Gò0dNews March 2021
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About Us WRITERS
Andrew Lee Andrew Towe Bekah Prytherch Brenda Dedmon Caleb Prytherch David Thompson Eddie Turner Heather Tate Johnny K. Hughes Laura Perdue Liz Cooper Mary Anderson Beard Rachel Smith Dr. Ralph Jenkins Rebekah Hargraves Theodore Young, Jr.
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Contents MARCH 2021
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 Resurgence
by Andrew Towe
GoodNews for Teens
8 Have You Ever Felt Too Young? by Bekah Prytherch
GoodNews on Money Matters
10 The 12-Week Year by Andrew Lee
GoodNews for Men
12 Jesus, The Gardener of My Soul
by Dr. Ralph Jenkins GoodNews for Women
14 The Spiritual War On Your Marriage
by Rebekah Hargraves GoodNews on Everyone
18 An Election In The Midst Of A Pandemic
by Theodore Young Jr. GoodNews for Life
20 Obey
by Rachel Smith
GoodNews Cover Story
22 North Georgia
Equipment Sales
by David Thompson GoodNews Business Spotlight
24 Vascular Institute Opens New Clinic In Ringgold
GoodNews for Teens
26 Peace In The Midst of Troubles
by Caleb Prytherch GoodNews from the Physician’s Desk
28 Make It Happen: Get
Screened For Colorectal Cancer
GoodNews Poem
30 Caregivers Are “Superheroes” by Liz Cooper
6
GoodNews for Marriage
32 Knock, Knock
by Laura Perdue
GoodNews for your Taste Buds
34 Key Lime Pound Cake by Mary Anderson Beard
GoodNews for Parents
36 Home Is Where Your Story Begins
by Brenda Dedmon GoodNews for Everyone
38 Spring Free In Faith
22
by Heather Tate
GoodNews for Everyone
40 Re-Dig The Wells
by Johnny K. Hughes
GoodNews for Everyone
42 False Teaching by Eddie Turner
40
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
Resurgence
I
by Andrew Towe
heard the voice of the Lord speak to me and say,
the end of my rope. I was unaware that this was the day on
“Get ready! The Church (the remnant) will see a
which God had orchestrated my deliverance.
sudden RESURGENCE!” “Resurgence,” according to dictionary.com, is “the act or
fact of rising again or returning; revival.” After I read that definition, I got it! God was
As I lay in my bed with tears streaming down my face, I began to think about what I could take in my medicine cabinet to bring an end to this battle. Then something suddenly unexpected happened. One line of a song hit
proclaiming to us, His remnant, to get ready for a rising
my spirit. I can only describe it as a quickening. It felt as
again or returning of His Church. There is coming the
if a bolt of electricity had hit my spirit. I released a cry of
greatest revival that we have ever experienced. When something is revived, it means it comes to life again. In spite of the fact that in 2020, you had the breath knocked out of you physically, emotionally, financially, and even spiritually, God’s work in and through you is not finished! The Holy Spirit desires to breathe fresh wind into your lifeless promises. The Lord recently showed me a vision of a group of people who appeared to be in a zombie-like state. They were moving, talking, and going through the motions, yet inside, they were vacant. There was no life, no joy, and no expectation within them. I knew that God was showing me the state of many in the Kingdom: how the wind had been knocked out of them. They once were full of life and vigor, but now, they were going through the motions and were lifeless. God wants you to live again. This is your year to rise again. After I had this vision, the Lord quickly reminded me that I was the ultimate example of the lifeless warrior who had been revived by the breath of God.
desperation. I said, “The God Whom I have served my
I went through three years of hellish depression. I left my
entire life, if You are really real, then I need for You to come
house very few times during that period. I placed aluminum
and deliver me today. Help me.” I want to tell you that right
foil over all the windows to block light from getting in. I
then and there, the presence of God filled my little living
unplugged all of my phones and refused to answer the
room, and God breathed the breath of life back into me,
door for anyone. I stopped eating and wasted away to 130
setting me free.
weight. I was physically alive, but there was no breath of the Spirit in me. I was buried in the tomb of hopelessness. After three years of constant battle, I was tired. I found myself at
6 // March 2021
About The Author
pounds, and for my height and frame, it was a deathly low Andrew Towe and his wife, Brooke, together pastor Ramp Church Chattanooga. They have two beautiful children. Even as Ezekiel was carried out by the spirit to the valley of dry bones, Pastor Andrew has been called to speak the prophetic message of awakening to the Tennessee Valley, raising up an army of believers from the dry scattered bones and equipping them to advance the kingdom of God.
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Gò0dNews for Kids
Have You Ever Felt Too Young?
H
by Bekah Prytherch
ave you ever felt that you were too young?
and you mean so much to Him! Even though you
That you couldn’t do something great for
may be younger, you can still do amazing things
God? Sometimes when we are younger we
for Him!
feel like we cannot do the great things that grown-
There is a story in the Bible where Jesus was
ups can do. But, did you know for the kingdom of
teaching people and some children ran up to
God it doesn’t matter how old you are? No matter
Him. But, the disciples did not want Jesus to be
how old you may be, you can still do amazing
bothered with children while He was teaching. So the disciples tried to shoo the children away, but Jesus did something amazing. He said in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Jesus wanted the children to come to Him just like he wants you to come to Him now! Through praying and reading your Bible
things for God at a very young age! Whether it
you are able to come to God. He is always there,
be helping out a friend at school or being kind to
He is always listening and willing to help you. God
someone that is being bullied. Maybe its helping
sees you and everything you do. He cares about
your grandparents, helping your mom and dad
you, just like Jesus cared about seeing the little
around the house, or helping a neighbor. Or maybe
children! You can do BIG things for God no matter
its just being a kind friend to somebody in need.
your age.
you are, you can do great things for God. God sees you and everything that you do. He loves so much
8 // March 2021
About The Author
You see, no matter how old you are or where Bekah Prytherch is the children’s pastor at Heritage Fellowship Church of God in McDonald, Tennessee. She is married to her husband, Caleb, and they live in Cleveland, Tennessee.
