God's Got You!!

In Job 23, Job speaks of the bitter trials, internal conflicts and woes that he is going through, looking for God in every place and in every way, wanting to prepare a complaint to take to Him and receive answers: but not being able to find or hear Him. However, even in the midst of Job's trial, his strange reply is that, "Though I can't find Him...He knows exactly where I'm at..He knows which street I'm on..He will justify me and bring me forth as pure Gold" (vs 10 paraphrased). Job continues that he does not understand God's Mind in the matters for which he is being concerned, but He continually affirms that, "God will perform the thing He has planned and appointed for ME, and He is mindful of all matters (vs 14)." What trust!!!!!! He's slaying me, but I am trusting Him...Not matter what! Job knew God. He knew that God would straighten everything and everyone out (which God does for those well-intentioned friends of Job later in Chapter 42). Job knew God would reveal His purpose in time to come, and God will always pay you for your time & trouble.

David later writes: "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; thy mercy, O LORD, endures forever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."
-Ps. 138:7-8. I'm saying here that David knew God! The Psalms, I & II Samuel, I & II Kings, and I & II Chronicles give testimony to God's faithfulness to David in all the trials and circumstances he endured. Therefore, David was able to speak of knowing that God will be him and straighten everything out. David understood that God always has a purpose in what He does. He knew that he would be delivered. He knew God would bless & honor him for what he had to endure.

God says to Joshua, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" (Josh 1:5).

I wrote all of this to say that God has you!! You may not understand all that is going on, but God knows exactly what is going on! God has a plan for what you are going through. He is working on you and for you in your situations that you are enduring. He making you into what He created you to be. He is proving His Sovereignty & Eternal Purpose. God will get the glory. Isn't that what we all want..or what we all say we want..that God would get the glory out of our lives? This may be easy to say/hear, but I understand that your trials are not easy to endure. The press seems so unbearable. But I pray you stay the course. Endure the moment. And be thankful during it. God is faithful. What He promised, He will perform. You and others will see it! He has not lied to you. And He will not lie to you. He will not fail you. He will not forsake you. God is mindful of you!! God's Got This!!!

Much More Than a Meal

BONDING MOMENTS: One of the reasons why families should dine together is because there is so much more than a meal being shared.. Both the body and the soul is nourished.

It's a place where the family (or the friends) can be further knit together in love, community, and spirit. There's an unbreakable bond being forged.. a communion of sorts. It's where you can be celebrated or corrected for all conversations are in openness, and shared without fear, shame, or blame..not many masks as the table..and no need to hide..at the table, you'll know that someone has your back even if they don't agree - because they love your who and not necessarily your do! Even though there may be correction or adjustments, it's normally in a firm but gentle manner that produces the right results..breeds togetherness and intimacy.

Many covenants are formed over a meal, or sealed a covenant with a meal following the ceremony. Consider a wedding ceremony. It's normally followed by a reception. The Lord Jesus established the new covenant at the Passover meal. In one of the businesses I was a part of, they had a saying... "Business is done at the kitchen table." Because of this reason, they are one of the most successful business on the planet. If business execs know how to get to your table to grow their business, then how much more can you grow your family and add to the value of your life?

I, therefore, encourage each family, in this time of busy-ness and on the go, to make time to share all or a meal together. 15 to 20 minutes. You may not say anything at all, but after a while, you'll find things to talk about and growth will begin!!
If you have the opportunity to share a lunch with a friend, do so from time to time! Some people are just looking for someone to talk to.

I'd like to end this as a waiter or waitress that just delivered the food the to table: "Enjoy your meal!"

(By the way, I am a servant!)