February 2020

Gò0dNews February 2020

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Contents FEBRUARY 2020

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 Do You Need God’s Peace Today?

by Danny Hesterly

GoodNews for Kids

8

Does God Love Me?

by Filip Brunner

GoodNews on Money Matters

10 Found Money

by Andrew Lee

GoodNews for Men

12 What’s Love Got To Do With It?

by Jeff Greer GoodNews for Women

14 Overcoming Your Mountain

by Brooke Towe

GoodNews for Everyone

18 There Is Hope

by Allie Miller

GoodNews for Life

20 Half A Cup

by Denise Nelson

GoodNews Cover Story

22 Trinity Construction And Demolition

GoodNews for Health & Fitness

24 Our Own Spidey Sense?

by Dr. Zach Walker

GoodNews for Everyone

26 He First Loved Us — 1 John 4:19

by Gina Hooker

GoodNews from the Physician’s Desk

28 Our Hearts Are Open GoodNews for Couples

30 How To Have A

Christ-Centered Marriage

by Kenneth E. Ware GoodNews for Everyone

32 What Can I Do?

6

by Arlene Ledbetter

GoodNews for Singles

34 Embrace Singleness

by Wendy Pierce

GoodNews for Marriage

36 Better Together

by Rachel Smith

GoodNews for Everyone

38 Back To The Drawing Board

by Lisa Zimmer

GoodNews for Everyone

22

40 What Happens on Monday?

by Jack Borders

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

42 My Father’s Made-FromScratch Biscuits

by Rhonda Lane

40

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Do You Need God’s Peace Today?

B

by Danny Hesterly

ack in college, I read Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s

same thing. We are to sacrifice our pride, hurt, feelings of

literary work The Little Prince. It was a fantastic

injustice and forgive.

read. I remember having one particular conversation

Mark 11:25 says, “When you pray, if you remember

with my mentor, Dr. Cliff Schimmels, about a spiritual

anyone who has wronged you, forgive him so that God

implication I was taking from the text.

above can also forgive you.”

If you haven’t read this book before, let me give you a

I understand that forgiving is sometimes a difficult thing

glimpse into the life of the main character. The prince lives

to do. But just because it is not easy does not mean you

on asteroid B 612 where volcanoes, baobab trees, and one

should not practice it. Those who have truly accepted the

pretentious rose inhabit his kingdom. Everyday, he keeps the volcanoes clean and weeds out unwanted seeds from his asteroid’s soil - in particular, he pulls out small baobab bushes that are constantly on the verge of overrunning the astroid’s surface. If a baobab is not rooted out the moment it is recognized, it will grow into a tree and be too large to remove. At that point, its roots would have a catastrophic effect on the prince’s tiny asteroid.

More than ever, I am understanding the importance of having a daily spiritual checkin. Just like the little prince, who cleans out the volcanoes and digs up the baobab bushes, we to must take a daily inventory of what’s growing in the soil of our heart.

Let’s take a moment and look at one spiritual “baobab root” that, if not dug up immediately, will cause havoc in your life and in your relationship with God. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another,

grace and forgiveness of God become people who extend that same grace and forgiveness to others.

Is there unforgiveness in the soil of your heart? Who do you need to call or text right now to get that resolved? Why wait for that to take root and create feelings of anger and

tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through

bitterness? Today, I am asking that you choose to forgive

Christ has forgiven you.”

and let that burden free. Because when you do, you will

Can we be completely honest with ourselves? Forgiving

experience the peace of God like you never have before.

people is challenging. When someone does us wrong or

“Every act of love is a profession of faith, because it

hurts our feelings it can seem impossible to forgive or be

whispers His name.” Live in Grace; Walk in Love- Bob Goff

kind to that person. Look at that last part of the verse in Ephesians: “…just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” are forgiven. As a result, we are called to do exactly the

6 // February 2020

About The Author

Did you catch that!? Through the sacrifice of Jesus our sins Danny Hesterly is the executive pastor at City Church Chattanooga. He’s been married to his lovely bride, Erin, for 14 years and has two wonderful kiddos: Micah, 10, and Ava, 8.

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Gò0dNews for Kids

Does God Love Me?

O

by Filip Brunner

ne of my childhood memories is when one winter

as the weather was changing, my grandfather realized that

my grandfather and I went on a morning walk in

there was no way we could make it back to the rental cabin

the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. It begun

where my grandmother was waiting for us before the storm

as wonderful morning, the sky was a brilliant baby blue and

hit. It was no ordinary storm but an ice storm. What was a

a tender breeze blew from the southwest bringing with it

pleasant day earlier has turned deadly in matter of minutes.

the warmth of approaching spring. About half way up the

At first it was only snow but soon we were pelted by razor

hill, we noticed a change in the atmosphere. Wind direction

sharp ice. My grandfather draped his hulking body over me

changed and wisps of clouds were coming around the northern slope of the near mountain peaks.

In Matthew 23:37 Jesus made a statement about Jerusalem which brought grief to his heart. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!”

Sometimes the question is not does God love us but do I love God enough to trust Him to work in my life and to rest in the confidence that He loves me unconditionally. Romans 5:8 tell us: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

The word commendeth or command is a very strong

and protected me with his own body from the icy onslaught.

In the same way, the darling Son of God starched his lacerated, broken body and took the punishment of my sinfulness for me. My grandfather did it out of love for

military word that no one can argue with. It is one of those

me because I was part of his family, but Jesus went to the

words that makes it plain that God’s love will always be

cross so I would not have to and so I could be adopted

there. Jesus tells us that He will never leave us nor forsake

into His family.

us. Until I met Christ I never met anyone who would be willing to die for me. Well, that is not strictly true.

