Elevation North has News for YOU!

CONTENT? OR DISCONTENT? In my recent quiet times with God, I’ve been tossing those two words around, asking Him to help me discern when it’s right to feel one way or the other! I’ve always loved what Paul penned in Philippians chapter 4 … these words are really the way to live life! He says, “I’ve learned by now to be quite content WHATEVER my circumstances. (emphasis mine) I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” (verses 11b-13, The Message Bible) While it’s sometimes easier said than done to live in total contentment, most of us “get it” – we understand what Paul is saying and know that he is right. We just don’t always get it right, do we? Many of us have to struggle with trusting fully and unreservedly before we can finally say that we are truly content – no matter what! But when is it alright to be discontent? And is there really a godly discontent? Is it permissible to not be satisfied when we see things not being done in the spiritual realm and we experience a restlessness or discontent? Is it actually a good thing in some instances to NOT be content to just let things be as they are – but to passionately want to make them better? I think of a story that I heard in the past few weeks. It was related that there is a group of rescuers that go out on the North Sea to save those who are perishing in the treacherous waters. These big, burly men have been known to literally fight each other for the chance to be the ones to go out on the boat to bring in those that would otherwise perish in those cold, deep, deadly waters. More than a few moments in the water brings certain death to anyone whose boat or ship has met with the perils lurking in the high seas. Because time is of the essence, if rescuers are not on the scene as quickly as they can be, lives are lost. The interesting thing is that these men are in certain danger, as well. The North Sea is unforgiving in its treachery, and does not favor rescuers over those who are lost in the waters. What will it be? Will lives be rescued – or lost? What makes burly men fight each other for the chance to save someone from the icy grip of the North Sea – at great risk to themselves? Why can they not be content to just leave those people alone? Why are they so impassioned? I tell you, if I was the one lost at sea and moments from death, I would of all people be most grateful for their discontent and resulting desire to come and rescue me! Some of these men lose their lives trying to save others. What a picture of Jesus! God wasn’t content to just let us be – to leave us to the high seas of sin and certain destruction. So He sent His Son, the Rescuer of all time, to come and lift us out of those icy waves and put our feet safely on ground again. We say, “Well, that’s God. And that was really nice of Jesus to be willing to not just risk, but give His very life … for us. But, that was Jesus. I’m not sure I could knowingly jump into a rescue boat that offered no guarantees that I would ever return to shore – just to try to save someone I don’t even know!” But isn’t that what our journey on this earth is all about? Isn’t that what brings purpose to our lives? Shouldn’t that be the passionate mission of the church – to rescue souls of men and women and young people at all costs? Shouldn’t we be vying for the opportunity to throw the rescue ropes to those who are headed for certain destruction – instead of shying away from sharing the life-saving gospel that will put their feet back on solid ground? Oh, Lord Jesus, open our eyes to see as You see! Help us to do something – and not just sit back and see if someone else will. Precious moments lost in time equal precious souls lost for eternity. None of us want to be guilty of letting time and opportunity slip by us resulting in the loss of lives for all of eternity, do we? That’s not our intention, I know. But doing nothing gets the same result. Only doing something to make a difference will impact the lives of others and ultimately bring about a change in their final destination! We find it so very exciting to be about our Father’s business here at Elevation North and beyond … and that includes the full gamut from church to jobs to family, and personally. God loves us SO much that He has put within us the desire to pass on what we have already received from Him. And it doesn’t get any better than that! We wish for you what Paul claims for the Christians at Philippi … “Receive and experience the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves.” (chapter 4, verse 23) Now THAT’S contentment – in ANY circumstance!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- PRAISES, praises are resounding from all of us at Elevation North as already this week we are seeing the results of our corporate prayer time on Sunday morning on behalf of several of our people! And of course, many others were praying, as well … and best of all, GOD GETS THE GLORY!!! That He loves us being involved in His work - is such a huge privilege, isn’t it, dear people?!
- OUR LOVING BIRTHDAY WISHES are sent to our ‘daughter’, Stacey, as she celebrates on July 16th! Stacey, may your day and entire year be blessed beyond measure! We love you so much and thank God for you! Also, BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES to Isaiah, Kaitlyn, and Jesse - who all celebrated birthdays recently! We pray that God will shower His love and care on each of you in this coming year!
- A SPECIAL WELCOME today to our son and his wife, DJ and Melissa, and to our grandchildren, Wade and Lindsay, as they worship with us today! How grateful we are for your love and prayers and support!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, JULY 17TH: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP, centered on Part 3 of “Two Words to Change the World!” We are thrilled about this series of messages and know that you will be challenged as Pastor Doug preaches from Genesis 3. Don’t miss even one of these messages, and pray about inviting someone to come with you!
- 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION – time with your church family! Take advantage of the opportunity to encourage and build each other up in the Lord!
- NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 24TH: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP continuing on Part 4 of the sermon series of “Two Words to Change the World” – with scripture from I Samuel chapter 17. It is our prayer that God is stirring you to greater action in your walk with Him through these messages!
- SEMI-ANNUAL VISIONARY CHURCH MEETING w/details to be announced! Our next step in expanding God’s Kingdom is just around the corner – what will God have YOU do?

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- GOD IS STRETCHING OUR FAITH to believe for what seems to be the impossible! Just this week our faith has been expanded even more because of seeing God in action and experiencing His wonders in the lives of several of those we prayed for on Sunday! How we thank our God as we are learning to trust Him even more! Please join us in seeking God for peace and divine healing for Larry at this time of surgery, for Julia’s mom and Tina’s mom, who both need God’s divine touch in their bodies, for healing for Julia’s brother and for Jimmy, for strength and encouragement for Johnny and Cherry, for the Landon’s as they prepare to move, for Hazel as she travels, and for clear direction concerning God’s will for our church building! Remember to pray for God’s anointing on the Lundstroms and Seykoras; and for safety for all who are serving our nation in the military! God’s fully capable of meeting every single need, and He will always be on time!!!

- REMEMBER . . . “Spiritual formation is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.” ~ M. Robert Mulholland

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie