Friday August 9, 2024

Today is Friday, August 9 and we are studying what the Bible says about preparing a table.

In the morning, as another day begins, I seek the God who loves me. I quiet my mind, slow my breath and still my body. In these calm moments before the events of the day rush in, I listen for the voice of the Shepherd. He is with me. He calls my name, whispers to my soul and guides my steps. Amen.

Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Revelation 3:20 (NLT)

Come and dine with Christ. The table is prepared, the places are set, and He calls you to come. You are invited to share a meal with Him. He is knocking at the door of your heart and calling your name. All you need to do is open the door. Our Lord is not one who will force His way into our hearts and lives, but He gently and persistently knocks on the doors of our soul. In John chapter six, Jesus tells us He is the Bread of Life. After He fed five thousand people with five small barley loaves and two little fish he walked on water and crossed the Sea of Galilee. The crowd followed him to the other side of the lake in search of more miracles.

When the Israelites were crossing the desert wilderness, Moses prayed for food and God provided manna from heaven for them to eat. This was the bread of heaven. Jesus explained that He is the true bread from heaven. The bread of God that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. Jesus is the Bread of Life. He says, “Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). This is what has been prepared for each of us. A meal so satisfying that our souls will no longer hunger and thirst. Our emptiness is filled. In Him we find contentment and peace.

This morning is the time to ask yourself if you have opened the door and invited Jesus in. Do you hear Him knocking? Do you hear Him calling your name? Do you sense His nudge on your heart? Consider if you have truly invited Him into every part of your life. Perhaps there are things that you want to keep to yourself. Maybe there are places you feel need “cleaned up” before Christ enters. Perhaps you don’t want him to see the cluttered corners and unclean intentions lurking in the crevices of your heart. Maybe you have yet to invite him into your home, your marriage, or your relationships. Perhaps you have yet to invite him into your circumstances, habits and routines. Whatever it is for you, He continues to knock and call your name. Open the door and invite Him in today.

Ask: As I examine my heart and life, where have I yet to invite Jesus in? How can I respond to His invitation to share a meal with him today?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, you are the Bread of Life who came down from heaven and gives life to the world. I am often unaware of the deep hunger and thirst of my own empty soul. I open the door wide and invite you in, welcoming you to examine every part of me. Come into my home, my work and my relationships. Heal what is broken, restore what is lost, bring peace to disorder, correct what is crooked, and awaken love that has grown cold. Amen.

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