"A wise woman builds her home" - Part 4

This is the last message in the series taken from our church's October women's conference with Devi Titus on THE HOME EXPERIENCE.  This last section, "The Table Principle" is probably the most important in terms of value in the family.  Our homes have become such busy places; eating meals at a table has become a very rare thing.  Devi says "mealtime is no longer an opportunity for families to build relationships".

Titus takes an interesting search through the Bible to see the importance of the table.  Beginning in Exodus 25:8, we see the first table: the one prepared for the tabernacle to hold the bread of the Presence (face).  The Lord gave Moses very specific instructions on how to build and use this table.  Oddly enough the dimensions are very similar to many of our tables today.  This table represented the presence of the Lord and His redemptive work.

Here is a listing of some of the benefits of eating at the table:

1.  Restore confidence and personal value - 2 Samuel 9
2.  Honor those you previously judged - 2 Kings 25:29
3.  Share your table; then your faith - Acts 2:46-47
4.  Restore family relationships - Luke 15:23
5.  Invite the outcasts - Matthew 26:7
6.  Negotiate your differences at the table - Psalm 23:5

Other important work:  Love is expressed, character developed, learning sharing and serving, conversational skills practiced (look at each other eye-to-eye), praise for God and his work,  manners and gratitude learned....

Satan has distracted us by redesigning our homes - bars instead of tables, game rooms instead of dining rooms, fast food in front of the TV, etc.  Studies have shown the communication that happens at the table benefits everyone.  Even our international leaders meet at a table!

Now a confession from Holly:  currently my dining room table is filled with holiday/craft show preparation stuff!  I resolve TODAY to prepare it for a special place to be used for meeting and ministry of the Lord.  If this was His plan for His holy place, I want it to be the plan for mine!  Bon appetite!

For further study:  Psalm 128:3, Proverbs 9:2, Luke 22:14-20, Acts 2:42-47, Revelation 3:20

Be blessed in your understanding of God's word!

Next week:  new pillow, new fabric, new verse - "The peace of God...will guard your hearts." Phil.4.7

Love,
Holly