Have you ever enjoyed invitations such as these?
“Please come. I care about you, and I’ve missed you.”
“Come join me for a meal. We’ll talk and catch up on each other’s lives.”
“Pull up a chair, and let’s enjoy conversation together.”
Invitations are priceless gifts.
How do you feel when you’re invited to the table with someone you love or appreciate? Let’s chat about invitations to the table, then I’ll share an exciting update about my book, A Place at His Table: God’s Daily Gifts to Satisfy Your Heart, releasing September 4th.
I invite you to settle into a comfy chair to read the post.
When Mary Frances invited us for dinner, we always accepted. We anticipated my sister-in-law’s scrumptious food and family fellowship at her table.
When we pulled up our chairs, we found dishes filled with favorites like roast beef, fried chicken, butter beans, home-grown tomatoes, and biscuits. Joyful conversation and laughter offered a taste even sweeter than the blueberry cream pies Mary Frances served for dessert.
A seasoned cook, she prepared well as she planned her menu, checked the freezer, shopped, cooked, and set the table.
Our sister-in-law’s generosity fed us well, but God prepares a table of provision from His unlimited, heaven-sized pantry to nourish our souls and equip us to walk with Him in victory. His is a storehouse filled beyond our imagination to meet our every need—yours and mine.
King David, who worked as a shepherd before he was crowned king of Israel, wrote about the table God prepares. In the well-known twenty-third psalm, he began,
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (Psalm 23:1 NKJV*).
After describing God as the loving Shepherd who cares for His sheep (verses 1-4), David described Him as the Host of His table, a generous host.
You prepare a table before me (Psalm 23:5a).
He described his place of provision as God’s table.
He understood that one of God’s names is Jehovah Jireh, which means “The Lord will provide.” In another psalm, David wrote,
The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein (Psalm 24:1).
He provides well for His sheep—those who’ve trusted Christ as Savior and Lord. As a good Father, God doesn’t provide everything on our wish list. Instead, He provides all we need.
As a good Father, God doesn’t provide everything on our wish list. Instead, He provides all we need. #psalm23
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What are your needs today?
Do you need a portion of wisdom for a decision? An extra serving of patience? A cupful of faith or a bowlful of joy? Maybe you need to know you’re accepted or unconditionally loved. I’m pondering my needs as I ask you to list yours. Aren’t we grateful God knows our needs better than we do?
Is the enemy of anxiety or worry taunting you with whispers of “What if” and frightening scenarios? Let God equip you for the fight with peace. Are you doubting holy Truth you once believed? Let Him warm up your faith.
Accept God’s invitation. It contains no date or time. His is a standing invitation. For you. For me. For today and every day. To come as we are.
Join Him at His table, won’t you? He has a place for you and daily gifts to satisfy your heart.
Now it’s your turn
What are you expecting to find at God’s table today? Please share one of your most treasured blessings. It may be one that strengthens you to live for Christ.
- Scripture verses in this post are taken from the NKJV.
Updates on A Place at His Table, available Sept. 4th
Operation Book Launch is in full operation.
The goal is to honor God. With the help of friends, I’m gathering a book launch team to help me send A Place at His Table out into the world.
Guess what! Tonight I saw the actual pages in a PDF format. They’re beautiful! The exquisite internal design frames God’s Word in the perfect way. Can you tell I’m a bit excited? The designer even created cute little decorative box images to showcase the Table Tips which are fun, practical ways to enjoy fellowship at the table, with a few recipes and centerpiece ideas.
Are you wondering what a book launch team is? It’s a friendly community of folks who gather in a private Facebook group to help share a book. The launch team members see a bit of behind-the-curtain peeks at how a book launches, and they share information. Never been on a team? No worries. Our marvelous Team Manager will show you how with clear directions.
Would you consider helping us? Whether you do or not, I appreciate you, my friend. I’m praying you enjoy the blessings on God’s table this week.
If you want to join, click the link below. After you hit “submit”, watch for the prompt to join the group. Thank you! Here’s the link:
Join Jeannie’s book launch team
Human meals give a togetherness we often miss when we’re too busy to give or accept invitations, just as we miss the closeness of God when we fail to accept His invitation to spend time with Him.
Peggy, you summarized perfectly an important point. Busyness is an enemy of fellowship, both with God and other people. We need to be spontaneous and communicate with God throughout each day, but setting aside a pre-determined time is helpful–a time we dedicate to Him alone. Marking times on the calendar reminds us to invite friends to join us for a meal or cup of coffee, whether in our homes or elsewhere. I appreciate your insights, Peggy.
Great post! How blessed are we to know God has reserved a place at His table for us!
I agree, Evelyn. God’s “standing” invitation is a treasure. We go to His table not only for provision, but to spend time with Him, to learn more about His character through His Word, and to listen to what He wants to teach us. Thank you for reading and commenting. I appreciate you!
So enjoyed the setting in which you’ve framed your newest book Ms. Jeannie. I’m more anxious than ever to read it ma’am. Thank you for sharing this inspiring post. Praying great things for you and A Place at HIS Table ma’am.
J. D., I value your prayers for the book process, a busy but exciting time. God’s gifts are fascinating to explore. I share 40 of them in A Place at His Table, but we see them in His Word daily. Thank you for your kind comments.
God’s table is one we never want to leave. I ‘m sure you have shown us beautiful word images of feasting with our Father in this much anticipated book. We will never be hungry when we participate in heaven’s bounty.
Barbara, I love your statement: “We will never be hungry when we participate in heaven’s bounty.” You highlighted our need to spend time with our Father and share His gifts with others. Thank you for adding value to our conversation and sharing my excitement about the book.
A lovely post, Jeannie, about all the ways God satisfies our needs each day! A Place at His Table is a beautiful theme and title for your book!
Thank you for reassuring words, Kathy. I’m still learning, but our days are so much more peaceful, joyful, and productive when we trust Him.
Jeannie, such a wonderful and inviting post to taste and savor the goodness of God and His bountiful love. He cares for us- so much so He invites us to His table.
God’s love IS bountiful as you said. I love your statements. Busyness sometimes distracts us, but when we spend time with Him and embrace His gifts, we can honor Him share His blessings with others. Thank you for stopping by.
I’m looking forward to reading your new book. Your words are inspiring. 🙂
Melissa, congratulations on your exciting award! Thank you for kind words and for stopping by to read the post and comment. I appreciate you.
Thank you for your post, Jeannie. I’m thankful we can always find God’s unfailing love and faithfulness at His table. He is so good! Blessings to you!
Kim, I really appreciate you taking time to read and comment. You’re right–God’s blessings are readily available. We can use them to honor Him and serve others. He equips us to enjoy a victorious life with Him.
Food and fellowship, right? It’s always amazing how much better people get to know one another around food. Thanks Jeannie, another great post.
You’re right, Sylvia. When we gather around the table, even if it’s for snacks, relationships grow. I love the way God equips us at His table to honor Him and build relationships with others. Thank you.
A beautiful message to brighten our day. God provides all we need. Thank you, Jeannie. I’m so looking forward to your book.
Thank you, Katherine. I marvel at the many gifts God places on the table for us each day. I appreciate your faithfulness in reading and commenting.
I have so many wonderful memories from times gathered round the table with family and friends. I like thinking of communing with Jesus in that same way, partaking of his bounty, talking laughing, sharing my heart with him and him sharing his with me. Love the post, Jeannie.
Terri, your description of our relationship with Jesus is beautiful. Thank you for taking time to add value to our conversation. Have a blessed time at the table this week.