INTRODUCTIONS (3.4.2016)

Have you thanked Him?
Have you praised Him?
Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?
Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?
1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)
The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“Overwhelmed”.
“The Presence is here. His Presence is real”. “GOD is preparing for a release.” “We have been given the task of rebuilding and protecting”. “While we are all very unique, we will and can work in unity. Families are looking for answers, hope and acceptance.”

She said…
“Trust the Lord your GOD. Don’t lean on your understanding and in ALL ways He will GUIDE the path.” (Proverbs 3)

“Not only will He guide the PATH but HE WILL stride ahead of you!”
(Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you." - Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take." – Joshua 1:9 (MSG)

“I have come to a place of peace.” “Where I am and going it MUST be faith because I was and still am a little scared”.

I know you are probably wondering, “What is with the random ramblings, where is all of THIS going this morning?”

Well I thought I would let you “in on” a little of the chat our REFUGE staff had last night at the kick-off dinner of our first “Enrichment”. We have journeyed north to a little place outside Toledo in an effort “get to know” one another as well as “grow closer” to one another. 
And those quotes are just a few of my “paraphrasings” and recollections.

What inspired me to share them was more about “how they came about” as much as what was said.

All that we were doing was going around the room and INTRODUCING ourselves. But GOD as GOD often does used the time to “INTRODUCE Himself” as well.

From the heart is the WELL-SPRING of LIFE as Proverbs 4 reminds so as our folks shared “who” they were, many also took the chance to share “their heart” and not just “their stats”.

And yes there were times the hearts were crying, times the hearts were laughing, and even times when the hearts were awkwardly silent. But make no mistake, the hearts around the table the hearts, hearts that have joined to serve GOD in the “effort” called the REFUGE, are truly special.

Now it may sound like I am bragging on my colleagues a little today, but let’s say I am just affirming them. And what I am hoping to do is also ENCOURAGE YOU with the uttering’s of their hearts above.

Maybe you too are overwhelmed? 
GOD will GRANT you VISION to “see things like He does”. He can be trusted to stride ahead.
Needing peace?
The GOD of ALL peace will come and quiet you down and offer that path to peace that boggles the minds and is beyond understanding.

The takeaway today is this:
GOD is as close as you will allow Him to be. GOD quickly introduces Himself into the circumstance when we ask Him.

“Always, everywhere God is present, and always He seeks to discover Himself to each one” - Tozer

So…
Seek and embrace His presence.
For last night for me and my friends a simple “introduction” led to a moment of grace and a profound sense GOD’S LOVE was shared. As we "gathered together" GOD’S presence was introduced, embraced, and individually expressed.

That is available for you right now, right where you are. 
Question is will you open yourself for INTRODUCTIONS?

Have a great weekend!
I love you all!
Opportunities for Hope (Champions Charge)