From Stranger to Friend
“Dear friend, you are showing faithfulness by whatever you do for the brothers, especially when they are strangers.” 3 John 1:5
The elder in 3rd John commends Gaius for his treatment of strangers. His actions are called ‘faithful’ and we learn that he demonstrated love by welcoming them and showing hospitality. If Gaius’ faithful actions toward strangers are an example of hospitality, I think it's worth pondering what is faithful hospitality and who are the strangers. Henri Nouwen has a quote that might be helpful here:
“Hospitality means primarily the creation of free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place. It is not to bring men and women over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines.” - Henri J. M. Nouwen
Faithfully showing hospitality is creating a space where a stranger can enter and transform from an enemy to a friend.
Opening your home and welcoming a stranger is a beautiful way to create space. I’ve walked alongside many families in our church who welcome foster children into their homes. They provide meals, a bed, supplies for school, rides to doctor visits, but more significantly, a family to call their own for however long they need it. As a child’s needs are met, as they experience love and security, these families witness life transformation right in front of their eyes. A stranger becomes a friend - and much more - a treasured son or daughter! I think that’s what Nouwen was getting at when he said hospitality offers space where change can take place.
I don’t believe hospitality is limited only to those who have a home though. We can create ‘space’ in other areas of our lives for people to enter but only if we are willing to move towards the stranger; to live incarnationally with the lost and hurting. There’s a group at Emmanuel Faith called the Family Strong Care Community. They walk alongside a local foster family, delivering dinners, babysitting kids, running errands, and regularly praying for the family. They are faithfully bringing hospitality to this family’s door. Each member of the Care Community has committed to moving towards the stranger, creating space for lives to change.
As you reflect on what faithful hospitality is, will you consider who God is calling you to move towards? In what way is Jesus asking you to create space for lives to be transformed?
Anna N.
Life on Mission Director
Cultural Hospitality
The summer following my senior year of High School I had the amazing privilege of going on a six-week mission trip to the Philippines. Every day, each team of seven students traveled via bus and then jeep to a small impoverished village that welcomed us as their family; as brothers and sisters in Christ. They were grateful for the encouragement, anxious to worship together and dive into God’s Word.
One day I was invited into the home of a young girl God had given me the privilege of introducing to the saving grace and unconditional love of Jesus. And what made it even more special and something I will never forget was that her name was Lynette! Before entering her home, one of the Filipino leaders had told me when I was offered something to drink I should drink all but the last ounce. Drinking less than that would show a lack of gratitude and finishing the beverage would rudely be saying, “give me more!” This cultural hospitality that was being offered made sense to me and I was grateful to be made aware of the unspoken rules before I had the opportunity to offend my hosts.
Third John talks about the impact that we as Christians can have on the community of faith when we welcome fellow believers and extend hospitality in a way that encourages them to persevere. A cold “unfinished” beverage from a family of little means encouraged me to keep going and share the love of Jesus in an unfamiliar culture that at times I struggled to embrace. It causes me to wonder about what cultural hospitality rules we place on those who walk through our own doors. Culture is something to be celebrated and yet how that culture is communicated can either invite or offend.
Who are you reaching out to with warm and welcoming hospitality? Or who has invited you into their home in order to encourage and support you? Do you do so with a desire to learn about other people's traditions? Or is there something inside trying to prove that your way is better? If we would only offer hospitality in a way that keeps our focus on Jesus, then all of the traditions become areas of delight rather than areas of scrutiny. Culturally diverse hospitality is something to be celebrated! - especially when the focus of the time together is centered around Jesus.
Lynette Fuson
Care & Counseling Director
Awkward…
I jumped at the opportunity to write this! Awkwardness is something I’ve become fascinated with over the years. On one hand, it’s a massive source of entertainment. Nothing is funnier (yes, that’s a word) than watching a Jr. High schooler squirm trying to ask his crush out on a date. On the other hand, no one actually wants to be that Jr. Higher … again. Being inside that awkward situation is terrible. It feels inexplicably awful. It’s a mix of squeezing discomfort and abject fear that it’s gonna get worse somehow.
Storytime! In high school, I was on a little crusade to ditch my walker for crutches so my folks insisted I have oversight from my physical therapist. She was a great friend, had been my therapist from childhood, and would meet me at school for training with my crutches. A few months in, she asked who I was taking to the homecoming dance. I said that I wasn’t going to go, she read between the lines and responded by setting me up with a girl from her son’s soccer team. Blind date to homecoming! It went as terribly as it sounds like it would. We had nothing in common and she couldn’t understand a thing I was saying. I would’ve felt bad for her if I weren’t drowning in intense awkwardness myself. That’s the point! I was so focused on me and how I was just dying, that I didn’t think much about how ridiculously uncomfortable she must’ve felt. She was actually really great and I have nothing but respect for her.
I’ve had a ton of experiences over the years, and I’ve been in weird, uncomfortable, super awkward situations a lot. However, I've found I can drain the tension from the situation by having a hospitable attitude! Notice how the bible has nothing in it defining what normal is, and how each culture should act. Furthermore, every person is a unique, handcrafted creation of God to represent a special nuanced facet of who He is. Awkwardness is a knee-jerk, deeply ingrained, mostly automatic reaction to another person’s behavior. I say we need to undermine its power and desensitize ourselves to it until it goes away. Honestly, it has no place here.
When we are at church with each other, let’s not let the fear of awkwardness keep us from engaging with each other. Rather, let’s give of our hearts generously, whether it be a subtle reassuring nod or a big hug with a slap on the back, or just quietly listening to people who need to talk. Let them laugh uproariously at a ‘not-so-funny joke! We’re family, we’re all weird!
Jonathan Duncan
Testify
I’ve only had to testify in court one time, but as you might imagine, it was not a fun experience. “Do you promise to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth?” Those words echoed from the judge's lips and reverberated throughout the courtroom. I was giving testimony, and everyone in the courtroom wanted to have confidence that what I was going to say would be true.
While a courtroom may be the most notable place people testify, it’s not the only place testimony happens. The Apostle John reminds us that testimony is part of our normal Christian life. Listen to what he wrote to the churches, “ For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth.” John claimed that other believers came and testified that Gaius was walking in the truth. They told on him! They reported that he was fervently living out his faith.
In this short verse, John draws out a few things that are important. First, walking in the truth is noteworthy. These believers were so impressed with the faith Gaius lived by that they wanted John to know about it. Secondly, it’s possible to testify about someone else’s faith. I love that because these believers were not tooting their own horn, they were reporting on someone else’s faithfulness. Finally, hearing a testimony of faith has the ability to bring great joy to the hearers. John was overwhelmed with excitement when he heard about the way Gaius was living out his faith.
As we seek to embody what John wrote about, let’s look for ways to brag about someone else’s faith. Be on the lookout for people who are passionately walking with Jesus and let others know about it. Then, as you testify about the faith of others and rejoice with them, strive with Jesus’ power to walk in the same manner. Let’s live as a walking testimony to the truth.
Pastor Ryan Paulson
Body and Soul
3 John 1:2 (ESV) “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”
Does anyone remember the old kid's song, “Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, I think I’ll go eat worms . . .? “ Sometimes it is easy to feel that way because something in life goes wrong and we feel like no one sees us. Sometimes we believe the lie that God doesn’t see us, which is why 3 John 1:2 is so impactful. “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” John makes three simple prayers that reflect God’s care for our body and soul. Sometimes we forget God cares about all parts of our life and this is a great reminder that the whole life matters.
John begins with, “all may go well with you.” Maybe you are facing hardship or maybe life is easy, but God walks with us through it all. John’s intercession reminds us it’s okay to ask for peaceful blessings in daily life. Next, John moves to the physical side of life by saying he is praying for good health. He cares about what Gaius is doing in the body as well as emotions. Most of us have been injured in some way and it was just nice having someone come sit with us or send us a card. God cares not just about our spiritual life, but our physical body as well (don’t forget when you stub your toe)! John is modeling how we should pray for the people in our lives to be well physically. Of course, he then moves to the soul. When our souls are out of sorts nothing else really falls into place. John wants his dear friend to be well no matter what else is happening. His prayer is for Gaius to be full of God’s love and grace so his soul (his innermost being) is full or well. When I am full of the confidence of God’s love, my soul is well.
I got a text from a friend the other day, who shared about the impact I have had on her life, and just her reaching out meant so much, it made a huge difference that day. In discipleship the whole person matters, their circumstances, their bodies, and their souls. Maybe we should start praying for the whole person like John does for Gaius. Here is my challenge for you today, ask God who in your life needs a prayer or a verse or a call or text. Then go encourage them! God will use you to make a difference in their day just as he makes a difference in ours.
Pastor JJ
Historic Generosity
I’m well aware that I stand on the backs of giants. As we’ve studied the topic of generosity over the last few days, I’ve been reminded of all the ways Emmanuel Faith has lived out this value over its 80+ years.
