October 11, 2011

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed my head with oil.” Psalm 23:5 New American Standard

It will happen at the strangest moments. Who can relax when the pressure is mounting or your last meal was anxiety-filled? But God … He offers you a “prepared meal in the presence of your enemies”. Enemies come in all kind of forms. They aren’t full of wrath and venom. They are those “moments” in your life that try to rob you of living in God’s presence and letting Christ live presently in your life. The meal He offers you is laid out in front of your darkest fears .. your deepest horrors .. and your immediate resistance to everything that pressing against your heart and mind. Jesus offers you bread and wine: His body and His blood. He says that whenever you eat this meal you are to remember Him. Living in God’s grace is not the absence of stress .. uncertainty .. and life-draining temptations. A stone-throwing shepherd placed his trust in God’s complete care. He knew this was where real rest resided .. real peace poured .. and real comfort would sustain him. It’s the same for you. The Lord is your Shepherd. He’s watched over you through the night. He knows the path you are on today. He is acutely and intimately aware of what you are facing. He knows where to lead you .. how to restore you .. and why you need to be guided today. You are in His care. And this is the life and promise that Jesus offers you if you will let Him dwell in your life today. It reaches well beyond this day. His life is both your meal and your life. And it only takes a moment …

“”This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” John 6:29 New American Standard

Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent M-F to followers of Jesus