January 2015

Gò0 ò0dNews dNews January 2015

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Christian Magazine

• So You Want to Have a Happy New Year p. 6 • Metabolism...

Speed It Up p. 24 • Something Always Worth Listening to p. 50

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God Bless You and Thank You! Writers Pastor Frank Evans Pastor Mike Shreve Alicia Klepper Andrew Lee Angela Hughes Ruiz Beth Henderson Craig Thomspon Esmerelda Lee Fernando Alejandro James Marcum M.D. John Garrod Kelly Hixson Kelly McDonald Mark Wells Michael McCan Rick Mitchell Terrie Rufft Wanda Griffith Wendi Tourigny

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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

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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 6

28

50

So You Want to Have a Happy New Year Abundant Living Organic Foods GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk GoodNews for Health & Fitness

6

So You Want to Have a Happy New Year

GoodNews for Everyone

24 Metabolism... Speed It Up 40 The Shadow of the Almighty

by Michael McCant

by Angela Ruiz

by Pastor Frank Evans GoodNews for Everyone GoodNews for Kids

8

It’s No Big Deal to Lose

GoodNews on Money Matters

10 Another Year Older...

Any Wiser?

by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Him

12 Men of Integrity

by John Garrod GoodNews for Her

14 Women in Business

by Wendi Tourigny

by Fernando Alejandro GoodNews Cover Story 28 Abundant Living

by Wanda Griffith GoodNews for Everyone

30 A New Thing

by Terrie Ruff

20 Hang Tough

by Craig Thompson GoodNews for Life

32 Dating Your Spouse

by Melinda Nicodemus GoodNews for Seniors

34 A Neighborhood

by Esmerelda Lee GoodNews for Everyone

36 New Steps for a New Year

by Mark Wells

22 Sanctity of Human Life Observance

by Beth Henderson

GoodNews for Everyone

44 Sanctify

by Alicia Klepper GoodNews for 2015

46 Prayers Under My Pillow

by Kelly Hixson

GoodNews for Couples

Exchange GoodNews for Parents

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

26 Renew Me This New Year 42Potato Soup

GoodNews for Everyone

50 Something Always Worth Listening to

by James Marcum M.D. GoodNews for Missions

52 Mission to India

by Rick Mitchell

GoodNews for Everyone

54 The Power of Brokenness

by Kelly McDonald

GoodNews for Everyone

38 Vision: The key to the Future

by Pastor Mike Shreve

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

So You Want to Have a Happy New Year

P Believe Behave

by Pastor Frank Evans

eople across the ages have tried numerous methods and rituals to try and have a better new year than the last year, only to come up disappointed in their efforts. I believe that it’s simpler than we could have imagined. Let me explain a few steps in what the Scripture says and it will make all the difference in the world.

First of all we need to believe. We must put our belief (faith) in the Lord Jesus Christ. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19 NKJV). By so doing, we will please the Lord. Hebrews 11:6 says, “ But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (NKJV). A rewarder? When we place our faith in Him, it releases the Lord to provide for us!

The second thing is to behave. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage”(Gal. 5:1 NKJV). We need to behave and live our lives for the Lord according to Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (NKJV).

Thirdly, we need to beware of the devil. The old devil will be coming after you! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8 NKJV). Then, we need to beware of man. “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Col. 2:8 NKJV). Also, we have to beware of ourselves. “And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15 NKJV).

Finally, we need to belong. Everyone has a need to belong.

We need to make sure that we belong to Christ. “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12 NIV). We also need to belong to His church. Hebrews 10:25 instructs us: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (NIV).

Try God’s principles and I am sure that His promises will never fail. “I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered” (Ps. 89:34 NIV).

May you have a Happy New Year and remain blessed in Jesus Name.

Beware

Belong

Pastor Frank Evans is the pastor of Freedom Fellowship Church.

6 // January 2015

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Gò0dNews for Kids

Romans 5:3-5

It’s No Big Deal to Lose

C

ome on, Jimmy!" yelled Brad as he picked up his ball and glove. "It's time to go."

"I don't want to go," replied Jimmy.

"What do you mean, you don't want to go? You've got to go because I'm taking care of you and I'm playing ball."

"I don't like to play ball," said Jimmy.

"What's the matter with you?" his older brother said.

"Last week you pestered and pestered me because you wanted to play ball with me and my friends. Now I ask you to play, and you don't want to."

"I just don't want to," answered Jimmy. "If you don't play, I don't get to play," said Brad. "Mom said I had to take care of you today. Come on, let's go!"

Jimmy was quiet for a while. Then a tear rolled down his cheek.

"Hey, what's wrong?" asked his big brother.

"I'm no good. I can't play ball," said Jimmy.

"Last week you told me you were going to play for the Giants when you grew up," said Brad.

"But I struck out twice," said Jimmy. "And I dropped the only catch that came to left field."

"Is that so bad?" asked Brad.

"Your friends laughed at me. They called me a klutz."

"So what?" said Brad. "They're all four years older than you are. Do you think they'd look so good if they played on a high school team?"

"I guess not," said his little brother.

"You'd be the best player on the team if you played with the little kids in daycare," said Brad.

"Maybe I should play with them," said Jimmy. "Then I could win all the time."

"Sure, you might win," said Brad, "but you wouldn't learn to play ball any better. It's no big deal to lose if you play against a better team. That's how you get better at

8 // January 2015

playing ball."

Jimmy went along to play ball with Brad and his friends. He still made some outs, but once in a while he hit the ball. He still dropped the ball sometimes, but he also caught it once in a while.

Jimmy learned how to play ball-and he also learned something else. He learned that he didn't have to be the best at everything. God had given him the ability to do some things. But God also gave other people the ability to do other things. Jimmy learned to do what he couldwhen he could. When he couldn't do something, he learned to depend on someone else.

Some Questions

• Can you learn something when you make a mistake?

• Do you think you should be able to do everything right?

• How can you help someone who makes a mistake?

A Prayer

Jesus, help me know what I can do, and help me learn to do those things better. Help me know what I cannot do.

Amen.

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Gò0dNews on Money Matters

Another Year Older . . .

Any Wiser?

by Andrew Lee

W

ith the turn of another new year, we reflect on the past year and remember our regrets of where we fell short on last year’s New Year’s resolutions. This is a sobering exercise, typically ending in the self-assessment, “What happened?” After all, we were committed to those goals (sort of, for a while anyway), but there were some resolutions that we never achieved. So we are reminded of that maxim which says jeeringly, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

Since one of the top New Year’s resolutions is to save more money and get out of debt, one might do well to remember another famous maxim: “The definition of insanity is to keep doing the same things you’ve done in the past and expect to get a different result.” If you were one of the millions of Americans whose goal was to make better financial decisions, how did that work out for you? An honest and candid self-assessment may be in order at this point.

• Did you really save more money last year? If so, how? Couponing? Putting money into a savings account or toward your retirement savings or kids’ college funds?

• Did you make substantial and deliberate progress toward paying off

10 // January 2015

debt? Did you really pay down the principal balances of loans, or did you merely make the regular monthly interest payments?

• Did your income increase at all last year? If not, why not? Might you earn more income by temporarily taking a second job or by selling items in a yard sale or online?

• Have you gotten on a written budget yet, and are you really trying to make financial decisions about purchases based on this written monthly budget (or did this goal get listed again for your 2015 resolutions)?

• Were you able to give charitably to all the worthy causes you wanted? If not, why not?

Even if we did set and meet some of our New Year’s resolutions, it’s natural for us to feel discouraged about where we fell short or missed the desired goal. But if we can learn from our past mistakes and correct them, we have hope for a better future.

Here is an example of a financial mistake I made when I was a young bachelor. After signing a three-year lease on a flashy sports car, I entered the third year of the lease and realized that I would certainly exceed the allowable mileage on the car, which meant I would have to pay thousands of dollars in extra fees. During this time, courtship was quite a challenge considering I had to park my flashy sports car most of the time and ask Esmerelda, “Can you pick me up so I can take you on a date?” Lucky for me, she was a good sport, but it was definitely a teachable moment for both of us, and we’ve never leased a car since.

Learning from our mistakes is one of the great gifts with which God has blessed us.

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

Men of Integrity

“I

by John Garrod

will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved.”

“ . . . to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.”

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President. . . .”

In the course of a man’s life, he will be expected to make commitments. It might be to his country; the first caption above is from a soldier’s General Orders. We stand as a free country because of those men and women who have stood by a commitment to their country, even though it cost them their lives.

If a man is blessed, he’ll get an opportunity to make that second commitment to the woman God appoints for him as a wife. And while it has been tarnished by too many self-serving politicians, that third oath was written into the Constitution as a means of establishing and requiring a willingness and determination to perform duties in accordance with the supreme law of the land.

But words are just words if they are not backed by a

12 // January 2015

commitment to see them through in spite of obstacles, conflicts, and even self-preservation. If that commitment is not fixed in a man’s heart, he will reason and rationalize away the duties that come with that commitment, until the commitment is more a “well, if it’s convenient” rather than a fixed determination. Certainly, he will find allies in society’s slippery slide where divorce is rampant, and single-parent households are on the rise. Regardless of how easy we’ve made it for a man to slide on his integrity, the toll is staggering. Just research the statistics on children in father-absent homes.

We’re quick to wag fingers at politicians who spend our tax money irresponsibly, but every year over a million non-business bankruptcies are filed. We may try to run, we may try to hide, but our failure to fulfill our commitments will manifest itself, normally to the detriment of those closest to us.

In contrast, Scripture is clear about the importance of integrity. Proverbs 10:9 says, “The man of integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out” (NIV). A man of steadfast integrity will never have to apologize or make excuses. At the age of eighty-five, Caleb’s resolve to follow through and see God’s promises to fruition showed no sign of the feebleness of his colleagues four decades earlier.

In the wilderness, Christ modeled integrity when He was tempted, but He did not sin. David’s dedication to God marked him as a man after God’s own heart. If men of today want to have a legacy of character and integrity, they must be willing to let their yeas be yeas and their nays be nays.

John Garrod is a father of 6, husband of 1, Army veteran, and a resident of Tennessee for the past 4 years. He is a member at South Cleveland Church of God.

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Gò0dNews for Women

Women in Business

W

omen are supposed to work at home and take care of her husband and kids. Now that I have your attention, this is the misconception that many receive from the Bible. Have you ever questioned what your purpose, direction, or value of life is as a woman?

God has a purpose and a calling for each of us, and He is just waiting on us to let Him show us what that is. For some, that is to be the “at-home Mom” who takes care of her family day in and day out. That is a huge job in itself. Some women have to work outside of the home. Then there are those who are driven in a different direction and choose to own a business. Whichever category you fit into, your role as a woman is extremely important.

There is still the question of how to balance your time between family, work, and your own personal space?

A Biblical Example One of my favorite women in the Bible is Deborah who wore many hats as a woman but maintained balance and integrity. As a wife, mother, counselor, judge, mentor, political leader, she was strong, trusted,

14 // January 2015

by Wendi Tourigny

responsible—yet humble and grateful. She was able to find balance because she learned to delegate. She did not get to this place over night. She had to go through a process of proving her faithfulness in the small things.

We don’t achieve our destinies overnight either. It takes process and preparation. As a counselor, Deborah didn’t start in an elegant office, but God positioned her and strategically placed her on the path that would lead her to the ultimate destiny for her life.

How to Juggle Life

I grew up with a mother who was always working in management, running a business as a second job as a wife and a mother with three kids.

I was amazed at

how she could juggle each of our schedules, work both jobs, spend quality time with us, stay involved at church, and not lose her mind. She knew how to delegate. She taught us how to manage life by putting us to work, which helped take a load off of her. In addition to structure and discipline, she taught us how to love in a big way. She didn’t get there overnight either; she also grew up with a mother who had little education. Her mother, a powerful and successful businesswoman herself, passed it down to my generation.

I am a single mom and owner of three businesses. Through training, process, and God’s grace, I have learned to balance life and be the mother God has made me to be and still manage the businesses. How do I do this?

I allow God to be first in everything that I do. He gets the first part of my day before my children, my business, Facebook, or anything else.

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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

January 2015

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 Pastor Chris Moody 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6382 or southcleveland.org Westmore COG Pastor Kelvin Page 2412 Wolfe Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 559-9646 or www.westmorecog.org Zion Assembly COG Pastor Todd Mcdonald 5512 Waterlevel Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-3337 or zionassemblychurchofgod.com/

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

January 2015

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

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Gò0dNews for Parents

I

Hang Tough

t was embarrassing. I remember it clearly. Growing up, my family used to sing in church, and sometimes I was too scared to join them.

One particular church night, I was listening to the choir singing and suddenly realized that I was about one verse and chorus away from having to go up on stage. So I bailed. In my cleverness, I lay down on the church pew and feigned a deep slumber.

When the choir singing ended and my family was called up to sing, I continued lying there. My dad may have even shaken my shoulder. I didn’t move.

I could hear my family members making their way to stand around the piano, but my mom didn’t strike the usual chords to introduce the song. There was a pause that would have sent many worship leaders into panic mode. Then

20 // January 2015

by Craig Thompson

my mom spoke over her microphone and said—in front of the whole church—“We’re just waiting for Craig to join us.”

Busted and red-faced, I slowly got up from my “deep sleep” and made my way to the front of the church with what seemed like a thousand eyes upon me.

I took my place with the rest of the family. Mom started playing the piano and we sang a song together.

And I learned a hard lesson.

My parents could be tough to deal with. They weren’t afraid to call me out—in public, if necessary—to make sure I did the right thing.

That wasn’t the last time I encountered the stern resistance of a parent. I found out many times that my so-called irresistible force wasn’t going to budge the immoveable object of my parents’ will. I spent periods of time in

my childhood being angry, frustrated, and irritated with my parents. I also didn’t spend my childhood doing a bunch of the stupid things that my peers were doing. I didn’t appreciate the pain that it cost my parents to have to be stubborn in their child-rearing ways. Now I do.

