Our Saturday at Encouragement Café was above and beyond all we’d hoped for. But that is just like Jesus! We realized after we arrived that the entire event was immersed in prayer. Every detail.

There were gentlemen who opened the doors to welcome us into an area where tables were set up with lists of names of women who had registered prior to the event. Each table had a placard with a Name of God placed above each list. Each of those Hebrew titles for God described a divine attribute of Him. As the prayer team brought us to God before the event in prayer, the Holy Spirit led them to a Name and a character or nature of God to fill our need. It is humbling and awe inspiring to know that women have prayed for you and asked God for a “Word” to share with you.

This table, at the entrance for the event set the tone for the day. This would be an unforgettable day with our Father. The placard for my list said “Adonai” (LORD, MY GREAT LORD) The back of the little card I got to take with me says, “God is the Master and Majestic Lord. God is our total authority.” With these scripture references, Psalm 8; Isaiah 40:3-5; Ezekiel 16:8; Habakkuk 3:19, I have the truth that He is my Great Lord.

The Cross Lanes Baptist Church staff made sure we knew where the restrooms were (and that we could use the “Men’s” since there was an overabundance of “Women.”) We enjoyed free coffee, tea, water and cookies. One of our ladies asked me, “Can I just have this cookie?” God’s plan and purpose for us that day most certainly prevailed.

I felt welcomed and loved and encouraged. Jesus was the star of the day and His light and love filled the atmosphere. Every session began with worship tunes that tuned our hearts and minds to Him. Led by the Grammy Award winning song-writer and vocalist, Laura Story, the worship time lifted Jesus high and our hearts into His presence.

The speakers shared their stories and encouraged us to let Jesus be the hero of our own. To keep His Word in our hands and hearts and live for our Bridegroom. To let go of the idea that if we are doing things right, we won’t make a mess, because we will. The glory of living for Christ is that He is always with us, we are never alone in our mess. He stays for the clean-up and will be our strength and peace.

“Blessed be the LORD my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle — My lovingkindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and the One in whom I take refuge.” Psalm 144: 1-2

This scripture was featured by one of the speakers (Susan Call) going through a scary, terrible mess. The Word fought for her and delivered her. Another speaker (Laura Story) told us that she reads Ephesians 2 several times a week. Focusing on verse 10, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” This declares to us as daughters of our King, we are a masterpiece He uniquely designed to share Him with the world.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

No matter your story, your mess, your situation, remember you are His. He is yours. You are a masterpiece with Jesus as you Master. And the best is yet to come.

PS – If you were at Encouragement Café at Cross Lanes on October 10, 2016, and would like to add a comment about your personal experience that day, please do so. I sometimes gain a blessing and better understanding from the comments I read than the articles themselves. Please share!