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About Us WRITERS
Dr. Alan Hix Andrew Lee Arlene Ledbetter Ashley McPhearson Brenda Dedmon David Adams Destiny Holmes Faith Hanks Jacob Herald Jodi Varnado Dr. Julio Borrero Kenneth E. Ware Laura Perdue Lisa Hamilton Melanie James Nicole Wiley Sam Blankenship
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Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined,
lives will be changed.
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Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us
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Matthew and Bethany Ruckman Cell: 423-503-1410 E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com
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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!
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 SEPTEMBER 2021
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 Unveiling the Mask of the Forces of Evil
by Kenneth E. Ware
GoodNews for Kids
8 Surprises! Surprises! by Brenda Dedmon
GoodNews on Money Matters
10 How Could I Screw This Up? by Andrew Lee
GoodNews for Men
12 Walk a Mile in My Shoes by David Adams
GoodNews for Women
14 Instant In Season and Out of Season
by Melanie James GoodNews for Everyone
18 Holding All Thoughts Captive to Christ
by Lisa Hamilton GoodNews for Life
20 I Lost My 23rd Year by Arlene Ledbetter
GoodNews Cover Story
22 Vascular Institute of North Georgia
GoodNews for Parents
24 There Is Hope
by Ashley McPhearson
GoodNews for Teens
26 You Are Never Alone by Sam Blankenship
GoodNews from the Physician’s Desk
28 Decompression Therapy as an Alternative to Spine Surgery
by Dr. Julio Borrero GoodNews for Everyone
30 How To Find God in Your Work
by Dr. Alan Hix
12
GoodNews for Everyone
32 Feed Those Who Are Hungry by Nicole Wiley
GoodNews for your Taste Buds
34 Vegan Apple Crisp by Jodi Varnado
GoodNews Testimony
36 I Am Now Clean
by Destiny Holmes
GoodNews for Everyone
38 Young Or Old
22
by Jacob Herald
GoodNews for Everyone
40 Heaven’s Scent by Laura Perdue
GoodNews for Missions
42 Hope Among Darkness by Faith Hanks
42
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
Unveiling the Mask of the Forces of Evil
A
by Kenneth E. Ware
lthough the term “Halloween” is not in the Bible,
Today, witchcraft and divination are found in the
its attributes are all throughout both Testaments.
entertainment of tarot cards, palm reading, horoscopes
Forbidden to engage in evil practices, Halloween is
and social media divination. These are inspired by Satan
not merely about tricks or treats. Participated by some and
and designed by him to manipulate the believer to not
practiced by many, the October 31st holiday is rooted in
trust in the Lord for guidance. Those who practice such are
the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain. Many believers pay
detestable, a mere abomination to the Lord God.
no attention to the spiritual implications of its subliminal messages. The holiday was historically developed by the Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and sadly, even the Jews at times practiced the forces of evil. In Deuteronomy 18, Moses condemned such wickedness. Halloween is detestable to the Lord and should be prohibited among the people of God (Deut. 18:9-14). It carries within its core demonic spirits. Images of the devil, skull masks, Grim Reapers, horror costumes, tombstones of the dead, graveyards, ghosts, spider webs and replicas of blood are all influenced by Satan as signs of death to provoke fear. Yet, the Scripture says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). I. Christians Must Not Imitate Evil Practices (Deut. 18:9) The sons of Israel were forbidden to imitate the sinful practices of the Canaanites and the Philistines. The term “imitate” in Hebrew means “to practice.” Likewise, the same principle applies to Christians today. We are to be imitators of God as beloved children (Eph. 5:1). Prohibited from conforming to worldly activities, we are not to be shaped by the world’s mold (Rom. 12:2). As the holiday of horror draws near, we must teach our children what the Word of God says about it and obey its commands. II. Christians Must Not Participate in Evil Practices (Deut. 18:10-12) The use of divination and witchcraft was a pre-existing tradition running ramped throughout the land of Canaan. Though the land was preserved by God for the Hebrews, driving out its idolatry was no easy task. As God required holiness from the Israelites, He also demands holiness from believers today. Remember the Scripture that says, “Do not
III. Christians Must Separate from Evil Practices (Deut. 18:13-14) Blamelessness is the requirement from the Lord God of all Christians. Another word for blameless is “holy,” which means “to be separate.” The same idea is reflected in the words of the prophet Isaiah and the apostle Paul, “Come out from their midst and be separate…purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the Lord” (Isa. 52:11, 2 Cor. 6:17). God does not allow the practice of witchcraft, neither does He permit the entertainment of modern-day divination as mentioned earlier (Deut. 18:14). He wants you to trust Him by faith in everything. In the New Testament, believers are encouraged to “examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thess. 5:21-22). We are in a spiritual warfare against the world forces of darkness! (Eph. 6:12). As Halloween approaches, let us be different. Let us consider what God says about witchcraft and divination.
even expose them. For it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret” (Eph. 5:11-12).
6 // September 2021
About The Author
participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead
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 Kids
Surprises! Surprises!
