wants to use you today!

• Bible Readings for the Week Ahead:
• Monday: 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12
• Tuesday: Job 36:11
• Wednesday: Romans 15:7
• Thursday: Hebrews 10:24, 25
• Friday: Galatians 6:2, 10
• Saturday: Philippians 2:1, 2
• Sunday: Romans 15:5-7