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The Thin Place

How is Jesus Inviting You to be Hospitable?

Cara’s journey is a beautiful example of how God redeems even our darkest times. After battling illness, Cara took what she learned about how food played a key role in her health and turned it into an opportunity to share with others. Cara writes at The Nourished Body and Soul about paleo cooking, her faith, and hospitality. I’m so excited to share with you today Cara’s words on hositality in unexpected places. As a military wife, her story touches a special place in my heart and reminds me to keep my eyes wide open to what God has for me. 

Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:9-10

My heart hurt for her when she told me what she was going through. 

My daughter and I had been given the gift of a day at the spa and as we sat in the common area waiting for our treatment, I started talking with a beautiful, older woman. The sun that floated in through the large window in the lounge room seemed to glisten off the soft gray highlights of her hair.  When she opened her mouth, I was immediately drawn in by her rich South African accent and I was overwhelmed with sympathy for her as her blue eyes began to glisten as the tears welled up.  

She told me that her sister had sent her to the spa to give her a day off from taking care of her husband who was very sick with cancer. My heart definitely felt for her and I said some nice things to encourage her, but I knew the Spirit was urging me to pray for her. For some reason, I kept putting it off and then someone came into the room and called my name.

I hoped I would see her later in the day, but I never did. It was too late; I had waited so long into our conversation that I missed my opportunity to do what I knew the Father wanted me to do. I prayed for her all day long, but I missed the chance to pray with her. I went to bed that night with more of a heartache than I’d had all day long because I realized I missed the chance my Father had given me to be hospitable.  

So often we think of hospitality as an action, such as inviting someone over for coffee or taking a meal to a family in crisis. But hospitality isn’t just an event on our calendar; it’s a lifestyle of constantly seeking to act like Jesus to the world around us. And if I am truly seeking to live like Christ, my life and everything I do should reflect hospitality.   

          Let us not love only in word or tongue, but in deed & truth.  1 John 3:18

My love towards others can’t be an abstract theory. It has to be demonstrated through my way of life, which should be lived in loving actions.

Therefore, be imitators of God, dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us & given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling aroma. Ephesian 5:1-2

I couldn’t shake the feeling of missing this opportunity for several days. So I asked God to forgive me for getting caught up in my own head of waiting for the right time or wondering if it would seem awkward to pray for this stranger and missing the chance to be His hands and feet to a hurting stranger.

My love towards others can’t be an abstract theory. It has to be demonstrated through my way of life, which should be lived in loving actions. Click To Tweet

Just two weeks later, I was on a flight back home from a conference. I saw a girl walking down the aisle of the plane who was crying and from the look of the red splotches all over her face, she had been for a while. I was a little bit taken back when she got to my row and motioned that the seat next to me belonged to her. It was, after all, late and I was tired from the previous three days of meetings. She was wearing a blue t-shirt and denim shorts, so I didn’t realize until she took off her backpack & took her seat, that she had a military issued bag. 

It all made sense. 

She was leaving the people she loved. I leaned over and quietly said, “I’m here for the next 3 hours if you need me.” 

She nodded but spoke no words, as I’m sure the lump in her throat wouldn’t let them come out. She quickly put some earphones in and drifted to a different right next to me.  

The next 3 hours we sat side by side. She never said anything, but occasionally she would softly cry a little more. My mind wouldn’t stop for the whole plane ride back home and I began to pray that the Lord would let me minister to this young girl in some way.

As we began our descent to land, I knew I would have to seize my moment, or it would never happen. So I tapped her on the shoulder and she took out her earphones. I asked her name and where she was going. Her response, “I’ve got a connection in Dallas tomorrow and then I’ll go over the pond.” It was her way of letting me know she was being deployed. She told me it was her 5th time to go overseas and that it never got easier to leave her people.

Then I asked her if I could pray for her.

She responded so quickly, “yes please” that the words sounded like I had thrown a lifeline to her soul. I took her hands and prayed for her and then she hugged me as though we had known each other for years. It was all I could do to slightly ease her pain, but I knew if I could give her Jesus for a moment, His peace could offer a reprieve from her current sadness.  

It’s not just a tangible, physical act that shows hospitality. Holding a door, a kind word and a hug are hospitality too. Click To Tweet

We got off the plane & went separate ways, but two things happened that night. I knew God, in all of His graciousness, had redeemed my previous disobedience. Just like he did for Peter after he denied Christ 3 times, Jesus had shown me that He still loved me and the guilt I heaped on myself for messing up, wasn’t from Him. 

Second, He taught me that it’s not just a tangible, physical act that shows hospitality. Holding a door, a kind word and a hug are hospitality too. Praying is a hospitable action, even though often the result of it may not be immediately seen the way a meal or a coffee invite might be. It’s still a way of bringing Him into a situation that shows the world that Jesus is the Way, the Truth & the Life.  

Being hospitable in the way we live brings hope to situations where the enemy is trying to cloud life with darkness.    

Being hospitable in the way we live brings hope to situations where the enemy is trying to cloud life with darkness. Click To Tweet

The care of the people around us and our own ability to walk in our God-given freedom depends on our faith to act where and how he leads us, not our ability to schedule an event on our calendar.   

The “little” acts of hospitality that He calls us to do for His kingdom build a greater faith that will carry us to victory in everything He calls us to do.

Remembering to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit is the beginning of being hospitable. 

We don’t have to have things fully planned and figured out. He will tell us how to move and He won’t let us look like failures in the process.  

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”  Isaiah 30:21

Where is God inviting you to be hospitable today?

The way we show the world the love of Jesus is by releasing His power through our daily life. So hold a door, pray for someone or make a meal. Any way the Spirit leads is the way you should go.

Be sure to check out more from Cara at The Nourished Body and Soul. 

For further reading: 

Hygge Hospitality for Christians

Hospitality Isn’t An Option, It’s A Command: 5 Ways to Practice Hospitality

Practicing Hospitality as Fall Begins

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The Comments

  • Emilee
    April 16, 2018

    Oh wow, this is so good! This exact topic is something God has put in my heart since the start of this year—to make room. Make room for the unexpected visitor (I get lots of those here in Honduras ?), make room for the person who needs prayer, make room for family that’s sometimes hard, make room to show the love of Christ whenever He puts the opportunity in front of me.

    Reply
  • Sarah
    April 16, 2018

    So good. So humbling, So convicting. Thank you for this.

    Reply
  • Stephanie
    April 16, 2018

    I’ve had those moments when I was feeling called to do something and waited too long. I’ve been getting better at just doing it but I think you hit the nail on the head with being hospitable. That’s a great way of looking at it.

    Reply
  • Kat
    April 16, 2018

    I appreciate the reminder that when God presents an opportunity, we will often need to reach out in faith. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  • Rosemerry
    April 16, 2018

    Wow! What a great reminder of how to let the Lord use you in a wonderful way. It was a great reminder that we truly can be the Lord’s hands and feet. Thanks again.

    Reply
  • Debbie
    April 17, 2018

    Wow, this is a true eye-opener. May I never forgo an opportunity to be hospitable because of my own insecurities. I really loved this.

    Reply
  • Corey Hudson
    April 24, 2018

    What a touching story thank you for sharing it.

    Reply
  • Alyssa
    April 24, 2018

    This is such an eye-opening post full of great advice! I needed to read this, so thank you for sharing. <3

    Reply
  • Amy @ Orison Orchards
    April 24, 2018

    I never thought of ministering as being hospitable, but it is. No matter what we call it, it’s the same thing — being Christlike and acting in His place, doing what He would do. You wrote all of this so well and beautifully!

    Reply
  • Donna
    April 29, 2018

    I have always loved hospitality. I am drawn to finding ways to make people feel special in our home. However, this gives a new meaning to the word. Thanks for this!

    Reply
  • Stephanie Griffith
    May 11, 2018

    This was amazing! Love the perspective.

    Reply
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Hello, I’m Bailey

The Thin Place was born out of a season of struggle. A season where I felt stretched thin and desperately longed to see the goodness of God in the land of the living. The goodness of God showed up in unexpected ways. During that season, the spiritual disciplines laid out in Scripture, the traditions of the Church, and the reminders of His faithfulness seen in liturgial living and the feasts and seasons of the Church calendar all opened my eyes to the hope we have in Christ.

