Well, I’m back from IHOP(link: www.ihop.org). There were about 7 of us that drove down. It’s hard to describe IHOP. It looks like they took over a complete strip mall. The main prayer hall is on the left and they have a coffee shop, lecture hall, book store, thrift store and reality office in different “store-fronts”.

I walked into the main prayer hall. The worship band was playing and people were walking around, sitting, kneeling, praying, singing, worshiping. There were people with laptops working or maybe just writing what was coming to them. At first it was a lot to absorb. I just sat there - taking it all in - eyes open, observing. It was a little much. Eventually, I was able to quiet my spirit and just listen. I found myself inside my vision for a community center. A place where a safe place to meet God is always available.

Once we left, I had a lot to process. I’m still trying to figure out exactly what I feel. It was interesting. I want to go back. I want to spend more time there. I want to talk to people on staff there to pick their brain.

But, the best part of the trip was the almost 8 hours of fellowship I had with Bart and Troy. I miss being able to talk “church” with others. It was nice to be able to bounce ideas and opinions off someone else. It was interesting to hear what is going on in their lives. Thanks Bart and Troy.

So, it’s back to work…. which is what our lesson is about. Talk to you tomorrow!

Today I’m headed to IHOP to be fed. No, not the restaraunt. It is the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. It is a place that has a 24 hour 7 day a week prayer ministry. I’m calling this trip, Mt. Sinai II. I’m going to have a conversation with God, much like last February when I spent a week in prayer and study. I like what Pastor Bart told me recently, “God is omnipresent but we’re not omni-available”. We sometimes have to intentionally make a time and a space, away from our regular routine to seek God. That is what this trip today is for me.

This week’s lesson is on work. God values work. He created the Garden of Eden and then put Adam and Eve in charge of it. They were to take care of it and all that was in it. I will expand on this more this week.

This weeks memory verse is: Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men…It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”