Oh, the places we've been!
It’s almost time….my daughter Tiffany tries to “talk” little Jake into hurrying up….
She knows from her own little fellows….they come when they get READY!
April tells Tiffany—“he won’t listen to you…he is gonna be stubborn”…
Mommy April is ready…but little Jake?….we’ll see….
Some of you may not have the book, so the questions for today were: “1.) Why would God lead His Son into the desert immediately following His baptism? 2.) What have been some of your most obvious “wilderness seasons?” Do you remember what preceded them? How did they change you?”
I like the first words in vs. 1 of Luke 4. Let me share it. It says “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost…” I want to be filled to overflowing, too! Then He was lead into the wilderness on a 40 day fast. I have been on several fasts in my lifetime, but it has only been a few days at the time and I was in the air conditioning. I cannot imagine that length of time. And of course anytime we try to do something for God the old serpent has to show his ugly head.
I can tell you many times I’ve just came from a wonderful service at church and suddenly something happens or the devil tries to zap my joy. What about the children? – one might start a fight, the husband might be grouchy, or the dog sick. I like to read this scripture in Habakkuk 3:17-19. I often read it in the mornings. It say this: “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” Amen to that!
Beth does a comparison between Eve’s temptation in the Garden and Jesus in the wilderness. Both were tempted with food. They both were hungry. Like she said, “satan was trying to sow some doubt.” Has he tried this tactic on you? Well sista, I read the end of the book and it ain’t pretty for him. We are the winners! As long as, we keep the Lord of all, Lord-of-all!!!
My husband feels he needs to lose weight and over the years has tried many diets, but just the thought of it makes him hungry. I heard one man say, he told his doctor he couldn’t do any kind of exercise anymore, because it made him that much more hungry. Why is that? the doctor asked. The man replied, “As soon as, I start sweating, it smells like bacon frying and I get hungry again.”
Well, food can be a temptation, but maybe your temptation is something else. God wants us to hunger after more of Him, more than any other earthly desire. Jesus didn’t give into the temptations of satan in the wilderness, even though he could have. He fought temptation with the Word of God and we can do the same! You know the scripture in Isaiah 59:19b says: “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” (Oh, I love that one!)
I read something a few days ago in a devotion and it said something like this, “Just because you are going through a trial, does not mean God’s inattention, it may mean you have His attention.
It goes along with one of Beth’s final points: “Seasons of intense temptation are not indications of God’s displeasure.” It may be only a test. (and it’s not from the Broadcast Network!) I hope I pass the one I’m in, so I don’t have to take a remedial course! Love you sisters!
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us and teaching us. We “praise you in the storm” that we are facing. Thank you for your strong arms that surround us and when we feel wounded, the hands that tend to our wounds. Help us to stand strong and be covered with your armor and be ready for the temptations that come our way. May we hide your word in our hearts. In Jesus name – Amen.
Still Keeping the Faith,
Aimee
Well—I truly hope that you completed day 13 and 14 on your own this weekend. If you didn’t–take some time today and read through what Beth penned. The scripture references for those days were Matt. 3:1-6 and then on the 14th, Matt. 3:13-15.
Today, we read from Matthew 3:16-17. For the benefit of anyone that doesn’t have their book handy, I will put the questions she asked out here:
1) Why isn’t heaven always open to our sight? What is the benefit of knowing it’s there–and knowing He’s there—without being able to physically see for ourselves? (I leave you to answer those for yourselves); and
2) Whether you feel like you’ve received your father’s blessing or not, describe the importance of this in a person’s life. What goes missing when it’s not given? What comes pouring through when it is?
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I want to share with you something that Beth stated on page 73: ….”because heaven was open to him (speaking of Stephen and his vision of Jesus Christ as Stephen was being stoned) and he saw Jesus Christ standing at the right hand of God on his behalf. What I want you to understand, continues Beth, is that heaven is right there. We look up at that sky at night and the expanse of the stars. He is literally just an open window away from us, sitting on His throne. His presence is in us and on us. God upon His throne is near. We just can’t quite see it yet. I have italicized Beth’s words here and bolded some I want to pay attention to. I highlight things in my book that jump at me—things I want to pay close attention to.