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Baruch, as you may recall from the book of Jeremiah, was the scribe of Jeremiah. This is a prophetic book written by Baruch calling the people of Jerusalem to repent of their idol worship and return to the Lord. 
Baruch is a great reminder of the importance of confession. The book opens with a call to make respond.
Then they wept, and fasted, and prayed before the Lord; and they collected money, each giving what he could – Baruch 1:5-6 RSVCE 
Baruch is a collection of the response to sin – both the acknowledgment of sin and the call to God’s mercy. 
#christianwoman #graceupongrace #jesusgirl #inspiredfaith #womenlivingwell #jesuscalling #faithfilledcaptions #catholicblogger #Catholicconvert #CatholicWoman #chasingsacred #christianwomenleaders #bibleverse #biblestudy  #christianblogger #faithinhim #proverbs31woman #faithful #Godisgood #encouragementgallery #godslove #christianposts #christianquote #prayer #prayertime 
#biblequotes #bibleinspiration
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Baruch, as you may recall from the book of Jeremiah, was the scribe of Jeremiah. This is a prophetic book written by Baruch calling the people of Jerusalem to repent of their idol worship and return to the Lord. Baruch is a great reminder of the importance of confession. The book opens with a call to make respond. Then they wept, and fasted, and prayed before the Lord; and they collected money, each giving what he could – Baruch 1:5-6 RSVCE Baruch is a collection of the response to sin – both the acknowledgment of sin and the call to God’s mercy. #christianwoman #graceupongrace #jesusgirl #inspiredfaith #womenlivingwell #jesuscalling #faithfilledcaptions #catholicblogger #Catholicconvert #CatholicWoman #chasingsacred #christianwomenleaders #bibleverse #biblestudy #christianblogger #faithinhim #proverbs31woman #faithful #Godisgood #encouragementgallery #godslove #christianposts #christianquote #prayer #prayertime #biblequotes #bibleinspiration
4 weeks ago
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The Book of Sirach is part of the Wisdom literature of the Bible. It was also written during the Maccabean revolt to encourage the people to hold fast to their Jewish faith and not to neglect the traditions and commandments handed down to them. 
Sirach is one of the books of the Bible found among the Dead Sea Scrolls in the late 1940s. It is also found in every copy of the Septuagint suggesting that is was considered to be Scripture by the Greek speaking Jews of that period.
It is full of practical, clear wisdom that is incredibly applicable to our lives today such as: 
The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord. - Sirach 3:18
The higher your position, the more you have to actively seek humility. When you are in a low position, when you rely on others, humility is a more natural disposition and you recognize your dependence on God. When you are great, you need to actively seek humility. 
Do not say, “Because of the Lord I left the right way”; for he will not do what he hates. - Sirach 15:11
This is pretty straightforward. We cannot blame the Lord when we choose sin. The Lord does not do what He hates. He will always provide a way for us to choose good and it adds to our shame when we choose sin and blame God for it. 
A slip on the pavement is better than a slip of the tongue; so the downfall of the wicked will occur speedily. - Sirach 20:18
As the Book of James expands upon the importance of bridling your tongue but more abut consistently in the Book of Sirach we are exhorted to keep charge over our tongues. Ironically, this is much easier said than done. 
Whether you’re new to the wisdom literature or have spent years pouring over proverbs, Sirach is a great place to begin in living a wiser, more biblical life. 
#bibletime #biblereading #readyourbible #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword #savedbygrace #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #givemejesus #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #biblescripture
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The Book of Sirach is part of the Wisdom literature of the Bible. It was also written during the Maccabean revolt to encourage the people to hold fast to their Jewish faith and not to neglect the traditions and commandments handed down to them. Sirach is one of the books of the Bible found among the Dead Sea Scrolls in the late 1940s. It is also found in every copy of the Septuagint suggesting that is was considered to be Scripture by the Greek speaking Jews of that period. It is full of practical, clear wisdom that is incredibly applicable to our lives today such as: The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord. - Sirach 3:18 The higher your position, the more you have to actively seek humility. When you are in a low position, when you rely on others, humility is a more natural disposition and you recognize your dependence on God. When you are great, you need to actively seek humility. Do not say, “Because of the Lord I left the right way”; for he will not do what he hates. - Sirach 15:11 This is pretty straightforward. We cannot blame the Lord when we choose sin. The Lord