NEW BEGINNINGS!

As I was recently thinking about the recent Revival I held at the Church of the Nazarene in Tecumseh, Michigan, I couldn't help but think of new beginnings.  Our prayer time around the altar after our final service was a testament to the working of the Lord in the hearts and lives of the people.  We joined hands and prayed prayers of thanksgiving for all that He was doing in our lives.  Revivals are to be a time when believers seek His face and determine to make a "new beginning" in their desire to make a difference for Chirst in their world.

Tecumseh, Michigan Church of the Nazarene

The church, itself, is an example of new beginnings.  For decades it sat on a small piece of land, surrounded by streets, and hemmed in with limited room for expansion and growth.  The facilities, made to fit the property, were nice, well kept, and could hold about 125 people.  Then came a new beginning as the Lord provided a group that wanted their property badly.  It's location on the main highway through town would provide them a good location for their business.  In return, this group offered a property exchange and for nearly an even trade the church aquired a beautiful 80 acre tract of land on the edge of town.  Now they worship in a spacious multi-purpose facility in the middle of that property, fronted by well manicured rolling hills with the back drop of 40 acres of forest.  It has been a new beginning.

Pastor Gary Miller

The pastor and his wife were laypersons in a nearby church that I pastored in the 90s.  They had good jobs and a comfortable life.  Then, God began to speak to their hearts about pastoral ministry.  They, in obedience, sold their home and moved to Colorado Springs and Nazarene Bible College making a new beginning.  Now they are in their second church and the Lord is blessing their ministry.  They are building a strong congregation and are greatly loved by their people.

God has always been a God of new beginnings.  He has given me one at the age of 63!  If we are obedient and faithful He will provide and His Kingdom will be built.  Let us never become so comfortable that He can not move us to service.