Gò0dNews March 2021
Complimentary
Christian Magazine
®
CLEVELAND
Back row (L to R) Rick Smith, Pre-Need; Mason Holliday, funeral assistant; Perry Horner, funeral assistant; Joseph Bathe, funeral assistant; Jim Swafford, funeral assistant. Front row (L to R) Jim Hibbard, funeral assistant; Judy Cochran, administrative assistant; Marc Rush, licensed funeral director; Greg Rush, licensed funeral director; Darla Rush, administrative/community services; Frances Swafford, funeral assistant; Tom Grissom, funeral assistant. Not pictured: Tim Higgs, funeral assistant; Caleb Douglas, funeral assistant; Alex Rosario, funeral assistant.
jimrushfuneralhomes.com
YOUR HEARING IS OUR PRIORITY 4220 N O C OEE ST REE T, S U I T E 1 0 2 , CL E V E L A ND , TN 423. 641. 0956 | a h l b e rg a u d i o l o g y.c o m
About Us WRITERS
Andrew Lee Andrew Towe Bekah Prytherch Brenda Dedmon Caleb Prytherch Carl Corser Charles Finney Danette Reeves David Thompson Donnie Jenkins Johnny K. Hughes Dr. Julius McCarter Laura Perdue Leslie Bennett Mary Anderson Beard Monica Gambrell Paula Burgner Suzanne Burns Dr. Terril D. Littrell
SALES
Bud Kinches 423-650-2801
Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee,
DESIGN
and love what this town has to offer! We have started
PHOTOGRAPHER
when God, family, and community are combined,
Caleb Prytherch Paula Knipp 423-310-4207
GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that lives will be changed. GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary,
GoodNews CM
Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us
DISTRIBUTION
throughout the community in retail establishments,
5000 Monthly
churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens
EDITOR
the door for Christians to work together to grow and
David Thompson
strengthen our community through relevant editorial
PUBLISHER
and effective advertising.
Matthew and Bethany Ruckman Cell: 423-503-1410 E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com
OFFICE
423-478-6484
GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!
WEBSITE
goodnewscm.com issuu.com/goodnewscm
Disclaimer All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.
Contents MARCH 2021
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 Why Is It Always Me? by Dr. Julius McCarter
GoodNews for Teens
8 Have You Ever Felt Too Young? by Bekah Prytherch
GoodNews on Money Matters
10 The 12-Week Year by Andrew Lee
GoodNews for Men
12 The Healing Power Of Forgiveness
by Dr. Terril D. Littrell GoodNews for Women
14 Living In A Fishbowl by Danette Reeves
GoodNews for Everyone
18 Resurgence
by Andrew Towe
GoodNews for Everyone
20 The Pledge of Allegiance by Monica Gambrell
GoodNews Ministry Spotlight
22 Rescuing Mothers.
Rebuilding Lives. Restoring Futures.
GoodNews for Parents
24 Home Is Where Your Story Begins
by Brenda Dedmon GoodNews Cover Story
26 PURE Bath Body Mind by David Thompson
GoodNews for Teens
28 Peace In The Midst of Troubles
by Caleb Prytherch GoodNews for Everyone
30 Washed It Away? by Charles Finney
GoodNews for Marriage
32 Knock, Knock
by Laura Perdue
GoodNews for Everyone
34 Failure
8
by Paula Burgner
GoodNews Business Spotlight
36 The Most Wonderful Time of The Year
GoodNews for Everyone
38 Strong In The Lord, How? by Carl Corser
GoodNews for Everyone
40 Promises...Promises by Donnie Jenkins
GoodNews for your Taste Buds
26
42 Key Lime Pound Cake by Mary Anderson Beard
GoodNews for Everyone
44 You Plus God Is Enough by Leslie Bennett
GoodNews for Service
46 How Can You Practically Serve The Poor?
by Suzanne Burns GoodNews for Everyone
50 Re-Dig The Wells
by Johnny K. Hughes
50
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
Why Is It Always Me?
T
by Dr. Julius McCarter
hat is the most common question I’m asked in counseling by women. She looked at me during the marriage retreat
That’s the attitude of a mature man in Christ. If suffering must come, let it begin with me. If someone needs to get a second job, it’s me. If someone needs to speak up to my
and said, “I’ve read all the books on marriage that you just
parents or in-laws about undue meddling, it’s me. This
mentioned. I’ve done everything I can to set this marriage
doesn’t diminish our wives—as if they are incapable of any of
right. But nothing seems to do it. Why is it always just me
the above—but it’s done in an attitude of service to our wives.
doing all the work?”
I agree that Kendra can do many things much better than I
And, men, let’s admit it: Generally, she’s right. The simple answer to this woman’s sincere, honest, and
can, but when I let her take the lead, it’s a matter of strategy and hopefully not because I’m being afraid, lazy, or apathetic.
fair question is that we men aren’t acting like Christian husbands. Paul tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). To love as Christ loved is to be the initiator as Christ is the initiator in His relationship with the church. We were estranged from God, but Jesus came from on high to bring us back. He didn’t wait for the church to approach Him. This means, men, that to be like Christ is to be the ones who chase after our wives. If things go badly, we think of ourselves as responsible for setting them right. We should be the ones having marriage study groups. We should be the ones saying to our wives, “We need to talk.” We should be the ones who buy the books, sign up for the marriage
Men, what does it mean to be a Christian husband? In
retreats, initiate getting away from the kids for a while, or
part, it means we take the first bullet. How about we spend
research the best marriage counselor.
time this week asking ourselves, “What bullet can I take for
As part of His love, Jesus wasn’t just the lead initiator;
my wife? What burden is she carrying that I should carry?
He became the lead sufferer. He “took the bullet” so
What action has she been forced to take that I should be
we didn’t have to. This was Paul’s attitude expressed in
taking?” Let’s do this in an attitude of humility. If we’ve been
Colossians, when he made the astonishing statement that the
passive and suddenly come on too strong, our wives might
mistreatment he so often suffered was “completing what is
think we’re disappointed in how they’re handling things. We
lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, that is
need to be repentant, explain what’s going on, thank them for
the church” (Colossians 1:24). Paul wasn’t suggesting Christ’s
stepping up when they did, but then offer to carry the burden
suffering was insufficient—not at all. It’s rather that Paul
from now on.
knew the church in Colossae was young and fragile, and it is
Paul’s words are simple, powerful, and profound: Look at Christ on the cross, and let’s love our wives like that.
drawing the enemy fire onto himself so that the young church
Christ was the initiator, and He took the first bullet. May we
may have a breathing space, a time to grow. Paul was willing
settle for nothing less.
to suffer so the Colossians didn’t have to.
6 // March 2021
About The Author
as if he, as the leader of the church in that part of the world, is
Dr. Julius McCarter is a husband to Kendra, a friend to some, a teacher to many and a follower of Christ. Julius has been a pastor and teacher for over 20 years. A lover of good books and music most of his life. His most recent book is Pastoralia: Reflections after 20 Years in Ministry.
JUDY JACOBS
JIM RALEY
MYLES RUTHERFORD
APRIL 29 - MAY 1 CLE V EL AND, T ENNE S SEE
HOSTED BY
REGISTER NOW WWW.JAMIETUTTLE.ORG
JAMIE TUTTLE
MICAH WOOD
JOHN WILDS
The Pharmacy That Cares Our expertly trained pharmacists and friendly staff pride themselves on making sure your pharmacy experience exceeds expectations. Visit us today and let us take care of you.
Come Visit Jason or Gautam Today! ~ RAPID COVID TESTING AVAILABLE ~ ACCEPTING ALL COMMERCIAL & MEDICARE INSURANCES
423.303.9827 220 1ST STREET NE CLEVELAND, TN 37311
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7pm | Saturday: 9am - 4pm Sunday: Closed
570 Paul Huff Pkwy Cleveland, TN 37312 423.790.0443 mousecreekpharmacy.com
Gò0dNews for Kids
Have You Ever Felt Too Young?
H
by Bekah Prytherch
ave you ever felt that you were too young?
and you mean so much to Him! Even though you
That you couldn’t do something great for
may be younger, you can still do amazing things
God? Sometimes when we are younger we
for Him!
feel like we cannot do the great things that grown-
There is a story in the Bible where Jesus was
ups can do. But, did you know for the kingdom of
teaching people and some children ran up to
God it doesn’t matter how old you are? No matter
Him. But, the disciples did not want Jesus to be
how old you may be, you can still do amazing
bothered with children while He was teaching. So the disciples tried to shoo the children away, but Jesus did something amazing. He said in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Jesus wanted the children to come to Him just like he wants you to come to Him now! Through praying and reading your Bible
things for God at a very young age! Whether it
you are able to come to God. He is always there,
be helping out a friend at school or being kind to
He is always listening and willing to help you. God
someone that is being bullied. Maybe its helping
sees you and everything you do. He cares about
your grandparents, helping your mom and dad
you, just like Jesus cared about seeing the little
around the house, or helping a neighbor. Or maybe
children! You can do BIG things for God no matter
its just being a kind friend to somebody in need.
your age.
you are, you can do great things for God. God sees you and everything that you do. He loves so much
8 // March 2021
About The Author
You see, no matter how old you are or where Bekah Prytherch is the children’s pastor at Heritage Fellowship Church of God in McDonald, Tennessee. She is married to her husband, Caleb, and they live in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Dusty Clayton
Dusty Clayton is a licensed REALTOR in the state of Tennessee and Georgia. She was born and raised in Chattanooga/Cleveland area. She is the mom of two beautiful daughters and is married to her wonderful husband of almost 20 years. They attend North Cleveland Church of God where she works as the Administrative Assistant to the children’s pastor and serves in the kid’s ministry. Having 20+ years of experience assisting 3 generations in her family’s construction business gives her the knowledge to better serve you and your family with your real estate needs. The interest in real estate came from growing up around it, but the reason to pursue a career came from her testimony. She understands life happens and this motivator helps her clients overcome obstacles so their dream becomes a reality. Her goal is to create a positive and stress free experience during this important journey.
EXPERIEN CE OFFICE: 423.790.3086 | CELL: 423.255.8510
Each office independently owned & operated.
The 12-Week Year MONEY MATTERS
WITH DR. ANDREW LEE Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.
O
n a recent edition of the Bigger Pockets podcast
3. If you haven’t set up a Roth IRA account online, log
(highly recommended), author Brian Moran spoke
onto Vanguard.com or Fidelity.com and do it immediately.
about his book The 12-Week Year. With new year’s
Then set up auto-drafts from your checking account to
resolutions barely two months behind us, the idea behind
be deposited into your new Roth IRA every month, even
this book is to start thinking of our yearly goals in terms of
if it’s only $25-$50 per month. Have the Roth account
twelve weeks instead of twelve months. The implications of
invested in a broad U.S. and global stock account(s) and
this mindset shift are tremendous (and exciting).What if you gave yourself only twelve weeks to accomplish your new year’s
leave it alone for at least a decade. Watch it grow! 4. If you are married and/or have children who are
resolutions? How would that look, and what might result?
dependent on your income, get a “term” life insurance
Remember that in Stephen Covey’s best-selling book The Seven
policy immediately. Go online to compare insurance
Habits of Highly Effective People, the very first habit is to be
policies and premiums (Selectquote.com or Policygenius.