D
by Brenda Dedmon
o you like surprises? I like surprises that are fun and make me happy! One day, my friends had a surprise birthday party for me and I was really
surprised—especially when some friends from out of town came! Have your parents ever planned a surprise trip for your family? Do you remember how excited you were when they told you? As the day got closer, did your mother begin to help you pack what you would need and talk about all the things you would do? I am sure you were getting excited! It is always fun to go and discover new places and do different things. There were some children we read about in the Bible who had a big surprise when their parents told them they were going to see Jesus. They had heard about this man named Jesus who had healed sick people, healed blind people, and helped crippled people to walk. This story is in the Bible in Mark 10:13-16. Read the following story as it might have happened: heard Jesus was there teaching. There were a group of parents who heard this news and they thought how fun it would be for Jesus to meet their children and give them a blessing. They hurried home and gathered their children and told them they were going to meet Jesus. The children were so happy they put on their best clothes to go. As they were walking down the dusty road, they were laughing and chanting— “we are going to see Jesus!” Some gathered flowers on the roadside and some picked up rocks to take to Him. They were a noisy group walking down the road because they were so excited. Jesus’ disciples heard the group before they could even see them. They gathered and determined that Jesus would not want to be bothered with the children. They decided to turn them away. As soon as they saw them, they told them they had to leave. The children were so disappointed. However, Jesus saw what was happening and said, “No, don’t stop them, let them come and see
8 // September 2021
me.” The children began to run to Jesus, and He took them on His lap and talked to them. They shared the flowers and rocks with Him. The disciples were surprised that Jesus would spend time with children. Jesus said to them, “Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in” (Mark 10:13-16). He then gathered the children around Him and prayed a blessing over them. As the parents were returning home, they were so happy that Jesus told their children He loved them and that they were an important part of His ministry. The children all agreed this was the best surprise ever! Gather with your family and discuss ways you know Jesus loves you. How do you think you can show Jesus you love Him? Some things may even surprise you! About The Author
One day, there was an excitement in the city when people
Rev. Brenda Dedmon is the retired director of the Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist of Dalton and an avid Roll Tide fan.
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How Could I Screw This Up? MONEY MATTERS
WITH DR. ANDREW LEE Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.
H
ere’s an idea. Next time you lay out a plan to
your Social Security check will hopefully be much larger
accomplish one of your goals, ask yourself, “How
than the government website says it will be, right? Lend money
could I really screw this up?” Think of all the decisions
to friends and relatives whenever they ask, and also co-sign on
and actions (or inactions) that would totally sabotage your
their car loans—after all, just because a bank has determined
plans—and then DON’T DO THESE THINGS. In his book,
these folks aren’t likely to repay a loan, surely, they will pay you
Richer, Wiser, Happier, author William Green examines the
back every cent, and never a day late, right? Risk all your savings
lives of the world’s most successful investors, delving into
on one big gamble, praying that you strike it rich (Bitcoin,
their fascinating stories and investment principles which made
GameStop stock, AMC stock). After all, that’s much faster than
them billionaires, including some names you may or may not
regularly investing every month for several decades to be a
recognize: Mohnish Pabrai, Sir John Templeton, Warren Buffet,
millionaire. What could go wrong? So, once you know what
Charlie Munger, and Joel Greenblatt. Of the many valuable
NOT to do (and remember, everything listed in this paragraph is
investment insights in the book, one of the most memorable
what NOT to do) commit to doing the opposite instead.
was this idea of “inversion”—namely, think of the worst
Notice the intriguing psychological elements behind this
possible outcome and what would cause this disaster, and
practice of “inversion.” Once you have clearly mapped out how
then be sure you don’t do this. The book provides a marriage
your choices and plans might lead to disaster, you have faced
analogy: what decisions could we make to truly destroy our
your deepest fears and come to grips with them. Moreover,
marriage? Be insensitive, be non-communicative, be selfish,
you have next committed to an opposite course of action to
be reckless and abusive, be unfaithful, be deceptive, be
avoid catastrophe. A closely related concept is called “reverse
unforgiving. Now, reverse this recipe for catastrophe and do
engineering” where you start with the end result and work your
the opposite to achieve a successful marriage.
way backward toward success. When I was nineteen, my father
Similarly, think of how you could really ruin yourself
asked me about my life plans, and as I listed them off—college
financially (and ruin your family, if applicable). What choices
degree, graduate degrees, writing, marriage and kids—he
would be involved in financial ruin? It might look like this:
would ask “And then what?” He kept asking this uncomfortable
spend every cent you make and save nothing (or spend more
question until I reached the end of my figurative “life” and
than you make and plunge deeply into debt); impulse purchase
arrived at my death— “And then what?” My father explained,
to satisfy your every whim, and if you don’t have enough
“If you live your life with this final question in mind”—where
money, just charge it; never make a budget or track where
you’ll be after death— “you’re much more likely to make good
your money is going every month; never invest any money in a
decisions.” I’ve never forgotten that conversation. It’s prudent
retirement account so you can quit working one day—after all,
advice for Christian living; make daily choices to walk with
10 // September 2021
Christ in order to receive eternal life in the end. Think of all the ways you could “screw up” and then do the opposite.
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Gò0dNews for Men
Walk a Mile in My Shoes
T
by David Adams
he Joe South song goes:
not a single one would spend a dime on advertising.
“Just walk a mile in my shoes
Finally, an owner of a sports shop took pity on me
Before you abuse, criticize and accuse
and took me aside. He said, “You seem like a good
Then walk a mile in my shoes.”
bloke, so let me tell you what the problem is. You have
Prejudice—what does it really feel like? A lot of
a better presentation than the other radio station, but
people in America today do not really know what it
you are an American and there is nothing you can do
feels like to “walk a mile in my shoes.” I am a white
to change that. You will find that not a single person
guy, born to a middle-class family in the Pacific
in town will buy your advertising. I’m just trying to save you the trouble and tell you what is going on.” Wow, prejudice rears its head. I can understand wanting to support the local businesses, but I had never felt prejudice like that before. The words “… there is nothing you can do to change that” rang in my head. Wow. So that is what it feels like—the injustice, the judgement, and the indifference. Jesus promises to love everyone and to advocate for the homeless and disenfranchised. He is the father to the fatherless.
Northwest. I never really knew what prejudice felt like
If we do anything for the “least of these” it is as if we
until I moved to New Zealand.
are doing it to Christ. I think if we all spent some time
I am a radio broadcaster with forty-three years of
as the “least of these,” we may have more compassion
experience and was hired in Nelson, New Zealand,
because sometimes we are the “other guy.” Walk a
to be the sole employee of Sunny FM. It was my job
mile in those shoes.
to be the DJ, sell advertising, and manage the station. not a kiwi, the term used for New Zealanders. I visited every single business in Nelson, New Zealand, and
12 // September 2021
About The Author
There was only one problem—I was an American and David Adams served as a pastor for two years in Bend, Oregon. Adams is licensed through Christian Global Outreach Ministries. Adams is working on several outreaches, including, The Jesus Network, USA Heartbeat, Operation Eagles Wings, and Back the Blue Radio. Adams has lived in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for more than two years and plans on staying in the south.
