Wednesday, May 23, 2012

ELEVATION NORTH has NEWS for YOU!

I REMEMBER.  We’re always supposed to remember, right?  Lest we forget.  Of course, some things are better off forgotten, at least as much as is humanly possible!  But today we’re talking about remembering.  I think about the account of the people of Israel crossing the river Jordan as recorded in Joshua chapter 4.  What an amazing thing occurred when they obeyed God’s instructions.  In what was a flood-stage rushing body of water, God held it up so it became hostage at the first step of obedience.  At the very moment the feet of the priests who carried the ark of the covenant touched the edge of the water, walls of flowing water stood at full attention quite some distance away.  And as long as the priests who carried the ark “stood firm on dry ground” – the entire nation of people crossed over – also on dry ground.  Miraculous!  Memorable!  And God, not wanting His people to forget what had just happened, waited until the last person had crossed the river and stepped on grassy soil.  Then He asked something of Joshua:  he was to choose twelve men, one from each tribe, and they were to gather twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan to take to the place where they would spend the night and place them there.  Calling the twelve men together, he instructed them to do as God had said, and they went back to the spot where the ark of the Lord was in the middle of the Jordan and they each chose a stone and placed it on their shoulders to carry it back.  Joshua passed on God’s purpose for these stones, “ … to serve as a sign among you.”  Then he went on, “In the future when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord.  When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.  These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.”  And so these stones that had been in the middle of the river where the ark had stood, were placed in their camp.  A few verses later, scripture tells us, “And they are there to this day.”  Wow!  What a memorial to help them remember.  Just stones, yes.  But because the meaning was passed down from generation to generation … we will always remember!  I couldn’t help but personalize those stones into the flood-stage experiences of our lives.  And somehow I almost wished that I had stones set aside in some special place that I could show to our children and grandchildren, helping them remember the miracles … and the memories of each one.  Well, I have no stones that have been placed anywhere in our home.  But I hope and pray that I have related frequently enough the stories of God’s miraculous intervention, protection, deliverance, provision, healing, strength, peace, blessings and favor … that they will remember – always.  I pray that their recollection of memorable God-events will be cause for praise and celebration over and over.  I pray these experiences will become memorials to remember and pass on down to the next generation … and the next.  Lives spared - and limbs saved.  Miraculously.  Things lost and ripped away – and then restored again.  Memorably!  Circumstances meant for harm – and turned into amazing opportunities to glorify our Lord God.  Unforgettable!  Stricken with sickness – and being gifted with healing!  Divinely delivered!   Weakness that leaves us at a disadvantage – and the angelic delivery of God’s strength.  Amazing infusion!  Put those “stones” all together and you’ll see a memorial of gratitude that we’ll remember for all the day of our lives!  What are YOU remembering?

IN A NUTSHELL . . .
HAPPY, Happy 4TH Birthday to our little grandson, Miles on May 23rd! And CONGRATULATIONS to two of our graduating grandsons: Isaiah – from Kindergarten, and Wade – from High School; God’s blessings to each of you!  We love you!
A SPECIAL WELCOME BACK to Justin, and our deepest gratitude to him for his service to our country!
 SUN, MAY 27:  10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE with a very special message in store; bring your Bibles & a friend!!!
MON, MAY 28:  HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY to all as we honor those gone on before and those who defend our freedom here and around the world!  May God bless our military personnel with divine protection!  Remember to hold them up in daily prayer!
MAY 31-JUN 02:  JOYCE MEYER CONFERENCE sessions at the Target Center; check the dates/times and plan to car-pool to the Cities for an incredible blessing from the Lord!
JUN 03:  10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE with Part 2 of the PASSION FOR MISSIONS message – don’t miss it!
 PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES … Tina, Ruth, our graduates, Johnny & Cherry, those traveling, and unspoken needs!
REMEMBER . . . “Yes, remember.  And never forget to praise God for all that is past.  And trust Him for all that is to come!”

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie


  

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