“’Lord, help me…’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.” (Matthew 15: 25-28ESV)

I have started to learn French; I use an app that has a competitive edge to it. I have been doing it for over a month now and already I am up in the Emerald League and fifth from the top of the leader board.

Unwittingly I seem to have given up any daily sitting still and having a quiet-time as it has been supplanted by the challenge to win, to succeed at learning French via this app.

Anyone who has had an addictive and inquisitive nature will know how easily it is to become overly fixated. My email address is out on the web database so I find I get disgusting emails advertising local free sex, or I am invited to look at pornography which unsolicited arrives in my spam filter. Experience has taught me not to be clicking out of curiosity to find out what they may contain and I block them unopened, delete them from my spam folder but still they return to tempt me when I am tired, curious or wilful. Avoidance of engaging even with the thought of these emails is the only way forward (proverbs 7:23-27)!

I am a part of a small group of intercessors that meets every week. For me it is a spiritual oasis, akin to a counselling meeting as God sits with us. Fortunately others in the group are better than I at reverence and worship that glorifies God and draws us in to His presence in due time. We pray into what we believe we are being led to intercede for. This takes time, which we set aside and wait upon God and are rewarded by peace and encouragement.

Anyway today our dog, Daisy, was lingering in the kitchen at breakfast scrounging for titbits she has F.O.M.O.F.F. (Fear Of Missing Out on Free Food). Wherever food is, she can be found attempting to receive.

I missed this week’s meeting of intercessors, so through witnessing my dog’s FOMOFF, I have suddenly became aware I in turn had the realisation I was in need to be fed for myself, not by guilt but hunger. To gather up whatever titbits God was willing to share with me. Then the above Scripture came to mind so French has had to wait!

How about you, what has been taking the place of quiet reflection before God today?

It’s not too late with me allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to the table where we can once more gather the life-giving crumbs.

Prayer: LORD we come now ready to hear and receive from You today.  In Your mercy bring to us Your Table and show us the crumbs we may gather to cleanse, heal, deliver and restore in Jesus’ name, amen.

Rod Marshall