JUST WHEN YOU THINK YOU’VE HEARD IT ALL … you hear yet something else! These past few weeks my husband and I have become acutely aware of throngs of hurting people. We say “throngs” because for the many that we know of … these are just a small representation of people all over our nation and around the world who are hurting just like them. Because we know how we have felt in dire circumstances, our hearts go out to these individuals who are seemingly battling the very enemy of our souls – and fighting to survive and overcome! It’s like the recent gloomy days filled with bizarre weather (who ever heard of hail turning everything totally white in March???) … and then finally seeing the sun break through and chase all that grayish gloom away! Thank God for the sunshine! How it literally lifts everyone’s spirits! Because that same concept also occurs spiritually, today I want to declare God’s Word over each of you who is hurting and struggling. It doesn’t matter what it is that you are facing … it can feel massive enough to roll over you, consume you, and put you under. And when that happens, the only thing that can break through and chase away that gloom and doom … is the SONSHINE!!! All too often the darkness and fear that encompasses us, dims our sight and clouds our memory of what we presently see and know. So, precious ones, be reminded of WHO God is … yesterday, today, and forever, and ALL He is … yesterday, today, and forever! May these reminders of God’s promises and truth be a literal transfusion to your soul today! Begin to praise God for these things that are spoken to you from His Word. Did you know that praising God makes Him smile – and Heaven rejoice? Psalm 103 tells us that we should not forget a single blessing: “He forgives your sins – every one. He heals your diseases – every one. He redeems you from hell – saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy – a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness – beauty eternal. He renews your youth – you’re always young in His presence. God makes everything come out right; He puts victims back on their feet.” When we cannot see through the darkness, He tells us, “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.” (John 8:12) When you think you cannot go on or take even one more step, or when you think you’re not strong enough to stand against the evils of this world, hear Christ saying, “No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; He’ll always be there to help you come through it.” (I Corinthians 10:13) We more frequently think of our bodies when it comes to being hungry and thirsty, but God being God, of course – is thinking of both our souls and our bodies. First, “… Jesus said, ‘I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen Me in action, you don’t really believe Me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to Me. And once that person is with Me, I hold on and don’t let go. I came down from Heaven not to follow My own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent Me.’” (John 6:35-38) In Luke chapter 12:29-31, Jesus tells us not to worry about what we’ll have to wear or to eat or drink, because our Father in Heaven knows that we need all these things. What He really desires is for us to seek HIM first, and then all these other things will be taken care of. Listen to how He puts it: “What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.” I could fill unending pages with God’s declarations, but when all you can see is gloomy circumstances, just let the Sonshine in!!! The bright rays of promise and provision and peace will chase away everything that does not belong in the kingdom that God wants us to have and enjoy and live in! Throw open the windows of your soul and bask in the Sonshine that streams in!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- EACH SUNDAY at Elevation North, God proves His faithfulness ~ over and over! We come as needy human beings, but with hearts ready to worship and praise … and somehow, in His divine love, God meets us in fresh, personal ways! We never leave disappointed – because we’ve been with Jesus! Being in God’s House with His people is like experiencing an oasis in the desert!
- WELCOME BACK to Mike and Mary Jo and family who came to join us again in worship; we pray that you were blessed and filled with the very presence of the Lord Jesus Christ! Your presence in our midst was a great encouragement to all of us at Elevation North!
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES for a great birthday for Darrius on April 2nd … may God bless you on your special day – and all year long, Darrius!!
- LOOKING AHEAD . . .
- THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 27TH: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP with the concluding message by Pastor Doug in the challenging series from I John … this week focusing on “God Demonstrating His Love for Others through Us!” Follow along in your Bibles to see how He can use you to bless others and make a difference!
- 11:15 A.M, - KINGDOM CONNECTION/FELLOWSHIP TIME – It’s an exciting thing to see what God is birthing out of this relational, learning time which fits right in with today’s message from the Word of God!
- WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30TH: 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. – “LEARN THE BIBLE IN 24 HOURS” STUDY! If you desire to learn more about what is tucked inside the pages of the Bible – then join us at the home of Pastor Doug and Debbie! It’s a great time of digging deeper, thought-provoking discussion, and spending time in God’s Word!
- NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 3RD: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP, beginning a new series in our preparation for celebrating Easter and remembering Christ’s sacrificial gift on Calvary! Invite some friends to share this series with us!
- COMING SOON: Spaghetti Feed event, Easter Celebration Services, Mother/Daughter Tea with “Heir-Borne” in concert, Women of Faith in the fall, and lots of new things to be announced soon! Watch for dates & details!
- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .
- SOMETIMES OUR LISTS SEEM SO LONG, and our needs so crucial … we just need to be reminded that God is bigger than any of our mountains! Let’s continue to be in fervent prayer for several unspoken major needs, for Johnny & Cherry & family, Julia, Shirley, Sean, Wayne, Hazel’s nieces, and our youth! Let’s hold up Lundstroms and Seykoras and claim God’s anointing for them as they minister to the lost and encourage believers. Let’s uphold our nation and its leaders in government, and let’s stand in the gap for all who are shepherding God’s people in churches around the world! We are continuing to trust God for the provision of a “home” for Elevation North – in His time!
- REMEMBER . . . “In impossible situations, be worshippers of God … in your demeanor, your actions, your speech, your giving, and your praise! That will unlock Heaven’s solutions and victories!” ~ Debbie Jones
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
