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"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:"
Psalm 23:5

On the television sitcom “Good Times” back in the 70s, James finally received his big break. He had a job interview that impressed the lady interviewer so much, that she, in so many words, promised him the job. He went home bragging to Florida . Florida was skeptical and asked him how did he know he had the job. James pulled up at his belt, stuck out his chest and said, “Hea, Hea, Heaaa, that woman was eating out my hands.” Next day James put on his suit and went to his job.

In the meantime Florida prepared a great meal and celebration, made a banner, and all the family was waiting to surprise him. Well as usual, his hope turned into disappointment, he didn't get the job. He went back home, opened the door and everybody began singing, “He's the jolly good fellow, He's the jolly good fellow, O He's the jolly good fellooow, that nobody can deny!” James shouted, “I didn't get the job!!!” and hung his head down. Florida went on to tell him, in so many words, that he was their good fellow and would never be denied by those who loved and cared for him. They sat at the table and ate the meal already prepared for the jolly good fellow.

I was once given an opportunity to work in a position that I was excited about. Unfortunately my first night was met with serious opposition. There was an employee already there that believed, and maybe, she should have, been given the opportunity instead of me. She was very adamant about refusing to help me. I prayed and asked the Lord to help us.Psalm 67:1-2 I know how it must have felt for her to train me. It caused me to learn on my own and before long she began to ask me questions. We eventually began to talk and helped each other.

Then the tables were switched. Two positions became available and were filled by senior people. Now I was asked to do the training. But as I attempted, the two people refused to do the work and were very open about stating what they were not going to do and that I should do it. They took long breaks and set in the midst as I did the work. I sat in the back of the office and pouted saying Lord this is not right. And as always the Lord sent the word Psalm 107:20. I went home, turned on the TV, and a preacher said, “I don't care if someone is treating you bad you must treat them good.” and gave that lovely scripture that sounds good when you don't need it, Matthew 5:44 So I continued working. Matthew 5:16

Short and end of the story, one evening we were all called into the conference room. At the long table were the manager, the three co-workers, and myself. He read an award letter that one of the supervisor's wrote concerning my work in assisting them and I was then presented with a $500.00 award check. Psalm 23:5 Of course I was happy but I looked around into faces that were not ready to break out with “O She's a jolly good fellow!” and indeed I was definitely being denied by them. Mark 10:30

In the English Dictionary it says to prepare is to make ready beforehand for some approaching event, need, and the like. During our many trials and battles the approching event being prepared before hand is the victory celebration at the prepared table. The Message Bible translation of Psalm23:5, “You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing."

James six-course meal on his prepared table in front of his enemies of despair, lack, failure, was not simply greens and ham hocks, but on his prepared table was love, joy that the world can't give nor take away, provision in the midst of lack Psalm 33:18-19, family, hope for tomorrow Romans 5:5, and most all, victory in Jesus! 2 Corinthians 2:14

God says, "____________ (insert your name) Your table has been prepared. For your loss of respect there will be honor, for your loss of income there will be increase beyond anything you can imagine. All that the enemy has stolen, in his presence you will be honored at the table already prepared. Isaiah 61:7 Just continue to seek ye first My kingdom and all these things will be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

The peace, love, appreciation, found on my prepared table before my enemies was awesome but the $500.00 like J.J, said "Well what can I sayyy!!!" and like James, “Hea, Hea, Heaaa!!!" (just joking) (smile)

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