|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Jesus I Come"1 (Lyrics) |
Over the years, you have probably walked over many welcome mats at people's front doors. You may even have one of your own.
The mat serves a practical purpose: to clean our footwear. But if it has on it the word "Welcome", it makes a guest feel special.
Now that I live in a residence, mats are not necessary at the entrance to our individual suites. However, most residents decorate their doors, particularly during the Christmas season, with fancy decorations — usually very colourful, often ornate, but normally artificial.
However, I am particularly blessed. My eldest great-grandchild attends a school in rural Ontario. Rather than the usual fundraising by selling chocolate bars, local farmers donate fruit and vegetables for sale, and at Christmas time, genuine wreaths and decorations.
So, on my door, I have had a real wreath. I hope and pray that my greetings to all I contact are as sincere and genuine as my wreath. This desire has been reinforced by some of the different plaques that one of my friends hangs on his door. He has scores of them, and every two or three days, he puts up a different one. Some make us smile, but all make us think.
One he hangs says, "I serve three meals – frozen, microwave, take out". Since Peter used to own and operate a successful restaurant, it makes us all smile.
Another has the Serenity Prayer by St. Francis of Assisi. A third has the words of probably the most quoted verse in the Bible:
John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV)
But one he hung the other day really caught my attention:
- Where there is faith, there is love.
Where there is love, there is peace.
Where there is peace, there is God.
Where there is God, there is no need.
It immediately caused me to think of this famous verse:
1 Corinthians 13:13 – And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (NIV)
We live in a world where there is much strife, and we know of need everywhere — sometimes far away, sometimes very close. Yet in God, we have all that we need. He is love, and we have the privilege of sharing His love with others. Indeed, it is the command of Jesus that we love God with all our hearts and that we love others as ourselves.
As I read the words on Peter's door, I am challenged, and I pray that the loving welcome that I express to all with whom I come in contact may be as genuine and sincere as the wreath that I have had on my door.
Prayer: Dear Father, help each of us to be willing and ready to genuinely and sincerely express welcome to those with whom we come in contact. Help us to recognize the great love that You shared with us in the giving of Your Son, Christ Jesus. In His name, we pray. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 – In Pontianak, West Ka;imantan, Indonesoa — Pray for "Inre and Irkas", who are heavily involved in ministering in a very sensitive ministry contexr among a group who have no idea who the true Saviour is.. These people work in the slums, where they go through the garbage dump and collect whatever can be re-used or sold. "I and I' teach special school to children with no legal status or papers, as well as teaching health and various skills to the families.
Son and family: "May 30, 2023. I ask for prayers that God will help my son and family. They are fighting in front of..." 
A Difficult Situation update: "Update May 29, 2023. Thank you for all your prayers. Please continue to pray for both S, and J."
Yes! Thank you, Vincent.
Thank you, Vince. Have a good New Year.
Thanks for the good word, Vincent. Have a Happy New Year.
Wonderful thoughts for today. Sending a genuine Thank you. Happy 2020.
Thank you, Vincent, for sharing your life with us and for the witness you have there.
Thank you for your message today. It nourished my soul.
Great points to think about – I will ponder it through the day.
Thank you for a most helpful and thoughtful devotional today, dear Vincent. And for your faithfulness in writing them.
Dear Vincent.
This was a wonderful way to express a living and loving welcome to All.
Great reminder, Vincent! Also, as a retired Principal, I really like the great fundraising ideas. So much healthier! Blessings to you and your family!
Vincent – another wonderful devotional. I love the words of the plaque “where there is God, there is no need.” Amen. Thanks for a great start to my day and may God bless yours!
Beautiful!!!!
God bless you today and throughout 2020!!! You are definitely a shining example of what it means to love and serve God.
Blessings.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and blessed New Year!
I appreciate the words in your beautiful devotional, I look forward to reading more of your work Mr. Walter! Thank you and God Bless you.
Dear Vincent,
Thank you for the uplifting and gentle reminder to be welcoming to all and to show God’s love in a sincere and genuine way. May you have a blessed day and a chance to welcome many.
Dear friend, well another touching devotional. I love the verse on your friend’s door and have written it down and may use that also. You are very fortunate to have Great grandchildren decorate your door. Thank you again and Happy New Year.
Dear Vince,
Thank you for another special devotional. Yes, there is no greater love than the love God gave us through His son, and He is always ready to welcome us into His loving arms.
Blessings for a wonderful New Year.
(B.C.)
Many thanks for such an uplifting devotional. Blessings.
Dear Vincent,
I really enjoyed today’s comments, as they meant something to me.
Do keep up the good work!
It must be delightful to see all the decorated doors.
And I love the poem.
Thanks for sharing.
Dear Mr. Walter,
Thank you always for your meditations. I really like the idea of someone having many different sayings to hang on his door. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Hello, Happy Christmas!
I too, like “real” wreaths. For a decade or so, I made huge ones for the outside of the small country church we attended. I make the base of grapevine (I have a never-ending supply) and fill the wreathe with either pine or spruce or cedar. I wrap a ribbon around it, tie a bow and I am done. Now arthritis has caught up with me, I make only one small one for my entry. I love my garden and the natural world that surrounds me on this 100-acre farm.