The Bible states that for a good person some would dare

Does God love us? More importantly, do we love God because He first loved us. Just something to think about and as always be blessed and may God bless us all. Good day.

to die, my grandfather was in a position where he could mountain when we were taking the walk. In the mountains

8 // February 2020

About The Author

have died for me when I was young and we were on that 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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Found Money 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.

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any of us have experienced the joy of “found money”—whether it’s a few silver coins we discovered in the couch cushions, or paper money tucked into the pocket of our blue jeans. We always look at this lucky twist of fate as “free money.” And what is the likely result of our unexpected financial “windfall?” We spend it as quickly as possible, usually on something that brings instant gratification. In fact, “found money” is least likely to be saved, much less invested. Why is that?

Because we didn’t work for this money, or earn it, so it “costs” us nothing—at least that’s what we tell ourselves to rationalize our impulsive choice to spend the money quickly. Quick quiz: when was the last time you received cash or a check in a birthday card or as a Christmas present? What did you do with the money? Can you put your hands on it now?

Luckily, these are rhetorical questions. We already know the answer, and it’s very likely “no.” The money was a gift, so it was (in your mind) meant to be “spent” on something that made you feel good. After all, you told yourself, that’s what “they” would want, and that’s why they gifted you the money—to enjoy yourself. So you spent the money at the first opportunity. After all, you wouldn’t want to disappoint the giver, would you?

Recently, I had the opportunity to test my own resolve regarding “found money.” My father came over to my house and said he had a surprise for me which he found in an old box in his attic. It was $400 worth of U.S. savings bonds which I had won in an essay contest in 1986 when

10 // February 2020

I was 17 years old. (I’ve always loved writing. Go figure).

I was elated. This was “found money” for sure. I took the savings bonds to the bank and learned they were now worth $922 with all the interest over thirty-three years. Sounds great, right? That is, until you realize that the interest on these savings bonds was a little over two percent per year.

In other words, they just kept up with inflation. Instead, imagine if that $400 had been invested in a broad stock market index fund earning on average 9%-11% per year.

During that time period, $400 could have turned into $7,000 or $13,000.

So what looks like a “lucky” instance of “found money” is less attractive when you consider that $922 of my compounded interest could have easily been $7,000-$13,000 instead if I’d invested it in a stock index mutual fund. And let’s get even crazier. What if I had put that $400 in savings bonds into a brand new company which went public in 1986 and began selling shares on the stock market? The company was called Microsoft, and today that $400 from my essay contest prize would be worth about $700,000.

Considering my essay was about one thousand words, that’s seven hundred dollars per word! Not bad for a seventeenyear-old who took about thirty minutes to write the essay.

We can’t go back and change the past. But we can start now. So I took that $922 from the bank last month and immediately invested it into a broad stock market index fund for my daughter’s wedding. She’s ten years old. By her wedding day, that money should be worth at least several thousand dollars—a gift from my seventeen-year-old self to a daughter I never knew I’d have one day. How cool is that?

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Gò0dNews for Men

What’s Love Got To Do With It? ebruary. The month of love. However, like with other holidays, the world has corrupted it. The world has no idea what real love really is.

The world would have us believe that love is demonstrated by cards, flowers and chocolates. If we want to see real love in action, we must consult the Scriptures and see how Jesus demonstrated real love.

First, we need to understand the meaning of love as it is revealed in the Bible. In the original writings, the word is agape. Agape means to seek the highest good for another person, and that means to do whatever it takes to help the person we love come into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

It is easy to buy gifts for our loved ones, but those things do not last. Cards can be saved, but we have to buy another one each year. Flowers die and are thrown in the trash. Chocolates can cause us to gain weight or develop diabetes. A relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ lasts for all eternity.

Second, we need to see how God expressed His love to us. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

God loved us and gave us Jesus, the greatest sacrifice that has ever been made. God loved us so much that He wanted us to spend eternity with Him. God loved us so much that He made the way for our sins to be forgiven. In John 14:6, it says, “Jesus saith unto him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’” Jesus is the only way to be forgiven and to live forever with God. Jesus showed us how to live sacrificially: how to give our all for someone in need, regardless of the cost. In John 13:34-35, it says, “Jesus said, ‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.’”

Jesus also said in John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” We have no option but to obey the One

12 // February 2020

who died to save us. We can say we love Jesus, and we can sing, “O, How I Love Jesus,” but our love for Jesus is revealed through our obedience to His commands.

The world desperately needs to see real love in action.

Real love has nothing to do with the gifts we give but with how we live as Jesus did. In Matthew 28:18-20, we are given the final command of Jesus: “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, ‘All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye (as you are going) therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the

name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe (obey) all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ Amen.”

When we live like Jesus, when we sacrifice our time, our treasure, and our talents to reach a lost soul with the Gospel, then the world sees what real love is. What’s love got to do with it? If our love is real, it has everything to do with why God has left us on the earth: to show people and to tell people how they can be saved and how they can live forever in Heaven. That is real love.

About The Author

F

by Jeff Greer

Dr. Jeff Greer, founder of The Place Of Grace Ministries, has been serving churches through teaching, preaching, discipleship, financial training and music for forty years. He and his wife, Laura, live in Ringgold and are Dave Ramsey Certified Financial Coaches. You may contact them at theplaceofgrace@comcast.net or 423.400.8761.

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Gò0dNews for Women

Overcoming Your Mountain few months ago, my daughter and her friend were in a dance competition in Nashville. As the friend’s mother and I with the two little girls crossed Monteagle Mountain and headed to Nashville, my car began to overheat, placing us on the side of the mountain. It was 10 p.m., and we had our two little girls with us! This mountain, which I had been driving over for 20-plus years, now became something I dreaded. We made it to Nashville, but I started fearing the trip home in two days.

