STUCK. OR UNSTUCK? Which are you? I get very little time on Facebook, but cannot resist checking every evening to see what our kids and grandkids are up to! It’s such a great way to find connection to their daily happenings when we may not be able to actually chat on the phone or send off an e-mail! And … the pics! They are priceless!!! Then there are the video clips which are so much fun and make you almost feel as if you are right there with them!!! In my daily quest to “see” our family, I also catch bits and pieces of the posts from others that are friends on my Facebook. Some I know so well, and others are just friends of friends. But in my quick scanning over posts to find our family, I’ve come across a pattern of postings, and I’ve really been stirred by what is being said. A few days ago, a young man wrote this on Facebook: “I need a new life; I’m tired of this one.” Now when I say “young man” – I’m not talking about a young kid in his teens, though a big share of them face each day feeling just this way. This guy is probably in his early thirties now. And hearing the despair and frustration in his post, suddenly I’ve become aware of so many others who are echoing his same emotions, just in their own words. My heart cries out, “God, how can I help them all? I want to reach out and offer them hope and change and fulfillment of their dreams! What can I do, Lord? Show me, please show me!” I know … it’s only through the love of Christ that they will ever experience a hope that outlasts the storms. I know … it’s only through the power of the Holy Spirit that they will ever experience the change they are longing for that will not disappear with the next disappointment. I know … it’s only through the ignition of their faith and belief in God the Father and His unwavering belief in us, that they will ever experience what it’s like to walk into and then live out their dreams for His glory and His Kingdom purposes. But … just how do I convey such life-changing God-gifts into their lives? After all, it’s up to them. The choices they make each day push them ever forward on a fast road – to deeper despair and failure … or to greater joy and satisfaction. But there is still one factor missing. God already offers them everything they will ever need to make it through. And not just “make it through”, but to excel! I really believe in the depths of my heart that there needs to be a messenger. A messenger who will trumpet encouragement and declare God’s favor over them. A messenger who will not hang back, but who will arise to the forefront of their lives with a commitment to stand in the gap for them. A messenger who will affirm their God-given gifts and talents louder than the world shouts out their mistakes and their lack. A messenger who will pray God’s Word over them, claiming all that He has for them. Since neither I or any of you have a “world-stage” at this point in our lives, I believe that God is calling us to be this messenger to one person at a time. Today. Right now. As this person crosses the stage of our lives, this is our opportunity to be that encourager. To be that life-changer. To be that hope-giver. All in the Name of Jesus! If no one else does, we need to be that person who will hand out the hope they need, coming alongside them with a caring hug and a pat on the back. If no one else does, we need to become the one who reminds them that someone believes in them, and genuinely mean it as our actions back up our words. If no one else does, we need to be that person who stirs life into the childhood dreams that God has placed in their hearts, reviving what was almost suffocated beneath their “want-to-just-give-up” thinking. How will they know - unless we tell them? How will they know – unless we go to them? How will they know – unless we take action? What if we are the rescuer to get them “unstuck” from their present place in life? It’s time that the very fragrance of Christ’s presence eliminates the odor of their “stinking life” (and they’d be the first to admit it!). Dear ones, let’s break ground and step up to be the person God ordained us to be. Let’s not waste even one opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. It can be as simple as a short phone call when their name comes to you. Hearing your voice and loving words can be just the exact “shot in the arm” that they needed right at that point in time. It can be as quick as a short text or e-mail, with an idea that crosses your mind that might be just what clinches what they had been thinking of. Or it can be a reminder that you are praying for them – it will shoot adrenaline into their sinking spirits and give them the boost they need to “keep on keeping on”! We don’t have to be God to them. There is only one God, and we will never be Him … we just need to make ourselves available to be used by Him! When we’re unstuck … may we be there for those who are stuck. And thank God for those who are unstuck who come to rescue us – when we’re stuck! Each new day brings the promise of a new life in Christ … don’t miss out on your new life each morning! You’ve got to take it!!! It’s yours. Go ahead!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- ENTERING THE HOUSE OF THE LORD is one of the most exciting, rewarding things we can do! And each Sunday, that’s how we feel as we experience His presence and His blessings! How we love our fellowship with Him and with each other at Elevation North!
- A SPECIAL WELCOME to Marty and Kelly who came to worship with us for the first time this past Sunday! What an encouragement your presence was to all of us, and it is our prayer that you were blessed in our midst! May God bless you both, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
- LOVING BIRTHDAY WISHES are in order for two special people … our grandson, Isaiah, who will be 6 years old on Sunday, August 7th and to our mom, Shirley, who celebrates her birthday the very same day as her great- grandson! We love you both so very much, we thank God for you, and we pray His precious blessings upon your lives!
- LOOKING AHEAD . . .
- THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 7TH: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP & COMMUNION … with our focus and devotion being on the Lord Jesus Christ as we offer Him our very best worship! Join us in song, in praise, in prayer, and in the Word as Pastor Doug draws close to the conclusion of this incredible sermon series on “Two Words to Change the World.” Part 6 will be taken from II Samuel, chapter 11 … and you will have to come to see which two words are given this week!
- NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 14TH: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP, with the sermon series coming to the final climax as the two words are finally revealed in a stirring, challenging, and unforgettable message about how “Two Words CAN Change the World!” Why not think of several people you can invite as Pastor D summarizes briefly each of the previous messages leading up to this one! May it be life-changing for us and for the world!
- OUR ELEVATION NORTH FAMILY PICNIC will be held at the end of this month … watch for a poster with all the details, and check the blog weekly!
- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .
- OUR LIVES CAN BE a sweet-smelling fragrance before our Father in heaven, especially when we care about the needs of others and lift up prayers on their behalf! Take time to remember Julia’s mom and brother, Tina’s mom, Eva, Jimmy and Nancy, Gerard, Judy, Kay, Roger, Larry and Gloria, Josh and Sarah & family, Johnny and Cherry, Ernie and Audry, Isaac, Justin and our military, our local, national, and global leaders, and many unspoken requests that are urgent! Continue to thank God in advance with us for the provision of the building to house our church! God’s answers and resources NEVER run dry! He is Jehovah-Jireh … our Provider!
- REMEMBER . . . “God says: ‘Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.’” Joshua 1:9, The Message Bible (And taking steps prevents you from staying stuck!)
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