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The 12-Week Year MONEY MATTERS
WITH DR. ANDREW LEE Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.
O
n a recent edition of the Bigger Pockets podcast
3. If you haven’t set up a Roth IRA account online, log
(highly recommended), author Brian Moran spoke
onto Vanguard.com or Fidelity.com and do it immediately.
about his book The 12-Week Year. With new year’s
Then set up auto-drafts from your checking account to
resolutions barely two months behind us, the idea behind
be deposited into your new Roth IRA every month, even
this book is to start thinking of our yearly goals in terms of
if it’s only $25-$50 per month. Have the Roth account
twelve weeks instead of twelve months. The implications of
invested in a broad U.S. and global stock account(s) and
this mindset shift are tremendous (and exciting).What if you
leave it alone for at least a decade. Watch it grow!
gave yourself only twelve weeks to accomplish your new year’s
4. If you are married and/or have children who are
resolutions? How would that look, and what might result?
dependent on your income, get a “term” life insurance
Remember that in Stephen Covey’s best-selling book The Seven
policy immediately. Go online to compare insurance
Habits of Highly Effective People, the very first habit is to be
policies and premiums (Selectquote.com or Policygenius.
“proactive.” Thinking of the year has having only twelve weeks
com) and buy enough insurance to take care of your
will definitely help us to stop procrastinating and to get to
family if something should happen to you (usually ten
work on our goals and start taking action now.
times your annual salary is recommended as the proper
Regarding your finances and financial goals and
amount of life insurance to buy).
resolutions, change your thinking from “I have until later this
5. If you are married and/or have children, make a Last Will
year to start . . .” to “I have to get this done in three months or
immediately. You can do this online at any number of sites
ninety days!” How would that look, practically speaking? Here
that will prepare a Simple Will using your state’s laws,
are some scenarios, and if you still haven’t done all of these,
with all the legal forms that you simply fill-in the blanks
what are you waiting for? Twelve weeks from this article’s publication is early June, so hop to it!
and print off. Or you can use a local attorney if you prefer. 6. “Learn more” to “earn more.” Immediately search
1. Do a “net worth checkup” by listing all your debts and
through a list of financial Podcasts on your phone (free)
all your assets. See how much you “owe” versus how
and start subscribing to the ones that interest you. Start
much you “own”. Then google to see what’s the median
listening and learning! Click off the music and turn on
net worth for someone in your age group. See how you
the podcast as you drive around town or while walking,
stack up and how to improve your net worth.
jogging, or cleaning house. You’ll be amazed how fast
2. If you aren’t contributing to your employer’s taxdeferred retirement plan in order to get the employer’s matching contribution, contact your Human Resources
you learn. This will motivate you to take additional steps toward financial success. Remember, this is a to-do list for the next twelve weeks.
department and sign up immediately for payroll
There are six items on this list, so if you accomplish one of these
deduction to begin doing this.
every two weeks, you’ll be done in twelve weeks and will have made significant progress toward financial security for you and
10 // March 2021
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Gò0dNews for Men
Jesus, The Gardener of My Soul
L
by Dr. Ralph Jenkins
uke 13:6-9: “Then Jesus told this story: ‘A man planted
Tammy and I plant a garden every year, but before we plant
a fig tree in his garden and came again and again
that first seed, we have to toil or till the ground: we have to
to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always
break up the hard soil. Before God can use us in still greater
disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, “I’ve waited
ways, He must break up the fallow ground in our lives, and
three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down.
tribulations and sorrows have a way of doing that.
It’s just taking up space in the garden.” The gardener
God is sovereign over my life. I’m the garden, and
answered, “Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another
He is the gardener. He sees the harvest of my life in the
year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer.
end, and only He knows what it will take to produce the
If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.”’” Tammy and I planted four peach trees four years ago. We planted them, we watered them the first three years, and we fertilized them twice a year. Last year, they bore fruit. We had hundreds of peaches on each tree, but they were all very small. What we didn’t know was we had to cull half of the fruit so the rest would grow bigger and sweeter, and we had to trim the trees of excess limbs and shoots. We had to cut them back in order to get bigger and sweeter fruit. It’s not so different in our spiritual walk with the Lord.
fruit He desires. He knows when I need to be fertilized,
We need to be planted (saved). We need to be fertilized and
watered, and pruned in order to produce the best fruit
watered (the Word of God), and though we may not like it,
possible for His purposes.
we need to be trimmed or pruned (tribulation and trials) to
Don’t resist in times of tribulation. It may be that God is
produce fruit that is sweeter and better. It is necessary for
preparing you for something very special for His glory and
us to grow into a tree firmly planted, strong and healthy,
for your life. Simply submit to God, trust Him, commit to
bearing the fruit our Master desires.
Him, and delight in Him, and He will give you the desires
“The tribulations and troubles of life may simply be
of your heart (Psalm 37:3-5).
God fertilizing your spirit so you may grow in your faith God can’t use me until He breaks me. Break me, O God, and give me a living faith that has a heartbeat for you.
12 // March 2021
About The Author
and produce better, bigger, sweeter fruit.”
Dr. Ralph W. Jenkins is a native of Rome, Georgia. He and His wife Tammy have served the Lord in ministry for over 25 years and has pastored several churches. He loves to win souls, preach the gospel, shepherd God’s people, and work on the farm.
