A SWEET LOVE AFFAIR! Living in an imperfect world with imperfect people ~ having a sweet love affair with Jesus is imperative. It’s what carries us through the tough times – and it’s what brings added delight to our good times! After all, it’s not just “the other people” that are imperfect … we are, too! That’s you and me! This past week was just such a week that reminded me of just how much I needed that “sweet love affair” relationship with my Jesus! Though unwanted, these tough times DO come into our lives, and I think God watches to see how we will react to them. Through the years, I’ve learned that the best response I can have is to run into the arms of Jesus and after “I’ve told Him all about my troubles” … then I begin to praise Him, and praise Him, and praise Him. After all, a few years ago I made Him a promise. It was that I would praise Him, no matter what, with every breath I have, for as long as He gives me breath. Is it easy to praise in the midst of extreme circumstances? No, not always. But I’ve learned that it’s easier than the alternative: spending my energy on anger and bitterness! I’ve learned that it’s healthier than having my emotions consumed by anger and bitterness. I’ve learned that I’m happier when I choose to live in an atmosphere of praise than in negativity. I’ve learned that when I praise my Lord, I create an open channel from Heaven to me into which God pours His peace, His strength … His answers and His miracles. And for me, that channel MUST remain open. It’s my lifeline, my survival. It’s my joy, my contentment. It’s the avenue God uses to create new opportunities, to bring new gifts into our lives. It’s the direct line that nurtures an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father! It’s the source that reminds us that we are His, and no one else’s. It’s what brings the commandments to life, solidifying His desire that no one or nothing else shall come between Him and us. We are His, and His alone. We belong only to Him! We are His love, and He is ours … the Love of our life! What a sweet love affair! Joined with Jesus, not separated. Living with Jesus, being with Him, thinking about Him. Talking with Him, wanting to please Him, desiring to do what Jesus would do. Longing to look like Jesus – more and more with each passing day! Does this just happen? No … it comes by making a choice, by following through in obedience and commitment. Not just once. But with each passing day, and in each challenge and each trial and test. Do we pass the test? Do others see Jesus in us? Do we shine? We can – and we must, if we are to follow His ways and let others see Christ in us. We can – and we must, if Christ is to be glorified in us and in the way we live our lives. We can – and we must, if we are to have the mind of Christ. We cannot imagine what we could do for Christ, fully devoted to living like He has planned for us to live! So, each day, let’s be about our Father’s business … starting by cultivating that “sweet love affair” with the Lord Jesus Christ! You will never find a more fulfilling relationship!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- IT WAS WONDERFUL having Pastor Doug’s and Debbie’s oldest son and family here with us to worship on Sunday! Welcome, DJ and Melissa and Wade and Lindsay! They are here for a week-long visit!
- OUR SPECIAL THANKS to Pam for helping lead worship on the weeks that work schedules allow for it; your love for the Lord and for music is a blessing, Pam!
- THANKS TO OUR SONS, Pastor Doug has been blessed with the gift of attending the 91st PGA Golf Tournament at Hazeltine in Chaska this week. Someone gave him a page of quotes from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Banquet that was held there. It’s so great to know that God has His people shining their lights in every facet of life! Stewart Cink, the 2009 British Open Champion said, “A relationship with God is a process.” Zach Johnson, 2007 Masters Champion, shared this: “God says, ‘I will take you … not where you want to go, but where you need to go.” And we love what Kenny Perry, PGA Tour Professional stated, “I am not praying about winning. I am praying I will serve Him.”
- PRAISE THE LORD! One of the urgent unspoken prayer requests we have been praying about for weeks and months now, has seen a definite answer from God! The situation has totally changed around for the best, and we continue to pray for God’s power to be evident and bring victory in all things!
- LOOKING AHEAD . . .
- STEELE COUNTY FAIR this week … let’s support our community and connect together on the Fairgrounds with church family and friends! Let’s be a light in our world!
- WE ARE SO EXCITED about starting Sunday School classes for all ages this fall, beginning the Sunday after Labor Day! We will have lesson material in time for the teachers to prepare for their students, and we anticipate God’s blessings as we grow in Him through His Word!
- THIS SUNDAY we again look forward to meeting with our church family in God’s presence … coming with our joys and our burdens of life, bringing them to lay at the feet of Jesus … coming to learn more about living in freedom … coming to encourage each other … and coming to lift up the Name of Jesus as we worship with all our hearts and all our might! Pastor Doug will be starting a new series from scripture – and you won’t want to miss it! Plus, a special time is planned for our “elevate kidz”!
- WE ARE SO EXCITED about starting Sunday School classes for all ages this fall, beginning the Sunday after Labor Day! We will have lesson material in time for the teachers to prepare for their students, and we anticipate God’s blessings as we grow in Him through His Word!
- THIS SUNDAY we again look forward to meeting with our church family in God’s presence … coming with our joys and our burdens of life, bringing them to lay at the feet of Jesus … coming to learn more about living in freedom … coming to encourage each other … and coming to lift up the Name of Jesus as we worship with all our hearts and all our might! Pastor Doug will be starting a new series from scripture – and you won’t want to miss it! Plus, a special time is planned for our “elevate kidz”!
- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .
- How we praise the Lord for answering so many prayers this past week that have touched our church families’ lives! Many in our midst still need prayers for ongoing strength and healing; for God’s miraculous work; for specific answers for specific challenges! And we are daily amazed at our God and the way He moves in our lives – praise be to our God!
- THIS WEEK – Remember … “Nothing great was ever done without much enduring.” (Catherine of Sienna)
And the apostle Paul coaches us with these words: “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward – to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Philippians 3:12-14, (The Message Bible)
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
