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The Holy Spirit Likes to Show Up When You Do THIS

by | 54 comments

The Holy Spirit Likes to Show Up When You Do THIS

As I’m learning to taste and see God’s goodness, one powerful transformation in my life is this deep desire to experience God’s presence around the table with others.

I long for meals to be memorable, table time to become transformation time.

That’s a healthy desire, but let’s be honest, it can feel gawky and awkward whenever forced.

If I ask Sunday school-like questions, all too often, I receive Sunday school-like answers.

And I long for more. My hunch is that you do, too.

Taste and See: Discovering God among Butchers, Bakers, and Fresh Food Makers

Over the last few months, I’ve been playing with language on how to create a safe space to engage in these conversations more intentionally.

I’ve been stumbling forward, slowly finding a way.

I no longer wait for people to gather around a table to pray for the meal.

I start in the morning, much earlier in the day.

Asking God to grace us with His presence, surprise us in delicious ways. This raises the level of expectation for how God might want to break in as we break bread.

(I describe this in depth in the Taste and See DVD Bible study—preorder here).

As dishes of roasted vegetables and grilled meats circle the table, the conversation naturally unfolds around the common questions—work updates, kiddo accomplishments, how couples met, latest travels.

But somewhere during the evening, I slip in my new favorite question:

 Where do you most see the Holy Spirit working in your life right now?

 People answer in a myriad of ways. They share from their work, their studies, their families, their pasts. Some interpret the question as one of where they sense God’s presence; others interpret the question as one of calling.

As we circle the table talking about the Holy Spirit, more often than not, it’s almost as if the Spirit pulls up a chair and He leans in on the conversation rapt with every word. By the time each person shares, a sense of connection with God and each other rests around the table.

This question has renewed my anticipation for gathering around the table with new people, soon-to-be-friends. Perhaps because I’m inviting the guest I really want most to be there.

When the Holy Spirit graces our tables with His presence, we are satiated in ways we never knew possible.

God is the One who presence we feast on.

God is the One who invites us to dine with Him.

God is the One who sews hearts together.

Will you begin inviting the Holy Spirit to your next meal?

Long before the food touches the cutting board or emerges from the oven. Long before the guests arrive or the server takes your order. Long before you take your first bite.

Will you ask those you eat with where they sense the Holy Spirit working in their life right now?

It may feel strange or awkward at first, but with a little practice, you may discover yourself feasting on God, not just good food.

Suggested Resources:

Taste and See: An Aspiring Foodie’s Search for God Among Butchers, Bakers, and Fresh Food Makers

Taste and See: An Aspiring Foodie’s Search for God Among Butchers, Bakers, and Fresh Food Makers Bible study

54 Comments

  1. Nicole
    Nicole on October 15, 2018 at 8:51 am

    Ty for sharing your heart wiyh us. The holy spirit was healing me for low back pain. I went to a womens retreat and was blessed. We also saw 4 deer and they were so brave. I met some ladies and what they were going through. Its amazing how God touches them and heals them completely. They r doing another retreat in Gilroy ca. I am excited about the bible study u r doing.

  2. Sharon Day
    Sharon Day on October 15, 2018 at 8:52 am

    What do you suggest doing if we are hosting a table full of nonbelievers? How can we elevate the conversation and take it past a superficial level?

  3. ro elliott
    ro elliott on October 15, 2018 at 9:24 am

    I love this so much!!!! It speaks right to what the Spirit is whispering to me!!! Thanks !!’

  4. Margaret
    Margaret on October 15, 2018 at 10:47 am

    Another great question for anyone is – what is the best meal you’ve ever had? Then listen closely to their answer(s) and ask follow up questions like – tell me more, what about that meal made it special? Was it the ingredients or the location? The presentation of the meal? Who you shared the meal with?

    As you ask good follow up questions you can then engage the person based on what you have learned about them. Maybe they are really passionate about a particular cuisine, farming method, or they just love people. No matter how they respond you can go deep with people on something as simple as a meal and then see how the Holy Spirit leads the conversation.

    Hope that helps!

  5. Margaret
    Margaret on October 15, 2018 at 1:04 pm

    Great question! You can easily shift the question to, “Have you sensed and spiritual moments or divine interruptions in your life in the last few weeks?” Using more spiritual language can help people reflect and think too :).

  6. Margaret
    Margaret on October 16, 2018 at 8:42 am

    Thank you for sharing, Nicole! Hugs!

  7. Margaret
    Margaret on October 16, 2018 at 8:43 am

    Amazing! Love those Holy Spirit whispers!

  8. Janice
    Janice on October 16, 2018 at 8:51 am

    Thank you so much for sharing this. My desire is to sense more of the Holy Spirit in my life. It’s like – I want it and I want it NOW!!

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