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Gò0dNews for Women
The Spiritual War On Your Marriage by Rebekah Hargraves
I
’ll never forget the day a few years ago when I was sitting in a coffee shop with friends. While there, one of
So what do we do? If we realize that Satan is on the prowl, what should our response be?
the ladies present mentioned how a missionary friend
The good news is that Paul already has us covered in his
of hers in Africa had told her something rather startling.
words from Ephesians 6. May we live out these words in our
This missionary friend informed her that there are actually
marriages, today and every day!
groups of Satanists in Africa who regularly make it their
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able
mission to actively pray against marriages, their main
to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle
prayer being that marriages would fail.
against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
Now, I realize that these Satanists are obviously not praying to the One true God, and so these “prayers” can seem like little to no threat to us at all. But here’s the thing: we know that Satan “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). In Job 1, we read that, prior to his attacks on Job, Satan tells the Lord that he had been “going to and fro on the earth” and “walking back and forth on it” (verse 7). 2 Corinthians 4:4
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,
refers to Satan as “the god of this age” or “the god of this
against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
world” and says that he is regularly about the business of
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may
blinding people to truth.
be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to
Too often, we as Christians, when it comes to our
stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,
marriages, entertain the idea that nothing bad could ever
having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having
happen to the bond between us and our husbands. “I would
shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
never have an affair.” “He would never become addicted
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be
to pornography.” “It’s no big deal if I become Facebook
able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take
friends with that old flame from high school.” While yes, it
the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which
is important to trust our spouses and to think good thoughts
is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and
of them, we need to not make the mistake of becoming
supplication in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:11-18a).
though saved and changed, Christians are still capable of committing sin.
14 // March 2021
About The Author
naïve to the attacks of Satan or to the realization that, 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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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 // March 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
List/Update Your Church Listing (423) 478-6484
goodnewscm.com // 17
Gò0dNews for Everyone
An Election In The Midst Of A Pandemic
T
by Theodore Young Jr.
his is a subject that people will come into with
to exalt Jesus Christ and Him only. God sent His Son
their own perspectives and personal beliefs.
to die for the world and not to save a country but men.
However, for those who are seeking Christ for
Ephesians 4:31 commands us to get rid of all
healing from this election and this pandemic, consider
“bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander.”
God’s Word. We have seen great division in the body
That is not my opinion, an idea, or a self-help
by both outside and inside influences. However,
suggestion. This is God’s Word, given to us to promote
God’s Word wants us to be cautious of those causing
unity and to be a witness to the world. If ever the
division. Ephesians 4:14-15 tells us not to be tricked by
body of Christ needed to hear this, it is right now! We have allowed politics to invade our walk even to the point of equating a political choice to being Christian. When I look at politics on both sides of the aisle and look at their full platforms, I do not see any political party being equivalent to that of God’s Word. This has been permitted, and in some instances has been promoted, by some Christian leaders and followers. God calls us to lead a life worthy of our calling. The characteristics God expects of us are humility and gentleness. He wants us to be understanding toward each other in our faults. God challenges us to make every effort to remain united, coming together in peace. Ultimately, the world is looking at the body
lies but “instead, speaking the truth in love, we will
of Christ. Our primary role is the great commission of
grow to become in every respect the mature body of
Jesus Christ. What are we displaying to the world of
him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
nonbelievers? Are we displaying a loving relationship
Ephesians 4 is truly the divine medication the
with this world, or are we displaying worldly anger,
body of Christ needs to see us past these difficult
divisiveness, and disregard for the truth? If we are
days. Looking at social media has been very telling
truly the church of Christ, we will obey Christ and
about Christians and our Christian leaders, at least in
submit to the Holy Spirit. We will love each other and
part. Voting and political views are not evil or wrong.
value each other. We will not make recovering from
However, it appears we as Christians are causing
this pandemic a debate but a joint effort. Then we can
division in the body of Christ, and that is a serious
move forward, reflecting His image to a dying world.
at peace with one another. The body of Christ is called
18 // March 2021
About The Author
problem. We are encouraged to remain united and live Theodore Young was born and lived in Bronx, NY, for 42 years. Married 21 years and father of two teenage daughters. He Accepted Christ in his life over 32 years ago. and works as a licensed social worker in the state of TN.
Church Activities & Events Parkway Baptist Church Triumphant Quartet
Saturday, March 6 | 6:30PM - 7:30PM 65 Stuart Road, Fort Oglethorpe, GA
Lafayette Church of God Adam Crabb
Sunday, March 21 | 6PM 1002 South Main Street, LaFayette, GA
Brainerd Baptist Church Parents Night Out
March 12 | 6PM - 10PM | Cost: $7 300 Brookfield Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37411
Poplar Springs Baptist Church Awana Clubs
Wednesday Nights | 6PM - 7:30PM Grades: 3RD - 5TH | Register: poplarspringsbaptist.org 422 Poplar Springs Road, Ringgold, GA
Gò0dNews for Life
Obey
S
by Rachel Smith
everal months ago, I had a dream that I was having a
The night before the retreat, I woke up around 2:00 a.m.,
Women’s retreat. In this dream, I saw many women
and I heard the words in my spirit, “Here am I.” This is not
on the floor worshiping the Lord, praying in the
how I would speak, so I knew it was the Lord. I immediately
Spirit, and being delivered from strongholds. I knew God
looked on my phone and read the Scripture that says, “And
was leading me to host a retreat like I had the previous year,
I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send,
but little did I know just how difficult obeying God in the
and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I; send me”
middle of a pandemic would be.
(Isaiah 6:8). I pray that in this new year and in the years to
Once I announced what God was calling me to do, I had many women signed up and excited, but then COVID-19
come, you will let that be your attitude. Don’t talk yourself out of it, and don’t disqualify yourself; just do it!
began to get worse and the obstacles began to increase. First, I got the call that the retreat center hosting us had decided it was best to not to take overnight accommodations, so I had to quickly book a cabin in the mountains. Then I had a friend make the comment, “If you host this event and someone gets COVID and dies, this could be the end of your ministry.” Wow, those words hit hard! And if that weren’t enough, on Christmas day, I lost my taste and smell and was diagnosed the following day with COVID-19 and flu. During my quarantine, I spent my time in prayer and worship asking God if His mind had changed about the retreat. His answer was no! Through all the years I have served God and through my most recent experience, I have learned that
When it was all said and done, the retreat was a huge
when God calls you to do something, you have to stand
success, and everything I saw in my dream came to pass.
on that word no matter what! Sometimes, your family,
Not one person from my event got COVID-19, but 39
your friends, or even other Christians won’t understand
women had their lives forever changed, five women got
it. Sometimes saying yes to God will make others think
baptized, two women quit smoking cigarettes, and the One
you’re crazy. But no matter what, you have to listen and
true God was glorified. I could have said no, I could have let
obey. God is looking for the ones who are willing to take a
the circumstances, the sickness, and negative comments stop
risk for Him. He is looking for the ones who are bold and
me, but I made the decision to obey, and I have no regrets. I
courageous. He is looking for the ones who will say not
hope you make the same decision, and I promise that your
my will but yours be done, God. Are the choices you’re
life will never be the same.
fear of man? Have you received the revelation that you were created to serve Him and do His will?
20 // March 2021
About The Author
making today based on what the Lord is saying or on the Rachel Smith is the founder of Transformed Wife, a non-profit organization that helps others learn God’s design for marriage. She hosts several events throughout the year to help strengthen marriages and equip women for their calling. She has ministered all over the United States, and is involved in mission’s work overseas. She has been married to her husband Richard Smith for thirteen years and they have three children together. www.transformedwife.com
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North Georgia Equipment Sales by David Thompson
I
t’s about to be that time of year again. You know, the
equipment store. Chris was one of the first employees at
time of year when you gas up the chainsaw, break out
Branson Tractors and a national service manager. This made
the garden tools, and realize that, sometime between
him very adept at the “service” part of industry: taking care
Halloween and Saint Patrick’s Day, your lawnmower
of repairs and so on. “I’ve been in retail, wholesale, and the
stopped working. But this year, there’s no reason to spend
service side,” Jeff said. “I can see the customer’s concerns
your free time blindly looking for the right equipment for
and the concerns of my suppliers because I see both sides.”
your lawn, garden, or flower bed. This year, come to North
He believes their intimate knowledge of the inner workings
Georgia Equipment Sales and let the experts help you find
of the business puts them at an advantage, but what really
exactly what you need!
sets North Georgia Equipment Sales apart is their service.
North Georgia Equipment Sales was started in 2001
Even if you didn’t buy a piece of equipment from them, they
by Jeff Blalock and Jimmy Holbrook as a seller of farm
will still take care of any problems it has for you and get
equipment and tractors. Shortly thereafter, Chris Drury
it running perfectly again. “Whether you buy your tractor
came on board as part of the company. As the company
from Lowe’s or Home Depot, we’ll do the service on it.”
grew, they moved to selling outdoor power equipment.
Technology is helping innovate our everyday lives, and
Now, 20 years later, Jeff and Chris sell everything from
North Georgia Equipment Sales is embracing the future
string trimmers to tractors. They have two separate
of technology in outdoor equipment. One of their new
locations: one in Summerville, located at 10820 Commerce
products is the Husqvarna Automower. Best described as a
Street, and a second in Rock Spring, which they opened in
“Roomba for your yard,” this ingenious lawnmower uses a
2002, located at 155 Pruett Lane.
patented onboard GPS navigation system to map your yard,
“We started the business from scratch,” said Jeff. He had
optimizing its run time and cutting your grass while you
been in the farm equipment business previously, working
watch with the satellite view from the comfort of your living
as a representative for and managing a wholesale farm
room or porch. And the Automower is just the beginning.
22 // March 2021
Their high-end Husqvarna chainsaws are gas powered and can be plugged into your laptop to be diagnosed. Literally. In addition to their high-end chainsaws, Husqvarna also has other gas chainsaws, as well as a line of electric chainsaws that are battery powered, which makes them lightweight, and gives you the power you need when you need it. And if power tools that are smarter than your phone aren’t your thing, and you’re just looking for a used mower or string trimmer that can get the job done, North Georgia Equipment Sales also sells used equipment from local owners on consignment and accepts trade-ins. North Georgia Equipment Sales caters to people who do a little bit of everything: from farmers, gardeners, and people who work with power tools for a living to businessmen and businesswomen who walk out one day, find their lawnmower won’t start, and need it fixed as soon as possible. No matter your background or experience with outdoor equipment, you’ll feel at home right away after talking with their experienced and knowledgeable staff. At some big stores, a question about a tractor might get you nothing but a blank stare and, “Let me ask my manager.” But at North Georgia Equipment Sales, as Jeff put it, “We know our product and find out what you’ll do with it. We try to match the product with the person and the need. If someone doesn’t have a lot of experience with a chainsaw, we won’t push them into [buying] a $600 pro-series saw.” You can trust their experience to guide you to the equipment that’s right for you, so your money can go further than ever before! If you ever have any questions, you can always call (706) 857-9949 or (706) 375-1395 to speak with an expert, or you can come by the Summerville location in person from 9–5 during the week and from 9–12 on Saturdays. If you’re interested in financing a purchase, North Georgia Equipment Sales offers plenty of financing options
online at their website, nges.com. You can create an account and get approved online, and all you have to do is come in, show them your account number, and you’ll be all set! They offer 0% interest for up to 48 months on any qualifying Husqvarna equipment, in case your mower or tractor breaks and you’re faced with an unexpected purchase. In everything they do, the goal of North Georgia Equipment Sales is your complete satisfaction. “Our business is to make sure [customers] come back,” said Jeff. “It’s hard to get a customer in the door the first time, and if they aren’t happy, it’s even harder. Our focus is on the customer!”
