God is near

Today was a FABULOUS day! Steve Klassen, who runs the Mark Centre came and did a session with us this morning. He inspires me! Such a wise man, who embraces a lifestyle of listening to God and encouraging others to acknowledge the good things in our lives as blessings from the hand of God. He invites us to share stories and it is so good to be able to hear these testimonies from everyone. Whenever Steve talks with us, he invites us to slowly meditate on Scripture and to listen to the voice of God in community. I love the way he shares with such confidence that God is and will continue to speak to us. He has a love relationship with Jesus and spends time in His presence everyday, seeking His ways and approaching life with a receptive heart.

Here is the poem we read this morning.

 I'd encourage you to sit on it. meditate on it and contemplate it.

"Follow Jesus around the Scriptures- be an observer,
watch how he looks
watch how he touches
watch how he is present to people
watch how he prays and takes time out

Let him look at you
Let him touch you
Let him hold you
Let him heal you
Let him be present to you

Then become the look
Become the touch
Become the presence." - By Doreen Kostynuik

Actually, I'd encourage you to read it again for a second time.

After we read it, Steve asked us to tell a story of a time we knew God "looked at us" during these months. Then we were encouraged to share stories of when we became the look, the touch or the presence to others around us. This is giving God his glory.

I am reminded of the many many times I felt God's embrace while I was away. I am aware that we carry His presence to this world. "Each day we expose people to the Gospel with our lives" (David) all because Christ dwells in us (Romans 8:11 and 1 John 3:24) and his presence in us enables us to love. Abiding in Christ allows us to love others more fully.