Ordinary Time

Pause

I bet you know the song, Jesus Loves Me. It begins, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” But, how does that love, God’s caring presence, become tangible in our lives?

Listen

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger because you are with me. Your rod and your staff—they protect me.

You set a table for me right in front of my enemies. You bathe my head in oil; my cup is so full it spills over! Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the Lord’s house as long as I live.

Psalm 23:4-6

Think

I grew up in a modest home in a small southern town. We didn’t have a dining room, so we ate our meals at a small round table in the kitchen. Our table was cheap, and I bet my parents got it at a yard sale or something.

While the table was cheap, the experiences I had there were rich. My mom cooked breakfast every morning and put it out on that little cheap table. My dad would sit with me there as I did my homework. We laughed, cried, and did family devotionals at that junk store table.

Now I am a father, and I still think about that table. At that table, I felt safe, loved, seen, and cared for. Now, I have a table in my house, and I try to give my sons those same feelings. Just imagine. Whatever enemies you are facing today, be they people or circumstances, God is setting a table for you. Join God there. Have a seat, and be reminded that you, too, are loved, seen, and cared for.

Wade Griffith

Question to Ponder:

What does it mean to you that God sets a table for you?

Pray

God, our provider, forgive me for ignoring the bounty of your table. Bread for the journey, your companionship, and the renewal of my spirit are all there for the taking. Remind me to linger there each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Go

Open your eyes to the caring presence of God and all the ways God’s love is active in our lives. Receive it and allow God to use you to manifest that love in the lives of others.

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