IT’S A NEW DAY! No matter what yesterday held ~ today is a new day! But if yesterday wasn’t so great, what can make today any different? One of our sons recently shared the story of an acquaintance who was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer a few years ago. The man did not indicate that he was a believer, but after surviving what was to have been his death sentence, he is still cancer-free some three years later. He told our son, “Every morning when I awaken, I realize I am alive, and because of that, I just KNOW it’s going to be a great day!” Of course, we all know that liver cancer does not just disappear on its own - there had to be a God-intervention through a divine miracle, and hopefully this man recognizes that. But his new outlook on life can be a great example for us as believers! It’s so easy to get in a rut, to get bogged down with the heaviness of work and the challenges we face. The ongoing battle with the enemy of our souls feels like a horrendous onslaught at times. There are mornings it would be tempting to turn over in bed and curl up under the covers, hoping “it” would all just go away, but the demands of today scream, “get up now!” So each morning we have a choice! And it IS a choice: we can give in to our feelings that it’s going to be a rough day, a hard day, a bad day … or we can determine in our hearts with God’s help and speak the truth into being: “Good-morning, God! It’s a new day that you’ve given me! I am alive – and it’s going to be a GREAT day!” There should be an excitement within us at the privilege of living another day for God – with God … there should be an expectancy of what He has planned for us this day – what do we get to do for Him and for others … there should be a positive (not stressful) urgency within us that drives us to share Christ with everyone we encounter … and there should be great delight in being gifted with yet another twenty-four hours to lavish our love and praise on our Father in Heaven! Too often we hold on too tight to the things that just weigh us down ~ and God invites us just to let go of them. He wants us to be free to enjoy the new days that He gives us ~ for we only get so many! Our days are numbered, His Word says, and He has promised to give us a wonderful future. That sounds like He wants us to enjoy our days, not dread them, wouldn’t you say? So let’s maximize how we live each new day that God gives us ~ by the choices that we make, especially those first few moments of the morning when our eyes open and the first words of the day come out of our mouth! May our choices and words be acceptable and pleasing to our Lord! Martin Luther once said, I have held many things in my hands and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.” The words of the Apostle Paul have been recorded to remind us every day how to live: “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious – the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into His most excellent harmonies.” Philippians 4:8-9, The Message Bible
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- WHAT A WONDERFUL CELEBRATION it was as we walked down memory lane for our First Anniversary at Elevation North last Sunday, being challenged from God’s Word, and we especially thank everyone for providing such awesome food for our meal following the service!
- BELATED, SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES to Felicia from June 14th ~ may God bless you with a great year!!!
- THIS FRIDAY, June 19th at 6:30 p.m. – Straight River Days Parade in Medford; come early and participate in our church float, helping us pass out candy and an invitation to our “I Love America” patriotic Sunday service to be held on July 5th at the Medford Park Pavilion! We will be wearing our Relay for Life t-shirts from last year, as the new ones are not ready yet. And THANKS to all the youth and parents who helped with the float after our indoor water park fun on a rainy evening! Oh yes, Pastor Doug wanted the youth to know that the best part of the water fun was that his hair kept getting in his eyes!! (NOT!!!)
- SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS & God’s Best to Merv and Kathy on their June 21st Wedding Anniversary!
LOOKING AHEAD . . .
- JUST AROUND THE CORNER – A Fun Father/Son outing to be finalized and announced this coming week!
- TUESDAY, June 30th, Sr Hi Youth will meet at a park; location to be announced!
- SATURDAY, July 4th – Youth Bake Sale at Wal-Mart from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- SUNDAY, July 5th – “I LOVE AMERICA” worship celebration/picnic at the Park Pavilion in Medford, 10 a.m.
- MONDAY, July 6th – RELAY FOR LIFE contributions are due.
- TUESDAY, JULY 7th – Jr Hi/Sr Hi Youth Outing to Valley Fair; we are getting discounted tickets!
- FRIDAY/SATURDAY, July 17-18 – RELAY FOR LIFE event at Steele County Fairgrounds.
PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .
- For Shirley, following a colonoscopy this week; for God’s special touch in Chuck’s body; for Ron Flack’s ongoing ministry to individuals in our town from other countries who do not know the Lord as their personal Savior; for Josh, Sarah, and Noah Seykora who are home with family briefly from ministry in Australia – they have pressing financial needs for a computer for ministry work, for car repairs or replacement, and for funds for a South Africa Outreach & Conference coming up in September (the needs are great, but our God’s provision is even greater!) How can we be a part of the answer to their needs?! And remember to pray for God’s complete healing touch for Josh!
- For our dads as we celebrate them on Father’s Day and every day … how we thank God for each of you dads, for your love for God and for your families, for your godly example and everyday provision, for creating awesome memories and giving us the best gift of all – your time with us! We honor you this day, and hope that you will be especially blessed as we gather together on Sunday to worship, with Pastor Doug’s message being centered on “Encouragement for Fathers!” We truly look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we honor not only our dads, but our Father in Heaven!
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
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