On Invitation

2014 - Change. 2015 - Growth.

2016 - Invite.

Most years around Christmas, I spend some time reflecting on the year past, and praying about the year future. Sometimes, God gives me a word, an impression, a picture of something to be. In 2014, it was the word change... I didn't like that one so much. But change it was - some good, some not at all. 2015 was a year of stretching. Good growth. Not always easy but looking back, it was a richly blessed year.

And now in thinking of this year, the word Invite came.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hear my voice and open, I will come in." Open the door; invite me in. Step aside so I can enter.

Another parable goes... One day a master decided to throw a big banquet. "Go out into the highways and the byways. Invite them to my dinner."

Not everyone excepted the master's offer. But that wasn't the servants' responsibility. The task was to invite.

This is a year to invite. Beckon people in. "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Don't force. Don't coerce. But don't assume that just because people may (and will) turn you down, you shouldn't extend the invitation. Gently and lovingly say "This is what God has done for me. This is what His love has looked like in my life. Won't you come and meet Him too?"

Invite them to the feast.