GOD’S WAYS. A LITTLE STRANGE sometimes, wouldn’t you say? Before I elaborate on that, let me get really honest. Though my husband and I are 1000% sold out to our God-given call to ministry, there are times in this new place God has us that we don’t totally understand. I mean, we’ve never started a new church before. We’ve never walked this way before. We’ve never had to blend ministry and several other jobs. We’ve never faced these specific limitations and challenges and attacks before. Oh, we’ve faced others, yes. But not these … not in this same way. We’ve never before had these kinds of time restraints and financial limitations. We’ve never before had such few people and lack of a conducive facility. Yet, God’s call to do what we’re doing rings ever loudly and clearly in our hearts. Don’t get me wrong. We absolutely LOVE what we’re doing … we just want to do MORE! We want to pour our very lives into this new Kingdom work. We have so many incredible ideas for ministry. We want to flesh out the basic ministry that it is now. We want to offer ministries that will grow people even deeper in their walk with God – beyond our time together on Sunday mornings. We have a heart to expand the boundaries of Elevation North to levels beyond our present comprehension. But here we are, still a small church with a big heart … and the best news of all is that we ARE experiencing a multitude of miraculous answers to prayer. We ARE seeing God work in supernatural ways in our midst. And we just want to share that with as many people as possible! So, you might say, why the honest reflection? Do we sense a bit of discouragement? Perhaps. Yet, God has been SO very faithful, and He continues to be faithful – every day – every week! People have come alongside us and stood with us. They pray for us. They support us. What more could we ask for? Well, we must admit, we want MORE! We want to reach MORE people with the message of Christ! We want to grow MORE in the Lord as a family in Christ! We want to offer MORE to the hurting around us who already know Christ! We want to share MORE with those in need – who need the compassion of Christ! We want to help prepare people MORE for the prophetic end times that we are already living in. These things are the cry of our heart … our deepest desires. But, we cannot do it alone. Of course, we are not alone ~ we know we have the God of the universe at our side, going before us, and flanking us on the rear. But we need more individuals and families who are equally sold out to the cause of Christ. We need more people who will take the risk and who will sacrifice becoming involved in a new, small church to help grow it beyond its present stage. We need more people who will walk with us through these growing pains as we expand. We need more people called to leadership at every level – in every aspect of the church. Do these people need to be perfect, or polished, or wealthy, or intellectual? No, no, no, and no! Because God’s Word says, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (I Corinthians 1:27, NIV) I’m not saying that we’re foolish and weak; what I am saying is that even in our limitations, God chooses to use us. And if you’ve been wanting to step out and do something for God, but feel inadequate – just step up to the plate and DO it! God will use you. He will empower you. He will surprise you at what He will do through you, if you will just give Him a chance! My husband and I are longing for and seeking God for a “spiritual tsunami”!!! We want a spiritual “underwater surge” that cannot be stopped to come and wash over Elevation North and overflow its boundaries! Did you know that PRAISE is the cause and effect of a “spiritual tsunami”? Just like underwater earthquakes cause the effects of an ocean tsunami – praise will cause the effects of the spiritual parallel to take place. We won’t necessarily “see” it coming, but when it comes, we won’t be able to stop it! We will NOT want to stop it! So, dear ones, will you join your pastor and his wife and tell the Holy Spirit “yes” … that you are signing up to praise God for Who He is? That you are signing up to say “yes” to what God wants you to do? That you are signing up to say “yes” to being where God is working? That we’ll say “yes” – before the results take place? We believe that YOU can worship God like no one else can … your worship doesn’t sound like anyone else’s. So when your praise hits the ears of God, He instantly knows it’s coming from YOU, and He LOVES it! Let’s see how often we can get God’s attention with our praises, and let’s be ALL He designed us to be in this new ministry called “Elevation North”! After all, it’s all about ELEVATING HIM!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- IT IS ALWAYS A PRIVILEGE to enter the House of the Lord and lavish our love and praise on our God, plus we have the bonus of friendship and fellowship with each other! What amazing blessings God brings to us!
- SPECIAL GRATITUDE AND THANKS to our “away supporters” who give so faithfully each month towards the ministry and outreach of Elevation North! May God bless each of you abundantly, is our prayer!
- LOOKING AHEAD . . .
- THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 22ND: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE with the message being centered on the fourth “Fingerprint of God” – “The Love of Jesus”! Pastor Doug will be preaching from John 15:9 and several other scriptures. Who can you invite that would be encouraged and blessed by learning more about the love of Jesus for them?
- SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH: 10:00 A.M. – FALL KICK-OFF with an exciting time of worship and praise, with a potluck meal and great food, and A BLAST FROM THE PAST with games and fun for the entire family! Be in prayer about using this event for out-reach to those who might be looking for a church home!
- OCTOBER 22-23: WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE in St. Paul at the Xcel Energy Center – with “just what the doctor ordered” for a pick-me-up for your body and soul! Two days of great speakers and incredible worship music and opportunities for fellowship with thousands of “sisters in Christ”!!! It will definitely be an “Over the Top” experience! Be sure to be setting aside a few dollars each week for the cost of $89. It will be the greatest investment you’ve made in yourself – all year! We have 50 tickets available - with great seating! The two days’ lunches are provided with the tickets. See Tina or Debbie for more details!
- TIME OUT FOR THE GUYS … at the same time the women are off to St. Paul! Be watching for “what” and “when” and “where”!!!
- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .
- GOD JUST KEEPS POURING OUT HIS BLESSINGS! Each week we are recipients of God’s amazing love and healing and provision and so much more! Shirley is recovering from knee replacement surgery amazingly well, and she thanks everyone for their prayers! Special requests for healing for Mitch, Emily, and Sean (all in MI); and for Stacey’s aunt’s family in AZ in the loss of her Aunt Linda; for provision of a job for James; healing for Jimmy, for Tina, and others we are holding up. The Bible says we have not – because we ask not. So let’s ask God in faith believing for all His good gifts! Let’s claim all that God has for us, in the Name of Jesus!
- THIS WEEK . . . Remember, “May God teach us perseverance in all we do, and may He help us especially to run with perseverance the race marked out for us!” (from Hebrews 12:1)
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