goodnewscm.com // 23
Gò0dNews Business Spotlight
Vascular Institute Opens New Clinic
V
In Ringgold
ascular Institute of Chattanooga celebrates the opening of its new office in Ringgold, 4622 Battlefield Parkway. The new clinic features four diagnostic ultrasound suites and four clinical exam rooms to serve patients living in North Georgia. Appointments and new patients are now being accepted at the Ringgold location by calling 423-602-2750. “VIC is excited to be expanding in the North Georgia community,” said Chris LeSar, MD, a vascular surgeon and VIC’s founding physician. “This new clinic will allow our patients better access for treatment of vascular issues. It emphasizes what we have been saying for years: the patient is truly at the center of everything we do.” The new Ringgold location is the third VIC location. It joins the Chattanooga medical facility, 2358 Lifestyle Way, Ste. 100, and Cleveland, 4312 Holiday Inn Express Way, Ste. 105. The Chattanooga and Cleveland offices provide surgical procedure suites to complete the region’s first of its kind outpatient vascular facility that is owned and operated by a private medical provider. Dr. LeSar, along with Dan Krcelic, MD, William Harris, DO, and Elizabeth Hartmann, MD, specialize in vascular/ endovascular procedures and techniques to correct the flow of blood vessels outside of the heart and brain that may be narrowed, blocked or dilated, including diseases of the Carotid, Aortic, Mesenteric, Renal or Peripheral arteries. In addition to outpatient procedures at the VIC Chattanooga and Cleveland locations, all physicians perform surgical procedures in four major hospital systems. The diagnostic ultrasound suites provide an area for a non-invasive test to examine the circulation of blood vessels (arteries and veins) within the body and identify potential issues. During an ultrasound, high frequency sound waves are bounced off tissues in the body and then converted into an image on a computer screen. VIC’s registered vascular
24 // March 2021
technicians evaluate the blood flow through the vessels, looking for narrowed areas (blockages) in the arteries and blood clots in the veins. Additional clinical exam rooms will allow VIC’s nurse practitioners to treat patients with less wait time for scheduling appointments from the initial referral or patient contact. Patients will meet with a clinician to determine
specialized treatment plans, which may include surgery if needed, and follow up care once procedures are completed. “Our team works together by creating the most effective treatment plan possible,” Dr. LeSar said. “The North Georgia facility has easy ground floor access and parking to accommodate needs of our patients.” The Vascular Institute of Chattanooga is the area’s only comprehensive endovascular/vascular specialty center dedicated to critical limb disease with a special focus on amputation prevention. The staff of experts provide complete medical assessment, therapies and procedures with onsite surgical interventions if needed required. For more information, call 423-602-2750.
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Gò0dNews for Teens
Peace In The Midst of Troubles
T
by Caleb Prytherch
here’s a lot of things that can cause us to feel helpless, hopeless, and lost. Many things go on in our world and in our lives that are not always great. If we focus
on what is going on in the world around us, often times we can become so consumed by all the negative things happening, that it’s all we tend to see and think about. It’s like a control over our hearts and minds, that we cannot seem to get away from. While the world is filled with problems and we may have situations that are difficult in our personal lives, that does not mean that there is no hope. In fact, you can find peace and hope in the middle of what seems to be some of the most difficult circumstances you’ve ever faced. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.” We all love gifts. Gifts are fun and I truly haven’t met a person who doesn’t like to receive a gift. Gifts are not something that we ourselves have to pay for, but the fact is that someone did have to pay for that gift that we received. It is the same with the gifts that God gives. We don’t have to pay for them, we don’t have to wait to earn them, because He gives them freely. However, Jesus did pay the ultimate price and gave His life for you and me, just so we could have life and life more abundantly. When we accept the gift the gift of salvation that God gives, then we can experience true peace that only comes from Jesus Christ alone. The answer to the problems in our world is Jesus. The answer to the restlessness and hopelessness that you may be feeling is Jesus. The love that you are looking for in all the wrong places is found in Jesus. He is the hope of the world. He is the only one to where we can find our peace at. He’s the only one who can help you overcome whatever circumstances you may be dealing with.
over every situation in your life, He will give you a peace that no parent, friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, or any other person can give or take away. We need to remember that while we are in this world, we don’t have to live in fear thinking that the world is our only hope, because ultimately our hope is not in the kingdoms of this world, rather our hope is found in the Kingdom of God. So, if you have Christ living inside of you, then you need to realize that Christ has given you a gift that is full of hope, life, joy, peace, and love. No other person can give such a gift and no other person can take it away. Therefore, stand firm on His promise and walk in perfect peace, even if everything around you seems like it is falling apart.
no way out, with no hope, no peace, no joy. But there is hope and if you turn to God and allow Him to have control
26 // March 2021
About The Author
The enemy wants you to feel like you are trapped with
Caleb Prytherch is the student pastor at Heritage Fellowship Church of God in McDonald, Tennessee. He is a graduate of Lee University, holding a Bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry and a Master’s degree in practical theological studies. He is married to his beautiful wife, Bekah, and together they have a passion to see peoples lives be changed and transformed through the power of Jesus Christ.
Keeping seniors safe. At home. At Comfort Keepers®, we provide in-home care that helps seniors and others live safe, happy, and independent lives in the comfort of their own homes.
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(706) 937-9955 ComfortKeepers.com/CartersvilleGA Serving the area since 2003 © 2020 CK Franchising, Inc. Most offices independently owned and operated. 0620
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5/22/2019 10:16:21 AM
Gò0dNews from the Physician’s Desk
Make It Happen: Get Screened For Colorectal Cancer
C
olorectal cancer is one of the leading
types of tests. You also may need to be tested
causes of cancer-related death in
more often.
the U.S. But it doesn't have to be.
Screening tests for colorectal cancer save lives.
The most important thing is to get it done. Screening saves lives!