At the moment of the baptism of Jesus—as John performed what he felt unworthy to do, God did something amazing. He parted the curtains of heaven and made a proclamation from His throne for those listening and those of us reading today, would forever remember. “This is my Son, whom I love, with Him I am well pleased.”
“With whom I am well pleased” —God the Father was well pleased with His only begotten Son. And the world needed to know.
I remember a few Sunday’s back, a special altar call was given for those that needed prayer in a specific area in their lives. A young woman went forward and as she stood with her hands and face raised toward heaven, she began to petition the Father for her needs. Our pastor asked for those of us that would, to come behind these gathered and pray with them. As I stood behind Jennifer praying, I felt her shake with tears being unleashed from her searching soul. From the choir loft her dad saw the face of his child. His only daughter. And he came down to stand before her and intercede on her behalf. As he pulled her into his arms, he too wept–his pain and concern joining hers. I will never forget the look on his face that morning. It was a look reserved for fathers and daughters. A look that said, “I love you and I am here for you –no matter what you are going through.”—Or, “I am so proud of you—more than you will ever know.”
I know that even though I may not ever have that “look” from an earthly father, I have that look from my heavenly Father when He parts the curtains and looks down at me in the midst of my obedience. I have felt the pull of the heavenly Father’s arms into my life. Pulling me toward Him to learn of Him—to rest in His presence as the world races on around me.
As I gaze up into the early -pre-dawn skies–while the stars are still out shining brightly—it is not hard at all to believe and visualize God looking down into my heart and life. A few mornings each week, I get up around 4:30 and go walk with two or three ladies from church. Some weeks I am better at the “getting up” part than others. But one morning recently, as I was walking, the sky was incredibly clear and beautiful! A blanket of black—with lights twinkling and nodding as if to say “He is watching, He is there with you. No matter what you see—He sees more”.
Another thing I want to draw your attention to is the “voice”. As the voice of God spoke clearly from the heavenlies, God almighty proclaimed His love and adoration in His only Son. Growing up we all longed to hear those words of affirmation that bring joy to our hearts. The Word of the LORD speaks over our lives every day in the air we breathe, the time we take for Him, in the reading of the Word and in prayer. His voice can be heard in a thundering or in the whisper on the wind. He says over and over to us–that “He loves us”…and is merciful to us—and that mercy endures. Forever.
No matter how hard our lives may seem—as we see in the storms that have ravaged the Gulf, lives as well as the very shoreline of our coasts have changed. But the Lord loves us still. None of these storms escape His sight. Not even the inner storms of our lives.
Marriage failing? Children rebellious? Suffering job loss? Stricken with a severe illness? Death knocking? These are all storms—not just simple summer showers that will pass quickly. Most of these listed takes years to overcome. Some are only overcome by the leaving of this life when He calls us to the next. But no matter the circumstance of our life’s situation….His voice can be heard.
“Child, you are mine. I saw you clearly before you even made your arrival. The calamity of life you are walking through is not in vain. I loved you so much I went before you in this world and made a Way for you to be saved from the onslaught of the world. That Way was through the sacrificial life of my only Son. I prepared the Way…and by that Way, you can have eternal life. By no other way is that possible. Only through seeking forgiveness—repenting of your ways—and seeking my Way. Then salvation is yours. Wholly and completely—you belong to Me. I am proud to call you Mine.”
How many long for those words of love? I know that there have been many times in my own life—when I longed to hear that from an earthly father….and did not. But hearing God speak His presence and peace into my life has changed my heart, life and direction forever!
When you spend time in His word, you will “feel” Him gather you into His arms. Rest there girls. For the battle has been long. It has sapped your strength. And we have a little way yet to go to the journey ends. Rest in His care as He speaks over your life —you are HIS joy! He delights in YOU!
Father in heaven, I thank You for Your infinite care over us. For your undying love. For speaking into our lives the very words we need to hear. Lord, bathe us in Your Holy Spirit as we walk each day—under Your mighty direction. We seek Your will in our lives. Use us in whatever manner will glorify You best. I give you all the praise, for it is IN the name of YOUR Son, Jesus Christ I ask and BELIEVE~Amen
Keeping the Faith,
Angie
One of Beth’s thoughts today was the qualities she likes most in people, and she asked “What would be on your list if you were to make one? And which of them can you see Jesus possessing?”