On the trip back from Nashville, everything was going smoothly; however, I looked ahead and saw the mountain I now dreaded. It was rainy, foggy, and getting dark as I approached the mountain. In my mind, the mountain was impossible to cross. As I approached the base of the mountain, it was worse than I had imagined. I can still see it in my mind. The mountain was foggy, rainy, and staring back at me. We stopped just before Monteagle, and I went into a gas station, continually in prayer, and a peace fell over me! Even though this mountain was not going to be moved, as I was going to have to cross it, I had peace knowing that He was with me. A new courage and strength were with me!

Sometimes, God removes mountains (circumstances) so that we do not have to deal with them or go through them, and sometimes God allows us to cross over mountains, but He is with us in the process. Either way, He is there for you and helping you. I honestly prefer God just to move the mountains, but sometimes the process of the “going over” is crucial to take us where we need to be!

Often, in life, when we pray, obstacles are removed. My favorite Scripture to pray when I am facing something big is Mark 11:23: “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” I love to have a giant mountain in front of me and get a “suddenly” miracle when God just

14 // February 2020

removes it. He often does! We all rejoice and shout when this happens, but what about when we have to cross the mountain in unfavorable conditions? What do we do then?

There are times when we pray, and the mountain is still there. We have to keep going forward to get to the other side, which means crossing the mountain. Crossing the mountain is not fun, but it is sometimes necessary to get you where you need to be. We tend to make excuses as to why we can’t proceed and give reasons why we need to “turn around” and retreat. Giving up sometimes looks like an amazing option,

but really, what are you giving up to? In this particular example, my “giving up” would keep me in Nashville, and my life is in Chattanooga. My only option was to go forward despite my circumstance. As we headed up and over the mountain on that dark and gloomy evening, HE was with us as He always is! Even though I had to cross the mountain, it was easy with Him! Today, I speak to you and to your mountain that needs to be removed, and I declare it so NOW in Jesus name. I speak to everyone going over a mountain and pray comfort and peace be with you. Mountains can be large and frightful, but with Him, everything is calm.

About The Author

A

by Brooke Towe

Brooke Towe, co pastor of Ramp Church Chattanooga. Owner of Brooke Travel Company. Wife to Pastor Andrew and mother to their children Giuliana and Gabriel.

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Ringgold Church Directory Baptist Boynton Baptist Church 4093 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-952-1551 Briarwood Baptist Church 26 Ellis Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-9177 Burning Bush Baptist Church 2195 Burning Bush Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-1989 Calvary Memorial Baptist Church 518 Highway #41 Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-9340 Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle 4994 Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-4323 Cherokee Valley Baptist Church 1495 Cherokee Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-6220 Christ First Church 1008 N. Beaumont Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-375-1008 Clearview Baptist Church 2183 Dietz Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-0164 Ebenezer Baptist Church 77 Hackett Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-7970 Faith Baptist Church 308 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 423-509-5334 First Baptist Church of Ringgold 105 East Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-2358 Friendship Primitive Baptist Church 851 Ooltewah Ringgold Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-2382 Gospel Way Baptist Church 31 Bowling Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-9866 Grace Baptist Church

16 // February 2020

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 Mount Pisgah 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 Catoosa

6141 Three Notch Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-397-4115 Church of Living Faith 7623 Alabama Highway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-5673 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 Light House Church 1201 Lafayette Road Rossville, GA 30741 706-861-2715 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 Newman Spring 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 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 Presbyterian First Presbyterian Church 1 Harker Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0232

List/Update Your Church Listing (423) 478-6484

goodnewscm.com // 17

Gò0dNews for Everyone

There Is Hope

W

by Allie Miller

e live in a world dominated by stress, fear,

peace! “For here is what the Lord has spoken to me:

and anxiety. Life goes by day by day and

‘Because you have delighted in me as my great lover, I

all of the cares of life can so easily feel like

will greatly protect you. I will set you in a high place,

they’re closing in like walls around us. Our society and

safe and secure before my face. I will answer your cry

culture tell us that it’s perfectly normal and that will

for help every time you pray, and you will find and

always be that way, but it’s simply not true. The truth

feel my presence even in your time of pressure and

is that there is hope. There is freedom. We were created

trouble. I will be your glorious hero and give you a

to walk in courage, boldness, and power EVERY DAY!

feast. You will be satisfied with a full life and with all

When fear or worry tries to crowd our hearts and minds, know that you have an enemy who will do anything to steal your focus away from God in order to keep you from walking in a close relationship with Him. God Himself is an allconsuming fire of love, so when we’re close to Him, all fear has to leave because “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18). Know that when you intentionally focus on Him, everything else fades away! Where His light is,

that I do for you. For you will enjoy the fullness of my

darkness can’t stay. I find that even just whispering

salvation!’”(Psalms 91:14-16 TPT).

the name of Jesus instantly brings peace in the midst

If you find yourself constantly trying to fight

of total chaos. Remind yourself of the promises He has

against fear, switch gears and begin to focus on Jesus,

made in His Word.

on His Word, and His faithfulness. Peace will come.

There are scriptures that I love to read out loud

Freedom will come.

because the Word of God has such power to bring

18 // February 2020

About The Author

over and over again when I begin to feel overwhelmed

Allie Miller is a young woman full of fiery passion for the presence and pursuit of God. She is a singer/ songwriter, and currently leads worship at Ramp Church Chattanooga. It is her deep desire for people of all backgrounds, ages, and cultures to fall in love the Father, and release a sound that would please His heart.

