Is God Still Working? Embracing the New Thing He's Doing

As we approach Easter, it's a perfect time to reflect on the incredible story of Palm Sunday and the profound implications it has for our lives today. This pivotal moment in history wasn't just a one-time event, but a declaration of God's ongoing work in the world and in our hearts.
If you've ever asked, "Is God still working?" — this story is your answer.

The Triumphant Entry

"Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." — Zechariah 9:9

Picture the scene: A king riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, greeted by crowds waving palm branches and shouting "Hosanna!" This wasn't just any king, but the King of Kings, fulfilling prophecies spoken centuries before. Zechariah 9:9 foretold this moment: "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

But this triumphant entry was more than just the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy. It was a declaration of a new era, a new covenant, and a new way of relating to God. The King who entered Jerusalem that day wasn't coming to establish an earthly kingdom, but to inaugurate a spiritual revolution that would change the course of history.

God's Ongoing Work

"See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you." — Isaiah 42:9

One of the most powerful truths we can grasp is that God is always at work, always doing something new. Isaiah 42:9 proclaims, "See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you." This isn't just about events that happened thousands of years ago – it's a living reality for us today.

So is God still working? Absolutely. God is constantly seeking to do new things in our lives, to bring about growth, transformation, and renewal. The question is: are we paying attention? Are we open to His work, or are we resisting it?

Channels of the Spirit

To understand how God works in our lives, we can look at the vision in Zechariah 4. It describes a golden lampstand with a bowl on top, connected to lamps through channels. This imagery represents how the Holy Spirit flows into our lives, bringing wisdom, counsel, knowledge, might, and the fear of the Lord.

But here's the crucial question: are our channels open? Or have they become clogged with distractions, busyness, or resistance? God's desire is to pour out His Spirit continually, but we must keep those channels clear and open.
This is one way to respond when you ask yourself, “Is God still working in me?” Keep the channels open and you'll see He is.

Reversing the Curse

The events of Holy Week – from Palm Sunday through Easter – represent God's ultimate "new thing." Through Christ's death and resurrection, He began to reverse the curse of sin and death. This cosmic reversal offers us adoption into God's family, redemption from darkness, and restoration of our whole being – spirit, soul, and body.

"My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you..." — Isaiah 59:21

The game-changer in all of this is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. God's dream was always to live inside us, guiding us, empowering us, and transforming us from the inside out. This is the new covenant promised in Isaiah 59:21: "My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever."

Is God still working in our world today? Through the Holy Spirit, He is working in and through every believer—right now.

Embracing the New

So how do we position ourselves to experience the new things God wants to do? Here are some practical steps:

Yield daily

Start each day by surrendering your life to Christ. Say, "Jesus, I give my life to you today."

Stay open

Be attentive to God's voice and leading. He may be calling you to new steps of faith, like baptism, forgiveness, or acts of generosity.

Let go of the past

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!" — Isaiah 43:18-19

Engage with Scripture

Make reading or listening to the Bible a daily habit. It's through His Word that God often speaks and reveals His will.

Cultivate prayer

Keep a prayer journal, writing down your requests and watching how God answers.

Practice forgiveness

Is there someone you need to forgive? This could be the "new thing" God is calling you to do.

Grow in generosity

Reflect God's generous nature by being open-handed with your resources and kindness.

The goal isn't just personal improvement, but becoming more like Christ in every area of life. As we yield to God's work, we become better spouses, parents, grandparents, and friends – all flowing from a heart that's continually being renewed by God's Spirit.

The King is Still at Work

As we approach Easter, let's remember that the King who rode into Jerusalem on a donkey is still at work today. He's still in the business of doing new things, of transforming lives and reversing curses.

Still wondering, “Is God still working?” Look around. Look within. The answer is yes.

The question is: will we recognize His work? Will we embrace it?

This Easter, don't just celebrate a historical event. Open your heart to the living King who wants to do a new thing in your life right now. Yield to His leading, clear out the channels of your heart, and watch in wonder as He brings new life, new purpose, and new joy.

"The King is coming. The King is here. And He's always doing something new."
Is God still working? Yes. The only question is: are you ready to join Him?

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God’s Dream for You: The Role of Holy Spirit In Your Life

What Is God's Dream for Us?

Have you ever considered that while we all have dreams and aspirations, God Himself has a dream for us?

This dream is not an afterthought—it has been His plan from the very beginning. God’s desire is not just to be in our lives but to dwell within us, transforming us completely.

"As for me, this is my covenant with them," says the Lord. "My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever.”
— Isaiah 59:21

God’s dream is a lasting, generational covenant—His Spirit living in and through us.

Who's in Control? Letting God Take the Pilot’s Seat

Many people start their faith journey by inviting Jesus into their lives, but the question is: where do they place Him?

Imagine your life as an airplane:

• At first, Jesus is in the baggage compartment.
• Later, He moves to the back of the plane.
• As faith grows, He is invited to first class.
• Ultimately, He must become the pilot.

