February 2022

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About Us WRITERS

Dr. Alan Hix Andrew Lee April Engstrom Brian Johnson Chad Van De Griek Danny Hesterly David Huff Eddie Turner Greg Grotewold Jodi Varnado Judy Hood Kenneth E. Ware Kristen West Leah Hadder Monica Gambrell Shelly McClanahan

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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 FEBRUARY 2022

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 Don’t Drop the Ball This Year

by Kenneth E. Ware

GoodNews for Kids

8 Wonder

by Danny Hesterly

GoodNews Money Matters

10 All That Glitters is Not Gold

by Andrew Lee

GoodNews for Men

12 Learning to Love

by David Huff

GoodNews for Women

14 Phone Call

by Leah Hadder

GoodNews for Everyone

18 Who Calls You Friend?

by Shelly McClanahan

GoodNews for Life

20 49 Pictures

by Kristen West

GoodNews Cover Story

22 Providence Associates:

Large Enough for All Your Accounting Needs; Small Enough to Know Your Name

GoodNews Business Spotlight

24 Lisa’s Gold & Diamonds

GoodNews for Everyone

26 Decisions, Decisions

by Monica Gambrell

GoodNews Poetry

28 God’s Light

by Judy Hood

GoodNews for Everyone

30 What’s In Your Candy?

by Dr. Alan Hix

GoodNews for Everyone

32 Heart’s Desires

6

by April Engstrom

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

34 Blissful Banana Bread

by Jodi Varnado

GoodNews for Everyone

36 Anger—Get the Language Right

by Greg Grotewold GoodNews for Everyone

38 Splendor for Israel

by Eddie Turner

GoodNews for Everyone

22

40 Red or Blue

by Brian Johnson

GoodNews for Everyone

42 National Disability Day

by Chad Van De Griek

34

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Don’t Drop the Ball This Year

by Kenneth E. Ware

I

n the National Football League (a.k.a. not for long), if a player

in willful disobedience anyway. A major mistake men, women,

loses possession of the football after tucking it onto his body,

kings, and preachers make is the lack of reverence for God. The

the ruling on the field is a fumble (Rule 8). Likewise, Christians

fundamental attribute of God is not His love, righteousness, or

fumble in their relationship with God in many ways. We fumble

grace, but His holiness. God is to be both revered and respected by

in our prayer time with God. We fumble our bible readings. We

His people with holy behavior of highest esteem (1 Pet. 1:15-16).

fumble with our tongue. We fumble church attendance. We fumble loving our neighbor. Too many turnovers in life can cause you to be defeated. In 2 Sam. 6:1-11, Uzzah, in attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, fumbled the Ark of the Covenant.

Consequently, it resulted in his demise. In this passage, we learn some valuable insights on how to avoid spiritual fumbles in our relationship with God.

I. The Majesty of God—2 Sam. 6:2 A. His Name The Ark of the Covenant in Hebrew is ‫( ןורא‬aron, which is associated with Aaron the High Priest). It was also called ‫“ םשה‬the Name” by the sons of Israel. In Jewish antiquity, scribes or rabbis would avoid writing or saying the name “Yahweh.” Instead, they would say ‫“ םשה‬the Name.” In Psalm 8:1, King David says, “O LORD our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth…”

One day, every knee will bow to His name and every tongue will confess He is Lord (Phil. 2:10-11).

B. His Authority Not only does God’s name bear complete majesty, He also possesses universal authority. He is “enthroned above the cherubim.” He actually sits, dwells, and remains on His throne in heaven, being worshiped by the angelic host. He is JehovahSabaoth, the LORD of hosts. He rules over the angels in heaven and reigns over the armies on earth. Jesus says “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth…” (Matt. 28:18).

II. The Mistakes of Men—2 Sam. 6:3-7 A. Irreverence of God There were several mistakes made in this passage. First of all, King David, Uzza, and Ahio acted irreverently toward

B. Willful Disobedience Uzzah acted in haste and willful disobedience, trying to keep the ark from falling to the ground by reaching out towards the ark and taking hold of it (v. 6). As a result, God struck him down for his irreverent behavior, and he died by the ark of God (v.7). Though we may have good intentions, when making decisions too hastily, we often make the wrong decisions. How foolish was Jephthah, who made a vow too hastily? Consequently, he had to offer his daughter up as a burnt offering (cf., Judges 11:29-40). James says, “Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger” (James 1:19). Friends, last year is gone.

Don’t fumble in your relationship with God this year.

How to Avoid Spiritual Fumbles 1. Reverence the LORD at all times.

2. Don’t act in haste when making decisions.

3. Give to the LORD full obedience in all you do.

God. They should have been sons of Levitical priests through Kohath. Secondly, the ark was not to be carried on a cart, but on death would be the outcome (see Exo. 25:14-15; Num. 3:30-31; 4:15; 7:9; 1 Chr. 15:15). King David knew it was wrong, and he acted

6 // February 2022

About The Author

the shoulders of priests. Finally, no one was to touch the ark, if so,

Kenneth E. Ware, M.M., M.A.B.S., M. Div. is a husband, father, pastor of New Scholar Avenue Baptist Church, and graduate of Temple Baptist Seminary. Pastor Ware is also a Christian writer and an Expository Bible Teacher at Samford University Ministry Training Institute in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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Gò0dNews for Kids

Wonder

1

by Danny Hesterly

00,000,000,000. This number is 100 billion. That is a

It doesn’t stop there. In Psalm 33:6, a shepherd boy

very, very large number. Think of it this way, if you

named David wrote this, “The heavens were made by the

could spend $100,000 every day for the next 2,740

Word of the Lord. All the stars were made by the breath

years, not only would you be the oldest person to have

of His mouth.” David spent a lot of time outdoors in the

ever lived, but that’s how long it would take to spend 100

pasture tending his father’s sheep. He had a lot of time to

billion dollars. Wow. If your mind isn’t blown away yet…

look up and count the stars. Did you read what he said,

get ready!

