My
pastor made a great point in his sermon a few weeks ago. Are you plagued with questions, frustrations,
addictions and anxieties from time to time?
The solution, of course, rests at the feet of Jesus where we can be ourselves and ask our questions. The pastor spoke of the delight of quiet time
with Jesus and compared it to dining at the Cheesecake Factory!
We
relax in the beautiful setting at The Cheesecake Factory. Oh, to eat a good meal and then walk to the
front of the restaurant, stare into the dessert counter displayed behind glass and swoon at the array of every cheesecake imaginable. How does one choose? No matter how stuffed we are from dinner, we
must leave room for the rich delicacy.
About
eight years ago, my sister and brother-in-law flew in from Chicago during the
Christmas holidays. My daughter and I
picked them up at the Phoenix airport.
After we hugged them profusely and packed them into our car, we headed
to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner.
The four of us sat in a big booth where we chatted, laughed, and shared
our food. Yes, we are one of those
families that tastes each other’s food.
“You’ve
got to try this; you’ll love it!” We
exclaim as we dish out bites of our meal on each others’ plates.
Good
food, togetherness, joy, and delicious dessert await us at a beautiful table
to enjoy.
It’s
like that with God. Maybe not for all,
but for those of us who know the joy of His presence, His acceptance of us just
as we are, and His faithfulness to enrich our lives and fill us to overflowing. He spreads it all out for us and invites us to
come to Him and to be with Him. An extravaganza of love
awaits us as we arrive.
I find it a great delight when family comes to visit, not a chore. Likewise, I don't find it a chore to sit with God in
my ordinary days. I never feel “I have to”
but “I can’t wait to.” His peace
fills me and I’m full to the max!
Yeah,
I like the Cheesecake Factory description of my special meet ups with God!
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Psalm 23:5
... and all the people said, "Amen!"
ReplyDeleteI love this parallel to my favorite restaurant.
I love your Poinsettia header! I also love the parallel to the restaurant. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Mary! I love Cheesecake Factory myself. So many yummy things to choose from, just as you said.
ReplyDeleteYour pastor gave me a very clear vision of being with Jesus, at a table set and prepared just for me. What a beautiful scene...
And what a beautiful memory you shared too. What would we be without our families?
Blessings,
Ceil
Now I want cheesecake :) Thankfully Myra and me and hubbies will be getting together at Cheesecake Factory later next month, I may have to indulge.
ReplyDeleteIt is always a blessing to sit with the Lord and indulge in what he wants to share with us if we will just take the time to listen :)
betty
Oh, the joy that awaits us if only we will sit still long enough at His feet! My family and I were just talking today about how the most important part of our prayer time is when HE is the One who is doing the talking. We too often leave our place of communion with Him right after we finish our asking, and we miss out on the most necessary part of all. Thank you for this wonderful post, sweet friend. I have never eaten at the Cheesecake Factory, but, my, it sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteGood analogy. Love the "Taste and see," verse in light of sharing our faith with others so they can taste and see that the Lord is good! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI like what your pastor said about savoring our relationship with Jesus, like having a meal at the Cheesecake factory. Reminds me of the verse, "O taste and see that the Lord is good." Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
ReplyDeleteGreat and practical sharing by your pastor. If only everyone gets to savor this loving intimate relationship with our Lord, Jesus!
ReplyDeleteI can't read very well, but I sure loved seeing the picture and the Word of God on it. Made me SMILE!!!! AND, when I can't read very well now, I sure have read much of the Psalms. I'll keep trying again and again. Thank you. I'm very happy re: how wonderfully you share around and about! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI have no words to describe God's everlasting kindness!!! How many times my friend asked me to eat at Cheesecake Factory and I never gave in knowing I might not leave! :)
ReplyDeleteBut with God's invitation is a different story. It's a must for weary travelers and those who stray far from Him. How refreshing! Glory be to God! Love the header photo! Love the story! Love your heart after the Lord. May you have a wonderful rest of the holiday season, always stuffed with God's spiritual blessings! He is good. All the time. Love and prayers.
I like the parallels, Mary. I also appreciate how you cherish every one of the gifts He give you… not to mention your perspective. It is the proper one. Thanks for the reminder of all we have been given and our calling to see Him in all things.
ReplyDeleteLove that verse. That part of it is my favorite. It's brought me much comfort in difficult times.
Yes! I love Godiva cheesecake from there, it's the only gluten-free version.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great connection! I'm going to remember it whenever I set foot in The Cheesecake Factory!
#SittingAmongFriends
Julie
I'm a huge cheesecake fan so I can get where pastor is driving at. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words as always. :)
Awe, I love this analogy of the cheesecake factory. I just went to the cheesecake factory over the Thanksgiving holidays. And yes, to feast up His Word in His presence is the best CHEESECAKE of all! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDelete