I'm participating in a Christian Group Writers Project on Faithful Bloggers. It is based on the 23rd Psalm. We were given the opportunity to chose one of the six verses from this Psalm. I chose to write on verse 5.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,
You aniont my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalm 23:5
Hmm ...preparing a table in front of my enemies. Do I really have enemies?
Well, if Jesus is the Lord of my life ...I will have enemies.
You see, as I submit to His leading He transforms me from the inside out. That means change. And frankly, not everyone is happy with change. Inevitably, there will be conflict.
I may not have people fighting against me with physical weapons but ...words can be hurtful.
It's so important for me to spend time alone with the Lord daily as I feast at His table of love.
Table preparation takes time and can't be rushed.
(Photo Credit: Bountiful Magazine)
In my imagination I'm seated at a lovely table setting like this one with the sound of the waves and the smell of salt air.
But it's His Word that I feast on daily. Reading, speaking and praying His Word.
As I come before the Lord each morning, I receive His fresh anointing for that day. I remember who I belong to and that He is the Good Shepherd who cares for me. His Holy Spirit is overflowing as I allow Him to work in me and through me. I become saturated in His love and that love ...overflows to others.
(Photo Credit: Away Network)
My salvation cannot be taken away. I belong to Him forever.
Thank you Jesus!
AMEN! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteNot sure what I wrote in my last comment that blogger lost!
But I'm resting in the shadow of His wings today!
Love you,
Jill
Thank you for this post and the beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteOh Debbie, that was so beautiful. thank you for the good lesson.
ReplyDeleteYes...a wonderful reminder!!! We are his sheep and He is a good Shepherd! What a blessing to be able to feast at His table.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteI consistently pray for an overflowing cup
ReplyDeleteDebbnie this is perfect timing for me to read this right now. There are so many changes going on in my family with my fathers illness. Sigh. Thank you for sharing sweet friend. I feel better reading it.
ReplyDeleteThat was a great movie. I need to buy the book as well. We do have the same taste.
Blessings, ~Melissa :)
Amen sis.
ReplyDeleteSimply lovely. I really enjoy visiting your blog.
ReplyDeletePeace~
OH Debbie...this is just beautiful! Your words we so anointed by HIM today my friend!
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed week
Enjoyed this!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, you said it perfectly: "His Holy Spirit is overflowing as I allow Him to work in me and through me. I become saturated in His love and that love ...overflows to others." There are some people He places in our lives that are unable to feast straight from Him. They need to be nurtured by us (through His power)---just like a nursing mom...one day those "babes in Christ" will be able to feast on the sincere "meat" of His Word on their own---but until then, it's most important to keep our nourishment UP, so we can be poured out as blessing to others. Running on empty? Time to go back to the table--He's already prepared it.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this vivid reminder! Thoroughly enjoyed it.
We find strength while seated at His banquet table. His Word, the Sword of the Spirit, is the weapon that protects us when in the presence of our enemies. Yes, other people's words hurt...but God's Word heals. Thank you for sharing...I'm dining with Him today, too!
ReplyDeleteLiving for Him, Joan
Beautiful...I love your rendition on this scripture...I've always loved the image of sitting with Him, feasting at His table while all those I thought I should be concerned about look on...I won't even notice that they can see me, bc I'll be so enamored by His Love...such a great promise in scripture! Just hopped over from Barbie's miscellany monday and can't wait to hear if you guys actually meet up in person...what fun, what fun! Praying over that encounter :))
ReplyDeleteDear Debbie,
ReplyDeleteI just read those promises to my mother. She was to celebrate her 85th birthday with some friends, and was unhappy, 'cause some had given her some hostile words some weeks previous to this.
Oh, yes, the enemy works till end had, hes fighting for our souls, even though he has lost once and for all on Calvary.
Anyway, these words popped in to my mind "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,
You aniont my head with oil; my cup overflows."
The wonder happened. Good, supporting friends delivered everything necessary to celebrate, my Mom only had to make the coffee.
She was so happy and relieved. God did indeed fulfill his promises.
Debbie: Thank you for these inspiring and uplifting words. I just love Psalm 23. The reason your post has touched my heart so much this morning is because I just wrote on Psalm 23:4. God's blessings too you. Lloyd
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious, blessed assurance we have in Him; and the feast He alone provides.
ReplyDeleteJust think ... one day we'll sit at that banqueting table in His very presence. I don't know about you, but I'm thinking I'll not be able to swallow a thing for staring.
See you Friday!
Kathleen
I absolutely loved this post, Debbie. In fact after I write this comment I will read it one more time.
ReplyDeleteThat verse happens to be one of my favorites, that's why. The table setting you pictured just awes me...I love classy table settings, by the sea, late afternoon, watching the sunset.
And the way you described feasting on His word...what better way to make the word come alive?
You really are a deep daughter of God, I so appreciate you, Debbie.
Love
Lidj
Debbie, that was BEAUTIFUL!!!
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful post. Kind regards.
ReplyDeleteLoved this, too. I could just stare all day at the pasture scene...
ReplyDeleteWhat is "Christian faithful blogger"? I feel so out of the loop lately.
Beautiful post, Debbie...I have a lovely visual in my mind now....
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said. I'm so glad you decided to join the group writing project.
Courtney
FaithfulBloggers.com
Thank you Debbie. I wanted to read this with more time and decided to come back later. This is soooo in line with some of what I am facing. He definitely led you to share it with me and it ministered to my heart today at the precise moment I needed it. God bless you for following His leading.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I saw the Kettle Club button on your page and visited the page but it seems like it's no longer running or has not since 2009. Do you know anything about it? I just LOVED the concept and would have loved to be part of that monthly meme. Have they moved to another web address or something?
ReplyDelete