December 2014

Gò0 ò0dNews dNews December 2014

Complimentary

Christian Magazine

• If I Could Speak p. 8 • The Song of Angels p. 20 • The Best Christmas Gift p. 32

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God Bless You and Thank You! Writers Pastor Samuel Burger Pastor Zona Hayes-Morrow Revrend Rusty Asble Andrew Lee Angela Hughes Ruiz Beth Henderson Carl Corser Cliff Howard Craig Thomspon Darren Schalk Denise and Josh Brown Esmerelda Lee Kelly Hixson Mindy White Pat Daugherty Rob England Robert Green Teresa Norman

Cover Photo Melinda Nicodemus

Delivery Charlton & Paulette Lewis Sales Chris Isbill

About Us 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 three beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, and Andrew. We live in Cleveland 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.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us 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!

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Design Matthew Ruckman Caleb Prytherch

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Publisher

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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 12

28

The Day a Christmas Tree Nearly Ended My Marriage

Chocolate crinkle cookies

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk GoodNews for Health & Fitness

6

Working Together

by Pastor Zona Morrow

GoodNews for Kids

8

If I Could Speak

by Carl Corser

GoodNews on Money Matters

10 Desperately Seeking . . .

Money

by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Him

12 The Climb to Manhood

by Robert Green GoodNews for Her

14 The Song of Angels

by Teresa Norman GoodNews for Parents

20 The Little Electric Oven

by Craig Thompson

by Angela Hughes Ruiz

GoodNews for Everyone

by Beth Henderson

by Pat Daugherty GoodNews for Everyone

of a Single Pastor 26 The Day a Christmas Tree 40 Thoughts

by Pastor Samuel Burger Nearly Ended My Marriage

by Darren Schalk GoodNews Cover Story 28 Our First Christmas as Parents

by Denise and Josh Brown GoodNews for Everyone

30 The God of Restoration

by Michael McCant GoodNews for Couples

32 The Best Christmas Gift

by David Gray GoodNews for Seniors

34 Break Tradition

GoodNews for Life

Remembering a Friend’s Service

GoodNews for Everyone

24 The Challenge of Choices 38 The Christmas Cake

by Esmerelda Lee

22 Hope and Recognition:

42

GoodNews for Everyone

36 Get in the Boat

by Mindy White

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

42Chocolate Crinkle Cookies GoodNews for Everyone

44 A Glimpse of Heaven to Me Today

by Kelly Hixson GoodNews for Everyone

46 I know What It Feels Like

by Kelly Hixson GoodNews for Everyone

50 Two Coins

by Cliff Howard GoodNews from the Outdoors

52 I Want to Learn

by Rev. Rusty Asble GoodNews for Everyone

54 The First Christmas Eve

by Rob England

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

I

by Zona Hayes Morrow

Working Together

am fascinated with the human body. Having

vide us. Yet the Bible says in Romans 12 and again

studied health and wellness for many years, I

in 1 Corinthians 12, that even though we’re differ-

continue to be amazed by the miracle of cre-

ent and have different things to offer, we are all

ation of the human body. God created us with such

the Body of Christ. We use these verses to discuss

intricate detail and wisdom as to how our bodies

spiritual gifts, but these verses also apply to the

work. So much about us is the same, yet we all are

Body of Christ as a whole.

unique. I think about how He designed us and

Too often churches are competing to do the

planned how the cells would work together to al-

same thing rather than working together to make

low His incredible creation to function. The vari-

their outreach a success for the community. In-

ous parts of our body don’t have to be reminded of

stead of just bragging rights for a single church, we

their function, they simply per-

form.

need to

Just imagine what we could accomplish if the Body of Christ functioned in the same way.

I think of the Day of Pentecost. The disciples were together for many days beforehand, but it wasn’t until that day that they became of one ac-

work together as the Body to reach

our community in every way possible

so that everyone can hear the Word and be touched by the love of God. We’re now in the Christmas season and pre-

cord. They stopped worrying about this or that.

paring to start a new year. This is our opportunity

They didn’t care about social status or who had

to touch every single life in Southeast Tennessee

better robes. They focused on the promise Jesus

and change the coming year through the power of

gave before He ascended—that the Holy Spirit

God. We can do this by focusing on what’s impor-

would come. Their unity allowed the Holy Spirit

tant, uniting in our common beliefs, and work-

to come in great power, and thousands were saved

ing together so that we become the arms of Jesus

with signs and wonders following.

reaching out to a lost and dying world. Let’s apply

Today we have many denominations and

Ephesians 4 to our lives and strive to keep the

churches that make up the Body of Christ. It’s so

unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Let’s show

easy to start comparing our churches by atten-

the world what Christmas really means.

dance, by buildings, or by programs. We allow the differences in our preaching styles or beliefs to di6

December 2014

Pastor Zona Hayes-Morrow is a successful business woman, mother, Bible teacher and executive director of Norvel Hayes Ministries.

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Gò0dNews for Kids

by Carl W. Corser

If I Could Speak

T

was a time in history, if I could have expressed all the unfolding mystery, I would have shouted from the heavens with glee.

What was occurring on earth that night was so wonderful and amazing.

In a small community called Bethlehem in Judea, a couple was looking for a room in the inn so their baby could be born. All the rooms were occupied because many people were in town to pay their taxes.

Finally, they came upon a stable that would provide protection from a cool, winter night. Soon a wonderful baby boy was born. He was such a beautiful baby with his eyes gleaming so bright. I got so excited I could not sit still in the heavens. They named the baby Jesus, just as the prophets had foretold.

Do you know what else happened that wonderful night? There were shepherds not too far from Bethlehem watching their sheep.

Suddenly, an angel appeared and began talking about this baby Jesus born a short time ago. Also, in a flash, lots of angels appeared and beautiful music filled the air— “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 1:14 KJV).

Oh, what a sight to behold!

The shepherds began their journey to find this baby Jesus the angels 8

December 2014

told them about. To their amazement, they found Him in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes just as the angels had said. “There’s something special about this baby, and we must share it with everyone,” they said. Filled with praise to God for this wonderful event, the shepherds returned to watch their sheep.

Children, there’s more to this wonderful story. Three wise men who heard about this baby born in Bethlehem decided to ask King Herod where baby Jesus was born.

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and [want] to worship him” (Matt. 2:2 KJV). The king called a secret conference with the wise men and then sent them on their way to find baby Jesus.

When they left the king’s palace, I started to do my part of this story.

“Look up here, wise men. I’ll be delighted to guide you to the little community where this special baby boy is.” As I moved, the wise men followed me for they had precious gifts to present to this special baby.

Soon we arrived and I stopped over the lowly stable where He lay in a manger. Then the wise men rushed in, fell on their faces, and worshiped Him. They also presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Wow! The wise men were

so excited to have a part in this wonderful event in history. What an experience for them.

They soon returned to their country another way so King Herod would not know where baby Jesus was born. After the wise men left, an angel appeared to Joseph, giving him instructions concerning the safety and well-being of baby Jesus and his family from an angry King Herod.

Well, that’s the end of this exciting event, so I’d better travel on. Oh! Wait a minute, children. I have just one more thing to say. How I wish I could speak so I could tell the whole world about what occurred that night in Bethlehem, but you know my part. I guided the wise men to the place where this special event occurred. Will you, children, do your part and tell your friends and neighbors about this special baby?

Children, I cannot speak because I am the star shinning from the Eastern sky, but you can spread the good tidings of great joy around.

This is the reason you celebrate Christmas. It’s the birthday of baby Jesus. Love Him and worship Him, because He loves you very much.

If I could speak, this would be my version of the wonderful Christmas story.

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Gò0dNews on Money Matters

Desperately Seeking . .by.Andrew Money Lee

T

he word desperation is closely related to the word despair, and indeed the two often work in tandem. When it comes to personal finance, desperation often results in individuals making financial decisions that are unwise at best and catastrophic at worst.

Con artists and scams seek to prey on people who are desperate for a quick answer to their money problems. From Ponzi or pyramid schemes to overblown promises of a huge return on investment in a short period of time, there have always been unscrupulous charlatans ready and eager to bilk investors (meaning anyone naïve or gullible enough to hand over their money). Not surprisingly, the victims of these scammers or con artists are usually people who are in a dire financial crisis and need money quickly in order to pay a bill or to satisfy a creditor who is hounding them relentlessly. At other times, the motive is plain and simple greed—the desire to get something for nothing, and to get it fast.

A documentary film from 2011 titled The Flaw examined some “victims” of the “mortgage meltdown” which precipitated the “housing crisis” that blanketed countless news stories for the next couple of years (these are the media’s terms, so I indicate them with quotation marks).

In one scene of this documentary film, a man named Steve describes how his life was going fine until his wife started a new job as a real estate agent. A fellow real estate broker convinced Steve and his wife that they could make a quick and easy financial “killing” by taking out a second mortgage on their home and using the money as down 10

December 2014

payments on other real estate, with the intent of quickly “flipping” (quick-selling) these houses in ninety days or less. It would be easy, the broker assured them. After all, countless people were doing it. And besides, housing prices always go “up” and are thus a sure-fire safe investment—no risk, right?

As we all know by now, housing prices did indeed plummet across many parts of the nation from 2007-2009 as millions of homeowners defaulted on their loans and stopped paying their mortgages. Often, these were mortgages that should not have been approved in the first place, since often the investor’s income was too low for them to afford to make the payments. So why did banks approve these people for home loans in the first place? Because these banks and lenders never intended to keep the mortgage at their bank—they always intended to sell the “bad” mortgage debt to another bank or group of investors. Again, greed was the motive.

This article isn’t intended to be a dissertation on the causes of the recent housing crash, but rather to illustrate by one example how desperation and greed can lead into financial ruin. The Bible speaks of this in Proverbs 13:11, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”

Careful planning and financial discipline through saving and investing regularly can help to avert a desperate situation.

Dr. Andrew Lee is associate professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.

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Gò0dNews for Men

W

The Climb to Manhood

hat comes to mind when you hear the words, “Man Up!”? You probably, like me, think that someone is challenging you to suck it up or not cry after you have been dealt a viscous blow—either physically or emotionally.

Real men are not supposed to cry or get overly emotional . . . right? We square our jaw and tilt forward and dare anyone to question our bravery.

What I have found is that there is a massive chasm separating the mountain of cultural manhood and biblical manhood. As men we need to somehow scale down the cultural concept of manhood and re-chart our path up the gospel-centered view of manhood. With the aid of the Holy Spirit as our guide, He will direct us to the summit of manhood.

First, however, we must dispel the cultural myth of manhood.

So how does culture define manhood? I have borrowed these three typical identifiers from one of the NFL’s great lineman who played with the Baltimore Colts and is immortalized as part of the infamous “Rat Pack,” Joe Ehrmann. Joe says the world generally points to the billfold, the ball field, and the bedroom as the measure of a man. If you make a lot of money and live in a beautiful home with a three-car garage and a new Harley Davidson parked in the driveway, you have arrived at manhood. To some,

manhood is about being bigger, faster, and stronger than the average “boy.” Then there are those who believe that sexual conquest shows the depth of your manhood. None of these, however, are biblical barometers for manhood.

Over the past couple of years, I have been speaking in men’s conferences and leading coach’s Bible 12

by Robert Green

December 2014

studies. During preparation for one of these Bible studies, I came across this passage and wrote in my journal (I know, not a very manly thing to do!) this title, “Man Up.” The scripture was 1 Kings 2:2-4 with David speaking to his son Solomon, giving a final charge: “ ‘I am about to go the way of all the earth,’ he said, ‘So be strong, act like a man, and observe. . . .” (NIV). There it was, act like a man, from the one who stepped up to Goliath and said, “This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I will strike you down and cut off your head” (1 Sam. 17:46 ESV). Now that is a Man’s man . . . right?

So what did David mean “Act like a man?” He declares that manhood has nothing to do with the billfold, the ball field, or the bedroom. He unpacks his hiking gear and help’s to put on Solomon’s harness and sends him up the mountain of Manhood with: “Observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go” (v. 3). Biblical manhood is found in our reckless abandonment to the fear of

man and to walk in the fear of God by complete and total surrender of our lives to him. So, “Climb on man of God, on belay, climbing.”

Robert Green is a 28-year-youth ministry veteran, an avid runner, spiritual coach, chaplain, and is now serving as an area director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes over the Ocoee Region. What he treasures most is his wife of 26 years Teresa and his two daughters Mariah (21) and Sierra (15).

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Gò0dNews for Women

The Song of Angels

by Teresa Norman

M

any things that happen to us often happen

suddenly. In a moment, we can be faced with the greatest victories or the greatest challenges of our lives. So it was with the birth of Jesus.

According to Scripture, all of a sudden, while shepherds were keeping watch over their flock at night, there appeared a multitude of angels in the sky singing and praising God. In so doing, they gave us the lyrics to the first Christmas carol: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14 KJV).

I don’t know what you do when you’re happy, but I like to sing. Perhaps others seem to agree with my association of happiness and music, because everywhere I go, I hear the song, “Happy,” by Pharrell Williams.

Many of my contacts have “Happy” as their ring tone, and when I hear it, my mood is suddenly transformed.

Coming from a singing family, I love the singing aspect of music. There’s nothing like friends and family singing around a piano or guitar. As their “Nana,” I would say that my grandsons sound like angels when they sing— especially when they sing about Jesus!

What song gets your attention? What lyrics are etched in your mind? Does the melody your life reflects bring a smile or a tear? Listen to what the angels sang when Jesus was born. They sang good news: “Jesus, the Savior of the world is born.” They had waited for this event. When it happened, they burst forth with a song of praise that summoned a heavenly host of proclaimers!

They gave glory to God for this magnificent event that would change the world forever.

All Creation sings a song to Him. Flowers burst 14

December 2014

forth with blooming and the winds whisper, “He’s alive.” Even the trees lift their branches high to the heavens in praise, but in all of Creation, there’s just something about my song and my praise that He loves.

If God is glorified with every song the bird sings and every wave that rolls through the ocean tide, how much more is He glorified when we, the redeemed, raise our voices in song to Him? I believe we sound even better than the angels!

Angels are only interested in praising God and doing His bidding. He alone is their focal point of worship.

On the day God was born in human flesh, they sang what they had never sung before. It was a new song because they added the words, “on earth, peace.” They couldn’t sing that verse before this moment. Humankind had fallen, and there was no true peace on earth. It is good news! Where else can peace be found but in the message of Jesus Christ?

Then the angels added a final stanza to this song with the words, “good will toward men.” He gives us His good will because He gave us His Son. He gave Himself to you and me, for you and me and because of you and me.

This holiday season, you can be an angel by singing John Wesley Work’s popular Christmas spiritual: “Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.”

Teresa Norman is an ordained minister in the Church of God and is a gifted speaker, author, teacher, musician, and counselor. She is the mother of two adult children and four grandsons.

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Cleveland Church Directory Assembly of God

Grace Assembly 1976 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-7729 Triune Assembly 301 Sunset Drive Cleveland, TN 37312

Baptist Beacon Baptist Church 505 Corvin Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7056 Big Spring Baptist Church 1415 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1101 Bellefounte Baptist Church Pastor Lake Walker 132 Bellfounte Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2312 Bethel Baptist Tabernacle Pastor John Bivens 3165 Buchanan Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5820 Blue Springs Baptist Church 699 Blue Springs Church Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0932F Candies Creek Church 294 Old Eureka Rd Charleston, TN 37310 423-479-3731 candiescreekchurch.com Cedar Springs Baptist Church 723 Cedar Springs Church Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5506 Center Point Baptist Church 167 Monza Ln NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2133 Cleveland Cowboy Church Pastor Wally Varnell 3040 Blythe Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-7936 or clevelandcowboychurch.com Cloverleaf Baptist Church Pastor Johnny Moore 2290 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3617 Clingan Ridge Baptist Church 2412 Georgetown Road, NW Cleveland, TN 37312(423) 472-3511 or www.clinganridgebaptist.com Church At Grace Point Pastor Phil Griffin 2595 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 728-5050 or grace-point.com Covenant Baptist Church 249 Calhoun Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-2653 Dalton Pike Baptist Church

16

December 2014

3055 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7606 Elkmont Baptist Church 4030 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4600 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1227 Powerline Dr NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 East Cleveland Baptist Church 1145 Arnold St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8728 Farmland Community Church Location: YMCA 10:00am Fairview Baptist Church 5545 Runway Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5353 First Baptist Church Co-Pastor Allan Lockerman, Co-Pastor-Jim Gibson 1275 Stuart Road Cleveland, Tennessee 37312 (423)709-9100 or clevelandfbc.com Galilee Baptist Church 665 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 496-2019 Henegar Baptist Church 7423 Mouse Creek Rd. Cleveland Tn 37312 Hopewell Baptist Church 188 Old Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3763 The Journey Church 1668 S Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-4100 Lebanon Baptist Church 1411 Old Parksville Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-6700 Macedonia Baptist Church 3119 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-1713 Maple Street Baptist Church 1700 Maple St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-3622 Maranatha Baptist Church 453 Blue Springs Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-8991 Michigan Avenue Baptist Church 2741 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-8891 Mt Carmel Baptist Church 7619 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1620 New Friendship Baptist Church 1344 Chatata Valley Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-6007 North Cleveland Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Jay Mccluskey

2815 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8524 or northclevelandbaptist.org Oak Grove Baptist Church 4452 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-9125 Old Pathway Baptist Church 224 Rymer Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Parkway Baptist Church Rev. Shane Lawson 185 Meadow Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-5522 or www.parkwaybaptist.info Philadelphia Baptist Church 910 30th St SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Philippi Baptist Church 2325 Old Harrison Pike NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-5385 Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church 799 Inman Street East Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 (423) 476-4081 Ridgeview Baptist Church 1501 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5119 Samples Memorial Baptist Church 371 Samples Chapel Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-2329 Shenandoah Baptist Church Pastor Brent Coley 138 Osment Rd Se, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-0103 or www.sbcministries.com Shiloh Baptist Church 3406 Blair Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-5755 Stuart Park Baptist Church 850 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-6741 Tasso Baptist Church 164 Old Charleston Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2114 Temple Baptist Church 3070 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6813 Thompson Spring Baptist Church 5660 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 790-1823 Union Baptist Church 797 Hughes Lake Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-1720 Valley View Baptist Church Pastor David Tuten 4657 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7707 or vvbaptist.org

Washington Avenue Baptist Church 1720 Perry St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0489 Waterville Baptist Church Pastor Allan Lovelace 4555 Dalton Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-5582 or watervillebaptistchurch.org West Cleveland Baptist Church 1959 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8927 Westwood Baptist Church Pastor Steve Smartt 4001 Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-1534 or www.westwoodlife.org White Oak Baptist Church 2043 White Oak Valley Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2359

Catholic St Therese Catholic Church 900 Clingan Ridge Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8123

Charismatic Cleveland Christian Fellowship Pastor Mark Strickland 695 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-2642 or ccfchurch.us

Church of God Cornerstone Church of God Pastor Rick and Lori Sentell 2823 Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0006 Church of God Sanctified, Inc. Pastor- Bishop G.R. Hill 746 First Street N.E. Cleveland, TN. 37311 (423)479-3895 Destiny Community Fellowship CoG 2611 Blue Springs Road SE Cleveland, TN 37311 East Cleveland Church of God Pastor John A. Lombard Jr. 900 15th St NE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3389 Fellowship of Praise COG Pastor Selma Hall 931 Inman Street East Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3121 or fellowshipofpraisecog.org Grace Community Church of God Pastor Kevin Mendel 4745 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312.

(423) 614-0708 or www.gracecleveland.org Heritage Fellowship COG Pastor Steve Gilbert 4635 S Lee Hwy

McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 476-6316 International Worship Center Centro Internacional de Adoración 533 Central Ave. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-1977 or www.iwcchurch.com Lakeview Church of God Pastor Dustin Wilds 105 Pound Street S.E. Cleveland, TN 37323 (423)-790-5805 or lakeviewcog.org North Cleveland COG Pastor Mitch Maloney 335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5513 or nccog.org Michigan Avenue COG Rev. David B. Boles 515 Minnis Road N.E (423) 584-3663 Mt Olive COG 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3381 Mt View COG 210 Roadway Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-6925 South Cleveland COG 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6382 or The Church of God 193 Tillie Rd Cleveland, TN 37312 423-457-9275 Westmore COG Pastor Kelvin Page 2412 Wolfe Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 559-9646 or www.westmorecog.org Zion Assembly COG 5512 Waterlevel Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-3337 or

Church of God of Prophecy Cleveland Spanish CoGoP 2610 Grove Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423)473-7199 Durkee Road CoGoP 201Durkee Rd. Cleveland, TN37312 (423) 472-4384 Keith Street Ministries CoGoP 4000 Keith ST. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-2448 Peerless Road CoGop 3301 Peerless Rd. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423)303-2680 Spring Place CoGoP 2530 Spring Place Rd. Cleveland, TN37311 (423)476-6414 Wildwood CoGoP Bishop Winston Reid 140 Wildwood Ave Cleveland, TN 37311 (423)479-6584

Episcopal

Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church 320 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

Lutheran LutheranFirst Lutheran Church 195 McIntire Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-6811

Methodist Big Spring United Methodist 1196 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5242 Black Fox United Methodist 1820 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-1908 Broad Street United Methodist 155 Central Ave NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5586 First United Methodist Church 3425 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-4504 S. Cleveland United Methodist 1165 Church St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 507-5760 Tasso United Methodist 1106 Tasso Ln NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4457 Riverston Church 85 Central Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 790-5956 Trinity United Methodist Church 731 1st St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-7900 Valley Head Methodist Church 920 Mouse Creek Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-0575 Wesley Memorial Methodist 3405 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-9578

Latter-day Saints The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 4200 Pryor Rd N.E. Cleveland, TN 37312 423-503-6394

Pentecostal

Faith Memorial Church 910 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6281 First United Pentecostal Church 4095 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-9436 Full Gospel House of Prayer Pastor Michael Ferree 1500 Wildwood Ave. Cleveland, TN Set Free Christian Fellowship 1175 King Edwards Ave. Cleveland, TN

Nazarene Cleveland First Church Of The Nazarene Pastor BJ Miller 2712 Henderson Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312-5225 423-472-7371 New Hope Church of the Nazarene Pastor Scot Carraway 2018 Washington Ave Cleveland, TN 37364 (423)479-7343

Non-Denominational

Christian Fellowship Ctr 895 6th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-9591 Church Alive Ministries Cleveland, TN 37353 (423) 559-1371 Cleveland Community Chapel Pastor Tazz Reid 1823 Forest Ridge Dr. Cleveland, Tn. 37311 Cleveland Cornerstone Church 533 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1775 Cornerstone Family Church 4997 N. Lee Highway Cleveland, TN 37312 423.380.9160 cfctn.net Dwelling Place Church Inter.Pastors Jamie and Judy JacobsTuttle 523 Urbane Rd. NE Cleveland, TN 37312 423.790.5200 www.iwilldwell.com Evening Light Gospel Dr. Donald E. Smith, Jr. 200 20th St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 Freedom Fellowship Church 3555 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0654 God’s Family Fellowship Pastors, Doug & Patsy Bell 197 Neely Circle NE Cleveland, TN 37312 Phone (423) 790-7533 www.godsfamilyfellowship.net Graceway Chapel 221 14th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-2226 Living Word Church Pastor Larry Cockerham 930 25th Street, NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3028 or Thelovingchurch.org Norvel Hayes Ministries 24 155 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-3882 Restoration Fellowship 211 Trewhitt Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-4249 The Simple Gospel 850 Elrod St SE

Cleveland, TN 37311 423-650-9572 www.pointing2jesus.com Shema Israel Ministry 850 Elrod St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 423-994-8553 Tasso Christian Church 1135 Tasso Lane, Cleveland, Tn. 37312 (423) 479-2705 The Sanctuary Pastors Mike & Elizabeth Shreve 1203 Smith Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423)478-2843 / shreveministries. org United Christian Church Pastors Charles and Margie Poteat 2200 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-4277 Unity Christian Ministries Pastor Aubrey Ector 2419 Georgetown RD NW 37312 423-473-9338 Walker Valley Community 787 Lauderdale Memorial Hwy Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-9696

Presbyterian

Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church 8267 N Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-5004 First Cumberland Presbyterian 161 2nd St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6751 First Presbyterian Church 433 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5584 Flint Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church Rev. Kevin Wilson 515 Flint Springs Rd Cleveland TN. 37323 423-284-6397 or Facebook Prospect United Cumberland Presbyterian Church 310 New Murraytown Rd., NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-6181 St James Cumberland Presbyterian

151 Short St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5762 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1780 Stuart Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-9595

Seventh Day Adventist Ladd Springs Seventh-Day 5860 Bates Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-1889 Bowman Hills Adventist 300 Westview Dr NE Cleveland, TN 37312 East Cleveland Seventh-Day 801 Howard Circle SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-9299.

issuu.com/goodnewscm

17

Athens Church Directory Assembly of God Abundant Blessing 2613 Cardinal St Athens, TN 37303 423-435-5867

Baptist Antioch Baptist Church 218 Canal St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-3332 Central Baptist 13 Nash Dr. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0400 Clearwater Baptist 964 County Rd. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-7147 Covenant Baptist 241 County Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-263-1569 East Athens Baptist 301 Central Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1394 Fairview Baptist 251 County Rd. 128 Athens, TN 37303 423-649-0346 First Baptist 305 Ingleside Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5441 First Bible Baptist 1819 Old Niota Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0765 Freedom Baptist 2207 Velma Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-746-0193 Mount Pleasant Baptist 414 Chester St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-6510 Idelwild Baptist 118 county rd Athens, TN 37303 423-746-0002 Lakeview Baptist 182 County rd. 126 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0451 Mount Pleasant Baptist 414 Chester St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-6510 Mount Verd Baptist 251 County Rd 249 Athens, TN 37303 423-507-1286 New Hopewell Baptist 197 County Rd Athens, TN 37303

18

December 2014

423-744-0940 New Zion Baptist 393 County Rd 616 Athens, TN 37303 423-263-9841 North Athens Baptist 402 Tellico Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-3813 Oak Grove Baptist 1212 County Rd. 100 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-9986 Parkway Baptist 1701 Velma Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-9709 Rocky Mount Baptist 1002 Rocky Mount Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8758 Rogers Creek Baptist 510 County Rd 180 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-0295 Short Creek Baptist 892 County Rd. 50 Athens, TN 37303 423-336-5089 South Liberty Baptist 505 County Rd 655 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5124 Union Hill Baptist 258 County Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1241 Unity Baptist 162 County Rd 750 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-0420 Valley View Baptist 323 County Rd 370 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5159 West End Baptist 803 Clark St. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-8274 West View Baptist 2707 Highway 39 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-2193

Catholic St. Mary Catholic Church 1291 E. Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-4277

Christian Athens Christian Church 802 S Matlock Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5791

Church of God Aoh Church Of God 501 Ohio St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1279 First Church of God 200 Fisher St. Athens, TN 37303 423-887-5855 Woodward Avenue CoG 507 Woodward Ave Athens, TN37303 423-745-1618

Community ChristCommunity Church 14 Congress PRKY S. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8185

Latter-day Saints The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) 508 Cedar Springs Rd Athens, TN 373 423-745-0102

Nazarene Athens Church of the Nazarene 1908 W. Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-3017

Episcopal St Paul Episcopal Church 123 S. Jackson ST. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-2224

Lutheran Athens Lutheran Church 710 Forrest Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-9419

Methodist Keith Memorial UMC 600 W Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37371 423-745-2612 Piney Grove UMC 767 County Rd. 750 423-462-2130 Athens, TN 37303 Riceville 2519 Cindy St Athens, TN 37303 423-462-2130 St. Mark Ame Zion Methodist 707 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 Tranquility UMC 135 County Rd. 177 Athens, TN 37303 423-334-3062 Trinity UMC 100 E. College St Athens, TN 37303

423-745-0452 Vine Grove UMC 517 County Rd. 778 Athens, Tn 37303 423-507-5760

Non- Denominational Ascension Life 935 Rocky Mount Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-829-5102 Christian Freedom Wrshp Center 109 Cherry St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8999 Emmanuel Church 1905 Congress Parkway S. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0851 Freedom Chapel 815 Cleveland Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8079 Great Deliverance Ministries 2329 Clearwater Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-7575 Liberty Church 3328 Hwy 11 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-9248 Overcoming Faith Christian 14 Carter Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-3105 Restoration Church 3115 Hwy 39 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-7777 Sanctury 9 S. Kilgore St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8900

Pentecostal Crosslife Ministries 817 S. White St Athens, TN 37313 423-368-7197 Athens United Pentecostal 2820 Hwy 11 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-7159

Presbyterian First United Presbyterian Church 321 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 423-744-9073 Mars Hill Presbyterian 205 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1403

Seveth-Day Adventist Seveth-Day Adventist 230 New Englewood Rd

Church Activities & Events $6 per person (1 to 4 Passengers) North Cleveland CoG Dec. 7th 6:00 pm

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323 Camp Jordan Parkway East Ridge, TN 37412

Peerless Road Church Dec 7 : Christmas Night Of Worship 6:00 p.m. Adult Choir & Worship Ministry Dec 12 : Seniors Christmas Banquet 5:00 p.m. in the Atrium Dec 13–14 : Children’s Christmas Musical 6:00 p.m. Saturday, 10:45 a.m. Sunday

First Baptist Cleveland

Dec. 17th 5:30-9:00 pm First Baptist Cleveland

Dec. 17Th 6:00 pm First Baptist Cleveland

Dec. 12th-14th 4:00 pm on Sat. and Sun. 7:00 pm Fri.-Sun

Dec 14 : Christmas Family Fellowship 6:00 p.m. in the Gymnasium

First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga “Christ in Us, the Hope of Glory” Concert Saturday, December 6th at 4pm Sunday, December 7th at 6:30 pm FREE Call 423-648.7912 for more information

Gò0dNews for Parents

by Craig Thompson

The Little Electric Oven

O

ne Christmas, at least I think it was Christmas and not a birthday, my parents bought my sister a little oven. Now, this was in the days before lawyers had become fruitful, multiplied, and replenished the earth. This wasn’t a piece of plastic with stickers to put on the oven to emulate fire, and it didn’t come with a few round cans made of plastic labeled as corn or beans. No, this was a little Easy Bake oven that had a real plug with a real socket that operated off real electricity. Instead of coming with a booklet that contained warnings and disclaimers, it came with a recipe book and instructions on how to operate it.

I remember my sister’s delight at getting that oven and how quickly she wanted to use it. I remember that shortly after getting the oven, she made a recipe for cookie dough. She put the cookie dough in her little oven, turned it on, and waited. After a few minutes, she pulled out the metal cookie sheet with delicious cookies—hot and steaming. She even shared one with me.

(Sigh) I think we 20

December 2014

call those the “good ole days” now. Those were the days when people bought toys that had some kind of educational value or purpose. I remember Erector Sets, which included not only the metal scaffolding-like pieces but also a little electric motor for operating a functional crane. I also remember Tinker Toy sets. Every kid that had one of those was a master of building edifices that could reach to the heavens (or at least the ceiling).

I spent time mixing chemicals from my chemistry set— not always according to the instructions. That set included a Bunsen burner, not just a plastic glob with a sticker that pretends to be fire. It used alcohol to power it. It had test tubes, stoppers, and test

tube clamps for holding the mixtures over the fire for heating, or, in some cases, overheating the chemicals.

Today it pains me to see the state of toys in this country. The lawyers and marketers have won. The kids and their minds have lost. Now they get really cool things like PlayStations where they can sit for endless hours staring at a large-screen TV shooting at aliens, while scenes change every split second.

They can even get labeled ADD because they can’t seem to focus on anything for longer than a split second.

Maybe the point behind giving gifts is not to entertain.

Maybe it includes the chance to grow in mind, body, or spirit.

After all, that’s what God intended in His gift to us. When He gave His son, God wanted us to be changed.

The next time you purchase a gift, remember the little electric oven, and look for a gift that will challenge your child, not placate her.

Craig Thompson is an author and speaker. You can read more of his material at walkwithgod.com.

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Gò0dNews for Life

by Beth Henderson

Hope and Recongnition: Remembering a Friend’ s Service

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus” (1 Thess. 4:13-14).

J

ust last week, a longtime New Hope Pregnancy Care Center volunteer, who also happened to be a mother, grandmother, and friend, died in an automobile accident. The news was so unexpected, it just didn’t seem like it could be real. After all, we’d just seen her a few days before. We’d laughed, prayed, and rejoiced together over what God had done.

Sitting around the prayer table that day, Carolyn spoke of her children and grandchildren and how thankful she was to have them.

She talked of friends who had offered a helping hand and how God was working in the details of her life. She helped other volunteers and staff members make a place in our kitchen that would serve as a kind of “comfort corner” for weary staff and volunteers. She counseled clients, and we know that God divinely appointed her to speak with them.

Her last day at New Hope was a sweet day and a blessed memory.

She had served New Hope for more than twenty-five years, and we will miss her. But I’m very thankful that, as we mourn her passing, we do not “sorrow as others who have no hope.”

Indeed, in times like these we go to Scripture for comfort.

Those verses in 1 Thessalonians 4 are very comforting, but as I thought about our friend, I found guidelines for living that I know Carolyn lived out in both word and deed.

Chapter 4 of 1 Thessalonians calls us to: 1. Purity 2. Honesty 3. Brotherly love 4. A quiet life 5. Minding our own business 6. Hard work 22 December 2014

7. Setting an example for others, and finally 8. The hope of salvation and eternal life.

Then in chapter 5, we are admonished toward preparedness, patience, pursuing good, thanksgiving, joy, and prayer. In the middle of the chapter are the words that especially touched my heart as I thought of Carolyn: “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you . . . and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake”(5:12-13 NKJV).

I didn’t know Carolyn as well as many others, but I knew her work, and I knew she loved the Lord. I knew that she came to New Hope week after week and counseled with clients, entered data, or bundled diapers—whatever was needed. I knew those things, but did I “esteem her very highly in love for her work’s sake?”

Have I looked at her and my other brothers and sisters in Christ and noticed that they are living out the eight principles laid out for us in chapter 4, even when that’s the harder choice? Perhaps, I’ve looked at the work too often and forgotten the worker. I’m going to try to change that.

How about you? Who is working for the Lord in your life?

Who do you need to recognize and esteem—not because they’re perfect, but because they’re working to serve the One who is?

In memory of Carolyn Binns: We are thankful for her service to God and New Hope Pregnancy Care Center.

Beth Henderson is the development director at New Hope Pregnancy Care Center.

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Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness

The Challenge of Choices

W

by Angela Hughes Ruiz

hat is considered good health?

grew BIGGER. I have chosen to take off

How do you determine if

the mask. Size doesn’t dictate who

you are healthy? Is it by

I am and certainly not whose I

the way you feel? The way you

am; “For I was made in His

look? What others tell you?

image” (Gen. 1:27 NKJV). “I

The doctor’s report? How do

will praise You, for I am

you begin working toward

fearfully and wonderfully

a healthier lifestyle for you

made; Marvelous are Your

and your family? There are

works” (Ps. 139:14).

many questions that may

This is a new season in

arise when you start thinking

life and I choose to act on

about good health.

my God-given right to walk

The Word of the Lord

this out. It won’t come easy

says, “Don’t you know that

or even quickly. It has been a

your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,

process getting to where I am

who lives in you and who was given to you by

today. I didn’t just wake up one

God? You do not belong to yourselves but to God;

morning and BAM! I’m ---- pounds!

he bought you for a price. So use your bodies for

And the reverse won’t happen over-

God's glory” (1 Cor. 6:19-20 GNT). God has given

night. I understand all too well that the

us free will to make choices, but He gives us guidelines to follow in His Word for God’s glory.

In today’s society, with all the hustle and bustle of our daily activities, it is easier to grab a meal in the drive-thru, put off that walk until tomorrow, start the gym class next week, go

struggle is real, so if you ask God where to start, He will give you the grace to make it through every season of life to come.

Are you up for the challenge? Isn’t it time to be a healthier you? God is on your side and He will see you through this. “Since

to the doctor in a month or so—depending

God assured us, ‘I’ll never let you down,

on your busy schedule. Then there are the

never walk off and leave you,’ we can

New Year’s resolutions (the ones that get

boldly quote, God is there, ready to help;

made, but seem so difficult to achieve).

I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what

I know on a personal level that I have felt that tug prompting me to wake up early and take care of the temple that God has blessed me with. Through life circumstances, stress, even some complacency and laziness, over the last few years I sat idly by, almost as if watching myself from the sidelines growing slower, older, and lazier physically. As I grew (God help me), the numbers 24

December 2014

can get to me?” (Heb. 13:5b MSG). He will meet us there. I look forward to hear your testimonies in the coming months, and I will share mine.

Angela Hughes Ruiz is the office manager of Fliptastics Gymnastics of Cleveland, Inc. and Cleveland Fitness Studio as well as an administrative assistant for Indian Ministries of North America, Inc. She grew up in Cleveland, TN and is blessed with one awesome 17 year old son. Email her personally at lillyfrog508@gmail.com.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

by Darren Schalk

The Day a Christmas Tree Nearly Ended My Marriage F or the past several years we’ve had a beautiful fake Christmas tree in our home. But last year my wife requested a real one. I tried to coerce her, but she was adamant. So off we went to the nearest tree farm. During this epic journey, I learned much about how to have a very merry Christmas. Hopefully you can glean something from it, as well.

Upon arrival, we pulled into the long driveway that led to the barn. The place was filled with smiling families frolicking through the fields, trying to pick out the perfect family Christmas tree. Joy was plastered across every little face as they hopped and skipped in their winter boots, sagging stocking caps, and oversized gloves. It was a magical place filled with Christmas spirit, joy, laughter, and love.

At least, it was until we arrived.

As soon as I parked the van, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future visited us. And the ghosts prompted Kristi to ask me, “Did you bring the checkbook?”

“No.” “Do you have any cash?”

“Twenty-one dollars—why? I’m sure they’ll take my credit card.”

“Honey, we are on a farm, purchasing a tree, from a barn. There’s no way they will take your card!”

I scoffed at her disbelief. Oh, ye of little faith.

I walked into the barn and up to the checkout area. A sign was posted—well, change that. A note was handwritten and taped to the wooden bench: “CASH OR CHECKS ONLY” Seriously? Why, God, why?

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to me, the wife was getting somewhat upset with me. The evil Christmas tree black magic was working on her psyche.

As we piled back into the van to discuss potential solutions, Kristi mentioned we should go ask someone if there was an ATM nearby. This did not register in my head, though, as her asking me to go do it, and I glanced over it. So we started to leave the Christmas tree farm from hell with disappointment and tensions quickly rising. And as we passed the main barn, I did what was apparently the worst thing possible: I asked her to go in and make sure they didn’t know of a closer ATM. Apparently, that was a mistake on my part.

She grunted, darted out of the still-moving van, and slammed the door behind her with the force of a thousand angry women. I knew at that point the switch had flipped and the demons from this place of Christmas hell had now entered our car.

This would not be a pleasant ride home. And to top it off, there wasn’t an ATM anywhere nearby.

26

December 2014

As we headed home, the heated discussion that had begun between us was only getting hotter by the moment. Kristi and I yelled, we fumed, we argued, we spewed, we pulled out every hurtful memory we’d ever had of one another, and we did it all quietly from the front seat so the kids wouldn’t hear—a feat only seasoned parents can effectively pull off.

After journeying through the depths of Christmas Tree Hades, we finally pulled into our driveway. I threw the doors open and we all walked into the house under a brazen shadow of total silence. The kids had not spoken a word on the ride home. We were fighting incognito, but they had undoubtedly felt the heat from our journey through Christmas Tree Hell. But since it was Christmas, we made up quicker than usual. And after only an hour or so, we decided to get in the car and try again. Am I crazy?

In preparation for our return to the sinister tree farm, I hunted down the checkbook. I found it and held it like my Precious. I carefully opened it to make sure the checks were inside. Then I used both hands to slide it ever-so-gently into my back pocket. Then I took safety pins and pinned my pocket together so it would not fall out. Then I pulled a second pair of pants over my first pair for more anti-loss protection for the checkbook and my marriage. I knew if this trip didn’t work out, this Christmas could be over before it began, so I was extra cautious with the Precious.

The car was silent on our return trip to the tree farm from hell. We pulled back into the farm and once again saw the joy that filled every face. The kids stepped out of the van and their faces lit up again. I cautiously stepped out and started to enjoy the moment as well.

Then our search began. Our children were now the ones frolicking through the Christmas tree fields, searching for the perfect tree as they peeked out from their oversized and sagging stocking caps. And after twenty minutes or so of glee-filled searching, we found the perfect tree . . . we cut the perfect tree . . . we paid for the perfect tree (with a check) . . . and we conquered the perfect tree.

What’s the moral of the story? It’s multiple, really: If you have a fake tree, set it up and be happy with it. Real trees come with great danger.

If against all better judgment you try for a real tree, always have cash on hand.

Don’t ever, by any means, or for any reason, ask your wife to do something that you can do yourself.

If you follow these three simple rules, you can rest assured your Christmas will be very merry.

1.

2.

3.

(Adapted from Darren’s book, Dear God We Need to Talk. Printed with permission from ©Passio.)

Darren Schalk is author of the book Dear God We Need To Talk from Charisma House and serves as curriculum editor for White Wing Publishing. He has appeared on television and radio shows across the nation discussing faith and discipleship. He considers himself a promoter of discipleship, progenitor of humor, preacher of Pentecost, and potential possessor of a platypus. Find out more at www.DarrensChalk.com.

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Our First Christmas As Parents

by Denise and Josh Brown

O

ur long-awaited gift was not wrapped and tucked under the Christmas tree. Micah joined our family through adoption in March of 2011, and by that December, he had embedded himself deep within our hearts.

Like many adoptive parents, we had waited many Christmases to have our beautiful baby boy.

We experienced many heartaches through those years of painful waiting, but we also gained a godly perspective. It is difficult to understand or even accept, but God doesn’t owe us anything. We, like many people, Christian and non-Christian, think we are entitled. We couldn’t understand why God would not give us children. Why did He see fit to give to others and yet we could not have our own child? He spoke to us a hard truth in love. He had given us salvation that was not deserved. Isn’t that the greatest of all gifts? Yes, Lord, it most certainly is and we would not trade it for anything.

A Gift of Contentment 28

December 2014

You see, God gave us a right perspective, and although our hearts still longed to be parents, we were finally content in Him. That was when God began to really move us toward adoption, and our lives changed forever. God had given to us in great measure. We know that we are not deserving of any good thing, but He poured out His blessings on our family. And that year, that first Christmas, was monumental.

We were like overgrown kids, searching for just the right gifts for our little guy who could not walk yet. We were spending an excessive amount of time on line and getting all too familiar with PayPal. It wasn’t that we felt like he really needed all of those things, it was simply the overwhelming joy of knowing we could give gifts to our son. We had this amazing little boy who filled our hearts to overflowing and to be able to say, “Hey, I’m a Mom; hey, I’m a Dad,” was the greatest badge of honor.

It’s the truth. When he was fully awake, diapered, and fed, we all sat down to read the greatest of all Christmas stories and celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Micah got so involved in the celebration that he attempted to eat the nativity scene. When we finally settled down in front of the tree to open gifts, Micah was surrounded by his bounty of presents.

Honestly, he couldn’t have cared less about all the gifts. I think the celebration was more for us. The colorful ribbons and pretty paper were more appealing to him. We simply enjoyed his delight in the little things. The cooing, the laughter, and the drooling smiles are etched in our memory. We will always cherish those first Christmas moments.

A New Family

Our First Celebration

We woke up early Christmas morning and started the coffee. Then we waited and waited for Micah to awake. Okay, maybe it was slightly too early, but as I mentioned before, we were like overgrown kids.

Finally, we went upstairs and helped him get up. For real! This is his first Christmas! It was a big deal to us. Upon waking, he was a bit groggy as most of us are in the wee hours, especially when there are two grinning, overzealous faces scrunched up closely in your personal space. Let’s not mention the morning breath that was most likely present.

Micah is a gift that God has entrusted to us—a gift we are deeply grateful for. We know that there was also sacrifice and pain wrapped in this gift of love. A precious young lady made a decision to give up her child through adoption. Because of her selfless act, we became parents. God tied our hearts to hers and her family’s by opening the door and leading the way for us to have an open adoption. He took a painful situation for them and made beauty from ashes. He joined our families.

We were not only gifted with a beautiful little boy but an entire family that we love dearly. We count our blessings every day! We pray that Christ will always be the center and joy of all of our Christmases together, and that one day Jesus Christ will captivate the heart of our little one.

What a gift . . . that first Christmas!

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29

Gò0dNews for Everyone

by Michael McCant

The God of Restoration

C

hristianity offers a relationship with a God who reaches down to people in order to restore them, while all other religions in the world serve a god they are trying to be good enough to reach. Religion is man’s attempt to reach God; Christianity is God reaching down to us! Our God, the same God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as well as the father of Jesus, is one who restores.

We see evidence of this God of restoration throughout Scripture. He is seen in the stories of the people of Israel as they follow a path known by theologians as the sin cycle.

In short, this was a cycle where the people of Israel would come to God, make a commitment to follow Him, then walk away. God would bring about His judgment (or possibly give warning of pending judgment), people would repent, God would restore them, and then the cycle would start all over.

One definition of restoration is a return of something to a former, original, normal, or unimpaired condition. I like this definition because Scripture is clear that we are new creations when we are found in Christ (see 2 Cor. 5:17), a remaking or restoration of the old. When God created man, He made us perfect in His image. When sin entered the world the need arose for us to be healed, renewed, brought back, or restored. Using the definition stated above, restoration signifies a renewing of something that had become old or rusty and bringing it back to life, rather than creating something new all over again. We are made new in our 30

December 2014

hearts, while God continually restores us to return to how we were originally created.

The Hebrew word Teshuvah is often defined as “repent.” However, it could be more accurately stated as a “turning back to God” (Turning Back to God John Parsons).

We see a great example of this in Psalm 51.

After David was confronted with his sin and was facing judgment, he called out to God for mercy, forgiveness, and restoration.

God restored David and even said of him, “He is a man after my own heart.”

Yet this didn’t fully take away the circumstances of his sin. He was restored to the love and relationship the Father had to offer, but his sin was still sin, and the consequences of his sin had to be worked through, which caused many problems for his future.

Lesa and I have just recently celebrated eighteen years of marriage, and during this time, I have been thinking about the many changes we have gone through over the years.

Knowing what I came from in my understanding of marriage, relationship, love, and commitment, I am grateful for my relationship with a God who takes off the rust of life and gives me a new way of living and thinking as He continues to restore me.

Michael McCant is a husband, ordained pastor, speaker/teacher, missionary, and a human performance and physical fitness instructor trainer. He and Lesa have been married for 18 years and reside in Cleveland with their two black labs, Max and Maggie.

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Gò0dNews for Couples

The Best Christmas Gift

E

by David Gray

very year my wife and I set aside one day to go Christmas shopping. Yes, just one day. We typically wait until just one or two weeks before Christmas. This day has become a tradition for us because it’s our Christmas Date Day. We usually have a nice meal, and sometimes we’ll catch a movie. It is absolutely one of my favorite days of the year.

There are two reasons why this is one of my favorite days. First, is the obvious blessing of spending an entire day with my best friend and my love. But secondly, it’s about what we are doing together—shopping to find gifts for other people.

Normally I hate shopping, but on this day we think about our loved ones, talk about what they would like or not like, and find that special gift we hope will bring a smile to their face.

It truly is more blessed to give than receive, but when my wife and I do this together; when we partner together in giving of ourselves, we are drawn closer together. There’s something special, even intimate, about serving and giving. It connects you, softens you, slows you down, and helps you appreciate all the blessings you have.

Isn’t this the real meaning of Christmas?

Even though we only actually shop for one day, we put a lot of thought in trying to find that one gift that will really be a hit. We’ve spent a lot of time and money purchasing gifts for our kids, but of all the gifts I’ve given my children, there is one that I think is far better than all the rest. John Wooten said,

32

December 2014

“The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”

Of course your kids need and deserve your love, but your partner must come first. Though difficult for some to hear, almost all relationship experts agree on this fact. At times a child’s immediate needs will have to come first, but the marriage bond has to be paramount. When children think they are the center of the universe, they are headed for trouble. Plus, your marriage will suffer when it is put on the backburner or treated as secondary.

Scripture declares, “Husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat her with understanding as you live together. She . . . is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should. . . .” (1 Pet. 3:7 NLT). Kids are sensitive and observant. Putting your marriage first teaches them how to love.

How they interact with others is primarily a result of what children have learned from their parents.

Plus, there are few things that provide more security to children than knowing their parents are united. When things are good with Mom and Dad, kids feel like they can face anything.

Loving your husband or wife first and foremost could be the best Christmas gift you can give your children.

David Gray is the store manager at Habitat Restore on Grove Ave. He and his wife Kendra have four children and two grandchildren.

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Gò0dNews for Seniors

BREAK TRADITION

T

his Christmas, Andrew, our three children, and I have been blessed with an incredible gift—the gift of being in South Africa with my family.

This comes to us once every four years, and although cherished, it comes with sacrifice. Before we leave, Andrew has to make sure all of his grading is complete at the University. I have to plan and organize several Christmas parties with the tremendous team here at Garden Plaza and then begin preparing for my departure. And my children have to take their final examinations early at school.

Christmas comes with stress, and this much-needed family time does add to our stress level as well. As we prepare for this special time, I am reminded of seniors this Christmas who will spend their holidays alone, many with microwave meals in front of the television. I recently heard a 34

December 2014

b y E s merelda Lee

friend explain to me how important it was for her immediate family members to begin their own traditions without their extended family, in-laws, or parents. I am sure this is important for many people.

As a child growing up, Christmas was always about family, and it was more about including all the family rather than tradition. I remember one Christmas spent in a hospital room with my grandmother. We used her walker as our Christmas tree, decorated it with tinsel, sang Christmas carols, and had one of the best Christmases ever.

I have many Christmas memories of growing up, and not one of them had a set tradition.

Christmas is a busy time. It is a time when emotions run high, money is spent, and people deal with loss and grief. Many seniors may not be blessed with many relatives in their area, and some

may face the holiday alone. My advice to everyone is to seek out friends and family as one of the greatest gifts given. Break tradition if necessary and show your children that family includes blood relatives and nonrelatives alike. You will find by doing that your table will be full. Your greatest Christmas memory may be found at the bed of a skilled nursing patient or hospital patient, or perhaps in an apartment or around the fireplace.

Next month, my family will be in the midst of 90-degree weather at an AIDS orphanage in South Africa. And I am reminded that we will not merely be the blessing; in fact, I am sure that we will be the ones who are blessed. This Christmas, make the sacrifice to break tradition.

Esmerelda Lee is campus manager for Garden Plaza of Cleveland, an independent and assisted living facility for seniors. She and her husband Andrew have three children.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Get in the Boat

by Mindy White

O

ver the years we have heard many encouraging words about stepping out of the

boat. These words have been inspiring, and at some point in our lives, we need to step out

of the

peace. Others need to climb back in the boat and

boat and into everything God has planned for us.

find rest like Jesus did in Matthew 8, when He

We need to have faith to step out onto the water,

slept during the storm. Will there be storms in life?

walk with the Master, and do what He has called

You bet. But there can be peace and rest in those

us to do. There are times, though, that we just need

storms if you know the One who holds you, and if

to get in the boat.

you get on board with Him.

Back on Course To keep from drowning, we need to get in the boat. Some of us have let other people tell us to step out of the boat, and all the time, God was telling us to get in the boat. Maybe we stepped out but it wasn’t what God wanted; it was the wrong place or the wrong time. Get back in the boat and get back on course. Some of you may even feel like you have been thrown out of the boat. No more struggling in the water; it’s time to get in the boat!

Mark 6:45 states, “Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd” (NIV).

Before you can ever step out of the boat, you have to first get in. You have to get on board with God, His Word, and the plan He has for your life.

Peace and Rest

Some of us need to be fishing out of the boat.

Follow Jesus and let Him make you fishers of men.

Throw out the nets and get ready for the catch. Get in position to throw out life preservers to others who are drowning. If you are not in the boat, you can’t get to the life preservers. Jesus is that life preserver. He is our hope, our strength, our everything. Drowning people don’t know where to turn in life, and they are waiting for someone to throw out that life preserver.

Most importantly, we need to get in the boat, because in the boat, we can go out to deeper water.

Don’t settle for the shore or even shallow water. Go out into the deep. “They see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep” (Ps. 107:24 NIV). Do you want to see God do wonderful things in your life and in the lives of your family members? If so, get in the boat and go out to the deep.

Many of you need to climb back into the boat and receive His peace. You have stepped out for various reasons, or maybe you were even thrown overboard. Climb back into the boat and find 36

December 2014

Mindy White and her husband Robert have been married for 20 years.

They have 3 kids, Brittain, Noah, and Alaina. She is a member of Cornerstone Church of God where she is the ladies ministry president.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

by Pat Daugherty

THE CHRISTMAS CAKE

It was a very hectic Saturday afternoon in 1970 in the church parsonage in Hazlehurst, Georgia. Normal Saturdays in a pastor’s home is hectic; the Christmas mix makes for chaos! Now that you have the picture, here’s the rest of the story.

The kitchen phone rang. I knew immediately it was an elderly member who called me every day. I decided to make this quick. Using my hurry-up voice, I said, “Sister May, (not her real name) we’re praying for you today!”

“That’s not why I am calling today. I’m sick and I need you to come pray for me!”

“I’ll have Pastor Daugherty come out as soon as he can.”

“I want you to come out (out was in the country)! She gave me directions as best she could.

The games began. With my poor sense of direction, I searched for that county road where I would pass “so and so’s old home place.” (I had no clue whose home place any farmhouse was.)

“Turn by a church sign,” she instructed. Big problem! The sign was hidden in a cornfield.

38

December 2014

Without a GPS or anyone to ask, I finally found it!

She called for me to come on in. We visited. Soon I explained my need to finish up Sunday’s preparations. She sweetly said, “ I know you need to go. I have confidence in your prayers and felt I needed you to come pray for me.” She had already put me in deep conviction over my messy kitchen being my priority!

As I

arose to leave, she said, “Sister Daugherty, there’s a sack on the kitchen table. Would you get it on your way out? ” I picked up the large paper sack on the rough, wooden table. Curiosity was killing me.

In my car I looked inside and saw every bag stamped, USDA! I

recognized them as Food Stamp items—sugar, flour, butter, and milk. My initial impulse was to take it back and tell her I didn’t need this as badly as she did.

The Lord checked my spirit and whispered, “Just go back in and thank her!”

I quickly ran back inside and thanked her.

“I love you and the family,” she said. “I wanted to bake the children a Christmas cake, but you have what you need to bake it for me.”

I promised her I would.

I’ve never been given a gift more costly or dear to me!

That year the Christmas edition of Southern Living magazine featured a coconut cake on the cover.

I baked that cake and told the children the story of love and sharing.

Every year since, during the Christmas Season, I make this coconut cake. I also reflect back on that Saturday long ago when someone said “I love you in a lavish way!”

Christmas is God lavishing His love on us with His best sacrificial gift!

Pat Daugherty was reared in southern Georgia. Her involvement in church ministry began at an early age. Pat is now in her thirteenth year of music at Life Care Center of Cleveland.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Thoughts of a Single Pastor

A

by Samuel Burger

few Sundays ago, I taught on the “Art of Contentment,” using Philippians 4 where Paul reveals the key to fulfillment, which is resting in the contentment only found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

These verses from the Holman Christian Standard Bible have changed my life: “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content— whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship” (Phil. 4:10-14).

My friends, do you know

40

December 2014

why Paul was fulfilled? He did not need the natural things of life to give him a sense of purpose.

I’ve struggled with being discontent many times in my life, especially when it came to relationships. I thought to myself, If she were my girlfriend then that would mean I have finally arrived! I based my whole self-worth and acceptance on another human being. It was a mistake because I was longing for someone or something out of discontentment.

This brings me to a truth: Any decision made outside the contentment of a relationship with Christ will always be short lived.

Whether I’m single or married, I have learned to be content because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! (v.13 NKJV). I pursued a relationship without focusing on my relationship with Christ; therefore, I put the burden of godhood on her. She couldn’t carry that kind of weight, and the relationship crumbled. I was an idolater. In my own life, I learned the consequences of discontentment. The secret is to be content while you are single, and you won’t have a problem being content when you are in a relationship with someone.

Here are the main points I shared with the church: 1. Contentment is a learning process.

2. You will always be discontented if you are trying to change what’s around you instead of what’s in you.

3. You don’t need more; you need Jesus.

4. Your level of commitment is proportionate to the level of your contentment.

5. Discontentment makes permanent decisions based on a temporary circumstance.

6. A contented life allows you to be free from grudges and unforgiveness.

7. When you compare yourself to others, you enlarge the problem of discontentment in your life.

You cannot be happy until you learn to enjoy what you have and not worry over what you do not have.

Samuel Burger loves to teach, write, fish, and watch college football while eating “not-so-hot” wings. He is the pastor of Chestuee Baptist Church where grace is proclaimed radically. Feel free to contact Pastor Samuel at samuelbrgr@yahoo.com.

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

C

hristmas would not be complete without the traditional desserts—coconut cake, pecan pie, and divinity candy. This year treat your family to the following recipe that is a new twist on chocolate chip cookies. It’s easy and you already have all the ingredients in your kitchen. These cookies are so delicious, I challenge you to eat just one!

Yields: 20 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white all-purpose flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 1/4 tsp. salt • 3/4 cup granulated sugar • 1/4 cup vegetable oil • 2 large eggs • 1 tsp. vanilla extract • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling the cookies)

42

December 2014

Directions:

• In medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cocoa, and salt.

• In a separate bowl mix vegetable oil, and granulated sugar. Stir two minutes until mixed well. Add eggs and vanilla; mix thoroughly.

• Combine both bowls, mix until combined.

• Cover mixture with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours.

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. • Place powdered sugar in a small bowl.

• Roll dough into one-inch balls, and roll in the powdered sugar.

• Place on cookie sheet with parchment paper.

• Bake for 10-12 minutes.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

A Glimpse of Heaven to Me Today

by Kelly Skelton Hixson

A

s the evening was com-

Jesus Christ as his Lord and

ing to an end along-

Savior! Little did we know

ily, I want to tell you today

side a hospital bed,

that he would be going home

to never give up praying for

my daughter Gracie, my mom

to meet his Savior the very

your loved ones. God see’s

Lynn, my Aunt Renada, and I

next day.

their struggle. He hears their

held hands with my dad and

After our prayer, we cel-

My dear friends and fam-

heart’s cry, and He knows

made a complete circle around

ebrated in songs, shouts of

their pain. He will save them.

his hospital bed. I was stand-

praise, hugs, tears, smiles and

Our job is just to have faith!

ing before him at the foot of

more smiles! I began telling

his bed looking into his eyes.

every doctor and nurse who

I leave you with a scripture

My Aunt Renada looked at

walked through the door of

of comfort, and my prayer

him and said, “Mike, are you

room 432 that my prayer had

for you today is that you, too,

ready?”

just been answered; my dad

will turn to His Word to find

received Christ tonight.

comfort as well!

With quivering lips and tears running down his

Dad, I will see you soon!

A miracle happened that

cheeks, he shook his head yes,

night. A prayer had been

“He will wipe every tear from

and my aunt said, “Kelly, will

answered, and a celebration

their eyes, and there will be no

you pray?” In that moment I

on earth and in heaven took

more death or sorrow or cry-

had an opportunity of a life-

place. I will never forget the

ing or pain. All these things

time to pray the most beauti-

miracle that took place along-

are forever gone! (see Rev.

ful prayer I ever prayed with

side a hospital bed in room

21:4).

my dad when he excepted

432.

44

December 2014

Kelly Hixson is a teacher at Black Fox Elementary. You can follow her “Glimpses” on Facebook or email her at kellyhixson2@gmail.com

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Two Coins

I

am the lead singer for the Worship Band, C.K.G. We’ve been providing the music for the GoodNews magazine’s family nights around town for the past few months. We were invited to play at the GoodNews magazine Fall Festival at White Wing Bookstore. This was an amazing time of worship!

While tearing down the sound system after the crowd had scattered, some of the band members and I spoke with some gentlemen who were expressing appreciation for us being there. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a young boy, maybe eight or nine years old, hanging around the front of the stage area. I excused myself, approached the young man and said, “Hey, buddy, what’s up?”

His Offering He reached into his pocket, pulled out his hand, and

with an open palm offered me two quarters. “I want to give you this for that awesome Christian Music,” he said.

Before I go on with our interaction, I want to share what took place in my heart as soon as I saw those two coins in his hand. I was immediately reminded of “The Widow’s Mite.” Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people put46

by Cliff Howard

December 2014

ting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums, and a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which made a penny.

Jesus called His disciples to Him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on” (Mark 12:41-44 ESV).

The woman put in two coins. This shook my soul! Jesus then told all of them that this woman had given more than all the others because she had given all she had and all she had to live on. She knew that giving to the Kingdom would benefit her more than the two mites would.

My Response Back to my interaction with this angel in disguise. I told him how thankful I was for his gift and that I didn’t want to take it from him. He insisted that he needed to give it. I’ve been told and know personally that you don’t take away someone’s blessing, so I accepted his 50 cents. Then I asked him if I could give him something, and he accepted. I handed him one of our CDs. He took it, held it in both hands, looked at it and said, “This is awesome! Thank you!” and walked away. I was left standing there looking at the two quarters in absolute awe.

That short, yet extremely humbling interaction gave me the biggest blessing I have received in a very long time. That 50 cents will go so much further than any check I have ever received. That conversation confirmed many things in my life and ministry: Don’t hold back from what God tells you to give! Little is much when God is in it!

Cliff Howard is a husband and father. He has served as a youth and asscociate pastor for the last 13 years. He is a singer, musician, and songwriter.

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Christian Magazine

Mission Statement: We believe when people are equipped, motivated, and passionately engaged in living out their faith in Jesus Christ they 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

Writer Guidelines: Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and professional writers to stay at home moms and dads, business professionals, and others who have a desire to 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 goodnewstn@ 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.

48

December 2014

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

E

Check Out the Training

arlier this year, I stood in the boardroom of a company in Connecticut and spoke with a nice young man in a crisp business suit. He began explaining to me why he was no longer a Christian. He had checked out the Bible, but he no longer believed that it was inspired by God. He reasoned that because men had written the Bible, surely mistakes were made.

He went on talking passionately about the need to avoid all negative people. He was adamant that his spoken words ruled the universe because “the universe gives back.” I am not sure if he was trying to convince me or himself of the truth in his newfound enlightenment that there are many ways to God. This is a contradiction to John 14:6 that says, “No one comes to the Father except through me” (NLT).

I listened and smiled graciously, because I knew this was one of those God-appointments where I would have the opportunity to plant one or two seeds. I prayed silently, God, what am I supposed to say?

The gist of my response was that the principle of sowing and reaping with our words is in the Bible (Pro. 18:21 and Gal. 6:7-9) and that we should be cautious to acknowledge God as the Creator of the universe (Heb. 11:3) who has the power to take and to give back (1 Sam. 2:6-7).

One of our hosts announced that our rides to the airport had arrived, so we exchanged a few quick pleasantries and he thanked me for listening.

All the way to the airport, my heart broke for them— the young man in the business suit and God! Can you image how God must feel when a quasi-Christian believer makes the conscious decision to reject a relationship with his or her Creator in

50

by Teresa Mustar

December 2014

exchange for glorifying the created universe?

Like this young man, many people have discovered that it pays to have a side business in addition to regular employment. Tax advantages and extra income are definitely positives, but what about the negatives of New Age life coaching? I would encourage anyone considering a homebased business to diligently check out the training system.

• Does it encourage speaking only positively because the universe gives back?

• Does the training system advocate avoiding all negative people?

• Is the training based on SELF-improving personal performance, or is it based on a TRINITY-reliant performance improvement system built on a personal relationship with God through the blood of Jesus Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit?

I have come to the conclusion that many wellintentioned people fail at business (and also ministry and relationships) because they are asking God to bless something that is not fully honoring Him. With that in mind, consider praying this prayer: “Father God, if I have ever blamed You for not blessing my ungodly efforts, I am sorry. I repent. Guide me, please. I thank You for creating the universe and everything in it, and I ask for Your help to speak what is pleasing to You and to receive Your blessings.

Help me to help those who are negative because You help me even though I can be negative.

In the name of Christ Jesus of Nazareth, amen.”

Teresa Mustar is the founder of www. personalvictory.org, a web site where Christians can share God’s good news of spiritual, physical, and financial victories with the world. Also, download teachings, videos, and submit prayer requests.

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Gò0dNews from the Outdoors

W

I Want to Learn

hen I was a child, I watched this guy playing basketball at our neighborhood Recreation Center. This guy was good.

He had moves that were incredible and could jump what seemed to me a mile high. His reach was long and his passing skills were on target. I remember thinking, If I could just learn one thing from him, I would be a better basketball player.

So one day as he took a break between games, I mustered up the courage to ask him to teach me one thing about the game. I remember he turned to me and said, “Get away from me, kid. I don’t have the time.” So I walked away and left him alone.

Have you ever really wanted to learn something—to learn something so you could be good and productive at it? Have you seen people that you think are really good at what they are doing and you would like to learn from them? Or, do you have a great skill that you want to give away (to train), so others may know how to do it?

I see things everyday that I would like to learn.

Here are a few of those things—some big and others small: • I would like to learn how to reload rifle cartridges.

• I would like to learn how to start a business.

• I would like to learn how to make better financial investments.

52

by Rusty Asble

December 2014

• I would like to know how to video my outdoor experiences with people and use that avenue so they can share Christ with others.

• I want to learn Adobe Publishing Programs.

• I would like to learn how to own apartments and rent them for income.

• I would like to learn how to own a farm and make it financially productive.

• I would like to learn how to work with people better in order to minister better.

• I would like to know how to study and preach/speak more effectively.

I also know I have a lot to give away. Although I discredit myself many times in not being worthy, I know Christ has given me special gifts that I need to offer to others. I just have to take the time to share them.

In remembering, I know I don’t want to be that basketball player I spoke of. I think of him often and wonder if he ever shared his ability with someone, or did it just die with him?

So what about you? What do you have to learn? What do you have to share? How can Christ use you? Are you willing?

“Take the teachings that you heard me proclaim in the presence of many witnesses, and entrust them to reliable people, who will be able to teach others also.”

2 Timothy 2:2 (GNT)

Reverend Rusty Asble is the associate pastor of Recreation Administration at First Baptist Church Cleveland, TN. He and his wife Stacy have three children: Ridge, Garrett, and Susie. They reside in Cleveland.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

by Rob England

The First Christmas Eve

e don’t know the exact day of the year that a young Mary spent a long night, needy and pregnant, with no one but Joseph to help her with the birth of her child, but we celebrate that event on December 24. Mary, Joseph, and the soonto-be-born baby Jesus took refuge alone, Mary began labor. Sometime Christmas Day, possibly in the wee hours of the morning, the first sound of God in human form was heard.

Who joined Mary and Joseph for the entrance of the King into our world? Government officials?

Royalty? Crowds of religious leaders? Crowds of . . . anyone? No, they were alone. Later they were joined by a few lowly, yet obedient, shepherds (see Luke 2). There was no great welcoming party, and no room made for His birth at the local inn.

That night is now celebrated every year by a large part of the world each Christmas Eve. The first Christmas Eve, however, was a much smaller celebration. The government, led

by King Herod, knew of Jesus’ birth but he did not celebrate it. Instead, Herod and the rest of Jerusalem were actually troubled by His upcoming birth (see Matt. 2). Both now and later, Jerusalem proved that they wanted a king, but not the King they were given— Jesus.

Though

W

54

December 2014

His earthly mother and father, as well as His heavenly Father wanted Him very much, Jesus was not wanted by most, even as a baby. Worse, much worse, was the fact that the royalty in that part of the world actually wanted baby Jesus killed because this child would be inconvenient to Herod’s ambitions. To accomplish this, the king had all the male babies in the region killed. Young lives were terminated because they were not convenient.

Sadly, our laws today act accordingly. Each Christmas, how many celebrate the birth of Jesus, while choosing not to allow the birth of their child. The unborn are children, known and loved by God. The Book of Jeremiah shows that God knew us intimately even before we were born. God told Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you: Before you were born I sanctified you. . . .”

(1:5 NKJV). God refers to Jeremiah as an actual person and chose to sanctify him before he was born.

Unborn children are important to God. They need to be important to us as well. Jesus reminded us of the value of children when He told His disciples, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Mat. 19:14 NKJV).

Is there someone you know this Christmas who is scared and maybe alone and dealing with an unplanned pregnancy? Be God’s hands and feet and show that mother how much God loves her and how much He loves her unborn child. Partner with her in a tangible way to show that she and her baby are both wanted; partner with your church or a Christian pregnancy crisis center. This Christmas let’s make a difference in the life of a mother and help preserve the life of a child. Help that child to be able to celebrate his or her birthday, and, more importantly, to be able to celebrate the birthday of Jesus.

God Bless and Merry Christmas!

Rob England is a resident of Cleveland and works as a senior technical support rep at Thomson Reuters.

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