HOW SWEET LIFE IS . . . ! Well, it IS ~ when everything is going great and the sun is shining and the temps are a bit more comfortable and we’re feeling healthy and happy and our tummies are full ~ and oh yes, all the bills are paid!!! You get the picture! But just how often do all of these things occur at the same time? Not all of the time, that’s for sure! So what’s our motto for the days when life is NOT so sweet? I think I know one, because God’s Word tells us that we can live in the law of expectancy. So just how does that give us a new motto? And what is it? How about . . . HOW SWEET YOU ARE, JESUS! You see, because Jesus is Who He is and because He is so precious, I can expect certain things out of the life I am living here on this earth. And just what can I expect? Let’s check it out:
PEACE ~ “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1
This peace is not just a feeling, but it is a state in our relationship with God!
JOY ~ “His joy in us – that our joy might be complete; a joy that overtakes us.” John
15:11/Isaiah 51:11
We will actually be pursued by gladness and joy; it will “catch” us!
We will actually be pursued by gladness and joy; it will “catch” us!
LOVE ~ “The Father’s love is so great and He lavishes it on us, calling us His children!” I John 3:1
This love is generous, liberal, extravagant, like torrents of rain pouring over us!
HOPE ~ “Our God has plans to give us hope . . .” Jeremiah 29:11
We can keep on keeping on – knowing that our desires and expectations matter to God!
FAITH ~ “Our faith in God helps us be sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
We can believe without questioning or having proof or even evidence - we can KNOW!
PROVISION ~ “God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” I Timothy 6:17
This provision encompasses everything we need to live for today - and eternally!!!
You’re doubtful sometimes? Check out the stories recorded in God’s Word; you’ll find
provisions of everything from a lamb for Abraham’s sacrifice - to water in the desert –
to comfort for grief – to a way out – to sustenance for the poor – to redemption for
His people – to a great fish for Jonah – to a vine, a worm, and a scorching east wind, all
for Jonah to teach him a valuable lesson – to ravens who delivered bread and meat twice
a day to Elijah - to food for those who fear Him – to clothing for the naked – to
strength for our service to God and others. And we could fill pages more of God’s
provisions in every area of our lives!
SALVATION ~ “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Though not worthy in the least, we can accept and expect this gift to be of
unspeakable dimensions, spiritually and physically, extending from life on this earth
to our heavenly home where there will be no end to this Gift of all gifts! We can
anticipate and know that we will forever live in the very presence of the King of Kings!
Can you get excited about the motto, “HOW SWEET YOU ARE, JESUS!” We encourage you to express that to Him often, and not just daily, but several times a day! And as you practice this expression of adoration and gratitude to the Lord, you will soon discover that circumstances and struggles are beginning to change. And soon, you’ll also be able to say, “How sweet life is!”
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- LAST SUNDAY was one to be remembered as the sun shone down on us at the Community Worship Service at the Steele County Fairgrounds! What was especially memorable is that God’s Son shone down on all seated there as we lifted our voices in awesome worship and were blessed by an incredible message from God’s Word! What a neat experience for our Elevation North church family!
- OUR SPECIAL THANKS to the Rogers family who donated carpet for the little ones’ Sunday School area, a coffee-maker, a fan, and more … to bless us as we transform the Town Hall into a church each Sunday! May God bless you for your generosity!
- LOOKING AHEAD . . .
- THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 29TH: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE with the message planned for last week ~ moved forward because of our participation at the Fair service! Pastor Doug will be sharing from John 15:9 and other scriptures on the fourth “Fingerprint of God” – “The Love of Jesus!” Who do you know that needs to hear how much they are loved by the Lord of the universe? Give them a call and bring them along with you to church!
- SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH: 10:00 A.M. – FALL KICK-OFF with an exciting, powerful service planned that will lift your spirits and challenge your hearts for what’s ahead here at Elevation North! Plan to arrive early for worship and praise, plan to stay for Sunday School, and then celebrate with us around the table as we partake of the potluck meal with all that great food! After, we’ll enjoy a BLAST FROM THE PAST with lots of games and fun for all ages! Begin thinking now about who you could give a special invitation to that would enjoy spending this time with the family of Elevation North – as we continue to have a heart to reach out!
- OCTOBER 22-23: WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE will be held at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul for a Friday/Saturday event that you will NOT want to miss! Are you feeling like you are “at the bottom” – but would love to know what it’s like to feel “over the top”? This time of worship and blessing amongst thousands of other women will spark and fan into flame what’s inside your soul that’s been buried for awhile! Come and set aside everything else for these moments in time and be revived and refreshed! The $89 cost includes the two lunches – and will be the best $89 you’ve ever spent!!! We have 50 tickets available, so see Tina or Debbie to get yours!
- TIME OUT FOR THE GUYS … will be a great time shared as the women are in St. Paul! Be watching for all the details soon to come!
- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .
- OUR GOD IS SO-O-O GOOD!!! He truly “blesses our socks off”! How exciting to hear of answers to prayer … like James being able to go back to work – and Tina feeling better than she has been! Our God is an awesome God! Shirley’s progress following knee replacement surgery continues to amaze everyone; how God is showing His favor! Let’s continue praying for each other, not only for jobs and healing ~ but for every aspect of our lives as we go about our everyday living. Please lift up our nation’s leaders and the well-being of our country, that there might be a passionate return to God. Pray for REVIVAL, beginning with YOU and ME and US!!! Please keep Josh and Sarah and the boys in your prayers for travel safety as they return to minister in Perth! There’s always a long list of petitions … but our praise list should be even LONGER!!! Praise be to our God Almighty for His wondrous works!!!
- THIS WEEK . . . Remember, “We might have limitations sometimes, but our limitations don’t have us! A set-back is just a set-up for a come-back!” ~ Willie Jolley
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
