I DID IT! On a rare evening that I actually got to come home from work in the daylight … with lots and lots of work demanding my attention, I decisively put my things just inside the house, and I walked right back outdoors. I basked in the warmth of the late afternoon sunshine and hoped as it soaked into my pale skin that it would gift me with some golden glow, but alas, the remaining sunshine of the day could not quite pull off it’s magical bronzing quite that quickly! So I settled contentedly into one of the lawn chairs and drank in some rare moments of fun conversation with my husband – catching up on each other’s events of the day. He had surprised me with our favorite summer raspberry/lemonade soft drink, and so we sat and sipped and thought heaven had come to earth!!! Another of our summer joys is watching the ever-expanding growth of foliage and blossoms all over our yard, so when I could pull myself back out of the chair, I made my familiar tour of our natural garden area and gloried in the creative design that our God has provided for us. Each day it’s just a bit different: some plant is showing off new blossoms or a new bird has come to visit our sanctuary filled with bird-houses and decides to move in! In the midst of our craziness … we find this spot to be a haven of peace and beauty and renewal. And if all this earthly beauty is only an iota of an indication of what God has prepared for us in our forever home ~ well, we’ll love going Home, won’t we?! I DID IT! On my “normal” days, leaving the house before 6 a.m. and returning home anywhere from 7:30-11:30 p.m., I’ve decisively tried to set aside everything but what is right in front of me, and I walk right into my daily schedule with the Lord Jesus Christ by my side. I want to go nowhere without Him, so I invite Him to all the places I will be throughout those long hours. While I am human – which means I can only be one place at a time – much of the time I feel as if I am in another place, too. I am definitely focused on my responsibilities at hand, but there is a place of the heart that takes me right to where He is. I walk right through the outer court, past the milling crowds, and I want to get closer. My feet carry me closer now – to the inner court, and I see Him sitting there, as if awaiting my arrival. It’s beyond my understanding that while I realize He is right with me all the time, wherever I am at, whatever I am doing … He still longs for me to come to Him! It’s like we’re both desiring to have one come to the other. There’s something to be said for having someone seek you out and then spend time with you exclusively! The value of that … the intimacy of that! Where was I? Oh yes, in the inner court – now so close I can see the look in His eyes, the expression on His face. Without having to say a word, His eyes speak volumes. They tell me that He is so pleased that I have come; that I’ve pushed through the craziness of my day and made it this far. That look is captivating. I can look no where else. The noise around me dims, and I step even closer. I want Him to know how much I want to be here … in His presence; that there’s no place I’d rather be! But … I’d love to be alone. Is it possible that a mere human being could hope for a private audience with the King of kings? Really? His eyes beckon me to follow Him. Where is He taking me? We leave the edges of the inner court and move through an inviting archway … right into ~ just what is this indescribably wonderful place? Now He speaks and I discover I’m in the most intimate place that I can share His presence: in His private chambers! Incredible! He’s invited me to sit and converse. He says that He doesn’t want to do all the talking; He wants to hear what’s on my heart, too! And so, while the entire universe seems to stand still, it’s just Him and me. There are many moments when there is not a word spoken, but the language of the heart and the soul come through crystal clear, and there is full understanding between us. I begin to see more clearly all He wants for me and how His heart is thrilled when I pursue His plans. He says He’s most thrilled, though, when I pursue Him. Like now. Coming through the outer court into the inner court and then spending undivided time with Him in that private chamber … in His glorious presence! I bask in it … and I take on His reflection. I bask in it … and I discover joy untold. I bask in it … and I experience peace like never before. I bask in it … and I find strength beyond my own. I bask in it … and I am given wisdom equal to the task. I bask in His presence … and I am gifted with His loving favor in every facet of my life. His presence is so glorious, I never want to be away from it. I want to live in it every single moment! HELP ME DO THAT, LORD! My prayer is that we all will practice the presence of Christ and pursue Him with all that is within us! Of all the walking tours we can take, this comes the most highly recommended – and will be a place you’ll want to frequent every day!!! Here we come, Lord!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- WHAT UNIQUE BLESSINGS God favored us with last Sunday, even though so many of our families were out of town over the Fourth of July! God’s Spirit was evident in our gathering and how we loved worshipping in complete freedom! Our special thanks to Wayne and Verla who joined us and shared their music with us; it was great having you at Elevation North!
- SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES to Stacey, our daughter-in-love … we love you and thank God for you! May you be blessed all year long with God’s best; and thanks for “birthing” our church blog for us!!
- LOOKING AHEAD . . .
- THIS SUNDAY, JULY 11th: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE with opportunities to have our heart’s focus pointed toward Christ, in message, song, and fellowship! Don’t miss Pastor Doug’s message on “GOD’S FINGERPRINTS … ALL OVER YOU!” Bring your Bibles to follow along in the Scriptures!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL – the perfect time to dig a little deeper in the Word & to verbalize your thoughts and share with others! Every age group will come away having learned a little more about Jesus!
- THIS FRIDAY/SATURDAY, JULY 16/17: IT’S HERE!!! RELAY FOR LIFE event begins at 6 p.m. on Friday at the Fairgrounds, with leadership by Tina and music featuring Isaac & Lizzie. Plan to give some of your time to walk the path and support this worthy cause as Elevation North joins our community this weekend!
- SUNDAY, AUGUST 1ST: A morning with Josh & Sarah Seykora sharing about their ministry with YWAM in Perth, Australia and in many other nations! Invite family and friends to this exciting mission opportunity!
- AUGUST 14TH: An “ALL ABOUT GUYS” outing to the Twin’s game vs. Oakland in the Cities at 6:10 p.m.!
- MID-OCTOBER: WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE in St. Paul; plan now to attend with your sisters in Christ!
- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .
- As God’s people, we have much to be thankful for! As God’s people, we have much to ask for as we claim the promises in His Word: breakthrough, healing and health, finances, wisdom, guidance, happiness, peace and contentment. Please lift up Dustin (Pastor’s & Debbie’s son) and his band as they record in the studio this week in IA, for God’s anointing! God is so ready and willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish what He knows is best, so let’s engage in fervent prayer on behalf of our families, our church, our community, our nation, and those around the world still waiting to have Christ introduced to them! May our prayer this week be: God use US, for Your glory! And be ready for God-appointments!!
- THIS WEEK . . . Remember, “The Lord your God … will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” ~ Zephaniah 3:17, NIV
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
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