We have a rich history of people who have sacrificially given to see more and more people reached with the gospel. Generosity often starts at the top and that’s true at Emmanuel Faith. Our Elder Board has modeled for decades that we are a generous church. As a church, we gave over $20,000,000 to see Mission Hills Church built so that more people in North County could hear the gospel and become disciples. We’ve planted Faith by the Sea, Hillside, and Orchard Church. And your generosity is responsible for the beautiful, safe Faithkids building we have now. Recently our elders gave $25,000 to a local church that was in need of assistance. I am so proud of the way our leaders have modeled generosity and the conviction that God is a God of abundance.
Emmanuel Faith’s members and attenders have modeled this same value. Whether through giving to the Outreach Fund or through personal connections, people who call Emmanuel Faith home have financially supported the gospel going forth for eight decades. I think of Paul’s gratitude for the generosity of the church. Listen to what he wrote, “ You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God” (2 Cor. 9:11-12). I believe that there are many around the globe who have given thanks to God because of the people at Emmanuel Faith.
The other way I continually see Emmanuel Faith’s generosity is through people’s contribution to the Care Fund. The Care Fund is the way we help people within our church body who are struggling financially. We get to help 25-50 families each month through the Care Fund! Some people need a few extra dollars for food, some people need help paying for counseling so that they can heal, and some need money to keep a roof over their heads. Because of the generosity of our congregation, we are consistently able to help meet practical needs. Praise God!
Now we get to carry the baton; it’s our stretch of the race. Let’s not only run with endurance, let’s also run with generosity. Let’s model what we’ve seen lived out over the years. As we bow in reverent worship to our God who is exceedingly generous, let’s carry his image and be generous to those around us. Thank you to so many of you who consistently give at Emmanuel Faith, people around North County and the world praise God because of it. It’s a joy to partner with you for the sake of the gospel.
Ryan Paulson
Lead Pastor
Freely Give
As I started studying and praying before writing this, I gathered statistics like “love is mentioned 714 times in the bible yet giving or possessions is mentioned 2,172 times.” This was interesting. In the “Treasure Principle,” Randy Alcorn points out that 15% of everything Christ ever said related to the topic of money and possessions, more than his teachings on heaven and hell combined.
Interesting information above but the most important thing the Holy Spirit revealed to me is that tithes and offerings are maybe one of the most important ways we express our love back to God the creator of all things. Better yet, sacrificial giving indicates our full trust in him to provide for all of our needs.
Note I said tithes and offerings, offerings being Holy Spirit prompted, freely given gifts to the church or someone in need above and beyond what we commit to God in tithes, which in Hebrew means tenth. There may be some people for whom giving 10% is unwise. There are probably many people in America for whom giving 10% would be pretty easy, and in fact, it wouldn't really be sacrificial or even generous. Since God is to be our treasure, believers are to give generously and freely. For many, this will mean giving more than 10 percent.
God will accept you GIVING A TITHE. He will not punish you if you do not give a tithe
The Apostle Paul taught that how we give is as important as what we give. He said, “Let him give; not grudgingly, or out of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.” It isn’t that he doesn’t love the uncheerful giver who gives grudgingly. But he loves the one freely giving out of love for the Father, it is a different relationship. This giver understands it is about the relationship with our Creator, not the amount of the gift.
Most Americans have been given much in comparison to the rest of the world. We have clean water, we don’t have to walk miles to a river or well to draw water (most of us probably wouldn’t drink). We don’t have to hunt or scrounge for food, we have relatively clean air to breathe, a roof over our head, and transportation. We have been given much
The Holy Spirit prompts our decision to give above and beyond our tithe to meet a need whether in or outside of the church. This is directly related to our relationship with the Lord and out of the much he has given us.
Lord, I pray I/we choose to be still and listen for your Spirit prompting us to offer You or someone else a gift of ourselves or our resources out of a grateful heart. Amen
Deb Hill
EFCC Staff
Generosity Honors God
“…but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” Proverbs 14:31 NLT
“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16 (NLT)
It was during the Great Depression, which lasted from about 1929-1939. In the US the unemployment rate rose to almost 25% and there was no such thing as an unemployment check. People who kept their jobs had to accept lower wages, farmers lost their farms, food was in short supply and banks failed. It was a very hard time.
