December 2022

Gò0dNews December 2022

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CATOOSA & WALKER

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About Us WRITERS

Dr. Alan Hix April Engstrom Brent Goodge Danny Hesterly David Huff Dorothy Teague Filip Brunner Greg Grotewold Judy Hood Kristen West Mitchell Qualls Paul McGuire Rick Hughes Samuel Burger Sandra Gilmore Dr. Shawn Jones

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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, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.

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Contents DECEMBER 2022

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 The Incarnation of Jesus Christ

by Samuel Burger

GoodNews for Kids

8 The Shepherds and Angels

by Danny Hesterly

GoodNews Money Matters

10 Would You Like to Have Lifetime Income?

by Rick Hughes GoodNews for Men

12 Jesus and Jesus Alone

by Greg Grotewold

GoodNews for Women

14 Have You Opened Your Present?

by April Engstrom GoodNews for Everyone

18 The Character of Christmas

by Brent Goodge

GoodNews for Life

20 The Two Greatest Gifts

GoodNews for Everyone

26 When Does a Revival Really Start?

by Filip Brunner GoodNews Poetry

28 Emmanuel

by Judy Hood

GoodNews for Everyone

30 Tugging at Christmas

by Sandra Gilmore

GoodNews for Health

32 No Doctor Heals You, Only God Can Heal You!

by Dr. Shawn Jones

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

34 Christmas Ambrosia Salad GoodNews for Everyone

36 Small Gifts, Large Hearts

by Kristen West

GoodNews for Everyone

38 He’s Already There

by Dorothy Teague

by David Huff

GoodNews for Everyone

GoodNews Cover Story

by Dr. Alan Hix

22 Elite Realtors GoodNews for Everyone

24 The Gift of Giving

by Paul McGuire

6

22

40 The Greatest Memory GoodNews for the New Year

42 5 Ways to Start the New Year Off Right

by Mitchell Qualls

36

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

The Incarnation of Jesus Christ

by Samuel Burger

I

n church history, there have been monumental debates concerning the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Notably, the Council of Nicea, (A.D. 325) the Council of

Constantinople, and the Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451) was formed to defend the truths of the faith, including the Incarnation of Christ. These events played a decisive role in maintaining this vital doctrine and made it easier to identify

heresy as creeds were formed toward this purpose.

Men such as Arius, Apollinaris, Nestorius, and Eutyches made serious errors pertaining to this doctrine. One man by the name of Athanasius defended the doctrine successfully against Arius before and during the Council of Nicea.

During those formative years of the church, there was a fight to keep doctrinal orthodoxy. Obviously, this doctrine is indispensable, or they would not defend it so strongly.

The fact of the matter is that Jesus is fully Man and fully God. John vouches for this truth in both of his books. The first chapter of John demonstrates the deity of Christ while

but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin”

the epistle of John stresses the humanity of Christ. John

(Hebrews 4:15).

likely wrote the epistle in response to Docetic Gnosticism

3. It gives us an example of how we should live in

(regarding the human Jesus as a ghost) and Cerinthian

this world. “For to this you were called, because Christ

Gnosticism (This “Christ Spirit” indwelt the man Jesus at his

also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should

baptism and left him before his crucifixion) that threatened

follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

the originality of the faith. In fact, Ignatius, an early church

4. It provided atonement for our sins. “And she will

father, fought against Docetism which was invading the

bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He

church well before the convening of the councils. Thus,

will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

history indicates the gospel of Jesus Christ has always been attacked which further validates its importance.

However, I want to state why this doctrine should keep

When you celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas season, appreciate the victories garnered in history over this doctrine. Understand the immense value of this truth, gain

the same level of importance as it did during those historic

a better appreciation of the finished work of Christ, and

debates over the identity of our Lord Jesus Christ.

the church’s vigorous stand against error to maintain the

became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:1).

2. It means God understands us. ”For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,

6 // December 2022

originality of the faith once delivered unto the saints (Jude 1:3). ______________ Sources: https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/theologians/athanasius.html https://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-1-john www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Ignatius-of-Antioch

About The Author

1. It means God has not left us. “And the Word

Samuel Burger is the pastor of Chestuee Worship Center in Calhoun, TN. He holds a Master of Arts in Ministry from Piedmont Divinity School in Winston-Salem, NC. He is happily married to Danyelle for six years.

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Gò0dNews for Kids

The Shepherds and Angels

D

by Danny Hesterly

o you remember that part in the Christmas Story

This had to be both amazing and a bit scary for the

where the angels begin to sing to the shepherds

shepherds. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an angel, but if I

who are out in the middle of their fields taking care

did, I’d probably feel just like those shepherds did that

of their sheep? Just in case you might have forgotten, it’s

night. There are a lot of really fun and fascinating things

found in Luke 2:8-15:

found in this passage of scripture. Like the announcement

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby,

of the Messiah (the Savior of the world) or how there was

guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord

just one angel, then all of a sudden, a ton of angels were

appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory

singing. But there’s one huge thought I’ve always had that

surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured

stands out when I read the Christmas Story. Here it is: Of all the people in the world, the angel of the Lord told the most important news to a bunch of smelly, poor, and unpopular shepherds. You see, being a shepherd during Jesus’ time wasn’t a job most people wanted.

Shepherds were considered not smart or trustworthy. They didn’t make a lot of money being shepherds, and most people didn’t want to be friends with them. But we see in Luke 2 that an angel of the Lord came to the shepherds FIRST! Wow!

them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will

The good news is that the Messiah, the Lord, being

bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the

born in Bethlehem belonged to everyone. It doesn’t matter

Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And

if you’re young or old, rich or poor, liked or disliked.

you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped

This good news was for shepherds and kings alike. Isn’t

snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

that just amazing? God sees us as His children. We are all

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said

important to Him. God doesn’t have favorites. His good news is for everyone.

So, during this Christmas season, we ALL get to receive the greatest gift ever given to us. His name is Jesus. He is God’s son. He is the Savior of the world, and He wants to be our friend.

happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

8 // December 2022

About The Author

to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has

Danny Hesterly lives in Chattanooga, TN where he spends most of his days in coffee shops helping others discover their part in God’s amazing story.

Danny has two children (12, 10) and has been married to his lovely bride for 17 years.

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Money Matters Rick Hughes Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes founded Hughes Retirement Group in 2007.

His main interest is helping his clients in reducing their taxes.

W

hen Social Security began under President Franklin

Another benefit to this additional Lifetime Income stream

D. Roosevelt in 1935, the average life expectancy

is a statement we often use: “Zero is Your Hero.” What I mean

was 66. At that time, FDR said that Social Security

by this is that you benefit from market gains while avoiding the

would begin at age 65, but later allowed someone to take it at

losses. If you could know your principle is safe from market

62 because of life expectancy. Either way, the payout did not

volatility, wouldn’t you be interested in this strategy?

last long in most cases. Roosevelt’s goal was to provide Amer-

How does it work? Say you have a 401k, and you are on

icans with a stream of income they could not outlive. It was a

the verge of retiring but do not want to risk your principle with

great idea that allowed someone to work x number of years,

the market. Your funds would be linked to the index, but you

then begin collecting some of the money they paid into the SS

would only receive gains from the market, not the losses. This

system. With life expectancy now in the mid-80s, the biggest

is because you receive interest credits if the market performs

fear most seniors experience today is “outliving their money.”

well, but if the market takes a downturn, “Zero is Your Hero.”

For a couple who is 60 years old, there is a 40% chance one of

I have a client who had a 401k, had accumulated $170,000

them will live to be 95. Now what if this happens to you? How

from her employer, and was ready to retire with her husband.

will you handle this? If you do the math, it would make sense

Although their goal was to take their SS benefit each month,

to take the SS benefit at age 62 if you knew you were not going

they could not maintain the lifestyle they wanted without addi-

to live beyond 77, but for any age beyond that, it would make

tional income. They had decided to put the money in the bank

sense to take SS at Full Retirement Age (FRA) or after. If you

and take out $800 per month, or $9,600 per year, to supplement

wait until FRA, you will receive an additional 8% each year

their income. The problem, however, was that they would run

until 70.

out of money after 17 years. I gave them a different strategy

If you are a person who has worked and had a retirement

that would allow them to take $1,600 per month for the rest of

account through your employer, such as a 401k, 403b, or profit

their lives, even after one of them died. Let’s do the math. Say

sharing, then a strategy called “Lifetime Income” might pique

they draw on this money each month for 25 years. That would

your interest. Think of it as a pension, or benefit you receive

amount to $480,000. Which strategy would you prefer?

just like your SS each and every month for the rest of your life.

If Lifetime Income is something you’d like to discuss, give

If and when you draw SS, you expect the check to be deposited

Hughes Retirement Group a call. You can reach us at 423-664-

each and every month into your account. Lifetime Income will

4203 or www.HughesRetirementGroup.com. We’d love to hear

be another stream of income being deposited into your account for the rest of your life. It is important, if possible, to create an

from you!

__________________ Sources: Worker-to-Beneficiary Ratio in the Social Security Program (pgpf.org)

additional income stream to supplement the income stream you receive from your SS benefit.

10 // December 2022

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Gò0dNews for Men

Jesus and Jesus Alone

by Greg Grotewold

I

can still recall as if it were yesterday. I couldn’t eat and was

This is staggering given I didn’t do anything particularly special

anxious to get going, for I wasn’t able to think about anything

to deserve such treatment. In fact, I did nothing, which was the

else. I put my baseball uniform on and headed over to my

whole point Jesus was trying to impress upon me. He wanted me to

coach’s house to catch a ride. Not only did I have a game that

stop striving, stop performing; He wanted me to be still and simply

night, but it was my turn to pitch.

abide in Him. “Stop stiving and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10,

The rotation required that I take the mound every other week,

NASB). The Lord desired my heart, not my sacrifice. “For I desire

which meant my nerves were working overtime every other week.

steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than

I wasn’t nervous about having to pitch; I was nervous because I

burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6, ESV).

knew that in order for me to be pleased with my performance, I would need to do something I had not done all season. It wasn’t enough to win the game; success demanded that I pitch a no-hitter.

And as had happened all summer, I failed. Even though we won the game and I got a “w” under my name, I gave up not only a couple of hits, but in fact a run. I was crushed. And as had happened all summer, I spent the balance of the week both sulking over the bitter defeat and constantly replaying in my head the pitch sequence to each of the batters who got on base. You would have thought I had blown Game 7 of the World Series.

I’m a recovering perfectionist. The problem wasn’t that I wanted to play well; the problem was how I defined what “well” meant. I saw no difference between it and perfection; in my mind, they were one in the same.

It wasn’t until Jesus entered my life that I began to recognize

None of this outpouring of grace would have been possible

not only how destructive such striving was but also how

without Calvary. Jesus died my death, and I took on His robe of

unnecessary. The Lord showed me that I was using baseball (and

righteousness (Romans 4:5). Because of the Son’s perfecting work

the myriad of other aims that received my exacting energy) as a

on the cross, the Father now counts me as perfectly righteous. “For

means by which to fill a more profound need. There was no way

by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are

the sport and my ability to perform it could ever possibly deliver

being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14, ESV). When the Father looks at

on the expectations I carried. Even if I had pitched a perfect game, I

me, He doesn’t see Greg and his brokenness; He sees Jesus and His

still would have been left unsatisfied and for one very good reason.

holiness. Simply amazing.

I was seeking something that was designed to be met by Jesus

Immeasurable in mercy, unparalleled in power, irreproachable

and Jesus alone. That something was acceptance. Only He could

in purity, immutable in character, unrivaled in tenderness, and

provide the type of approval for which my heart longed.

irrepressible in joy, Jesus is the very embodiment of the perfection

And when I decided to surrender my will for His, that’s

I had long sought. And I gained what I was seeking at the very

exactly what I received. With tender mercy, Jesus began pouring

moment I relinquished any effort to secure it. I became perfect

out His unadulterated love upon my frustrated soul. He embraced

when I abandoned my need to be perfect and yielded to the One

me with a care that left no doubt I was not only accepted by Him

who is.

but adored. Adored! The Lord loves and likes me. He delights being in my presence. “The Lord your God is in your midst, a

May we find our acceptance in Jesus and Jesus alone. His is the only approval truly worth pursuing.

he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing” (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV).

12 // December 2022

About The Author

mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; Greg Grotewold lives in Oakdale, MN, with his wife, Sandi, and their two sons, Luke and Eli. He is a deacon in his local church and greatly enjoys serving in this capacity.

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Gò0dNews for Women

Have You Opened Your Present?

P

by April Engstrom

icture it—that Christmas when you got the present

didn’t come empty handed into your spirit, either. We see in

you’ll never forget. Maybe it was something small,

1 Cor. 12:4-11 examples of His gifts. In Gal. 5:22-23, we see

something that brought you hope when Christmas

the fruit of those gifts. In Romans 12:6-8, Paul urges us to

was a dark time for you. Maybe you received lots of presents, but there’s that one you’ll always remember. For

use these gifts.

Yes, God does and will always shine when He is able to

me, it was a set of ballet slippers, a skirt, leg warmers, and

work where you are weak. But think about how much He

a dance bag with my name on it. I was like so many others

will be able to accomplish if you are willing to allow your

dreaming of being a ballerina. But what was so magical

gifts to be pushed to the level where Jesus takes over and

about that present wasn’t just the present, it was the heart

gets the glory. You are an active, needed part of the body

behind it. My parents were telling me that they believed in my dream too. The clothes weren’t just pretend ballet clothes; they were the real deal. I continued to wear them throughout my ten years of ballet.

Our Heavenly Father is investing in you too.

He knows your heart, and He wants to bless you with gifts that will enable you to succeed at the tasks He has placed in your heart. Yes, God gave us some mind-blowing gifts. Some knock your socks off, praise Jesus, work-in-the-Holy-Spirit kind of gifts. These gifts are the real deal. They are there to equip you and help you succeed in the path God has laid before you. A path that requires you to be in relationship with the Father to bring glory to our Lord Jesus, all of which is made

of Christ, and He wants to use you. He’s gifted you with

possible by the Holy Spirit being present in our daily lives.

everything He needs. Have you opened it?

The greatest gift, next to salvation, is the gift of the Holy

As we enter this Christmas season, as we remember the

Spirit. A living and breathing, active part of the trinity is

greatest gift ever given to us, I encourage you to remember

living inside of you. This is promised to us in John 14:14-21.

the daily gift you have living inside you. Jesus came and died

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another

for your sins, and now the Holy Spirit lives within you to

Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth,

bring glory back to Jesus. Allow Him to speak God’s heart to

whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him

you. Allow Him to use you for God’s good and faithful plans.

nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and

He’s speaking, have you stopped long enough to listen? May

will be in you” (John 14:16-17, ESV).

God bless you this Christmas season and this coming year as

When you accepted the salvation of Jesus Christ, you

you discover all He has for you. Open the gift.

Father. Read the whole of John 14 for an even more beautiful picture of His intentionality behind this gift. The Holy Spirit

14 // December 2022

About The Author

were given the gift that Jesus Himself requested from the

April Engstrom resides in Bradley County with her husband and two boys. She loves her family at the Church at Grace Point and exploring God’s creation. You can follow April’s blog at everlasting-evergreen.weebly.com.

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7638 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-7969 Harvest Baptist Church of the Deaf 1314 Old Three Notch Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-375-7107 Video Call: 706-956-0445 Heritage Pointe Baptist Church 60 Dyer Bridge Place Ringgold, GA 30736 706-858-0976 Hickory Grove Baptist Church 5010 Houston Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-673-6999 Keith Baptist Church 1573 Keith Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-450-0963 Living Faith Baptist Church Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-1817 Midway Baptist Church Highway 41 North Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-2317 Mount Peria Baptist Church 341 Sparks Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-4887 Mount Pisgah Baptist Church 66 Westbrook Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3031 Mount Vernon Baptist Church 1006 Mount Vernon Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3872 New Bethel Baptist Church 1635 Salem Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-3500 New Friendship Baptist Church 3833 Salem Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736 New Heights Baptist Church 158 Ooltewah Ringgold Rd Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-9838 New Liberty Baptist Church 923 Graysville Road

Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-4754 Peavine Baptist Church 1089 Peavine Road Rock Spring, GA 30739 706-375-4721 Philadelphia Baptist Church 1065 Pine Grove Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-5683 Pine Grove Baptist Church 46 Pine Grove Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-2427 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 7769 Alabama Highway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3348 Pleasant Valley Baptist Church 1995 Ooltewah Ringgold Rd Ringgold, GA 30736 706-537-3633 Poplar Springs Baptist Church 422 Poplar Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-4461 Salem Baptist Church 1947 Keith Salem Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-3907 Welcome Hill Baptist Church 223 Inman Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-4814 Church of Christ Cohutta Road Church of Christ 2233 Mount Vernon Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3884 Ringgold Church of Christ 4099 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-2820 Church of God Boynton Church of God 1956 Three Notch Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-6300 Indian Springs Church of God 2256 Highway 41 North Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-3599 Noble Church of God 75 Glass Rd

Lafayette, GA 30728 Ringgold Church of God 117 Emberson Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-2056 Wallaceville Church of God 236 Harp Switch Road Chickamauga, GA 30707 706-375-2736 Community Green Pasture Community Church 1008 North Beaumont Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-375-7333 Lee’s Chapel Community Church 3253 Catoosa Parkway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-9928 Rock Bridge Community Church 102 Remco Shops Lane Ringgold, GA 30736 706-279-3175 Full Gospel Yates Spring Full Gospel Church 1300 Yates Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-638-2305 Methodist Boynton UMC 4246 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-2626 Graysville UMC 2331 Graysville Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-9253 Ringgold UMC 7484 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-4777 Woodstation UMC 13198 Alabama Highway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-3360 Non-Denominational Battlefield Church of Faith Highway 41 South Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-7729 Calvary Chapel Ringgold 548 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-952-1502

Church of Living Faith 7623 Alabama Highway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-5673 Crossroads Church 7638 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 crossroadsringgold.com Faith Builders International 8309 Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736 256-338-5031 Grace Memorial Church 118 East Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736

706-965-7969 The Gathering 2501 Pine Grove Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-841 0161 Light House Church 1201 Lafayette Road Rossville, GA 30741 706-861-2715 Messianic Ministry To Israel P.O. Box 22654 Chattanooga, TN 37422 New Life Church PO Box 1973 Ringgold, GA 30736

706-866-7799 Venue Church 3969 Cloud Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 423-637-7100 Presbyterian Chickamauga Presbyterian 700 7th Street Chickamauga, GA 30707 706-375-3432 Christ Fellowship 1176 North Three Notch Rd. Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-4115 Morton Memorial

560 Red Belt Rd. Chickamauga, GA 30707 706-338-7176 Seventh-Day Adventist Ringgold Seventh-Day Adventist Church 124 Kittle Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3741 Battlefield Community Seventh-Day Adventist Church 96 Hillman Lane Ringgold, GA 30736 706-861-5999

Fort Oglethorpe Church Directory Baptist Anchor of Hope Baptist Church 2613 Lakeview Drive Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-8318 Battlefield Baptist Church 178 South Cedar Lane Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-1316 Burning Bush Baptist Church 2195 Burning Bush Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-1989 Calvary Memorial Baptist Church 2 E Gate Drive Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-6183 Cloud Springs Baptist Church 207 Cloud Springs Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0164 First Baptist Church Ft. Oglethorpe 2645 LaFayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0232 Moriah Baptist Church 2864 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-8843 Nellie Head Memorial Baptist 2379 Catoosa Parkway Tunnell Hill, GA 30755 706-935-5236 Old Fort Baptist Church 18 Van Cleve Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-861-2807

Parkway Baptist Temple 65 Stuart Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0325 Victory Baptist Church 1013 Layfayette Road Rossville, GA 30741 706-866-0371 Catholic Saint Gerard Catholic Church 3049 Lafayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-861-9410 Church of Christ Fort Oglethorpe Church of Christ 6 Harker Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-4124 Community Battlefield Ministries Church 64 3rd Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9090 Episcopal Church of the Nativity 1520 Cross Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9773 Methodist Fairview UMC 2112 McFarland Avenue Rossville, GA 30741 423-653-1043 Fort Oglethorpe UMC 1733 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-820-6314 Newnan Springs UMC

78 Monanaw Avenue Rossville GA 30741 706-866-6724 Nazarene Battlefield Parkway Church of the Nazarene 3220 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9838 Non-Denominational Battlefield Praise & Worship 1337 Battlefield Pkwy, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-913-0531 Chosen Generation Ministries 92 W Patterson Avenue Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-779-6777 Living Waters Ministries 1337 Battlefield Pkwy Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-255-8655 Ridgeland Point Church 1417 Happy Valley Rd. Rossville, GA 30741 RockPointe Church 1278 Cross Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-820-6523 Untethered Church 2473 Lafayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-991-6067 Presbyterian First Presbyterian Church 1 Harker Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0232

List/Update Your Church Listing (423) 790-5378

goodnewscm.com // 17

Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Character of Christmas

W

by Brent Goodge

e love to read of the angels singing to the

of Almighty God (John 1:14; Matthew 1:23). Through Herod

shepherds in Luke’s account of the Christmas

the Great, Satan did try to kill Jesus as soon as He was born

story. Matthew’s edition presents Christ as the

(Matthew 2:16-18). But in the ignominious death of Herod,

Baby King worshiped by royal emissaries. But have you ever

God demonstrated to satan what his own fate would be

read the Christmas story in Revelation? Both Matthew and

(Matthew 2:19).

Luke presented the Bethlehem story as the Messiah’s arrival

The story of Christmas, as the entire story of salvation, is

to earth. The emphasis of both is to convince the reader that

simply a contrast of character. Satan, the king of selfishness

this Baby in the manger was the Prophesied One.

(Isaiah 14:12-14), set himself against Jesus Christ, the King

John’s Christmas presentation, found in the book of Revelation, doesn’t allow the reader to dwell on the bleating of sheep, the poetic Magnificat, the glorious music of the angels, or the magi from the East. You can read it in Revelation 12:1-5. Satan, the dragon, was standing ready, waiting for Jesus to arrive on earth, so that he could “devour” Jesus “as soon as (He) was born” (Revelation 12:4).

Revelation’s Christmas story gives us the backstory that Luke and Matthew did not include.

Satan and one third of heaven’s angels had been expelled from heaven for rebellion against God (Revelation 12:4). Satan had heard the promise God made to the woman in Eden that One of her seed would crush his head (Genesis 3:15).

And Satan was anxiously awaiting the day the King of the

of Selflessness (Philippians 2:5-8). The serpent’s apparent

universe would step foot on Satan’s territory, where Satan

victory, striking the heel of his Creator on Calvary’s cross, was

was sure the Creator would be an easy Prey.

the event that would crush Satan’s own head (Genesis 3:15).

Did the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit know Satan’s

Decisions have consequences. The king of selfishness

plans? Of course. What kind of parent sends their child to

will die an ignominious death as his vassal King Herod

certain death? What kind of God sends Himself to certain

did (Isaiah 14:16-20; Ezekiel 28:18,19). And the King of

death? What kind of God do we serve? We worship a

Selflessness will spend eternity worshipped by those He died

Creator that once made us in His image (Genesis 1:26;

to transform, knowing if He could go back, He would never

Revelation 14:6,7). And One who committed Himself to the

have chosen any other path (Philippians 2:9-11; Isaiah 53:11).

prospect that He would do whatever it took to restore His

Whose character are you praying to receive this Christmas?

image in us. Christ was “slain, from the foundation of the And so “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” Immanuel, demonstrating to us the glorious loving character

18 // December 2022

About The Author

world” (Revelation 13:8).

Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County, and will never ever understand why God was willing to die to save him.

Church Activities & Events Lee University

Classic Christmas

Sunday, December 4 | 3PM - 4PM 150 11th Street NE, Cleveland, TN

Collegedale Commons Mistletoe Market

Saturday, December 10 - Sunday, December 11 4750 Swinyar Drive, Collegedale, TN

Burr Performing Arts Park

Dalton, GA’s 1st Annual Merriest Christmas Extravaganza on Main!

Saturday, December 10 10AM - 6PM 101 S Hamilton Street, Dalton, GA

The Colonnade Center Brian Free & Assurance

Thursday, December 29 | 6:30PM 264 Catoosa Circle, Ringgold, GA

Gò0dNews for Life

The Two Greatest Gifts

T

by David Huff

his is one of my favorite times of the year. Leaves

us. Every morning when we wake up, the breath of God

have turned colors and have fallen to the ground,

is flowing through us.

and I love walking through them and hearing the

The next gift I am given every day is the opportunity

crunching underneath my feet. For me, it is extremely

to receive salvation. The opportunity to be forgiven for

peaceful and centers my mind on the things that I take

the things I have done and the things I will do. God

for granted every day. The best part of the season is that

could have easily said, no, you are too wicked and destroyed

within weeks, we are at one of the happiest times of the

me, but He chose to allow Jesus to redeem me. That is

year—at least to me. Yes, I am referring to the gift-giving

a gift that keeps giving everything just as much as life.

season. I love watching my kids, wife, and other family

Not only do I get to experience a new day with life here

members open their presents on Christmas day.

on Earth, but I also get to experience eternal life with my

The main reason I enjoy watching everyone is it reminds me of the two greatest gifts that God gives me

Lord and Savior. You cannot replace those gifts.

This Christmas season, I want to encourage you to

every day. James 1:17 says that every good gift comes

take time and think about the life that God gives you

from above. Indeed, it does. One of the gifts that I am so

every day. The air we breathe, the eternal life we will

thankful for is that each day I wake up and I have air to

have for those who are redeemed to Christ, and the

breathe. I love the Creation story so much because of this.

miracle birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Merry

In Genesis 1, man was formed from the Earth and God

Christmas, and may you enjoy the gifts that God gives us every day.

breathed His breath into man. God later formed woman from the side of the man and again He breathed life into her. Every

About The Author

day God breathes life into

20 // December 2022

My name is David Huff, and I am married to Brittany and together we have five wonderful kids. We attend Rock Bridge Community Church Calhoun where I serve on the prayer team. I am also a senior at Liberty University.

LLC

706.937.HOME (4663) E L I T E R E A LT O R S L L C . C O M

OUR ELITE AGENTS

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F EATUR ED C OVER ST ORY

Elite Realtors Y

our house is the largest investment you will likely ever make in your lifetime. Whether buying or selling, there’s no need to make this decision bigger or more difficult than it has to be. You shouldn’t have to worry about big things—like whether or not you can negotiate the right price—or small things—like washing the windows one final time. With the help of Elite Realtors, you won’t have to worry at all.

Tracy Lee opened Elite Realtors in March of 2020, servicing all of North Georgia and most areas within a 50-mile radius of Chattanooga.

Since then, the business has taken off on its own, an explosion of sorts, as more and more homeowners discover how easy and enjoyable it is to buy or sell a house with Elite Realtors! “I established [the business] because I got tired of franchises taking over what real estate is all about, and that to me is service,” said Lee, who emphasized the focus she puts on her clients. “Commissions are negotiable, my client comes first, and if, at the end of the deal, the only way to close is to reduce our commission as realtors, we should be able to do it. I do it because I love it, not because I’m trying to make a ton of money off of it. It’s a passion.”

Tracy Lee and her team at Elite Realtors want the buying process to be fun! It’s important to have an agent you can trust no matter what, and it’s equally important that you love your home if you’re buying or get the value you deserve if you’re selling. “Our rates are flexible, we’re down to earth, and we try to have a good time and take the stress off of you,” said Lee. If you’re looking to move, you can call (706) 937-4663 to get in touch with Tracy Lee and her team and start the buying or selling process. Remember, buying or selling a house is an investment!

Put your investment in the hands of someone you can trust: Tracy Lee and Elite Realtors.

Meet Elite Realtors

Bonnie Hood: Bonnie is a native of North Georgia. She received her REALTOR license in 1997. After gaining valuable experience in real estate, she acquired her Broker’s license. She specializes in residential real estate in the Chattanooga, Tennessee, and North Georgia Areas.

Whether you are buying or selling your home, it can be a stressful task.

So, as your REALTOR, her job is to take the stress out of your hands.

Communication is a vital factor to success in Real Estate. That’s why she communicates every step of the way. That gives you assurance knowing that she’s there to guide you. Her goal is to satisfy your needs, whether it is your first home or your last home. She will always put herself in your shoes. Bonnie currently resides with her husband Stan in Ringgold, Georgia. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and antique shopping. You can contact Bonnie Hood at (423) 421-3946 or bonniehood.elite@gmail.com.

Stan Hood: Stan received his license in 2006 but took a break from real estate in 2010. He returned to real estate in 2019 to work with his wife as a team. He specializes in residential properties for buyers and sellers.

He will work hard for you from finding your property to the close. You can contact Stan Hood at (423) 443-9278 or stanhood.elite@gmail.com.

Martha Alexander: Martha has been a realtor for 15 years. She’s from Rock Spring, GA, and originally from Houston, TX. Along

22 // December 2022

with being a devoted wife and mother of two, she studied speech communications at West Texas A&M University and is also bilingual.

Professionalism and her client’s best interest are her top priorities.

Her vast real estate knowledge and expertise allow her clients and customers to have the most effective and pleasant transactions possible.

Martha is upbeat, positive, and has an infectious personality. You will instantly feel like you’ve known her for many years. You can contact Martha Alexander at (423) 593-2500 or yourrealtormartha@gmail.com.

Lisa Headrick: Lisa is a lifelong resident of Northwest GA and is very passionate about the wellbeing of the citizens of this area and is very involved with the thriving business community. As a business professional in Catoosa County, both as an Assistant Deputy Tax Commissioner and real estate broker in Georgia and Tennessee for over 20 years, her personal and professional connections and knowledge of the area work in her favor to help with the smooth sale of your home or find the perfect lifetime investment. Lisa has worked for Catoosa County Government for 10 years, and has also served on the Board for the Catoosa County Economic Development Authority responsible for bringing business and development to the county.

Lisa and her husband of 35 years owns a residential and commercial real estate development company and were the first to build a St. Jude Dream Home in the Chattanooga/North Georgia area. She also served 5 years as Executive Officer on the Board of the Northwest Georgia Homebuilders Association. She, her husband, two daughters and three grandchildren currently live in Chickamauga, GA. You can contact Lisa Headrick at (423) 593-8052 or lheadrick24@aol.com.

Haven Cox: What an exciting life it is as a real estate agent! I enjoy meeting and taking the journey with each of my clients. If they are looking for a “new” home, building a home, or selling their home, I am truly honored to share the experience with each of them. I know I have done my job when I receive pictures of my clients in their new homes. I love that I have this opportunity and look forward to handing over many more keys. You can contact Haven Cox at (423) 827-3666 or havensellshomes@gmail.com.

Nathan Phillips: Nathan is a member of the National Association of Realtors, Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors, and Georgia Association of Realtors. He lives with his wife and two children in Northwest Georgia. As both a realtor and a registered nurse working

with hospice patients, his devotion to helping and caring for people is unmatched. His passion for real estate was ignited after buying his first home. Since 2014, he has helped many Chattanooga area residents purchase and sell their homes. Nathan’s inviting personality and strong work-ethic will help both buyers and sellers feel comfortable and informed through every transaction. As a seasoned agent and lifelong resident of the Chattanooga area, Nathan has the expertise to help you find the home of your dreams. You can contact Nathan Phillips at (423) 227-0005 or nphillipsrealtor@gmail.com.

Arica Patterson: My name is Arica Patterson. I am a devoted Christian, wife and mother of three. I have been involved in real estate in some capacity my whole life. Most of my family is involved in real estate which has been instrumental in my success as a real estate agent. I am a firm believer in learning from the more experienced people around me. As I have watched and learned over the years, I have been fortunate enough to be involved in every step of building a home as well as the remodeling process. As a result, when choosing a home or preparing a home for the market, I can offer my client the knowledge I have gained through my experiences.

Buying or selling a home weather it is for you personally or as an investment is one of the biggest and most important decisions one will make. For this reason, I give each real estate transaction my full attention and do my very best to make the process a smooth and seamless transaction for all involved. I look forward to helping any real estate dreams become reality. You can contact Arica Patterson at (423) 645-5979 or apattersonhomes@gmail.com.

Amber Stepanek: Amber is a lifelong resident of North Georgia.

She started working as an administrative assistant in 2009 and fell in love with real estate. It was not until 2020 when she finally took the leap and decided to do real estate fulltime. She’s licensed in both Tennessee and Georgia, specializing in first time home buyers. Amber loves working the process from start to finish. Her goal is to have her clients be as well informed as possible, to be treated like family and to always put their best interest first. Amber currently resides in LaFayette, GA, with her daughter Aubrey and son Landon and their two dogs Mira and Mauser. She looks forward to working with you and helping you find a home! You can contact Amber Stepanek at (423) 290-0645 or astepanekhomes@gmail.com.

DeeAnn Sturdivant: DeeAnn is a lifelong resident of Georgia.

Her background in real estate began with 24 years as a Real Estate Paralegal. Her love for real estate and passion for people and relationships built is what has driven her to become a realtor. The knowledge she has gained over the years has made her a valuable asset to anyone looking to buy or sell. Your best interest is her only interest.

As a mother of 5 boys, she understands family values and your family will be her priority. Let her show you and your family the way to home ownership! You can contact DeeAnn Sturdivant at (404) 368-2359 or nextsteprealtyga@gmail.com.

Taylor Gardenhire: Chattanooga and the surrounding North GA areas are considered small towns. The word of mouth is a strong advocate to each business. That is why Taylor strives to leave a lasting impression on her skills to effectively communicate and follow through on her word to every client and friend who goes through a real estate transaction with her. Taylor was born and raised in the Chattanooga/ North GA area, so it was never a question of which state to specialize in. She earned her license in Tennessee and Georgia! She has worked full time selling homes for 6 years. For Taylor, as a local realtor, every experience goes beyond the transaction because it’s more than selling a home for her. She is your realtor, your friend, and your neighbor.

Vivian Hurley: Native to the area, Vivian Hurley, is knowledgeable of the Greater Chattanooga region. Having lived in North Georgia and now residing in a small rural town just north of Chattanooga, she is licensed in both Georgia and Tennessee. Growing up on a farm in Chickamauga, Vivian knows the value of hard work and perseverance. Deciding to pursue a career in real estate two years ago allowed the freedom to be more present in her family’s lives.

Basing her customer service on building relationships with current and future clients is what makes Vivian the ideal agent for first time home buyers, she will be with them every step of the way. When not helping clients find their dream home, this mother of three and wife of 10 years can be found camping or at the ball fields with her family any given weekend. You can contact Vivian Hurley at (706) 331-3541 or whurleyhomes@gmail.com.

Donna Southerland: Why choose me as your agent? When you work with me, you will receive a knowledgeable and professional real estate agent, a committed ally to negotiate on your behalf, the systems in place to streamline buying your home, and the backing of a trusted company. Looking to sell your home? Exposure to your home? Looking to purchase a home? My job is to make the real estate buying process simpler, and as a real estate associate of Elite Realtors LLC we are doing just that. Our company prides ourselves in staying on the cutting edge of technology and if you select me as your real estate agent, you will receive all of this and more. You could never find a more dedicated, energetic, or focused agent to represent you. I’m licensed in Tennessee and Georgia. Please give me a call for a no obligation assessment of your needs! You can contact Donna Southerland at (423) 599-2558 or donnasoutherland.realtor@gmail.com.

Tyler Payne: At the end of 2020, Tyler initially began investing in real estate before ultimately deciding to pursue real estate as his career.

Over the past year, he has developed relationships that have thrust him even deeper into discovering his passion for real estate. He received his license in March of 2021. Tyler graduated from The McCallie School in 2015, and then attended Lee University where he played baseball for four years and graduated with a degree in Business Finance. As a lifelong resident of the North Georgia and Greater Chattanooga areas, Tyler brings a deep understanding of the community that surrounds it. You can contact Tyler Payne at (423)-508-4136 or paynetyler111@gmail.com.

Sarah Mccloskey: I was born in Lincoln, Illinois, and relocated to Chickamauga, Georgia, in 2005 and I am loving every minute of it! For the past several years I have worked as a Family Engagement Coordinator for a local elementary school in NW Georgia. My school families and students bring me so much joy! When my husband and I began the search for our first home, we called Martha Alexander to help us on our journey. She was then and still is fantastic to work with!

It was very obvious to see how much she loved her job and I realized then that this was something I wanted to be a part of. I took the leap into real estate and I’m loving being a part of Elite Realtors! Whether it be navigating the way for first time home buyers or helping you find your forever home, from the first phone call to closing, I will be there for my clients every step of the way. You can contact Sarah McCloskey at (423) 326-7954 or youragentsarah.m@gmail.com.

