Wednesday, July 11, 2007

The Table is Prepared

Who am I, Lord?

Who am I, Lord
That you should be mindful of me
You watch over me, night and day
And you bless me for reasons I cannot place;
Who am I Lord
That you should prepare a table before me
That I may wine and dine on your goodness
And be nourished all the days that I live;
Who am I Lord
That you should prepare a table before me
In the presence of my enemies
Anoint my head with oil and make my cup overflow;
All I can say is Thank You, Lord.


The Inspiration
It was the fourth day in the hotel and I had one more day to go. My money had almost finished because of the cost of internet, phone bills and buffet breakfast in the hotel. I had no other source of sustenance since I was in another man’s country and I could not speak their language. But within me, I knew I could not go on another day like that. My money had finished. I needed to communicate via internet and telephone, and of course I needed to eat. I resolved to march up to the reception and beg for some subsidy. I remembered “Vous parlez anglais?” meaning “Do you speak English?” and should they reply “Non” I would say “Biko, comprend anglais because I really need to speak to someone!” That evening was my blessed evening. The receptionist understood a little English. I told him my problems. All I wanted was a subsidized rate for calls and internet and breakfast for the last day, since my company had been using them for a long period of time. The receptionist checked my room number, checked some other details then said, “Madame Rita (I wonder why they always call me Madame), the internet in your room is free, local phone calls are free and the breakfast is complementary for the guests in the executive suite...” I stammered my thanks, very happy that I will be enjoying free services that night and the next day. But something struck me – I was having a difficult stay because I was ignorant of the free services. It was just as God put it – My people are destroyed because of lack of knowledge [Hosea 4:6].

Many suffer in some areas of their lives because of lack of knowledge. Knowledge of what? Knowledge of the blessings and promises of God. He has promised you that with long life will HE satisfy you and show you HIS salvation [Psalm 91:16]. Don’t take this statement (like any of HIS words) lightly. Salvation here is inclusive of all the blessings of God. His promised blessings includes deliverance, healing, household salvation, healed and restored relationships, peace, joy, love, abundance, answered prayer, protection, etc. The list is endless. All these HE will give you including a satisfying long life. Hallelujah!

God has prepared a table before you; please do not be ignorant of this. Imagine the table of an earthly king. Is there anything that would be in lack? From the plates, cutlery and setting of the table to the food and drinks? Then imagine what the table prepared by our Heavenly Father will be like. It will not lack anything. You have been so blessed that it exceeds physical blessings and extends to spiritual blessings.

God has provided for you all things pertaining to life and godliness, all things necessary for body and soul, for time and eternity. He has provided in abundance. It has been carefully prepared for you. It is not only for necessity but for your delight and enough to bless those around you. And again, HE surrounds you with favour as a shield.

Take out time to find out what God’s great and precious promises for you are. They are in HIS word. God is not a man that HE should lie so anything HE has promised you, HE will surely fulfill it. And yes, HE has prepared a table before you, in the presence of your enemies. But if you do not know all that is on the table, you will only taste the appetizer and your enemies will devour the many that is left behind.

May we not perish for lack of knowledge, Amen.

Have a fulfilling day.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

How refreshing, This i needed to read this morning (usually read the messages at nite!)
I will obtain all that has been set before me, even the leftovers will be collected and given to the pets that deserve them. Nothing will be left for my enemies...
Keep it up ... ur growth is astronomical :-0

Rita said...

John,

You have a wonderful sense of humour anytime. I laughed so hard when I read your comment. And that was refreshing. God bless you!

Anonymous said...

Dearest,
These messages are truly inspiring and one can't help but notice the little things that happen in our lives, on a daily basis.

The poems, have advanced beyond my imagination. Your command and flow of the lyrics show that God truly has inspired you to speak of Him through this medium.

Do remain blessed