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“In the Presence of My Enemies”

August 19, 2025 By John Deisher

Photo by Anna Keibalo on Unsplash

In my devotional reading this week, I came across this passage from Psalm 105:16-22:

“And [God] called for a famine upon the land; He broke the whole staff of bread. He sent a man before them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. They forced his feet into shackles, he was put in irons; until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord refined him. The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples, and set him free. He made him lord of his house, and ruler over all his possessions, to imprison his high officials at will, that he might teach his elders wisdom.

You know, sometimes I forget a simple but powerful truth: God is already in my future. He’s not just with me now—He’s ahead of me, preparing the way.

I remember hearing a pastor talk about Psalm 23 and the line, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” He pointed out something I’d never thought about before: enemies and God’s table seem to show up together. When trouble comes, we usually notice the enemies first. But what if, instead, we remembered that a table of God’s provision must also be nearby?

Think about it—since God is already in the future, He knows exactly what we’ll face. That table of provision is already set. Joseph’s story is a perfect example. God prepared him in Egypt so that Israel could one day be saved. Joseph’s entire life was turned upside down, but it was all part of God’s plan to bring provision to His people.

The truth is, we shouldn’t be shocked when enemies or hard times come. Instead, we can look for how God is going to surprise us with His goodness in the middle of it all.

So let me ask you: are you facing some enemies right now? If so, don’t just focus on them. Lift your eyes. There must be a table of God’s provision nearby. He’s already there, working in ways we can’t always see—His wonders to perform.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: enemies, God

It’s Not About Me

January 27, 2022 By John Deisher

“It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me. How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation.”

Daniel 4:2-3

Sometimes it takes losing everything to get a realistic perspective on what is truly important.

King Nebuchadnezzar had it all, and he knew it. Even though he had been warned in a dream from God of his sins, he did not change. And when he boasted of his own power and his own majesty, God took everything away. For seven years he was estranged – estranged from his kingdom and estranged from his own sanity.

But when Nebuchadnezzar finally honored and glorified God, his sanity returned, and he was restored as king. But this was a new king, one who recognized that everything we have comes from God.

Are you thankful for what you have been given by God, or do you boast in your own strength? Nebuchadnezzar is a reminder of the sovereign nature of God to act in our lives as He will.

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The Living Room

January 5, 2022 By John Deisher

I have spent the last several mornings sitting in the living room rather than in my typical spot in the family room. Partly this is because of the fireplace, partly this is because one of the sick people in the house tend to be sleeping in the family room recliner.

For whatever reason, being there has made me more reflective. Much of our family life during the early years of the house (before the family room addition) occurred in the living room. Fireplace, television, toys…they all had their place. These days it is a room few of us visit. So that makes it the perfect place to stop, reflect and rest.

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The Fireplace

January 2, 2022 By John Deisher

One of the first things we did when we bought our house 20 years ago was install a fireplace. With our home located in a very rural area, it was a decision based on function as well as appearance. During those times we have lost power, we can heat the house and cook meals.

But this morning? I am just enjoying sitting next to the fire.

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January’s Reading

January 1, 2022 By John Deisher

While I read a lot in preparation for teaching our intern classes, I wanted to be more intentional in my personal reading. So, here are the books I plan to read in January 2022.

Oh, and Happy New Year!

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Cities

December 31, 2021 By John Deisher

Dallas, New Years Eve morning

I don’t particularly like big cities (to be fair, I don’t particularly dislike them). I prefer open spaces and grass and unobstructed views. But I do like early mornings in the city. There is a sense of awakening, of a place shaking off slumber to engage (embrace may be too much to hope for) the day. I will be headed out on my own little walk to awaken with the city here in a few minutes and begin to engage this last.day of 2021. And to find some breakfast tacos!

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SALT 2021

December 30, 2021 By John Deisher

South Central Chi Alpha SALT Conference

As best as I can recall, this is my 32nd winter student conference. Most of these have been the South Central Chi Alpha SALT conferences. These are three day events with some great teaching and preaching, worship, community and so much more. For many of those years I brought university students and saw lives changed. Now I bring interns preparing for a life lived on mission and see God reveal the impact potential for their life. Not everyone wants to spend time with 2000 university students and staff being challenged to be the Church in a lost world, but it is a great place to be.

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Morning

December 28, 2021 By John Deisher

Sunrise at the Ranch

“He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” (Psalms 23:3 NLT)

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: morning, ranch

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