Elevation North Has News for You!

(TODAY’S MESSAGE IS TAKEN FROM ONE OF DEBBIE’S “PONDERINGS FROM THE PASTOR’S WIFE” ARTICLES, WRITTEN IN 1990) . . . I ABSOLUTELY LOVE GETTING MAIL, especially letters, notes and packages from family and friends! How about you? Now when it comes to envelopes that contain a piece of paper with the words, “Amount Due” printed on it, I don’t get nearly so excited. But I must tell you about a mailing I received awhile back that definitely captured my attention. I opened this envelope from a mail order company, and upon laying out the large brochure to reveal its contents, I beheld a sight that left me enraptured. For before my very eyes, in living color, was the image of a figurine of Christ at His Transfiguration. It was breathtakingly beautiful! The brochure described it as being “individually cast in fine imported porcelain, hand-painted in colors as radiant as the artist’s own, fired to perfection … to preserve its spirit forever.” The figurine was modeled from the painting, “The Transfiguration”, the last and most glorious achievement by one of the greatest artists who ever lived, Raphael. The sculpture had indeed captured its full power, dimension, and depth. And there was that striking pose of Christ rising, with the clouds billowing at His feet, light-blue robe flowing gently around His body, arms raised heavenward, eyes turned toward the Father in anticipation of returning to reign forever and ever on His Throne. Mere words cannot describe the feeling that filled my world as I sat staring at that brochure. It was the most beautiful rendering of my Lord I have ever seen; it was Christ just as I visualize Him. The very moment I laid eyes on that advertisement, I knew I wanted it. The price made me consider carefully, and though I knew it was costly, I determined in my heart I would take on extra work to earn the needed money. I can’t remember a time I wanted anything as much as I wanted this piece of sculpture. I kept talking to myself, trying to justify the expenditure and saying, “Just think what a conversation piece it will be when people see it, and how many times it will bring opportunity to share about the Lord it portrays over and over!” I was so excited! I finally, while still considering the options, filled out the order card and sent it in. Not long afterwards, while I was sitting in church, the Lord clearly spoke to me. He said, “Debbie, you cannot have that sculpture. It is not through that piece of porcelain that I want to be glorified, but through you. I know you think it is the most beautiful piece of art you have ever seen, but I want to form you, change you, shape you, paint you, fire you – until you come to the place where people talk about My beauty and power in your life, until you are the reason people are drawn to Me. I choose to work through you as a broken vessel, rather than through an expensive piece of porcelain.” There was no doubt about it; I knew what I had to do. By now, I had already received my notice in the mail to say that my numbered porcelain sculpture of “The Transfiguration” was being held for me. And upon receipt of the first of five monthly installments, it would be shipped to me. I located that paperwork, and by penning a few words on the form, I cancelled my reservation. Those written words could be the end of another story in my life, but somehow, I know they are only the beginning. I have closed the door on the sculpture, but now I find myself daily opening the door to the art studio where God is working on my clay image – forming, shaping, cutting, painting, and firing. The final glaze is a long way off yet. There will be many firings to undergo, and while I will dislike the intense heat and hurt of the process, I will not resent it. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” II Corinthians 3:17-18 (NIV)

- IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WE WELCOME Jason who came to worship with us on Sunday … it was great to have you with us while you were home visiting your family this weekend! May God bless you!
- WARM BIRTHDAY WISHES go to Chuck and to Lyndel whose birthdays were on October 12th! AND SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES to our son, DJ, (in E. Grand Forks) on October 14th! We love you, son!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18TH:
- 10:00 a.m. – WORSHIP & PRAISE – get excited about meeting one-on-one with God in His House!
- 11:15 a.m. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES – your opportunity to dig deeper into God’s instructions to us!
- How exciting it is to drink in from the Word of God each week … and to study and learn together as each of us participate and share. Let’s keep growing together – in every way here at Elevation North!
- THIS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20TH – JR/SR HI YOUTH: RE: FUEL – We will not meet this week as Pastor Doug and Debbie will be returning home from out-of-state. Take the time you would have been here with us, just to sit at the feet of Jesus and read a little more from His Word, or to pray a little more, or to call a few friends – and just be there for them! Focus on selling a few extra pizzas – or a lot more – and we’ll turn in the fundraiser totals when we return! We’ll see you next week on the 27th!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- What would we do without our Father God?! This week Pastor and Debbie learned of the unexpected passing of one of their close friends in Michigan – in fact, this couple was like “second parents” to them. Please uphold Lela and the entire family in this sad time, that God’s comfort will be their everything! Continue to pray – and even fast – for Jim’s liver transplant, for the miracle sale of Bucholz’ house, for Julia and others who are needing God’s healing touch, for comfort for Michael and Molly in the loss of their expected baby, for God’s hand to be upon our college students, for urgently needed financial provision, for God-appointments this coming week that will give each of us opportunity to share Christ and the gospel message! Remember, the God we serve hears and answers our prayers … let’s expect miracles, in the Name of Jesus!
- THIS WEEK . . . Remember, “God walks with us … He scoops us up in His arms or simply sits with us in silent strength until we cannot avoid the awesome recognition that yes, even now, He is there.” ~ (Gloria Gaither) And while He loves us just the way we are today, right now – He loves us too much to leave us that way! That’s why He invites us into His art studio for our own personal transformation beneath His brush-strokes!


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie