Can you see it?

Some of us are not very observant. Something may be staring us in the face, but we cannot perceive it.

Not too long ago my mother replaced some of the art work on her walls in the living room. When my two year old nephew awoke from a nap, he quickly noticed that things were not as they were when he went to sleep.

On the other hand, when I walked into the living room (even knowing that mother had made the changes), never even noticed….that is, until Josiah started pointing around the room.

And so it is with God and God’s people. God is at work, doing a new thing, and many people don’t see it. God is at work, making things happen that have never happened before, and many of us don’t perceive it.

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).

These words were spoken by God—through the prophet Isaiah—to the exiled Children of Israel. He insists that they would just open their eyes and look, God is doing a new thing. He is already at work.

He cautions them in verse 18 not to allow their current situation or the things of the past hinder them from seeing what God is doing.

It is easy for us to become so engrossed in our own lives—the difficulties and challenges we face on a daily basis—that we miss out on all the wonderful things God is doing today. But He is doing a fresh, new thing today…can you see it?

The Joy of Difficult Times

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved." ~Helen Keller (1880-1968).

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing”  (James 1:2-4).

Weekend Update

We had a great time at Bread of Life last night.  In addition to the 20 or so adults, there are about 6 children there, and they are awesome!   In spite of the fact that they are at a rescue mission, they are so happy and fun-loving.  It is a joy, indeed, to be part of this ministry!

I am looking forward to a great time at New Beginnings today.   It is so good to come together with friends and family to worship the Lord together.   I see thee Lord doing such wonderful things, and we are growing in Him.  When we started New Beginnings, we had about 18 people.  We now have about 40 people attending, and I expect that we will double that very soon! 

Tonight I will be preaching at a joint service of the Oliver Springs and Petros Churches of God of Prophecy at Petros.  Pastor Slone (Petros), and Pastor Massengale (Oliver Springs) have involved me in these services several times, and I always look forward to being with them.