does not do what He hates. He will always provide a way for us to choose good and it adds to our shame when we choose sin and blame God for it. A slip on the pavement is better than a slip of the tongue; so the downfall of the wicked will occur speedily. - Sirach 20:18 As the Book of James expands upon the importance of bridling your tongue but more abut consistently in the Book of Sirach we are exhorted to keep charge over our tongues. Ironically, this is much easier said than done. Whether you’re new to the wisdom literature or have spent years pouring over proverbs, Sirach is a great place to begin in living a wiser, more biblical life. #bibletime #biblereading #readyourbible #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword #savedbygrace #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #givemejesus #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #biblescripture
1 month ago
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The Book of Wisdom full of poetic principles and outlines how to live life well. Written around the time of the Maccabean revolt, it is written in the style of Solomon (and is sometimes referred to as “The Wisdom of Solomon”) but was written by later authors.
While this book was not accepted in the Jewish cannon, it is in every copy of the Greek Septuagint but it was quote by St Augustine over 800 times and, most importantly, was declared Scripture at the Councils of Hippo and Carthage. 
It focuses on Wisdom guiding the lives of the faithful, the follies of the wicked, and focuses heavily on our future home with God and the life to come. 
For those of you familiar with the Nicene Creed, the Book of Wisdom is one of the sources of inspiration of our description of Jesus Christ. The reference to Christ being “Light from Light” is taken from Wisdom 7:26 which refers to Wisdom as being a “reflection of eternal light.” 
There are also several passages in Wisdom which foretell the death of Christ. One of my favorite passages is Wisdom 14:7, “Blessed is the wood by which righteousness comes,” which reminds me how truly blessed is the cross which held the Savior of the world, our perfect Sacrifice. 
Wisdom is very similar to the book of Proverbs in length and style. It points constantly to the Lord who, as James tells us, is ready to give wisdom to those who ask.
#proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword  #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #blessedandhighlyfavored #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #daughterofaking #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #wordbeforworld
#thinplaces #encouragingquotes #christianlife #christianencouragement
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The Book of Wisdom full of poetic principles and outlines how to live life well. Written around the time of the Maccabean revolt, it is written in the style of Solomon (and is sometimes referred to as “The Wisdom of Solomon”) but was written by later authors. While this book was not accepted in the Jewish cannon, it is in every copy of the Greek Septuagint but it was quote by St Augustine over 800 times and, most importantly, was declared Scripture at the Councils of Hippo and Carthage. It focuses on Wisdom guiding the lives of the faithful, the follies of the wicked, and focuses heavily on our future home with God and the life to come. For those of you familiar with the Nicene Creed, the Book of Wisdom is one of the sources of inspiration of our description of Jesus Christ. The reference to Christ being “Light from Light” is taken from Wisdom 7:26 which refers to Wisdom as being a “reflection of eternal light.” There are also several passages in Wisdom which foretell the death of Christ. One of my favorite passages is Wisdom 14:7, “Blessed is the wood by which righteousness comes,” which reminds me how truly blessed is the cross which held the Savior of the world, our perfect Sacrifice. Wisdom is very similar to the book of Proverbs in length and style. It points constantly to the Lord who, as James tells us, is ready to give wisdom to those who ask. #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #blessedandhighlyfavored #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #daughterofaking #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #wordbeforworld #thinplaces #encouragingquotes #christianlife #christianencouragement
1 month ago
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Chances are, the Books of Maccabees are probably the deuterocanonical books you are most familiar with!  It is in these books that we find the origins of Hanukkah.
To be honest, they are a rough read. A really rough read. They detail the suffering the people of God endured while their enemies attempted to control their land and wipe out their religion. 
It is a set of books filled with great suffering as many of the faithful are killed but it is also a book of great bravery and trust in the Lord in the midst of trials.
In Maccabees, two of the theological principles used today are clearly seen. The first, that God created the world out of nothing. 2 Maccabees 7:28 details how God did not make the world out of things already created, but out of nothing. 