Church Activities & Events Philadelphia Baptist Church Vernon Greeson Concert

Friday, February 7th | 7PM 1065 Pine Grove Road, Ringgold, GA

Living Waters Ministries

Evangelist Daniel Swaggerty & Vernon Greeson Sunday, February 16th | 6PM - 9PM 1337 Battlefield Pkwy, Fort Oglethorpe, GA

Faith Builders International

The Remnant Youth Worship & Bible Study 8309 Hwy 41, Ringgold, GA 30736 Wednesday Nights @ 7:00PM

Lafayette Church of God Family Worship Night

Wednesday, February 5th | 6PM 1002 South Main Street, LaFayette, GA

Second Baptist Church Marriage Conference

Friday, February 14th - Saturday, February 15th 500 W main Street, LaFayette, GA

Gò0dNews for Life

Half A Cup

J

by Denise Nelson

ohn 13:35: “By this all men will know that you

hill. I’ve also noticed, at times, coffee spilling over the

are my disciples, if you love one another.”

sides of the cup on his way to Pa. As I looked at the

This morning started out a little crazy. I had

half cup of coffee he had given me, John 13:35 came

my list of things I wanted to accomplish. Sometimes,

to mind. It wasn’t a perfect cup of coffee, filled to the

I can get frustrated when things aren’t going as well

brim and fresh from the pot. It was a half cup of love

as I planned for them to. I’ve been reading a really

that satisfied more than the full cup ever could.

good book that talks about serving God in the everyday things you do. It’s a struggle for me sometimes to let go of my “not quite enough” mentality regarding getting things done.

My 74-yearold father lives in his travel trailer on our property while we work on adding a room for him in our house.

My husband’s almost-90-yearold grandfather (Pa) already lives with us. Every

We sometimes think we need to do extraordinary

morning, my dad walks from his camper down a

things to accomplish much for the Kingdom; however,

small hill to our house and brings Pa coffee. This

the greatest reflection of Christ isn’t perfection in the

morning, Pa had headed out early, and my dad had

tasks we perform but acts of love done for others. I

not realized it. In an effort not to waste the coffee he

hope I can remember to focus less on what I’m trying

made, he gave it to me. The first thing I noticed was

to do and more on who I’m trying to love. A half a cup

over half the cup was gone.

of love is always better than a full cup of works.

ritual, I have noticed him carrying the coffee down the

20 // February 2020

About The Author

Over the weeks he’s been doing this morning Denise Nelson lives in Ringgold, Georgia, with her husband, son, father, and grandfather.

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started as a dream of Jim and Elaine

However, God had other plans for Jim, and he

Gawthrop with the generous help of one-

traveled to Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he was

time business partner Pastor Odell Cochran of

a police officer for years until getting hurt on the

Tunnel Hill. The company was founded on the parable of Luke 8, verses 14-15. A seed in bad soil withers and dies, but seed planted in good soil thrives and multiplies. By demolishing old, dilapidated, burnt, and unsafe structures, there is a way paved for new growth and a new beginning.

Jim was born and raised in the mountains of West Virginia and gravitated to heavy equipment at a young age. Jim learned a good work ethic from his dad, Abe Gawthrop, who instilled in him that

22 // February 2020

(L-R): Owner, Jim Gawthrop and son, Taylor Gawthrop.

job and being forced to retire. God then led him to Lafayette, Georgia, where he teamed up with Odell Cochran, and his love of heavy equipment came back into being.

Trinity Construction and Demolition is not a large-scale operation but is devoted to its customers who provide word-of-mouth and referral advertising. Many satisfied customers have aided in increasing business and growing it to the point it is at today. Equipment includes

BEFORE

a tandem dump truck for hauling away debris and delivering driveway material, a Bobcat skid steer with multiple attachments, and a miniexcavator for demolition, forestry mowing, and bush hogging services. If you have a piece of property needing to be cleaned or cleared, contact Jim at 423-413-3438 for a free estimate. Trinity Construction and Demolition concentrates on providing services to the Walker County area within a 50-mile radius of Lafayette.

AFTER goodnewscm.com // 23

Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness

Our Own Spidey Sense?

U

by Dr. Zach Walker

nless you’ve been living under a rock, you know

are in space. When we start walking to get food or take a

who Spiderman is. You probably know that

shower, we need to have the ability to understand where

Spiderman has his own Spidey sense, which allows

we are concerning the many objects in the room. Also, as we

him to sense bad guys and stay out of danger. What if I told

are walking, we are constantly using our eyes to scan the

you that you have your own spidey sense? Each and every

area for objects, and to reach for our toothbrush or breakfast.

day, our very own spidey sense gives us the same ability.

When our spidey sense isn’t working during this, we may

We cannot climb on walls or lift a truck over our heads, but

step on something that is on the floor, hit our shoulder on

it does keep us out of danger and alerts us that something

the doorframe, miss the alarm clock a couple of times, or

may be wrong. What I am referring to is our somatosensory

reach for the orange juice but end up knocking it over.

system. The somatosensory system makes up our vestibular system, proprioceptive system, and oculomotor system. These words aren’t important, but the key to remember is they allow proper balance, eye movements, and make up our personal space.

These systems are continually working together to make sure that we aren’t falling when walking or playing sports, allows us to look at different objects during the day, and decrease the chance of always bumping into objects. Together they make up our spidey sense. However, it is when the somatosensory system, apart of the brain, cant respond correctly to our environment and causes issues to arise. This can look like many different issues from always bumping or jamming our fingers, getting dizzy turning or head/body, or when we move our eyes quickly, we get dizzy or unstable. This is happening because our spidey sense cant detect where we are in our environment or

This is happening because our brains lose where we are

unable to use our eyes properly. Here is an example of an

in space, cant use eyes to fixate on anything, and cant use

everyday activity that uses this system.

our balance centers properly. This can happen from getting

Our spidey sense is working from the minute we wake

a concussion, people with migraines, chronic pain, some

up to the second we fall asleep, and I will show you what I

damage to our balance centers, etc. The next time you are

mean. As soon as we wake up and get out of bed, possibly

walking to the bathroom, be sure to thank your brain for

after hitting snooze a few times, we need to put our feet

doing its job.

position requires proper balance and knowing where we

24 // February 2020

About The Author

on the ground. Getting from a lying position to a standing Dr. Zach Walker is a chiropractic neurologist in the Ringgold, Georgia, area. He utilizes a chiropractic brain-based module to help his patients. He is the owner of BrainSpineConnection.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

He First Loved Us – 1 John 4:19 would venture to say that Christians are guilty of loving halfheartedly much of the time. I wish even more it were not true of me, but sadly, it is. Ask yourself these questions and see if you are guilty of ever having this mindset when it comes to others: They haven’t called me in a while; why should I call them first?

The door swings both ways!

They can come see me as easy as I can go see them!

I didn’t receive a card from her on my birthday, so I do not need to send her one.

If my spouse does A-B-C for me, then I will do X-Y-Z for them.

Isn’t it wonderful that God holds nothing back from us? Isn’t it amazing that He lavishes us with His love and grace when it is so undeserved? Yet we have an almost “works-based” mentality when it comes to showering others with our affection, gifts, service, and attention. Had He not loved us unless we loved Him first, we would all be destined to spend eternity in Hell. John 3:16 tells us it is because of love that God gave His only Son to die for us, even before we were born, so that we may have everlasting life.

We have a temporal and limited understanding of love. In the earlier years of my marriage, my husband would say we loved with “one hand out.”

What he meant was, we did not reach both hands out to one another in total abandonment. We kept one hand up (to guard) and extended one hand out (in fellowship). We had experienced so many disappointments in our marriage in the first few years that we loved only halfheartedly out of self-preservation. We loved each other, but we had this insecure and on-guard stance, “just in case” the other acted in an unkind way.

God knew we would reject, disregard, and disobey Him, yet He gave all. Romans 5:7-9 says, “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were sinners, Christ

26 // February 2020

died for us.” I may take a bullet for someone; I would hope that I would. But I could never stand my child or grandchild in the path of the bullet to save a life of someone else. But that is exactly what God did for us! I can only imagine that kind of love.

That brings me to confess that I need to love God more than I do. I mean, I DO love Him, of course I do, and I am very thankful for all He has done for me. But I need to learn to love Him more. I need to love Him more than I do my

own family. Though they mean the world to me, not one of them should be placed in higher regard than my Lord. And I must be careful to always confess to God that I do not love Him because of what He has blessed me with or brought me through or because of what He has done. He does not have to “earn” my love, nor do I His. “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

God, help me to love others as you love them and as you love me: with both hands out unconditionally.

About The Author

I

by Gina Hooker

Gina Hooker RN, Clinical Discipler.

President and founder of Eternal Life Support Group.

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Gò0dNews from the Physician’s Desk

H

Our Hearts Are Open

amilton Medical Center will soon expand its

“The path to being granted the certificate of need to

cardiovascular services to provide open heart

develop an open heart program is not just a Hamilton

surgery.

effort,” said Jeff Myers, president and CEO of Hamilton

“An open heart surgery program will give Hamilton the

Health Care System. “This was an effort by the entire

ability to create a comprehensive cardiovascular program

community. For far too long, we have watched our friends,

at an elite level,” said cardiothoracic surgeon Richard

family, and loved ones suffer from chronic diseases,

Morrison, MD. “It will be a great benefit for the residents of

especially heart disease. Bringing open heart surgery to this

North Georgia and surrounding regions.”

region will allow patients to be close to home, and their

Not only will Hamilton soon have the ability to perform open heart surgery, having this type of program

physicians will be able to better coordinate their care— physicians who know them, who have cared for them, and

will allow the hospital to provide additional types of lung surgeries in conjunction with various cancer treatments.

“The halo effect of having an open heart surgery program benefits the community through a wide range of additional services the hospital will be able to provide,” said Robert Chandler, chair of the Hamilton Medical Center Board of Trustees.

In the last five years, Hamilton has recruited more than 60 physicians.

The hospital now has more than 280 physicians on medical staff, representing more than 40 specialties. An open

who know their medical histories. This coordination of

heart surgery program will allow the health system to bring

care cannot be overstated. It has significant impact on how

even more specialists to the region, significantly benefiting

well a patient recovers after surgery, and it can minimize

our economy.

the occurrence and impact of complications, especially for

“This is the result of a wonderful collaboration of many people working together to better serve the interests and needs of Northwest Georgians,” said State Senator Chuck Payne. “It truly is all part of the ‘Dalton difference.’”

28 // February 2020

patients with multiple health conditions, which is common with those suffering from heart disease.”

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Gò0dNews for Couples How To Have A Christ-Centered Marriage

by Kenneth E. Ware

I

nstituted by God Himself, marriage is to reflect the relationship

and chaotic. To be exact, the husband is the head of the wife and

between Jesus Christ and His Bride (the Church)—an earthly

family (Ephesians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 11:3). The Greek word head

illustration of the heavenly reality. As a covenant agreement

(κεφαλή) means “authoritative leader who provides direction.”

between God and the couple, the Bible regards marriage in very

The husband is to be the primary decision-maker in the home.

high honor. One man and one woman, until death parts them, has

Now, this does not mean the wife cannot make an executive

always been God’s original plan for holy matrimony. The Apostle

decision, but the executive decision must be in agreement with her

Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians has some choice words pertaining to

husband. Because of his position in Christ, the husband has the

the roles and responsibilities in a Christ-centered marriage.

final authority on every matter in the home.

The Role of the Wife

IV. Love with the Affection of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-30).

I. Be Accountable to Your Own Husband (Ephesians 5:22, 24).

Although all believers are to be subject to one another in the fear

The old adage, “Happy wife, happy life” or, “Happy house, happy spouse” is humorous, but there is some truth to it. Since

of Christ, in the Christian marriage, wives are instructed to “be subject” to their own husbands, as to the Lord (Ephesians 5:21-22; Titus 2:5; 1 Peter 3:1-6). Now, that does not mean that she must become inferior to her husband, nor does it mean the husband is to be superior to his wife. The word subject (ύποτασσάμενοι) is a present-tense verb which means “to voluntarily rank under the authority of another.” It’s also a military term which means “to keep on giving up one’s own right or will to another.” As long as it does not cause her to compromise her faith in Jesus Christ or violate Scripture, she is to be subject to her husband “in everything” (v. 24). As the wife keeps on submitting herself to her own husband’s authority, she will be subjecting herself as to the Lord.

II. Be Appreciative of Your Own Husband (Ephesians 5:33).

Not only must the wife be subject to her husband, she must also respect her husband (Ephesians 5:33; 1 Peter 3:1-2).

The term respect (φοβηται) does not merely mean telling him you respect him with your lips, but also showing him you respect him through your life. It is through chaste and Christlike behavior that you demonstrate biblical respect to your husband.

After all, you may not be able to reach him with your Bible, but you can reach him through your behavior (1 Peter 3:1-6). You see, if Christian couples spent less time criticizing and more time eulogizing, the marriage would be more edifying. The Apostle Paul exhorts wives to “love their husbands and children, be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so

Jewish antiquity, love has always been an attribute of action. In the New Testament, love is a state-of-being verb. It is imperative for the husband to love (άγαπατε) his wife continuously, sacrificially, and unconditionally. More than simply a statement, love is to be put into action. A husband must love his wife as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her (v. 25). A husband might ask the question, “How can I love my wife as Christ loves the church?”

The answer is by being her prophet (represent her to God), her

that the word of God will not be dishonored” (Titus 2:3-5).

priest (represent her to God), her provider (supply her spiritual,

The Role of the Husband

your life for hers, i.e. love her until death).

III. Lead with the Authority of Christ (Ephesians 5:23).

physical, and economical needs), and her propitiation (sacrifice

will give the perception of something that is both dysfunctional

30 // February 2020

About The Author

Anything with two heads is a monster. Likewise, if the marriage is struggling with who’s going to be the head, it, too,

Kenneth E. Ware, M.M., M.A.B.S., M. Div. Devoted husband to Tonia - wife of 24 years.

Pastor of New Sholar Avenue Baptist Church.

Graduate of Temple Baptist Seminary.

Christian Writer and Expository Bible Teacher.

Gò0dNews for Everyone

What Can I Do?

A

by Arlene Ledbetter

s I stood by my sister’s coffin, a hand touched my elbow. Tears pooled in the eyes of Joseph, my 10-year-old. “Can I do anything for you, Mama?”

he whispered.

I looked around for my niece, Joann. She had offered to

watch my three children while I helped my siblings speak to the visitors offering condolences. Joann’s hand made a snake-like gesture, meaning Joseph had given her the slip. I

Hand-in-hand, we walked in silence.

The elevator doors closed behind us. I somehow managed to ask, “What kind of addition?”

“Excuse me?”

“The hospital,” I answered. “You said something about an addition.”

“Oh, I made that up,” he said. “I could see you needed to get out of there.”

indicated he could stay with me.

When I brushed away a tear, Joseph perked up. “Want me to get you another tissue, Mama?”

“Yes, that would be a big help, sweetie.”

Joseph confiscated a large box of tissues from a nearby table. He offered me several puffs of white. I dried my eyes, blew my nose, and then gave him the used tissues. “Gross,” he said.

“Oh, but I don’t mind, Mama.”

Balancing the soggy wad on his open palm, Joseph went in search of a trash can. He and his box of tissues helped me get through a difficult evening.

I recall another time my son came to my aid.

As I stood at the bedside of my dying father-in-law, a nurse sucked fluid from his throat with a

My boy held me as I gave myself to my tears.

hose-like instrument. The horrible sound transported me

Each time I wonder how to help a suffering friend, I

to my mother’s hospital bed years earlier, when nurses had

think back to my son’s actions. What did Joseph do? He

used a similar instrument on her.

showed up and stood by me. Because he was there, he was

I felt as if I might choke on my emotions and wanted to bolt from the room. I considered pushing past family members, the nurses, and their machinery but realized I

in a position to offer fresh tissues and, later, fabricate a quick hospital renovation story.

Do you want to help a hurting friend or loved one?

shouldn’t disturb their work. I took deep breaths and tried

Show up. Regardless of what else you do or say, showing

to hold back my tears.

up proves you care.

My son, now grown, said, “Mama, I want to show you the addition they’re making to the hospital. It’s impressive.”

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).

my hand. The nurses didn’t seem to notice as I slipped past them. He led me into the corridor and down a long hall.

32 // February 2020

About The Author

Joseph reached through the sea of people and caught Arlene Ledbetter holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Dalton College in Georgia. She has written adult Sunday school curriculum and contributed to five Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Visit her at www.arleneledbetter.net.

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Gò0dNews for Singles

Embrace Singleness

B

by Wendy Pierce

eing single can be difficult for some individuals.

not dating someone or because you are not married.

I am not just talking about individuals who

You have to find your own identity and purpose for

have never been married when I mention

your life, whether you are single or single again.

single individuals. Widows, widowers, or those

While it may not be accepted by society, it is better to

who are divorced are also single. Loneliness, death,

be single than to be married or in a relationship with

relationship difficulties, or the loss of a relationship are

the wrong person.

all difficult circumstances to deal with.

The pressure of living in a married world can give single individuals the idea that having a relationship

Now, I embrace singleness and realize I can do more single than I could married. I would have more responsibilities and more people to take care of if I

or husband is the most important thing in our life. In reality, our relationship with God should be the first priority in our life. Matthew 6:33 states, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.”

I remember a time when I did not want Valentine’s Day to come because I did not want to be reminded of the fact that I did not have a boyfriend or husband. At that time, it was very important to me to be married. If I was honest, it probably consumed my

were married. Have you ever wondered how many

thoughts and became an idol in my life. I was young

people in our society get married because they feel

and felt pressure from society and my family to

pressured to be married or are afraid they will be

get married. At that time, it seemed if you were not

alone? You should cherish the time you are single by

married by the time you were 25, it would be too late

cultivating your relationship with God, living the life

to get married after 25.

you always dreamed of, or volunteering. Embrace

It is not the end of the world if you are single.

your singleness and fulfill God’s purpose for your life.

What single individuals need to remember is that the you. No matter how society sees you, you are a child of God. You are not less of a person because you are

34 // February 2020

About The Author

status of your earthly relationships does not define Wendy Pierce has an MBA from Lee University and a Master of Arts degree in Economics from Middle Tennessee State University. She is an economics instructor and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Economic Policy from Liberty University.

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Gò0dNews for Marriage

Better Together

H

by Rachel Smith

ave you ever heard the saying, “opposites attract”?

put two people together who are exactly alike, then how

Well, I believe that is true; however, I have come

could they teach and challenge one another? I believe God

to learn that it is usually the opposite things about

knows exactly what you and I need in a spouse to make our

a couple that cause the most conflict in a relationship. My

lives better.

husband and I are a prime example; we are different in

I think it’s so wonderful when we take the time to

so many ways. He stays hot, I stay cold. He likes to save

study just how different God made men and women. Men

money, and I like to spend it. He is very private, and I wear

were created to provide, protect, and lead. And women were created to be the husband’s helpmate and to care for the home and children. God perfectly designed a male and female to be together and to be better together.

“Then the Lord said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make a helper fit for him’” (Genesis 2:18). Notice how God’s Word says, “fit for him”; you and your spouse fit well together and balance each other out, whether you see it or not. This is why it’s so important to cherish the

my heart on my sleeve. He wasn’t raised in church, and I

unique qualities in one another, rather than arguing all the

grew up going to church every time the doors were open.

time over our differences.

The list could go on and on, but you get my point.

Our marriage has struggled many times over our

I want to encourage you today to embrace the differences between you and your spouse and be thankful

differences and our inability to find common ground.

that God gave you a husband or wife who is not just like

There is something a former pastor said to me that I will

you. With a renewed mind and a renewed heart, you will

never forget; he said, “Rachel, the differences between you

see that you two are better together!

and Richie can actually make you two stronger together.” am weak and how I am strong in the areas he is weak. He reminded me that God can use the differences between me and my husband to our advantage. Think about it: if God

36 // February 2020

About The Author

He pointed out how my husband is strong in the areas I

Rachel Smith is the founder of Transformed Wife; a marriage ministry that helps couples learn God’s design for marriage. Since she started blogging in 2015, she has reached over 140 different countries and over 35,000 people. Her testimony of how God transformed her as a wife, and restored her marriage, is inspiring others all over the world. She has been involved in several different ministries since the age of 17, and she travels in the U.S. and internationally to speak and teach. Rachel is a certified Biblical marriage counselor. She has been married to her husband Richard for 11 years, and they have 3 children together.

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Back To The Drawing Board

A

by Lisa Zimmer

round the time I should have been practicing

didn’t like what I learned about myself, but it was necessary

gratitude, I heard myself echoing to all who would

to move forward.

listen that this year has been a tough year. 2019 was

A few Sundays ago, the pastor described Moses’ leading

filled with family tragedies, debilitating car trouble, and a

his people to the Red Sea. Approaching the Red Sea appeared

confusing transition from college student to career subscriber,

to be the ultimate roadblock, but where all hope ceased, God’s

all mixed with uncertainties about a distinct direction for my

mighty power prevailed, which makes obvious the trust and

life. I was pessimistic and gradually stripped my faith from

faith we should have in God’s plan. Once across the Red Sea,

daily provision. I didn’t deny faith or dismiss God, and I

they didn’t automatically stumble upon the Promised Land;

maintained belief, but my daily acceptance and pursuit of the

they still had to struggle and walk through a desert. Through

Lord was mangled; I tossed my faith into the trash can, along with other hopes and dreams.

Luckily, when I crumpled up my faith and tossed it in the direction of the bin, it hit the rim and bounced onto the ground for me to pick up later. I had a realization a few Sundays ago that directed me to iron out the creases from what I had previously wrinkled. I am divinely blessed and have been ungrateful, too blinded by selfishness to see the good. Despite the typical difficulties of life and the unsettling curveballs this year brought, I live a relatively easy life, which brought me to another realization.

My faith has always been supplied externally, naturally seeping into my own internal. I grew up with a healthy, supportive family who brought me up in church but encouraged faith beyond church walls. Never

the grueling journey, God was concerned with who His

did I have any reason to doubt God’s grace or goodness. My

people were becoming in the desert before granting the gift of

life was happy, and between church, family, and attending a

the Promised Land.

Christian university, I was consistently wrapped with obvious

I realized who I was becoming in the desert of my life

influences of faith. This year felt difficult because, for the first

was not who I wanted to be, nor was it who God created me

time, those external influences weren’t there. Faith was at the

to be. The sermon made me realize the purpose of the journey

mercy of my own internal truth, which I let slip from my grip.

and the significance of hardship. I stripped my faith when

Not until realizing how much I relied on external factors for

my faith was exactly what I needed to hold onto relentlessly.

my internal faith did I reencounter the sweetest gift of Jesus.

When I picked up the hypothetical piece of paper that was

I felt stuck. I felt like I was sitting at a desk in a dimly

my faith and future, crumpled by the bin, I straightened it out and suddenly realized that the dips and creases were

make progress toward anything; I just sat there, hoping

the valleys and obstacles I had walked through throughout

things would change. I wasn’t surrounded by family, I

the year. The creases were part of the story, and reaffirming

wasn’t connected to community, and I didn’t even recognize

my trust in God’s process was the character development I

my goals anymore. For the first time, I felt alone with my

needed to reestablish my reliance on the Lord again.

faith, and that was scary. These seasons of life are natural.

They expose our character, and we learn about ourselves. I

38 // February 2020

About The Author

lit room, scrapping opportunities into the trash can. I didn’t

Lisa Zimmer is a recent graduate of Lee University, holding a degree in English with an emphasis in writing.

Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Lisa spends most of her free time exploring the south and writing about home.

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.

Gò0dNews for Everyone

What Happens on Monday?

I

by Jack Borders

find the movie, The Breakfast Club to be very interesting

“Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute

if you can ignore the profanity. It is a story of five high

you.” That sounds great.

school students with nothing in common who are forced

to spend a Saturday of detention together.

They are probably best described as Claire, a princess,

What happens on Monday? What happens when that co-worker takes credit for our idea? What happens when we are made the scapegoat? What happens when someone

Andrew, an athlete, John, a troublemaker, Brian, the brain,

starts a rumor about us? Do we practice what we heard

and Allison, who is somewhat of a weirdo and doesn’t seem

Sunday or go back to what we were before?

to fit in anywhere.

Or maybe, our Sunday school class is on Proverbs 3:5-6:

As the day wears on and the masks come off, they

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on

realize they are more alike than they thought and actually

your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge

begin to form a bond.

Him.” Sounds great; I am going to put that into practice.

But what happens on Monday?

What happens when there are whispers of the company’s downsizing and some people might lose their jobs? What happens when we get the call from the doctor saying the lab results are not what we had hoped for? Do we trust in the Lord then?

What happens on Monday when we are given the opportunity to live out our faith? What happens on Monday when it is time to walk in obedience? What happens on Monday when the Lord prompts us to share our faith?

Our Christianity cannot take

As friendships develop, Brian asks a very simple

a break Monday through Saturday. We must take the

question: “What happens on Monday? When we pass each

principles we are being taught and put them into practice

other in the hall, are we still friends? Do we act like we don’t

day by day. We must be faithful in all things.

know each other? Do we act like this never happened?” He

We must spend time with the Lord daily in order

is reminded that they come from different worlds and are

to get through the trials of daily living. May we live out

not really friends. What happens on Monday is they go on

Philippians 4:9, when the Apostle Paul said, “The things

as they were before with no change.

you have learned and received and heard and seen in me,

The pastor reminds us of the words of Jesus when He said,

40 // February 2020

practice these things.”

About The Author

I think of Sunday morning when we all come together.

Jack Borders is a Christ follower, husband, father, grandfather, care provider, and a tired old storyteller living in Cleveland, Tennessee.

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

My Father’s Made-From-Scratch Biscuits

T

by Rhonda Lane

he name of this recipe is actually a misnomer. To my knowledge, my father never made biscuits from scratch, although he could make a great pecan pie from his mother’s recipe. This is my mother’s recipe, which she would rise as early as 4:30 a.m. to bake for my father’s breakfast before sending him off to work. She also could not be convinced to bake biscuits and cornbread on Christmas Eve in order to save time on Christmas Day. No day-old biscuits for her cornbread dressing!

Many cooks roll the dough out and then cut out the perfectly round delicacies. This method leaves oddly shaped scraps of dough, which are sometimes re-rolled to make additional biscuits. Everyone knows that these “second-rate” biscuits are never as good as the first batch.

For much of my life, I felt like a second-rate biscuit. I felt as if God had some leftover DNA after creating the beautiful people, the good people, the accepted people: people I would never be, so He made me instead of wasting that DNA. Not having time to waste on complicated recipes or methods, my mother usually employed a rather unusual method. Instead of rolling the dough, she would simply break off a piece a little smaller than a baseball and roll it between her work-worn hands. When sufficiently rounded, it would be flattened into a disc with her fingertips, leaving their impression, as well as her fingerprints, all over it.

It was then lined up like a good soldier in the pan and placed in a hot oven to fulfill its destiny. As the biscuits are pulled from the oven in all their golden-baked glory, so we will be pulled from the fires of life into the glory of Heaven.

My mother liked simple recipes: the fewer the ingredients, the better. Using self-rising flour, this recipe has only three ingredients, just as our salvation and hope have only three ingredients: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

We are like fresh biscuits in God’s hands. We are created individually with God’s fingerprints all over us: fresh every morning, just like God’s mercies.

42 // February 2020

Ingredients • 2 cups Self-Rising Flour

• 3 Heaping Tablespoons Of Lard (May Use Shortening) • ¾ Cup Milk

P

Instructions

reheat oven to 400°. Grease a 10-inch castiron skillet (or any cake pan). Put flour into a 1.5-quart mixing bowl. Add lard and cut into small pieces with a fork or pastry cutter until well mixed. Add milk gradually until it forms a dough ball (more or less milk may be necessary).

Flour hands and pinch off a piece of dough slightly smaller than a baseball. Roll between hands until it forms a ball and the surface is smooth. Flatten into a disc about an inch thick and place in pan. Continue until all dough is used.

Bake at 400° for 20 minutes. If not browned properly, turn on broiler to brown the biscuits and watch carefully!

Makes five crusty biscuits about 3 inches in diameter.

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