Christian Devotionals

Cheryl writes: ""The Lord saved me when I was 30. I am now 68. I have been writing poetry since I was saved. I have been married to my husband Marcelo (also a believer) for 48 years. We live in Arizona. We have 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. I love the Lord Jesus Christ with all my heart, soul, and strength, and living for Him is my greatest desire.  In 2014, I wrote and had published a book called, 'Tali's Mysterious Dream', (thank you Jesus)!"

Psalm 23:5-6a (KJV) 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

The invitation read: 

Because you have been falsely accused, ridiculed, mocked, and rejected,  a table has been prepared for you in the presence of your enemies.  Please accept our invitation.

It went on to spell out the specifics, date, time, place.

I couldn’t wait.  I was looking forward to this.  I would definitely be there!

The day and time finally arrived, and me, wearing my best attire, arrived at the banquet hall.

I could see great detail had gone into the preparation, and the finest cutlery, table linens, centerpieces, and long stemmed candles were used.

With a smug look on my face, I noticed all my enemies were there.  Standing around looking sheepishly ashamed.  “Waiting to serve me” I said to myself!

A dinner bell rang, and as I went to take a seat, the voice of the Holy Spirit whispered, “You are here to serve them.” 

These verses then came to mind.

Matthew 5:44 and 5:46

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. 

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

It was difficult at first, but when I went over to my enemies, smiled,  cordially seated them, and then began to serve “Them” Goodness and Mercy showed up to help me.

This story happened only in my mind.  But it was helpful to me.  It helped change my attitude, and allowed me to more freely pray for my enemies.

We are told Romans 12:20 

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

This requires a willful decision on our part to do so, but Praise God, we can do it! 

We can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth us Philippians 4:13a

Lord you have given us the strength to be able to pray for and also forgive our enemies, may we avail ourselves of it today.  Thank you. Amen.

(© 2018 Cheryl A. Mariano AKA Cheremiah – All rights reserved. Written material may not be duplicated without permission.)