Shellie Tyrrell: Shellie is a new realtor. She has a degree in respiratory therapy and has a small business selling gifts. She resides in Ringgold with her husband and her fur babies. Shellie is ready to help you find the home you need for this stage of your life. You can contact Shellie Tyrrell at (704) 390-4882 or shellie.elite@gmail.com.

goodnewscm.com // 23

Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Gift of Giving

P

by Paul McGuire

erhaps the greatest gift of one person to another

The Lord once asked me, “My Words bring Light

is a spoken word. I think we can accurately say

and Life, what do your words bring? Better use My

that to “gift” someone in this way is to speak a

Words!” That challenged me! Perhaps you will have to

thing that elevates, improves, or enhances their value

do some repenting of words spoken, as I did! So, I’m

as a person. Who wouldn’t like that?

God’s great Gift to mankind is firstly His Son (the Gospel of John refers to Him as “the Word” in John 1:1), whose furthering Gift to us is access into a friendly relationship with God (by our words or confession, Romans 10:10)—which is God’s intent. So, even God’s Gift of Jesus gives back to Him! When we re-gift from that Treasure, we demonstrate our own likeness to Him. We echo back His spoken intent to Abraham that “through

passing along that same challenge to you: “What do

your seed shall all nations of the earth be blessed”

your words bring?”

(Genesis 22:18).

And how is our “re-gifting” done? It starts with

In this season, as we consider the priceless Gift of Christ to us, and face a new year, let’s consider the value of our words spoken to and about others. If

times, I want to encourage us all to speak with such

we will ask Him, our Father will give us Life-giving

words that build up and encourage Righteousness in

words to speak, words that express His great Love for a

our lives and in our Nation. God’s desire is that all

person. This is the kind of gift we can give every day of

Men come to Him, that none would be destroyed (2

every year.

Peter 3:9). Let’s speak words which invite His plans to bear that precious fruit.

24 // December 2022

About The Author

our spoken words. In our troubling and turbulent

Paul McGuire has been born again for almost 60 years, and has pursued to hear God’s Voice through all those years. He and his wife Teresa of 49 years are active at Living Word Church in Cleveland, Tennessee. They have two children and five grandchildren.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

When Does a Revival Really Start?

“T

by Filip Brunner

ake heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you

will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let

an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the

them not turn again to folly” (Psalm 85:6-8).

living God” (Hebrews 3:12).

In the middle of September, a tent was pitched in front

Is it possible that there is only one real revival which is multi-branched and multi-faceted? Indulge me for a

of our church. Not a tent you would go camping in, but

moment. When Seth was born, people began to call on

a tent that holds over 1,400 people as a part of our first

the name of the Lord. Revival. Enoch walked with God

ever tent revival. Over several days, we saw God work in

after the birth of Methuselah. Revival. Noah found grace

wonderful ways. Countless believers rededicated their lives,

with God. Revival. Peter heard a rooster crow. Revival.

Paul saw a light and heard a voice.

Revival. Paul and Silas sang at midnight after being beaten and imprisoned. Revival. Peter killed and ate from stuff that the law said was unclean. Revival. Some gave all they had. A woman gave a penny.

Revival. Mary Magdalene broke an alabaster box and anointed the feet of Jesus. Revival. The mother of Jesus saw her Son on the cross.

Revival. A young boy gave his lunch, and a lot more than just 5,000 men were fed. Revival.

What about the four men who prayed earnestly for revival? Little by little, others joined them, but some

and almost 100 received Christ as Savior. But when did the

fell away because they became discouraged. Still, others

revival really begin? Was it when four to five men met for

prayed all the more. Finally, three years later, perhaps…

prayer three years ago because they were tired of the same

but definitely in eternity past, God knew the day would

old, same old?

come. Intertwined in the revival that flows from the very

“Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn,

heart of God, a small church on the side of the road, like so

and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up”

many others before it, plunged headlong into the current

(Hosea 6:1).

of God’s grace and mercy. We became the benefactors

of God? “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? Show us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation. I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he

26 // December 2022

of God’s will for us by taking a closer walk with the Almighty. We have renewed zeal and an overflowing of God’s love for a world in need of Jesus. Just something to think about.

About The Author

Or, was it a long time ago, in eternity past, in the heart

Filip Brunner is married to his wife, Dr. Kim Brunner and together they have six children.

He is a writer, author, and artist.

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Gò0dNews Poetry

Emmanuel

by Judy Hood

Over rough terrain they traveled far The things that have happened have just been bizarre Like when Mary told Joseph she was with child by the Holy Ghost Most men would have left and headed for the coast But an angel came to Joseph in his sleep that night She will give birth to the Savior of the world; she did not lie So as there was no room for them in the inn All that was left was a stable but they gave thanks once again Before they knew it the baby was born As the animals looked on, the cows eating corn They named him “Emmanuel” meaning “God with us” When the three kings arrived, they made such a fuss Giving him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh He was such a delight; he was God’s spoken word He came to bring salvation to all men If men would just put their faith in him He hung on the cross, you see To show his love for you and me Just think when we get to heaven fair And see all the wonders that are there What a moment that will be 28 // December 2022

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Tugging at Christmas

by Sandra Gilmore

I

n East Tennessee, John Muir quotes surface quite often,

the dusty air alongside this road, his mother Rachel breathed

jarring us to discover something wonderful we’ve

her last (Genesis 35:19). Centuries later, Jeremiah’s tears would

overlooked. Mr. Muir validates his quest into these hills,

stain this road without recourse as Babylonian soldiers forced

“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”

When one tugs at a single thing in the Bible, he finds

Rachel’s shattered tribe to captivity (Jeremiah 40:1).

Not all the tears along this road were unhappy. Naomi’s friends formed a welcoming committee for Naomi’s daughter-

it attached to Christmas! Check out all the monthly Christmasconnected articles of this series in back editions of the 2022 GoodNews Magazine.

Before the common elements of Christmas today, before the tinsel and trinkets, the long ride to Bethlehem, the shepherds or the manger, there was a prayer. Zechariah and Elizabeth prayed for a son. We now know this son preached and baptized prior to the Messiah’s earthly ministry. The interesting thing about that prayer was, it’s quite possible, it had been set aside.

Do you quit praying after a while? When natural evidence says the prayer won’t be answered, or when your heart loses hope?

Although Zechariah’s prayer centered toward his family, the answer (their son John the Baptist) impacted the world. Your prayers are also part of a design set in motion by the Grand

in-love and blessed her, “May Yahweh make the woman who

Designer. Only God knows the potential they hold. Keep

has come into your house like Rachel and like Leah, which two

praying! Scripture endorses our prayerful ponderings because

built the house of Israel; and treat you worthily in Ephrathah

while [Joseph] was thinking the Lord sent an angel to answer his

and be famous in Bethlehem” (Ruth 4:11). Ruth is in the

questions (Matthew 1:20).

genealogy of Jesus.

Also in Matthew, the “Begats” are listed. This list can be

It is no wonder the Christmas story unfolds in Matthew

quite boring until you tug at it toward Christmas. Each name

with a quote from Micah, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

has a meaning that combines to tell the story of God’s Glory,

Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out

right up to the birth of Jesus.

of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel,

Another tug toward Christmas is a little town called

Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting” (Micah

Ephrathah, or more specially, the road connecting Ephrathah

5:2). God’s people were steeped in the history of this road from

Bethlehem as it meanders even farther toward Jerusalem.

Ephrathah to Jerusalem. The torch of prophecy and the lantern

Nothing changes the world quite like a road. Did you know

of history shed light on this well-worn pathway.

this road brought in so many changes?

