Hospitali-TEA

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. (1 Peter 4:9, NIV)

I have a plethora of friends who have the gift of hospitality. Not only do they have this spiritual gift, but they use it often to bless others. They put it into practice as they share it with the Lord's people (Romans 12:13) and sometimes even strangers. (Hebrews 13:2)

With them it's not an option. Often for me, they even "tailor" their gift to my personal preferences.

"Would you like a cup of tea?" rolls off their tongues when I visit.

This day was no different as Ann, offered a warm cuppa for me as I walked in the door. Plus, it was a "new to me" tea---from Suttons of London. Probably a gift from Marika---it seems every "Martin" household has the same gift....like it's in their spiritual DNA. 

Tea and a chat---a great cuppa hospitali-TEA served on a chilly day.

"Special-TEA"

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10, NIV)

All of us have our specialty (or speciality as the Brits (Princes) who are in Memphis for a weekend wedding would say). Those distinctive qualities are what make us unique. Art, music, even culinary expertise or physical prowess can set us apart from others, especially for those who fine tune these God-given traits.
In the spiritual realm, such aptitude takes on the term giftedness as the  characteristic is used to bless others.
A gift given by God, "fanned into flame" and passed on to others, often in the form of encouragement.
A God-given talent---a "special-TEA" to be served to others.

Not a recipient of the creative gift of "voice," I stand in awe of those who are---and even more so when they use this gift to serve the Lord. Such are the Phoenix ladies, mother Sally and daughter Michèle. who not only are blessed with this gift but share it with others. They minister around the world in any way needed---music, theater, culinary, MKs, writing, divorcee's, widows, other singles & ME!!

My only specialty, not exactly spiritual, but used to bless those who are, is to sniff out unusual "southern" food places and introduce their speciali-TEAS to others, who are not native to the region.

 Deep Fried Brownie Sundae at Puckett's Grocery
Blue Ribbon winner at the Southern Fried Festival
Yes, that's bacon on top.

Special-TEAS---we all have our own cuppa to pour out into the lives of others, especially those who are of the household of faith!

"diversi-TEA": a Re-brew

And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone's opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God....(Mark 12:14, ESV)

Diversity among believers, who serve the one true God, is a good thing. Within one's own congregation, many God-given gifts are employed in a variety of ways, in order to celebrate the unique unity of the body. Diversity is uniqueness as I shared in a 9/10/11 blog entry.

Embracing the culture of my Sudanese friends in Bible Study has so enriched my understanding of trusting God. These gals have lived this truth right before my eyes. What a blessing. 

In appearance we are vastly different---from the color of our skin to the age of our bones. But God....in His love and mercy has had our paths cross and my life is richer because of this relationship. I count on their support when I'm teaching and they are always there. Front and center. Encouraging. Hopefully they value my friendship as well. 

So let’s stop condemning each other...as Roman 14:13, NLT says, and choose instead to share a cuppa diversi-TEA. Their's 's might be a Rooibos red tea and mine might be an Assam black tea....but, when shared, both cuppas warm our souls. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. (Colossians 3:11, NLT) That's God's way.

Spirit of Complaint: addendum

8/8/13 Conviction was the impetus of yesterday's brief blog entry. "Complaint is not a spiritual gift."

Recalling that phrase, first heard from friend Ellen's hubby Dick and compounded by my own daughter's admonishment to NOT be a "Dotsy Downer," lead to some self-examination. I have been in the habit of defining, or more likely rationalizing, my "words" as concern or just observation. But God.....used others in my life to show me otherwise. A least no one used the "nag" word----at least not recently.

I do think that often the very same words can be used as either a comment/observation, or as an "all out" complaint. Hm-m-m.....as if there are degrees of difference. Hm-m-m-m....maybe once again rationalization is taking over.

Probably.....a complaint is a complaint, is a complaint, whether uttered through gritted teeth or "hidden" behind a grin. 

I do think that in my life the "light" has come on in this area of complaint. Where there's light there's usually conviction. I'm seeing it for what it is----sin. Complaint seems synonymous with ingratitude.

Recent trips to friend Claudia's chemo treatment and conversations with newly diagnosed friend, Mary B. were flood lights of conviction for me. Positive living. Living without complaint in the face of the dark diagnosis of cancer. Prayerful, grateful, trusting.

God sent  help in the form of a reminder. Aggie's blog comment from "across the pond" introduced me to 2 Samuel 22:29. (Which I have since prayed for myself and others.)

For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness. (KJV)

Suddenly, God, your light floods my path, God drives out the darkness. (The Message)

Complaint is NOT a spiritual gift. Complaint is a darkness that needs to be dispelled.

Spirit of Complaint

8/7/13 Spirit of Complaint...it's NOT a spiritual gift!