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Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18,19

Isaiah 43 might not be the first passage that comes to mind when considering the cross and the resurrection. But in this passage, God lays out His redemptive plan for His people Israel. Isaiah is prophesying to a people who are still in bondage and in exile in Babylon. He is pointing them to a ransom that is yet to come. The move for Israel would be more than just a change of address, it would be a spiritual rebirth. For us, the cross is prevalent in the midst of this "new thing" God is doing and we can trust Him because of what Jesus did on the cross. Finally, we have the opportunity at Easter to recommit and say "God what do you want to do through my life because of this new thing?"

I pray this message strengthens and encourages you -- this Easter and beyond.

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All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16

This installment of the "Let's Talk About It..." series is an effort to discuss something highly practical for the Christian life: studying God's Word. In terms of how we study, the tools and resources we use are very important. We should be informed when picking out a certain translation of the Bible. We should also be aware of extra reference material that can help us understand what we are reading (commentaries and study and topical Bibles). The plan we decide to use to read Scripture is important as well. It is best to have a guide to follow that will cause us to stay more devoted and on-track. At the end of this episode, Derek shares what his own personal study has looked like for the past few years...it is simply meant as an example for those looking for ideas and plans to use.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Complete Guide to Bible Versions: https://www.biblegateway.com/learn/bible-101/about-the-bible/bible-versions-guide/

NIV JOURNAL THE WORD Bible Review: https://youtu.be/AYAN22gbynA?si=hH4zDsF89gsvcoWc

Enduring Word Commentary: https://enduringword.com/

Chapter-by-Chapter Bible Commentary (Nelson's Quick Reference Series) by Warren W. Wiersbe https://a.co/d/0ef6zSqp

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"If the Lord Jehovah makes us wait, let us do so with our whole hearts; for blessed are all they that wait for Him. He is worth waiting for.” Charles Spurgeon

When considering the timing of God, we must take rest in the fact that He moves and does things according to a plan that is perfect. We may not always see it and we may not always understand. But He is always on time. With the backdrop of 1 Samuel 7 today, we can see how we can trust God as we wait in between the seasons of our lives. We must look back and see the "stones of help," how He has walked with us thus far. We must also finish well in any season or place we currently reside. Finally, we must not let the vision perish. If God has laid something before you, He intends to do it. Do not lose heart. Do not be moved. God will come through.