The Psalmist assures us, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet

Even today, we continue looking for connections to Christmas through Scripture. It seems we know much about

and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). Although the road

Christmas, until we look again. There’s so much to unwrap

passing by Ephrathah mutely carries its travelers, the Word

about the birth of Jesus!

spotlights grand events. We know King David’s men found procession, David took the Ark back to Jerusalem (Psalm 132:6, 2 Chronicles 1:4). As Benjamin gasped his first breaths from

30 // December 2022

About The Author

the Ark of the Covenant near this tiny town and with a holy Sandra Gilmore serves the Lord as wife, mom, and encourager, mostly through writing and speaking, occasionally through cooking, rarely through anything athletic and only because of the mercy and grace of Jesus. You can reach her by email: tandsgilmore@yahoo.com or her website: www.sandragilmore.org

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Gò0dNews for Health No Doctor Heals You, Only God Can Heal You! rowing up in the mid-west, church was an occasional Sunday event in my family. Honestly, my Grandmother Pauline preached enough in her living room every afternoon to fill in a lot of the gaps! However, we all have times in our lives where God proves He is always in charge—even if He does not make Himself known regularly to you and stays in the background of our lives.

Fortunately, He is a loving God and will sometimes let us dig pretty deep holes we think we cannot ever recover from. But when you calm yourself and pray, the revelations

He wants us to learn will come to us, and eventually, the best way out of any situation! And the key is redemption!

We all make mistakes, and we all sin. Because God gave us all His only son, Jesus Christ, who died for all our sins, we only have to ask for forgiveness and admit we have sinned, and we are redeemed! How many times have you felt a hundred pounds lifted off your shoulders when you asked for forgiveness and were redeemed? It does not mean we will not suffer, but there is always light above to guide you out of any hole you dug!

The most dramatic experience for me was when I was white water rafting on the Colorado River; our raft got stuck on a huge rock at the beginning of the harsh rapids and I was hurled into the water. A few seconds later, I came up more than 50 yards from the raft. I was unable to swim 10 feet to shore or barely breathe as the current was so powerful, and I had to swallow water to get breaths. In my sheer panic, suddenly, a voice quietly said to me…it’s not your time now, you have too much to do. I immediately felt calm

32 // December 2022

overtake me, and somehow my raft mates suddenly yanked me from the rapids and I was saved! I realized I was on a wrong path and this was another wake-up call to pray for forgiveness, redeem myself with God, and get back on the plan. God had plans for me to help people heal, and just like each of you, God has a plan to follow.

There is a saying in Chiropractic: “Life Comes from Above Down Inside Out!” It means that all healing is divine and comes from above, from God through Jesus Christ. This Life-Force is expressed inside your body outwards through the nerves. All doctors are simply tools of the Lord with special skills to help your body heal itself. No drug heals you, as they can only inhibit or stimulate body function.

No surgery heals you, as it removes cancers etc. or tries to improve joints or organs. They remove the impediment to healing, and your body does the healing! It’s the same with Chiropractic care, we remove interferences of bones pinching nerves, so it’s like turning the switch on to organs, muscles, and tissues of the body. We move the bone, and the power that made your body can once again heal the body. A Chiropractor treats no diseases, we only treat people, helping your innate healing power from God do miraculous things.

Some people may seek a doctor on a nutritional basis, and some need a tumor removed. The key is God will try to get you to the right doctor for any situation. Listen to His guidance. I cannot tell you how many new patients have come in and told me, “God sent me to you. Now you better figure this out!” If God sends someone to me, I know I will do my best as He gives me strength and confidence to help people who need my help! We are taught in Chiropractic school the second most important principal, to “Share for the sake of Sharing, Give for the sake of Giving, and Love for the sake of Loving.” Remember, you cannot row someone across the river without getting there yourself. I take that to mean that all doctors of all professions that have a desire to help others heal get blessings back to them as well.

About The Author

G

by Dr. Shawn Jones

Dr. Shawn R. Jones is director of Chattanooga Wellness Centers in Cleveland & Chattanooga 2245 Chambliss Ave. NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 6016 E Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421 (423)-790-5000. www.Bone-Whisperer.com.

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

Christmas Ambrosia Salad This side dish is sure to bring joy to those around the dinner table this Christmas! Let us know if you share this sweet treat with your family this season. Tag us on Facebook at Goodnews CM.

Ingredients

Instructions

• 1 (15 ounce) can of mandarin oranges, drained

1. Drain the mandarin oranges, pineapple, and maraschino cherries. Pat the fruit dry. Cut the maraschino cherries in half.

• 1 (20 ounce) can of pineapple tidbits, drained • 1 (10 ounce) jar of maraschino cherries, drained • ½ cup of sweetened flaked coconut • 1 ½ cups of mini marshmallows • ½ cup of sour cream • 1 (8 ounce) container of Cool Whip

34 // December 2022

2. In a large bowl, mix together the pineapple, halved maraschino cherries, flaked coconut, and mini marshmallows until combined.

Then, gently fold in the mandarin oranges.

3. In a smaller bowl, mix together the sour cream and Cool Whip until well combined.

Then, gently fold into fruit mixture.

4. Chill in the fridge overnight before serving.

5. Enjoy!

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Small Gifts, Large Hearts

I

by Kristen West

t was Christmas morning. My living room was filled with family and the remains of what had been neatly wrapped packages. We were nearing the

end of our traditional gift exchange when my 13-yearold grandson produced a small, red stocking from behind his back and gave it to me. “Merry Christmas, Grandma,” he proclaimed.

I dumped out the stocking to find $13.82. The entire contents of his piggybank from home. “It’s everything I have, Grandma,” he said with a sweet smile. “And I wanted you to have it.”

My eyes welled up with tears as I gave him a bear hug that he’s probably still recovering from to this day. His comparatively small gift of the morning had the largest impact on my heart. The rest of us had purchased gifts within our budgets and from our surplus. Not him. His gift was completely and unreservedly sacrificial.

Mark 12:41-44 tells a story of a widow who did the same thing. Jesus and His disciples happened to be sitting across from the temple treasury one day as folks were coming through and dropping in their offerings.

“Many rich people were putting in large sums. And a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little” (vs. 41-42).

Jesus used that opportunity as a teaching moment for His disciples as He told them, “I assure you: This poor widow has put in more than all those giving to the temple treasury. For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she possessed—all she had to live on” (vs. 43-44).

The Gospel point here is simple. In regards to

culture where we’re encouraged to buy big, spend more, and keep up with the Joneses, that life-giving truth is essential to remember. Small things matter. Tiny tokens of thoughtfulness and love count.

As we approach this Christmas season, I pray that we all will keep that truth close to our hearts as we give freely, sacrificially, sincerely, and with love.

attitude and generosity of the heart that God regards.

Not the magnificence or largeness of the gift. In a

36 // December 2022

About The Author

giving, it is always the sincerity of the thought and the

Kristen West works at Rock Bridge Community Church with a heart for staff leadership, development, and care. She is a communicator with a passion to inspire, encourage, and challenge others in their daily walk with Christ. She writes and publishes weekly content on her blog at kristen-west.com.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

He’s Already There

by Dorothy Teague

I

watch a lot of “Sci-fi” shows, and I’ve been a

happens to me in my present or future life, He is an

“Trekkie” for a long time, watching the earliest Star

almighty God who is already there taking care of me.

Trek series avidly. I’m fascinated with “worm holes”

Even though I come from a long line of worriers, I try

and hooked on movies about time travel. I’ve always

to hold fast to this tenet and what Matthew 6:34 says,

thought it would be pretty cool to be able to go back

“Do not be anxious about tomorrow.”

in time and fix my mistakes, or gain the knowledge of how not to make them to begin with. A peep into the future to ready ourselves for what’s to come would be quite handy. But I have to bring my vivid imaginings to a halt and step into scripture where the real answers are found.

