New Things

My sister is new to the northwest and it has been so fun listening to her “discover” all the new things God has for her family here.  She gets excited about the buds on the trees, changing seasons, the birds coming to her backyard, the bulbs she is planting, the neighbors down the street, the restaurants she’s never been to.  It is all so new – she see’s them as God’s gifts and revelations.  He’s a good, good Father.

Have you noticed the digging on the north property? Something new is going on! Have you noticed the daffodils and new growth popping up on Liberty?  Something new is going on!  Have you noticed a number of new faces passing you on Sunday morning?  Something new is going on!  Have you noticed a friend praying for another in the Commons?  Something new is going on!  Have you noticed your heart yearning for more of Jesus?  Something new is going on!

Life is happening at Salem First … transformation is occurring … bodies are being re-shaped … God’s heart is seen and felt.  It is an exciting time to be in the family of God.  In our church we have seen growth in new members’ classes, increased number of baptisms (young and old), more and more names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life – all represent new life.  Men and women continue to join Bible study, community life groups and individual discipling relationships -- we are seeing the Word change a life – that’s transformation. 

Faith and trust demonstrated by commitment and follow-through are the hallmark of expanding our influence in the community. The Rest Stop, the North Property, Upward, Sports Camp, Angel Tree are just a few ministries that go across the street and beyond our doors to impact our city.  As a church we have believed God for these things and have followed through supporting them financially, prayerfully and with our time and energy.  God has honored that faith and commitment.  Our community is being reshaped.

And, while that is happening, life within is also being relived as ministry to one another is shared … powerful prayer and praise for healing, comforting fellowship and hospitality, care for practical needs, accountability, coming alongside the broken and hurting, and dynamic worship to His glory.  We are experiencing and sharing the heart of God.  His purposes are being fulfilled.

In very similar ways I believe God is transforming me.  Spending time focusing on Isaiah 43:19 I believed God wanted to do something new in me. I asked questions, I prayed, I searched scripture and dialoged with His people.  God is doing that new thing:  fulfilling His dreams for me, accomplishing His purposes and changing my heart.

Has He cracked the door open to give you a peek?  Has He popped a head up ready to burst forth? Has He allowed you to discover an idea you did not know?  Has HE made a way where there was no way?  Isaiah 43:19 says, “Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it will spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” 

When the caterpillar crawls into his cocoon, it must seem to his caterpillar friends that he is gone.  But, to us of larger vision, in due time, we see the beautiful butterfly emerge from a seemingly lifeless enclosure.  Now he no longer crawls upon the ground, but flies freely above it, making his home in God’s creation.  If this is God’s plan for such a small creature, how much greater it must be for Salem First!

What is God up to in YOU?  Will you stand on tiptoe with me to see what “new thing” God wants to do? I hope so, for we have a good, good Father. 
--Janice Adams