Happy Wednesday, Friends! Susie Larson here...

And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way. Every month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So leave a post, share an insight, bless lots of people, and you might win a jolt of java for you and a friend!

Last week I had the privilege of interviewing Matthew Barnett on my show (founder of The Dream Center). Let me tell you, if that interview doesn't stoke your fire, your wood might be wet! :) I was so motivated, so inspired after that show, I'm pretty sure you will be too. Listen in if you get the chance: Matthew Barnett Interview

Now on to my topic...

Recently I've been acutely aware of how God is deeply interested in His people and how He sweetly shows up in the small places of life. Last Saturday morning we met with our home group in a friend's basement. Just us and four other couples. Our friend Al strummed a guitar and led us in a very simple time of worship. We didn't sound great, but we all love Jesus and it was an especially sacred time. I looked around the room at the faithful saints in my midst. Each of them had a tattered Bible open in their lap. Each of them has a long history of following Christ wholeheartedly. 

These men and women fear God and walk humbly with Him. They've offered Him their lives and as a result, there's a ripple effect of Redemption in the lives of those around them.

Though the rest of the world did not know we gathered together last Saturday, God did. Scripture says that God is present in the company of the righteous (Psalm 14:5).

God is in the nooks and crannies of life, ministering through His saints in small places, one at a time, two at a time, one small group at a time, one mission team at a time, one youth group at a time. 

And from a distance, these people and teams seem inconsequential in the whole scheme of things. It’s easy to wonder, “Does it really matter if I take a team to minister to a people no one knows about?” "Does it matter if I stop to help someone with a flat tire?" "Does it matter if I pick up the phone and pray with a friend?"

It does matter and God engages with us as we engage with others. The Kingdom of God has come and is coming – one seed a time, one trip at a time, one team at a time. He is present in the company of the righteous. He’s at our meetings, on our trips, weaving Himself in to the fabric of our lives, our faith, and our memories.  Think about it: our memories of God's involvement in our lives strengthens our sense of identity in Him. 

I pray you'll never underestimate the power of one life lived for God - your life. Singing songs in the car with your children, smiling at your husband when you'd rather not, caring for a stranger who needs your help - all of these random acts of kindness are noted by God and He is right there with you. He is present with us because He cares so deeply about the people He has made in His image. 

To quote lyrics from my friend Sara Groves, "It's a little stone, it's a little mortar, it's a little seed, it's a little water in the hearts of the sons and daughters, this Kingdom's coming." (Kingdom Comes from her 'Add to the Beauty' album)

Press on in His Name. May His Kingdom advance in and through you! 

Bless you this week!