Thursday, January 17, 2013

ELEVATION NORTH has NEWS for YOU!

 
PLAN TO FAIL???  Pretty unusual plan that would be!  You see, we go through life dreaming of what many would call “the impossible dream”.  And it IS most likely impossible if we never plan to make it happen or if we never set any goals to reach that dream!  We’d love for our dreams to come true, but of course they don’t just materialize into reality without any effort on our part!  Often, they come into being through lots and lots of sweat, blood, and tears.  Then, when we actually see the results of all that commitment and hard work, we know it was worth it all!  So what’s the difference between success and failure?  There’s really no magic formula or perfect plan, because two different people can use the same formula or plan, and get completely opposite results!  If there’s any “secret” to it at all – it’s not “what” to do – or “how” to do it – but more importantly – it is to “just do something”!  You see, I don’t believe that anyone ever purposely makes a decision to fail.  But, for those who do nothing … failure is the natural outcome.  It doesn’t have to be calculated, theorized, articulated, or planned.  It just happens.  And then people wonder “what” happened.  The Bible talks about that.  And this concept really matters when we take a clear look at our walk with God.  The same rules apply.  God’s Word says that we are destroyed from lack of knowledge.  (Hosea 4:6)  So if we are never taught and never learn the principles from scripture that show us how to live and how to follow God’s plan for our lives, we are certain to fail.  Often in the business world, the term “posturing for success” is used.  That terminology simply means “our position, pose, condition, attitude, state.”  In these days we are living in, I believe that those who call themselves God’s children need to pay attention to their posturing in Christ more than ever before.  Satan’s posturing is to attack us with fiery darts of every kind and to attempt to destroy and devour.  He definitely does not want to see us live victoriously in Christ.  He wants us out of the picture so he can more easily do his deceptive, evil work.  We, on the other hand, need to be ever more aware and alert as to our spiritual stance in life, so that we might be as available and empowered for God’s work as is humanly possible!  Whether we like it or not, people are watching us!  We say that God is our Father.  So are we acting like we’re related to Him?  Are we living like we’ve learned anything from Him?  Some people are hesitant to share Christ because they fear they will not know what to say.  But often the most powerful message spoken is the life that is lived as a reflection of Jesus IN us!  Our actions speak volumes to those around us!  So just what are your plans for this year?  It is still new, and we’ve barely crossed the threshold.  How will you posture yourself as you face each new day and its God-given opportunities?  Will you embrace all that is set before you, even in the midst of struggles and fatigue?  The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  So there you’ve got it!  LET’S NOT GIVE UP … IT’S TIME TO HARVEST … how’s THAT for a plan?!
 
 
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
 
WE WANT TO HONOR and say thank you to each one of you who has served the Lord so faithfully in your role this past year at Elevation North!  We truly are a ministry TEAM … we could not do it without you!  May God bless you!
 
SUN, JAN 20TH:                                                            
10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP                      
10:30 A.M, - KIDZONE CHURCH                        
11:30 A.M. – POTLUCK LUNCHEON                
12:15 P.M. – ANNUAL VISIONARY MTG            
MON, JAN 21ST:  
6:30-8:00 P.M. - RE:FUEL YOUTH                                
WED, JAN 23RD;                                                          
7:00 P.M. – MID-WEEK BIBLE STUDY                
905 El Dorado St. SE, Owatonna                           
THU, JAN 24TH:                                     
7:00 P.M. – MID-WEEK BIBLE STUDY                
165 24th Place NW, Owatonna     
                         
ELEVATION NORTH SPOTLIGHT!
Our new theme for 2013 is "Finding Us On Our Knees!"  As we enter this new year, we realize that when we spend time on our knees before God, He will unleash our faith into action.  He will give us wisdom and guidance as we leave our comfort zone and step out to places we've never been as we seek to reach those who do not know Him.  Along with time on our knees, this week we will be corporately fasting as a church, whether it be from food or from wrong thinking, attitudes, or actions, or anything else God leads us to fast from.  As we seek to draw closer to God, we are claiming miracles of freedom and deliverance and healing - all in the Name of Jesus!  Take this steo with us this week - praying & fasting, and may you experience Christ as never before! 
 
REMEMBER . . . “You are very special to God as His precious child.  He has promised to complete the good work He has begun in you!” ~ Gary Smalley
 
 
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
 
 
Pastor Doug and Debbie