God is doing a new thing in 2023

As we think about the New Year with new possibilities and new opportunities to learn and grow, here is my heart’s desire for those who read Dr. J’s Apothecary Shoppe:

As the New Year unfolds in beauty in 2023,

May we rise to become all God has called us to be.

We explore the exceeding great and precious promises that God has in store for us, reminded of who He is and what He alone can do:

Isaiah 43:16, 18-19:

Thus saith the Lord, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;

Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

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.

Each New Year represents a new beginning, as God reminds us once again that He makes all things new.  As I considered deeply the concept of a new beginning or a fresh start, I happened to think of this poetic expression:

All Things New

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                                                                                                                                     

Behold, I am the Lord God who makes all things new.

Trust me and you will see. You will never be the same.

As you look to me, it is no secret what I can do.

I am God–I do not lie, I am faithful and true.

Almighty, God of the impossible is my name.

Behold, I am the Lord God who makes all things new.

Some thought it was over, but I am by no means through.

I cover and restore to remove all guilt and shame.

As you look to me, it is no secret what I can do.

Never forget what I have already brought you through.

You have a divine purpose; your life is not a game.

Behold, I am the Lord God who makes all things new.

In me you overcome—I am Lord of the breakthrough

Who offers boundless promises that you can now claim.

As you look to me, it is no secret what I can do.

Trust me, obey and see what I have in store for you.

With your life you will make known my goodness and proclaim:

Behold, I am the Lord God who makes all things new.

As you look to me, it is no secret what I can do.

As we embark further into the New Year, we may encounter challenges and demanding situations that seem impossible to resolve on our own. The Bible reminds us of God’s unfailing power and strength to turn seemingly impossible situations into triumphant victories. We must never forget the message of Isaiah 43:19.

As Lara Martin reminds us, “God is Doing a New Thing”:

Lord of the breakthrough

• 

Although we are well beyond the halfway point of the New Year, 2019, in the minds of many people we are still experiencing a “new beginning.” During this time, we think about the remainder of the year and what it holds in store for us, as we recall who God is and what He alone can do. We can apply these words every day, for our Father graciously provides “a new beginning” or a “fresh start” with the bold declaration found in Isaiah 43:16, 18-19:

I am the LORD, who opened a way through the waters,
making a dry path through the sea.

18 “But forget all that—
it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.
19 For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

The passage from Isaiah inspired this poetic expression:

God is constant, never changing.
Yet God is fluid, ever-changing.
Like the ocean and horizon at sunset and sunrise,
Always the same yet never quite the same,
Infinitely wise, ruler of earth and skies,
We humbly recognize our savior and creator,
Who makes all things new.
Marvelous are His works;
Righteous are His ways.
Worthy of the glory,
We give our highest praise.
Never changing, yet ever-changing,
Who is like unto our God?
There is no one like Him.
Who is like unto our God?

Each day represents a new beginning, as God once again makes

All Things New

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

Behold, I am the Lord God who makes all things new.
Trust me and you will see. You will never be the same.
As you look to me, it is no secret what I can do.

I am God–I do not lie, I am faithful and true.
Almighty, God of the impossible is my name.
Behold, I am the Lord God who makes all things new.

Some thought it was over, but I am by no means through.
I cover and restore to remove all guilt and shame.
As you look to me, it is no secret what I can do.

Never forget what I have already brought you through.
You have a divine purpose; your life is not a game.
Behold, I am the Lord God who makes all things new.

In me you overcome—I am Lord of the breakthrough
Who offers boundless promises that you can now claim.
As you look to me, it is no secret what I can do.

Trust me, obey and see what I have in store for you.
With your life you will make known my goodness and proclaim:
Behold, I am the Lord God who makes all things new.
As you look to me, it is no secret what I can do.

The reference to God as “Lord of the breakthrough” caused me to think about the film, Breakthrough, released earlier this year. Based on an actual account of a mother’s unwavering commitment to pray that her son would recover after being rescued from the icy waters of a frozen lake, the film depicts the power of prayer, despite seemingly impossible circumstances.

Pastor Jason Noble, the actual minister portrayed in the film, offered this definition of the term “breakthrough”:

“A military advance all the way and beyond an enemy’s front-line defense. An action or instance of surpassing an obstruction, the overcoming of a stalemate. . . a significant or sudden advance, development, achievement that removes a barrier to progress.”

Pastor Jason shared how we can position ourselves for a miracle. He spoke of the human component of every miracle in the Bible. He said, “When God speaks a promise in your life, you must hold on to it. We have to partner with God.” He went on to say there is a place for us, a destination where we can experience a personal breakthrough.

The Bible reminds us of God’s unfailing power and strength to turn a seemingly impossible situation into a glorious triumph in the account of David who inquires of the Lord before going into battle with the Philistines in 1 Chronicles 14:8-16.

1 Chronicles 14:11 in the Good News Translation (GNT) summarizes what occurred:

11 So David attacked them at Baal Perazim and defeated them. He said, “God has used me to break through the enemy army like a flood.” So that place is called Baal Perazim.

(We note that this name in Hebrew means “Lord of the Breakthrough.”)

In a similar way, Isaiah 59:19 reveals that when the enemies of God come upon God’s people seeking to overwhelm us, the spirit of the Lord responds in this way:

Isaiah 59:19

So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.

As we embark further into another new beginning, we also may encounter challenges and difficult situations that seem impossible to resolve on our own. Obstacles confront us and block our progress toward our destination which seems so close, yet circumstances hinder us everywhere we turn. We desperately seek a breakthrough to catapult us to victory. Like David, we seek to do God’s will, knowing He has already equipped us for victory, having already gone before us triumphantly, for He is “Lord of the Breakthrough.”

Israel and New Breed confirm our declaration with “Lord of the Breakthrough.”

Remember: God can make a way

As I listened to the morning message at Christian Provision Ministries in Sanford, NC this past Sunday, January 20, 2019, a number of thoughts came to mind as Bishop Charles Mellette reiterated the theme for the Ministry:

“This is the year of spiritual renewal and expecting God’s will to be done.”

He reminded the congregation that we are destined to win as he encouraged believers to focus on this reality: “God is making a way.” He went on to emphasize this Point of Power: “God will never be stranded. He always makes a way.” Among the scriptures shared was Isaiah 46:9 from the Amplified Bible:

“Remember [carefully] the former things [which I did] from ages past;
For I am God, and there is no one else;
I am God, and there is no one like Me,

One of the first blog posts of the New Year offered another reminder of who God is and what He says He will do, as we press toward the mark in 2019. Simply put, “God can make a way out of no way.” So says Isaiah 43:19 (AMP):

“Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing,
Now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even put a road in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert.

As we think about the countless times when God came through for His people in the midst of seemingly impossible situations, I recall this original, vernacular poem reminding us that “The Lord will make a way somehow”:

Hand upon the Plow

Jesus said to him, No one who puts his hand 

to the plow and looks back [to the things behind

is fit for the kingdom of God.

Luke 9:62

“Keep your hand on the plow, hold on!”
–Black Spiritual

 

When life ain’t like it spose to be,
Right then and there it occurs to me
Folks been in fixes worse than me,
Right in the Bible where I see:

The Lord will make a way somehow.
Just keep your hand upon the plow.

Pharaoh said, “Kill each Hebrew boy,”
But Moses’ Ma was full of joy
Cause Pharaoh’s daughter raised her boy.
The Lord will make a way somehow.

The lions looked so lean and thin
When they threw Daniel in the den,
But Brother Daniel didn’t bend.
Just keep your hand upon the plow.

When Jesus died, God paid the cost
And at that time all seem like lost,
But God planned ahead for Pentecost.
The Lord will make a way somehow.

Paul and Silas didn’t rant and wail
When they threw both of them in jail.
They called on God, and He didn’t fail.
Just keep your hand upon the plow.

When troubles start upsetting you
Remember, there’s just one thing to do:
Look to God and He’ll see you through
What he did for them, He’ll do for you.

The Lord will make a way somehow.
Just keep your hand upon the plow.

The inspiring message reiterated this point: “God, Your will be done!” We simply say, “Yes to the will of God.” The day before hearing this soul-stirring sermon, I shared with a believer this anonymous poem that has come to mean so much to me:

The Will of God
Author: Unknown

The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you.
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

We close with this reminder from Elevation Worship that in the same way God has made a way out of no way previously, He will “Do It Again”:

 

A New Year: A new way

As the New Year continues to unfold, I happened to read a statement from Apostle Eric Warren, and it will serve as the Quote of the Day for January 9, 2019:

God wants to reveal Himself to you and through you in a new way this year! Are you available?

Several thoughts came to mind as I continued to consider deeply the passage from Isaiah: which serves as a launching pad for the New Year.Isaiah 43:16, 18-19:

16 This is what the Lord says,
He who makes a way through the sea and a path through the mighty waters,
“Do not remember the former things,
Or ponder the things of the past.
19
“Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing,
Now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even put a road in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert.

The Message Bible puts it this way:

“Forget about what’s happened;
don’t keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.
It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?
There it is! I’m making a road through the desert,
rivers in the badlands.

