See, I Will Do a New Thing

Isaiah 43:19 - Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Mary and Martha, sitting at His feet, a heart after God, seeking God, fallow ground, sowing, unfruitful trees.

Wow, the thoughts that ran through my head yesterday. There can come a time when God wants to draw you out of what you are comfortable in and that might mean separating yourself from that which has seemed comfortable. He wants to shake you up, get your attention, teach you new things or deepen your understanding of Who He is. You may not recognize you have grown comfortable at first, but if you've been there, in that comfortable zone, for too long, He may ask you to get a move on!

I had a decision to make. Was I going to ignore a subtle urging, no command, or was I going to believe I'd not heard His voice? I'm believing that God has a greater plan for me in another church, if for no other reason for a different perspective...perhaps even to do something necessary in me. Our growth is continual. I am moving on!

I do wonder if there's more to this. Time will tell. But when Pastor Terry Fischer of The Church in Wisconsin spoke on the parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13) it seemed to poke at me. Or should I say convict me? And the other scriptures and stories above came to mind as I meditated on his sermon.

Mary and Martha: Martha was busy about things that were necessary but not like Mary, who sat at His feet to listen to what Jesus had to say. While Martha's business was good, it was not the best. And Mary was praised for spending her time with Him. Have I stopped doing this?

David had a heart after God...He sought Him. We can have a heart after God by also seeking Him...like Mary, sitting at His feet and hearing what He tells us about life and sin, right and wrong...even listening to (reading) His parables (like about unfruitful fig trees!) Another questioning, even though I wonder where my blogs come from if not from meditating on His Word.

The unfruitful tree...am I fruitful? I don't know.  I want to think I am but I wonder... Do I really hear from the Lord? Again, I want to believe I do. Maybe my hearing has grown selective...and yet I knew in my spirit I must make a change. I knew it was the Lord. It was not a decision I would have made on my own. And little by little looking back I could see where He had been showing me things, for about a year. But then I was comfortable...I'd miss my friends. However I was reminded: "Who is My mother and My brothers?" If Jesus had to make a choice, shouldn't I? Friends or a deeper relationship with the Lord? Isn't He to be our first love? And all things follow after that according to His will.

Sowing: There is this parable that talks about the condition of the heart when the Word of God is sown. If seeds fall by the wayside where no ground even exists, they are blown away, never to take root. If seeds are sown on rocky soil, birds snatch it up before it takes root. Seed might be sown among bushes or brambles where it is choked out altogether. Or it falls on good soil where it is good and moist, germinates and sprouts. What is the condition of one's heart? And yes, He is about His business making change.

Digging up fallow ground: if ones heart grows weary, it may have grown cold and calloused. It may seem like a desert or wilderness. It needs a good dose of furrowing and watering, like in the case of this barren fig tree. God will not always leave us alone if He believes there is still something worth salvaging. He will work at digging up that fallow ground. He will open eyes to the things that need to be shaken. Sometimes it's a new voice with a different message we need to hear. It could be what is necessary to get us back to sitting at His feet or doing less (of whatever keeps us from Him) so we may seek Him.

We have a God whose desire is for us (Solomon 7:10). When we came into our first real knowledge of Him He did a new thing. The soil then may have been so fertile that it was easy for Him to bring us into an awareness of Him like we'd never known. We were made new. Our old man was gone and the new man emerged. If that has faded we need to find out why and look within. He might move us to shake us.

I know there's more to this change I've made than what I see on the surface. I sure don't know what it might be. I am trusting the Lord for His guidance and His provision in whatever way He wishes. A heart that seeks Him, waits on Him and obeys and is satisfied in the process. I'm thankful for a God, our Vinedresser, who chooses to dig up the soil of hearts in order for new growth and fruitfulness. I'll present an update this time next year!

Luke 13:8-9 - "But he [the vinedresser] answered and said to him [the owner of the fig tree], ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’"

A New Thing?

Isaiah 43:19 - For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?

This scripture along with a devotional by David Wilkerson entitled God is Doing a New Thing came one after the other the other week. I'm convinced He is doing a new thing. Do we want to be part of it? We certainly should.

I was convicted a bit listening to Beth Moore on James Robison's program early this morning. It stirred me like too much coffee!

I'm not being stretched as I should be...er, I'm not letting God stretch me as I should! I wonder why God doesn't use me more and Beth answered that question by saying we need to get beyond our comfort levels to see the wonderful things God has in store for us...if we just step out in boldness. Oh, I've heard this many times and have probably written about it. Fear not! He is with us. We are nothing apart from Him. Shake off self-reliance and doubt that "I can't do that." Yes we can!! If we really want to.

There are others who know God is wanting to do a new thing as well. We can sense something. We see the signs as God's Word has shown us. In the last days.... We need to be the remnant in these days. We need to allow ourselves to become that remnant and that can't be done in our comfort zones. Come on...we know it. I'm as guilty as the next.

We have been told if we would humble ourselves... But I'm sure there are many who don't give credence to these words of wisdom, even when it comes to our country. Humble...in knowing nothing is impossible with God; knowing I cannot do on my own. Knowing I fail time and time again but need to pick myself up and try again...letting more of myself go and allowing more of the Lord do!

I was up nort'  in Wisconsin about a week ago. How glorious, how refreshing. A beautiful cabin in the northwoods-cabin style. The house was on a narrow, dirt road and I was reminded of the narrow road we are to follow as believers in Christ. It was hard to even see beyond this tree lined road for all the over grown vegetation. Stepping off that path would have been difficult. Twisted ankles, skin or eyes pierced by sticks or twigs, even the remote possibility of getting lost if wandering too far. There is a reason there is a path. Staying on it is the best idea.

But back to doing new things. A "new" thing during that week was no air conditioning. How refreshing is that? Fresh forest and lake air. Ahhhh. Instead of grumbling, I cherished it. And then there was the day we had a severe storm when we were all sitting somewhat quietly in the dark living room after the power went out, candles lit. A refreshingly new thing. Too bad the power didn't stop the iPads, iPhones and Blackberries from working! It was rather comical watching everyone with heads buried in technology with an occasional utterance before everyone was back into their own little "smart world." How distracted from what was happening around us.

I wonder if this is how God feels about how we view Him? Too distracted to notice; too distracted to listen or talk to Him? Too intent on our own ideas of fun that we miss the small but wonderful things of God like the night time sound of loons on the lake. I felt like I was the only one who relished in the sound and whose heart skipped beats.

I have to admit the busyness and/or noise of the weekend made it difficult to enter deeply into His presence. But He reminded me of who He was in the small things, like loons and thunderstorms. And at last a moment when, thunder rolling, rain pouring down and a few moments alone, I got to think on and sense His presence, but only momentary!

A new thing. Some of us know He is doing something in our church after years of disruption...and years of some desiring something fresh. The signs of the times are causing us to look more closely for that relationship with One who controls all that happens around us and Who desires we seek Him and trust Him in our daily lives.

(Just seemingly random thoughts, but confirmed by a few different scriptures written by the Lord Himself and various teachings.)

I know how difficult it is to bring up God when no one else feels the same as me. I saw God in so many things up in Eagle River, Wisconsin, where I felt many missed Him altogether. It saddens me to not be able to talk about Him when I'm enjoying some of the things we did, like golf or boating. But then...isn't that my job?? To do just that and let the words fall on the ears who want to hear? And if no one hears to know that He Himself is most pleased that did? What was that about comfort zones? Guilty, guilty, guilty.

Oh, I did manage to speak some words when the words about a "higher power" were spoken. I could only say, "My higher power has a name and it's God." Couldn't help myself. It's true.

Then there was the article by James Robison who somehow manages to say things with such elegance and tells it like it is. If I would say the same things I'd probably be considered critical. He said a few things came to mind in prayer one day: 

THE MOST HATED PERSON WHO EVER LIVED – JESUS.

THE MOST LOVED PERSON WHO EVER LIVED – JESUS.

Then God spoke to my [James'] heart and said, “Get ready, because the closer you follow Me and make an impact on the culture, the more similar the response.” Remember, “If they persecute Me, they will persecute you. All that live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Blessed are you when men cast insults at you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely on account of Me. Rejoice and be glad…for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

I [James] then wrote something else I felt God impressed on my heart. If you boldly stand for God, you will be misunderstood by some and misrepresented by many.

We need not be ashamed when we bring God up, even if all falls flat and others don't know how to respond. That's not our problem but theirs. It's up to the Lord to do the work. Thank You for removing that much responsibility from me! A word here and there will open up hearts. Like mine when a woman I worked with (and now one of my closest friends) kept talking about church and Bible studies. I grimaced one day at the lunch table and these words of distain spilled out of my mouth: You told us that already. But those words began to do a work in me despite my wanting to reject her words. We can't despise the looks, actions or silence. God may just be doing a new thing in someone else. This is God announcing that new thing that we don't even understand yet! See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?

Oh, this was supposed to be about a new thing in the Church but look where my rambling mind went. Same concept though for the Church. Letting go and stretching. Allowing a new thing to be done instead of fighting it. Stepping out. Letting God do a work, even if we want to reject this new thing, like people rejecting Him. God will not begin a new thing [in His Church] until He does away with the old - David Wilkerson. That's what I'm talking about. In Christ we can do. It may not seem like it, but God's ways are far greater. 

See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (Isaiah 42:9, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Newness

Romans 6:4 - Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 

I had the privilege of working at our church Saturday. We are undergoing a bit of remodeling and renovation. We're revitalizing the interior and exterior of the church.  One team was outside gardening. Did I say some? OMG, the lifeless looking gardens have come alive because of the work and enthusiasm of several people. It's not just 'cause it's spring either. I sense in my spirit it's the precursor to something else. There was also another team painting a back hallway. What a delight. What a satisfying feeling at day's end. Can't wait for the next project.

In prayer yesterday morning at church it was as if I sensed that as we are changing the look of both the inside and outside of the physical church, we are changing the atmosphere within! Not that the physical changes will do this, but spiritually, we may see a new thing. I sensed the Lord was letting me know that this was His sanctuary, His house and He was pleased with what is happening.

A newness has begun at Victory International. We have gone from two to one service and what joy we felt as we entered the prayer room early that morning prior to the day's activities. I believe it followed us into the sanctuary. It was delightful. 

We, too, can live in that same joy, despite what seem like setbacks, and receive a newness within ourselves when we have taken the step to receive Christ into our lives. An outward and inward transformation takes place. Our hearts are changed and our outward appearance can have that peaceful, content look. 

In fact, when we have received this wonderful gift God has given us we can call ourselves the Temple of God, where God dwells.  2Corinthians 6:16 - For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people."  

The Holy Spirit of God does this transforming work. It has nothing to do with our ability to change. It just comes with the "receiving Christ" territory. It's a lifelong process...we will never fully arrive until Jesus comes back. Our spiritual house, however, is revitalized. The dark, dinginess of our old selves makes way for brightness and newness. Here are a few examples of the promises of change that take place:

Psalm 40:3 - He has put a new song in my mouth--praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD.

Ezekiel 36:26 - I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Revelation 2:17 - '"...To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it."' 

Isaiah 43:19 - Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 

A new thing. I love it! A newness in Christ. I love it! At the end of our lives and when Jesus returns and Heaven is at last revealed to us as our final home, there are more promises:

Isaiah 65:17 - "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind."  

2Peter3:13 - Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 

Revelation 21:5 - Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." 

Yes, even today He makes things new if we give Him a chance. I know many people would not change their lives as they have been. On the other hand there are many who, if they had the chance, would change a lot. I'm both...I see my previous faults, sins, insecurities and realize I was like that because I didn't know any better. I followed the crowd. I follow a different crowd now and am thankful that those days of mine have been forgive of me. I AM a new creation in Christ. Anyone can be if they so desire. Look at all these promises as the proverbial carrot being dangled before you...it's your choice to make.

2Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Watch What I Am Going To Do

Isaiah 43:18 - Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old.

Sunday at church our Assistant Pastor, Cliff Cameron, discussed how, every nut and bolt of space shuttles have a specific function and are created just for that reason. Just like the men who designed the intricacies of the space shuttle, we have a God who has designed every part of us. He formed us in our mother's wombs. We each have our own DNA that differentiates us from the person next to us. At one point in the sermon Pastor made a statement about not thinking about our past. It immediately brought to mind what I believe God was showing me once before, years ago: Watch what I am going to do.

What happens if we don't realize we are all cut out of a special mold by God? What happens if all we can do is think about our past, who we were, what we went through, what we learned and inherited from parents or teachers...or anyone, how we molded our own lives? And--what happens if the Church never wants to let go of the things that hold it back from receiving more from God?

The good news is we don't have to be what we think we are. When we realize who we are in Christ, we are new and whatever lies we might have believed once before (you're not smart enough, you're not pretty enough, you'll not amount to anything, you make too many mistakes) we can cast aside all those lies and believe what Jesus tells us about ourselves... we are a new creation; we are God's workmanship; we are made alive; we are victorious; we are blessed; we are righteous (2 Cor.5:17; Eph. 2:10; 1Cor. 15:22; 2Cor. 2:14; Eph. 1:3; 1Cor. 1:30).

I've mentioned that our church is undergoing a trial, another division. Attendance has dwindled and we are in another transition. From outward appearances it looks impossible to imagine a church full and vibrant again. But God... I could use that phrase for just about anything because He is so able to turn things around.

A few years ago when our church underwent the first division I sought the Lord for guidance about what I was to do, to leave or stay, for discernment and about why those I knew had left. I remember the thought going through my head: Stay, get involved, dig in your heels and watch what I am going to do. How could I walk out because others I'd known did or because it was uncomfortable for a time? I didn't want to follow just because. Isn't it about banding together, becoming unified and in a God-like manner face the problems, with His help?

Needless to say, after division #2 I questioned again. I recalled the thought "watch what I am going to do." And no sooner did I pose the question "what did that mean?" the thought came to me that statement might not have had anything to do with what happened after division #1! He's just letting me know that He IS doing something and it will be done in His timing, not when I think it should. I feel as though today every person still attending is a special person, like the nuts and bolts of the space shuttle. Perhaps we're getting to a place as a church where we are not being molded by man but by God Himself.

I believe my faith is strong and I'm just going to continue to wait to see what He's going to do! Sometimes God has to do some things we don't always understand to get us trust that in the midst of difficulty He is doing a work. I believe our church needs to let go of some baggage. It's not about a man in the pulpit but about Who stands behind that man, Who is the heart and soul of the Church. The Church foundation, after all, is Jesus. Isaiah 28:16 prophesied Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation... and Ephesians 2:20 makes it clear, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone... Did you notice the progression...a stone...a cornerstone...a foundation. Tried...precious...sure. Progression that Jesus went through in His own life, trials that continued to strengthen. Now He is our Foundation. Watch what I am going to do, He's telling us.

I believe God reminded me of Gideon's army. He had a very large army with which to fight the enemy. But God wanted Gideon and His people to realize that it was not the size and strength of the army but that it was He who would be their strength. He tells us He is our strength and our portion. So from 22,000 men to 300, Gideon proceeded to fight the enemy and won--through the power of God. In the world view there is strength in numbers. In God's view nothing is impossible with Him and strength comes from trusting and faith in only Him for all our needs.

This example is not just for our church but for each of us. We cannot allow our past...our past sins, disappointments or failures, to keep us from moving forward. If we follow God in faith and trust we cannot lose. We just don't know what behind-the-scenes things He needs to do before we see the results of His work. That's the beauty and mystery of God.

I can tell you I am still anxious to see what He is going to do...in my life, in my church and in the lives of those who know Him...even those who are going to know Him some day. We live comfortably for now day by day. But what happens if government fails us, people fail us, our spouses fail us, even our church fails us? God will always be there if we seek Him for our provision.

Isaiah 43:19 - Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.