52 Days. Day 45, Generosity and Hospitality.

Nehemiah 5:17 (NKJV) “And at my table [were] one hundred and fifty Jews and rulers, besides those who came to us from the nations around us.” Even during the high stakes moment of building the wall, Nehemiah takes the lead in being very generous and hospitable to those nearest him, and his neighbors. One of our God’s great commands is for us to be generous and hospitable. One of our enemies direct attacks against us is to not be generous or hospitable. The enemy will tell us we can’t afford to be that kind of a financial giver. God will tell us that we can’t afford not to be that kind of financial giver. The enemy will tell us we don’t have time or energy for strangers. God will tell us that some have entertained angels unaware by entertaining strangers. And then our Lord goes even further and says in Matthew 25:37-40 (KJV) 37 “Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed [thee]? or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took [thee] in? or naked, and clothed [thee]? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.” There’s a reward in only giving a cup of water to little children. How can you shift your day by being more generous? (Give an extravagant tip?) How can you make your day different by being more hospitable? (Slowing down and really listening?)