Years ago a good friend told me, “When you’re raising children, try to say yes as much as possible.” There’s wisdom in that, but I’ve learned that when I do say no, it has to stick. My God-given job is not to be my child’s best friend. My job is to be the parent. Being a godly parent means being tough as nails at times to help save a child’s soul from hell and prevent him or her from living in misery and sharing it with everyone else.

At times I’ve also watched my siblings who are single parents do the same, so I know it doesn’t require two parents.

There is an alternate way, an easier way. Proverbs 29:15 describes it: “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (KJV). What kind of child are you raising?

Do the right thing. Hang tough!

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

Candies Creek Academy

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Restaurant Las Margaritas Ocee Enrolling K4-12th File Name 2014-2015 Created By CP On 08-19-14

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With purchase of $20 or more!

Dine In Only Not validOf with any other coupons or offers, Advertiser Helping Hands Cleveland does not include tax or alcohol. Expires: 02/01/15 Size 6x3 Cleveland Ad Number 8

By: d proof must be returned within five days of receiving it Changes 2507 N. Ocoee Street - Suite 6 294 Old Eureka Rd., Charleston, TN 37310 it will be considered approved by purchaser.

1 CP Cleveland, Tn 37312 (423) 479-3731 To Be Completed

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w/changes 3 CP

423-614-5333 Fax 614-5774

Locations!

Changed:

1647 25th Street, NW (Located behind Hardee’s) Cleveland, Tn 37312 423-614-8855 Fax 614-8866

Fixed:

08-27-14

08-29-14

09-03-14

Gò0dNews for Life

Sanctity of Human Life Observance

by Beth Henderson

J

anuary is a month of new beginnings. It is also the month when we celebrate the sanctity of human life in this country. This year, Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is January 18, a day that will be recognized in churches across our country. This will be the thirty-first anniversary of such celebrations that began with a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. And while the Pro-life Movement whole-heartedly supports this recognition of life, especially as it pertains to the rights of the unborn, there are many, including our current president, who do not.

We know, however, that the mere words and whims of man will never stand against the edicts of Almighty God. And let’s face it, God is pro-life.

God is so pro-life that He not only created mankind, He created mankind “in His own image,” (Gen. 1:27 NKJV). Then, He told those first, Godbreathed-into-beings to “be fruitful and increase in number” (Gen. 1:28 NIV).

God didn’t stop there! He provided lush surroundings, food, water, and all the things needed to sustain life. He clothed them and came to them in His own sorrow to begin a work of reconciliation. He spoke to them, as He speaks to us, through His Word, through His miracles, through His creation. He sent prophets and preachers to tell of His love for the world. He sent His own son so that we “might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 KJV). He sent His Spirit to guide us, comfort us, heal us, and give us hope.

I’m glad that we have the freedom in this country to set aside days to talk about what’s right and wrong when it comes to abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, and suicide. But I am overjoyed to know that my God has been talking about those issues from the beginning of time. His plan is for us

22 // January 2015

to glorify Him and respect each other. Can the commands of Scripture to love one another, to bear each other’s burdens, and to forgive others be overlooked? In Exodus, the Ten Commandments state that we should not kill, commit adultery, lie, steal, and so on—all indicators that humans are worth treating well.

Can anyone doubt God’s stance on life? He valued us enough to take on lowly flesh and live among us. He preached the news of salvation, and in the midst of all the sin and sorrow we had made for ourselves, He still called us His friend, brother, child. He called us to value others above ourselves, and He modeled that for us.

This January, search your heart. It’s time for new beginnings. Begin today to act in ways that demonstrate to a lost world that even if the president doesn’t value life, you do—and so does God. One way to begin that process is to join New Hope Pregnancy Care Center Tuesday, January 20, at Waterville Baptist Church (4555 Dalton Pike SE) at 7 p.m. for a Sanctity of Human Life Observance service. This is a free community awareness event.

Please come.

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

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Spots Available For Afterin School 2:30-5:30 M-F Beginning August Also Available For Teacher Inservice Days Michelle Biller, Director Contact Time & Full Time Spots Available atPart 423-476-0263 for more info.

Check out our Facebook Page or Contact April Swilling at 423-476-0263 to register Online at or april@watervillebaptistchurch.org Watervillebaptistchurch.org

Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness

“B

by Michael McCant

Metabolism . . . Speed It Up!

y skipping meals, you slow down your me- body weight in ounces), the brain can send the tabolism and prime your body to store fat,” signal that it is in a drought. This will cause your says Margaret McNurlan Ph.D. professor body to start storing the water it has in order to of nutrition and medicine at the State University of keep you hydrated; however, when this happens, New York at Stony Brook. all your vital organs do not receive the proper For us to maintain health, as well as a healthy nutrients, enzymes, minerals, which depend on body weight, we should always have breakfast. water to circulate them. As a result, you will start Harvard research studies found that men who ate to feel blotted and tired until you get enough water breakfast everyday were 44 percent less likely to be in your system. Once you are hydrated, the toxins overweight and 41 percent less likely to develop in- and food that make you feel bloated, will be prosulin resistance—both risk factors for heart disease cessed more thoroughly. and still the number one leading cause of death in Thermogenesis creates heat and energy in the Western society. Besides helping to keep insulin body. If you rank your meals by order of imporproduction regulated, breakfast can also help stoke tance, breakfast is the most important. Eating your daily breakfast wakes Habit Decrease/+ Increase Risk of Obesity calorie burn. up your metabo• At least one midday snack

-39% When the lism and commu• Dinner as your largest meal +6% U.S. Navy nicates that it’s +43% studied the • Waiting more than 3 hrs after waking to eat time to burn fat, metabolism • More than 1/3 of meals out decreasing your +69% and eating risk of obesity. It • Going to bed hungry (3+ hours after last meal or snack) +101% habits of a helps kick-start • Eating breakfast away from home +137% group of its your metabolism • Not eating breakfast +450% personnel, it with meal and found that exercise (moveeating breakfast helped raise the men’s metabolism ment) throughout the day. It’s OK if you can’t by as much as 10 percent. Metabolism is the rate at make it to the gym. Try some calisthenics movewhich energy burns! ments by going to the web site of my friend and Chrono-nutrition means timed nutrition: when former colleague, Tim “Coach” Powers. Click on we eat, what we eat! Researchers at the University the booklet at the bottom left corner and follow. of Massachusetts studied 500 men and women and www.coachpowers.com. We have trained athcame to the following findings concerning how and letes and non-athletes worldwide with sports and when a person eats. fitness-related programs. Though some may be too Though not the primary reason for drinking water; difficult; complete what you can and enjoy. water can play a significant role in weight loss by Michael McCant is a husband, ordained speeding up metabolism and hydrating cells so pastor, speaker/teacher, missionary, and a they can process carbohydrates and fat more efhuman performance and physical fitness ficiently. instructor trainer. He and Lesa have When not hydrating the body properly (1/2

24 // January 2015

been married for 18 years and reside in Cleveland with their two black labs, Max and Maggie.

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You may see the Y, as kids playing in a pool. We see kids gaining self-confidence and learning long-term life skills.

It’s not about the gym or equipment, it’s about the commitment, the confidence, the camaraderie and the accomplishments of our members and staff.

Smoothie King 2520 Keith Street Cleveland, TN 37311

Good only at participating locations. Not good with any other offer.

Limited one per person per visit. Some restrictions may apply. Excludes Malts, Power Meals, Shakes and Kid’s Kup.

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Gò0dNews for Teens

This New Year

I

t’s that time of year again to make New Year’s resolutions. Most of us will make a goal weight to reach, a desire to be a friendlier person, or a plan to finish reading the Bible within the year. But have you ever given it a thought that in order to reach your goals, you have to have an entire shift in your walk with Christ. Last year I didn’t set any resolutions, but I asked God to restore me to where I was before and to further our relationship. I prayed Psalms 139:23-24, asking God to search my heart, to surface any wickedness, and lead me in the way everlasting. I didn’t ask Him to restore one specific area of my life because I wanted God to restore the areas that He knew needed to be restored. I solely relied on Him to renew me.

Having God renew you isn’t going to be the most pleasant thing you’ll go through. You enjoy being yourself around your friends, not worrying about what people think of you when they ask you about your thoughts on religion or going against the rules that your parents or the Bible have placed over you. The thrill of being dependent on yourself is stripped away when you allow God to renew you. However distasteful it may sound, a restoration by God can and will lead into a supernatural growth that you have never imagined.

One thing that has developed over this year

26 // January 2015

has been my faith. I am the first to worry about anything and everything. Since I’m a college student and my mother is a single parent, the biggest thing I worry about is my finances. I went on my first mission trip this year, and I had one month to come up with $700. I know that may not seem much, but I had no money to pay for it. Within a two-week period, I received over $900, which enabled me to help others that hadn’t paid in full.

A renewal of faith occurred in the moment I knew I could not live a life of worry or doubt.

Renewing yourself will allow you to become dependent on God more than on yourself. You have given everything, but the end result is not what you hoped for. I encourage you to take on this journey of renewal this year. The person you will become will reveal to you that you’ll no longer be self-sufficient, but you will know the new person God has brought back to life is capable of enduring the tasks you or God will place in front of you. Ask yourself this before making a New Year’s Resolution: Have you fulfilled this year’s resolution? If not, pursue this journey before taking on a resolution that isn’t going to be completed.

Fernando Alejandro is a senior Youth Ministry Major studying at Lee University in Cleveland, TN. He is originally from Florida and was called into youth ministry at age 15 during a youth camp in 2008. He currently serves as an intern at The Element Student Ministry of Westmore Church of God.

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FEATURED COVER STORY

Abundant Living Organic Foods

T

he following interview with Dave Carringer, owner of Abundant Living Organic Foods at 855 Keith Street, Cleveland, Tennessee, was conducted by Wanda Griffith for Good New Magazine. At Abundant Living, you’ll find the latest and most reliable health and wellness information available, as well as the highest quality cutting-edge products on the market. Each month they have a drawing for an in-store giveaway. You may also check them out on Facebook or visit their web site at: abundantlivingorganic.com, where you will find a “Health Tip of the Day.” Abundant Living is here for you to enjoy a healthy and prosperous lifestyle just the way God planned it—spirit, soul, and body!

Located at 855 Keith Street, NW, their office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday.

GNM: Your family background?

DC: My mother (Frances) tells the story of wanting a son and doctors telling her for years she was unable to conceive. Like Hannah in the Bible, she

28 // January 2015

by Wanda Griffith

passionately cried out to the Lord and asked Him to give her a son. She made a promise to God she would give that son right back to Him. Just a short time later, she found out she was pregnant.

GNM: Your salvation experience?

DC: I was exposed to much darkness in my early years. My father was a bootlegger who chose a life of drug addictions, gambling, and all the violence and evil it brings. That life seemed very exciting for a young boy, and by the time I was in the sixth grade, I was stealing drugs and booze from him for my own use. When I was 15, he shot me with a .38 pistol as we fought over drugs. I chose this same destructive path, but I became harder and more evil than my dad ever was. After many years of my own addictions and darkness, I was desperately tired of being empty. My mother never let me forget Who I belonged to and why I was born. I felt God’s love so many times but always ran away.

But He was relentless. On November 17, 1996, I pulled over on a little gravel road and surrendered all my darkness to Jesus. He revealed Himself to

me that day, and that little Gravel Road Experience with Jesus changed my life forever. He pulled the dead man out of me, and gave me His own life— real life!

GNM: How did Abundant Living start?

DC: In 2004, Abundant Living was just a dream—a dream to help people enjoy the fullness of life God intends for us: spirit, soul, and body. I had spoken briefly of this dream to special friends, David and Jan Darden, while doing a construction project at their home. Soon after, they called me and told me they believed God wanted them to partner with me in seeing this dream come to life. After much planning and construction, we opened the doors of Abundant Living in early 2005. For ten years now, we have been honored to serve people who seek a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle through organic food and the highest quality supplements, vitamins, and herbs. We’ve made many friends for life as we came alongside them with good information, quality products, and the heartfelt help and encouragement they need to transform their lives.

God doesn’t just want us to go to heaven, He wants us strong, healthy, and happy as we fulfill all our kingdom assignments upon this earth.

GNM: How has God opened doors for you to minister?

DC: In 1997 I was asked to go to McMinn county jail and share my testimony with the inmates. God used the ministry coordinator at that time, Robin Nation, founder of Women at the Well Ministries, to encourage me to come back regularly. I was on fire for God, and one thing I’ve never been bashful about is talking about Him and this amazing life He has given me in Christ. For years I went into local jails to share God’s love. In 2002, God opened the door for me to minister in state prisons. My wife Kay and I travel monthly to different state facilities in Tennessee, where we teach God’s Word, pray with inmates and staff members, and watch God bring His light and life into lives that are filled with all kinds of darkness and death.

GNM: Specific miracles you’ve seen?

DC: The Spirit of God taking up residence in man is the greatest miracle of all. I’ve witnessed that miracle thousands of times in the past eighteen years, and it will always be our favorite. Kay and I don’t just hope for miracle manifestations; we expect them. We’ve seen more miracles than you could list in one article. God’s Word promises that miracles will follow those who teach His truth. We see miracles regularly as we minister, and the staff members of Abundant Living are encouraged to pray openly for anyone who will receive it. We’ve prayed with couples that couldn’t conceive, who now have not just one child, but several. We’ve watched peoples’ countenances change as depression yields to the name of Jesus and has to flee.

We’ve seen people delivered from addictions.

We’ve seen cancer healed. Just recently we prayed for a lady in the store who was about to have a cancerous tumor removed inside her body. She came back and told us that when the doctor operated, there was no tumor there and her body was cancer free. That’s the God we know.

GNM: What does the future hold for you?

DC: Kay and I are more alive with the expectation of God and more excited about life than we have ever been. The future for the body of Christ holds within it the most amazing days the world has ever seen. Ministry opportunities of all kinds are literally exploding into our path. I am currently writing a book God has given me that I believe will change the vision of countless people toward His love and His will for mankind. We, along with our natural children and our many spiritual sons and daughters, believe God’s light and love are about to erupt with a volcanic force where hurting and hungry people can see His love from afar and run to Him. His light will shine in a world of darkness where everything not on the rock of Christ is being shaken. As long as God wants the doors of Abundant Living open, we will be sharing good nutrition, the best health products available, and God’s love and miraculous power with everyone who will receive it.

Wanda is a writer, editor, and conference speaker who works from home.

She posts devotions on her Web site: www.wandagriffith.com.

issuu.com/goodnewscm // 29

Gò0dNews for Everyone

A New Thing

by Terrie Ruff

W

Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old.

Behold, I will do a new thing (Isa. 43: 18-19 NKJV). ith the entrance of a new year, I was prompted

to review the recent events of my life. There were losses and successes, laughter and tears, betrayal and loyalties not broken, rejection and ultimate acceptance, peace through pain, strength that was often questioned, victories won, faith renewed, joy beyond human understanding, hope that sparked energy and renewal within my soul. The memory of last year brought God’s healing that set me free to soar into His purpose for my life in spite of, and as a result of, every experience—good or bad.

As I sigh with reflective emotion, I heard God gently and lovingly whisper to me, “a new thing.” Throughout the day and into the week, I continued to

30 // January 2015

hear Him serenade me with His

audience and said: “God will do

words of promise: “a new thing.”

a new thing” (see Isa. 43:18-19).

This gave me a deep sense of

I almost fell out of my seat! I felt

knowing that what lies ahead

God’s presence all around me

will be worth going through

and my eyes began to fill with

what is behind me. I could feel

tears of love for my God and

an excited expectation that was

His promise to me. Everyday

indescribable, and I continued to

He continues to whisper to me

hear Him cradle me gently with

above the noise of doubt, disap-

His love letter, “a new thing, Ter-

pointment, discouragement, and

rie.” As I laughed, cried, shouted,

despair, “Don’t remember what

prayed, and thanked Him in ad-

is behind you, Terrie. Don’t even

vance for the gift of a new thing,

consider what is old, ‘I will do a

I tucked this promise safely in

new thing.’”

my heart, not sure when it would be fully revealed to me.

During the coming week, I thought of that moment with

What is the new thing you need God to do in your life?

Claim the promise that He will do it for you!

God and simply smiled, wondering what He was up to! I drove to church and walked inside, waiting for the arrival of something awesome. As Pastor Ruff began speaking, he looked at the

Terrie Ruff is originally from South Carolina, but has been in Tennessee for approximately 23 years. She is a Licensed Master Level Social Worker (LMSW).

You can email her at Terrieruff@yahoo.com.

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Gò0dNews for Couples

A

Dating Your Spouse

by Melinda Nicodemus

sk any professional athlete and he or she will tell you that in order to become the best in the field, you have to put in years of hard work. That old saying of “practice makes perfect” is true. Why is it then that when it comes to our marriages, we have the tendency to do a mediocre job?

While dating, ww dress up, put our best foot forward, and we are always on our best behavior. The words we say to each other are thought-out, and we forgive easily. Somewhere along the way, between the kids, bills, and general responsibilities of life, we forget that practice makes perfect.

patches. If you are staying connected, then the rough patch will be just that—a patch—and not a roadblock or dead end.

The devil wants to divide marriages. He wants us to fight each other instead of the issues. Dating brings us back to the excitement of waiting for a kiss goodnight and just holding hands. Dating requires us to connect as husband and wife and not as parents. Dating helps us to see each other in a new light and reminds us of all the reasons we fell in love. Dating gives us something to look forward to among the hustle and bustle of life. Dating can help remind us that our spouse is hot and looks mighty fine dressed up! Dating

The word perfect is such a broad term because it can mean something different to each of us. Marriage done right means compromise, communication, investing, and practice.

To be an Olympic athlete requires years of hard work. So does a great marriage. Nothing worth earning comes easy, so why do we just seem to quit when it comes to our marriages?

One thing we forget to do is date each other. That’s right, good ole fashion dating. We get so caught up in life that we forget who we were before we became mothers and fathers. We forget that we were once newlyweds in love. We forget why we fell in love, and we lose our sense of identity.

I challenge you to start dating your spouse. At first, you may find it awkward, but eventually you will find that you start talking and get to know each other again. Like my husband and me, it may be a struggle for you to hire a babysitter and go out. An idea that could be helpful is to find other mothers who would like to start dating their spouses again and swap out childcare. For example, they watch your kids the first Friday of the month, and you watch theirs the second Saturday. Dating/investing in your marriage makes it easier when you come to the rough

provides adult conversation, and for stay-at-home moms, which is crucial!

My husband and I have been married for seventeen years and we just started dating again a year ago. We had become complacent with life and each other, but we were not taking full advantage of all the great things a connected marriage has to offer. Dating my husband has brought back the excitement of seeing him come through the door after work. It has allowed me to see him as a much older, mature, caring, funny, husband and father—not just the man who leaves his shoes and socks on the floor and quite surely has a book of 101 Ways to Aggravate the Wife.

Dating has brought back the joy that had been missing. I don’t want to be complacent in my marriage anymore; I wanted to be passionate about my husband. I want to enjoy talking to him; I miss him when he’s gone; I’m anxious to talk to him about our days, and I anticipate his hugs when he walks in the door. Dating is what my marriage needs to meet my level of perfect. I encourage you to date your spouse and find your level.

32 // January 2015

Melinda Nicodemus is married to Paul and they have three children.

She is the owner and operator of Nicodemus Photography.

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Gò0dNews for Seniors

A Neighborhood Exchange

S

ometimes, what begins as a good idea can surprise you and turn into something even better than what was first imagined. Recently, our team at Garden Plaza of Cleveland hosted a neighborhood exchange among a number of our residents. This social gathering included seniors with similar interests, experiences, and lifechanging events. The purpose was to offer an opportunity for residents to share common interests and get to know each other better.

During this exchange, we noticed that even though people interact in a senior-living community, seldom are they open to really share their trials and life experiences with each other.

While this small group exchange began with awkwardness, swiftly it became apparent that huge

34 // January 2015

by E s m e re lda Le e

benefits could be derived from this type of social interaction. As people became more comfortable with one another, they eventually began to share their lives with their new neighbors. And what began as a “meet and greet,” evolved into individuals sharing helpful tips, offering informative solutions, and giving genuine encouragement and support.

As people age, sometimes obstacles such as loss, grief, depression, and other challenges threaten their positive outlook on life. Older adults, therefore, utilize the few opportunities they have to interact with others to communicate their ailments, feelings, and fears—which is often construed as being negative.

When seniors interact with other seniors who are experiencing or have already experienced similar challenges, they may be

surprised to find not only a tolerant, listening ear but also a favored resource. We live in an age of information, and while computers can be a strong resource, people still remain the resource of choice. As people share their experiences, they can offer great advice. Simply put, they can offer empathy for others.

Older adults should make a greater attempt to reach out to each other in the positive hope of making a difference. By joining the local senior’s center, a church senior group, bridge clubs, and senior living communities, older adults will not only develop new friendships, but they also may find valuable information, resources, support, and encouragement through their sunset years.

So my advice is: Never discount your neighbor!

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

NEW STEPS f o r a N e w Ye a r

by Mark Wells

O

n September 19, 2009, I was involved in a traumatic boating accident off the coast of Georgia, which left me a paraplegic. My T-12 vertebra was shattered and I was told I would never walk again. Through months of physical therapy, and with the faith that I knew God would heal me, I began taking steps of my own. At first the steps were with the use of a walker; then, I graduated to using two canes, and now I do not use anything.

Although the constant pain from the neuropathy in my feet feels like needles or like they are on fire, I still walk. I had asked God to heal me as I lay on my back looking at the butterfly painted on the ceiling tile when I was at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. As the Holy Spirit began to comfort me, I knew that one day I would walk again.

Often I watch a video of me taking my first steps at Shepherd and recall how awkward I felt and how weird I looked. I use this video when I give my testimony at churches and tell how each of us must take the first step in becoming a Christian.

Taking steps for me is painful. Every step is made with a decision: “Step here; step there. Watch out for that little rock. Mark, you’re going to fall!”

So I get back up. Life has thrown me so many obstacles that it would be easy for me to become

36 // January 2015

depressed about the circumstances. Second Corinthians 12:8-9 says, “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (KJV).

Sometimes I think back to what I asked God to do when I prayed for Him to heal me. He has healed me, and now all I have to do is step, step, and step. Maybe your steps have been painful like mine. Maybe your life is hurting like mine. Maybe it’s physical or emotional. Maybe the loneliness of a broken relationship has you asking if there will ever be someone to love you.

In the video I mentioned, there was a physical therapist that locked my knees with each step.

There was also a lady who followed behind me with a wheelchair. Friends, you don’t have to go through this life alone. All you need to do is take that first step. Life is a test. Sometimes, a step of faith in your situation is all God is asking you to do. He will meet you there, take you by the hand, and guide you through your trial.

Mark Wells attends Mt. Olive Ministries and works for Cleveland Utilities. He loves to give his testimony and can be contacted at: mark_wells@bellsouth.net

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

VISION: THE KEY TO THE FUTURE!

T

by Mike Shreve

he Bible encourages God’s people to be men and women of vision. This is one of the main ways we take on the image of our Father. God is a visionary. In the beginning, there was nothing but void and emptiness; yet, the Creator envisioned a universe—so vast, so beautiful, so spectacular—that those beholding it with worshipful hearts would be left breathless. First, God saw it; then, God spoke it; and then God did it (a three-step pattern we should follow as well).

The next step for this original Visionary was dealing with a faltering vision. His new world was defiled with sin, and Adam, instead of imaging God, took on the corrupt likeness of the Prince of darkness. Yet, the heavenly King never even considered giving up; instead, He envisioned an amazing redemptive plan that would restore His purpose. If our vision ever falters, we must be just as tenacious. Almost all visionaries in the Bible came to the point where it seemed the vision would not come to pass. Look at Abraham, waiting so long for a son that he and Sarah passed the age of having offspring. Look at Joseph, experiencing the opposite of his prophetic dreams— not rever-

ence, but hatred from his brethren. Look at Moses, attempting to deliver an Israelite and being exiled from Egypt instead. Yet these men held on to what God put in their hearts. You can too.

Proverbs 29:18 warns, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (KJV). This passage stirs the heart.

When God’s people become defeated, lazy or unconcerned, those who could potentially be helped may instead “perish”—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Someone needs you so desperately; do not be deterred.

When asked what could be worse than being blind, Helen Keller responded, “Having both your eyes but having no vision.”

The Scripture declares when God pours out His Spirit, “young men shall see visions” (Acts 2:17 KJV).

Flipping the interpretation, the sign of a godly, youthful heart is one that imagines world-changing possibilities and pursues them with passion. We are only old when all we can do is look back at what we’ve already accomplished. I love Jack London’s words: “I would rather be ashes than dust. I would rather my spark would burn out in a brilliant blaze than to be stifled by dry rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in a magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.

The proper function of man is to live, not exist.”

Visionaries are spiritual explorers. They dare to tread into new territory when other souls timidly accept the status quo. They are thankful, but never satisfied.

They are continually re-evaluating their lives in order to discover hidden potential. They think creatively.

They explore possibilities. They are active, not passive.

These are necessary qualities for true visionaries. As Joel Barker put it:“Vision without action is only a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. But vision with action can change the world.”

38 // January 2015

Mike Shreve and his wife Elizabeth pastor The Sanctuary in Cleveland, Tennessee. They also run a Christian publishing company called Deeper Revelation Books. Their church celebrates the Old Testament feasts from a New Covenant perspective. www.shreveministries.org

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Shadow of the Almighty

by Angela Hughes Ruiz

C

ats are a complicated but wonderful creation of God. Over the years, I have been graced with some adorable, loving creatures and a very few not-so-loving ones. Around March 2003, our family was offered a kitten that would be ready to leave its mommy in just a few weeks. We were excited as we waited with anticipation for our new addition.

To our dismay, the kitten we had picked died before we were able to receive it; however, God had a different plan. He had prepared a special little black “ball of fur” just for us. We found out through a relative that this same family had a slightly older kitten they intended to keep for themselves, but in light of our disappointing circumstances, they were willing to let us have this beautiful little “soul.” We were excited on the day of pick-up to meet our new little kitten. It was love at first sight!

She was a gorgeous bundle of joy with long, black fur and bright, green eyes. Upon arriving home, we began to mull over all the various names.

There was Blackie, Shady, and others, but the one we agreed on unanimously was Shadow. We did all the typical things—bought her toys, food, a new bed, and visited the vet. Over the next few weeks, she became a definite part of our family, entertaining her new “brother” as only she could do, being a constant companion while winning us over with her charming ways. We even have pictures of her upside-down in the Playskool barn where

40 // January 2015

she landed after diving ever so gracefully. She had won our hearts.

God set us up as only He can. In His omniscience, He had a perfect plan. One Sunday after leaving church and being all alone, the Holy Spirit began to speak to me concerning the situation I was in at the time. He gently spoke, reassuring me that all would be well and instructing me as only He can. It was as though I could audibly hear Him ask, “Do you know why you named your cat Shadow? It’s because every time you call her name, she will serve as a reminder to rest under the Shadow of the Almighty.”

Wow! That was such an awesome word to me, because unbeknownst to me over the course of the next seven years, the Almighty would be the only thing I would have to cling to, the only thing that would give peace and sanity for me and my son. It is amazing how He uses His creations to remind us of how much He loves us.

God knew exactly what we needed then, and He knows what you need now—those things that bring comfort during our times of storm. Rest under the shadow of the Almighty. He will be your strength! Read Psalms 91.

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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42 // January 2015

Melt the butter in a soup pot. Add the potato mixture to the pot; stir to coat. Add enough water to cover the potatoes and bring to a boil; stir in the milk, reduce to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally about 25 to 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Taste, adjust salt and pepper, and continue cooking on simmer, uncovered, until the soup reach desired consistency and thickness. Garnish each serving with shredded cheese. Serve immediately.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Sanctify {

T

by Alicia Klepper

ip: Go ahead and grab your Bible. Salvation is a free gift. We have no ability to be worthy of salvation or to pay for this redemption. Salvation is given to us by a gracious and merciful God; One who is love. However, we do have a responsibility to live a life that is pleasing to our Savior (see 1 Thess. 4:1). James encourages us to draw close to God by cleansing ourselves and purifying our hearts (see 4:8).

“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work” (2 Tim. 2:21 ESV).

In my experience, sanctification has not been a disappearing act; it has been a purging, which is painful.

God has yet to magically vanish those things within me that grieve His Spirit. He absolves them by way of my submission and humbling.

In seeking sanctification, be prepared to do the following: • Listen and obey. The Holy Spirit is given to us as a Counselor, Encourager, Advocate, and Comforter (see John 15:26), and help us, He surely will.

However, we have the responsibility of listening to His encouragements, counseling, and guidance by putting His wisdom into obedient action.

Obedience is the response of love and honor. We can’t claim love for a God we will not obey (see John 14:15).

• Humble myself. There is no place for pride anywhere, and it stops my sanctification in its tracks (see Pro. 16:5) • Repent to God and to others. God will reveal unwanted attitudes, reactions, behaviors, and habits by allowing them to come to light in our relationships and encounters with others. If you are genuine in seeking more of God, the Holy Spirit will reveal to you wrongful words and attitudes (see Matt. 15:18). Be quick to restore by apologiz-

44 // January 2015

}

[sangk-tuh-fahy] verb—action, sanctified, sanctifying.

1. to make holy; set apart as sacred; consecrate.

2. to purify or free from sin: “Sanctify your hearts.”

ing with no excuses.

• Be open to challenges in love and truth by those who are also seeking sanctification. Iron sharpens iron (see Pro. 27:17). Get used to lying prostrate before the Lord (Matthew 2:11). Face down is a physical sign of submission and “a humble heart, God will not reject” (Ps. 51:17).

• Know my Savior. The Bible instructs us to be Christ-like, and to be like Christ, we must know who He is (see 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Cor. 11:1; 1 John 2:6). The only way to know Jesus is to study His words, which leads to studying the Scriptures regularly (see Matt. 4:4; John 17:17).

• Withstand opposition. The Lord sees when we seek sanctification and so does the Enemy. Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy (see John 10:10).

However, we count it joy when we meet trials of various kinds (see James 1:2-4). Abandon the habit of voicing opinions without wisdom. A true heart seeking more of God asks first, “What does God think about this?” The Bible says it is foolish to air our own opinions without understanding (see Pro. 18:2). God desires that we seek His understanding, His way of thinking, and His opinions (see Psalm 53:2; Pro. 3:5-6).

The walk of sanctification is by no means an easy one, but it is one we are called to by a God who is for us.

This is not a seeking of perfection in oneself, but a seeking of the face of our Mighty God, Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (see Is. 9:6) Sanctification drives us to be less of ourselves and more of Him (see John 3:30).

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:23 KJV).

Alicia Klepper and her husband Mark have been married for 12 years. Alicia homeschools their three children. The Kleppers are active members at Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy.

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Gò0dNews for 2015

L

A Glimpse of Heaven to Me Today Prayers under My Pillow! by Kelly Hixson

ast year was the first time the Lord impressed on my heart to write quarterly prayers for the upcoming new year. I had recently gone through great loss in my life, and the ever-so-tight grip of depression wrapped its hands around me.

But God is always there to rescue! (see Psalm 34:18 NLT). The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. He didn’t want me to stay under this grip for very long, and to be honest, I didn’t either. So with His whisper, I began to write.

I wrote four lengthy, specific prayers for my life that day on January 1, 2014, with anticipation to how He would answer them. I folded them, placed them in envelopes, and tucked them under my pillow. Each night as I lay my weary head to rest, I would remember those prayers and begin to pray over them until I fell asleep.

As days turned into months, I would remember my prayers, retrieve my prayers tucked under my pillow, and begin to slowly rip open the envelope.

I read my prayers word for word, soon to find out that the God of the universe read my prayers too and had answered them for me word for word— down to the smallest detail!

Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires” (NLT).

46 // January 2015

But wait! As this year comes to a close, I have one more prayer left that He has decided not to answer.

Is it because He doesn’t want to? Did He forget about it? Is it just too complicated for Him? Maybe it just isn’t meant to be?

With these questions in my head, God brings me back to the previous scripture about the desires of my heart, and He comforts me and tells me, “Kelly, I want to answer this prayer for you, but I have saved the best for last. It isn’t that I don’t want to answer it. I do want to answer it, and I want to make it extra special for you, My precious daughter.”

With that answer from the Lord, I will continue to wait and anticipate my answered prayer.

In the meantime, as another new year is here, I will write out quarterly prayers, fold them, place them in envelopes, and tuck them safely under my pillow. My prayer is that the readers of this article will join me in placing prayers under their pillows for this coming year so when He answers them, we can all rejoice together in 2015.

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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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.

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Gò0dNews from the Physician

Something AlbywJames aysMarcum, Worth Li s teni n g To M.D.

M

any tough and challenging health questions have come to the web site from all over the world.

These have included a question on autoimmune hepatitis, concerns about severe allergies in a young child, and many people wanting prayer and help with relationships. I want to thank each one of you for trusting Heartwise Ministries. Even though we might not always have the answers, we can pray and listen to you, pointing you to something that is always worth listening to.

In Health Across America, I search the media and try to find topics that other editors and leaders deem interesting and important to their readership. This week everyone is still focusing on Ebola. How should we handle the crisis? Who should be quarantined? Politics are involved. Fear abounds. For a moment, I want to change the focus and write about something that is always worth listening to.

Think for a moment about the places you go for information. Do you trust those sources? I think this is a legitimate question. Information shapes our belief system. This information could move us toward selfishness or toward love, toward fear or peace. What source is actually worth listening to?

Biblical Prescriptions

Hearing the voice of God is something always worth listening to. How is this accomplished? The Bible, prayer, creation, conversations with others, inspired books, serving, and listening are a few places to go where we may hear the voice of God. If we learn to listen, God will be faithful to reveal His plan for us and give us Biblical prescriptions. What is a Biblical prescription? A prescription is a way to change our chemistry.

