"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."     Hebrews 4:16        

I'm sure you've been invited to some pretty cool things in your lifetime. I have been invited to birthday parties, weddings, special events (like the Summit). But, I will never forget one invitation that I received in 2006. I was invited to be a part of a small Children's Pastors gathering called, "Vortex." This was a hand picked group of Children's ministry leaders from all over the U.S. (only 18 of us) that would provide insight and become a "think tank" for children's ministry.

I will never forget how honored I was to receive this invitation. At the time, I had only been involved in children's ministry for about 3 years. I felt like I had nothing to offer. But, obviously, someone important saw that I did. I remember being so nervous showing up to hang out with some of the greatest Children's Pastors in the U.S. After a few days of networking with these guys and gals, we created a friendship that continues to this day.

I think about that invitation when I read this verse in Hebrews. Do you realize that God is inviting us to come boldly to His throne? He invites us into His presence so that we can find the help that we need. This has got to be the most special invitation we could ever receive. God, the Creator of the Universe, has invited us to hang out with Him! When was the last time you accepted that invitation? Do you take Him up on His offer regularly or just when you want something from Him?

I think other Children's leaders are cool and everything, but that invitation to Vortex was nothing compared to being invited to God's throne! I'm going to go today, how about you?