The second principle is that of praying for the dead. While there are references throughout Scripture and it is a clear practice of the Early Church, it is most clearly referenced in 2 Maccabees 12. 
#christianwoman #graceupongrace #jesusgirl #inspiredfaith #womenlivingwell #jesuscalling #faithfilledcaptions #catholicblogger #Catholicconvert #CatholicWoman #chasingsacred #christianwomenleaders #bibleverse #biblestudy  #christianblogger #faithinhim #proverbs31woman #faithful #Godisgood #encouragementgallery #godslove #christianposts #christianquote #prayer #prayertime
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Chances are, the Books of Maccabees are probably the deuterocanonical books you are most familiar with! It is in these books that we find the origins of Hanukkah. To be honest, they are a rough read. A really rough read. They detail the suffering the people of God endured while their enemies attempted to control their land and wipe out their religion. It is a set of books filled with great suffering as many of the faithful are killed but it is also a book of great bravery and trust in the Lord in the midst of trials. In Maccabees, two of the theological principles used today are clearly seen. The first, that God created the world out of nothing. 2 Maccabees 7:28 details how God did not make the world out of things already created, but out of nothing. The second principle is that of praying for the dead. While there are references throughout Scripture and it is a clear practice of the Early Church, it is most clearly referenced in 2 Maccabees 12. #christianwoman #graceupongrace #jesusgirl #inspiredfaith #womenlivingwell #jesuscalling #faithfilledcaptions #catholicblogger #Catholicconvert #CatholicWoman #chasingsacred #christianwomenleaders #bibleverse #biblestudy #christianblogger #faithinhim #proverbs31woman #faithful #Godisgood #encouragementgallery #godslove #christianposts #christianquote #prayer #prayertime
1 month ago
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Judith is another archetypal story of the battle being won at the hand of a woman, seen also in Judges and Esther. 
During the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, an army is sent to destroy the mountain town that Judith lives in. The people are greatly distressed and death seems to be the only option. Judith, a wealthy widow, trusts in the Lord and ultimately, kills the opposing military leader and brings peace to the people.
It is a story of God’s provision for His people in their exile through an unlikely source, a widow. In Judith, we see an archetype pointing to Mary and to the Church, waiting for her true Bridegroom. 
But it is also a story that points to the Lord’s desire to draw all nations to Himself! One of my favorite parts of the book of Judith is that it tells us of the conversion of a man who initially sets out to fight the Jewish people coming to believe in the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. 
“And when Achior saw all that the God of Israel had done, he believed firmly in God, and was circumcised, and joined the house of Israel.” - Judith 14:10
It beautiful reminder that God’s deliverance is for all mankind. 
#proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword  #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #blessedandhighlyfavored #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #daughterofaking #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #wordbeforworld #encouragingquotes #christianlife #christianencouragement
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Judith is another archetypal story of the battle being won at the hand of a woman, seen also in Judges and Esther. During the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, an army is sent to destroy the mountain town that Judith lives in. The people are greatly distressed and death seems to be the only option. Judith, a wealthy widow, trusts in the Lord and ultimately, kills the opposing military leader and brings peace to the people. It is a story of God’s provision for His people in their exile through an unlikely source, a widow. In Judith, we see an archetype pointing to Mary and to the Church, waiting for her true Bridegroom. But it is also a story that points to the Lord’s desire to draw all nations to Himself! One of my favorite parts of the book of Judith is that it tells us of the conversion of a man who initially sets out to fight the Jewish people coming to believe in the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. “And when Achior saw all that the God of Israel had done, he believed firmly in God, and was circumcised, and joined the house of Israel.” - Judith 14:10 It beautiful reminder that God’s deliverance is for all mankind. #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #womenintheword #virtuouswoman #godlywoman #godsgirl #christianliving #butgod #blessedandhighlyfavored #trustgod #daughteroftheking #walkbyfaith #daughterofaking #beautyfromashes #graceupongrace #dailydevotional #faithjourney #jesuslover #faithblogger #godisgood #graceoverperfection #michiganblogger #wordbeforworld #encouragingquotes #christianlife #christianencouragement
1 month ago
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