Good morning, Horizon Church family! I hope you had a meaningful Memorial Day weekend and a blessed week. As we reflect on last Sunday's message, I'm excited to share some insights from our series, "167," where we've been exploring how to live out our faith every hour of the week, not just the one hour we spend in church.
THe Challenge of the 167
There are 168 hours in a week, and often we only give one hour to God. But God wants to be part of all 168 hours of our lives. This means bringing Him into our work, family time, and even our personal moments.
Staying Connected
In John 15:4, Jesus says, "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine." Staying connected to Jesus helps us bear fruit in every part of our lives. Just like the citrus trees in our yard that finally bore fruit after years of care, our lives bear fruit when we stay connected to Him.
Practicing Radical Hospitality
One way to live out our faith is through radical hospitality. Romans 12:13 tells us, "Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality." In ancient times, hospitality was a significant act of care and inclusion. Today, it can be simple gestures like making eye contact, offering a smile, or inviting someone to join you.
Who’s Outside Your Circle?
Think about your circles—your family, friends, coworkers. Who’s outside looking in? Maybe it’s a colleague without a voice, a neighbor who feels isolated, or a stranger who needs a friend. Jesus constantly invited outsiders to become insiders. Tax collectors, sinners, the poor, and the sick all found a place with Him. We are called to do the same.
Your Challenge This Week
This week, I challenge you to invite one person into your circle. It could be inviting them to church, sharing a meal, or including them in a conversation. Let’s allow Jesus to transform our 167 hours and make a difference in the lives around us.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s go out and practice radical hospitality, making our world a more inclusive and loving place, one invitation at a time.
Blessings, Pastor Chris Allen