Elevation North has News for YOU!

“ . . . DO SOMETHING WITH IT!” Now that could mean a lot of things, but the first part of that statement really is, “JESUS, TAKE MY LIFE AND . . . “. Put it all together and you’ve got something really powerful – that is, if you truly mean it: “JESUS, TAKE MY LIFE AND DO SOMETHING WITH IT!” Some people first heard themselves saying this/praying this when they asked Jesus to come into their heart and forgive their sins so that they could live forever with Him. I think it would be great if, as God’s kids, we could pray that every day and mean it! Jesus, TODAY, take my life and DO SOMETHING with it! I must add a few postscripts to the last blog update about “God Sure Knows How To Throw A Party!” After I had published the blog, God brought to my mind some more “noise-maker” moments from our recent trip, and because they were every bit as special as the other ones … I just want to let you know how “big” this party actually was! Take everything that I told you last week, and then add in these … like: one young person unexpectedly filling our vehicle with gas to help us along on our road trip (oh, he has a big heart – we just never thought about him doing this for us)! Like: leaving the next place, and having this guy sneak our vehicle away to fill it with gas before we left for home (yes, he does this every time we come – yet it was the farthest thing from our mind at the time)! Like: others we stopped in to see who poured out their hearts to us about struggles and doubts, grief and sadness, allowing us the gift of ministering to them and holding hands and praying together – and yet in turn, they ministered right back to us! It seems to me that each of these “givers” I’ve mentioned last week and this, must have at one time said to God, “TAKE MY LIFE AND DO SOMETHING WITH IT!” Because … He sure has! I want to challenge YOU to ask yourself today, “Have I ever prayed that prayer?” If not, then there is no time like the present! I believe that when we begin to pray that prayer daily, there will be a noticeable turning point … change-point, if you will … in our lives! After all, our lives are not our own – but all too often, we live like they are. After all, our time is not our own – but all too often, we live like it is. After all, our bodies are not our own – but all too often, we live like they are. After all, our money and our resources are not our own – but all too often, we live like they are. It’s so easy in the world and day we are living in for life to be “all about us!” Most every voice we hear in the media tells us that we deserve it all – right now. The truth is that through the blood of Jesus, and only through the blood of Jesus, we ARE deserving of God’s best! But when that “best” is given to us, there is a reason for all those blessings. I believe that when God gives us increase, it comes for two purposes: that we might glorify God and bless Him back more … and that we might make a difference in the lives of others and bless them more. Any needs we have personally will be met and more, because we did the right and godly thing with our increase! What an exciting way to live! Again, that daily prayer becomes so relevant: “Jesus, take my life TODAY and do something with it!” Be careful when you ask, though, because when you mean it, He WILL do something with it! Then, don’t just hang on for the ride, but get in the driver’s seat with God as your co-pilot! Together, you will see extraordinary things happen that will take the word “boring” right out of your life! You’ll feel like you’ve been given a brand new lease on life! Everywhere you’re going, God is going right there with you! Everything you’re doing, God is right there in the middle of it! Everything you’re giving, God is right there prompting you and providing the increase! What if all of us at Elevation North began to pray this prayer every day, personally, but also corporately? Praying: “GOD, TODAY TAKE ELEVATION NORTH AND DO SOMETHING WITH YOUR CHURCH!” What do you think He will do? We can only imagine all that He will do in us, with us, and through us ~ FOR HIS GLORY! There’s no other reason to ever pray that prayer … except to glorify Him! And when we finally realize that it truly is “all about Him – and Him alone” … then we will really begin to see things happen in a supernatural way! Any mess we’re in, any lack we have, any struggle we’re battling – can all be fixed by a massive outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our own lives – as well as in the church! God’s given us SO much … and yet we take SO little! In a greedy society, it amazes me that Christians somehow have this skewed belief that they should not be “greedy” when it comes to asking God for ALL He has for His people! We settle for “just a little” ~ “I’ll get by somehow!” I really don’t think Jesus hung on that cross, breathing His last breath so His people, His church could have a “little life” and “somehow just get by!” If so, that was much too big a price to pay for what He gets in return. Let’s put that in perspective and pray with all our might, “JESUS, TAKE MY LIFE … AND OUR CHURCH …TODAY … AND DO SOMETHING WITH IT!” I promise, none of us will ever be the same! (John 10:10)

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WHAT A BLESSED TIME we had in God’s House this past Sunday as Pastor Doug started the special 3-week series on “Prayer, Fasting, and Praise!” We were challenged as we were reminded of the many ways we’re shown the power of prayer in God’s Word! Oh, that we would truly grasp the life-changing effects of prayer – even with eternal impact!
- IT WAS GREAT to have Christian worship with us on Sunday; and a special thanks to him for all the help following the service! We hope you were blessed, and know that you are always welcome!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 30TH: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP with Pastor Doug continuing on with the second message in the series, preaching on “Fasting” from several scriptures. You will be amazed at what God’s Word instructs us to do – and what comes as a result of fasting and prayer! Be sure to bring your Bibles!
- 11:15 A.M. - KINGDOM CONNECTION TIME ~ with fellow believers! Be an encourager and see how God will knit our church family even closer together!
- ELEVATION NORTH 21-DAY FAST – Continue on this journey with your church family as we continue to fast and pray for breakthrough as a church and for provision for a church building, and for spiritual breakthrough in our personal lives, marriage, and families! Remember, God is your strength; draw ever closer to Him and seek His face!
- WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND: 7:00-8:00 P.M. – “LEARN THE BIBLE IN 24 HOURS” STUDY at Pastor Doug’s and Debbie’s home! Plan to come and think of a few friends that would love to be part of a Bible Study and bring them along!
- NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP with the service zeroed in on PRAISE – both in message and music! You will NOT want to miss this time together in the presence of our God!
- 11:15 A.M. – ANNUAL VISIONARY MEETING w/a Daniel Fast luncheon to follow … please bring foods appropriate for our fast! Call Pastor or Debbie if you have any questions!
- COMING SOON: Sunday, February 20th: Post Valentine’s Dinner Celebration – check out the sign-up sheet! / Sunday, March 20th: Spaghetti Feed complete with tossed salad, garlic bread, & “make your own sundaes” ~ and a great movie to follow!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- WHAT AN AMAZING GOD WE SERVE! Just when we think there is no hope – HE is our hope and HE makes a way for us! We want to pray hope and healing this week over Pam, Tina, and Julia; over Samara, Brandon, and Brianna; over Aletta, Roger, Cindy, Kay, and Karrie; trusting God for His mighty work in each one!

- REMEMBER . . . “That we are alive today is proof positive that God has something for us to do today.” ~ Anna R. B. Lindsay


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie