Gò0dNews June 2021
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About Us WRITERS
Amy Oyler Andrew Lee David Beckmann Denise Nelson Heather Tate Karen D. Jeffery Kenneth E. Ware Kristen West Linda Ray Center Lisa Waters Mario Miller Nadolyn Lee Pam Wattenbarger Rebekah Hargraves Stephanie Shrum Sue Lavigne Virginia Piper
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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.
DISTRIBUTION
Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us
GoodNews Christian Magazine Catoosa 5000 Monthly
EDITOR
David Thompson Jodi Varnado
PUBLISHER
Matthew and Bethany Ruckman Cell: 423-503-1410 E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com
OFFICE
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GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising. GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!
goodnewscm.com issuu.com/catoosaga Disclaimer All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.
Contents JUNE 2021
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 Fire That Ignites the World by Kenneth E. Ware
GoodNews for Teens
26 Some Things Never Change by Nadolyn Lee
GoodNews for Everyone
GoodNews for Everyone
by Sue Lavigne
by Amy Oyler
8 What’s Your Story? GoodNews on Money Matters
10 Inheritance Now by Andrew Lee
GoodNews for Men
12 Jesus is King!
by David Beckmann
GoodNews for Women
14 Other People’s Chains by Kristen West
GoodNews for Parents
18 Setbacks To Setups by Linda Ray Center
GoodNews for Life
20 Cataracts and Cobwebs by Denise Nelson
GoodNews Cover Story
22 Homescape Pros:
The Garden Experts
GoodNews for Everyone
24 You Owe Me Nothing! by Mario Miller
28 How YOU Doin’? GoodNews for Everyone
30 What Does Your Contact Tracing Look Like?
by Virginia Piper GoodNews for Everyone
32 Advice From The Word
6
by Karen D. Jeffery
GoodNews for your Taste Buds
34 Watermelon Salsa
by Pam Wattenbarger
GoodNews on Wisdom
36 God’s Wisdom
(And What It Means For Us!)
by Rebekah Hargraves GoodNews for Everyone
38 Just Listen
by Heather Tate
22
GoodNews for Everyone
40 The Power in the Music by Lisa Waters
GoodNews for Everyone
42 Living Marriage-Minded by Stephanie Shrum
42
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
Fire That Ignites the World
F
by Kenneth E. Ware
ireworks are one of the most beautiful nighttime open
2Cor.6:14). Without the sun, Earth dwells in freezing ice and
air shows. Have you ever wondered, what causes a rocket to
utter darkness. Without the Son, the world dwells in total chaos
takeoff and explode in mid-air? Inside most fireworks lies
and complete confusion. Man would have no fellowship with
a small tube that contains gunpowder, a time delay fuse and
God. Man would be lost and without hope in the world. King
other explosive chemicals called stars. When the time-delayed
David once said, “The LORD is my light and my salvation” (cf.
fuse is ignited by fire, the tube produces a lifting charge. Once
Psa.27:1). Like a breathtaking fireworks exhibition in the dark
it is high above the ground, an explosion of colors, patterns,
sky above, Jesus Christ illumines this dark chaotic confused
noises and bright shining stars will occur—propelling the
world of sin. II. You are the Light of the World (Matt.5:14) Not only is Jesus the Light of the world, you are, too. The Apostle John declares, “There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man” (cf. John 1:9). He is the fire that ignites the world. Again, King David said, “For You light my lamp. The LORD my God illumines my darkness” (cf. Psa.18:28). The torch of Jesus’ fire has been given to every born again believer. Amidst a crooked and perverse generation, He has made us as lights in the world dispersed in every direction on earth (cf. Phil.2:15). So, because of the light given to you from Jesus Christ, you are the light of the world. III. You are to Light the World (Matt.5:16)
stars in all directions. Jesus is the Light amidst this dark world. His breath-taking death ignited the hearts of men, detonated bright shining stars (Christians) and dispersed them in every direction on Earth. In the gospel of John and Matthew, Jesus stated three declarations that still ignites the hearts of His followers today: I. Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12; 9:5) Has it ever dawned on you that God is fire? The Bible says,
Put your God-given light on display so others may see Christ in you—the hope of glory. The light that you have, may not shine brighter than someone else’s light, but whatever light you do have, let it shine so that men may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven. Thus, you are to light your world by right doing, holy living, loving your neighbor, spreading the gospel, making disciples and by preaching and teaching God’s word. You are to light the world. Therefore, go make a difference in somebody’s life. Christians are His stars,
“our God is a consuming fire” (cf. Heb.12:29). When Moses
shining bright in a dark world if sin (cf. Dan.12:3).
turned aside to see the marvelous sight of the burning bush,
The Fuse of Christ’s Death Burst Out Bright Shining Stars
it was literally God he met in the form of a theophany (cf. Exod.3:1-5). It was the LORD who led the children of Israel through the wilderness by a pillar of fire (cf. Exod.13:21; Psa.105:39). Jeremiah said God’s word is like a burning fire in his heart, shut up in his bones (cf. Jer.20:9). Light symbolizes holiness and righteousness, while
S – Salvation (Tit.2:11)
T – Transformation (2 Cor.3:18)
A – Adoption (Eph.1:5)
R – Redemption (Heb.9:11-12)
S – Sanctification (2 Thess.2:13)
the world (cf. John 8:12). Light is the antithesis of darkness. The two are contrastingly distinct and have nothing in common (cf.
6 // June 2021
About The Author
darkness symbolizes sin and evil. Jesus Christ is the Light of
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.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
What’s Your Story?
W
by Sue Lavigne
hat makes up your story? When thinking about the Bible, one may not recognize it as the compilation of stories of many people’s lives. While some people think of the word “story” as something fictional, in the context of the Bible, it refers to the life histories of people. In this same way, “story” can describe our true-life histories. To explore the essences of what makes up a personal story, one needs to examine the various components of a person’s life.
of the Bible, or through the fellowship with other Christians. All of these experiences affect your story. You may be asking yourself: What’s so important about MY story? Well, your story is also your testimony to God’s work in your life. God created you “for such a time as this” to share your “story” with others. What would that look like? Maybe you and a friend share a common struggle, and
Relationships Relationships are foundational to anyone’s story. Every relationship with a member of our generational family makes up the story of our life. Other relationships include friends, neighbors, co-workers, as well as members of our local church family. Some connections are closer than others, but all help write our individual stories.
Significant Life Events Life events shape your story. Some may be positive and others negative, but each event impacts our story in a significant way—playing a role in defining who we are today. As an old Native American saying goes, “Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his moccasins.” Considering this, I have been less quick to judge other people. God’s Word Knowledge of God and His wisdom from His Word shapes your story. Think about the Truth God reveals to you specifically, either through preaching, your personal reading
8 // June 2021
you share how God has worked in your life. So often I hear people express their fear of what is happening in this world. You can share with them, as I have, the confidence and hope that you have in God (1 Peter 3:15). What’s Their Story? One final note: How does knowing that each person has a unique story help you view others? Can you look at a homeless man or the misbehaving child differently knowing that you do not really know their whole story? Perhaps, you can look at others through the eyes of Jesus and give them acceptance rather than judgment. Maybe, even better, you can ask them to share their story with you as an interested bystander? You can help shape their story when you take time to listen. About The Author
Our Personality Our unique personalities mold our individual stories. Are you serious or funloving? Are you task-oriented or people oriented? Would you consider yourself a leader or a follower? Your God-given personality is essential to your story. So, when I consider that God has made each of us unique for what He calls us to do, I am less likely to compare myself to other people.
Susan Lavigne attends Cornerstone Church. She is a Christian speaker and songwriter. Feel free to contact her at susanclavigne@gmail.com.
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Inheritance Now 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.
I
f you’re a Seinfeld fan like me, you likely remember George Costanza’s flustered exclamation, “Serenity Now!” With a wink and a nod toward Seinfeld, I’ve titled this month’s column “Inheritance Now,” with the provocative idea that perhaps parents would best serve their children—as well as their own retirement years—by bequeathing a future inheritance while the parents are still alive. Before indignant howls of protest reach a deafening crescendo, allow me to explain. First, I’m a firm believer in “teach people to fish” (that is, be self-sufficient and make wise financial decisions) instead of giving them your own fish which does nothing to educate them financially. Please remember that in past columns I have made a clear distinction between emergency aid/charity in extraordinary situations, which I agree with, and chronic “enabling” of irresponsible behavior by subsidizing someone long-term, which I feel is wrong on many levels. So, in the spirit of teaching our children and grandchildren to “fish” by building wealth themselves, why not give them a jump-start today instead of bequeathing them money in your Will after you’re dead? By doing it while you’re alive, you can be handson in teaching your loved ones how to invest and grow your monetary legacy. For example, if you have children or grandchildren who are working and earning money, you can help them open a Roth IRA account where you can contribute money for them to invest. Plus, you’re still around to help them choose where to invest their Roth IRA, and to ensure they actually do it. But if you wait until you’ve passed away, you have zero influence over how your financial legacy is handled . . . or mishandled.
10 // June 2021
Secondly, bestowing an inheritance while you’re alive may be a “cheaper” way to go. Think about it—what’s the most valuable resource when it comes to investing and compounding returns? Time. A small amount (a few thousand dollars, for instance) invested in a stock index fund for a teenaged child or grandchild will grow to nearly one million dollars or more by the time they retire in their late 60’s. You may not have $800,000 to leave each child or grandchild when you die, but by opening that account and getting it started now while they’re young, it will compound and grow to that amount later in their lifetime. And think of the implications for your own retirement years: without any pressure to leave a substantial amount of money for your children and grandchildren, you can “live it up” a bit more during your own retirement years, spending every nickel in the knowledge that you’ve already bestowed a generous legacy. So, for future birthday and Christmas presents for children and grandchildren, strongly consider making contributions to their Roth IRA or other investment accounts to give them “inheritance now” rather than later. Over time, the total amount you gifted them will likely be larger than the amount you were planning to leave in your Will. My wife and I have done something similar with our adult sons, and we will do the same for our daughter one day soon—just so you don’t think I’m talking about a “pie in the sky” idea that’s unrealistic. We helped our sons open a Roth IRA when they turned 16 and began working, and we did a dollar-for-dollar match for money they contributed. We also helped them buy their first homes so they could begin building equity and learn how real estate can grow wealth. By giving them their inheritance “now,” they’ll be wealthier and we’re now off the hook! Sounds like a winwin to me!
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Gò0dNews for Men
Jesus is King!
T
by David Beckmann
his spring we again celebrated the victorious
One thing is for sure: no one goes to Heaven who is
resurrection of Jesus from the dead. In many
a rebel against the throne of God! Jesus's rule, though,
of our churches, once Easter Sunday is over,
is not just in the hearts of His believing people. It is an
it seems our celebration takes a break. But one of the
absolute rule over the whole universe (after all, He made
main things Jesus rose from the dead to do was to
it)! Jesus said, “All authority is given to me in Heaven
ascend to his throne in Heaven! We need to remember
and Earth” (Matthew 28:18). It is for this reason that all
his Ascension.
the people and nations of the Earth are accountable to him for how they live. I feel sorry for people in positions of responsibility who do not recognize that they have their positions at the King's hand, and must answer to Him for what they say and do. As Jesus the King (John 18:37) told Pilate, “You could have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above” (John 19:11). These proud rulers—who think God does not see or hear—better repent before it is too late for them, as it says in Psalm 2: “Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the Earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Jesus's ascension to Heaven took place 40 days after the resurrection (May 13 this year). This ascension is critical for us to remember for the sake of our eternal welfare. To begin with, our Savior who is the King teaches
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little." Let us pray for our rulers. Let us pray for people who think they can get to Heaven without giving Jesus the rule in their hearts. Let us be extremely thankful
us that if we are to enjoy his salvation, we must be
that God has given us sinners the grace and privilege
his subjects. The Good News preached by Jesus was
to be able to go through each day as subjects of such a
that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand – that was
wonderful, loving, and faithful King. Let us also thank
because HE was at hand! Now that He is on the throne,
him for the hope that one day our ascended King will
His kingdom has come. Now is the time to bow our
return, and he will straighten everything out!
knee to him, the One True King, and give our lives to He said it would be (Luke 17:21).
12 // June 2021
About The Author
him so that His kingdom may be in our hearts—like The Rev. David Beckmann is an Anglican priest and Moderator of the C.S. Lewis Society of Chattanooga. Recently, he was director of the C. S. Lewis Study Centre at The Kilns, Oxford, UK. He blogs at revbeckmann.com.
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Gò0dNews for Women
Other People’s Chains
T
by Kristen West
urn your radio dial to any contemporary Christian
to a person still wrestling with their own fetters. It required
station these days and you’ll hear plenty of songs
God’s opening my eyes and helping me see that no one can
about chains and how God is a chain-breaker.
hinder my growth, my progress, or my obedience to Him
As we sing those songs, we tend to envision the
except me.
personal chains that God has broken from our own lives—addictions, habits, and strongholds. But how often do we consider the impact of other people’s chains on us? Living in a broken world, we are all subject to “chains”—toxic tendencies, wrong thinking, and generational shackles that get passed down to us. Invisible to the naked eye, the ramifications of these chains impact our thinking, decisions, and actions. But they also have a ripple effect on those around us. Many times, we get frustrated at our spouses, our
Every person we lock eyes with today has their own
parents, and our closest friends for not loving us, leading
chains. But here’s a lifesaving piece of advice: don’t let
us, or supporting us well, all the while not taking into
anyone else’s chains keep you from being faithful.
consideration the chains they have in their lives.
God has called us to be light-bearers, salt-shakers, and
My first marriage was a perfect example of this as I
ambassadors on a mission for His Kingdom. Part of that
anticipated, expected, and waited on my husband to love
high calling is to walk in freedom ourselves so that we can,
and encourage me the way I thought he should. Yet the
in turn, help others find freedom from their chains as we
further into our marriage we got, the more my hopes and
introduce them to the only Chain-Breaker, Jesus.
expectations were dashed as what I longed for versus what I received were two totally different things. I was discouraged more times than I can count and
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, He has sent me to proclaim freedom to the prisoners (those in chains)
heartbroken more days than I care to admit as my faith
and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed
seemed shackled to the way I was being treated. Yet the
free” (Luke 4:18).
simple truth was my husband never had his chains broken. The result was that I was growing stagnant and unfruitful in my own walk with God as I hitched my hopes
14 // June 2021
About The Author
I was waiting for him to walk in a freedom he didn’t know.
Kristen West works at Rock Bridge Community Church with a heart for staff leadership, development, and care. She is a communicator with a passion to inspire, encourage, and challenge others in their daily walk with Christ. She writes and publishes weekly content on her blog at kristen-west.com.
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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 7611 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 // June 2021
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 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
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goodnewscm.com // 17
Gò0dNews for Parents
Setbacks To Setups
“N
by Linda Ray Center
o, dear brothers and sisters, I have not
I felt sad and full of REGRET. I was not meeting my
achieved it, but I focus on this one thing;
son’s needs. During that time, well-meaning people added
Forgetting the past and looking forward to
to my pain, telling me I spent too many hours in the studio.
what lies ahead” (Philippians 3:13). Setbacks happen. How we approach them can hold us
back or move us forward. Setbacks offer us an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and to understand better
My mother and sister helped me by attending to my children’s activities while I worked. Every event I missed reminded me that I was lacking as a parent. Today, those prickly memories are dim. They no longer
God’s power working in us. He wants to help us, whether
hurt, but the regret surfaces occasionally. Relying on God’s
we are stuck in a setback today or chained to a past setback
promises helped me turn my parenting perspective around and understand myself better. One morning, as I surrendered my thoughts to God, I remembered there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Through Philippians 3:13, I realized that it was time to move on. God used what I thought was a setback to create a setup with positive outcomes. Dance students often told me I helped them build their selfesteem. They learned how to express themselves through movement and appreciate the art of dance. God’s plan for my earlier years positioned me to help many children to believe in themselves. And with a smile, I now include my children in
and filled with regret. God helped me resolve a setback
that group. They are independent, happy adults pursuing
and find closure to a struggle I carried as a single parent
their own dreams.
for years. During my 40s, my dance and gymnastics business took
Regrets hold us captive to our limitations and imperfections. I have learned that we can never change what
every minute of the day, including weekends, to keep it
was; however, changing our perception of a setback can help
running. I had two young children and too often felt like a
us take a step forward to fulfill God’s plan for our lives.
failure as a mother. I thought I was doing my best to balance career and parenting until I found my 8-year-old son’s fill-
Take some quiet time to consider your setbacks and how they can be converted to setups for something positive.
read his first line: I wished I had more time with my Mother. She is always at work.
18 // June 2021
About The Author
in-the-blank wish list school assignment. I gasped when I Linda Ray Center writes about everyday life with God, others, and self, as an author, freelance writer, and blogger at www.lindaraycenter.com. She resides in charming Chattanooga and will showcase her grandchildren’s pictures at any given moment.
Church Activities & Events St. Marks United Methodist Church What the Women Saw Bible Study Monday, June 7 | 6PM 701 Mississippi Avenue, Chattanooga, TN
Mt. Canaan Baptist Church
80 th Anniversary and Re-Opening Sunday, June 13 | 10:00AM - 11:30AM 4801 TN-58, Chattanooga, TN
Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle VBS: Passport to Missions Monday, June 21 - Friday, June 25 4994 US-41, Ringgold, GA
Cloud Springs Deli The Agee Family
Monday, June 28 | 6:00PM 4097 Cloud Springs Road, Ringgold, GA
Gò0dNews for Life
Cataracts and Cobwebs
Y
by Denise Nelson
esterday I had cataract surgery on my left
out light bulb in your bedroom or bathroom? That
eye. When I went to the eye doctor for
is what it was like for me. I could not believe how
my visit—never and I mean never—in my
adjusted I had become to seeing things through a
wildest imagination would I think I have cataracts. I know about cataracts. My mom and dad both had them removed after they retired. I am still youngish.
dull lens. Mother’s Day was the anniversary of our daughter’s death. It makes no sense to me. I cannot see any purpose or goodness in this event. My spiritual vision is just as dull as my physical vision is with cataracts. 1 Corinthians 13:12 says, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” It will be like the cataract removed from my eye. I will see the brightness and goodness of all of God’s plan. I will see the absolute love He has for me. I will see my daughter. In the waiting I will keep
I still have many years of working before retirement,
my spiritual lens cleaned with the truth of God’s word
but it seems I also have cataracts.
until the fullness is revealed. I will look forward, in
Why am I making such a big deal of this? Glad you asked. I got up this morning, took off my plastic eye patch and walked into my kitchen. When I turned on the light something wonderful happened!
excitement, to the day I see fully and completely. I cannot imagine how much better it will be. Oh, I will also clean the cobwebs in the corner of my kitchen. Now I can see those too.
It was as if I had been living with a veil over my eye that feeling you get when you replace the blown-
20 // June 2021
About The Author
and now everything was bright and clear. You know Denise Nelson lives in Ringgold, Georgia, with her husband, son, father, and grandfather.
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landscaping industry, as well as their desire to grow the
here in his hometown of Boynton, Georgia. With a
retail side of the business.
degree in Horticulture and over 30 years of landscaping
The year 2017 brought more change and excitement
and greenhouse experience, Ken is a natural at finding
when Ken married Debi Morris, the sister of his lifelong
a solution to any landscaping issue. It didn’t take long
friend. While their lives had taken different paths for many
for the locals to discover Ken and Homescape Pros and
years, fate brought them back together in a big way! Debi’s
support this local business, helping it to outgrow its
love of gardening made this seem like a match made in
original location on Battlefield Parkway. With growth
Heaven. Now, the partnership of Homescape Pros is fully
comes change, and that is what Homescape Pros faced.
developed into the local company it is today.
Needing space to expand, the retail garden center area and outdoor plant material became a must. Ken survived with the help of his office manager, Donna Echols, and the landscape crew in the beginning. However, in 2016, Ken took on new partners, Mark and Lisa Bradford. As previous customers of Homescape Pros, they knew the quality product the company delivered, as well as the quality of ownership that came in the form of Ken Williams. Mark and Lisa added some welcome dimension to the business with their knowledge and love of the plant/
22 // June 2021
Today, you can visit Ken and the rest of the Homescape Pros crew at 834 Old Mill Road, Ringgold, Georgia (behind the CVS) for all your garden center and landscape needs. Homescape Pros is a company dedicated to their customers. They offer quality landscaping and home improvement services to Ringgold, Georgia and surrounding areas. Homescape Pros is able to help you transform your outdoor living space into the gathering spot that you can enjoy with your family and friends. Their professional installers can help you with landscape design and installation to enhance the curb appeal of your home or business. From retaining walls to fire pits, you will be the envy of your neighbors with their quality landscaping services. “Our Garden Center located in Ringgold, GA, is massive! We offer Trees, Shrubs, Rocks, Yard Art, Pottery, Annuals, Perennials and Pine Straw. We’ve expanded and added a second greenhouse, so stop by and check it out. Also, take a peek inside at all the changes too. We have built our very own waterfall indoors…complete with fish! Don’t forget to check out the clay pots and rock yard. And, of course, our new facility allows us to stock a wider selection of garden supplies and yard art,” said Williams. You can visit the Homescape Pros’ website at www.homescapepros.net or call 706-937-5488 to find out how Homescape Pros can help you with any outdoor projects you may have. Follow them on Facebook to ensure you don’t miss out on their bi-annual Grill Days, where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the wonderful food
that can be cooked on the Kamado Joe grills while they get the opportunity to say “Thank you” for making the success they are today. If you want to turn your backyard into your long-awaited dream yard, look no further than the best landscape company in Chattanooga and Ringgold: Homescape Pros.
Garden Center goodnewscm.com // 23
Gò0dNews for Everyone
You Owe Me Nothing!
T
by Mario Miller
he world, society, or life owe me nothing. I say this to
revelation revealed to me, when Jesus died on that cross on
set you free. I say this to set your heart, your mind,
Golgotha’s hill, He gave forgiveness. If we would receive
and your conscious at liberty. You owe me nothing. I
His forgiveness, we too can give it to others. Why would He
have no expectations of you to be a certain way towards me.
give me something I did not earn nor deserve, but needed, only to
You could never give me what I need anyway. What I need
keep it for myself? I was forgiven to forgive others.
today is victory. For every day of my life, I want to live in
We need each other. I cannot become what I was created
such a way that makes people stand at attention and salute
to be without you. Imagine being in a rain forest and seeing
the efforts I choose to live for—freedom.
the most beautiful plants, trees, vines etc. Now imagine
My victory came on Calvary the day Christ said “Father forgive them for they no not what they do” (Luke 23:24). That
something disappears. Is the rain forest as beautiful? No, because it is simply not complete. Father God said to me,
was the day we became free; the day Christ died and rose again. My reality of my freedom comes from His reality to forgive. So, I choose to live in what Christ obtained for me, not what I believe man should give me. This is my personal stance. Christ has become the narrator of my life-story, all other narratives (from all other narrators) has been silenced. If it was not for Christ Jesus, where would I be? Christ before culture, not culture before Christ. I choose to take my rightful place in Christ. I am the righteousness of Christ. Christ gives me the gift of righteousness. Man did not give this to me and cannot take it away. What can you do to
each one of your cultures brings something unique and
a free person?
beautiful to each other. Father God gave us this uniqueness
The real enemy is not being identified. Like a puppet
and beauty. So, I say again, you owe me nothing. Everything I
on a string, we are sometimes being used and lured into
need has been given by my Heavenly Father Yahweh and I
the destruction of one another, instead of loving, honoring,
receive it and walk in it by faith. Blessings!
and blessing each other. I understand it is impossible forgiveness before you can give it to others. That is the
24 // June 2021
About The Author
to give what you do not have. You must first receive
Mario L. Miller, husband of Corinthia, founder and pastor of Abundant Life Bible Church in Dalton, Georgia, and Hope 93.3 WTTI executive account manager. His passion and desire is to see everyone experience the love of his heavenly Father.
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Gò0dNews for Teens
Some Things Never Change by Nadolyn Lee
I
remember feeling very overwhelmed as a teenager.
Heavenly Father, I come before Your throne.
Grades, friends, pressures, and activities that came with
I am here to admit that I can’t do this alone.
even more obligations seemed to always be adding up.
God, I can barely look myself in the eyes.
Looking back, I almost feel guilty for feeling that way. I talk
I feel so much shame, I hear many lies.
to my own teens today and they feel the same way, but they
I fear, I doubt. My mind is full.
have much more reason to. Sports are all-consuming, grades
But even in the darkest nights I feel Your pull—
seem to feel “make or break” for their future, and I can
On my heart, on my life, on my mind.
hardly believe the difference of pressures in 2021 compared
Your plan is flawless. Your heart is so kind. Lord, I am
to the early ’90s. It’s like comparing apples to oranges.
facing a valley.
A lot has changed, to the point that sometimes I wonder
The enemy is striking—the trails, the lies, the hurt are too
if I am saying the right things to my teens. But the God
much for my liking.
who I counted on as a teen has not changed at all. He is
But You, my God, are limitless. I hurt and I’m broken, I
still just as faithful and just as present in the lives of young
must confess. Wash over me
people today. Nothing you are facing has blindsided Him
Like never before. Please remind me what I am here for.
or caught Him off guard. God knows your pressures, fears,
I’m insecure
and emotions. I was recently reminded of how I felt many
I’m weak
times as a teen when my 15-year-old niece, Julia, sent me
I’m flawed
this poem she wrote.
But my hope comes from you, my God. I can’t tell you that the demands placed upon you will get any less. In fact, they may get even more challenging in the years to come. But I can tell you it gets easier as God equips you to better handle all those demands. Maturing and staying grounded in God’s Word will put a lot of your roller coaster emotions in the rearview mirror. As a teen, I disappointed God plenty of times, but He has never once disappointed me. At my weakest, His strength sustained me. When you are overwhelmed, a great place to turn to in Scripture is the Psalms. “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call you. Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer
About The Author
me” (Psalm 86:5-7).
26 // June 2021
Nadolyn Lee is a graduate of Berry College with her Masters and Education Specialist Degree from LMU. She has taught elementary music for twenty-three years in the North Georgia area. Creator of ‘Dirt Road Believer’ YouTube Channel, Nadolyn produces Christian devotions every Tuesday and Thursday. She is an author, songwriter, and director for children’s musical theater in her community of Summerville, GA. She and her husband of eighteen years, Adam, have four teenage children. Nadolyn co-founded and runs the local chapter of Helping Hands Ending Hunger, INC that feeds hungry students and their families over the weekend.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
How YOU Doin’? by Amy Oyler
“A
wake, my soul!” Psalm 57:8. Show of hands…how many are familiar
How is it (or goes it) with your soul? Many of you may be familiar with this question and might have even used it in
with the phrase, “How YOU Doin’?” from
small groups yourself, particularly if you are a Methodist.
the television show Friends? I’m sure many of you are! It
On the surface, it might simply sound like a fancier version
served as a silly pick-up line that the character Joey used on
of “how are you,” but including the word “soul” elevates
women. He had a particular way of saying it as well. If you
it. And when this question was asked in the small group
are a fan of Friends, you’ve heard it, and the line went on to
setting, which typically consisted of 10-12 people of varying
transcend the show to become well-known in its own right.
ages and genders, the person asking really wanted to know!
Obviously, it was played for laughs, and Joey didn’t actually care how the woman he was addressing was doing. It was a means to an end for him. Related to this, when we pass people in our day-to-day lives, we often nod and say, “How are you?” And what response do we usually get? “Fine, thanks, and how are you?” And another response of “fine.” If not those exact words, it’s along those lines. Are we really fine? Is the other person fine? Who’s to say…because, like Joey, we don’t always care. Not that we actively don’t care about the other person, but this exchange is small talk, pleasantries, in the course of our busy day and we don’t necessarily want a true response. We are just being polite. Those are examples of superficial communication in our
It wasn’t mere politeness. Thoughts were divulged. Deep conversations were had. Time was taken. Granted, that time
everyday lives. It’s unfortunate that we neither have nor
was set aside for just that. But how often do we set aside
take the time to delve into the feelings or events of those we
time for in-depth dialogue? We would rather say, “How are
see in passing. But often we don’t even take that time with
you?” and move on.
those who are close to us. We become self-absorbed and
Therefore, I’m challenging you—and myself—to ask the
have so much going in our own lives that we only want to
question of others: How is it with your soul? But since that can
hear…fine. To dive any deeper is an investment of time and
sound quite formal, take a page from Joey from Friends and
energy that we often don’t have.
ask, but MEAN it… “How YOU Doin’?”
On the far end of this spectrum is a line that sounds of Methodism, conducted small groups or “classes” around the mid-1700s. A question asked during these classes was:
28 // June 2021
About The Author
similar but is much deeper. John Wesley, noted as the father Amy Oyler is a native Roman and a member of Rush Chapel United Methodist Church. She is wife to Jason, a dentist in Rome, and mother to Tanner, Timothy, and Thomas. A former English teacher, she enjoys working with the youth at Rush Chapel and “floating” where God leads her!
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
What Does Your Contact Tracing Look Like?
C
by Virginia Piper
ontact tracing is a term we all now associate with the
for every kind of god the people chose to worship. Disease,
COVID-19 infection. It’s a strategy used by the medical
filth, and poverty surrounded Him. His purpose and
community to show the spread of the virus from an
mission wasn’t halted because of the circumstances He lived
infected person to others and then from those who have been
in. On the contrary, the circumstances were perfect for Him
exposed and infected on to others. It has the potential to be
to bring the hope we so desperately need. We must look at
endless. In the past year, we’ve seen this phenomenon go
our own lives and ask ourselves, have we have used this
through a population, impacting not only communities but
time in history, our circumstances, to benefit the Kingdom? Or have we used this time of lockdown and quarantine as a welcome excuse to shelve our Bibles and cease praying? Have we become lazy Christians? If we wait until the perfect time to accomplish something great for God, then we will miss our chance to spread the Gospel. We have always lived in an imperfect world and always will. Jesus’ story is so remarkable not only because He brought our redemption but because He accomplished so much in a world just like ours—terribly fractured and broken. Reading through the Scriptures, we can trace Jesus through the encounters He made. His encounters changed lives, from Lazarus and Mary Magdalene to the Twelve
states, countries, and then the entire world. Once it reaches
Disciples, Roman citizens, and beyond the borders of Israel.
mammoth proportions and infects literally thousands of
Their contacts and encounters exponentially multiplied,
people, the illness is referred to as a pandemic.
leading to millions of others down through the ages and to
Looking through a spiritual lens using the same contact
you and me. Much like how the coronavirus spreads, each
tracing concept, how many of us would be able to trace Jesus
encounter, in turn, takes the hope of the Gospel to others
through the encounters we make? The current situation we
where we can reach pandemic proportions for Christ.
are in doesn’t change the mission we are on. Our mission is to
What does your contact tracing show you? How many
work within our circumstances and share Jesus with others.
encounters for Christ have you made? Consider the impact
We are not called to practice à la carte Christianity, allowing
we could make if we would intentionally spread the Gospel
ourselves the option to pick and choose certain aspects of the
as this virus has spread.
Gospel and eliminating those facets that are not convenient When Jesus walked among us, His circumstances included a life spent under the tyranny of Roman rule. Every street corner boasted multiple shops peddling idols
30 // June 2021
About The Author
due to the current state of affairs.
Virginia Piper, RN, BSN, M SpEd. From Air Force Med Tech to Registered Nurse, Virginia’s almost 30 years as a professional nurse has taken her from military to hospital to nursing home to insurance company. Her experience as an advocate in the disability community began when her son Andrew began struggling with his education and grew when her son George was born with Down Syndrome. Her advocacy led her to return to school to get her Masters in Special Education and continued with positions at LifeLine, Inc., the ARC of Hamilton County, and the ARC of Tennessee. Virginia has served on multiple local and state-wide boards through the years and continues to be one of LifeLine’s Parent Mentors. In 2018, based on her personal life experiences, Virginia combined her training experience and furniture refinishing hobby and began a ministry to women struggling to understand who they are in Christ. Ashes to Beauty is based on Isaiah 61:3. You can find more information about her ministry at Ashes to Beauty – Ministry of Renewal and Transformation.
ourney But it can alsoto seem overwhelming, looking down the long road ahead. You may be asking yourself, how sho An easy step is to put a key foundational piece in place with life insurance. By doing that, it helps ensure t ookWhat like? Does Your anyone who may rely on you financially—now or into the future—will be OK. Luxury Retirement Look So start your financial fitness journey with this oneLike? step forward. Let’s start the conversation.
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ce. By doing that, it helps ensure that Guy Percy OK. Financial Representative
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This piece has been reproduced with the permission of Life Happens, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers make smart insurance deci it can also seem overwhelming, looking down the long road ahead. You may be asking yourself, how should I begin?
their families’ financial futures. Life Happens does not endorse any insurance company, product or advisor. © Life Happens 2018. All rights reser easy step is to put a key foundational piece in place with life insurance. By doing that, it helpssafeguard ensure that one who may rely on you financially—now or into the future—will be OK.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Advice From The Word
T
by Karen D. Jeffery
oday, we have all had many trials. When
Philippians 4:6-7: “Be careful for nothing; but
we have fears or anxieties, our natural
in every thing by prayer and supplication with
instinct is to gather them close and keep
Thanksgiving let your requests be made known
them hidden from the world. We can learn to
unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth
follow the plan the Lord has given us in His Word to help get through those times. 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” We feel we must carry them alone and not burden others with our cares. In this verse, however, Peter tells us not to carry our own cares but to cast, or throw, them onto the Lord. He wants our
all understanding, shall keep your hearts and
cares because He cares. God cares for us.
minds through Christ Jesus.”
The things that concern us concern Him,
This can give us assurance that the Lord will
and He would not have His children be
always be by our side. He promised He’d never
burdened by the anxieties of this world. It is
leave us.
interesting to note that this a command Peter gives us, not a suggestion. It is not God’s will that His children be burdened with cares. He wants us to trust that He
Hebrews 13-5: “Let your manner of living be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have. For He hath said, ‘I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’”
just let Him. 32 // June 2021
About The Author
is able and willing to handle our worries if we will
Karen D. Jeffery loves the Heavenly Father, her family, and her church. Keep looking up Jesus is coming soon.
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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
T
Watermelon Salsa by Pam Wattenbarger
his fresh salsa offers
a fruity, summer twist on traditional salsas. It tastes delicious with pork or chicken and looks festive for a 4th of July picnic. Make it at least one hour in advance to allow the flavors to meld.
Ingredients • ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped • ¼ cup chopped jalapeno peppers • 2 tablespoons white vinegar • 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic • 3 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon sugar • ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions 1. In a medium bowl, stir together the cilantro, jalapenos, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt. 2. Add the watermelon, onion, and orange. Stir, making sure the watermelon mixture is well coated. Cover and chill one hour before serving.
• 2 cups finely chopped watermelon • 2 navel oranges, peeled and chopped 34 // June 2021
About The Author
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced Pam Wattenbarger is the author of 3 cookbooks. You can find more recipes on her website, SimplySouthernMom.com.
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Gò0dNews on Wisdom
God’s Wisdom
(And What It Means For Us!)
“W
by Rebekah Hargraves
ho is wise and understanding
We are told time and time again by Paul that truth
among you? Let him show by good
without love, faith without love, and good works
conduct that his works are done in
without love are useless. You actually have to feel
the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy
tangible love in your heart for the person you are
and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie
speaking to and show that love clearly in the way you
against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from
speak, or it is not enough, does not profit anything,
above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:13-17). This passage really struck me the other day, especially when I thought of it in light of all the infighting, name-calling, unrighteousness
does not glorify God, does not serve others, and does
judgment, snarky attitudes, and more that I have been
not advance His kingdom.
seeing take place among Christians all year. Friends, in this passage, James is showing us
Our snarkiness does not lead to anyone’s sanctification. May we all remember that before we post on
unequivocally what godly wisdom looks like. And
social media and before we respond to someone
if the “wisdom” we share does not line up with this
else’s posts.
description, if it is not coming from a humble heart, if it of mercy, and meek, then it is not wisdom from God, no matter how biblical the truth you might be sharing is.
36 // June 2021
About The Author
is not first pure, gentle, willing to yield, peaceable, full Rebekah Hargraves is a wife, mama of two littles, blogger, podcaster, and author whose passion is to edify, equip, and encourage women in their journey of Biblical womanhood, particularly with an emphasis on the gospel and its implications for everyday life. You can find Rebekah on her website, Hargraves Home and Hearth, on Instagram, or on iTunes via The Home and Hearth podcast.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Just Listen
H
by Heather Tate
ow often do you allow yourself quiet time with
of the word restoration includes rest. In its original
God? I love to spend time in the Holy Bible; my
text, restoration is a means of healing or the renewal of
husband often thinks it's all I do. Honestly, I have
something lost. Explore examples of restoration in the Bible;
to be careful not to allow my daily task list to get in the
you will find stories of restoration throughout. Exploring
way of genuinely immersing myself in my quiet time. Time
the Bible can give us a better sense of how God restores us,
with God is a choice we must make a priority. If I fail to
even now!
focus on my time with God, I reduce His presence in my
Time with God, time in the Word of God, is never
daily life. Even though I read the Bible, I've realized I don't
wasted! Hope and healing are available for us now, through
always pause to listen for God's gentle guidance. I don't allow myself a lot of listening time with God. I get so busy with schedules and task lists that I too often rush through my quiet time. How can He guide me if I refuse to listen? It's time to restore quiet time with God! I've been reminded just to listen. The Scripture God has put on my heart comes from Zephaniah 3. I haven't spent a lot of time in the book of Zephaniah, but Zephaniah 3:17 was a verse in my journal this past week. I couldn't get the verse out of my head, and the phrase "Just listen" continued to plague my thoughts. The entire book of Zephaniah is three chapters and about a 15-minute read. Its focus is a call to repentance
the words of the Holy Bible, if we take time to open it up
for the restoration of the tribe of Judah. The book tells of
and sit with it for a while. I am at a place where I am ready
the coming wrath of God for those who don't repent. The
for restoration and healing from the remnants of what our
book is humbling, but the last chapter brings hope from
culture and society offer. I want to base my faith on the
repentance that leads to the restoration of God's people.
Almighty Creator, not what I hear in this world. I want to
Just listen... four steps to devotion came to mind from the
listen to His words of wisdom that offer true restoration of
reading of this chapter:
the human spirit. Restoration can be yours too!
1. Rest in the Word.
As the thoughts surrounding "Just Listen" continue
2. Repent and turn to God.
to plague my mind, Zephaniah 3:17 (CSB) offers comfort
3. Rejoice in anticipation of His work in your life.
and restoration, stating, “The LORD your God is among
4. Allow God to Restore you.
you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with
Restoration is something I think many of us need right
gladness. He will be quiet in His love. He will delight in
now. Restoration from feelings of loss, rejection, guilt,
you with singing.”
Christ; Christ provides healing. Thank goodness we serve a God who specializes in restoration! I love that the beginning
38 // June 2021
About The Author
shame, and sin. My life has changed through restoration in Heather Tate is the founder and president of Intricate Umbrella Inc, a Public Relations and Communications company. Heather’s desire is to help anyone fulfill their true purpose in life through education and personal development. To find out more about Intricate Umbrella Inc and services offered, visit IntricateUmbrella.com or email Heather@IntricateUmbrella.com.
The New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Certificate Center meets at
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Power in the Music
I
by Lisa Waters
’ll ask you these questions: Ever feel like you can’t pray? Ever feel like your joy has been stolen? But THEN…you listen to a good gospel song. Maybe
you have heard the song many times before, but at that particular moment it reaches deep into your heart and feeds your soul! At that moment it’s just what you needed to hear. Music lifts us. It carries us through so many stages in our life. It can bring us to tears or make us want to get up and dance. Sometimes a song will touch me to my core and all I can do is praise Jesus—thanking Him for all He has done. Lately, I have learned the difference between happiness
and joy. Happiness is fleeting—it comes and goes, but JOY! Joy is something that dwells deep within us that only God can truly give. No matter our circumstances, that joy can help us make it through. The same is true with music. Sometimes we just need to soak it all in, allowing it to envelop us in the sweetest way. You may wonder why I’m speaking of joy in the midst of writing about music. It’s because I will always believe that music brings us joy. God gives songwriters joy in their hearts. He gives them lyrics or a sweet melody. When they are obedient and follow His divine guidance, that’s when something special happens with a song. I believe that if a song touches my heart so deeply, then it surely will touch others as well. It’s like it’s bursting out of my heart to share! Growing up, I had always been told I couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket. This made me very shy about singing,
What had just happened? I look back on that morning
especially in front of people. I had often wondered why
and know that it was my obedience to God in sharing that
I would have this passion for music if I couldn’t play or
song that touched others. They didn’t seem to perceive my
sing. I’m sure you can understand that it was all I could do
nervousness, nor did they care about my off-key notes. God
to finally bring myself to join the choir at my little country
spoke to them through the song the same way He had done
church, although deep in my heart I wanted to sing!
when He first gave it to the songwriter.
Some years later, a certain song had touched my heart
When you find joy in a lyric of a song you’ve heard a
so much that I felt it simply had to come out. I sang that
thousand times, sing the song yourself or simply share it
song with everything I had in me. I felt every word leave my
with someone. Just know and remember this—God is the
body. People raised their hands in praise to our Lord and
power in the music!
had tears fill their eyes.
40 // June 2021
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Gò0dNews for Marriage
Living Marriage-Minded
T
by Stephanie Shrum
he Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a marriage
bills, often with two incomes instead of one (Two are better
multiple times throughout the Bible. We are
than one, because they have a good return for their labor: Eccl.
referred to as the Bride of Christ (for the marriage of the
4:9). You have intimacy and pleasure designed especially for
Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready. Rev. 19:7).
marriage (each man should have his own wife and each woman
We are to look for our Groom to return at any moment and
her own husband. 1 Cor. 7:2). It would be foolish to take a
the Bible tells us to get ourselves ready. But ready for what?
wife or husband and then continue to live as though you
Ready to receive the inheritance promised to us through
are single by refusing to embrace all that your spouse has to
Christ—the marriage. The good news is there can be joy in
offer you.
the waiting. Too often Christians accept Christ as their Savior but fail to tap into the privileges that come with the now. They want to go to Heaven when they die but they see it as something in their future, not something they can embrace and enjoy now. There are so many blessings that come with the Christian faith. Though we are not promised a life of ease, we do have the promise of the Holy Spirit (I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever, the Spirit of truth. John 14:16-17). Jesus is now your best friend (there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
Perhaps this is you. Is there something stopping you
Proverbs 18:24). You never have to face anything in life
from fully receiving all that you are promised in God’s
alone. You have the assurance of provision (And my God
Word (the Bible)? Do you feel unworthy to accept such
will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory
blessings? If Jesus is your Lord, you are worthy. Not
in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19). You have guidance for every
because of what you have or have not done but because of
situation. You have joy, peace, and love (But the fruit of the
what He did for you. He paid the price on the cross so that
Spirit is love, joy, peace, etc. Gal. 5:22).
you can have the full inheritance as a child of God. Thank
You wouldn’t get married and refuse to enjoy the
Him for it and go enjoy the journey.
benefits of marriage. Although marriage can be challenging at times, when you are married you have companionship. and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. Gal. 6:2). There are financial benefits, such as tax breaks and sharing the
42 // June 2021
About The Author
You share each other’s burdens (Carry each other's burdens,
Stephanie Shrum is the ASA for PCM/ J103/ComeOnLetsGo ministries. She is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is also the author/creator of the blog: runninganegativesplit.com.
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