Now, I have never made a list of the qualities I like in people, but it is something to think about. When I was in High School we had to write down the qualities we wanted in a spouse in our Life Management class and needless to say my husband fit the type I wrote about. (Awe, ain’t that sweet!)
Anyway, sorry for chasing that rabbit, contemplating this thought made me think of that paper. Well, I would have to say Jesus possesses all the good qualities that I can think of. Faithful, honest, wise, a good listener, etc…..
Just like Beth, it is hard for me to fathom the human side of Christ. Makes me wonder, “Did He ever have a bad day?” Beth mentioned how He was favoured in vs. 52, He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” I liked her words, “He came bringing heaven to earth. In today’s terms, He was a man who could preach an anointed sermon, then change a flat tire on the way home from church.”
I want to live a life pleasing and favourable to God. Our Uncle Cecil taught an adult Sunday School class for many years before he was physically unable to, due to several strokes, but one of his favorite things to say at the close of his lessons was, “Children, if you want to hear the Father say well done, you’d better have done well.”
I admit I tend to be a people -pleaser many times, because I want others to be happy. I won’t compromise my beliefs, but I will often stretch myself to thin.
One day, I was praying about my pleasing tendencies and I was crying about how I didn’t feel I could do enough to please people or measure up to others. I had high expectations for myself… I’m a pastor’s wife and I wanted to visit everyone, make pies and cakes for everyone, and be a good teacher, and be a good wife and mother, etc… and I heard the still small voice speak to my heart, “Child, all I expect of you is for you to do your best and I will handle the rest.” That was a liberating thought for me, because all he requested was my best.
May God bless you is my prayer, and may all you beautiful ladies be found favoured!
Keeping the Faith,
Aimee
Scripture references for todays devotion are found in: Luke 2:48-50; and
Philippians 3:9, 12
Girls, searching today for the words to say on this particular post has brought tears—again. In visualizing what Mary and Joseph must have felt—the panic in their hearts as they searched for the greatest Gift from heaven. I wonder if Mary thought she’d failed in her responsibility in watching over her precious Son. God’s Son. I am quite certain—that she called on God the Father to assist her in the search. Of course, Jesus was not out of God’s sight.
I remember clearly walking through K-Mart many years ago, when Jeff and I were shopping for —who knows what—but what I do remember is this: I had Tiffany by the hand. Then I didn’t. She had walked to the side of me and was looking at something on a lower shelf. I turned to the buggy…and she was gone. In less time than it took to retrieve something from a shelf, she had disappeared. Then when I went one way, she had gone another. My stomach instantly flew up my chest and I immediately cried out her name. With panic in my voice, I did not care one bit if people looked at this stricken faced mother strangely. I called her name. (This was before cell phones and Jeff was not with me.) When Jeff heard my call, he came rushing and by the time we connected, we had found our girl. I cried. Still shaken, and wanting to scold her and hold her at the same time, I thanked the LORD for watching her and divine protection. It never happened again.
My gut instantly goes into clinch mode though when I read this account of what must have been akin to fear for Mary and Joseph. While part of me feels that surely they knew that God would protect His Son, the other part of me has to wonder if they were just like normal parents…and they became afraid. Must have been something like that last part, because Mary and Joseph rushed into the Temple where they discovered Jesus.
“After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.” (Luke 2:46-47)
While we know that Jesus wasn’t born walking and talking, He did learn all that His earthly father, Joseph could teach Him of the traditions of the people, and he learned of Mary. I wonder when she told Him of His special birth. The reason why I ask this, when they approached Him in full blown panic mode, He responded so calmly with these words found in verses 49-50 –‘”Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them. ‘ And I think…right here, He “thought” they should have understood. Somewhere between the temple steps and the journey home—I think His heavenly Father whispered in His heart to be patient with them. They would learn. But that’s tomorrows study.
I like what Beth shares as a more precise translation of verse 49. “Didn’t you know that I had to be about my Father?” [In the temple. Where the Spirit of God dwelt. Those are my thoughts.]
Something I recall from over 20 years ago. I was missing our maternal grandmother, who had passed away a few years before. Aimee already mentioned her name, Mamo, who was special beyond description. I was driving one day and the weather was just edging into summer. Not quite there, not hot, just mildly warm. The sun was bright and there was a sweet breeze in the air. I had rolled my windows down and was driving slowly down a country dirt road. (We have a lot of those around where we were brought up.)
As I was passing an older clapboard style house with a big welcoming front porch, a scent so sweet and reminiscent of Mamo wafted in the car with me. It teased my senses and brought tears to my eyes. I wanted so much to be in her kitchen. To see her standing at the stove cooking something delightful for me. I cannot describe the feeling, other than to say it was a longing I had not experienced before. Mamo represented peace, home, nurturing, love, comfort and all the things that I think of when I think of my own mother.
I wonder if Jesus had set out with the others, perhaps with a few cousins and then suddenly had such a desire to be “in His Father’s house” that he turned around. Maybe he had not even made it out of town when the strong desire hit Him with a force that He couldn’t explain. Or, perhaps He never left the temple from the morning teachings.
In imagining Mary to be like most mothers, surely He was among the “counted” children before they set out. Reflecting on this, I think that the pull of His heart to His Father was so strong that He had to say to the others with Him, “go on along, I catch up in a bit.” What do you think? This is purely speculation on my part since we don’t know.
I remember before Wanda left this life, we had to get to a place in our hearts where we could say, albeit with much anguish and pain, “go on along. We’ll catch up in a bit.” She had a hunger for God. A thirst for righteousness and it showed in her everyday walk with Christ. She communed with Him constantly. On our behalf. If she were here today, she would seek Him on your behalf as well. She didn’t have to know you to pray. Simple as loving God. It was just her way.
With all my heart—I join Beth in saying, “I want to be about God”. I want to leave my family and friends knowing without a single hesitation or doubt where my heart lies. What my determined purpose is–to search out God. Wherever the journey leads. I want His life to be so embedded into mine that it is difficult to tell the difference. I want to feel the pull in my heart and spirit to be with Him. In daily conversation. Daily. Moment by moment.
Father God, I just have to say I love you. I cannot fully express with the mere words of my simple vocabulary the feelings in my heart. I want to be about You. I want You to fill every space in my heart and life. Rearrange the furniture of my soul. Remove the unnecessary. Show me the hindrances in my life that keep me from fulfilling what You have called me to. If it is simply to blog devotions…I’m your girl. Whatever it is, help my ears hear it…my eyes see it and my heart feel it. Help me to be about Your business. Daily. Moment by moment. Help each one of us—these kind women who have set aside their time to join with us in our quest to know You more—help us to realize with extreme clarity of heart and mind, the purpose You have designed for us in the coming days, weeks and even years until You call us home. We long for more of You than we have ever had before. Enable us to “take” from this place of study in our homes, vital information and heart transformation to share with others who don’t have a clue about Your infinite love. I could go on. But You know our hearts. Bless each individual heart—in a way that they will see and acknowledge You. In Christ holy name I pray~Amen.
Keeping the faith,
Angie
Mary and Joseph went three days searching with their twelve year old missing. The heartache had to have been deep, so deep, they couldn’t describe. I’m sure they couldn’t sleep. I know, when our son was found and came home, the feeling of relief and thankfulness filled our hearts. Yet the question “why” was inevitably on our minds. Jesus was found safe and sound listening, asking, and answering questions.
Eleven and twelve years of age seem to be such awkward ages. I remember these ages very well, not quite a teen, but no longer a little child. Children this age are searching and have loads of life questions- at least I did. I picture Jesus gleaning and gaining knowlege from these men of wisdom. I believe it’s a message within itself for us to seek out those of wisdom to help teach us, mentors/elders, if you would, to help us with decisions. To seek those with more experience does not show weakness, but a teachable spirit. First seek Him, seek Him with our whole heart. Wise men seek Him. (Did you get it? That was a little funny.) Mary and Joseph sought Him, wise men sought Him, are you seeking Him?
