He Brought Me to His Banqueting Table

When I was a young Christian we use to sing this song in the 70’s. "He brought me to His banqueting table; His banner over me is love." It's from Song of Solomon 2:4. It was a sweet song and reminded us all of Gods love for us. Recently a similar scripture in some ways, but with a different setting has been speaking to my life. The scripture in S.S. has the feel of courtship and almost a love feast that the Lord has invited us to. The other scripture in Psalms 23:5 "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies", is set in the midst of a battle field. Two different settings but the motive to feast with Him I believe comes from the same place of love and care for us.
In January this year one Sunday at church we were having a time of ministry. A friend of mine prayed for me. After she was done praying she told me she had a word for me. Now the interesting thing is that this gal and I had known each other since we both had been saved in the early 70's. She shared with me what God had impressed on her to tell me. It was this verse in Psalms 23:5. She encouraged me that God was going to prepare a feast for me in the midst of some of my battles this year. I remember looking at her and shaking my head, realizing in shock really, that I had never had this experience in all my years as a Christian, at least not that I was aware of. She looked me in the eye and said I have, just this past season, and I know God is going to do this for you too. I remember walking away kind of stunned, and surprised by it all. I did mark the verse in my Bible 1/20/07. Recently in the last few weeks, God has been showing me that this past season I have walked through, I did indeed experience this scripture in my life. I walked through a season this summer where I did feast at a banqueting table in the midst of my enemies. I mean, I have had some tough personal battles that normally would have taken me out. Down and out,but instead of defeat, there was victory, instead of exhaustion there was rest, instead of lack there was provision, instead of hunger there was nourishment, instead of frustration there was even new strength being built up in me for the very next battle. I am once again stunned. Only this time I am not stunned by my lack and short comings; but I am amazed and count myself blessed at God’s great love for me.

In the book of James there is this little scripture that had actually made me mad from the first day I had read it as a new Christian. I am just being honest here :>) Jas 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. My frustration was that in myself I realized that I could never count a trial as joy. God and I have gone back and forth about this verse many time. Some people play down the word joy and say it really doesn't mean that. As I studied this scripture it did. I knew that it was far beyond my reach. Only a miracle by the hand of God would I ever face a trial with joy. Now I am not talking the little stuff, but some of the really tough things in life. There have been times when looking back on a really rough trial I could say, yes God used it for good. I didn't like it, and I certainly wasn't joyful, even though I could admit to the benefits of God being able to shape my character. I just have to say though, that this last season was really different. I was feasting with the Lord in the midst of my enemies. I don't think there is any better joy on this planet than communing with the King while all the time incoming is hitting the ground all around you. What an experience. Even in the midst of deep sorrow there was such a sense of victory, which did produce joy. I am referring to the loss of my father this Aug. and also to the birth of my first grandchild just ten days later. I referred to it in an earlier blog but couldn't put into words at that time what I was experiencing. The Lord has been very graciously bring this whole ordeal to my attention, and I have to say ,Yeah Lord Jesus, you have truly done a miracle in my heart and in my life.
You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of GOD for the rest of my life. Ps.23:5&6 The Message

For those of you that have been asking for more Eden pic's

Eden has friends...Ellie, and Ethan Waters.