“proactive.” Thinking of the year has having only twelve weeks
com) and buy enough insurance to take care of your
will definitely help us to stop procrastinating and to get to
family if something should happen to you (usually ten
work on our goals and start taking action now.
times your annual salary is recommended as the proper
Regarding your finances and financial goals and resolutions, change your thinking from “I have until later this
amount of life insurance to buy). 5. If you are married and/or have children, make a Last Will
year to start . . .” to “I have to get this done in three months or
immediately. You can do this online at any number of sites
ninety days!” How would that look, practically speaking? Here
that will prepare a Simple Will using your state’s laws,
are some scenarios, and if you still haven’t done all of these,
with all the legal forms that you simply fill-in the blanks
what are you waiting for? Twelve weeks from this article’s publication is early June, so hop to it!
and print off. Or you can use a local attorney if you prefer. 6. “Learn more” to “earn more.” Immediately search
1. Do a “net worth checkup” by listing all your debts and
through a list of financial Podcasts on your phone (free)
all your assets. See how much you “owe” versus how
and start subscribing to the ones that interest you. Start
much you “own”. Then google to see what’s the median
listening and learning! Click off the music and turn on
net worth for someone in your age group. See how you
the podcast as you drive around town or while walking,
stack up and how to improve your net worth.
jogging, or cleaning house. You’ll be amazed how fast
2. If you aren’t contributing to your employer’s taxdeferred retirement plan in order to get the employer’s matching contribution, contact your Human Resources
you learn. This will motivate you to take additional steps toward financial success. Remember, this is a to-do list for the next twelve weeks.
department and sign up immediately for payroll
There are six items on this list, so if you accomplish one of these
deduction to begin doing this.
every two weeks, you’ll be done in twelve weeks and will have made significant progress toward financial security for you and
10 // March 2021
your family.
TOP TEN THINGS TO DO WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME
#
1. Call
Me
(I'll Handle the other 9) Jason Wright 423-650-9806
Experience 423-790-3086
Countitsold.com WINTER ASSORTMENT NOW THROUGH MARCH 1, OUR DUCKADENT WINTER ASSORTMENT FEATURES BUTTERCREAM NESTED INSIDE WARM DUCK DONUTS – THE MOST DUCKLICIOUS WAY TO CONQUER COLD WEATHER.
VANILLA ICING WITH ® OREO COOKIE PIECES & BUTTERCREAM
3836 C A N D IE S C R E E K R I D G E RD, CLE VEL A N D , T E N N E S S E E 3 73 1 2
423.464.6900 | okmagueymexgrill.com
COOKIES & CREAM
VANILLA ICING ® WITH OREO COOKIE PIECES
PEANUT BUTTER ICING WITH MARSHMALLOW DRIZZLE
STRAWBERRY ICING WITH GRAHAM CRACKER CRUMBS & BUTTERCREAM
15% OFF PURCHASE D i ne- In onl y. E x c l udes a l c o h o l . C a n d i e s C re e k l o c a t i o n o n l y. N ot v a l i d w i t h a ny ot he r c o u p o n s o r o ff e r s . Ex pi re s : 0 4 - 1 5 - 2 1
FRENCH TOAST
VANILLA ICING WITH SALTED CARAMEL DRIZZLE
MAPLE ICING WITH POWDERED SUGAR & CINNAMON SUGAR
CINNAMON SUGAR WITH BUTTERCREAM
BLUEBERRY ICING WITH POWDERED SUGAR
SUNRISE
CHOCOLATE ICING WITH ® OREO COOKIE PIECES & BUTTERCREAM
LEMON ICING WITH RASPBERRY DRIZZLE
BOARDWALK
GLAZED WITH OREO® COOKIE PIECES, POWDERED SUGAR & VANILLA DRIZZLE
MAPLE BACON
MAPLE ICING WITH CHOPPED BACON
2115 GUNBARREL ROAD $4 OFF A DOZEN CHATTANOOGA, TN 37421 OREO ® IS A TRADEMARK OF MONDELEZ INTERNATIONAL GROUP, USED WITH PERMISSION.
DD-0123_WinterAssortmentGuide_v6.indd 1
AG2-8.5x11-WINTER2021
10/22/20 11:04 AM CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. EXPIRES: 04-15-21
Gò0dNews for Men
The Healing Power Of Forgiveness our years ago, I felt that God had thrown me into a pit and deserted me. I had never felt such intense pain, anger, and humiliation. It felt as though I were standing before the whole world stripped of everything: my pride, dignity, and self-worth. I was so humiliated, I could not bring myself to face anyone, especially my co-workers. I was totally at a loss as to why God had allowed this to happen. For more than a year, I stayed in this pit, the inescapable dark hole, wallowing around in anger, self-pity, blame, hate, and thoughts of revenge. It was like a cancer growing inside of me, consuming me. Yes, losing my position and title at work very nearly destroyed me. It forced me to face my biggest fear: failure. I had spent my entire life trying to impress others, so now the thought of facing my co-workers in my new circumstances was unbearable. But it was not the fact that I’d been demoted that devastated me; it was also the manner in which it had happened. My boss, who I thought was also a friend, lied about my job performance and her role in my demotion. She had given me an outstanding evaluation, then, without my knowledge, had written a letter saying that I had problems. When I first got demoted, I confronted her about her role in the matter. She denied any involvement, and I believed her. It wasn’t until two months later (two months of agony) that I found out about the letter she had written. Now not only did I have to deal with the pain of failure, but I also had to deal with the pain of having been betrayed and rejected by a friend. It was only when I turned to God to ask for His help in forgiving this woman that I was able (finally) to leave my dark pit. When the Lord lifted me out, I was a new person. And after I forgave my boss (and friend), I experienced a peace and joy that I had never felt before. It was then that I realized that forgiveness truly has healing power. From this experience, I also learned that God will never forsake me. On the contrary: He will always provide me with all the love and strength I need to make it through my trial, whatever it may be.
12 // March 2021
As I have said, I was afraid of and embarrassed about my friends’ reactions; I never dreamed that these people would serve as agents of support. In fact, they were like angels sent from above to help me through this time. Under God’s blessing, they helped to restore my self-esteem. They helped me realize that I was not a failure. The well-worn but still worthwhile saying, “When God closes a door, He opens a window,” did not seem possible when I was in such misery. But now it seems completely possible, for when God closed my door, He opened a
veritable picture window, giving me an entirely new view of the world. Today, I am blessed with a new job that I love, and my priorities, I firmly believe, are in order. I thought that writing about my painful experience might help someone else to experience the love and forgiveness of God. He is the only One who can take away pain and anger and replace it with love, peace, and joy. It was when I learned to forgive another that I experienced the overwhelming love of God, His healing power, and peace that surpasses all understanding. Only with His help and power was I able to forgive. Today, I have a closer relationship with and a deeper faith in my Creator and Redeemer. I know that He will never forsake me. He will always be there to help and guide me—no matter how difficult the situation. About The Author
F
by Dr. Terril D. Littrell
The Reverend Terril D. Littrell, Ph.D., is a retired United Methodist minister. He attends First United Methodist Church in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Simply Bank. BANKING UNCOMPLICATED
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU
Benton, TN; Dayton, TN; Decatur, TN; Harriman, TN; Rockwood, TN; South Dayton, TN; and Spring City, TN. WE RECOMMEND CLEANING YOUR AIR DUCTS EVERY 3-5 YEARS & YOUR DRYER VENTS YEARLY
WE PAINT THE TOWN DIRTY DUCTS DON'T FLY
AIR DUCT CLEANING DRYER VENT CLEANING DRYER VENT REPAIR & REPLACEMENT
DRYWALL • PAINTING • INSULATION • FLOORING
423.544.2335 SAMORANOHOMES.COM
423.641.3142 FREE DRYER VENT CLEANING WITH AN AIR DUCT CLEANING FREE
SANITATION
Gò0dNews for Women
Living In A Fishbowl
I
by Danette Reeves
enjoy watching the fish in my aquariums. They are
Christians to live as mature Christians without giving
interesting: each with different color variations,
them room for growth. When we get hurt, we tend to
each with their own personality, yet each doing
hide by either putting up protective walls, lashing out,
exactly what God created it to do—be a fish. Sometimes
or leaving the group altogether. We say we are fine, even
Christian women can feel as if we are living in a fishbowl.
when our hearts are breaking. Women in the body of
I think it is our calling. Let your light shine before others
Christ have sometimes been known for “ganging up” on
(Matthew 5:16). Jesus tells us we are to be witnesses.
someone and gossiping about them, ruining any hope for
To fulfill this calling, people must see us living out our
fellowship and acceptance. We sometimes leave someone
lives boldly and on purpose. We must be willing to live in
gulping for air, love, and help.
that fishbowl for all the world to see. But this is where the analogy ends: or should end. If you watch the fish closely, sometimes they mess
How are we supposed to live? Out loud and on purpose for God’s glory and the edification of the church. Build each other up. Sincerely care for one another
up. One fish will go in another's territory, and when it is
(Galatians 6:2). How to live in the fishbowl for all the
nipped, it runs and hides. Some fish terrorize the others,
world to see can be summed up in Luke 10:27: “You
wanting to gain new territory or a morsel of food. If
shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and
there are babies in the tank or a sick fish, some fish will
with all your soul and with all your strength and with
prey on them until they are severely wounded or dead.
all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
Sometimes there is a fish that is always alone,
Women of the body of Christ, I challenge all of
never accepted, always seeking
us to minister to each other in such
a place to hide. If the water
a way that as the world looks
contains too much ammonia,
into our fishbowl, they will
the fish will go to the top
see the hands, the feet, the
and gulp for air. These
true heart of Jesus boldly
behaviors remind me
living out the Gospel.
of how we are not
And when they come
supposed to live in
to your fishbowl,
the body of Christ,
invite them in for
but we too often do.
true fellowship (two
It has been said
fellows in the same
that Christians are
ship) by loving as
the only warriors
Jesus loves.
who shoot their wounded. We often
14 // March 2021
About The Author
expect the young
Danette Reeves and her husband, Charlie, live in Cleveland, TN. They attend The Church at Grace Point. One of their joys is being Oma and Opa to four grandchildren. Her heart’s desire is to be a student and a teacher of the Word, and a consistent follower of Jesus.
JOIN US LIVE!
Tuesday and Thursday Nights at 6:05pm to get first dibs on new items!
Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 6:00pm Saturday: 10:30am - 4:00pm
Lee Ann Stabler, CMN
Jennifer Lipps, CMN
Linda Foster, CMN
Cleveland Church Directory ACNA Emmanuel Fellowship Anglican Church (ACNA) 155 Inman Street East, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 400-3307
Apostolic
First Apostolic Church 4355 Holiday Inn Express Way Cleveland, TN 37312 (229) 343-6880
Assembly of God
Grace Assembly 1976 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-7729 Triune Assembly 301 Sunset Drive Cleveland, TN 37312
Baptist
Beacon Baptist Church 505 Corvin Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7056 Bellefounte Baptist Church 132 Bellfounte Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2312 Bethel Baptist Tabernacle 3165 Buchanan Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5820 Berean Baptist Church 2355 Bucks Pocket Rd SE, Old Fort, TN 37362 (423) 478-1697 Big Spring Baptist Church 1415 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1101 Blue Springs Baptist Church 699 Blue Springs Church Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0932 Candies Creek Church 294 Old Eureka Rd Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 479-3731 Cedar Springs Baptist Church 723 Cedar Springs Church Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5506 Center Point Baptist Church 1205 Lower River Rd NW Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 336-2133 Cleveland Cowboy Church 3040 Blythe Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-7936 Cloverleaf Baptist Church 2290 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3617 Clingan Ridge Baptist Church 2412 Georgetown Road, NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-3511 Church At Grace Point 2595 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 728-5050 Covenant Baptist Church 249 Calhoun Rd SE,
16 // March 2021
Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-2653 Dalton Pike Baptist Church 3055 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7606 East Cleveland Baptist Church 1145 Arnold St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8728 Echos of Mercy Baptist Church 535 Durkee Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 715-9739 Elkmont Baptist Church 4030 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4600 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1227 Powerline Dr NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Farmland Community Church 1675 Greendale Dr. SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 473-9891 First Baptist Church 1275 Stuart Road Cleveland, Tennessee 37312 (423) 709-9100 Galilee Baptist Church 665 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 496-2019 Henegar Baptist Church 7423 Mouse Creek Rd. Cleveland, TN 37312 Hopewell Baptist Church 188 Old Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3763 Lebanon Baptist Church 1411 Old Parksville Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-6700 Macedonia Baptist Church 3119 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-1713 Maple Street Baptist Church 1700 Maple St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-3622 Maranatha Baptist Church 453 Blue Springs Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-8991 Michigan Avenue Baptist Church 2741 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-8891 Mt Carmel Baptist Church 7619 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1620 New Friendship Baptist Church 1344 Chatata Valley Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-6007 North Cleveland Baptist Church 2815 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8524 Oak Grove Baptist Church 4452 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-9125
Old Pathway Baptist Church 224 Rymer Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Parkway Baptist Church 185 Meadow Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-5522 Philadelphia Baptist Church 910 30th St SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Philippi Baptist Church 2325 Old Harrison Pike NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-5385 Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church 799 Inman Street East Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 (423) 476-4081 Public Church 850 17th St. NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 458-4405 Ridgeview Baptist Church 1501 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5119 Samples Memorial Baptist Church 371 Samples Chapel Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-2329 Shenandoah Baptist Church 138 Osment Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-0103 Shiloh Baptist Church 3406 Blair Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-5755 Stuart Park Baptist Church 850 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-6741 Tasso Baptist Church 164 Old Charleston Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2114 Temple Baptist Church 3070 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6813 Thompson Spring Baptist Church 5660 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 790-1823 Union Baptist Church 797 Hughes Lake Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-1720 Valley View Baptist Church 4657 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7707 Washington Avenue Baptist Church 1720 Perry St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0489 Waterville Baptist Church 4555 Dalton Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-5582 West Cleveland Baptist Church 1959 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8927 Westwood Baptist Church 4001 Georgetown Rd NW,
Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-1534 White Oak Baptist Church 2043 White Oak Valley Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2359
Catholic
St Therese Catholic Church 900 Clingan Ridge Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8123
Charismatic
Cleveland Christian Fellowship 695 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-2642
Church of God
Agape Place Church of God 2611 Blue Springs Road SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-8691 Community Chapel Church of God 807 Blythe Ave SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-2143 Cornerstone Church of God 2823 Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0006 Church of God Sanctified, Inc. 746 First Street N.E. Cleveland, TN. 37311 (423) 479-3895 East Cleveland Church of God 900 15th St NE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3389 Fellowship of Praise Church of God 931 Inman Street East Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3121 Grace Community Church of God 4745 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312. (423) 614-0708 Heritage Fellowship Church of God 4635 South Lee Hwy McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 476-6316 International Worship Center Centro Internacional de Adoración 533 Central Ave. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-1977 Kinser Church of God 141 Kinser Road Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-7400 Lakeview Church of God 105 Pound Street SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423)-790-5805 North Cleveland Church of God 335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5513 Michigan Avenue Church of God 515 Minnis Road NE (423) 284-7573 Mt Olive Church of God 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3381 Mt View Church of God
210 Roadway Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (706) 455-3528 Pine Hill Church of God 1484 Old Alabama Rd McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 488-0939 South Cleveland Church of God 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6382 Westmore Church of God 2440 Legacy Pkwy NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3415
Church of God of Prophecy
Cleveland Spanish COGOP 2610 Grove Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-7199 Durkee Road COGOP 201 Durkee Rd. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-4384 Keith Street Ministries COGOP 4000 Keith ST. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-2448 Peerless Road COGOP 3301 Peerless Rd. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 303-2680 Spring Place COGOP 2530 Spring Place Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6414 Union Grove COGOP 533 Union Grove Rd Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 479-5357 Wildwood COGOP 140 Wildwood Ave Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-6584
The Church of God
The Church of God Jerusalem Acres 1826 Dalton Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1597
Community
Fellowship in Christ 1025 Beech Circle NW Cleveland TN 37312 (423) 314-2382
Disciples of Christ
First Christian Church 3625 N. Ocoee Street Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-6682
Episcopal
Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church 320 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311
Lutheran
First Lutheran Church 195 McIntire Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-6811
Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 4200 Pryor Rd N.E. Cleveland, TN 37312
(423) 503-6394
Methodist
Big Spring United Methodist 1196 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5242 Black Fox United Methodist 1820 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-1908 Broad Street United Methodist 155 Central Ave NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5586 First United Methodist Church 3425 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-4504 Mount Zion UMC 7223 Germantown Rd NW Cleveland, TN 37312 Pleasant Grove UMC 3043 Pleasant Grove Church Rd SW Cleveland, TN 37311 Red Hill United Methodist Church 527 Red Hill Valley Road SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 728-5413 South Cleveland United Methodist 1165 Church St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 507-5760 Tasso United Methodist 1106 Tasso Ln NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4457 Trinity United Methodist Church 731 1st St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-7900 Valley Head Methodist Church 920 Mouse Creek Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-0575 Wesley Memorial Methodist 3405 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-9578
Pentecostal
Faith Memorial Church 910 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6281 First United Pentecostal Church 4095 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-9436 Full Gospel House of Prayer 1500 Wildwood Ave. Cleveland, TN Set Free Christian Fellowship 1175 King Edwards Ave. Cleveland, TN
Nazarene
Cleveland First Church Of The Nazarene 2712 Henderson Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 423-472-7371 New Hope Church of the Nazarene 4514 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-3379
Non-Denominational
Benton Pike House Of Prayer 2615 Peach Orchard Hill Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323 Christian Fellowship Ctr 895 6th St NE,
Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-9591 Church Alive Ministries 6315 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8133 Cleveland Community Chapel 1823 Forest Ridge Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 Cleveland Cornerstone Church 533 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1775 Cornerstone Family Church 4997 N. Lee Highway Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 380-9160 Community Hall Church 1305 6th Street Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472 2178 Dwelling Place Church International 523 Urbane Rd. NE Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5200 Evening Light Gospel 200 20th St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 Fairhaven Ministry Center 1807 Blythe Ave. SE, Cleveland TN, 37311 Freedom Fellowship Church 3555 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0654 God’s Family Fellowship 197 Neely Circle NE Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-7533 Graceway Chapel 221 14th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-2226 International House of Fire 1701 South Lee Hwy Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 790-0772 The Journey Church 3191 South Lee Hwy, McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 728-4100 Living By Faith Ministries 183 1st Street NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 457-9072 Living Word Church 930 25th Street, NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3028 or The Net Church Bradley Square 12 200 Paul Huff Pkwy Cleveland, TN 37312 New Life Bible Church 155 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-3882 Restoration Fellowship 211 Trewhitt Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-4249 The Simple Gospel 850 Elrod St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 650-9572 Shema Israel Ministry 850 Elrod St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 423-994-8553 The Sanctuary 1203 Smith Dr.
Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-2843 Tasso Christian Church 1135 Tasso Lane, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-2705 The TRIBE 1175 King Edward Avenue SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 380-8802 United Christian Church 2200 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-4277 Unity Christian Ministries 2419 Georgetown Rd NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-9338 Walker Valley Community 787 Lauderdale Memorial Hwy Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-9696
Presbyterian
Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church 8267 N Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-5004 First Cumberland Presbyterian 161 2nd St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6751 First Presbyterian Church 433 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5584 Flint Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church 515 Flint Springs Rd Cleveland TN. 37323 (423) 284-6397 Prospect United Cumberland Presbyterian Church 310 New Murraytown Rd. NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-6181 St James Cumberland Presbyterian 151 Short St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5762 Trinity Presbyterian PCA 1780 Stuart Rd. NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-9595
Seventh Day Adventist
Bowman Hills Adventist 300 Westview Dr NE Cleveland, TN 37312 Cleveland Fellowship Church 211 Trewhitt Drive Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 400-7054 East Cleveland Seventh-Day 801 Howard Circle SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-9299 Ladd Springs Seventh-Day 5860 Bates Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-1889
Zion Assembly
Zion Assembly Church of God 5512 Waterlevel Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-3337
goodnewscm.com // 17
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Resurgence
I
by Andrew Towe
heard the voice of the Lord speak to me and say,
the end of my rope. I was unaware that this was the day on
“Get ready! The Church (the remnant) will see a
which God had orchestrated my deliverance.
sudden RESURGENCE!” “Resurgence,” according to dictionary.com, is “the act or
fact of rising again or returning; revival.” After I read that definition, I got it! God was
As I lay in my bed with tears streaming down my face, I began to think about what I could take in my medicine cabinet to bring an end to this battle. Then something suddenly unexpected happened. One line of a song hit
proclaiming to us, His remnant, to get ready for a rising
my spirit. I can only describe it as a quickening. It felt as
again or returning of His Church. There is coming the
if a bolt of electricity had hit my spirit. I released a cry of
greatest revival that we have ever experienced. When something is revived, it means it comes to life again. In spite of the fact that in 2020, you had the breath knocked out of you physically, emotionally, financially, and even spiritually, God’s work in and through you is not finished! The Holy Spirit desires to breathe fresh wind into your lifeless promises. The Lord recently showed me a vision of a group of people who appeared to be in a zombie-like state. They were moving, talking, and going through the motions, yet inside, they were vacant. There was no life, no joy, and no expectation within them. I knew that God was showing me the state of many in the Kingdom: how the wind had been knocked out of them. They once were full of life and vigor, but now, they were going through the motions and were lifeless. God wants you to live again. This is your year to rise again. After I had this vision, the Lord quickly reminded me that I was the ultimate example of the lifeless warrior who had been revived by the breath of God.
desperation. I said, “The God Whom I have served my
I went through three years of hellish depression. I left my
entire life, if You are really real, then I need for You to come
house very few times during that period. I placed aluminum
and deliver me today. Help me.” I want to tell you that right
foil over all the windows to block light from getting in. I
then and there, the presence of God filled my little living
unplugged all of my phones and refused to answer the
room, and God breathed the breath of life back into me,
door for anyone. I stopped eating and wasted away to 130
setting me free.
weight. I was physically alive, but there was no breath of the Spirit in me. I was buried in the tomb of hopelessness. After three years of constant battle, I was tired. I found myself at
18 // March 2021
About The Author
pounds, and for my height and frame, it was a deathly low Andrew Towe and his wife, Brooke, together pastor Ramp Church Chattanooga. They have two beautiful children. Even as Ezekiel was carried out by the spirit to the valley of dry bones, Pastor Andrew has been called to speak the prophetic message of awakening to the Tennessee Valley, raising up an army of believers from the dry scattered bones and equipping them to advance the kingdom of God.
Church Activities & Events Westmore Church of God
Tennessee Church of God Music Conference Thursday, March 4 - Saturday, March 6 2440 Legacy Parkway NW, Cleveland, TN
Eleven22 Church
Women’s “Crowned” Conference Saturday, March 6 | 12PM - 2PM 1701 South Lee Highway, Cleveland, TN
Bancroft Church of God “Ordained” In Concert
Sunday, March 14 | 6PM 893 Bancroft Road, McDonald, TN
Dwelling Place Church International King’s Table Men’s Conference April 29 - May 1st Cost: $65.00 | Registration: jamietuttle.org 523 Urbane Road, Cleveland, TN 37312
Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Pledge of Allegiance
L
by Monica Gambrell
ike all dedicated parents, my husband and I tried our best to attend as many of our children’s extracurricular activities as possible. It was darned near impossible to do them all, with so many children doing different things, but as the older ones moved out, it was easier to spend more time with the younger ones. Four of my five children played the trombone in the school band, and when my middle child, Sarah, marched in the high school band, we volunteered to run the concession stand at all of the home games. Boy, were we dumb! Just kidding: we actually had a good time doing it, for the most part. On one particular day, I learned a very valuable lesson (which is almost always at a dear cost). Since I had the most gregarious personality, I was the front-person. Like a true carnie, I would screech from the confines of the concession stand, “Get your hotdogs, popcorn, and cold drinks here!” To everyone’s delight, the sales were always at their peak when I “encouraged” passers-by to partake of our delicious wares. This day was excruciatingly hot, and we really wanted to sell a lot of our frozen drinks. They had a great profit margin, and I was willing to do whatever it took to make more money for our band students. I felt indebtedness to the band that had on so many occasions allowed my children, who could not afford the uniforms, training camps, and annual competition trips, to partake just as if they could afford it. I truly felt obligated to put as much money back in the coffers as I possibly could to repay what had so graciously been given to my children. They benefitted in many ways: from the camaraderie and striving for common goals to the search for their place in the world. I felt an allegiance to this school band. I was having the time of my life yelling at the top of my lungs to anyone who would listen when I was struck by the sudden silence and stillness of everyone around me. They were in a sort of reverent stance, and they were all facing me! What had I done? I cannot even begin to tell you how mortified I was to learn that everyone’s sudden
20 // March 2021
reverence was in fact geared toward the flagpole mounted on the hill behind the concession stand. They had all stood silent before reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag of our country! My shouts had reverberated in their sudden silence, and I wanted to crawl beneath the closest rock and hide.
Like my allegiance to the school band, I feel an even stronger allegiance to my country, so I was mortified at my own dishonor of this moment. Now, though, my heart is pondering a different question. Do I revere and give honor to the allegiance I have to my Lord? Do I, in every circumstance, stop everything to set aside a time in every day in which I honor my Lord? Does my allegiance to my Lord bring me to tears like my allegiance to my country? Do I stand proudly to declare my allegiance and invite others to do the same? Let us shout a resounding “yes” to Him who deserves our allegiance. Let us never forget our allegiance to Him. “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: As surely as I live, I will bring down on his head my oath that he despised and my covenant that he broke. I will spread my net for him, and he will be caught in my snare. I will bring him to Babylon and execute judgment upon him there because he was unfaithful to me” (Ezekiel 17:19-20).
NEW PATIENT SPECIAL
Consultation, Exam, and Adjustment
$
29
*Restrictions apply, see clinic for details. Initial visit includes consultation, exam and adjustment. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary. © 2020 The Joint Corp. All Rights Reserved.
698 Paul Huff Parkway Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 455-5289 thejoint.com •No appointments needed. •No insurance needed. •Open 7 days a week. Quality Care that’s Convenient & Affordable [Mention this Ad to get your initial visit FREE!]
SMOOTHIE KING SMOOTHIE KING 2520 KEITH ST 2520 KEITH STREET CLEVELAND TN 37312 CLEVELAND, TN 37312
Gò0dNews Ministry Spotlight
Rescuing Mothers. Rebuilding Lives. Restoring Futures.
H
ow do you demonstrate your commitment to
program, consisting of manufacturing and selling
LIFE? How do you support single moms, so
personal care products, such as lotions, soaps,
that they never need to consider the tragedy
candles and much more, as well as two retail outlets,
of abortion? How do you love them through poverty, through addiction, through abusive or unstable
located downtown Cleveland. These outlets provide each young woman
relationships? How do you love these moms in a way
opportunities to learn important employability skills,
that builds them up and encourages them towards
such as customer service, marketing, inventory control,
their own stability, rather than creating expectations
punctuality, time management, and basic accounting.
that you will continue to provide for them forever? Foundation House Ministries is a local maternity home, serving mothers in crisis, through both
“I love making all these things and then the customers talk about how great everything smells. It makes me proud of myself,” says Janeice.
residential and non-residential programs. The only home of its kind within 150 miles of Bradley County, Founder and Executive Director, Suzanne Burns, says, “Some mothers are pregnant and homeless. Others are pregnant, coming out of jail or rehab programs. Still others have older children out of their care, and they are working towards re-unification. Every mom
You can support Foundation House moms too,
is unique, and her situation is unique, so the services
through shopping at the Good Foundations Upscale
she needs to build stability must be tailored to help her
Thrift Shop or the Healing Springs Gifts gift shop, next
achieve her goals, as well.”
door to each other at the corner of Broad Street and
“Our goal for each mom is ‘sustainable stability’”,
Central Ave, downtown Cleveland. Private shopping
says Burns. “She must be able to maintain her stability
appointments are available as well as curbside pickup.
after she graduates our program. Otherwise, she risks
Shop online at healingspringsgifts.com Gifts can also
putting herself and her children back into unstable or dangerous environments.” Goals for graduation include stable employment, stable housing, reliable childcare and transportation plans, in addition to completing individualized classes, job-readiness training, and case management. Because most moms struggle with finding employment that provides a sustainable level of income, Foundation House has a robust job-training
22 // March 2021
be shipped nationwide.
GOOD FOUNDATIONS THRIFT STORE
EXFOLIATING SCRUBS • GOAT MILK SOAPS HAND/BODY LOTION • CANDLES/WAX MELTS WAX WARMERS • MORE!
266 Broad Street NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 423.464.5351 Open: 11am - 3pm Tuesday - Saturday
2 6 4 B R O A D S T R E E T N W, CLEVELAND, TN 37311 OP E N: 11AM - 3P M, TUE SDAY - SATURDAY
F O U N D AT I O N H O U S E M I N I S T R I E S . O R G
COMPREHENSIVE WELLNESS CENTER & FAMILY PRACTICE Specializing In: Family Medicine & Cosmetic Botox Dr. Walter Rucker, MD Lauryn Smith, NP-C Taking New Patients
We Accept Medicare Patients & Most Commercial
2535 Georgetown Road NW, Cleveland TN 37311 4 2 3 . 2 4 4 . 0 3 1 1 | w w w. r u c k e r c w c . c o m HOURS: MONDAY - THURSDAY 8:30AM - 4:30PM, FRIDAYS 8:30AM - 12:30PM
Gò0dNews for Parents
Home Is Where Your Story Begins by Rev. Brenda Dedmon
I
have a print hanging in my home that reads, “Home Is
a few seconds between the end of one person’s
Where Your Story Begins.” Just recently, I have looked at
sentence and the beginning of the other person. This
that print and thought about memories of my home as a
gives time to absorb what is said and have empathy,
child. I have so many fun memories of my childhood. We
and it gives an opportunity to understand their view
did not have a lot of money, but I knew I was loved, and we
and then respond.
had a lot of fun as a family. My reflection as an adult makes me realize my life story did begin at home. I think my parents put into practice the
• Take an interest in your child’s interests. Your child’s favorite toys, hobbies, or interests are things they are strongly attached to. If you show no interest in
Scripture in Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Connection is the relationship you have with your child. When you take the time and make an investment in being intentional in building a relationship, you gain the power of influence over your child that cannot be matched by any other parenting effort. The following are a few suggestions I believe will get you started in the right direction: • Learn and speak your child’s love language. “The 5 Love Languages of Children” by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell describes the ways children need to be loved. One example is if you constantly tell your child all the nicest things
their favorites, they may think you do not like them.
about them in passing, but their love language is
You do not have to love what they love, but you do
Quality Time. If you are not having enough alone time
have to show an interest. Allow them to talk about
with them, those nice things mean less. If you discover
what they love and why they love it. This will help
that inner language, you will have a greater impact.
your child feel a sense of belonging and is the kind of
• Listen more than you speak. God gave us two ears
bond needed for a relationship that leads to a positive
and one mouth, so perhaps we need to listen more than we talk. Everyone wants to be heard, even
parental influence. As you put these ideas into your relationship with your child, you are building trust between you and your child.
emotions, and their opinion. Children feel value
One day, your child will recognize how you did point them
when we listen to them actively. Actively listening is
in the right direction, and they will realize that home is
listening without thinking about what you are going
where their story did begin.
to say. Train yourself and your children to pause
24 // March 2021
About The Author
children. We should value their thoughts, feelings,
Rev. Brenda Dedmon is the retired director of the Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist of Dalton. She is also an avid Bama, Roll Tide Fan!
ADORABLE PLUSH CHILDREN'S FACE COVERINGS NOW AVAILABLE AT 20% OFF
4460 Keith Street, Cleveland, TN A c r o s s F r o m Wa l - M a r t
pureisgood.com
FEATURED COVER STORY
I
PURE Bath Body Mind by David Thompson
’m willing to bet you can’t pronounce half of the
Bath bombs are very popular, as are handmade soaps.
ingredients in your shampoo or body wash. I certainly
PURE carries all different styles for all different skin types,
can’t. For many years, companies have put all sorts of
so you can always find a product to help boost your natural
chemicals and unnatural additives in the products we use
skincare routine. Soaps made with oatmeal are great for
to keep our hair, skin, and bodies clean. But with the rise
skin issues like eczema, acne, and psoriasis, and bath salts
in popularity of all-natural products, it’s time for you to
made from Dead Sea salt are more effective than Epsom
reclaim your healthy skin!
salt at detoxification, cleansing, and exfoliation because of
Jason Nall, the founder and owner of PURE Bath Body
their extremely high level of minerals. “We do use natural
Mind, created the company a year and a half ago because
products,” said Jason. “People find that all-natural products
he recognized the growing market for all-natural products
are just better for their skin and better for their body. They’re
and saw a lack of such products in Cleveland. “It’s kind of a
just great to use and to be able to have all-natural products
hot trend, handmade soaps and all-natural and handmade
that are going to be great for their skin.”
products. There’s nothing like it in the area,” Jason said. PURE’s goal is to provide artisan-made products crafted from the best ingredients on earth to the public at affordable prices. Located at 4460 Keith Street NW in Cleveland, PURE provides goods crafted by people from all over the country, and some of their products are even made in-house! On their website, pureisgood.com, you can find hundreds of natural, healthy products in addition to the many options they carry in the store.
26 // March 2021
PURE’s most popular product right now is their line of shower steamers. Made with PURE essential oils, the shower steamer turns your ordinary shower into a purifying and relaxing spa experience. Take a steamer, get it wet, and set it just outside of the direct stream of water, and you have an instantly soothing spa! If you’re more of a bath kind of person, the bath bombs are excellent as well and contain plenty of natural ingredients to enrich your personal “you” time in the tub. PURE continues to bring in different product lines, including seasonal products, based on public interest and the needs of the community. “When we find something that would be of interest to our customers, we bring that in,” said Jason. They constantly look for the most popular products in order to bring your favorite products right here to Cleveland. Prices always stay low, and right now, they are offering a 20% discount on all their stock for all customers! Also, keep an eye out for seasonal specials and additional price reductions in the future. PURE attracts customers of all ages and walks of life. Their products are made by people obsessed with quality, as
each can provide. Everyone deserves to have healthier,
opposed to being made by machines, and their employees
happier skin, and PURE products will give your body the
are very knowledgeable about the products and the benefits
gentle nourishment it needs without including any harsh chemicals. Best of all, PURE products are light on your wallet, so you can buy more with less! Come by PURE Bath Body Mind, and see how a PURE lifestyle can benefit you.
goodnewscm.com // 27
Gò0dNews for Teens
Peace In The Midst of Troubles
T
by Caleb Prytherch
here’s a lot of things that can cause us to feel helpless, hopeless, and lost. Many things go on in our world and in our lives that are not always great. If we focus
on what is going on in the world around us, often times we can become so consumed by all the negative things happening, that it’s all we tend to see and think about. It’s like a control over our hearts and minds, that we cannot seem to get away from. While the world is filled with problems and we may have situations that are difficult in our personal lives, that does not mean that there is no hope. In fact, you can find peace and hope in the middle of what seems to be some of the most difficult circumstances you’ve ever faced. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.” We all love gifts. Gifts are fun and I truly haven’t met a person who doesn’t like to receive a gift. Gifts are not something that we ourselves have to pay for, but the fact is that someone did have to pay for that gift that we received. It is the same with the gifts that God gives. We don’t have to pay for them, we don’t have to wait to earn them, because He gives them freely. However, Jesus did pay the ultimate price and gave His life for you and me, just so we could have life and life more abundantly. When we accept the gift the gift of salvation that God gives, then we can experience true peace that only comes from Jesus Christ alone. The answer to the problems in our world is Jesus. The answer to the restlessness and hopelessness that you may be feeling is Jesus. The love that you are looking for in all the wrong places is found in Jesus. He is the hope of the world. He is the only one to where we can find our peace at. He’s the only one who can help you overcome whatever circumstances you may be dealing with.
over every situation in your life, He will give you a peace that no parent, friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, or any other person can give or take away. We need to remember that while we are in this world, we don’t have to live in fear thinking that the world is our only hope, because ultimately our hope is not in the kingdoms of this world, rather our hope is found in the Kingdom of God. So, if you have Christ living inside of you, then you need to realize that Christ has given you a gift that is full of hope, life, joy, peace, and love. No other person can give such a gift and no other person can take it away. Therefore, stand firm on His promise and walk in perfect peace, even if everything around you seems like it is falling apart.
no way out, with no hope, no peace, no joy. But there is hope and if you turn to God and allow Him to have control
28 // March 2021
About The Author
The enemy wants you to feel like you are trapped with
Caleb Prytherch is the student pastor at Heritage Fellowship Church of God in McDonald, Tennessee. He is a graduate of Lee University, holding a Bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry and a Master’s degree in practical theological studies. He is married to his beautiful wife, Bekah, and together they have a passion to see peoples lives be changed and transformed through the power of Jesus Christ.
MAKE YOUR VEHICLE THE ENVY OF THE ROAD with pollen season, you want to make sure that your vehicle stays nice & Clean At all Times.
4 C O V E N I E N T L O C AT I O N S 2 5 7 5 G U T H R I E S T N W, CLEVELAND, TN 37311 2 5 5 1 D A LT O N P I K E S E , CLEVELAND, TN 37311 4 0 7 S I G N A L M O U N TA I N R D , C H AT TA N O O G A , T N 3 7 4 0 5 ING OPEN SOON
7 3 0 2 L E E H I G H W AY C H AT TA N O O G A , T N 3 7 4 2 1
S U R F S U P C A R WA S H . C O M Unlimited Fusion
$15.00
SAVE $5.00
ENTER COUPON CODE:
9320
Rain-X & Tire Shine
$9.00
SAVE $3.00
ENTER COUPON CODE:
9312
GUNS - AMMO TACTICAL - SECURITY
Total Home Defense Solutions 423.414.6645 8907 Hiwassee Street Charleston, TN 37310 Joe DeBusk, Owner
Open: Monday-Saturday: 9am-6pm totalhomedefensesolutions@gmail.com
SELLING OR BUYING… Let 23 Years Of Experience Work For You Be Home With Bender Realty
ROBERT BRADNEY Broker, GRI, ePro, SRES, SFR, RCS-D, EcoBroker
423.619.0621
rbradney@bender-realty.com
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Washed It Away?
A
by Charles Finney
friend of mine tells a story of when he and his wife
Ezekiel 36:25-28: “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon
first got married. They were so aware of each other
you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from
and so considerate. One night, after they had gone
all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I
to sleep, the wife had to visit the ladies’ room. Being so quiet
give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will
as to not to wake her new husband, she did not even turn
take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give
on any lights. Upon attempting to return to the bed, she
you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you,
had forgotten that the foot of the bed had a deacon’s bench
and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my
attached to the foot. To her surprise, she walked straight into
judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that
it, stubbing her toe.
I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will
The pain was so much that she woke her husband but
be your God.”
refused to go to a doctor, as she said it would be alright. The next morning, her foot was somewhat swollen: so much so that she had trouble getting into her new black shoes for work. But she insisted her foot would be okay and went to work. Upon returning home, she pulled off her shoes with some pain and noticed her whole foot was not blue but black. Her husband insisted now she go to a doctor. Again, she said no, just a hot bath to help her relax would help reduce the swelling. After being in the tub for maybe five minutes, she let out a scream. Her husband ran as fast as he could to help her. When he asked her what was wrong, she pointed at her foot. This led to laughter, as she had washed her foot with a washcloth,
Jeremiah 33:8: “I will cleanse them from all their iniquity
and amazingly, the entire blackness was gone from her
by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all
foot. Then she remembered her new black shoes. Her foot,
their iniquities by which they have sinned against Me and
although somewhat swollen, had not turned black. Her
by which they have transgressed against Me.”
foot looked almost perfect. The dye of the new shoes had
1 John 1:7, 9: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the
only bled through. She quipped, “From now on, if we see a
light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of
bruise, we will get a wet washcloth to see if it will wash off.”
Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin…If we confess
Genesis 18:4: “Please let a little water be brought and
our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to
wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.” Genesis 19:2: “And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn
cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Water may have washed away a dyed-on bruise. But
in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night,
only the blood of Jesus can cleanse the soul of all its sins and
and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on
iniquities. What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the
your ways.”
blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing
30 // March 2021
but the blood of Jesus.
Life from a new perspective
Candies Your Companion In Care PUBLISH YOU WROTE IT. Your Companion In Care Your Companion In Care Creek WE'LL DO THE REST. YOUR Academy CUSTOM DESIGN FROM COVER TO COVER BOOK COMPLETE EDITING SERVICES
Get out of the same old routine and discover a new adventure. We offer services to keep you healthy and active. • In- & Out-patient Rehabilitation • Specialized Therapy Programs • State-of-the-Art Equipment • Skilled & Intermediate Care
FICTION NONFICTION DEVOTIONALS CHILDREN’S BOOKS SHORT STORY COLLECTIONS POETRY
SENIOR CARE SERVICES A Christ-Centered SENIOR CARE SERVICES
SENIOR CARE SERVICES Classical Education PHYSICAL & EBOOK DISTRIBUTION
CARE SERVICES • SENIOR Personal Care Support • Personal Care Support • Personal Care Support • Fair Rates and No Contracts • Fair Rates and No Contracts • Fair Rates and No Contracts • Customized Hours and Care • Customized Hours and Care
AMAZON.COM, BOOKSAMILLION.COM & MORE • Customized Hours and Care • Customized Locally Owned & Operated Hours and Care Locally Owned & Operated
Enrolling K4-12th LocallyRIGHTS Owned & Operated 423-476-3312 YOU RETAIN ALL 423-476-3312 60 25th NW Suite 3 Helping 2016-2017 2017-2018 Helping Hands ofSt. Cleveland Hands of Athens 423-476-3312 60 25th St. NW Suite 3 Cleveland, 60 25th Street NW, Ste.60 3TN 2314 Congress South 25th St.TN NW SuiteParkway 3 YOUwww.clevelandhelpinghands.com RECEIVE ALL ROYALTIES Cleveland, Cleveland, TN 37311 Athens, TN 37303
Cleveland, TN www.clevelandhelpinghands.com www.clevelandhelpinghands.com SUBMIT YOUR MANUSCRIPT FOR CONSIDERATION TODAY. 423-476-3312 423-405-5913 www.clevelandhelpinghands.com
294 Old Eureka Rd., Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 790-5660 1. Heaven and earth.” 423-745-8181 | LCCA.com “Our help comes from The LORD, which made Psalm 121:2 candiescreekacademy.com “Our help comes from The LORD, which made Heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 1234 Frye St. | Athens, TN 37303 Joint Commission accredited
ARGYLEFOXPUBLISHING.COM
“Our help comes from The LORD, which made Heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2
51295
CLEVELAND, TN | 423.464.6529
1100182_718.07.15 Helping Hands 1.2.indd 1
x
8/17/15 10:21 AM
1100182_718.07.15 Helping Hands 1.2.indd 1
8/17/15 10:21 AM
U N B E L I E VA B LY
1100182_718.07.15 1100182_718.07.15 Helping Helping Hands Hands 1.2.indd 1.2.indd 1 1
8/17/15 8/17/15 10:21 10:21 AM AM
GOOD THREE CONVENIENT
NOW HIRING FOR MANY IMMEDIATE OPENINGS
LOCATIONS
NOW OPEN IN FORT OGLETHORPE, GA! B A Fort N KIN G THREE CONVENIENT Oglethorpe, GA (706) 406-2196 THREE Ooltewah, TN (423)CONVENIENT 238-4090 LOCATIONS
LOCATIONS
Personal BankingCleveland, • Business Banking TN (423) 476-2160 FREE CHIPS Mortgage NOW OPENServices IN FORT OGLETHORPE, GA! & REGULAR FOUNTAIN DRINK NOW IN FORT OGLETHORPE, NOW OPEN OPENGA IN (706) FORT OGLETHORPE, GA! 406-2196 GA! Trust Services Fort • Oglethorpe, Investment Services* WITH THE PURCHASE OF AN 8" SUB, 12" SUB OR FULL SALAD
Fort GA Fort Oglethorpe, Oglethorpe, GA (706) (706) 406-2196 406-2196 Ooltewah, TN (423) 238-4090 Ooltewah, TN (423) 238-4090 Ooltewah, (423) 238-4090 Cleveland, TN (423)TN476-2160 Cleveland, Cleveland, TN TN (423) (423) 476-2160 476-2160
$2 OFF A $10 PURCHASE
At Shelter Insurance® we pride ourselves on helping folks like you get the rightVISIT auto insurance coverage at the best rate US AT possible.
FREE CHIPS $2 OFF & REGULAR FOUNTAIN CHIPS DRINK FREE $2 OFF A $10St. PURCHASE 2596 Keith NW & REGULAR FOUNTAIN DRINK
EXCLUDES CIABATTA TOASTIES
Not valid on delivery orders. Valid only at listed Quiznos®. Coupon must be surrendered at the time of purchase. One coupon per person per order. Value of promotional items may vary. May not be valid for custom orders or combined with any other offers. Taxes excluded. No cash value (unless prohibited by law, then cash value is $.005). No Substitutions. Void if copied or transfered and where prohibited. CLU: 6002-B Expires: 06/31/2017
Valid only at listed Quiznos®. Coupon must be surrendered at the time of purchase. One coupon per person per order. Value of promotional items may vary. May not be valid for custom orders or combined with any other offers. Taxes excluded. No cash value (unless prohibited by law, then cash value is $.005). No Substitutions. Void if copied or transfered and where prohibited.
CLU: 6004-A Expires: 06/31/2017
WITH THE PURCHASE OF AN 8" SUB, 12"&SUB OR FULL SALAD REGULAR FOUNTAIN DRINK WITH THE PURCHASE OF AN 8" SUB, WITH THE PURCHASE OF AN 8" SUB, 12" SUB OR FULL SALAD 12" SUB OR FULL SALAD
SouthernHeritageBank.com kidzdentists.com Chad Eslinger, DDS Jason Blair, DDS J.Newman, DDS
423.400.1042
Call me today to see how you can take advantage of this A PURCHASE A $10 $10 PURCHASE 2151 Keith St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 winning combination from Shelter!