Lord, I seek your face today. Teach me your ways oh Lord. Help me listen to you and be able to answer questions asked of me carefully and prayerfully. I love you more everyday. Touch everyone that is with us in this study. I pray you will open our eyes and hearts to your word. Thank you for life’s experiences and trials that draw us closer to you. In Christ’s Holy Name-Amen.
Join us tomorrow as Angie preaches to us!
Keeping the Faith,
Aimee
I had a blast! Get over there and read—and tell me if you are just uplifted and encouraged…and remember—laughter is good for you….good medicine…and it is good EXERCISE! So really, when you think about it…you have killed two birds with one stone!
No, the picture is not of me—nor of Mary. But someone sent it to me via e-mail…and it was just too cute not to share!
Ya’ll have a blessed day….and remember—I am posting devotional blogs with Aimee (my baby sista), over at our “sister-site”—Sisters of Faith! There will be a give-away at the end of the devotion (in case I haven’t told you that before). So tag along, enjoy the journey as we follow Mary, Joseph—and most of all Jesus—our ONE and ONLY—He is after all, the Reason we started out. Be sure and let us know you are there reading along!
The cutting away of flesh is painful. Especially since there is sensitivity–or feelings in the skin. Isn’t it that way with us? Painful when we are under the circumcising knife of the Holy Spirit. As it cuts away the unnecessary of our lives to reveal a heart more tender toward Christ than ever before.
I love the way this read in the New Living Translation: When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. It was a spiritual procedure—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ. He forgave all our sins. He canceled the record that contained the charges against us. He took it and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ’s cross. Colossians 2:11-13 (emphasis mine)
I really wanted to end that with a huge exclamation point!!! Or maybe three!!! I am so unworthy of any thing He has done…2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV says, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” That verse popped in my heart and I searched it out (not knowing exactly where it was) and the tears that had already poured from yesterday’s devotion…started up again!
I don’t know if Mary and Joseph could have possibly understood what the ritual of their customs could possibly mean for me, today, living in Florida, a sinner. Saved by the very grace that God’s only Son offered through His shed blood.
I guess before reading this particular devotion, I had always assumed that the circumcision of Christ and the presentation of Christ at the temple happened at the same time. But according to Levitical Law, this was not so. Beth sites Leviticus 12:1-8; “waiting thirty-three days” and not touch anything sacred or go to the sanctuary until the days of her purification were over–at first glance might seem a bit extreme. However, one commentary mentioned that “possibly” the young mother was thankful for this time of rest and peace from the normal hustle bustle of daily activities and rituals.
I can’t help but compare it to our lives today and wonder for the life of me—how in the world would she get what she needed from Wal-Mart or Target? Surely Joseph wouldn’t know the exact type of personal items, nor the brand of diapers and ointment she preferred…sorry, my mind strayed a bit.
Reading of redemption and purification is what brought the tears out today. Of all that God made provisions for. The plans–the extreme He was willing to go to for a lost world. Though a lamb was the preferred sacrifice, provision was made in the law for those who were unable to afford a lamb. Joseph and Mary brought, as Beth said, “the poverty version of sacrifice”. I think they were watching every single coin. Not knowing how long they would be there, nor if he could find work if they needed to stay longer, he would provide for his family to the best of his ability. Nothing would be wasted. He purchased the best he could afford on the budget that he had, for the sacrifice to offer the priest for Mary’s purification. (Leviticus 12:6-8)
I have to share this last passage of scripture for today. I cannot tell you what has rolled over and over in my soul in studying this. I have pondered many aspects of the circumcision, redemption and purification today, but when I was reading the scripture that Beth highlighted at the end, I went just above it—and oh the sweetness of the the LORD God watered my eyes and soul.
“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God, while we look forward to that wonderful event when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing what is right.” Titus 2:11-14 NLT
I leave you to think on the Gift. The blessed HOPE. The life of redemption from sin. It belongs to each of us. Ours for the asking. And receiving. Bless you girls! I love you all!