Each New Year represents a new beginning, as God reminds us once again that He makes all things new. In thinking about a new beginning or a fresh start, I thought of the power of the Word of the Lord when spoken and believed:

God’s Unfailing Power

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper
than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division
of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow,
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 [NKJV]

No word of God spoken shall be devoid of power
But shall prosper in the thing to which it is sent,
Beyond all past limits, to its farthest extent
And thus abound in fruit as seed of the sower,
Returning four-fold measure to the one who lent.
It is impossible not to fulfill God’s will,
Once spoken and thus declared that the Lord might show
The wonders of His amazing ways and instill
In us His unfailing power that we might know
That in the beginning God spoke, and it was so.
Sharper than a two-edged sword, cutting as a knife,
The word is quick to energize and encompass
The past, present and future, merging to bring forth life.
While yet in our mouths, it has come already come to pass.

The question raised at the end of the Quote of the Day brought to mind this response expressed in one of my all-time favorite Gospel songs: “Lord, I’m Available to You”:

 

Divine do-over: Another chance

As this year is winding down, I am beginning to think about the coming year and preparing to develop my game plan for 2019. Recently I came across a prophetic Word of the Lord from Apostle Gabriel Cross posted on Pure Glory, website of Crown of Glory International Ministries. The message is re-posted here:

As I rose this morning, I heard the word or phrase (DO-OVER).
“To the one who didn’t do everything right. To the one who became discouraged in their efforts. To the one who became depressed and then procrastinated. Also, the one who just didn’t do what God told them to do.”

The Father says, “I AM going to do a “DO-OVER, WITH YOU.” So quiet yourself before the Lord, and prepare for your DIVINE DO-OVER. A do-over, meaning, a new attempt or opportunity, to do something, after an earlier attempt has been unsuccessful or unsatisfactory.

Unlike life, something inhibits do-overs. However, with God, you can always get things right with a pure heart, craft, and persistence. The Lord says, “Get Up! You can do it! Rise and Shine!”

“ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you–rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! (Zechariah 8:23.) For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and dense darkness [all] peoples, but the Lord shall arise upon you [O Jerusalem], and His glory shall be seen on you. (Isaiah 60:19-22; Malachi 4:2; Revelation 21:2, 3.) And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” (Isaiah 2:2, 3; Jeremiah 3:17. Isaiah‬ ‭60:1-3‬).

“The Double-Door opportunities I have opened for you, no one can close what I am opening for you. So go forth, come forth, in the name of the Lord. There is no need to worry about how, for I have already prepared the way for you. There is no need to fear anything, for I have already covered you and secured your future. Provision, is not your problem. Providence, is not your problem. Prosperity, is not your problem. Because you have My Divine Provision, Providence, and Prosperity!”

In My Do-Over, I don’t just give back what you have lost, but I give that back, and MORE THAN YOU ASKED FOR.
Behold, the Spirit of the Lord says, “DIVINE DO-OVERS FOR YOU!” 2019 will be the year of Divine Do-Overs, Double-Door Opportunities, and the Best of the Best, being released to you Nowww!”

The message inspired this response which I am planning to incorporate into my personal vision casting for 2019:

A Divine Do-Over for 2019:

“Do not remember the former things,
Or ponder the things of the past.

“Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing,
Now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even put a road in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:18-19 (Amplified Bible)

The old ends–the new begins, as we uncover
The riches of God’s perfect will and discover
Our gracious Father provides one more “do-over,”
A fresh attempt to succeed and thrive moreover.
As living letters we embody the vision
Assured God will also supply the provision.
The hand of the Lord perfects each new revision,
Thus we arise, shine, and act on our decision.
God prepares the way to display His Providence,
As we walk by faith, having not seen evidence,
We access a new reality—no pretense:
We have won the battle, no matter how intense.
God’s divine design fashioned for prosperity
Goes beyond all we may have seen previously:
The fullness of all God intends for us to be
As we act on the Word in its simplicity.
Promotion awaits us as each day our lives advance:
God provides not just a second but another chance.

We “seal the deal” with music from Lisa Page Brooks: “Another Chance.”

Is anything too difficult? Nothing is too difficult

The Verse of the Day for July 11, 2018 comes from Jeremiah 32:17 in the Amplified Bible:

‘Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You—

The Verse of the Day is part of the prayer that Jeremiah prays to God prior to Israel’s going into captivity because of their rampant disobedience and blatant idolatry. Here are the opening words of that prayer recorded in Jeremiah 32:17-20

17 “O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! 18 You show unfailing love to thousands, but you also bring the consequences of one generation’s sin upon the next. You are the great and powerful God, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. 19 You have all wisdom and do great and mighty miracles. You see the conduct of all people, and you give them what they deserve. 20 You performed miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt—things still remembered to this day! And you have continued to do great miracles in Israel and all around the world. You have made your name famous to this day.