Cleveland, TN 37312
423.310.3326
423.473.7976
EXCLUDES CIABATTA TOASTIES
38664170
*Investment advisory services and securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Products offered through LPL are: • NOT FDIC INSURED • NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY • NOT A BANK DEPOSIT. First Citizens National Bank and First Citizens Investment Services are not registered broker/dealers and are not affiliated with LPL Financial.
OR CALL US AT Dennis Anderson
Not valid on delivery orders. Valid only at listed Quiznos®. Coupon must be Valid only at listed Quiznos®. Coupon must be surrendered at the time of surrendered at the time of purchase. One coupon per person per order. Value purchase. One coupon per person per order. Value of promotional items may EXCLUDES CIABATTA TOASTIES EXCLUDES CIABATTA TOASTIES of promotional items may vary. May not be valid foronly custom orders or combined May valid only for custom orders or combined anybeother offers. at the time of Not valid on delivery orders. Valid at listed Quiznos®. Couponvary. must benot be Valid at listed Quiznos®. Couponwith must surrendered Not valid on delivery orders. Valid only at listed Quiznos®. Coupon mustexcluded. be Valid onlyvalue at listed Quiznos®. Coupon surrendered with any other offers. Taxes excluded. No cash value (unless prohibited by law, Taxes No cash (unless prohibited byper law,must thenbe cash value is at the time surrendered at the time of purchase. One coupon per person per order. Value purchase. One coupon per person order. Value of promotional itemsofmay surrendered at the time of purchase. One coupon per person per order. Value purchase. One coupon per personorders per Value of with promotional may then cash value isof$.005). No Substitutions. Void May if copied or valid transfered and orders$.005). No Substitutions. ifbe copied or transfered andorder. where prohibited. promotional items may vary. not be for custom or combined vary. MayVoid not valid for custom or combined any otheritems offers. ofCLU: promotional items may May not validvalue for custom or combined vary. May not be No valid for value custom orders or combined withthen anycash othervalue offers. Expires: 06/31/2017 where prohibited.with any6002-B other offers. Taxesvary. excluded. Nobecash (unless orders prohibited by law, CLU: 6004-A Expires: 06/31/2017 Taxes excluded. cash (unless prohibited by law, is with any Taxes No cash (unless by law, Taxes excluded. No cash Void valueif(unless by law, value is then cashother valueoffers. is $.005). Noexcluded. Substitutions. Voidvalue if copied or prohibited transfered and $.005). No Substitutions. copiedprohibited or transfered and then wherecash prohibited. then cash value is $.005). No Substitutions. Void if copied or transfered and $.005). No Substitutions. Void if copied or transfered and where prohibited. where prohibited. CLU: 6002-B Expires: 06/31/2017 CLU: 6004-A Expires: 06/31/2017 where prohibited. CLU: 6002-B Expires: 06/31/2017 CLU: 6004-A Expires: 06/31/2017
(423) 790-7547 St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 423.476.32052151 Keith
kidzdentists.com Southern Heritage of Chad Eslinger, DDS Jason Blair, DDS J.Newman,Bank DDS is a division 38664170 CITIZENS NATIONAL kidzdentists.com ChadFIRST Eslinger, DDS Jason Blair, DDS J.Newman, DDS BANK kidzdentists.com
1009 Keith St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311
Chad Eslinger, DDS Jason Blair, DDS J.Newman, DDS
38664170 38664170
Agent Photo
4160 Agent Ocoee Name St N Agent Address 423-476-1300 Agent Phone No.
2151 NW, 2151 Keith Keith StAPPLY NW, Cleveland, Cleveland, TN 37311 37311 ORSt ONLINE ATTN
423.473.7976
https://belflex.com/jobs/candidate-registration ShelterInsurance.com 423.473.7976
We’re your Shield. We’re your Shelter.
1-800-SHELTER
Gò0dNews for Marriage
Knock, Knock
K
by Laura Perdue
nock, Knock. Hello, are you in there? How many times in
prayer. The order we should pray in and the three aspects of prayer:
life have you found yourself standing at a door knocking but
content, persistence, and God’s faithfulness.
no one seems to answer? You ring the doorbell, but still no
When we pray how many of us can admit that our prayers are
answer? You bang on the window, but still no response. So, what
more like a shopping list versus a conversation with him? It sounds
do you do? You just give up and move on to the next business of
more like God I need this, this, and well throw this into the mix while
the day. Parents, how about a time when your child really wanted
you are at it, but we never stop to thank Him and praise Him for all
something? They didn't just ask one time and walk away when you
that He has already done for us. If we flipped the script of our prayers
said no. They probably kept saying “Momma, Momma, Momma,”
and thanked Him first, then made our requests known to Him, what
and when that didn’t work, they pitched an all-out temper tantrum
frame of mind would this put us in? For me, I believe it would open a
until they got your attention or they got what they wanted. Am I
more intimate conversation with Him. Sometimes I personally feel like
right? Maybe it is a different scenario, or maybe you really needed
the selfish child who just goes to God and says “Okay, give me this,
your spouse to help you with something or needed their listening
but I fail to show Him how grateful for all that He, daddy God, has
ear, however after asking and feeling no response you get frustrated
already given me.
that you just quietly walk away.
How about our persistence? Remember the scenario’s I mentioned in the beginning of the article? What have you been asking and believing God for that just because He has not answered, you just stopped asking, just gave up, and stopped being persistent in your prayers? When we pray, we expect God to answer right away, but what we must learn about prayer is that God’s provision is daily, not all at once. We cannot store it up and then cut off communication with God just because he does not answer right away. It’s time to be persistent and get your child-like faith fight back by asking God for what you need! We need to stop being so fast-food minded when it comes to God’s promises and His Word. Many times we want it fast and our
One morning recently, I felt a tugging of the Holy Spirit and
way, but when we are in such a hurry, we lose the quality of what we
it was so strong to the point I could not get comfortable enough to
would have received if we would have just waited a little longer. Sit at
go back to sleep. So, I grabbed my devotional, a fresh cup of my
the Lord’s table, let God know what you need, wait on Him to bring it
favorite caramel coffee, my Bible, and turned on my prayer time
to you, and when He finally delivers, sit in a posture of thankfulness
playlist. I must admit that I have not been as faithful in my prayer life/
for His faithfulness to you, and enjoy! Have peace with what Jesus
devotional time these past few months as I should be. I have found
promises in His Word in Luke 11:9-10 “So I say to you: ASK and it
myself stressed out, fatigued, and running on empty, like an emotional
will be given to you, SEEK and you will find, KNOCK, and the door
train wreck going nowhere. Guess that is what happens when we
will opened to you. For EVERYONE who asks receives, he who seeks
don't make time for the one who is the SOURCE of all we need.
finds, and those who knock the door will be opened.”
Now, back to knocking on a door and no one answering. How
Today, if you are fatigued and feel like you cannot go any further
can we relate that concept to our marriages? This morning the topic of
in life, ask yourself—how long have I been away from the Source?
my devotional was on “morning.” It was talking about the principle
How long have I neglected putting my marriage and my commitment
that we start our morning by. Some start it by reading social media,
to God first? When you pray for your marriage, do you complain more
checking emails, checking bank balances, etc. Then there are those
than you ask God to restore? When we pray and apply the order that
that start it off by indulging in God's Word, worship, and prayer time.
God has set forth for us in how to pray, what a difference I believe we
I am guilty of being one of the first groups of people. The devotional
would see. Challenge yourself this year to knock on Heaven's door
was considerably basic talking about how important it is to start your
until your marriage is restored!
receiving the manna He is ready to supply. It did not stop there. What really got me into my spirit this morning was the scripture reference, Luke 11:1-13. In these passages God is teaching His disciples about
32 // March 2021
About The Author
morning off by turning God's Word up like a breakfast bowl and My name is Laura Perdue and I am married to my best friend, Brian Perdue. God has truly blessed us both and I could not imagine life without my prince, My promise. Brian and I reside in Marietta, Georgia, and serve on the ministry team of Fivestones Church in Canton, Ga.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Failure
D
by Paula Burgner
on’t fear failure; be afraid of not having
Just as the Bible tells us, if we ask, we shall receive. We
the chance. You can either take the chance
have to believe and claim it.
or accept life the way it is. Life is too short
Something I have learned through the years is,
to take no for an answer. You can’t be afraid to fall
don’t be afraid to tell someone you love them, don’t
because the only way back is up. We have to give it our
be afraid to say no to something that you don’t think
best and leave the rest up to God. Your actions always
is right, and don’t wait until you think the perfect
follow your beliefs. If you accept defeat, then that’s what you will get. Sometimes we think of our failure as small tokens that we will be remembered by, but just like trophies that collect dust and are often forgotten, so are failures when we put our faith in God and ask for forgiveness. As long as we honor God, nothing is impossible. Too often, we are afraid to try something new or to take that first step to
moment comes along. It becomes the perfect moment
make a change that we want for the better. Whether
when you take that change, give life your best, and
it’s starting a new job, starting a weight loss journey,
give God all the glory. So just remember, don’t be
or starting to enjoy our life more, we all have those
afraid to fail, but be afraid of not having the chance to
second thoughts of what if I can’t or what if I fail, but
learn from it and to do better.
we just have to take the chance and give it all we have. Keep the faith, keep pushing forward, and know that God will always be there to guide us wherever we go.
34 // March 2021
About The Author
God tells us in His Word many times to not be afraid. Paula Burgner is a very strong willed, outgoing, girl who loves working out, and she believes in her heart that you are capable of doing anything that you put your mind to.
MAKE THIS YEAR THE YEAR YOU MEET YOUR WEIGHT LOSS GOAL!
N JONES
DR. SHAW
LOST 37 POUNDS & 20 INCHES IN 6 WEEKS!
2021 CALL 423-790-5000 TO SCHEDULE YOUR NO CHARGE, NO OBLIGATION, CHIROTHIN CONSULTATION! Chattanooga & Cleveland’s Only
Cleveland's Biggest & Best Health & Fitness Club
30,000 Square Feet Of Fitness Fun! Open 7 Days A Week! •State Of The Art Exercise Equipment •Men's & Ladies Locker Rooms •Exciting Group Exercise Classes •Spa Facilities: Steam Room, Dry Sauna, Hot Tub •Huge Free Weight Facility •Sports & Athletic Training Facility •Longevity Therapies: Salt Room, Infrared Sauna, Cryo Therapy, Compression Therapy •Boxing Facility
888-OHH-YEAH | OHHYEAHLIFE.COM (644-9324)
Gò0dNews Business Spotlight
The Most Wonderful Time of The Year
P
atricia Sluder, along with her husband and son, owns
in the body is an ever-present concern. We constantly strived to
and operates HoneyBaked Ham in Cleveland. She is also
achieve balance removing the fluid with no further damage to her
president of the Board of Trustees and acting head of school
kidneys. I cannot say enough about the loving care administered to
for Tennessee Christian Preparatory School in Cleveland. Yeah, I know that is typically what you
her by all her caregivers in the various doctor’s offices and medical clinics we visited last year. On December 13, we celebrated her 85th birthday, and it
hear around Christmas.
was wonderful. She felt great that day, and she was surrounded
And Christmas is a
by the family she loved. On December 17, she was hospitalized
wonderful time of
because the fluid was suddenly accumulating, and she could
the year, with a lot to
no longer walk. She was diagnosed with Covid-19, overcame it,
celebrate and magical
but developed a staph infection, MRSA, on December 28, and it
opportunities to spend
colonized around the new clip in her heart. It was probably the
time with family and
toughest three weeks of my life because I could not talk to her
friends. But Easter, for
often and could not see her at all, and the doctors and nurses were
the Christian, is also the
so overwhelmed, they didn’t have the luxury of giving me minute-
most wonderful time of
by-minute updates. It was a tough time, and on January 6, the call
the year. We celebrate
came that I could see her. I knew then that we were getting close to
that He is risen!
the end of this journey.