Keeping the Faith,
Angie
I will tell you now, the tears streamed down my face as I read Beth’s breath-taking view of the “holy night.” My favorite scripture in this text is vs. 19: “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” For me, this would have been very hard to do, because many times I ponder out loud – you can just ask my husband or Angie for that matter. When I’m worried I want to talk about it, sort of get it off my chest. If I’m excited I can’t hardly keep it in. I’m not quite as bad as Angie though. Let me give you an example, but don’t tell her I said this, but sometimes she might get me a surprise and she just can’t wait to give it to me. She’ll say things like: “Do you want to know what it is?” And I might say, “No just keep it a surprise, because I like surprises.” She can’t stand for me to say that, but she just can’t hardly wait! Now on the other hand if I get her a surprise, I won’t tell her. I like to keep her guessing, but I’m really dying to tell her, too. But Luke writes, “Mary kept all these things in her heart.” To be so young, Mary was very wise.
When the shepherds came to visit with their wide-eyed stories about the angels, I doubt if it startled Mary and Joseph. Somehow, they were prepared in their hearts for His birth, for His coming. They did not know the exact day or hour, but none-the-less, they were ready. I may be getting on another topic here, but it’s a good thought, you probably know what I’m about to ask. Are you ready? As a little girl, I remember hearing my grandmother, a.k.a. “Mamo,” testify in church and her last sentence would be, “Pray for me that I’ll be ready should He come or call.” She was! He did call her home, and I’m praying that same prayer, that I will be ready.
The movie screen kept rolling while I read today’s devotion, I pictured in my mind so clear a young mother holding her infant with that sweet look in her eyes, as she tenderly caresses the thin, delicate skin of her newborn. I worked in a nursery of a hospital on the night shift for two years, and I saw a lot of babies born. It was always a privilege to take the infants to their mother’s room for their first visit. Before I would take them out to their mommies, I would give them a good bath and put a little Johnson & Johnson baby lotion on them. They would always smell precious. I loved to watch the mom’s faces after I placed their sweet- smelling newborn in their arms. The first-time mom’s are always full of questions, and I would answer them all, the best I could. To me they were all beautiful, no matter if they were red and wrinkled. My favorite part of all was when the mother’s would hold them in their arms and look into their little faces and kiss them. I imagine Mary had that look in her eyes, too. It is hard to fathom she delivered her son / her Saviour! Oh, how I would have loved to been her nurse!
Father, thank you for sending your beloved Son to this earth so we could have eternal life. Thank you for planning a future with us in mind. You are so awesome! I pray for everyone that joins us today that you can remind them of your love. If someone is weighted down with heavy burdens, Lord help them cast them on you- lighten their load. If someone has decisions to make and they don’t know what to do, Lord brighten their path. Most of all, help us be ready should you come or call. I give you all the glory, honor, and praise. In Christ’s name – Amen!
Keeping the Faith,
Aimee
Picture from “Women Health Matters” website
The following devotion is from the archives, originally written and posted on November 3, 2007. So very long ago. Or so it seems. Much has happened—and God continues to watch over our lives.
I will be back over at Sisters of Faith this week along with my baby sista, Aimee. She will get us started again in the morning with day 8 of our Bible Study! It has been so uplifting to fellowship with the other precious ‘sisters’ in the LORD that have joined us on this journey! You are invited over. Come and sit with us every day if you get the chance! Comment to let us know you are there!
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23 NIV
I want to focus on two sentences here. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
I heard this complete text read several weeks ago and a clear mental picture formed instantly in my mind. I became so excited as it unfolded in my mind and heart. I thought about it during the night and even called my sister Aimee the next morning on my way to work. Still excited, but not able to adequately form the words to such a degree as to get my “picture” from my mind, over to her, she asked me to blog it. Easier said than done at times. Several other devotions came to my mind and heart between that morning and this. I blogged those, unable to wrap my mind around the exact way I wanted to express my thoughts from that heart message. But here goes—
Let’s break it down. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” When we prepare a table for our loved ones, what do we put on it? If you said “the best”, then you are right, the very best. In speaking of food, we prepare their favorites. I know when I am going to my dear mother-in-law’s house, and it is a “planned” meal, she always has rutabagas. For me. Because she loves me and she knows that they are one of my favorite vegetables, and one that I rarely cook myself. In fact, I can count on one hand the times I have prepared them (probably using only 3 fingers!). It is a lot of work! Since I am the only one with a great love for them, I don’t go to the trouble at home for just me.
