.

Yesterday morning I was with nine others at a FFF cafe gathering.

I love the unexpectedness, not sure if anyone will turn up, no idea of what we might chat about, and open to whatever Jesus wants to surprise me with in the hour.

I know that many of you who have initiated these gathering in recent years will know what I’m talking about, as will those who have turned up.

Yesterday, after meeting each other, we chatted about our experience of God. The hour went quickly, too quickly.

And as I drove to my next appointment I felt a deep gratitude to God for the signs of encouragement He gives me.

So I’m constantly asking God for signs.

Then I read today’s gospel  “This is a wicked generation; it is asking for a sign”.

But they, those wicked generation people, were trying to catch Jesus out. That’s not me. I just want evidence, verification of my little belief and wandering wayward faith.

So I’m always asking God for signs.

As I drove to the cafe yesterday morning I was asking for signs.

And in that morning coffee hour God responded. It is as if Jesus is signing to me in every moment, in every person, and in every encounter.

My problem is that I’m too often too occupied to notice.

It seems to me that the great thing about asking Jesus to give me signs is that from the moment of my asking I become hypersensitive to signs of divine presence and action.

After asking I have a mood of expectancy and approach every person, every distraction, every situation and every moment with my senses on high alert, confident that Jesus will make Himself known to me.

And I am never disappointed.

Try it.

 

CAFE GATHERINGS

Send your date and time to add to the list, and just turn up at at one of the advertised gatherings, just one hour, focussing on where we are encountering Christ.

NEW PLYMOUTH
Wednesday 12 March 10.00am
Invitation from Joan
Stumble Inn
200 Mangorei Road New Plymouth

CHRISTCHURCH
Invitation from John O’C
Wednesday 12 March 11.30am
Urban Eatery (Oderings)
205 Cashmere Road, Hoon Hay, Christchurch 8025

WHANGANUI
Thursday 13 March 7.00am (note correction – am not pm)
Invitation from Kate
St Mary’s Church, Whanganui.

TAURANGA
Thursday 13 March 10.30am
Invitation from Frances
Zest cafe in Greerton

CHRISTCHURCH
Monday 17 March 10.00am
Invitation from Trish
Cafe Moko
Bush Inn Centre, Waimairi Rd.

TRENTHAM
Tuesday 18th March 1pm
Invitation from Kat
Cafe Equinox
458 Fergusson Drive, Trentham,

AUCKLAND NORTH SHORE
Thursday 20 March 10.30am
Invitation from Catherine
Columbus Coffee
219 Don McKinnon Drive (outside Westfield overlooking the lake) Albany