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Gò0dNews for Women
Instant In Season and Out of Season by Melanie James
I
n July, I was asked to lead the devotional at the monthly
mountain and when we are in the dry valleys wondering
ladies coffee get-together at my church. I ask God often
why things do not seem to be working out. God is still God,
to grant me opportunities to speak and teach for Him,
whatever our circumstances.
so I was excited to see what encouraging Word He might
This was what God wanted me to do the devotion on.
give me to present to the sweet ladies of my church. But
He even confirmed it by showing me more things in His
something was a little off…my thoughts just did not seem all
word and a passage from Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for
that encouraging. I found myself dwelling on how different
His Highest that went along with it perfectly. It emphasized
things seemed this summer. Usually, my family loves to
the danger of becoming conditioned to do what God is
make the absolute most of summer break—we camp a lot,
asking us to do only when we are on the spiritual mountain-
swim a lot, and try to do multiple “fun” things every week.
top. So, I studied it and prayed over it…and then got sick
This year was mostly…well, boring. My two older children
the morning of the coffee get-together and could not go!
had jobs that kept them busy most days, and they could not always join in whatever family activity we planned. Our boat is torn up and we committed to tightening up our budget so that I could quit working to homeschool our younger two—which meant less entertainment and more staying at home. It even seemed to rain more than usual! Now, I am not sure if that is statistically true, but it seemed to be raining half the summer at least! So, with my “blah” attitude trying to ask God to show me a devotion idea to present, I kept thinking about the part of 2 Timothy 4:2 that says, “be instant in season and out of season.” Before, that verse had always served as an inspiration to be ready at all times to tell others about Christ. A different thing struck me about this verse this time: out of season. Hmmm. What could that have meant to
That might seem like an anti-climactic ending but I
Paul and Timothy at the time Paul wrote it? And what could
think it makes the point even more obvious. God is with
it mean to me now?
you—in the dry season, in the valley of sadness, in the
It was somehow comforting to think that even great
sickness you are walking through—in every “out” season
heroes of faith may have had “blah” seasons. Maybe they,
of our lives. If we will be faithful to obey Him even in these
too, had times when they just “weren’t feeling it.” Come
out-of-season times, He will be sure that our effort is never
to think of it, Paul probably had many days when he was
wasted. He might even take a missed opportunity at a ladies
tempted to just go back to bed and try again tomorrow.
coffee and turn it into a GoodNews article that you have an
He certainly had bigger problems than mine! Paul learned
opportunity to write! So be instant, set your mind on things
(and was teaching Timothy) to not be led by feelings. God
above, and be led by God and not your feelings.
when we do not feel like it. We are to be instant (ready, alert, paying attention) when we are high up on the spiritual
14 // September 2021
About The Author
is worthy of our praise, love, gratitude, and service even Melanie James teaches kindergarten and loves to bargain shop and read in her “free time.” She loves her church (Samples Memorial Baptist) and Jesus first and foremost, with the hope to live out His purpose for her life every day that He gives her the chance.
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16 // September 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
Holding All Thoughts Captive to Christ
M
by Lisa Hamilton
ost of our battles are won or lost in our own
Some say it is impossible to test each thought. We can be
mind. The enemy’s biggest battlefield is the mind.
sure that God would never command something if it were
Genesis 4:7 states, “If thou doest well, shalt thou
impossible. To overcome temptation, we apply God’s Word.
not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.” After my conversion, the enemy started attacking my
This is vital to walk with God in Spirit and in truth. We can acknowledge the theme of the thoughts we are having. We identify the source. Is it from God? Or is it from the enemy? We then respond accordingly. If it is from God,
thoughts. Each day I was hit hard in my mind and I kept
we allow it and bear good fruit. If it is a temptation, we
hearing the lies of the enemy. I cried out to God for help
acknowledge it and do the following: 1. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). 2. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). God is always faithful family. Our part is to resist and keep resisting until the enemy flees! 3. “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6). We serve a mighty God who already won the victory for us. We just need to apply His Word in every situation to see good fruit.
with how to put on the armor of God and hold my thoughts
4. “And the peace of God, which passeth all
captive to Christ. James 1:12 states, “Blessed is the man that
understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through
endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive
Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that
whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,
love him.”
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,
Proverbs 25:28 states, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Thankfully, God has given us everything we need for life and godliness. We know that the fruit of the Spirit is
whatsoever things are of good report; if there by any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:7-8). 5. “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that
self-control. Bad thoughts and temptations are not sin. They
he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ” (1
are not sin until we entertain them and practice them. The
Corinthians 2:16).
having them.
18 // September 2021
About The Author
enemy loves to plant bad thoughts and then condemn us for Lisa Hamilton is the author of His Legacy of Love. She lives with her husband and five children in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her passion is sharing the love of Christ. She encourages others to live in obedience to Him to experience the abundant life. Lisa shares devotions, testimonies, and encouragement on her Facebook page (Happyinsing).
Church Activities & Events Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church First Annual Cruise-In!
Saturday, September 4 | 9AM - 3PM 66 Westbrook Rd, Ringgold, GA 30736
Wind Stone Golf Club
The Journey Ministries 10th Annual Golf Tournament Tuesday, September 14 | 11:30AM - 6:30PM 9230 Windstone Dr, Ringgold, GA 30736
Tunnel Hill First Baptist Church
Tunnel Hill Shindig Country Music Variety Show Thursday, September 16 – Saturday, September 18 | 7PM 202 S Cherry St, Tunnel Hill, GA 30755
Kensington Church of God Dallas Rogers Music
Sunday, September 19 | 10AM 85 Halls Mill Rd, Chickamauga, GA 30707
Gò0dNews for Life
I Lost My 23rd Year
A
by Arlene Ledbetter
few weeks, before his twenty-fourth birthday, my son Joseph called from Iraq. He said, “Mama, I don’t want to be here anymore. I
want this war to be over so I can come home, marry Hannah and start my life. I feel like I’ve pretty much lost my 23rd year.” Joseph served five years with the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. Before his one-year deployment to the Middle East, he often called to tell me about training on some new weapon or to describe the rush he felt each time he jumped from the belly of a plane. After a year of sand storms, scorching temperatures, death and destruction, the thrill was gone. My son was far from the place he loved and the people he longed to touch. He had no control over his comings and goings. Much of his life was on hold until he completed his tour of duty—a period that seemed to last forever. As the months passed, I prayed for Joseph’s safety and sanity. I also pondered his comment about losing his 23rd year. “How many years,” I wondered, “have I lost to waiting for the ideal circumstances before I act?” Do any of the following scenarios sound familiar? “My life cannot begin until I meet the right person… until I get a better job…until I finish college…until I have a child…until my child starts school…until my child finishes school…until my spouse values me…until I lose weight…until I pay off these debts…until I buy a house…until I buy a bigger house…until I retire.” That phone call from my faraway son morphed
The third chapter of Ecclesiastes states that there is a time and a season to every purpose under Heaven. It was time for change—time for me to become proactive. Instead of brooding over an obstacle, I worked to find a solution. Instead of waiting for good things to happen, I set goals to make them happen. I pursued and savored moments with family and friends. I even worked up the courage to go back to college and finish my degree. My life began to change because I finally stopped waiting. What about you? It is time? “How much of human life is lost in waiting” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
into a wake-up call for this mother. I realized circumstances to change. Waiting for the people in my life to change.
20 // September 2021
About The Author
waiting was wasting precious time. Waiting for my Arlene Ledbetter holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Dalton College in Georgia. She has written adult Sunday school curriculum and contributed to five Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Visit her at www.arleneledbetter.net.
The Region's Leading Vascular Experts!
One Goal
ONE TEAM
ONE MISSION Victory Over Amputation! VASCULAR INSTITUTE
CHATTANOOGA | CLEVELAND | NORTH GEORGIA | JASPER
LeSar | Hartmann | Harris 423.602.2750
www.vascularinstituteofchattanooga.com
FEATURED COVER STORY
Vascular Institute of North Georgia
T
Saving Limbs and Restoring Lives: Why a Critical Limb Center is a Necessity for Every Community
he Southeast region of the United States has a high
nationally known for teaching—physicians from all over the
density of patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases,
country travel to learn new techniques, thus allowing them
leading to heart attacks, strokes, or lower extremity
to provide better patient care and better outcomes for their
“leg attacks” and amputations. This devastating outcome can
patients. VIC has been successful with a rapid triage approach,
leave patients with challenging and life-altering circumstances
focused diagnostic testing, and appropriate Interventional
that could have been easily avoided by seeking a Critical Limb
Therapy with a long view on aggressive risk factor
Ischemia (CLI) Specialist. Patients who have not managed
modification—our overall 5-year limb salvage rate is 93%. This
their medical conditions well are at high risk, and amputation
success can only be achieved with comprehensive support from
can often be the “simple solution” used by many surgeons to
primary care, podiatry, and area wound centers.
deal with the problem of gangrene. A CLI Specialist has many
“Patients that are dealing with gangrene of the foot or non-
different tools and techniques to restore the blood flow to the
healing wounds (CLI) require prompt diagnosis, easy access to
lower leg, foot, and toes—preventing the need for amputation.
care, dedicated non-invasive ultrasound testing, and surgeons
What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)? When blood flow
who have advanced vascular and endovascular techniques.
is blocked due to plaque build-up in the arteries, this condition
Once diagnosed with CLI, our patients are treated with
can develop and lead to many complications. PAD often goes
Interventional Care within one week to promote blood flow.
underdiagnosed, and when left untreated, can lead to painful
This is the distinct difference from the inefficient traditional
walking, weak walking, numbness, open wounds with poor
route to one that is navigated via a Critical Limb Center,” said
healing, or severe issues like stroke, heart attack, and sometimes
Dr. Chris LeSar, Vascular Surgeon and CLI Specialist.
even the loss of a limb from CLI—a lack of blood flow. The Vascular Institute of Chattanooga is the first Critical
Vascular Surgical Care has changed over time, with an ever-evolving standard of care driven by the latest technologies
Limb Center in the region, with its office-based interventional
and advances. For example, the newest testing that has
suites dedicated to Peripheral Vascular Disease Care and
advanced how we can perform an intervention is called
amputation prevention. The VIC vascular surgeons are
Pedal Acceleration Time (PAT). This is a unique non-invasive
22 // September 2021
ultrasound approach of determining the blood flow in the foot, which allows the surgeons to target the arteries in the foot to re-establish the blood flow. When PAT Revascularization is successful, often the leg, foot, and toes can be saved. When a patient turns to the Vascular Institute and engages our team, the first step they will go through is a clinical assessment. Then, a non-invasive ultrasound test is
• Over the age of 50
ordered which measures and compares the blood pressures
• Uncontrolled diabetes
in the legs and arms, blood flow throughout the legs, and
• History of smoking
a PAT assessment of the feet. Next, a provider sees the
• High cholesterol
patient and reviews the medical assessment and ultrasound
• High Blood Pressure
test to determine if an intervention is needed. When CLI is
If these risk factors apply to you, consider the signs and
determined, patients are often scheduled within one week
symptoms of what to look for in a patient suffering from PAD.
for an intervention or surgery. This timely process, advanced
Many people with PAD can have vague symptoms or attribute
diagnostics, and rapid intervention leads to success and
their symptoms to something else, such as aging. If you are
limb salvage for CLI patients. The key to the proper medical
experiencing painful muscle cramping in the legs when you
management of CLI patients often requires input from
are walking or being active, and the pain stops with rest and
primary care, podiatry, regional wound centers, and other
resumes with activity, be evaluated. Becoming aware of your
needed specialties. This robust network of medical providers
signs and symptoms is the first critical piece to the puzzle. A
works together to maintain the continuity of care and general
simple way to remember these symptoms is the word FLOW:
wellbeing of the patient.
Feeling of pain in the legs, Loss of sensation, Open sores that
A community with an established program and an active CLI Center can offer the coordinated care that CLI
will not heal, and Weakness when walking. If you are having these problems, see your primary care provider.
patients need. This allows for issues to be addressed in
Vascular Institute has grown over the last six years and
a timelier fashion, resulting in a healthier population.
now has three locations serving Chattanooga, Cleveland, and
However, unnecessary amputations of the legs continue
North Georgia. Our staff of almost 100 members is dedicated
to occur at a high rate in communities with racial
to changing the way Vascular Care is delivered in our region.
disparity of care, socio-economic poverty, and harsh work
A patient with an early diagnosis and an active treatment plan
environments. These factors can ultimately affect the
can achieve a successful outcome and victory over amputation.
patient’s limb salvage rate and mortality rate. We can shift
Know more—no more amputation!
away from this devastating outcome into life-renewing health through education and awareness of CLI disease state and the improved treatment options. Who is at risk? The population with the following risk factors is most likely to be in the at-risk category:
goodnewscm.com // 23
Gò0dNews for Parents
There Is Hope
T
by Ashley McPhearson
wo years ago, I was going through a divorce, my
I started smiling and replied, “Okay.”
hours were being decreased at all three of my jobs,
Ten minutes later, the phone rings. That phone call
and I was debating on staying in Chattanooga. I
led to one year of dating, and now we are engaged to
started drinking every day before and after work—shutting
be married. Of course, with trials and tribulations. But
everyone and anything out. Drinking liquor made all of the
nevertheless, everything I have prayed for when it comes to
painful, disheartened, forsaken, and fearful feelings of the
a significant other was answered.
unknown go away for the moment. When I would be sober,
We all have days that are more stressful than others.
my mind would just race of the “what if”—thoughts that I
There are a few things we must remember: Jeremiah 3:14
was not good enough surrounded me. I began to question if there really was true love, if someone could love me despite my abilities. Three days. The bills, my children’s wants and needs, and grocery shopping would not allow my heart’s desire at that time. The first two days were the worst, but the third day was the first of a new beginning. On that third day, I was reminded of Jesus’s words while He was nailed to the cross. “Abba Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36). Jesus was facing the worst moment of His life, but also the best. Even though we have days, months, and sometimes years when we will feel neglected, it is important that we learn and live—to the best of
says, “Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord, for
our ability—the example Christ had set for us. In the darkest
I am married unto you; and I will take you, one from a
hour of Christ’s life, he cried out to the Father for strength.
city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion”
“Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).
and 1 Corinthians 10:13 states, “There hath no temptation
That was my prayer and cry among other words. Three
taken hold of you but such as is common to man. But God
weeks later, I started to see and feel joy, love, and happiness.
is faithful; he will not suffer you to be tempted beyond
“And we know that all things work together for the good
that which ye are able to bear, but with the temptation
to them that love God and are called according to His
will also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to
purpose” (Romans 8:28).
bear it.” Once we truly learn to let go and trust in the Lord
One day, I entered my patient’s home like any other day. To my surprise, he was sitting at his desk with the
wholeheartedly, we will always see the blessing in the midst of the trials and tribulations.
is about to call. I told him about you and I think you two would be good together.”
24 // September 2021
About The Author
phone in his hands. He told me, “Ashley, my young brother Ashley McPhearson and her family have been in Cleveland for three years since moving from Chicago. She writes stories, plays, and blogs about Jesus Christ.
12802 N Highway 27, Chickamagua, GA 30707 (706) 888-0414
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WITH THE JOE APP available on the app store & google play
Gò0dNews for Teens
You Are Never Alone
H
by Sam Blankenship
ebrews 13:5, “Let your conversation be
thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of
without covetousness; and be content with
my righteousness.”
such thing as ye have: for he hath said, I will
never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (KJV). I remember when I was young and still going
As a new school year approaches, the thought of moving to a higher grade this year than you did last year can be very scary. The thought of new teachers and
to school, I always got nervous about going back
sometimes new schools can be nerve-racking for sure.
after a summer break. For some reason, the thought
I have good news for you, the Bible tells us we are never alone. God will walk with us wherever we go. He will take care of us and protect us each and every day. God is a great God that loves His children! He loved us enough to send His Son Jesus to die on a cross for our sins! Jeremiah 33:3, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” As you get up each morning, let me encourage you to start your day in prayer. Ask God to help you through your day and protect you from anything bad. Let me say— if you do that, I assure you that God will walk right beside you each and every day.
of moving to a higher grade scared me to death. I
There will be tests and quizzes that you have
lived with my aunt and uncle, and my aunt would
to take. When you study, ask God to help you
always say, “Sammy, God will help you get through
understand and give you the knowledge you need to
the day, just pray and ask Him to help you and calm
pass. I can tell you from experience, God has never
your nerves.”
let me down. I was always really nervous and scared
You know, those were such wise words. Those words are still true today. I still apply them to my life; I pray every day and ask God to walk with me! In the Word of God, Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear
about tests, but God always showed up right on time. Praise the Lord! So, let this school year be the best year ever, knowing…you are never alone!
am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help
26 // September 2021
About The Author
thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I Sam Blankenship is the Pastor of Bethel Baptist Tabernacle. Sam and his wife Amy have two daughters, Abby and Gracie.
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Gò0dNews from the Physician’s Desk Decompression Therapy as an Alternative to Spine Surgery by Dr. Julio Borrero
A
What is the typical treatment protocol?
Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy? nyone who has back or neck pain caused in whole
A typical Spinal Decompression Treatment protocol
or in part by a damaged disc may be helped by
consists of about twelve to twenty sessions over four to six
Spinal Decompression Therapy. These conditions
weeks. Some conditions require fewer visits, some require
include herniated, protruding, or bulging discs, spinal
more. Many patients report relief from their pain and other
stenosis, and sciatica or radiculopathy (pinched nerves).
symptoms during the first few treatment sessions and
Many patients get substantial, immediate pain relief after
most experience dramatic pain relief after completing their
just a few Spinal Decompression Treatments. For some,
prescribed treatment program.
relief comes as they are lying on the table during their very first session. How does Spinal Decompression help? Decompression Therapy gently stretches the spine, relieving pressure from the discs, joints, and muscular tissues, while enhancing the body’s natural healing process. The gentle distractive forces create decompression to improve blood flow and essential nutrient exchange while taking pressure off the pinched nerves. Once the pressure is off the nerves, the pain, numbness, and tingling go away. This helps provide lower back pain relief, sciatica pain relief, and neck pain relief. Spinal Decompression Therapy has a high success rate for pain associated with herniated or bulging discs, even after failed surgery. What are the treatments like?
Research shows up to 90% effective: Studies have shown that Spinal Decompression reduces disc herniation size up to 90%, while also decreasing pain
During Spinal Decompression Therapy you will
up to 90% in a majority of patients. Why live in debilitating
experience several cycles of stretch and relaxation, which
pain when your condition may be resolved without surgery?
gently graduate to a peak over a period of several minutes.
If you have lower back pain, a pinched nerve, sciatica,
Therapy sessions typically last less than twenty minutes,
neck pain, or a variety of symptoms related to damaged or
and many patients feel pain relief with as few as six-to-ten-
degenerative discs, this gentle, non-surgical therapy might be
minute treatments. However, it is important to remember
for you! Spinal Decompression Therapy is an extremely safe
that pain subsiding does not infer that your discs and
and effective alternative to irreversible surgery and addictive
spine are healed, so it is critical that patients stick with
drugs for people suffering from neck and back pain.
achieve the full value of Spinal Decompression Therapy.
28 // September 2021
About The Author
the treatment protocol prescribed by their practitioners to Dr. Julio Borrero practices at Pray Chiropractic in Dalton, Georgia, and is currently accepting new patients and can be reached at 706-609-0023 or www.praychiro.com.
Mary & Martha’s P E R S O N A L
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
How To Find God in Your Work
O
by Dr. Alan Hix
n June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland
we read about followed God through the normal course of
signed into law a bill making Labor Day a national
life in a variety of professions. Whether they were involved
holiday. The holiday itself was birthed as the results
in farming, shepherding, construction, or raising a family
of a series of labor protests and strikes over difficult working
and caring for others, they saw all of life as a stage on which
conditions surfaced from the Industrial Revolution. Today,
they expressed their faith in God.
this “working man’s holiday” is celebrated with parades, picnics, barbeques, fireworks, and a host of other gatherings.
For most of us, God’s call is in less dramatic ways from some of the experiences we read about in the Bible. We might be prompted by life circumstances or through supporting a family member through caregiving. My own father felt directed to go into Vocational Rehabilitation after spending a lengthy time in a tuberculosis hospital. You might also sense direction through an issue that is frequently on your mind, or by taking stock of your giftedness, and seeing what brings you joy. We can look to our family of faith and our daily devotional life to help us become more sensitive to God’s direction. Even if you do not sense God calling you to a specific job, and you are just doing what you do to provide for your family’s needs,
This Labor Day, as we reflect on over a year of changes
ask yourself the question: “How does my relationship with
in the way in which many people work, I wanted to explore
Christ make me a more dependable, a more conscientious,
the subject of work in a different way. Have you ever
and a more compassionate worker? How can I be the
thought about your job (paid or unpaid) as a call from
person people want to work with instead of the one they
God? We tend to think about “calling” in terms of ministers
want to avoid?
or those who have a passion for public service (teaching,
This brings us back to the title of this article. You
medicine, etc.). But what about a manufacturing line job, or
do not “find” God in your work—you bring Him with
an office worker, or a position in the service industry? How
you through the indwelling presence of Christ. I would
should Christians view their jobs in terms of their faith?
encourage every Christian to begin their day with the
In Colossians 3:17, the Apostle Paul gives guidance on what our attitude should be toward our work. “And
prayer: “God, reveal yourself in me to those I work with.” That is our true calling!
whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Most people we read about in the Bible did not receive a call to a specific job or profession. The majority of the people
30 // September 2021
About The Author
Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father” (NLT).
Dr. Alan Hix is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.
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.
e. And that’s the way it should be.
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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 Everyone
Feed Those Who Are Hungry any of us who grew up in the South understand all too well that food is the way to one’s heart. Recipes are treasured more than gold, and anything that came from our mother’s kitchen is valued more than anything from a five-star restaurant. Now that I have moved to Washington, D.C., I have learned that many things are different, but some things, like gathering around with loved ones for a special meal, are exactly the same. My university’s Catholic group held a large Thanksgiving dinner where each of us brought a dish and came together to laugh and fill our plates high with food. Before our meal started, two individuals walked into the room unaware that our group had reserved the place for our dinner. Our Priest greeted them with a smile and asked if they were here to eat, and with anxious grins, both said, “We’re not religious, I’m sorry, we didn’t realize you all had the room reserved. We will go somewhere else.” With no hesitation, Father said, “That’s okay. Are you hungry?” The couple nodded their heads almost in disbelief that someone could be so accepting of those different than themselves. At that moment, nothing about them mattered except their need. They were hungry, so they ate. They ate with gratitude and enthusiasm, seated among those of us who welcomed them with open arms…because three turkeys were more than enough to feed us all. In this lifetime, we are all hungry at one point or another for something. Many times, that something is food or water, but other times, we hunger for something more. We hunger for love, acceptance, forgiveness, and empathy. Some hunger for merely the feeling of knowing that somebody cares about them. As Christians, we need to be the ones to step up and feed those who are hungry. The Bible is filled with simple verses about feeding those who are hungry and giving water to those who are thirsty, but oftentimes, I think we forget that this concept was the primary foundation of Jesus’ ministry. In a literal sense, Jesus provided fish and bread to those with little to eat, but He also fed the souls of everyone He met. Jesus provided medicine to those who hungered for healing and assurance to those who hungered for strength.
32 // September 2021
No matter the person and no matter their circumstance, Jesus fed them simply because they were God’s creation. We are all God’s creation. This is a fact that cannot be debated among churches, denominations, or congregations because it is a fact that was established on the first page of the Bible. If Jesus thought that each one of us was worth dying for, we must approach each and every person with that same love and respect. Prejudice has no place in Christianity. Judgement has no place in Christianity. Hate has no place in Christianity.
Jesus told us exactly what belongs in Christianity. He said that love has a place in Christianity, as well as kindness, generosity, prayer, humility, and forgiveness. You see, our tables are not large enough to fit every bowl of food, so we must choose wisely which ones we choose to fill up. Together, let us make the decision to fill up our bowls with compassion, understanding, patience, and all the good things that Jesus showed us. If we fill our bowls with this type of food—this much spiritual food—we can begin to feed all those who are hungry. “As evening approached, the disciples came to Him and said, ‘This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat’” (Matthew 14:15-16). About The Author
M
by Nicole Wiley
Nicole Wiley is a student at American University and attends Saint Anne’s Catholic Church in Washington, D.C.
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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
Vegan Apple Crisp by Jodi Varnado
T
his vegan apple crisp recipe is my favorite self-care treat to bake when I am in need of some warm comfort, when the weather outside starts to gloom, or when gathering with people I love!
Ingredients Filling • 8 organic medium apples (4 Granny Smith & 4 Honey Crisp) • 1 lemon (juiced) • 2/3 cup of coconut sugar • 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon • 3 tablespoons of cornstarch • ¼ cup of organic apple juice Topping • 1 cup of gluten-free rolled oats • ½ cup of almond meal • ½ cup of unbleached all-purpose flour • ½ cup of coconut sugar • ½ cup of brown sugar • ¼ teaspoons of sea salt • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon • ½ cup of melted coconut oil 34 // September 2021
Instructions i. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit ii. Peel and cut apples into thin slices iii. Add apples to a large mixing bowl and top with remaining filling ingredients iv. Toss combined ingredients v. Add filling into a 9x13 (or similar size) baking dish vi. Combine topping ingredients in a mixing bowl vii. Pour topping ingredients evenly over filling in baking dish viii. Bake for 50 minutes, uncovered ix. Let rest for 30 minutes x. Serve (preferably with a steaming cup of coffee)
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Gò0dNews Testimony
I Am Now Clean
T
by Destiny Holmes
his is a very short version of my testimony. My
after, I was riding in the back of a police car on my
name is Jamie Destiny Holmes, also known
way to jail for the first time. I was angry and mad at
as Destiny. I started my addiction when I
God. He knew the only way to get my attention was
was about eleven years old. I was raised in a broken
to put me somewhere long enough to sit me down. I
home and I thought the best way to be happy was
ended up serving five years in Georgia State Prison.
to do things my way. So, I quit school and started
On September 13, 2017, I was released from prison.
partying, which eventually led me to getting put into a
I thought I had things figured out, so I went back and
Youth Detention Center. When I became an adult, my
tried getting high one more time—all it did was cause me to overdose. I remember waking up in the hospital begging God to give me one more chance to get it right. After losing my family, my freedom, and everything I owned, I am now clean. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). I have received my associates degree in Accounting and I am a member of Immanuel United Fellowship Church. I also
addiction got the best of me. I overdosed four times,
participate in praise dancing and American Sign
attempted suicide several times, and ended up having
Language. I would love to be a motivational speaker
a massive heart attack at the age of twenty-four. I lost
and a missionary one day.
my mother in 2012 and simply gave up on the world, my family, and myself. One day, I was homeless and eating out of a
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
asking for your help.” He helped me alright! Not long
36 // September 2021
About The Author
dumpster when I said, “God, if you are real, I am Destiny is 38 years old and lives in Dalton, Georgia. She is a member of Immanuel United Fellowship Church in Resaca, Georgia. Destiny is a praise dancer and an overcomer by the grace of God because she has been redeemed. You can find Destiny Holmes on Facebook.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Young Or Old
Y
by Jacob Herald
oung or old, we all experience the pressures that
dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went
come with living in a modern society. Pressure to
up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night,
succeed or impress is one such instance, society is
he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable
constantly telling us that we are not enough, despite the fact
distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind
that the Bible tells us otherwise. Peer pressure is another
was against it.
example, constantly pushing us away from God’s intended
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on
path for our lives, and pushing us to try dangerous actions
the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they
for the approval of our friends. However, we must realize
were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear.
that at the core of our Christian walk, we are called to be different and separate from the sinful forces of this world. Now, let me be clear that being different is not necessarily going against the rules. Breaking the rules does
But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ ‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’ And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down” (Matthew 14:22-32). Scientifically speaking, the deeper you are in the ocean, the greater the pressure of the water is around you. When Peter’s faith began to slip, the pressure around him became greater as the waters surrounded him, threatening to pull him deeper
not make you different, it makes you rebellious. Being
and deeper. Perhaps you have hit a spot where you feel
different is taking a stand for something and not giving into
like you have lost some of your faith and slipped beneath
the pressures of the world. That is to say, standing firm in
the waves. The pressure around you is getting greater as
your beliefs, standing strong for Christ, and showing a light
you sink further and further. However, this is where God
into the darkness. This is not an easy path but it is worth
calls for you to be different! Take a stand, have faith, and
every second of the journey.
do what you know to do! Christ is standing on the waters,
Matthew 14:22-32 tells us the story of Jesus standing on the water in the midst of a mighty storm. Jesus asks Peter to step out onto the waters and come towards him, but when Peter
stretching forth his hand. In short, do not let the pressure get to your head. Take a stand. It is going to be okay.