Escondido and its surrounding areas were in the throes of the crisis as well. How could believers who were just as poor or needy as everyone else be generous and thus honor God? Let me tell you the story of one such family who lived off Nutmeg street on 40 acres of land with a few buildings, no electricity, no piped water, no phone, one well, and an outhouse! Robert and Wilhelmine Nielsen loved the Lord with every fiber of their being and wanted their lives to honor God. Robert had been sent out from the east coast on one of the infamous orphan trains and, knowing what being an orphan was like, he had a heart to help orphaned and needy children. His loving wife was of the same heart! They began fostering children often having 10-12 at their home including their own 4 children. During the depression years, parents would ask the Nielsen's to care for their children while they tried to regain stability. Sometimes the Nielsen's had as many as 25 children staying with them and very little, if any, financial support. The children stayed for weeks or months; boys slept in a room in the barn, and girls slept in the small farmhouse. The kids had school in a room in the barn, went to church, played, helped, ate, had chores, and felt secure. God was honored! As you can imagine, many came to Christ and lives were transformed because of believers who were generous.
Clearly, generosity isn’t just about money although it certainly is an element of provision for needs. Being generous can take lots of forms. It is patience, understanding, forgiveness, and compassion! It is giving time out of a busy day to listen to hurting people. It is sitting with someone who hurts and doesn’t need words, just presence. It is dropping a sack of groceries at the front door for a family that can’t buy anything. It is smiling at people who all are made in God’s image. It might be an encouraging word to a harried mom in a store with a crying child.
How does this honor God? It is how we say back to God, that we remember when He did those things for us. “God, I remember when my sister died, and You comforted me through believers.”
“God, I remember when I was in despair and Your Word brought me peace and hope.” “God, I remember when_______________.” You can fill in that blank! Linger a while with that.
You know God doesn’t need us to bring Him honor. He is complete! But I think it makes Him smile when we are generous to ‘one of the least' of these. This week let’s be generous in as many ways as we can and honor Him.
Francie Overstreet
Lending to The Lord
"One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his good deed." Prov. 19:17
This verse lept out at me. When we think of helping a person in need, we don’t think of it as a prudent financial move. It’s usually thought of as a detriment, an expenditure, money gone, never to return. Here we see the opposite! We’re lending to our Father who is the true owner of everything we have. The ROI (Return On Investment) is bound to be life-changing, I’d lend to him in heartbeat! If he owns everything and is capable of reallocating wealth to the poor, why doesn’t he just fix the problem and give it to the poor himself? Rather, Jesus said, “The poor will always be with us.”
Remember when we were children, our parents would give us an allowance for doing chores they could do far better than we could? The point was to teach us responsibility. Likewise, this is meant to teach us generosity and humility. The secret is that God wants his children to partake in sacrificially giving to those in need. It’s like a family legacy! Jesus is, of course, the ultimate model. He went all the way and sacrificed his life. But look how the Father repaid him for it. God wants us to help run the family business. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Two Fish in a Tub
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. - Proverbs 11:24
I remember visiting a very poor village on the outskirts of southern China. We were visiting homes and listening to their stories through interpreters when one particular man, who was clearly the head of the household, took an interest in me. He motioned for me to follow him outside. When I did, he proudly showed me a tub that had two really good-sized fish swimming around in it. I’m not sure, but I think that he was showing me the food that he caught that morning . . . food that would feed his family that night. So I tried to politely express my admiration for his fish with non-verbal communication. Basically, I made the facial expression of “wow” and gave him a thumbs up. Now, anyone that knows me knows that I can be a bit expressive. Well this time, maybe I was a bit too expressive because this poor man who didn’t have two nickels to rub together got a big smile on his face and immediately found a plastic bag so he could scoop up the fish and give them to me. He wanted to give me his family’s only meal for the night!
While he put the fish in the bag, I was thinking to myself, “What am I going to do with a fish?” We were going to leave his house, walk a few miles to a van, and drive a few hours to an airport to fly back to the main city. This gift would be more of a hassle than a blessing to me, but you should have seen the joy in this man’s eyes as he gave freely out of what he had. I tried to refuse, but as he insisted I realized that the only polite thing I could do was accept his precious gift. And while I couldn’t use it, it was one of the more meaningful gifts I have ever received.
Now, here’s the point. I don’t think that because this man “gave freely” he automatically grew richer in a financial sense. In fact, the unfortunate odds are that that man will die in the same poverty that I met him in. However, the fact that he was able to “give freely” even when it didn’t seem like he had much to give, means that he lived a type of life that was richer than his poverty. He realized that there’s a certain power over circumstances that comes when you choose to let go instead of holding on to your possessions. I can’t promise you will become financially wealthy if you give, but I can promise if you can find it in your heart to give freely, you will find a richer kind of life. I hope you do.
Josh Rose
Discipleship Pastor
