EVER BEEN TOLD “NO” at any time in your life? We dare say that from the time we were tiny toddlers we heard that word more than any other – especially when we were starting to walk and get into things we shouldn’t have! There definitely is a need for that little word – and often “no” is for our own good, as we’ve learned through the many chapters of our lives. But … as we grow older, if that word is not used for our good, it becomes a form of rejection and hurt and doubt. Many adults walk around with a lack of confidence because they fear they will hear “no” all over again. They give up on things before they ever start for fear of the pain of rejection yet one more time. We shared this quote with our congregation on Sunday: “Nobody’s ‘no’ can compete with God’s ‘yes’!” (Pastor Jentezen Franklin) This needs to become our mindset as believers, and when we fully believe it and act on it, we can overcome any hurtful “no” that will come into our lives! Just page through God’s Word. The books and chapters and verses contain thousands, yes, literally, thousands of promises! We interpret each of those promises to be a resounding “YES!” from God to us! And often these promises come with instructions for what to do so that we CAN have the promises. Step-by-step directions. And if we follow them step-by-step, there is no way that we can fail to receive God’s good gifts and His promises! Where do we get that kind of guarantee in this world? Oh yes, we do hear it all the time. The world promises us all kinds of awesome things: the best of everything, and we can have it now; we don’t have to wait – we deserve it. The good life and all kinds of wealth are held out in front of our face, for a price. But even when the price is paid, often the promise of what the world is offering does NOT come through. Instead, we chalk it up as one more disappointment; being ripped off yet another time. Promised success seems to forever evade us. But just who is it we are listening to? And just whose step-by-step instructions are we following? Whose guarantee are we signing up for? Let me share a few of God’s “yes” promises … I am paraphrasing – but please check out the scripture reference for the complete verse!
“Yes, God, your God, is with you every step you take.” Joshua 1:9b
“Yes, nothing, you see, is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
“Yes, the angel of the Lord encamps around those that fear Him and delivers them.”
Psalm 34:7
“Yes, you who go off with heavy hearts will come home laughing with armloads of blessing.” Psalm 126:6b
“Yes, if you make yourselves at home with Me and My words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon.” John 15:7
“Yes, ask in My name, according to My will, and the Father will most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks. John 16:24
“Yes, when you wait upon the Lord, I will renew your strength you shall mount up with wings as eagles; you shall run, and not be weary; and you shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31
“Yes, come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.”Matthew 11:28
“Yes, don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” Isaiah 41:10
(Taken from the New International Version and The Message Bible)
How’s THAT for God’s 100% guarantee? His promises are sure; so when you need a “yes” instead of a “no” ~ go to His Word!!! You’ll find affirmation there, for sure!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- WE WELCOME Diane, Dani, and Faith who worshipped with us for the first time on Sunday; and WELCOME BACK to LaFawn who was with us again this past Sunday, as well as Carianne and the children! It was great having all of you at Elevation North!
- OUR SPECIAL THANKS to Kristina Bucholz who was able to get discounted tickets for the youth outing at Valley Fair last week! What a blessing!
- OUR HEARTFELT THANKS goes on and on to our partnership supporters who continue to give and bless us and free up some of our work hours so that we can give more focus to God’s work at Elevation North and to be engaged in what God is doing in our midst! You bless us immensely and are truly partners with us!
- A NEW MISSIONS CHALLENGE . . . We received an anonymous mission note and gift of one dollar, asking us to give it to the mission of our choice. We were so touched as we read the note, and that dollar seemed to speak volumes to us. God seemed to impress upon us to grow that dollar into more dollars. So in the next few weeks, we are challenging each other to give up a cold pop, or an iced coffee, or a fruit smoothie – something we would have spent a few dollars on – and add those dollars to the original mission dollar! We’ll see what God grows the dollar into, and then we’ll see where God leads us to give the increased amount! Help us out!
- LOOKING AHEAD . . .
- FRIDAY/SATURDAY, JULY 17-18: RELAY FOR LIFE WALK at the Steele County Fairgrounds. The opening ceremony will begin at 6 p.m., and Pastor Doug will be offering the opening prayer. Please come earlier, if you can, as Tina will appreciate all the help we can give! Plan to bring a dish or dishes of food to share for our evening meal … plan to walk the walk in honor of those who had cancer – and those who are cancer survivors … and be a blessing to all you meet throughout the evening hours! The event goes all night long – until morning.
- OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS: Twins Game for dads and sons / All-out Evangelism Blitz / Couples Event/ Planning for Fall/Winter/Spring ministry schedule / Prayer Meeting / Weekly Youth / and more!
- THIS SUNDAY, Pastor Doug will continue to preach the sermon series on “THE BIGGER PICTURE” from the book of Habakkuk, still in chapter 1. Your heart will be stirred to action as we hear God speaking from scripture; especially when we realize that one person + God = a majority! Let’s be part of that equation!
- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .
- Let us be focused on lifting up those in our midst who are in need of a physical touch from God, including Julia’s brother who is in ICU in a coma with hepatitis C, which he has had for years. Remember to pray for the many unspoken requests, and for other urgent requests that have been spoken and shared recently. May we be found faithful to pray daily for our nation, our president, our leaders, our military, our pastors, our families … that God might ignite us into action and use us in these days of great opportunity! What can we do for God – today, tomorrow, and the day after that?!
- THIS WEEK – Let’s choose to become the people, the church, that God wants us to be ~ on fire for HIM!!!
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