Do you see the picture here? We prepare the favorites. We use the best dishes. The best glassware, the best serving dishes, the best of everything we can find in the house for the special guest. We try to find out what their favorite dessert is. If it’s a cake…then of course I track down the recipe for my sweet Jeff. If it’s a pie or pudding, then that would be my delight. I love the look on my son-in-law David’s face, when April tells him that “daddy” has made a “German Chocolate Cake”. We know it’s his favorite. We delight in pleasing our children.
God delights even more so in pleasing us. In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:9-11) He shares this insight of the Father’s love for us. “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gift to those who ask him!”
That is plain “as the nose on your face”. It is clear that God loves us more than we can comprehend. So if He is “preparing a table” for us, what do you suppose is on it? His best!
Let’s look somewhere else. In Joel 2:25-26 we read, “I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army with I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.” (KJV)
I used the KJV here for a reason. It gives particular names of the types of locust. They are all in the locust family. Simply put, locusts are swarming grasshoppers and they devour crops and vegetation. Sound familiar? Sounds like the work of the enemy in our lives. We are very aware that he comes to “kill, steal, and destroy”. However, God promises to restore. To give back—in plenty—go back and pick up verse 24 of the same chapter. He will “overflow” our restoration!
Picture this: A long banquet table covered with a crisp white linen cloth, of the finest quality imaginable. This is the table He prepares for us….on my table I see all the things that the enemy of my life has taken from me. All the things in my life that the enemy has damaged or caused me to suffer pain from are laid out for all me to see that my Father is now “restoring to me”.
Gilded ornate frames, with pictures of my dear loved ones that have wandered from the most holy path of our Father sit among the various dishes on the expanse of white. I see a big platter of “joy” that the enemy continually tries to steal. I see “compassion” in a delicate porcelain bowl. For it is in the busyness of our lives we tend to lose our compassion for others.
“Peace”, pouring from an endless silver fountain sits firmly in the center of the table. “Trust” is plenteous, for my Father knows that bit by bit the enemy has wrecked havoc in my life regarding trust. Vision is clear in the crystal goblet on the right hand of my filled plate. Our “vision” to see the lost come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, many times, has been stolen right before our very “eyes”. Hope is brimming over, along with purpose. Distinct, clear purpose.
Our purpose and His calling are now restored with clarity as never before experienced! As I stand at the table, He has so lovingly prepared for me….in the presence of my enemy, I am overwhelmed at the fullness of joy I now feel. I see the enemy, but I am not afraid. For my Father has him completely bound and subdued.
The enemy in my life is the same enemy that you have faced. He may have worn different clothes, but his purpose was the same. His actions were the same. Bit by bit, things have disappeared in our lives that God has so lovingly given to us. Maybe we didn’t even notice.
If your couch suddenly went missing, you would notice right away. But if someone took only took one cup from the cabinet—-would you notice? If one sock went missing—would you notice? Probably not until you “needed” it….hmmm. I see that now you have the picture.
We neglect protecting our valuables that have been bestowed upon us, until many times, it is too late. We don’t have what we need—-at the very time we need it!
However, He is a restoring God! He will cover your table with every nic-nac that has disappeared from your life. Look around your spiritual house. What has gone missing? As I fall down on my face before the throne, the Father begins to “set my table”. He has anxiously been watching the driveway for me to seek Him out. To seek out His company. His divine Presence.
As I am seated in His Presence, He “anoints my head with oil; my cup overflows.” His lavish blessings overflow my life as His Holy Spirit is pouring on my heart, mind, body and spirit. His anointing represents my life dedicated for service to Him. As kings and priests of old were anointed for service, so does the Lord desire to anoint each of us for service to Himself.
My heart overflows with the love of my Father as He tenderly cares for my needs. We will share in this table of plenty that He has set before us….and we will remember—-to carefully guard all that He has restored in our lives!
Jeff & Angie 