For all of us at HoneyBaked Ham, Easter is the third-largest
Knowing that many times last year, she had talked about how
holiday of the year, behind Christmas first and Thanksgiving
much she longed for heaven and to see all those who had gone
second. Considering that ham is an Easter tradition for many
before her, I rushed into her room and told her it was okay to let
families, it is just one of many blessings for us. The sales from this
go, that we would all be fine, it wasn’t goodbye, but a “see you
holiday, combined with Mother’s Day, carry us to Thanksgiving.
later,” and for her to run toward the Light. She knew Christ as her
Easter is typically one-half of Thanksgiving sales and one-fourth of
Savior from a very young age and placed her hope in Him. Even
Christmas sales.
though I didn’t want to give her up, how could I deny her the
Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 4 this year, so the
victory? God was so compassionate because with her last breath,
weather should be beautiful as we welcome the newness of spring.
she slipped away so peacefully with no struggle, and my family
On a personal level, it will be my mom’s first Easter in heaven.
and I give thanks to God for His mercy. An overwhelming peace
Growing up as the oldest of four children, my whole family
filled the room, and I knew she went straight into the arms of God.
welcomed Easter Sunday with new clothes and shoes. Old family
We were blessed with the opportunity to honor her life with a
photos always show us gathered with our Easter baskets in the
beautiful service back in the foothills of the upstate mountains of
warm sun, beautiful reminders of how simple life was then and
South Carolina, where she grew up and where most of my family
how close we were, and still are, as a family.
lives. As I spoke to the friends and family who had gathered to
All throughout 2020, Mom’s health had declined. She had
honor her on that beautiful Sunday afternoon, yes, we will miss
several health issues that she had managed with medication, but
her, but as we survey the night sky, we will find comfort when we
last year required many visits, 36 total, to her various specialists
see the star that is shining a little brighter. I included a Scripture
and doctors. Congestive heart failure was starting to take its
in her obituary that brought comfort to me from Psalm 116:15:
toll, and her steps became slower as she began to struggle for
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”
deep breaths. To help her live a better quality of life, surgeons at
This Easter will be different, and as those who have experienced
Chattanooga Heart Institute placed a MitraClip inside her heart to
loss know too well, there will always be a void, but my heart is
correct the leaking mitral valve that had gradually worsened with
comforted because I know that she is good. She ran her race well,
time. The surgery was very successful, and I’m so thankful for the
she left a compelling legacy with her love for Christ and her love for
wonderful physicians and medical staff at Memorial Hospital.
others, and I have no doubt that she made it. She made it.
She didn’t quite bounce back from the surgery because, as is common with congestive heart failure, the accumulation of fluid
™
36 // March 2021
PERFECT FOR ANY OCCASION
™
PERFECT FOR ANY OCCASION Lunches • Dinners • Catering • Gifts • Celebrations
Cleveland 4454 Frontage Road NW Cleveland Towne Center 423-476-0056
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Strong In The Lord, How?
T
by Carl Corser
here’s a familiar passage of Scripture that has been
G. Guiltless through God’s miracle-working power of
read or quoted many, many times. When I hear it,
setting you free from sin and its effects. Becoming strong
it’s like, “I’m in the middle of this huge struggle
in the Lord cannot be achieved on our own. We definitely
right now. How is it possible to be strong in the Lord? I’m
need the power of the Lord’s might to become strong and
worn out. It seems like all I’ve been doing is just surviving.
victorious in our Christian living.
One of the last things I want to hear is more Bible.” Well, a short time ago in church, God dropped the
Seek the Lord, and He will show you the power of His might, making you strong in every circumstance
following acrostic of the word STRONG into my heart. People
you’re encountering. There won’t be any more wondering
often quote Ephesians 6:10: “Finally my brethren, be strong in
how to be strong in the Lord. Remember that you can
the Lord and in the power of his might.” I’ve always wondered how to accomplish being strong in the Lord. When has anyone taught a lesson on becoming strong in the Lord? It seems that they always say, “Be strong in the Lord.” Well, how do I live my life being STRONG in the Lord? The first part of this verse is generally quoted by itself. The second part of the verse, and probably the most significant part, is usually left off. How can I become strong in the Lord by myself? Where does the power of His might fit in? Can we doctrinally separate the two parts in reality? Think about these thoughts. STRONG S. Salvation of God presently and continuously employed in my life, removing all my sins. T. Trust in God with all my heart. Trust in His wisdom for leadership. R. Righteousness of God active in my life, protecting me from my sinful nature and the behavior that comes with it. O. Obedient to the voice of God. Listen to that still,
do all things through Christ who gives you the strength. Remember also that guiltlessness gives you confidence in your struggles in life. Blessings as you live past Sunday every week, becoming stronger and stronger in the Lord through the power and ability of His might. Love is why you can be successful.
small voice, full of instruction in all of your circumstances. and precepts. Its doctrinal, reproving, corrective, and instructional leadership will never lead you astray.
38 // March 2021
About The Author
N. Nourished from continual study of Scripture Carl Corser is an ordained bishop, author of Living Past Sunday Devotions, serves as Peach State Tractor Club chaplain, and owner of Corser Enterprises.
TRI STATE IMPORTS Your local agent is your neighbor – someone you can trust and someone
Make A Splash This Summer!
who’s here for you when it 423.790.1561 matters most!
2173 N. Ocoee Street Cleveland, TN 37312
10% OFF YOUR NEXT IN-STORE PURCHASE OFFER EXPIRES: 07-01-17
Your #1 fan
Domestic & Import Auto Repair Quality Import & Domestic Auto Parts 1 Corinthians 10:31
• 24 Month Warranty On NAPA Auto Parts • Full Service Preventative Maintenance Cleveland, TN • 423.472.5051 • ASE-Certified Technicians insuranceincorporated.com • All Major Repairs & Services
5425 N. Lee Hwy • Cleveland, TN
423.476.1149 BRAKE SERVICE SPECIAL LIFETIME WARRANTY ON BRAKE PADS
STARTING AT
$89.95*
*Standard Front Brake Service.
FREE
SPRING INSPECTION
OIL CHANGE
$24.99
Includes up to 5qts of Standard Oil & Filter. Must Present Coupon. Not Valid With Other Offer. Offer Expires: 07-01-17
TRANSMISSION FLUSH
$99.00
Free 27 Point Vehicle Inspection Must Present Coupon. Not Valid With Other Offer. Must Present Coupon. Not Valid With Other Offer. Offer Expires: 07-01-17 Offer Expires: 07-01-17
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Promises...Promises
H
by Donnie Jenkins
ave you ever had someone make you a
the whole instruction my servant Moses commanded
promise that wasn’t kept? Respectfully, maybe
you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that
the person forgot about it unintentionally or
you will have success wherever you go.
perhaps wasn’t as sincere as they should have been when they made the commitment. Unfortunately, when a promise is made then broken it can be frustrating and disappointing.
“Strong and courageous” (hold to what you know is true and use any fear you may have to motivate you to go forward and not backwards). THE PROMISE OF PURSUIT - [V8] This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. “Meditate” those who are familiar with farm life will know what I mean when I say this has been described as a “cow chewing its cud.” For those reading this that may not be familiar with this process, its when a cow eats they chew on it for a while before they swallow it. I realize that sounds a bit gross—but if you can capture the essence of the process then you will begin to appreciate it. The cows
I want to share a passage found in Joshua 1:7-9. It speaks of a man who has been asked to ‘step up’ and assume responsibility for a group of people he
do this because they enjoy what they are eating and want to savor the taste. THE PROMISE OF (LORD’S) PRESENCE - [V9]
had come to know but had not been officially leading
Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous?
because he was the sidekick at the time. Now, his
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God
mentor has passed and he is the newly elected leader.
is with you wherever you go.
In the context of this story, Joshua is given 3
Perhaps you’re thinking, what’s the catch? Are you
promises (Placement, Pursuit and Presence) of success.
ready for it? It’s obedience. Obedience unlocks the
‘Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner.’ However, in order
reservoir of God’s resources. Wait for it, not only His
for his success to develop, he must faithfully be
resources but His presence, as well.
THE PROMISE OF PLACEMENT - [V7] Above all, be strong and very courageous to observe carefully
40 // March 2021
About The Author
obedient to the instructions given with each promise.
Donnie Jenkins has been married to his wife Wendy, for 30 years (Jun ’21). They have one son, Jonah who will be getting married later this year. Donnie has been serving in ministry for 29 years (Apr ’21). He has served as a senior pastor, youth pastor and associate pastor throughout his ministry. He currently serves as a Workplace chaplain in the Cleveland/Chattanooga area with Corporate Chaplains of America which is located in Wake Forest, NC. His life verse is Romans 8:28.
WE'RE YOUR HOMETOWN STORE! Upgrade ACCESSORY your old heat pump to a new energy efficient system. • 10 year warranty on parts and labor • Free one year Preventative Maintenance Plan (2 trips) • Payments from $61.00 - $88.00 per month based on approval.
• Car & Truck Center • Gooseneck & Fifth-Wheel Hitches • Marine • Truck Beds
OF CLEVELAND $50 OFF LINE-X 423.479.5183 1107 South Lee Highway LINE-X PREMIUM Cleveland, TN 37311 BEDLINER herbshvac.com 423.559.2668
15% OFF ALL TRUCK GEAR BY LINE-X
Study At Your Own Pace
Advertise With
Gò0dNews Christian Magazine
4 Mmonth E T Hwe O distribute D S F O7,500 R 1 magazines G R E ATtoPover RIC E Each 400 Each month we distribute 7,500 magazines to over 400 locations locations in Cleveland and Athens such as churches, 1. 1,000 print magazines going out into the community every month. in Cleveland such as churches, businesses, doctor etc! 2. 2,000 print magazines being directly mailed offices, to people's homes the community. businesses, doctors etc! inoffices, 3. OurAdvertise digital online Your magazine which is published worldwide our app. Business With Rates Asand Low As Advertise Your With Aswith Low 4. Social media which we canBusiness run your ads on and doRates interviews you. As
$$150 150 A ONTH! AM MONTH!
Advertise Your Business With Rates As Low As Contact: Matthew Ruckman (423) 503-1410 Contact: Kinches Contact Bud Bud Kinches 423-650-2801 423.650.2801
$150 PER MONTH!
LIBERTY BIBLE COLLEGE & SEMINARY CONSERVATIVE SCHOOLS
DEGREES Through Corespondence
ASSOCIATE THROUGH PH.D. CREDIT FOR LIFE EXPERIENCE CONTACT US FOR A FREE CATALOG!
lbcs.co | lcbands@gmail.com
352.621.4991
2520 KEITH STREET CLEVELAND, TN 37312 5480 S. Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446 423.339.6726
Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
Key Lime Pound Cake
N
by Mary Anderson Beard
o matter what time of year it is, being in my kitchen always reminds me of my grandmother. We would stay in there for what seemed like hours. We would
sing songs, talk about school, and sometimes even talk about boys! We talked about heaven and who we hoped to see there: just about anything that you could imagine, we talked about it! (We even cooked and baked a little too!) I pray that one day I will have those special talks with my grandkids too! My 4-year-old grandson already has the same love of the kitchen that we did! My favorite place to be is in the kitchen baking, no matter what time of year. I LOVE making special desserts that coincide with the time of year it is. In February, I like to make pink or red; in March, I like to make green or yellow; in April, I like to make pastels; you get my drift. Since March and April are both great months for something GREEN, I wanted to share this delicious and easy recipe with you. It’s perfect for a little green to keep from being pinched on the 17th or delicious as a dessert with your Easter dinner.
