Are you discouraged in your search for a vital relationship with God? Does the Almighty Creator of the universe seem so powerful, so distant that you cannot picture God reaching down into the ordinary circum- stances of your life? Joseph Seymour understands your doubts. After giv- ing up his quest for the not-so-obvious God, Seymour observes, "I ended up bumping into God in surprising places where I was not expecting to find God."

In thought-stirring devotions blending inspiring prose with eloquent poetry and Bible readings, Rev. Seymour shares imaginative encounters in which he tries to fathom some very special moments in God's time. He captures intimate glimpses of God's participation in significant events of the Bible and in daily life. Guided by this innovative approach to devotions, you'll be encouraged to seek your own special path through Christ to the mysteries of God-to encounter the not-so-obvious God in all sorts of people and places.

Devotions are grouped into four topical categories: moments in God's time (people and events of the Bible) issues of life and death spiritual issues (seeing God's hand in daily life) and seasons of the Gospel (Christmas, Epiphany, Lent-Easter and Pentecost). Rich resource for per- sonal devotions or group discussion.

Rev. Joseph C. (Jody) Seymour is the senior pastor of St. Stephen United Methodist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. A past chairman of the Board of Discipleship for the Western North Carolina Conference, Rev. Seymour frequently teaches at seminars sponsored by United Meth- odist Women, School of Missions. His inspiring articles also appear in Alive Now, a devotional guide.