A Meal Together With Friends

Another holiday picnic is fast approaching. A small get-together will be hosted by my husband and me. Whereas most of our picnics are joint ventures in which everybody brings something, we have chosen to bless our guests by providing the food this time. Planning and preparation are integral to the event ahead. We have invited the guests, planned the menu, completed the shopping and are preparing the house and the food. Our intent is to be ready for an afternoon that will bless all who are in attendance.

In planning the menu we have taken into consideration the dietary needs of those attending. Because we are aware of food allergies, we will avoid these items to ensure that our guests are not harmed. We are also aware of their food preferences and have been careful to include several of these. For the guests that we do not know quite as well, we have inquired of these needs and preferences to be sure that there is something for everyone.

Like our upcoming picnic, believers have a role to provide spiritual food to those around us. Like the apostles, Andrew and Philip, we are to invite others to come to know Jesus. (See John 1:40–51) Once Peter and Nathaniel accepted this invitation, the encounter with Jesus changed their lives. Jesus Himself is the food presented to nourish all. “Jesus replied, I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more (at any time).” (John 6:35 AMP)

The word of God, presented to us through the life of Jesus Christ, contains everything to meet the needs of all we encounter. We are simply called to be sensitive to those around us. Once, when Jesus asked his disciples if they wanted to leave, “Simon Peter answered, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words (the message) of eternal life. And we have learned to believe and trust, and [more] we have come to know [surely] that You are the Holy One of God, the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of the living God.” (John 6:68-69 AMP) Sin destroys but God’s word brings life. “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). (John 10:10 AMP)

As we see needs in the lives of others, believers and nonbelievers alike, we can present appropriate encouragements from the Scripture. We can be ready to encourage others by spending time praying and studying the word of God. “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 AMP) This enables us to continually be ready. “But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.” (1 Peter 3:15 AMP)

The favorite items on our picnic menu are often foods that not only do the guests enjoy, but those that our family also enjoys. We have shared these with others because we enjoy them ourselves. The grace of God is often shared in the same way. We share the grace that we have so richly received from God “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement),  Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 AMP)

Once the preparations are completed and the guests have arrived, we will share good company and good food. The meal will be both healthy and tasty and the time will be sweet. Spiritually this is also true. All can, “O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8 AMP) Our spirits will be nourished. “For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).” (2 Peter 1:3 AMP)

Invite, plan and prepare times to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Then enjoy wonderful times together with others.