Happy Monday to all! Yesterday, we praised God from whom all blessings flow. As we continued to look at the life of Abaham, we saw the blessing of being a welcoming and hospitable people. Abraham and Sarah welcomed the three strangers who came near them with lavish hospitality. As they welcomed them, they were welcoming God and receiving great blessings. As we welcome those we do not know into our lives and our homes, we are welcoming those made in the image of God and receiving blessings. Are we, like Abraham and Sarah, a people of hospitality and are our homes welcoming places? Will we welcome those whom God brings into our live as if we are welcoming the Lord Himself, because, in a way, we are doing just that. Do we realize the blessings God provides that come to us as we welcome others? Many times, those blessing are beyond human or natural explanation. Welcoming others into our lives brings blessings from Almighty God.
Remember, during the month of September we are taking the Care and Share State Missions offering. Make your checks to East Madison and put them in the State Missions offering envelopes on the back table to give to that offering. All gifts received for that offering will be forwarded to the Minnesota/Wisconsin Baptist Convention.
Remember to keep praying continually for each other. None of us know fully the burdens our brothers and sisters in Christ might be carrying.
Love being your pastor!
Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church