“…all the stars were made by the breath of His mouth.”

We live in the Milky Way Galaxy. When you look up

David is talking about God and how God breathes out

into the night sky, you’re actually staring straight into the

stars from His mouth. It’s a bit weird to think about, but

Milky Way. Isn’t it beautiful? Our galaxy is the home of

it shows how mighty, creative, and awesome the God we serve is. All those stars, created by God and given the sole purpose of reflecting the goodness of God. But it doesn’t stop there! Here it is. Are you ready for it? This is the big moment I’ve been waiting for this whole time. In Genesis 2:7 it says, “Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.” Here we have it. God makes humans. How did He do it?

Read that passage in Genesis again.

Amazing, isn’t it?!

approximately 100 billion stars. Some of these stars are

God’s breath not only makes stars in the universe,

similar in size to our sun, while others are bigger and some

but that same breath gives us life. Every time you look up

much smaller. Astronomers (a fancy name for those who

in the night sky, think about who put those stars there.

study all kinds of things in space) suggest that there are

Every time you breathe in and out, think about who

200 billion galaxies in the entire universe. Let’s say each

put that breath there. God is full of life. God is full of

galaxy has the same number of stars found in the Milky

creativity and wonder. He is amazing!

Way…well that’s more stars than we can count on our how big that number is. Crazy! It’s amazing! All those stars floating in the velvet night sky. It just goes on forever.

8 // February 2022

About The Author

fingers and you’re going to need a huge calculator to see 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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All That Glitters is Not Gold 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.

H

ow many people realized that the title of this article (a

this couple owes taxes and penalties on these retirement funds.

well-known phrase) was written by Shakespeare over

Ouch. Why is gold touted as a great investment, especially

400 years ago? (Technically, the original phrase was

as an alternative to the stock market? The theory is that it’s

“glisters” instead of “glitters,” but you get the point). Over the

“safe.” It’s tangible. You can hold it in your hands, like the

past year, you may have heard or seen numerous commercials

commercial says. You can see it, touch it, sleep with a bar of it

from the Oxford Gold Group or countless other sellers

under your pillow. Many people invest in gold “just in case”

hawking gold as “Old Faithful,” and an investment “that you

of catastrophe. But let’s look at the “Doomsday” scenario

can hold in your hands.” Even paid pitchmen like Bill O’Reilly

conjured by most anyone selling gold as an investment. One

pose the question, “How do you protect your investments and

day, in this Doomsday scenario, all the world’s stock markets

retirement accounts?” Answer: Buy gold. But let’s examine

and economies might totally collapse and go to “zero.” Money

this suggestion a bit more closely, even hold it up to some

is worthless. In this awful moment, what will supposedly

healthy scrutiny.

save you? Gold. But how exactly? Banks would be closed,

On a recent episode of my favorite podcast, “Talking Real

and governments would be inefficacious, if not collapsed into

Money,” one caller declared that the investment return on gold

anarchy. How would those gold coins and gold bars actually

over a 50-year period (1970-2020) was superior to the return of

“save” you? Who would trade food or water for gold in this

the S&P 500 index (the 500 largest U.S. company stocks). The

scenario? By this point, frankly, food, water, guns and ammo

caller claimed that gold’s total return was 45 times its 1970 price

would become the new currency. And in case of the “zombie

over that half century, compared to a return of 37 times for the

apocalypse” scenario, it’s difficult to see how gold would help.

S&P 500 index. But this statistic fails to include stock dividends

In other words, gold should be viewed as a speculative

reinvested during this fifty-year period. With dividends

play, like any commodity or cryptocurrency. “Speculative”

reinvested (and compounding exponentially), the stocks in the

means money you wouldn’t mind losing on a gamble (think

S&P 500 index had a return of 684 times, more than ten times

Blackjack or craps or roulette at the casino). An ounce of

the return of gold. Stocks have clearly been far superior long-

gold today is worth close to what it was worth during the

term investments compared to gold; in fact, when adjusted for

Roman Empire, adjusted for inflation. An ounce of gold back

inflation, gold has actually lost value since 1980 until now.

then would buy a very nice toga, and today an ounce of

Recently, a Rhode Island couple made national news

gold would also buy a nice suit of clothes ($1800). So before

headlines when they owed the IRS a tax bill of over $300,000.

loading up on gold bars or coins after hearing a doomsday

Their mistake? They invested retirement funds (IRA money

commercial, pause to consider whether an investment

and 401k money) in gold coins which they kept in a safe at

decision based on anxiety or fear is the wisest choice. “Do not

their home which is a “no-no” according to the tax code; so,

be anxious about anything” (Philippians 4:6).

10 // February 2022

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Gò0dNews for Men

Learning to Love

by David Huff

I

n one verse in the New Testament, a married couple

This is the kind of love that Ephesians 5:33 is telling us

is given a command, and while it may seem simple to

to give. An unconditional love that goes well beyond any act

do there are many complications that come along with

we have ever seen or known. Over the years, little by little,

it. In Ephesians 5:33, husbands and wives are given this

God has stripped away the heart of stone that I once held

command: “To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as

and has turned it into a heart of flesh. How has He done

himself, and the wife is to respect her husband.”

this? Through unconditional love that He Himself gives to

Speaking on the male side, how can a husband love his

each of us. God loves us so much that He expects nothing in

wife if he has never experienced love himself? I grew up in

return for His love. He loves us so much that He is willing to

a separated family and I was basically abandoned by my

forgive us even though we deserve to pay the price for our

father. My mother, being a single mother, had to work a

sins. After all, He sent Jesus to die on the cross for each and

lot to raise her child, so I never saw much love come from

every one of us.

her either. Yes, I knew she loved me but there is a difference between knowing and feeling that you are loved. As a result, this continued on into my teen, young adult, and adult years, and I began to display the same acts as well.

The only thing about love that I ever knew was that love hurt you, love abandoned you, and love was based upon what you were doing for someone. When I was married for the first time in 2001, I was so full of hate that I believed that love was nothing but something that we convinced ourselves of—that it did not truly exist.

Needless to say, the marriage crumbled, and we had three children who got caught in the crossfire.

After staying single for many years, I met my wife

This is the same love that God calls for each of us

and in 2012 we were married. It was at this point that we

husbands to give to our wives—unconditional love that

returned to the church and we both rededicated our lives to

expects nothing in return. Will we have to give our lives on a

Christ. This began a journey of discovering what love truly

cross? No, we probably will not have to, but we are called to

is. The Bible says that “God so loved the world that He gave

lay down our lives for our wives and to lead them the way

His only begotten Son.” Yes, I had heard this verse many

we are called to do so.

times growing up, but I never understood the true meaning love that someone would give their life for me, who knew nothing whatsoever about love.

12 // February 2022

About The Author

of the love that was on display. The unselfish, unconditional

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, host team, and a small group co leader.

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Gò0dNews for Women

Phone Call

by Leah Hadder

I

was disgusted. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing

services (in person and online), sometimes we still need to

on the other side of the phone line. “What?” I said. He

be reminded that we have God’s power to overcome. We

repeated himself, “You’ll be fine. You can handle it.” I

can pass the test. Win the game. Interview for another job.

breathed in slowly and let out a huge sigh. This is not how

Pay off debt. Go on another date or accept the managerial

I imagined the conversation would conclude. I wanted the

position at work. We have the ability to keep pushing

“Poor, pitiful young lady. Life is hard. Things are terrible,

forward even when the chance for a positive outcome is

and you shouldn’t be treated this way” talk. Instead, I

slim, and at times, unforeseeable.

received encouragement and a quick pump-up line.

Now, I do relate to being extremely fearful or hesitant to put one foot in front of the other. I know what it’s like to sit in a room and think, “God, you’ll have to help me get through this.” I’ve been the one praying about a new life chapter saying, “I’m too scared, God. I can’t move.” In those seasons, one of my favorite passages to mediate on is Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” He knows the path ahead. Wait for His leading. Trust that because He knows the way, He will lovingly guide you to victory.

I remember tapping the screen to hang up the phone. That conversation was a blessing, because in the midst

I love the reference in God’s Word to seek counsel

of trouble, I possessed three things: access to Christian

(Proverbs 12:15). It’s been a joy to seek wise counsel through

counsel, the promise that the Father would walk beside

the years from several trusted friends and mentors. I’ve

me, and the spiritual courage to press on when life got

appreciated the wisdom they’ve bestowed upon me to want

tough. To this day, I have no recollection of what hardship

and do better in my Christian walk. This time though, I was

I was facing. What I do have is present hope that God will

upset. Ironically, I was upset because I knew deep down, he

take care of whatever comes my way. I stay rich, strong,

was right. In my emotionally fragile moment, I didn’t want

and wise in Him.

to accept the fact that I had a choice to be courageous or cowardly. It took me “getting out of my feels” to eventually

As D.L. Moody once said, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things. God has no poor children.”

Even though in the US we have open access to physical Bibles, Bible apps, daily devotion emails, and weekly church

14 // February 2022

About The Author

choose the former.

Leah Hadder is a former internationally recognized pageant queen. Now retired from competition, she shares the Good News as a speaker, writer, and content creator for Pastor Paula White Cain’s Life Network for Women. She is a member of Living Word Church in Cleveland, TN. Contact Leah at www.leahhadder.org.

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16 // February 2022

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 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) 478-6484

goodnewscm.com // 17

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Who Calls You Friend?

O

by Shelly McClanahan

ne of my favorite memories from my time as

Many times, in the Bible, we’re urged to come to the

an English as a second language (ESL) teacher

aid of foreigners in our land (Deuteronomy 10:19, Matthew

is from when I taught first grade. On the

25:40, Romans 12:13). There are many ways to do this:

playground, two little boys approached the bench where

● Volunteer in a local adult ESL class. Maybe your

the teachers sat. One was a first generation American-born

church has one. If you don’t feel comfortable teaching,

boy of Asian descent who was fluent in English, the other a

you could help with childcare or provide snacks.

recent immigrant from South America who had just learned to say hello. With a big grin beneath his round glasses, the Asian student proclaimed “We’re best friends! I don’t know what he’s saying, but we’re best friends!” Then they ran off to play.

We sometimes steer clear of those who are different from us. Fear may keep us from building relationships. We’re not sure what to say, or if we’ll be understood. Other times, it’s the busyness of life that keeps us from knowing our neighbors. Taking care of our own needs and the needs of our family can be time consuming. But God made us to be in relationship with others, not only to glorify Him and make Him known, but also for our own good.

We see examples of this in the Bible. The good Samaritan is just one example of showing friendship to those who are different from you. Perhaps the most

● Get to know a neighbor or coworker who is new to your area. Invite them to your church, or for a meal in your home. ● Be open to learning about other cultures. Attend

amazing friendship of all is between us and Jesus. Yes,

events that highlight the different cultures in your

He calls us friends! In John 15:15, Jesus says “I no longer

area. Be aware of who lives around you, and what

call you servants, because a servant does not know his

specific needs they might have.

master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for

It is our privilege to get to know our neighbors who

everything that I learned from my Father I have made

have different life experiences and perspectives from our

known to you” (NIV).

own. God can and does orchestrate encounters for us to

Who could be more different than the omniscient God

show friendship. Let’s be ready for them.

of the universe and us—flawed, sinful beings, blatantly an effort to know us. Jesus shows us the perfect example of befriending those who are different from us.

18 // February 2022

About The Author

opposed to Him at times. And yet He still makes more than

Shelly McClanahan has worked as both an ESL teacher and ESL Program Coordinator in public schools in the United States and in international schools in Albania, South Korea, and England. She has also taught adult ESL in church programs in Tennessee and Georgia. She currently teaches middle school ESL near Nashville.

Church Activities & Events First Baptist Church of Dalton

First Responders Trauma Healing Course Monday, February 7 | 6PM 311 N Thornton Ave, Dalton, GA

St. Stephen Catholic Church

Pictures of Love Program for Engaged Couples Friday, February 18 - Saturday, February 19 7111 Lee Hwy, Chattanooga, TN

Heritage Baptist Church Lauren Talley

Monday, February 21 | 6:30 PM 345 Curtis Pkwy SE, Calhoun, GA

Gò0dNews for Life

49 Pictures

H

by Kristen West

ow do you consolidate a person’s life into a mere

There was a story attached to every photograph. It was

49 pictures? That’s the question I was asking

painfully difficult trying to whittle down hundreds of

myself a year ago after my mother passed from

images to just a few that best portrayed her life.

this life into eternity.

In the end, we wound up with 49 pictures that we felt

My dad, brother, and I had flipped through an

best summed up my mom. But in reality, she was so much

assortment of old photo albums in an effort to find the

more than those images could aptly convey. Aren’t we all?

perfect pictures that told the story of my mother’s seventy-

How can any of us feasibly condense our lives or anyone

five years’ worth of life that

else’s into a few photographic prints?

could be used in

Obviously, we can’t.

a video montage

From birth to death,

for her funeral.

the breadth and depth

We spent hours

of our lives are walked

looking at images

out in the accumulated

of my mom as

seconds and minutes

a young child, a

that make up the time we

graduate, a bride,

have been gifted on this

a new mom, a

earth. Ephesians 5:16

teacher, a quilter,

exhorts us to, “…make

and a grandmother—

the most of our time…”

to name just a few.

Pictures can only

“There is an occasion

capture moments.

for everything, and a time

They’re not

for every activity under

comprehensive of

heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,

one’s life. Only God holds that ability—

HCSB). That verse had never been as

the ability to see our lives from beginning to end—and He

meaningful to me until I sat there surrounded by hundreds

encourages us to make the most of it.

of pictures that testified to this Biblical truth. “…a time to give birth and a time to die…a time to weep

Robin Williams’ character John Keating in the classic film Dead Poet’s Society spoke to the very heart of this

and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a

when he said, “Carpe diem! Seize the day…make your

time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing…a time to

lives extraordinary!”

tear and a time to sew; a time to love and a time to hate; a

How will you make your life extraordinary today?

time for war and a time for peace.” (vs. 2-8).

Each smile, event or activity had been meaningful to her.

20 // February 2022

About The Author

Each picture revealed a “time to” moment in her life.

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.

Providence Associates—your local accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation firm.

We are currently hiring a full-time bookkeeper and tax preparer. Come be a part of a meaningful team.

CAL L US T OD AY: 7 0 6 . 8 4 1 . 0 6 0 0 3028 Lafayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

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Providence Associates: Large Enough for All Your Accounting Needs; Small Enough to Know Your Name

W

hen someone hears “Large enough for all

about the clients and their unique place in the

your accounting needs; small enough to

community. For income tax clients, the managers of

know your name,” they are not hearing an

Providence Associates still enjoy meeting and getting

advertisement for a neighborhood hangout for a postal

to know the clients. This initial meet and greet helps

worker and sassy waitress. The slogan is referring

the staff to determine the client’s ability to qualify for

to Providence Associates, a local accounting firm

certain deductions and/or credits, thus maximizing the

organized by Craig Prus in 2007.

positive results of every income tax filing.

The slogan aptly describes Providence Associates,

Mr. Prus, whose previous employment involved

who believes that great accounting involves a

an accounting background, organized Providence

relationship with each of its clients. When a new

Associates to further his desire to spend less time

client meets with Providence Associates, the

traveling to audit businesses and ministries and more

managers begin with a “get to know you session.”

time near his family while working to serve clients.

The firm uses this first meeting to understand the

After its formation, Providence Associates rented a

church, business, or ministry.

location in downtown Ringgold, Georgia. Eleven years

In addition, the managers of Providence Associates routinely visit new clients’ locations to learn more

22 // February 2022

later, the firm purchased property on Lafayette Road near the historic Barnhardt Circle. This district of Fort

Oglethorpe suits the company which believes in the foundation of faith and family, and enjoys the heritage of the people, businesses, and ministries of the area.

Providence Associates is a full-service firm tailoring its services to meet as much or as little as each client needs. The company’s services include processing monthly or quarterly bookkeeping, filing Internal Revenue Service forms, filing monthly sales tax, and processing payroll. The firm also prepares personal and company income tax returns, renews annual registrations, and creates W2s and 1099s for their clients.

Providence Associates is a global company as well as a local company. Although about half of the company’s revenue comes from local sources, the other half comes from ministries and churches across the United States with missionary clients in such locations as Lithuania, Thailand, and Sierra Leone. With this global and local focus, the firm administrator’s dream task would be to hand-deliver the income tax returns of the pastors and clients located in Hawaii.

A final component of Providence Associates is the company’s heart for ministry. Providence donates to ministries from the business proceeds as they feel called. Furthermore, Mr. Prus volunteers his time to

It is the mission of Providence Associates to help individuals, businesses, churches, and ministries be good stewards by saving money in taxes and compliance costs that can then be used for the Kingdom and other purposes.

Providence Associates is located at 3028 Lafayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742. You can contact Providence Associates at (706)-841-0600.

participate in a free radio and streaming broadcast on Fridays called Ministry, You, and the IRS. If Providence Associates could share one thing, it is the importance of tax planning and compliance.

goodnewscm.com // 23

Gò0dNews L December 2018

Complimentary

Gò0dNews Business Spotlight

Christian Magazine

® Lisa’s Gold & Diamonds CATOOSA & WALKER

isa’s Gold & Diamonds opened on April 15,

want to get to know our customers, their families,

1991, and here we are, 31 years later: bigger and

and what styles they like. Many times, we can choose

better than ever. Things have really changed

jewelry with a special customer in mind. Lisa knows

over the years. Lisa’s opened with one goal in mind:

you have a lot of choices when deciding where to

to give the customers of North Georgia a great place

spend your money, and we appreciate that you

to shop for jewelry with great customer service and

choose to shop here locally. We hope we can always

plenty to choose from. Lisa’s has a large selection

make your shopping experience very special. We’re

of beautiful diamond solitaires and wedding sets,

like a big family, and we know most of our customers by name. That’s the way we like it, and that’s why we are known as “Your Favorite Hometown Jeweler.”