The prayer continues, and we find Verse 27 translated as a rhetorical question:

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is there anything too difficult for Me?”

We find a similar question raised in the midst of another seemingly impossible situation in Genesis when the angel of the Lord visits Abraham, who happens to be 100 years old and Sarah, his barren wife, is well past the years of childbearing at 90:

Genesis 18: 13-14 (AMP):

13 And the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh [to herself], saying, ‘Shall I really give birth [to a child] when I am so old?’ 14 Is anything too difficult or too wonderful for the LORD? At the appointed time, when the season [for her delivery] comes, I will return to you and Sarah will have a son.”

These two passages speak of the mind-boggling power of God: whether expressed as a bold statement: “Nothing is too difficult for you” or as a question: “Is there anything too difficult for the Lord?” both expressions come to the same conclusion: “Nothing is too hard for God!”

No matter how challenging the situation may appear to be, God can turn it into a magnificent triumph. No matter how lifeless and hopeless the circumstances we face may seem, God specializes in touching seemingly impossible situations, making “barrenness to bloom with rivers in the desert.” We see the amazing power of God illustrated in this way:

Barrenness

19 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.
20 The beast of the field shall honor me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.
21 This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise.

Isaiah 43:19-21

We are waiting with our eyes fixed toward open skies
That we might behold the wonders of this new thing.
From parched, lifeless places now shall it spring forth,
As God shall make a highway in the wilderness.
Even in the wasteland shall He give cool waters
To bless and refresh with rivers in the desert.
He has formed us for Himself: for His good pleasure
He chose us and set us apart to show forth praise.
All things for God’s glory: even the barren womb
He has prepared to bring forth life-changing seed.
We declare the Word and thus shall it most surely be:
No word of God spoken shall be void of power.
Speak the Word only and barrenness shall vanish,
And fertile ground shall bring forth fruit in due season.

The Verse of the Day and related verses and the poem all relate a similar message that “Nothing is too difficult for God.” The closing words of the Verse of the Day became the inspiration for one of the most popular songs of praise composed by Don Moen: “Ah, Lord God. . .” which reinforces that message.:

Isaiah 43:19: All things new

As we reflect upon the Verse of the Day for December 31, the last day of 2013, it provides a reminder of who God is and what He alone can do:

Isaiah 43:16, 18-19:

Thus saith the Lord, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;

Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

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.

The passage from Isaiah brought to mind this poetic expression:

God is constant, never changing.

Yet God is fluid, ever changing.

Like the ocean and horizon at sunset and sunrise,

Always the same yet never quite the same,

Infinitely wise, ruler of earth and skies,

We humbly recognize our savior and creator,

Who makes all things new.

Marvelous are your works;

Righteous are your ways.

Worthy of the glory,

We give our highest praise.

Never changing, yet ever changing,

Who is like unto our God?

There is no one like Him.

Who is like unto our God?

Each New Year represents a new beginning, as God reminds us once again that He makes all things new.  As I considered deeply the concept of a new beginning or a fresh start, I happened to think of the lyrics to a little song composed based on the words, “Behold, I make all things new.”

Behold, I make all things new.

Behold, I make all things new.

Behold, I make all things new, brand new.

Things will never be the same.

 

Behold, I am making you new.

Behold, I am making you new.

Behold, I am making you new, brand new.

You will never be the same.

The same expression is also the title of another poem with the same message:

All Things New

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

 

Behold, I am the Lord God who makes all things new.

Trust me and you will see. You will never be the same.

As you look to me, it is no secret what I can do.

 

I am God–I do not lie, I am faithful and true.

Almighty, God of the impossible is my name.

Behold, I am the Lord God who makes all things new.

 

Some thought it was over, but I am by no means through.

I cover and restore to remove all guilt and shame.

As you look to me, it is no secret what I can do.

 

Never forget what I have already brought you through.

You have a divine purpose; your life is not a game.

Behold, I am the Lord God who makes all things new.

 

In me you overcome—I am Lord of the breakthrough

Who offers boundless promises that you can now claim.

As you look to me, it is no secret what I can do.

 

Trust me, obey and see what I have in store for you.

With your life you will make known my goodness and proclaim:

Behold, I am the Lord God who makes all things new.

As you look to me, it is no secret what I can do.

As we enter the New Year, we may encounter challenges and difficult situations that seem impossible to resolve on our own. The Bible reminds us of God’s unfailing power and strength to turn a seemingly impossible situation into a triumphant victory. We must never forget the message of Isaiah 43:19.

This particular verse and the tragic death of his nephew became the inspiration for one of Don Moen’s signature musical compositions, “God Will Make a Way,” offered here by Hosanna! Music.

What a wonderful reminder and source of encouragement as 2013 ends and 2014 begins.