IT’S SUPERNATURAL! There’s a television program by that title, hosted by Sid Roth, and perhaps some of you have seen it. You may have wondered about some of the things you’ve heard the guests talk about, because most of them are simply unexplainable. Many seem unbelievable. And yet the guests that have experienced these miracles have no doubt about them. I guess that’s why the word “supernatural” is the best fit! After all, who can explain God? Or who can explain the miracles that God did through His Son, Jesus, while on earth … or since, from His throne in Heaven? And who can put God in a box and keep Him there, all nice and explainable? I would presume, not a one of us. That’s exactly what happened at Elevation North this past Sunday morning. We had a few people share about answered prayers, and while none of it is explainable, we know WHO did it! A few Sundays ago, my husband anointed three individuals who were standing in for those not in our midst, either because of their illness or distance away. Two of the three we were praying for are not even a part of our church. We laid hands on them and prayed for one who is the unborn baby of a young couple related to someone in our church. The doctors had diagnosed possible Down’s syndrome. Later, we got word that they had changed the diagnosis to Edward’s syndrome, which is fatal, either while still in the womb, or shortly after birth. We continued to pray and claim the miracle for this new little creation of God, still being formed and shaped. Just days later, we received word that after another definitive test, all is clear! There is no sign of either of these syndromes!!! Jesus … You did it! Another we prayed for was for an aunt of two of our young adults in the church. She lives in another state, and was in stage four of a recently diagnosed cancer. Prayers from all over the country were being lifted up on her behalf. Yet, one day, while in the bathroom, she died in her husband’s arms. He immediately prayed over her while holding her, lifeless in his arms, along with his mother who is staying with them during this time. God raised her up and brought her back to life. This experience actually occurred one or two more times. She died, and would be raised back to life, following prayer. The young man in our church who is her nephew talked to her last week on the phone, and she told him that she had lost twelve pounds. Two, because of the chemotherapy … and ten, because the tumors are gone! And she went on to tell him that she is planning to participate in a triathalon!!! Jesus … You did it! The third individual we were praying for was Tina, from our church, who was home in bed following surgery for removal of her tonsils and adenoids. As an adult, this surgery can pose many more risks than for a child. She was experiencing severe pain and not able to keep any sustenance in her system. Amazingly, as her body continued to refuse the foods, it was probable that her stitches should have broken open and caused dangerous bleeding. But as the days passed, Tina was finally able to eat food again, and never once in all that critical time period did she have any bleeding!!! Jesus … You did it! Now … we just want to clarify one thing: these miracles occurred because of the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is Jehovah-Rapha, our Healer! We at Elevation North can heal no one in our own power. BUT … we CAN anoint with oil and lay hands on and pray over people, or on behalf of someone not even in our midst. And with childlike faith, trust, and belief … we can speak healing and life to people in desperate circumstances, in the Name of Jesus, through His shed blood on Calvary. We can claim divine miracles and supernatural victories, through His Word and His promises! And when God does what He does … He does it so that He will be glorified! Like in Mark, chapter 5, in the story of the woman with the issue of blood, Jesus commends her “for taking a risk of faith” and tells her that now she’s healed and whole – and to live well and to live blessed.” In the same chapter, the story is recorded of the madman who Jesus ordered the demons out of. Freed, the man wanted to go with Jesus as he left, but Jesus instructed him, “Go home to your own people. Tell them your story – what the Master did, how He had mercy on you.” The Bible says the man did just that, going back and preaching about what Jesus had done for him. Then, the story ends with this powerful statement: “He (the man) was the talk of the town.” Why? Jesus loves being talked about so that through His supernatural miracles, people will sit up and take notice and be drawn to Him. And beyond that? Jesus just loves doing supernatural miracles for His kids … (and that’s US!!!) At Elevation North, let’s be a part of what God is wanting to do here on earth right now. We can either be a participant with Him, or just a bystander who misses out on the gifts He is handing out as He walks into our homes and our neighborhoods! Let’s rise to our feet in faith!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- WE HAVE SO MANY REASONS to praise our Lord! Just having the opportunity to gather together this past Sunday in God’s House, setting aside all else and losing ourselves in the worship and adoration of who He is, was a precious time. Learning from Pastor Doug’s message on the love of God and how we are to live it out (John 15), and hearing the testimonies of answered prayer, truly ministered to our hearts.
- A SPECIAL WELCOME to Dennis, who joined us for worship on Sunday! It was great having you in our midst, and we pray that God’s love and ours was evident! May God bless you, Dennis!
- A BELATED HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Jimmy and Nancy, who celebrate their day on Valentine’s Day!!!
- LOOKING AHEAD . . .
- THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST:
- 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE – beginning an exciting 50-Day Spiritual Adventure that will lead us right into Easter as we prepare our hearts for remembering Calvary and the Empty Tomb of our Resurrected King!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL – with special lesson plans from Scripture prepared by dedicated teachers who invite YOU to choose the class for your age level! Come and participate!
- 6:00-7:30 P.M. – YOUTH – RE: FUEL session with Justin leading our junior/senior high kids to a deeper level in their walk with God, as they learn some practical foundations! Also included: fun, snacks, and friends!!! The friends? YOU bring them!!!
- ANY HOUR/ANY DAY – There are several opportunities for YOU to step up and come alongside Pastor Doug and Debbie as we serve in the Kingdom work of making Elevation North all that God has designed for it to be! Give them a call and let them know how you would like to use your gifts, and you’ll be channeled in the right direction!! And THANKS to each one who provided such yummy treats for our Valentine’s Day fellowship!
- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .
- When we experience first-hand the miracle-working hand of God, how our faith is increased to believe even more boldly for other answers! How we thank God for ALL He does for each of us! This week, let’s lift up: Shirley, Julia (and her brother in Denver, still awaiting a liver transplant), Helen, Whitney, and Stacey’s grandma having hip surgery, Josh in overseas ministry and for his family while he is away – all needs that are not too hard for our God! He is also fully capable of meeting our unspoken needs, financial lack, providing jobs, healing of relationships, bringing our nation back to Himself, protecting our troops, and so much more! He is El-Shaddai: the God of “more than enough!”
- THIS WEEK . . . Remember, “Hope is faith holding out its hands in the dark.” ~ Goerge Iles
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