Another service we offer is that we buy gold, silver, and diamonds for cash.

Everyone can use a little extra cash from time to time and especially during the holidays, so bring yours in while the market is high.

You’ll be surprised by how much it will bring. Lisa invites all her customers to

L-R: Babbs Reeves, Jonathan Edge, Lisa Edge, Zack Edge, Elizabeth Edge, and Brandon Edge.

come by and see what’s new for the holidays. If you’ve

wedding bands, gemstone rings, pearls, gold and

never been by, come check us out and see why Lisa’s

silver necklaces and bracelets, and much, much

Gold & Diamonds is here to stay. Lisa’s is located at

more. Lisa’s carries Seiko watches, musical clocks,

501-B Alamar Street in Fort Oglethorpe, and we are

and Citizen watches. We also carry Le Vian chocolate

open Monday thru Saturday. Lisa’s always offers

diamonds and many unique, one-of-a-kind pieces,

beautiful gift wrapping free of charge. Come shop

such as floating opals and gemstones.

with us and see why we are different.

Lisa’s prides itself on customer service. We want our customers to know they’re getting the best prices and quality possible. We know you work hard for your money and that you expect a lot, and we’re here to give it to you. Lisa’s offers excellent watch and jewelry repairs with almost all the work done in-house. We

24 // February 2022

Celebrating 29 years of Making Your Milestones Special!

Lisa’s...for all of life’sLisa’s...for celebrations! all of

Celebrating 29 30 years of Making Your Milestones Special!

From her first pierced earrings to a wedding – and every gift giving occasion in between – Lisa’s is “Your Favorite Hometown Jeweler”.

ComeFrom in todayher andfirst browse our greatearrings to a wedding – pierced selection at great and every giftprices. giving occasion in between –

life’s celebrations!

Lisa’s is “Your Favorite Hometown Jeweler”.

Come in today and browse our great selection at great prices.

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501-B Alamar Street • Ft. Oglethorpe, GA 501-B Alamar706.866.3522 Street • Ft. Oglethorpe, GA 706.866.3522 M-F 10:00-6:00 • SAT 10:00-3:00 M-F 1st 10:00-6:00 • SAT 10:00-3:0 Voted place 11 years in a row!

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Decisions, Decisions

M

by Monica Gambrell

y childhood was punctuated with a mixture of

The scene must have looked cartoonish from the point

momentary fear and ongoing tension and dread.

of view of an onlooker. I was facing the sink and caught

It’s funny how hindsight can give one a clearer

something big moving along the floor out of the corner

picture of reality than what seems to be true at the moment.

of my eye. It was a rat! You probably think I mean to

I have to give a bit of background here in order to present a

say a mouse, but no. Without the tail, it was around six

fuller representation of the event portrayed.

inches long! I had never moved so fast in my life as I did

I was a latchkey kid. My mother had finally moved up the food chain at her job and had begun working the day

at that moment. I screamed as I jumped literally straight up with both feet, which landed right on the edge of the sink. The rat was barely lumbering along; it must have previously gotten into some poison. From my perch, I reached across to grab a huge domed lid for a roasting pan and dropped it straight down to entrap the rat. It worked! I don’t even remember how we got that thing out of the house, but I can tell you I was a bundle of nerves!

My mother’s decision to be a hoarder caused the rat problem.

If only one lesson was learned that day it was this: every word and every action have consequences. In this case, the fallout was minimal, but some decisions have serious and eternal consequences. Nothing in life is

shift. This allowed her to be home sometime around 5:30

completely neutral. Even the lack of a decision is in and of

p.m. while I and my younger sister, Sheila, arrived home

itself a decision.

around 3:30 p.m. We were eleven and ten, respectively, and

“The one who is not with Me is against Me; and the one

the expectation was that we would have dinner cooked and

who does not gather with Me scatters” (Matthew 12:30).

ready for our mother when she arrived home. We had three

“So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor

older siblings who had all moved out by then. My mother kept the façade of a clean home, but she was a hoarder. The

cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:16).

Father God, You know us so well. We are so comfortable

unfinished basement and a dilapidated old car in the yard

in the middle—not rocking the boat but also not rocking

were filled to the brim with junk. This caused a problem that

the world for the sake of the gospel. We need to make a

I had not previously considered.

concerted decision to throw off the blankets of complacency

On one fine day, Sheila and I were in the kitchen preparing the evening meal when the unthinkable occurred.

26 // February 2022

and live a life grounded in Your Word and on fire for You. Please instill within us a sense of urgency to see Your Kingdom come!

Guy Percy

Guy Percy

Guy Percy

Financial Representative 7371 Nashville St Financial Representative Financial Representative Ringgold, GA 30736 Guy Percy 7371 Nashville St Guyguy.percy@countryfinancial.com Percy 7371 Nashville St Financial Representative Financial Representative Ringgold, (706)935-3365 Ringgold, GASt30736 GA 30736 7371 Nashville 7371 Nashville St guy.percy@countryfinancial.com guy.percy@countryfinancial.com Ringgold, GA 30736 Ringgold, GA 30736 guy.percy@countryfinancial.com (706)935-3365 (706)935-3365 guy.percy@countryfinancial.com (706)935-3365 (706)935-3365 Home insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Preferred Insurance Company® and COUNTRY Casualty Insurance Company®, Bloomington, IL.

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Gò0dNews Poetry

God’s Light

by Judy Hood

My life hasn’t always been a bed of roses But, one of the grandest things I know is God has always been standing right by my side He’s with us even when we are unaware He is there to guide Life can be too hard, too hard to handle But, if we’ll just trust Jesus, our troubles He will dismantle We all carry our crosses, our burdens to bear If we’ll just love one another, our burdens to share It would be a better world, our hearts would be lighter The sun would appear, the sun would shine brighter So, hug your brother, take each other’s hand Enjoy this life you’ve been given, as you walk through this land We only have one life to live, one life to get this right So, let’s take care of one another, as we walk into God’s light 28 // February 2022

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

What’s In Your Candy?

W

by Dr. Alan Hix

hen people think about February, they often

John wants us to know that true love originates from

associate it with Valentine’s Day, and with

God. Without God in the center of our relationships, they

Valentine’s Day comes candy. According to one

will be plagued by selfishness and self-interest. Traditional

news service report, Valentine’s Day ranks third in candy sales, following Christmas and Easter. Anticipation for Valentine’s Day starts early, as I noticed a Valentine’s candy section in a local grocery store two days after Christmas.

For those of us who are chocolate lovers, anticipation is a part of the enjoyment. Seeing a nicely packaged, heart-shaped piece of chocolate creates visions of expected delights. On more than one occasion, I have

wedding vows reflect this focus in their language: “We are gathered together here in the sight of God . . .to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”

“With this ring I thee wed . . . in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.”

“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

These vows remind us that God intended for the

bitten into an enticing piece of chocolate only find that it

union of a man and woman in marriage to be a “holy”

is merely a chocolate shell that is hollow on the inside.

endeavor. For that to happen, God must not only be the

Imagine my disappointment as I realize that the promise

foundation of the relationship between the two, but His

of the candy was more than the reality of what it was—no

presence should flow through all aspects of a relationship.

chocolate center, no cream or caramel filling, not even a

To return to the candy illustration, God should be

cherry—just air.

seen as the filling which gives the candy its full flavor.

People give candy on Valentine’s Day as an

Relationships that are not “filled” with God are hollow

expression of love. Human love can hold

and are based on an empty promise.

the promise of many things, but apart

So, this Valentine’s Day, let us

from God, it is like that chocolate

examine our relationships

heart that is just a shell. The

to see if they are filled

Apostle John addresses

with God’s presence. If

the nature of love in

we find He is not there,

1 John 4:7–8, 12:

let us commit to allow Him

“ Beloved, let

to be the “filling” that

7

us love one another, for love is

gives flavor to our

from God, and whoever loves

relationships. Or to

has been born of God and knows

adapt the tag line

God. Anyone who does not

of a well-known credit

8

love does not know God,

card commercial: “What’s in

because God is love. .

your candy?”

. No one has ever seen 12

God; if we love one another, perfected in us.”

30 // February 2022

About The Author

God abides in us and his love is

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 Everyone

Heart’s Desires

W

by April Engstrom

hat do storms and love have to do with one

But God did not forget His promise, and He remembers

another, and how is God involved? It seems

those promises He made to you too. That’s the beautiful

like the month of February is full of both. This

thing about the Bible, its promises are there for each and

is my story of how, in the middle of the storms of life, God

every one of us. When we take the time to delight in the

fulfilled the desires of my heart.

Lord, when He becomes our first love, and when we draw

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the

near to Him with our whole heart, He is faithful!

desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4, ESV).

We all long to have our prayers answered, for our lives to bring good things, and to be blessed.

We cling to the promises of the Bible as to a lifeline holding us up when the waters get treacherous and the storms of life threaten us. They are promises of hope, promises that yes, our God cares about the little things our hearts long after.

Through life, the longing of our hearts ebb and flow to fit where we are. This is such a deep part of the blessing of this verse that can be missed. It’s not that God isn’t fulfilling them, but He often uses where we are in life to show us what His heart desires for us in that season.

When I was young, my number one heart desire was for a husband. I prayed, begged, and pleaded with God all through my teens for Him to show me my husband. Then at sixteen, it suddenly felt like

My story didn’t end there, and it still continues. In the

it would be impossible. Have you ever faced a storm so big

midst of the pain, God brought me a husband who was

that it felt like all your dreams were fading before your eyes

willing to take on my life sentence and the limitations it

and the desire of your heart was slipping away? Of course,

brought. God gave me seven beautiful years of full healing

you have, we all have. That’s the hard thing about faith, we

and remission, during which time we traveled the world for

have to keep clinging to promises even when we can’t see a

Jesus and had two beautiful boys. He conquered pain and

way out.

suffering brought us life.

At sixteen, this storm for me was the sudden onset

I pray as you go through this year that you will find as

of extreme full-body nerve pain—what would later be

you cling to God our Father, and delight yourself in Him,

diagnosed as fibromyalgia. Life stopped. And then, in the

that He will fulfill your life and you will see how He has

pain-stricken dark nights, it started again. I had to re-

given you the desires of your heart.

find my identity. All of a sudden, health was even more those even be possible when I was looking at a life sentence of chronic pain?

32 // February 2022

About The Author

important than a future spouse and children. How would

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.

LIFE IS FULL OF SURPRISES.

Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

Blissful Banana Bread

F

by Jodi Varnado

ebruary is one of my very favorite months of the year, as it holds twenty-eight dedicated opportunities to express gratitude and joy for the

Ingredients

ones I love most. Valentine’s Day is often associated

• 1 ¾ cup of unbleached all-purpose flour

with the celebration of significant others, but it is truly

• 2/3 cup of coconut sugar

a day to rejoice in every relationship God has blessed

• 1 tablespoon of cinnamon

us with (including our most treasured relationship with Him). I have grown to cherish baking as a practice

• 2 teaspoons of baking powder

of showing others I value them—a rather sweet love

• 1 teaspoon of baking soda

language! This Valentine’s Day, I encourage you to gift

• 2 very ripe bananas (spotty brown bananas are best!)

a homemade treat to those you adore. As you prepare your ingredients, take time to be in communion with our

• ½ cup of oat milk (or other non-dairy milk)

Creator. Express your thankfulness for their presence in

• 1/3 cup of vegan butter

your life and pray that this treat will nourish their spirit.

• 2 tablespoons of egg replacer (I love Bob’s Red Mill’s Egg Replacer)

There is nothing more comforting than a warm slice of banana bread on a cold afternoon. This banana bread is simple to prepare, with only eleven ingredients and one mixing bowl. This recipe is vegan friendly and can be easily modified to fit gluten-free dietary requirements (replace flour with gluten-free baking flour). I recommend serving this banana bread with a spread of vegan butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, or topped with a dollop of banana nice cream (a dairy-free alternative to ice cream).

• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract • 1 cup of vegan chocolate chips (optional, for topping)

Instructions

• Prepare your egg replacer. In a large mixing bowl, add 2 tablespoons of egg replacer and 4 tablespoons of cold water. Mix together until there is a smooth consistency, then set the bowl aside for 5 minutes.Add vanilla extract.

• Add wet ingredients. In the same mixing bowl, mash bananas until you have a thick, but smooth consistency.

Add oat milk and vegan butter. Mix ingredients completely.

• Add dry ingredients. Slowly add in flour, coconut sugar cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda.

• Prepare your oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and pour in the batter. Cover the batter with chocolate chips (optional).

• Bake. Place the loaf pan on the center rack and bake for 70 minutes.

• Eat. Let the bread cool for 15 minutes and then enjoy!

34 // February 2022

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Anger—Get the Language Right

“K

by Greg Grotewold

now this, my beloved brothers: let every person

anger, in other words, is a function of some perceived injustice

be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to

being placed upon me.

anger” (James 1:19, ESV).

Euphemisms carry great utility. They allow me to frame

As blood-bought Christians, we need to open our eyes to reality. We should be very thankful we get what we don’t

a difficult issue or event in a way that masks the dread

deserve and don’t get what we do deserve. The very foundation

connected to it. People don’t die, for example; they pass away.

of our salvation falls on the unmerited blessings we receive

This selective substitution comes in handy particularly in the context of my own sin. Through the use of more convenient, less convicting language, I can veil certain inconvenient truths of the flesh. I’m not stubborn; I’m decisive. I’m not impatient; I’m diligent. The danger here is somewhat obvious. In addition to fooling others, I also end up fooling myself for it makes the sin if not admirable, at least tolerable. And herein lays the problem. Things that are tolerated, by definition, aren’t remediated and consequently will only lead to more of the same.

My euphemistic zeal doesn’t stop at stubbornness and impatience, though. There is another inconvenient truth I reframe. It’s anger. This one is particularly interesting for the language serves two purposes: one, it places the emotion

from our Lord. Two of Jesus’ most cherished attributes—His

in a more favorable light; and two, it with great subtlety places

mercy and grace—should dismantle any claims to anger we

the blame onto someone else, making me not the instigator of

have when we feel slighted by others. “For all have sinned and

the sin but rather a victim of it. I’m not angry; I am frustrated,

fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, ESV). “But God,

hurt, concerned, and/or perplexed. The language becomes a

being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he

powerful weapon in transferring guilt.

loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made

Clearly, there is such a thing as righteous anger. Paul states in Ephesians 4:26: “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun

us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4-5, ESV).

go down on your anger” (ESV, italics mine). The conjunction

Jesus deserved unadulterated love; He received unfiltered

“and” makes clear that there is a form of anger that isn’t sin.

disgrace. We deserve unfiltered disgrace; we receive—because

Case in point: the sinless Savior overturned out of anger the

Jesus bore our unfiltered disgrace on the cross—unadulterated

tables of the money changers in the temple. (Matthew 21:12).

love. Given what the blood-bought sinner has received in light

Righteous anger is a reaction to attacks on God's righteousness. In other words, we are just in our anger if it’s

of what we deserve, we should never play the injustice card.

The first step in countering our anger is to call it what it is.

directed at that which defames, belittles, or distorts the glory of

Analyze the language you use when describing the emotion.

God. That which upsets God, like His name being minimalized

It may reveal that what you thought in fact was a righteous

or ridiculed, should upset us.

reaction to an injustice is anything but.

The anger I carry is not frequently tied to God’s glory defamed. I get upset when I don’t get what I think I deserve, and I get upset when I do get what I think I don’t deserve. My

36 // February 2022

About The Author

being defamed. It is frequently tied, however, to my glory being

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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5/22/2019 10:16:21 AM

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Splendor for Israel

by Eddie Turner

I

n your studies, you may have noticed how Israel tends

through the trade barriers of the Mediterranean Sea, Israeli

to be the center of attention in prophetic Scripture. If you

soldiers boarded the vessel. And when they did, a deadly

did, you likely detected this in nonprophetic Scripture as

gunfight broke out between the two forces.

well. From Genesis to Revelation, Israel never ceases to be

When it was all said and done, Israel was blamed for

God’s chosen people. They will always be His beloved sheep

the deaths of nine Palestinian sympathizers, who the media

despite their history of wandering off. In the Old Testament,

chose to call “activists” rather than terrorists. Israel’s claims

we read how God answered the Israelites’ call for help by

to have been fired upon first were met with opposing

delivering them out of bondage and into a new land that He set aside for them. They had to fight for this land, of course, but God handed their enemies over to them with the assurance that they would conquer for as long as they obeyed Him. Unfortunately, with each new generation, the Israelites became increasingly disobedient, causing God’s patience to wear thin. When the last straw was pulled, God uprooted them from their promised land and scattered them among the nations with a promise to one day bring them back.

While a portion of Israel was re-established in 1948, the remainder of the Promised Land was finally taken back by their rightful owners in 1967. You can read the stories of how God once again handed Israel’s enemies over to them during this Six-Day War. Now that the Israelites are back in business, the many

stories of a premeditated bloodbath. While Israel never backed away from its motive of self-defense, pressure

prophecies associated with their return are being fulfilled.

from the United Nations forced the Jewish state to accept

As we watch God at work, we are commanded to ready

responsibility for its actions publicly. This coerced apology

ourselves for the end of our days on earth and for the new

required the management of the Temple Mount to be

lives that await us in His presence. “When these things

handed over to Islam as a good-faith gesture. In a return of

begin to happen, look up and lift your heads, for the day of

thanks, Jewish men and women were barred from all acts of

redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28).

worship while visiting the Temple Mount Plaza.

So, what’s next for Israel? Continued trials and tribulation are what’s next. This, of course, is by God’s design. Why else would a people suffer such scorn for doing what other

“You will be hated by everyone because of my name” (Matthew 10:22).

As God’s chosen people continue to experience

countries are praised for? Israel gets attacked, they retaliate,

turmoil in a hostile Middle Eastern territory, we are to take

and somehow, the Jewish state becomes the big bad wolf of

advantage of every opportunity to pray for Israel. How can

the Middle East. Similar circumstances are what is keeping

we pray for them? We can ask God to lead as many who

Israel from rebuilding their temple of worship. In 2010, after

occupy the Promised Land to Him as possible. And we can

being tipped off about a ship full of terrorists that crashed

ask that God’s will be done in the lives of those that He

38 // February 2022

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Red or Blue

S

by Brian Johnson

o, how do you feel about politics? I know, horrible

turneth it withersoever he will.” So, whichever direction the

subject to bring up but I’d like to talk about it.

country is going, God is the one steering.

I’ve found a lot of people are frustrated with our

“…the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus King of

politicians. They’re taking our rights

Persia” to rebuild the temple in

away, they’re involved too much,

Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1). Kings Artaxerxes

they’re not involved enough. Even

and Darius were also involved

Christians are on both sides of the

in that rebuild. Artaxerxes also

spectrum. How about we discuss this

allowed Nehemiah to rebuild the

from a biblical perspective.

walls of Jerusalem. All of them were

First, we should be respectful of

Kings of Persia, not Israel or Judah.

whomever is in power. Romans 13:1

Nebuchadnezzar was responsible

says, “Let every soul be subject unto

for the exile of the children of Israel

the higher powers. For there is no

to Babylon, but God refers to him as

power but of God: the powers that be

his servant three times in the book of

are ordained of God.” Nero was in

Jeremiah. We can’t allow society to

power in Rome when Paul wrote this,

determine whether God’s will is being

and I don’t think anyone in America

done through those in power. Good or

compares to the evil that was Nero.

bad, God is still in control.

If Paul can write that about him, then

Let that be comforting to you. I

surely, we can recognize that the

know our leaders can be frustrating

powers here and now are ordained of

but the direction we’re going is the

God, and they should be respected.

direction God is allowing. We’re in the

I Timothy 2:1 lists several types of

last days and the Bible says that they’d

prayer and says we should pray “for

be like the days of Noah where “…

all men.” Verse 2 gets more specific,

every imagination of the thoughts of his

“For kings, and for all that are in

heart was only evil continually” (Gen.

authority…” So, we should be praying

6:5 “his” is speaking of the people, not

for those that are in power as well.

Noah), so we shouldn’t be surprised.

A far cry from speaking badly about

Instead of living in frustration,

them because they aren’t running

recognize that our time is short, and

things exactly how we’d like.

we should focus on winning people to

I believe our expectations are

Christ. When we fight amongst each

mixed up. We assume if America

other it doesn’t bring people towards

is going away from God, we’ve got

Christ, it pushes them away.

individual out of power that’s causing it, but we forget that God is always in control. Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he

40 // February 2022

About The Author

to do everything we can to get that Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church and a nurse by vocation. He wants to do the best he can to teach people to trust God, for their eternity and for each day.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

National Disability Day

by Chad Van De Griek

I

t was late November and I get a text from my Senior

that I wanted to discuss today, I found myself continuing

Pastor asking if I would be willing to write something

to come back to a very simple, yet foundational idea. “But

for our church. I was asked to write something for

the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,

National Disability Day and share some thoughts and

goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such

feelings revolving around living with a disability and how

things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV).

the church plays a role in that. After reaching out to others

When encountering people with various types of

with disabilities, family members of those with disabilities,

disabilities, I think that it is absolutely paramount to

and internally processing, I realized that this was a lot more

make sure that we keep the basic principles found in

difficult to put to technological paper than I had initially

these two verses at the forefront of our minds and hearts.

We need to have patience as we strive to view situations from the perspective of those who have different abilities than we do. We need to have love, kindness, and goodness as we remember that those with disabilities and their families are more than simply an opportunity to serve—they are a needed and valued part of our congregation. And we need to have gentleness as we understand that there are people in our churches that are living with disabilities that are not easily seen on the surface.

My hope is that, as a Church, we remember that each human being that we interact with is made in the Image of God, and their ability

thought. But, after finally getting everything written down, I

level doesn’t change that. Speaking for myself, having

was incredibly proud of the final product. I wanted to share

a disability can sometimes leave me feeling extremely

that final product today!

isolated, but I believe that is where the Body of Christ

National Disability Day is an awesome opportunity to

can step in and show a deep, genuine love for who I am

engage in conversations that revolve around living with

holistically. I have a disability, and that shouldn’t be

various types of disabilities. I wanted to take some time,

overlooked, but I am also much more than that and have

as a Church, to do just that. Of course, I can’t speak for

so much to offer. My prayer is that we are a community

everyone who has a disability, but I did want to share a

of believers that is able and willing to be gracious, kind,

few thoughts and experiences as a means to encourage and

patient, and gentle, even if that means having to make

challenge all of us.

accommodations or adjustments. Because, honestly, that is

There are a lot of incredibly valid thoughts and ideas

what love does. That is what Jesus does.

However, as I began to think and talk through everything

42 // February 2022

About The Author

that I could bring up in a conversation like this one.

Chad Van De Griek lives in Nashville, TN! He loves Jesus, hockey (Go Preds), and is a big Bible nerd. Chad was born with Cerebral Palsy and is very passionate about using his writing as a way to show God’s love to everyone! You can find more of his writing at chadvandegriek.wordpress.com.

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