During a
colonoscopy, you're sedated while a scope is inserted into your rectum and fed through your colon. A doctor uses a camera on the end of the scope to look for precancerous polyps or signs of cancer. A doctor removes any polyps discovered during this exam. When should you be screened? People at average risk for colorectal cancer should first be screened at age 50. People at higher risk for colorectal cancer—such as African Americans or those with a family history of the disease—should be screened earlier than age 50. If you're at increased risk, your doctor may suggest you get specific 28 // March 2021
Hamilton Physician Group-Gastroenterology 706.272.4127 HamiltonHealth.com/gastro 302 Point North Place Dalton, Georgia Sources: American Cancer Society; National Cancer Institute, Coffey Communications
Windwood Bulk
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5422 Battlefield Pkwy Ringgold, Georgia (706) 937-5600 www.ngtalign.net
Gò0dNews Poem
Caregivers Are “Superheroes” by Liz Cooper
Yours are the arms that comfort and console, Your smile is the warmth that never grows old. Yours are the hands that give loving care, You are the answer to my fervent prayer. Your heart is filled with love to answer each call, You handle each task whether great or small. Your voice is love of family who cannot be there, Your hands and feet tirelessly provide meals, meds, baths, grooming, and assistance we cannot share. You hear and listen to the voice I miss so much and long to hear, Your arms embrace “my special someone” so sweet and dear. If saying “thank you” was a song it would be a best-seller, If saying “thank you” was a hug I would hug you forever. Just saying “thank you” will never be enough for you, For all the love, smiles, and caring in everything you do. You are more than a caregiver; you are my “SUPERHERO” You give hope and life each day wherever you go.
About The Author
My prayer is that God will always bless you and be kind Because the greatest joy and appreciation is all mine.
30 // March 2021
Elizabeth (Liz) Cooper is a member and deaconess at Second Missionary Baptist Church Chattanooga. She serves on various committees; however, she is passionate about witnessing to those outside the church as well. She has been given the opportunity to share the passion about her faith in God as a self-published author, poet and inspirational speaker at several local organizations and churches.
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Gò0dNews for Marriage
Knock, Knock
K
by Laura Perdue
nock, Knock. Hello, are you in there? How many times in
prayer. The order we should pray in and the three aspects of prayer:
life have you found yourself standing at a door knocking but
content, persistence, and God’s faithfulness.
no one seems to answer? You ring the doorbell, but still no
When we pray how many of us can admit that our prayers are
answer? You bang on the window, but still no response. So, what
more like a shopping list versus a conversation with him? It sounds
do you do? You just give up and move on to the next business of
more like God I need this, this, and well throw this into the mix while
the day. Parents, how about a time when your child really wanted
you are at it, but we never stop to thank Him and praise Him for all
something? They didn't just ask one time and walk away when you
that He has already done for us. If we flipped the script of our prayers
said no. They probably kept saying “Momma, Momma, Momma,”
and thanked Him first, then made our requests known to Him, what
and when that didn’t work, they pitched an all-out temper tantrum
frame of mind would this put us in? For me, I believe it would open a
until they got your attention or they got what they wanted. Am I
more intimate conversation with Him. Sometimes I personally feel like
right? Maybe it is a different scenario, or maybe you really needed
the selfish child who just goes to God and says “Okay, give me this,
your spouse to help you with something or needed their listening
but I fail to show Him how grateful for all that He, daddy God, has
ear, however after asking and feeling no response you get frustrated
already given me.
that you just quietly walk away.
How about our persistence? Remember the scenario’s I mentioned in the beginning of the article? What have you been asking and believing God for that just because He has not answered, you just stopped asking, just gave up, and stopped being persistent in your prayers? When we pray, we expect God to answer right away, but what we must learn about prayer is that God’s provision is daily, not all at once. We cannot store it up and then cut off communication with God just because he does not answer right away. It’s time to be persistent and get your child-like faith fight back by asking God for what you need! We need to stop being so fast-food minded when it comes to God’s promises and His Word. Many times we want it fast and our
One morning recently, I felt a tugging of the Holy Spirit and
way, but when we are in such a hurry, we lose the quality of what we
it was so strong to the point I could not get comfortable enough to
would have received if we would have just waited a little longer. Sit at
go back to sleep. So, I grabbed my devotional, a fresh cup of my
the Lord’s table, let God know what you need, wait on Him to bring it
favorite caramel coffee, my Bible, and turned on my prayer time
to you, and when He finally delivers, sit in a posture of thankfulness
playlist. I must admit that I have not been as faithful in my prayer life/
for His faithfulness to you, and enjoy! Have peace with what Jesus
devotional time these past few months as I should be. I have found
promises in His Word in Luke 11:9-10 “So I say to you: ASK and it
myself stressed out, fatigued, and running on empty, like an emotional
will be given to you, SEEK and you will find, KNOCK, and the door
train wreck going nowhere. Guess that is what happens when we
will opened to you. For EVERYONE who asks receives, he who seeks
don't make time for the one who is the SOURCE of all we need.
finds, and those who knock the door will be opened.”
Now, back to knocking on a door and no one answering. How
Today, if you are fatigued and feel like you cannot go any further
can we relate that concept to our marriages? This morning the topic of
in life, ask yourself—how long have I been away from the Source?
my devotional was on “morning.” It was talking about the principle
How long have I neglected putting my marriage and my commitment
that we start our morning by. Some start it by reading social media,
to God first? When you pray for your marriage, do you complain more
checking emails, checking bank balances, etc. Then there are those
than you ask God to restore? When we pray and apply the order that
that start it off by indulging in God's Word, worship, and prayer time.
God has set forth for us in how to pray, what a difference I believe we
I am guilty of being one of the first groups of people. The devotional
would see. Challenge yourself this year to knock on Heaven's door
was considerably basic talking about how important it is to start your
until your marriage is restored!
receiving the manna He is ready to supply. It did not stop there. What really got me into my spirit this morning was the scripture reference, Luke 11:1-13. In these passages God is teaching His disciples about
32 // March 2021
About The Author
morning off by turning God's Word up like a breakfast bowl and My name is Laura Perdue and I am married to my best friend, Brian Perdue. God has truly blessed us both and I could not imagine life without my prince, My promise. Brian and I reside in Marietta, Georgia, and serve on the ministry team of Fivestones Church in Canton, Ga.
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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
Key Lime Pound Cake
N
by Mary Anderson Beard
o matter what time of year it is, being in my kitchen always reminds me of my grandmother. We would stay in there for what seemed like hours. We would
sing songs, talk about school, and sometimes even talk about boys! We talked about heaven and who we hoped to see there: just about anything that you could imagine, we talked about it! (We even cooked and baked a little too!) I pray that one day I will have those special talks with my grandkids too! My 4-year-old grandson already has the same love of the kitchen that we did! My favorite place to be is in the kitchen baking, no matter what time of year. I LOVE making special desserts that coincide with the time of year it is. In February, I like to make pink or red; in March, I like to make green or yellow; in April, I like to make pastels; you get my drift. Since March and April are both great months for something GREEN, I wanted to share this delicious and easy recipe with you. It’s perfect for a little green to keep from being pinched on the 17th or delicious as a dessert with your Easter dinner.
Ingredients/Instructions • 1 box white cake mix • 1 cup whole milk • 1 stick butter, melted • 3 large eggs • 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract • 1 Tbsp. lime juice • 1 small box lime Jell-O mix Mix all ingredients together and bake in greased Bundt pan for 40 minutes or until done. Let cool completely. Frosting/Glaze: • ½ stick butter, softened • 4 oz. cream cheese, softened • 2 cups confectioner’s sugar • 1 tsp. vanilla • 1 Tbsp. lime juice • 1-2 Tbsp. milk or water (or more if you want a thinner frosting/glaze)
About The Author
Mix all ingredients together with mixer until smooth. Spread or drizzle over cake. Store in fridge. **You can garnish with lime zest, lime slices, strawberries, toasted coconut, slivered almonds, etc.
34 // March 2021
Mary Anderson Beard lives in Rome with her husband, Brian. They have three beautiful, grown children and soon will have three amazing grandchildren! She enjoys being active in their church, Wilkerson Road Baptist Church. Aside from baking, she enjoys getting together with friends and family. She also enjoys writing for my very fun food and recipe blog—Yaya’s Kitchen!
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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art the conversation.
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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 Parents
Home Is Where Your Story Begins by Rev. Brenda Dedmon
I
have a print hanging in my home that reads, “Home Is
a few seconds between the end of one person’s
Where Your Story Begins.” Just recently, I have looked at
sentence and the beginning of the other person. This
that print and thought about memories of my home as a
gives time to absorb what is said and have empathy,
child. I have so many fun memories of my childhood. We
and it gives an opportunity to understand their view
did not have a lot of money, but I knew I was loved, and we
and then respond.
had a lot of fun as a family.
• Take an interest in your child’s interests. Your child’s
My reflection as an adult makes me realize my life story
favorite toys, hobbies, or interests are things they
did begin at home. I think my parents put into practice the
are strongly attached to. If you show no interest in
Scripture in Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Connection is the relationship you have with your child. When you take the time and make an investment in being intentional in building a relationship, you gain the power of influence over your child that cannot be matched by any other parenting effort. The following are a few suggestions I believe will get you started in the right direction: • Learn and speak your child’s love language. “The 5 Love Languages of Children” by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell describes the ways children need to be loved. One example is if you constantly tell your child all the nicest things
their favorites, they may think you do not like them.
about them in passing, but their love language is
You do not have to love what they love, but you do
Quality Time. If you are not having enough alone time
have to show an interest. Allow them to talk about
with them, those nice things mean less. If you discover
what they love and why they love it. This will help
that inner language, you will have a greater impact.
your child feel a sense of belonging and is the kind of
• Listen more than you speak. God gave us two ears
bond needed for a relationship that leads to a positive
and one mouth, so perhaps we need to listen more than we talk. Everyone wants to be heard, even
parental influence. As you put these ideas into your relationship with your child, you are building trust between you and your child.
emotions, and their opinion. Children feel value
One day, your child will recognize how you did point them
when we listen to them actively. Actively listening is
in the right direction, and they will realize that home is
listening without thinking about what you are going
where their story did begin.
to say. Train yourself and your children to pause
36 // March 2021
About The Author
children. We should value their thoughts, feelings,
Rev. Brenda Dedmon is the retired director of the Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist of Dalton. She is also an avid Bama, Roll Tide Fan!
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Spring Free In Faith
A
by Heather Tate
round this time of year, I often hear the buzz of
that I am His, and He is mine; I am never without His love,
people saying, “It’s time for spring cleaning!”
mercy, and grace.
I’ve never been one to enthusiastically approach
If you are struggling with a difficult task, a difficult
cleaning. I’ll admit, I struggle in this area. I have spent some
decision, or a significant need, I would encourage you to
time over the past months working on improving those
talk to God and then trust that He holds you in His hands
efforts. The work ahead of me was not easy, and I often felt
(Psalm 139:10). I would also encourage you to seek the
overwhelmed when considering the depth of what I had
counsel of your pastor, a counselor, or a close friend for
to do. I found that when I was struggling, if I took a deep
guidance. When we are faithful in obedience and service to
breath and said a prayer for God to give me the strength and
the Lord, He will bless our efforts.
the will to press on, He would. The result was progress! The great thing about progress is that it inspires further action and leads to success. The verse that appeared in my devotional today is Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” This verse is the perfect example of my hope when I ask God to intervene during my struggles. I can trust His faithfulness. As I continue to work on spring cleaning, I can focus on this verse reminding me that faith is trusting what I cannot see. My goal this spring is to spring free in faith. Learning to trust God when I feel like I am incapable of completing any task sets me free from self-burden. This concept applies to so much more than spring
May the promises of the Lord be a blessing to you in any time of struggle. You are one of His chosen, and because
cleaning. When I commit to trusting God in every action
you are chosen, you are also empowered to spring free in
throughout each day, I am free to do the work (have faith)
faith (Ephesians 1:3-4)!
difficult times in my life where God’s faithfulness was clear, even if it took some time for me to see it. I can rest knowing
38 // March 2021
About The Author
without worrying about the outcome. I can look back at 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.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Re-Dig The Wells
T
by Johnny K. Hughes
hroughout history, wells were often the source of
opposition. He moved ahead and reopened another
contention and power struggles, and in the Book
well. We must be persistent in the face of our enemy
of Genesis, we see where Israel’s enemies were
and continue moving forward. Following the digging
notorious for filling in wells with dirt. In Genesis 26, we read
of the Rehoboth well, Isaac received the confirmation of
where God tells Isaac not to go to Egypt during a time of
his father’s promises upon his life, and there he built an
famine. He instructed him to stay in the place where He had
altar. Proverbs 22:28 states, “Do not remove the ancient
placed him and to plant his seed for a harvest. God blessed
landmarks which your fathers have set.” It is important
him with a bounty of crops and herds.