Ingredients/Instructions • 1 box white cake mix • 1 cup whole milk • 1 stick butter, melted • 3 large eggs • 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract • 1 Tbsp. lime juice • 1 small box lime Jell-O mix Mix all ingredients together and bake in greased Bundt pan for 40 minutes or until done. Let cool completely. Frosting/Glaze: • ½ stick butter, softened • 4 oz. cream cheese, softened • 2 cups confectioner’s sugar • 1 tsp. vanilla • 1 Tbsp. lime juice • 1-2 Tbsp. milk or water (or more if you want a thinner frosting/glaze)
About The Author
Mix all ingredients together with mixer until smooth. Spread or drizzle over cake. Store in fridge. **You can garnish with lime zest, lime slices, strawberries, toasted coconut, slivered almonds, etc.
42 // March 2021
Mary Anderson Beard lives in Rome with her husband, Brian. They have three beautiful, grown children and soon will have three amazing grandchildren! She enjoys being active in their church, Wilkerson Road Baptist Church. Aside from baking, she enjoys getting together with friends and family. She also enjoys writing for my very fun food and recipe blog—Yaya’s Kitchen!
PROUDLY SERVING BRADLEY AND POLK COUNTY 423.473.3262 1250 Ladd Springs Rd SE Cleveland, TN 37323
Bible Study Company is an online study Bible and
Gò0dNews for Everyone
You Plus God Is Enough
“I
by Leslie Bennett
f you have faith as small as a mustard
Jesus told His disciples to bring what they
seed, you can say to this mountain,
had to Him. He then looked up to heaven. He
‘Move from here to there,’ and it will
blessed the food and broke it and gave it back to
move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20). Your faith may be the size of a mustard seed,
the disciples. The multitude was fed, and afterward, the disciples took up 12 baskets of fragments. There
or it may be the size of Mars, but when you give
were 5,000 men, plus women and children, but
it to Jesus, it will always be more than enough.
when the disciples gave what they had to Jesus, He made it more than enough to satisfy them all. The same is true for us today. Our insufficiencies become more than enough when we place them in His hands. The power of His touch causes what seems impossible to become reality. Give Him what
In Matthew 14, the multitude followed Jesus
you have, and watch what He can do in your life.
from the city, and when He saw them, He healed
The impossible can become possible. Your simple
the sick. He then told His disciples to feed the
act of faith can open up unbelievable possibilities.
and two fish. 44 // March 2021
About The Author
multitude; however, they only had five loaves Leslie Bennett is a kindergarten assistant at Michigan Avenue School. She is a member of First Baptist Church and sings in the adult choir. She manages a blog at ohyesshedid.org.
Gò0dNews for Service How Can You Practically Serve The Poor?
A
by Suzanne Burns
couple of days ago, a very sweet young woman
it won’t ultimately benefit Himself. Wherever you are
approached me about the ministry I lead
right now, God has placed you there on purpose. Look
(Foundation House Ministries) and asked a
around you. Who could you be serving? Or who are
question I think many wrestle with: “There is so much
you already serving in small ways, and how can you
heartache in the world. So many people that need help.
make a bigger impact?
And many different types of people, all needing different types of help. Where do I start?” 1. First of all, quit worrying about changing
3. And most importantly, just START! Trust God to guide you to the people He wants you to serve and give you insight into HOW to serve. One of my favorite verses
the whole world. Even Jesus didn’t make that His
is Jeremiah 33:3: “Call to Me and I will answer you and
priority—and He COULD have! You, I promise, do not
tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
have the burden of rescuing the entire world. The Lord
Verse 2 says, “This is what the Lord says, He who made
is not foolish. He is not short-sighted. You’ve not
the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is His name.”
been enlisted to fight all the battles: just the one(s) you’ve been assigned! I release you from that lie from the enemy. 2. Think about your personal passions, the desires
So remember that He is the Lord who formed you, who knew you in your mother’s womb. He ordered your footsteps before He laid the first
God has laid on your heart in the past. Who have you
piece of the foundations of the world into place. I think
gravitated toward in the past? Children? Homeless vets?
He might know a thing or two about equipping you to
Families in crisis? College students far from home? Not
do the work He has set before you.
only is God not foolish, but He is also not wasteful. He
Your journey deeper into ministry will teach you a
will not (usually) surround you with opportunities to
tremendous amount about faith and trust, not only in
serve in one way and then call you to a vastly different
God but also in yourself. Trust that He knows what He
area of ministry. He typically first equips you in small
is doing—and trust that He will tell you what He wants
ways for bigger service later.
you to know.
Maybe you love children’s ministry, and later, you
It’s that easy!
are called to serve indigenous children in Alaska. God take us exactly where we will learn to be more useful vessels for His work. Consider this a promise from God: He isn’t interested in wasting your time in places where
46 // March 2021
About The Author
is always intentional. He orders our paths, so He will
Suzanne Burns is founder and director of Foundation House Ministries, a maternity home in Cleveland, Tennessee. She has a monthly podcast, “Trauma-Informed Church with Suzanne Burns.” Suzanne also offers coaching and training to equip churches and ministries to understand poverty, trauma, and addiction so that you can “Do Good—Well.” Check out her most recent ebook, “The Accidental Social Worker,” as your free gift when you visit her website, traumainformedchurch.com.
Count on us. Caring creates healthier lives and healthier communities. When it comes to healthcare, you can count on us. We’re providing the expertise to care for you right here at home. Whenever you need care. From delivering newborns to performing surgeries, annual screenings to emergency care, we provide compassionate, high-quality healthcare to you and your family.
We are taking extra steps to prepare for your healthcare visit — from enhanced cleaning procedures throughout the day, to face mask requirements for everyone, and adjusting waiting room areas for safe social distancing.
From the routine to the unforeseen, count on us.
StarrRegional.com
Gò0dNews
Christian Magazine
Mission Statement:
W
Writer Guidelines:
e believe when people are equipped,
Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and
motivated, and passionately engaged in
professional writers to stay at home moms and dads,
living out their faith in Jesus Christ they
business professionals, and others who have a desire to
have the potential to be world changers. Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic
relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents. Christ was an activist, he did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world.
goodnewscm.com Phone: 423.478.6484
reach out to people through words of encouragement. What: We believe that it is important to laugh together, praise each other, encourage one another, and to offer biblical advice. Articles can be directed toward everyone, or from woman to woman, or man to man. We love to share recipes and family traditions as well. We ask that articles be kept to a 500 word maximum. We’d love to hear from you! Where: Please send submissions to articles.goodnews@gmail.com Why: Because God has not intended for us to just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.
F R I DAY, A P R I L 9
|
5PM-9P M COST: $15 PER PERSON
TICKETS
Online or in-person ticket sales to begin Wednesday, March 3rd and will continue through April 7th during open office hours (Monday Thursday: 8am - 4pm, Friday: 8am - 12pm) at the church campus.
SPECIAL GUEST RICK BURGESS
Rick Burgess has been the cohost of the “Rick and Bubba Show” since 1994, a nationally syndicated radio show which airs to 1.2 million people weekly. Rick has coauthored multiple New York Times bestselling books that are autobiographical in nature, but his latest release is a 40-day devotional designed to disciple men, a personal passion and calling from the Lord. Rick loves Christ, his family, what he does and leading others to be the leaders they need to be for their families. In 2008, Rick and Sherri suffered a tremendous loss when 2 year old son Bronner suddenly passed away. Today, Rick and Sherri, through their ministry, share their story on what Christ showed them about themselves and what their next steps should be in sharing their faith in Jesus Christ.
WHAT TO EXPECT 5:00PM Talk & Teach Exhibits & Giveaways 6:30PM Alaskan Theme Dinner Begins (Grilled Salmon, Fried Cod, Crab Cake, Wild Stew, Wild Game Meat Balls) 7:45PM Speaker: Rick Burgess WRAPPING UP Grand Prize Giveaways
FI R ST B APTIST C L EVEL AND f i r st b a p t i stc l eve l a n d .co m | 1 275 Stuart Rd NE | 4 23 .70 9. 9100
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Re-Dig The Wells
T
by Johnny K. Hughes
hroughout history, wells were often the source of
opposition. He moved ahead and reopened another
contention and power struggles, and in the Book
well. We must be persistent in the face of our enemy
of Genesis, we see where Israel’s enemies were
and continue moving forward. Following the digging
notorious for filling in wells with dirt. In Genesis 26, we read
of the Rehoboth well, Isaac received the confirmation of
where God tells Isaac not to go to Egypt during a time of
his father’s promises upon his life, and there he built an
famine. He instructed him to stay in the place where He had
altar. Proverbs 22:28 states, “Do not remove the ancient
placed him and to plant his seed for a harvest. God blessed
landmarks which your fathers have set.” It is important
him with a bounty of crops and herds.
to mark the places of our victories and build an altar
The Philistines became very jealous of Isaac, and they filled all the wells with dirt. These were the wells that the
of remembrance, and by doing so, we are able to take authority over the pushback of the enemy.
servants of his father, Abraham, had dug many years earlier. After his bountiful harvest, Abimelech, king of the Philistines, asked Isaac to leave the country, stating, “You are mighty, and have become too rich and powerful for us.” Isaac moved to the Gerar Valley and began to re-dig the wells of Abraham; however, as he opened the first well, local shepherds came and claimed the fresh water as their own. Isaac’s servants then opened another well, and again, there was a fight over the rights of the water. Abandoning that well and moving on, they reopened a third well, and the local people left them alone. Isaac named this well Rehoboth, meaning “Room Enough,” for God made room for them to thrive. As I was reading through these Scriptures, I realized
Stand your ground and know he cannot push you past your last victory over him. Persistence keeps the flow of God’s Spirit alive in our lives. Remember the victories of
the same thing happens in our spiritual lives. Following a
your past. There is an enemy waiting to fill your wells with
spiritual breakthrough or victory, our spiritual enemies will
debris of human traditions, but we must look back past the
immediately begin to disrupt the flow of fresh, invigorating
reformers, denominationalism, and religious actions. Tap
water with the garbage from the world; likewise, the enemy
into the crystal-clear flow released by the Lord in the first
will also try to fill the spiritual wells of our ancestors that
century, pulling that past into our present. Guard your wells
are rightfully ours. These wells represent the living waters
and rebuild the fallen altars!
It takes persistence to see the promises of God become reality. Isaac didn’t stop digging when he encountered
50 // March 2021
About The Author
of their past ministry, as well as their unfulfilled promises. Johnny K. Hughes is the executive director of Indian Ministries of North America, Inc.
You Meet The Nicest People On A Honda. 2020 Honda Monkey
CALL US FOR THE NICE PEOPLE BEST PRICE 929 N Glenwood Ave. | Dalton, GA 30721 706.226.4090 | kirkscycle.com
WWW.KIRKCYCLE.COM
LLC
ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION, AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. NEVER RIDE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, AND NEVER USE THE STREET AS A RACETRACK. OBEY THE LAW AND READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY.
Voted Best Assisted Living and Best Retirement Community!
W
e are grateful to the friends, family members, and residents who voted Legacy Village as Cleveland’s best retirement community and best assisted living. We won! Thank you for your support.
423-472-4700
legacycleveland.net 2255 Candies Lane NW Cleveland, TN 37312
Life. Love. Legacy.