Even though God created time, He is above time itself (Genesis 1 and 2—the seven days of creation).

He is omnipresent, which means that He is everywhere at all times.

We ordinary mortals cannot see the future; we can only look back at the past or see the moment we are presently in. But God is everywhere at all times, tenses, and places! He is not confined by the construct of time nor can He be

Time travel may not ever come to pass while I

contained by any of the laws of nature and science that

am on this earth, but God is already the ultimate

we must abide by (“Behold, Heaven and the highest

time traveler! He is omnipresent! “We see through a

Heaven cannot contain You” 1 Kings 8:27).

glass darkly…” (1 Corinthians 13:12) but God already

Psalm 139:7-10 says, “Where shall I go from your

knows all the events of your life (Psalm 139:16) and is there in each moment of it with you. It’s comforting

ascend to Heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in

to know that no matter what happens in my life’s

Sheol, you are there! …if I dwell in the uttermost parts

journey, He’s already there!

of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” So, no matter what

38 // December 2022

About The Author

Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I

Dorothy Teague is a Tennessee native, who resides in McMinn County with her husband, Lewis, on their farm. After completing 31.5 years as a teacher in the Bradley County School System, she is active in her church at Eastanallee Baptist Church where she is a member of the choir and praise team.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Greatest Memory

T

by Dr. Alan Hix

he Christmas season is often a time for remembering.

planning something special for her child? She would not know

What is your fondest Christmas memory? The month of

until three days later, that God’s promise all those years ago

December holds some special days for our family. My

was fulfilled in ways she could never have imagined.

father was born in December, and he and my mother were wed a few days before his birthday. Skip forward in time, and our daughter was born on my parents’ anniversary, and a few days later, I walked across the stage at New Orleans seminary for my doctoral degree.

Christmas songs often reflect memories of Christmases past. The Twelve Days of Christmas might cause us to wonder what we would do with all of those presents if our true love actually did give them to us. The cacophony from all the livestock alone might make us rethink our view of the Grinch

During my early adult years, a popular song for church choirs to sing at Christmas was called simply, That Night.

The song begins with a hushed memory of a humble birth.

That night in all of Heaven there wasn’t a sound As God and the angels watched the Earth.

For there, in a stable the Father’s only Son Chose to give Himself through human birth.

And when the cry of a baby pierced the universe Once for all, men were shown their worth.

as a villain. He had a problem with the noise too!

Closer to home, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus might stir memories of those childhood schemes to catch a glimpse of the man in the red suit. I’ll be home for Christmas captures the wistful longing for treasured Christmas traditions.

More poignantly, Jim Brickman’s song That Silent Night, recounts the story of a courtship that began on a Christmas night and continued through the decades. Alone now, a widower looks back over the years of Christmases spent together. We feel his wistfulness in the chorus: And the world spins round and the seasons change Letting go moving on and nothing stays the same Winter turns to Spring and Summer turns to Fall Our shadows on the wall, I still can see When I was holding you and you were holding me.

We find many details of the Christmas story in the Gospel

The chorus crescendos into a powerful declaration of the eternal significance of this one simple event.

of Luke. The difficult journey to Bethlehem, a stable turned into

And the heavens exploded, with music everywhere.

a delivery room, and a host of angels announcing the messiah’s

And the angels spilled over heaven’s edge and filled the air.

birth to lowly shepherds all capture our imagination. Luke

And the Father rejoiced, for He did not lose His Son,

concludes his narrative with a simple statement that implies

But He gained to Himself forever those who’d come.

treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

I wonder how often during the course of Jesus’ life, Mary paused to remember the wonder of those events. As her heart was broken as she watched her son dying on a Roman cross, did she think back to those events when it seemed God was

40 // December 2022

No wonder Mary pondered these things in her heart. For Christians throughout the centuries, this is truly the greatest memory. This Christmas, let us make it ours!

About The Author

the details he recounts come from Mary’s memories: “But Mary

Dr. Alan Hix is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.

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Gò0dNews for the New Year

5 Ways to Start the New Year Off Right

O

by Mitchell Qualls

ne more year is almost in the rearview, and the

• Measurable: You need a way to measure your progress.

countdown to the new year is on. Can you believe it? If

Depending on your goal, you may have to search, but look

you’re like me, you may already be thinking about new

for a tool to measure your progress. Choose a method that

opportunities and goals to help you start the new year right.

If you’re rolling your eyes at the thought of “New Year’s

you’ll stick with.

• Achievable: If it’s not attainable, you’ll probably give up too

Resolutions,” let me just state the obvious: There’s nothing

soon. Don’t try to jump too big, too fast. If there’s a big, lofty

significant about January 1 when it comes to goals. There is

goal you want to achieve in the future, that’s great. Break

nothing magical about new year’s resolutions. In fact, research has

it down into smaller goals and take those on. It’s a lot less

found that only about 45% of people even make resolutions. (And

daunting to say you want to lose 5 pounds in 2 months than

35% of those who do quit them before the end of January.)

to say you want to lose 50 pounds.

So, are they even worth it? While resolutions may not be the most successful, there is a lot of benefit in setting goals for yourself.

Goals can help you become who you want to be, provide stability and drive you. January 1 gives you a good starting point. The calendar flips to another year, and it’s often seen as a fresh start.

But, how do we start the new year off right?

1. Reflect on the previous year.

Healthy things grow. Healthy people are no different, but to grow, we have to see where we are. Start by looking back at the previous year and ask yourself: What went well last year?

What did I accomplish?

How did my life improve?

What goals did I abandon? Why? What hurdles did I overcome?

What do I wish I had spent more time doing?

2. Ask yourself, “What do I want to improve upon and why?”

You have the best opportunity to achieve the goals you set for yourself. Be careful not to set your goals based on what another

• Relevant: Does the goal matter to you? Is this something you want, not anyone else?

• Time-bound: Every goal needs a timeframe. The timeline must be realistic. Set a target achievement date and set benchmarks along the way.

4. Build a support system.

Achieving goals is a lot easier when you surround yourself

person or our culture says. Your goals are about your health,

with people cheering you on. Come alongside friends or family,

finances, career, relationships, or whatever you choose. No matter

and all agree to share your goals and support each other.

how good a goal is, the success rate is diminished if it’s set for the

Accountability will push you to keep at it. If you need to, find an

wrong reasons. Side note: There is no magical number of goals either.

online group with similar goals and journey together.

Maybe you just need to start with one and focus on it until you achieve it.

3. Set SMART goals.

Ever heard of a SMART goal? SMART is an acronym coined

5. Write it down.

This seems simple, but there’s power in writing your goals, perhaps in your planner or on a sticky note in a prominent place.

in the Management Review Journal in 1981. It means specific,

Make sure they are somewhere highly visible so you can read them

measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. It’s a business

over and over. And you can check off that goal once you achieve it.

a brief explanation of a SMART goal: • Specific: Your resolution should be absolutely clear. Instead of “I want to get in better shape,” say, “I want to run a 5k in 3 months.”

42 // December 2022

Go ahead and set those goals for the new year. But take the time to make a plan. As Benjamin Franklin said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”

About The Author

model for setting goals, but it translates well to other types. Here’s

You can reach Michell Qualls at Mitchell@ FirstThings.org or visit First Things First’s website for more content at firstthings.org.

rry e M

Christmas

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