to mark the places of our victories and build an altar
The Philistines became very jealous of Isaac, and they filled all the wells with dirt. These were the wells that the
of remembrance, and by doing so, we are able to take authority over the pushback of the enemy.
servants of his father, Abraham, had dug many years earlier. After his bountiful harvest, Abimelech, king of the Philistines, asked Isaac to leave the country, stating, “You are mighty, and have become too rich and powerful for us.” Isaac moved to the Gerar Valley and began to re-dig the wells of Abraham; however, as he opened the first well, local shepherds came and claimed the fresh water as their own. Isaac’s servants then opened another well, and again, there was a fight over the rights of the water. Abandoning that well and moving on, they reopened a third well, and the local people left them alone. Isaac named this well Rehoboth, meaning “Room Enough,” for God made room for them to thrive.
Stand your ground and know he cannot push you past your last victory over him. Persistence keeps the flow of
As I was reading through these Scriptures, I realized
God’s Spirit alive in our lives. Remember the victories of
the same thing happens in our spiritual lives. Following a
your past. There is an enemy waiting to fill your wells with
spiritual breakthrough or victory, our spiritual enemies will
debris of human traditions, but we must look back past the
immediately begin to disrupt the flow of fresh, invigorating
reformers, denominationalism, and religious actions. Tap
water with the garbage from the world; likewise, the enemy
into the crystal-clear flow released by the Lord in the first
will also try to fill the spiritual wells of our ancestors that
century, pulling that past into our present. Guard your wells
are rightfully ours. These wells represent the living waters
and rebuild the fallen altars!
It takes persistence to see the promises of God become reality. Isaac didn’t stop digging when he encountered
40 // March 2021
About The Author
of their past ministry, as well as their unfulfilled promises. Johnny K. Hughes is the executive director of Indian Ministries of North America, Inc.
Gò0dNews
Christian Magazine
Mission Statement:
W
Writer Guidelines:
e believe when people are equipped,
Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and
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professional writers to stay at home moms and dads,
living out their faith in Jesus Christ they
business professionals, and others who have a desire to
have the potential to be world changers. Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic
relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents. Christ was an activist, he did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world.
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reach out to people through words of encouragement. What: We believe that it is important to laugh together, praise each other, encourage one another, and to offer biblical advice. Articles can be directed toward everyone, or from woman to woman, or man to man. We love to share recipes and family traditions as well. We ask that articles be kept to a 500 word maximum. We’d love to hear from you! Where: Please send submissions to articles.goodnews@gmail.com Why: Because God has not intended for us to just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
False Teaching
A
by Eddie Turner
mong its countless teachings of the right ways to live our
“God is trying to lead us back to His original design where
lives as humans, the Bible makes a great effort to warn us
man subsisted upon the natural products of the earth.” Unbiblical.
about the wrong ways to behave. In these verses from the
book of 1 Timothy, we are given two examples of false teachings that will be prominent among churches in the latter days.
“This is a work that will have to be done before God's people can stand before Him.” Unbiblical. You see the problem here, don’t you? This practice went
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon
from being a mere suggestion to a full-blown requirement for
the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
one's salvation. And coffee??? I think we should pause and pray
Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences
for these deprived individuals right away! Because false teaching
have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry
exists in so many varieties, each church it divides may be under
and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to
the impression that only its members can be saved. After all, if
be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know
what they do makes them right with God, those not doing it cannot
the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be
be right. Right? Regarding the abstinence of certain foods, Jesus
rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated
already set this record straight with the Pharisees.
by the word of God and prayer” (1 Timothy 4:1-5).
“Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?” (Thus He declared all foods clean.) And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man” (Mark 7:18-20). Rituals like these may seem trivial to you and me, but God takes them very seriously. Any church that adds to, takes away from, or weaves its way in and out of His Word to be seen as having completed works of merit will suffer God's wrath. Moses' two nephews might have testified to this had they not been incinerated for their "special offering." You can read their story in chapters 9 and 10 of Leviticus. Humans are incapable of doing anything worthy of
Since God has pointed out some specifics for us, I decided to
salvation. A suggestion that a mere wiggle of one's little finger
do some checking up on these false teachings. After all, the Bible
makes people more ripe for salvation completely strips Jesus of his
does say that they will occur "in the later times." Given the many
divinity. Why? Because it makes him a liar. We're all expected to
prophecies concerning the end times that we have witnessed, I
do good works; to behave in a manner that reflects our gratitude
think we're there. For the record, I found the practice of abstaining
for his sacrifice. But those works are flawed because we are flawed.
from certain foods within a denomination very quickly. So, without
Even on our best days, our praises to God are marred by our self-
revealing any names, I am going to show you several relevant
centered and unforgiving hearts. This is the human condition. We
statements as they appear within that denomination's summary of
are to strive for goodness, but that bar is set way above our heads
foundational beliefs. And I'll point out whether each statement is
on purpose so that we will be completely reliant upon Jesus, who
biblical or unbiblical.
did for us what we cannot do for ourselves. In Christ alone means
“We do not earn our way to heaven by being vegetarians.” Biblical. “Erroneous eating and drinking result in erroneous thinking and acting.” Biblical. “It is God's direct instruction to all of us to eat a balanced and appropriate plant-based diet.” Unbiblical. “The Lord counsels the church to discard meats, tea, coffee, and other harmful foods.” Unbiblical.
42 // March 2021
in Christ alone. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). As we continue our daily walk with God, may He break our hearts for the misguided and use us to lead His precious children away from false teaching and into the everlasting arms of his son, Jesus Christ.
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