God’s dream is not just to be on our journey but to lead it.

The Great Exchange: A New Heart, A New Spirit

Transformation is not about self-discipline or willpower—it is a divine exchange.

"I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
— Ezekiel 36:25-26

God replaces old, hardened hearts with new, responsive ones. No amount of personal effort can make this happen—only the Holy Spirit can truly transform lives.

Trading Weakness for God’s Strength

Through Christ, we are invited to exchange our deepest struggles for God’s grace:

• Accusations for grace
• Criticism for love
• Rejection for acceptance
• Control for trust
• Busyness for attentiveness
• Anger for peace
• Pride for humility
• Generational sins for spiritual freedom
• Greed for generosity
• Lust for holiness
• Selfishness for other-centeredness

These are not abstract ideas—they are the practical outworking of the Holy Spirit’s power in everyday life.

God’s Home in Us: A Promise from Jesus

Jesus confirmed this transformation when He said:

"Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them."
— John 14:23

This is God’s dream—to dwell within us, to transform us, and to make His presence known in every part of our lives.

How Do We Respond? The Act of Surrender

True transformation begins with surrender.

It requires acknowledging the inability to change oneself and laying every struggle at the foot of the cross.

This act of surrender is beautifully symbolized in communion—when partaking of the bread and cup, believers proclaim their need for God’s power in their lives.

The Old Rugged Cross: The Ultimate Exchange

The hymn "The Old Rugged Cross" captures this exchange perfectly:

"So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown."

Through Christ’s sacrifice, complete redemption and transformation are offered. The Holy Spirit dwells within all who receive this gift, leading to a renewed life.

This is not just a theological concept—it is an invitation to a radically changed life.

Are You Ready for Transformation?

Ask yourself today:

• Is God in control of my life, or am I still in the pilot’s seat?
• Am I willing to trade my weaknesses for God’s strength?
• What areas of my heart need to be fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit?

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
— John 10:10

God’s dream for you is greater than anything you could dream for yourself.

Final Encouragement: Let God Lead‍

This is not about trying harder.

It is about allowing the Holy Spirit to work.

God’s dream for you is transformation from the inside out.

As you reflect on these truths, may you be filled with hope, faith, and expectation. God’s love is active, His Spirit is real, and His power is at work within you.

Are you ready to embrace His dream for your life?

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The Unshakable Love of God

When Life Feels Broken

In times of trouble, it’s easy to feel abandoned and question God’s love. How can we trust Him when everything around us is falling apart?‍

Isaiah 54 offers a powerful answer—one that speaks of hope, restoration, and God’s unfailing love even in the darkest moments.

Sing in the Storm? The Call to Rejoice Amidst Despair

Imagine a war-torn landscape—buildings reduced to rubble, food and water scarce, people struggling to survive. In the midst of this devastation, Isaiah delivers an unexpected command:

"Sing!" (Isaiah 54:1)

At first, it seems absurd. How can anyone sing in such a situation? But this isn’t about denying reality—it’s about embracing a greater truth:

God’s commitment to His people never wavers.

Even in times of loss and uncertainty, He is still working, still restoring, and still fulfilling His promises.

God’s Promise of Restoration

Isaiah 54 is filled with powerful imagery of renewal:

• "Enlarge your tent" – Make room for growth and blessing.
• "Lengthen your cords" – Prepare for God’s expansion in your life.
• "Strengthen your stakes" – Hold firm in faith, even when life feels unstable.

Even when we feel abandoned, God’s love remains constant:

"For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back." (Isaiah 54:7)

God doesn’t leave His people in suffering forever. He restores, rebuilds, and renews.

The Unshakable Love of God

In a world filled with uncertainty, one truth remains: God’s love is unshakable.

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken." (Isaiah 54:10)

Everything else may change, but God’s love will not.

A Legacy of Faith for Future Generations

God’s promises don’t stop with us—they extend to future generations:

"All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace." (Isaiah 54:13)

This raises an important question: How are we passing on faith to the next generation?

A simple act of kindness, like a child offering food to a stranger, can shape a life. Our words, actions, and faith create ripples that impact the future.

Victory in Spiritual Battles

Life is filled with battles, but Isaiah 54 offers this powerful promise:

"No weapon forged against you will prevail." (Isaiah 54:17)

This doesn’t mean life will be easy, but it assures us that with God on our side, we will overcome.

However, our greatest battles often come from within—not from external enemies, but from struggles in our own hearts.

The Heart Issues Holding Us Back

We all face internal battles that keep us from living in God’s freedom:

• Rejection → Feeling unworthy of love
• Anger → Struggling with past hurts
• Unforgiveness → Holding onto grudges
• Pride → Refusing to surrender
• Apathy → Losing passion for God

But here’s the good news: God offers an exchange.

Where there was accusation, He gives grace.
Where there was anger, He offers peace.
Where there was apathy, He awakens passion.