Pills change a chemical pathway. Biblical prescriptions change the entire chemistry of a body. God has given us methods to change our chemistry for the good. These prescriptions are free and something worth listening to.

Remember, everything we bring into our lives has some chemical consequence. These inputs may lead to stress or rest, damage or healing. So much in the media is written about the latest greatest pill, procedure, vaccine, or new disease. There are also those in the media

50 // January 2015

who want to challenge everything—including modern medicine, sometimes rightfully so. We definitely have many options for our listening pleasure. I want to be bombarded by something worth listening to. I want to listen to inputs that change me for the good. I want to hear about Biblical prescriptions from the ultimate Physician.

As we learn how to listen, (notice, I say learn), our relationship with God will grow. He will give us prescriptions to change our life, leading to healing. Many times we may not understand the methods, but as we listen, trust will develop. We will know when to use modern medicine. We will receive help with lifestyle changes. One step will lead to two as we move through the path of life.

His voice is still out there in this world and is something worth listening to.

He loves us so much and only wants the best for His children. Sometimes the other negative voices we listen to can get us down. Today, I do not want to focus on a disease or write about a negative health consequence. I want this media source to help the world realize that there is actually something always worth listening to. http://www. heartwiseministries.org/ something-always-worthlistening-to/

Dr. James Marcum is speaker/director of Heartwise Ministries. He is a Cardiologist practicing with the Chattanooga Heart Institute. He is very active in the television, radio, and print arm of Heartwise Ministries. He is married to Sonya and has two children, Kelli and Jake, he enjoys music and outdoor activities.

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Gò0dNews for Missions

V

MISSION TO INDIA—PART 1

by Rick Mitchell

isiting a place like India can be overwhelming. The population is more than 1.2 billion people, which is more than the inhabitants of Canada, the United States, Central America, and South America, combined. The number of Evangelical Christians is 2.2 percent of the total population.

There are 456 languages with 22 official languages. Poverty is everywhere. The beauty and grandeur of the country can leave you speechless, but the religions of India are complex and tied to their culture and caste system.

There are 159 large people groups of which 133 are unreached. Hundreds of other groups with fewer than one million are unreached. Also, there are 600,000 villages with no church or Christian witness, although they tend to be more concentrated in the north of India.

Throughout India, there are 485 people groups with populations of over 10,000 that are unreached and unengaged. That represents almost three-fourths of the world’s 639 people groups that come under this same category.

When it comes to the Gospel, the world’s least-evangelized and least-engaged peoples are concentrated in India. India is the most lost place on the planet. It is easy to let the enormity of the task deter you, but you must let it drive you to do something under God’s leadership for His glory.

But, how can Gospel change come about? What is the solution? Christ’s answer was lifestyle evangelism and discipleship. This is done through nurturing Christians who grow in Biblical knowledge, obedience, and by applying Biblical truths to everyday situations through their lives. This is how God put things together during the two weeks I was in India.

The challenges began with a fifty-hour flight from Tennessee to Delhi, India. And yes, that arrival time in Delhi was at 3:30 a.m. By the time I cleared customs and got to Daniel and Eunice’s apartment, a new day was dawning. But my body

52 // January 2015

time was still yesterday and the sun was setting. Jet lag was beginning to hit hard. There are all types of cures to fight off jet lag, but for me, I stay up as long as I can and then sleep. Then I repeat the cycle until I think I will live. As normalcy returned to my body, Daniel told me my schedule.

On Saturday afternoon, I went to a small church in Delhi of forty members, which meets in a small room of a large building. I preached there on each of my two previous visits and was looking forward to visiting them again. The church was having a planning meeting, and they let me sit in. The pastor told me they realize they cannot reach all four million people in their immediate area, or the 21 million in all of Delhi, especially if the plan is to just invite these folks to attend their church on Sunday morning. There’s not enough room. So their pastor challenged the members (all forty of them) a few months ago to each disciple and train seven people. Then those seven will disciple and train seven more, and so on. They now have more than 1,000 people attending 100 or more discipleship/small church groups. Since their one church will never reach all of Delhi, they plan to start hundreds of small churches/groups. They want 10,000 in their small church groups (amen and amen). May their tribe increase.

Some folks would say that their task is impossible— something like the time Chester Harrison and I were in Niger training fifteen Tribal Church leaders how to use Storycloths to share the Gospel to the 35 million people around them. The last I heard, the little “mama church” under the tree in Dargol was still going and the new churches too. It is amazing how people can do the impossible when God is in it and you don’t tell them it is impossible.

Rick Mitchell is president of Sports & Rec Plus, a worldwide church-planting ministry that trains churches and mission organizations to use all types of recreation and leisure-time activities for evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. Contact him at sportsrecplus@cs.com.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Power of Brokenness

“T

by Kelly McDonald

he Lord is nigh [near] unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (Ps. 34:18 KJV). The Lord is near us when we are broken, but what does it mean to be broken? The Hebrew word for broken in the verse above is shabar, which means to burst forth, break down, destroy, or crush. There are times in life when we think we can do it on our own. We think we can figure out our situation.

Brokenness is the place where we realize that we cannot solve the situation. It is the revelation that only God can bring victory and deliverance.

The Bible gives us many examples to show us the power of brokenness. One of these is found in 1 Samuel 1.

There was a man named Elkanah who had two wives: Peninnah and Hannah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not. This caused Hannah to become distressed. In bitterness of soul, she cried out to the Lord. She was willing to dedicate her child to the Lord. The Lord heard her request and gave her a child. In the place of brokenness, she desperately needed God’s intervention. She received it!

Another story of brokenness is found in 2 Samuel 21. In this chapter, we learn that there had been a famine for three straight years. David inquired of the Lord as to the cause. The Lord showed him that the mistake of a previous king caused this famine.

David followed the Lord’s instructions, and the famine subsided. Why didn’t David seek the Lord after the first or second year of famine? David was

54 // January 2015

not broken until the third year.

Interestingly enough, the Hebrew word for broken can also mean “to birth.” Hannah became broken and birthed Samuel. His name means “heard of God.” She was broken, and the Lord was near her. He heard her cry for help. Hannah was tired of trying to figure it out. She was tired of people’s opinions. She broke down the walls built by man and asked for divine intervention! David was tired of human explanation for the drought. He desperately sought the Lord’s face! In his brokenness, the rain began to fall. In your brokenness, you birth your breakthrough.

Dedicate Your Victory to God

At the place of brokenness, we receive the revelation of what God is doing and perhaps the revelation of why God is doing it. Why is brokenness so powerful? Hannah was so broken that she was willing to dedicate perhaps her only child to the Lord. Sometimes the Lord allows us to go through a wilderness experience so that we will dedicate the fruit of our lives to Him. In the place of brokenness, you will dedicate the victory to God instead of giving people credit. Brokenness is powerful because it is the place where we cross from the natural into the supernatural! It allows an invisible God to make Himself visible to the world.

Kelly McDonald, Jr. is an ordained evangelist with Hungry Hearts Ministries. He has written 15 books and booklets on Christian Living. www. hungryheartsministry.com

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