“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he
38 // September 2021
About The Author
begins to doubt, he finds himself sinking beneath the waves.
Jacob Herald is a Christian constantly seeking to grow in the Lord. He is a member of Herald Family Ministries, an evangelistic family who travels the U.S. working for the Lord through preaching, singing, and outreach, and has found his calling as a writer and speaker for Christ.
Gò0dNews
Christian Magazine
Mission Statement:
W
Writer Guidelines:
e believe when people are equipped,
Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and
motivated, and passionately engaged in
professional writers to stay at home moms and dads,
living out their faith in Jesus Christ they
business professionals, and others who have a desire to
have the potential to be world changers. Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic
relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents. Christ was an activist, he did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world.
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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
Heaven’s Scent
“F
by Laura Perdue
or we are a fragrance of Christ to God among
I wanted to at that moment. Thankfully, the line was long
those who are being saved and among those
and I kept going. It was tempting but I pushed and resisted.
who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:15).
Over the past year, I have been on a weight loss
When I got home, I began to think about that little road trip scent and its relation to the Spirit. The definition
journey to become healthier. Losing fifty pounds was
of a scent is a distinctive small, especially one that is
the first goal I set for myself, although I was not sure if
pleasant. Let us talk about some scents other than food.
it was obtainable. Before beginning the health journey,
Have you ever been to an old church and walked in only
I would eat anything. I am not just talking about small
to be greeted with a scent of something musty? How
amounts, I am talking about divulging until it would make
about a locker room? It smells sweaty and damp—not a
me sick—bread, pasta, Coke, sweet tea, cake, cookies,
smell I want to smell every day. How about a flower shop?
etc. One of my worst temptations was a Whopper from
The mixture of all the flowers can overtake you—they
Burger King. I craved 100% flame-grilled beef, tomatoes,
smell so good, so fresh! How about a church where the
lettuce, mayo, pickle, ketchup, onions on a sesame bun
Holy Spirit has just saturated the atmosphere? The scent
with a good ole slice of American cheese on top. Does it
is intoxicating. It is a sweet aroma—one that I cannot
sound mouthwatering yet? I thought so. Well save yourself
explain except to say it draws you in until you want to do
from going until you finish reading this, as I am going
nothing but sit in His presence. There is peace, calmness,
somewhere, I promise. I am speaking to your
fulfillment. A scent that draws. I believe this is the
stomach, but not your physical stomach. I am
scent of Heaven. When was the last time you
speaking to the spiritual one.
caught a whiff of that scent?
Recently, I was running to the post office
Referencing back to 2 Corinthians 2:15,
for my husband Brian. So, I go get the mail
I want to encourage you to find yourself
and head back home. While approaching a red
caught up in the scent of Heaven no matter
light, I start to get a huge
where you are so that you can effectively
whiff of a scent that I
be a fragrance of Christ to those around
recognize. It was a strong
you. Yes, those that are saved, but also
scent and boy was my
those who are perishing. The end
tummy starting to growl.
of time is drawing near; division,
I get to the red light and
hate, etc. are all around us and
come to a stop. I look up
people are looking for answers.
and at the corner of the red
They are looking for hope. Be
light was…you guessed it—
the one who points them to
Burger King. Immediately, I had
Him, be Heaven’s scent.
to tell the enemy to back up and take into that temptation, no matter how much
40 // September 2021
About The Author
a seat because I was not about to give
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.
THE and
Charlie Rymer
iends Celebrity Gala
& GOLF Tournament october 10 & 11
Gò0dNews for Missions
Hope Among Darkness
W
by Faith Hanks
e live in an unreached country with intense spiritual darkness and immense lostness. We are missionaries with the International Mission
Board (IMB), in a country where the predominate religion is Buddhism mixed with Animism. Our Asian people group’s entire religion focuses on fear and merit. It is all about what they can do to earn favor with Buddha or their ancestors. Ultimately, they want this favor for a more comfortable life and afterlife. They are desperately searching for hope in a religion that possesses none. Some will go to the temple and bow down hundreds of times, hoping Buddha or some deity will listen to them. Every home has an ancestor altar. Habitually, they pray and offer sacrifices to their ancestors. If they were to halt this, they are convinced it would bring bad luck. For them, that bad luck could mean terrible accidents, loved ones dying, or maybe it could somehow affect their own fate in the afterlife. It is a massive part of the local culture to follow Buddhism and Animism. Even if they think their practices are hopeless, they are taught to not question their religion. Interestingly, they fear death and hell. Sadly, most have a right to fear because the average person in our country will live their entire lives without ever hearing the gospel. For many, the sole thing they know about Jesus is that
so much that He sent Jesus to Earth. He lived a perfect life—
His mother was named Mary. In our country, around one
and yet died for our sins. Jesus rose to life again and will
percent are born again Christians. There is little access to the
return one day. For those who repent of sin and believe in
gospel, since TV, radio and internet are all monitored by the
Jesus, they can have a relationship with God and an eternity
government—with Christian content largely blocked.
with Him. The believer does not have to fear death. This is
It is heart wrenching and disturbing to see children offering sacrifices on these altars. Because I live near a
the hope Buddhism will never possess. The darkness shall not overcome.
Buddhist temple, I hear the gongs daily—the drums and
The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is crucial to the
the monotone chants from this pagan place. I smell the
IMB. Thanks to the gifts and prayers of Christians like you,
sickening aroma of my neighbor’s incense. It is sorrowful
we (and many others) are able to go and reach the nations
because the darkness is real. These people do not know
who are living in darkness.
Yet, this darkness and lostness are not too big for the gospel. The gospel is changing lives. God loves us sinners
42 // September 2021
About The Author
about Jesus. Faith Hanks is a pen name due to security issues. Faith is a teenager who has grown up on the mission field. The Hanks are missionaries with the IMB. Whenever they are in the USA for a few months, they stay in Southeast Tennessee. Faith believes in the importance of the gospel and of the IMB’s Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (imb.org).
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