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." (Psalm 139:23-24)

God Wants to Transform You

God’s desire is not just to save us, but to change us from the inside out:

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

This isn’t about simply “getting to heaven.” It’s about abundant life here and now.

So ask yourself:
- What area of your heart needs God’s touch today?
- Is there rejection that needs to be replaced with acceptance?
- Is there greed that needs to become generosity?

Whatever your struggle, God is ready to meet you in that place of brokenness and bring lasting transformation.

It’s Time to Respond

Knowledge alone doesn’t change us—action does.

Will you take a step of faith today?

• Maybe it’s letting go of past hurt.
• Maybe it’s trusting God in a new way.
• Maybe it’s finally surrendering control.

God’s message through Isaiah reminds us that hope is never lost. His love remains steadfast, His promises are true, and His power to restore lives is as strong as ever.

No matter what you’re facing, you are not alone. God’s love for you is unshakable.

* Key Takeaways

- Even in despair, God calls us to rejoice.
- His love is unshakable, even when life feels unstable.
- Our faith today impacts the next generation.
- Victory comes when we surrender our hearts to God.

What’s your next step? Let God transform the broken places in your life and replace them with His peace, love, and purpose.

Need a Community to Walk With You?

If you’re searching for a church near you, we’d love for you to visit Harborside Church. Find hope, connection, and renewal in God’s presence.

Visit Us This Sunday → Plan Your Visit

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Bible Verses for Anxiety: Finding Strength in God's Promises

When Life Feels Overwhelming

In the midst of life’s storms, when despair threatens to overwhelm us, where do we turn? How do we find hope when everything seems hopeless? These are questions that resonate deeply with the human experience, and they’re questions that Isaiah 40 addresses head-on.

There are powerful verses in the Bible about anxiety and fear, reminding us of God's sovereignty and care in our most difficult moments.

Understanding Despair and Anxiety

The human condition is often marked by anxiety, worry, and fear—a profound feeling of hopelessness or loss of faith, accompanied by the belief that a situation is beyond improvement or redemption. It’s an emotional state where we:

• Lose hope
• Lack faith
• Believe there’s nothing we can do

The Bible even refers to it as a “spirit of despair”—something that weighs us down and shapes our view of the world.

But what if there was an antidote to despair? What if scripture on anxiety and fear could bring peace to our restless hearts?

Seeing God Rightly in the Midst of Anxiety

Isaiah 40 presents us with a powerful image of God’s greatness and majesty. It begins with this striking statement:

“The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 40:28)

This isn’t just a theological assertion—it’s an invitation to shift our perspective from our problems to the One who holds all things in His hands.

Bible Verses for Anxiety: Trusting God's Infinite Power

The chapter vividly describes God’s power:

• He measures the waters of the earth in the hollow of His hand.
• He marks off the heavens with His fingers.
• He weighs the mountains on a scale.

These aren’t just poetic metaphors—they’re meant to shake us out of our limited understanding and remind us of the sheer magnitude of God’s power.

“Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counselor?” (Isaiah 40:13)

God’s wisdom and understanding are beyond human comprehension. His plans are far greater than we can imagine—a truth we must hold onto in times of stress and uncertainty.

Putting Anxiety and Worry in Perspective

No matter how big our struggles feel, Isaiah reminds us:

“Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket.” (Isaiah 40:15)

Even the greatest worries and fears we carry are insignificant compared to God’s power and plan. When we meditate on bible verses about worry, we begin to see our problems through the lens of God’s sovereignty.

A God Who Cares for Our Anxiety and Despair

Here’s where this message becomes deeply personal and comforting: this great and mighty God cares for us.

“He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart.” (Isaiah 40:11)

The same God who holds the universe in His hands holds you close to His heart. If you’re struggling, remember to meditate on the Bible verses that assure us of His protection and care.

Choosing to Hope Over Fear

Isaiah 40 concludes with a powerful promise—one of the most well-known scriptures for anxiety and fear:

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Hope is not just a feeling—it’s a choice.

• Choosing to trust God’s greatness even when life feels uncertain.
• Choosing to believe His goodness even when we can’t see it.
• Choosing to hold onto bible verses for anxiety rather than being consumed by fear.

Lift Your Eyes to the Heavens

Wherever you find yourself today, remember these truths:

• He who knows every star by name also knows your name.
• If He holds the waters of the earth in His hand, He can hold your tears.
• No situation is beyond His power.

If you’re seeking encouragement and a community of believers, consider finding a church nearby where you can grow in faith and be reminded of God’s promises.

Our Anchor of Hope in Times of Anxiety

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, we have an anchor for our souls—a God who is greater than we can imagine and who loves us more deeply than we can comprehend.

The Bible is filled with scripture for anxiety and fear, reassuring us that we are not alone. May this truth dispel despair and fill you with unshakable hope.

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‍Find Community at a Church Nearby

We’d love to walk this journey with you. Visit us and find strength in christian community, worship, and God’s Word. Together, we can stand on the Bible’s promises for anxiety and worry, finding peace in God’s unchanging love.