Scraps

I have a 14 month old - she is such a joy, but like all small children (and large) she can make quite a mess! Especially at meal times. Last night I was sitting at the table eating dinner with the 3 kids while daddy was working late. Our faithful dog, Lucy, was strategically placed right under the baby's chair, smart dog. As Jenna would do her best to get food in her mouth, inevitably food would drop to the floor where Lucy was ready to save me the trouble of cleaning the floor later. Jenna had her own food but every once in awhile she would let me know she wanted what was on my plate, even though it was the same thing, but of course I gave it to her, without hesitation.

It was then that God spoke to my heart. For far too long I have been begging for scraps under my daddy's table instead of pulling up a chair and feasting on all that He has prepared for me. Just as I freely give to my daughter, how much more does my Daddy freely give to me?

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Psalm 23:5

God has prepared a table for us. It is ready. The supper bell has rung. Yet we, the children of the Most High God, so often come running to the table and then promptly sit on the floor and beg and hope that God will throw a scrap our way. But the truth is He beckons us to come and dine with Him. To sit with Him, partake with Him and have our fill.

John 10:10 tells us that Jesus came so that we would have life MORE abundantly! This echos in my spirit daily. In each moment am I grabbing a hold of the abundant life? To dine on the fruit of God - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. To savor the meat of His word. To satisfy my thirst with His living water. This is the abundant life. And to receive it there is no begging required. 

God has called us worthy to sit at the table with Him. Regardless of what we're wearing, what baggage we're carrying or what scars we bear, He says, come, sit, partake. And when you ask, believe that you have received! 



"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24

My daughter knew that I would share my food with her (provided that it was acceptable and good for her), she didn't question and wonder if I would withhold her request. We should have the same mindset. Ask and believe.

I challenge you, I challenge myself, don't settle for scraps. Our God is a big God! There is so much more for us! We can't even begin to imagine how much more God has for us. But as long as we think we must sit on the floor and beg we will never be able to wrap our brains and hearts around the unmerited goodness of our Father. 

So are you hungry? Pull up a chair, the table is set, the feast is prepared, all that's missing is you.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19