Gò0dNews April 2022
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DALTON & CHATSWORTH
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About Us WRITERS
Andrew Lee April Engstrom Brent Goodge Brian Johnson Dana Robinson David Huff Dean Draper Douglas Baynes Greg Grotewold Jodi Varnado Juanita G. Ellis Karen Jeffery Karla Smedley Kristen West Matt Jensen Pamela Latham Porter Johnson Rachel Smith Rhonda Beavers Stephen Baker Susan Lavigne Velma Monday
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Shane Franks 706-270-2410 Email: dalton.goodnews@gmail.com
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PHOTOGRAPHER Paula Knipp 423-310-4207
Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed. 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
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Contents
APRIL 2022
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 Overcoming Doubt by Stephen Baker
GoodNews for Kids
8 The Old Goat’s Coat by Juanita G. Ellis
GoodNews Money Matters
10 The Rich Life—What’s Yours Look Like?
by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men
12 My Burial
by Douglas Baynes
GoodNews for Women
14 Sometimes Receiving Is Better
by Karla Smedley GoodNews for Couples
18 Gain Wisdom for Your Marriage
by Rachel Smith GoodNews for Everyone
20 Adjusting to Change by Velma Monday
GoodNews for Life
22 The Christ We Need by Matt Jensen
GoodNews for Parents
24 Surrender
by Greg Grotewold
GoodNews Cover Story
26 Best Buy Metals:
Roofing That Lasts
by Jodi Varnado GoodNews for Everyone
28 Change of Plans by Kristen West
GoodNews Ministry Spotlight
30 The Serpentine Prophecy by Brent Goodge
GoodNews for Everyone
32 When God Arrived by Dean Draper
GoodNews for Everyone
34 It’s Not Hurting Anyone by Brian Johnson
GoodNews for Everyone
36 What are you looking for?
6
by David Huff
GoodNews for Everyone
38 The Coming of New Beginnings
by April Engstrom GoodNews for Everyone
40 What’s The Truth? by Susan Lavigne
GoodNews for your Taste Buds
42 Let Food Be Thy Medicine: Sensational Salads
by Dana Robinson
26
GoodNews for Poetry
44 Happy
by Pamela Latham
GoodNews for Everyone
46 True Beauty
by Porter Johnson
GoodNews for Everyone
48 The Empty Grave by Rhonda Beavers
GoodNews for Everyone
50 Perfect Peace
by Karen Jeffery
46
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
Overcoming Doubt
I
by Stephen Baker
f you have trusted in Jesus Christ as your Savior, the
John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to
Devil will try to get you to doubt that you are saved.
Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for
When a believer doubts his salvation, he cannot enjoy
another?” But Jesus said that there had never been a greater
the Christian life nor serve God effectively. I doubted my
prophet of God than John the Baptist! If John could doubt
salvation for years. God has assured me, but it didn’t come
the Savior, then any saved person can doubt that he or she is
instantly. It came over time. When I was younger, it got to
truly saved.
the point where I was asking Jesus to save me every day,
Next, let’s examine the word “believe.” This is the most
several times a day. I just couldn’t be sure that I really
important word in understanding salvation. Ephesians
trusted Him.
2:8 explains that we are saved through faith, and the Bible tells us repeatedly that the way to be saved is to believe in Jesus Christ. For example, Acts 16:31, “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” The word “believe” in the Bible means “trust.” The Word of God teaches that I will be saved if I “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.” I could say, “I believe in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy.” In other words, I am saying that I believe they exist. That is not what the Bible is talking about. People are not saved because they believe that Jesus exists. They are saved because they trust in Him for their soul’s salvation. Finally, to “call upon the name of the Lord” in Romans 10:13 is just a way of expressing faith.
Lost people do not doubt their salvation. They don’t
Read verses 13 and 14 together to get the full meaning. “For
have any salvation to doubt! Only a saved person can doubt
whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be
his or her salvation. The Holy Spirit does not cause you to
saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have
doubt. The Devil does that. If you have received the Lord
not believed…?” (Romans 10:13-14 a.). We cannot call unless
Jesus as your Savior, the Holy Spirit will show you, from the
we believe, or trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. When I was
Bible, that you are saved. The Bible says, “These things have
young and wanted to be saved, I thought that there was a
I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of
certain prayer that I had to pray. But prayer will not save
God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye
anyone. Prayer is an outward expression of inward faith.
may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13).
Putting our faith into words is good, but faith alone in Christ
First, there is the false idea among some that a saved
saves! “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
person cannot doubt his or her salvation. It is easy for a
but have eternal life” (John 3:15).
because many Christians doubt their salvation. John the Baptist was saved, but he doubted. Luke 7:19 says, “And
6 // April 2022
About The Author
preacher to get lots of people “saved” when he teaches this Pastor Stephen Baker is the pastor of Harmony Baptist Church in Dalton, Georgia. www.harmonybconline.com
• HOPE FILLED PRAISE & WORSHIP • RELEASING THE FATHER’S GOODNESS • CHANGING THE ATMOSPHERE
Gò0dNews for Kids
The Old Goat’s Coat by Juanita G. Ellis
“Please hold my coat,” the old goat said “The sleeves are way too long. My hand gets caught within its folds And makes this stone fall wrong.”
But, why this hate? Oh, why this scorn? For Stephen young and brave? Oh, why the strong dislike of Christ, So newly from the grave?
Saul helped his older friend undress, And held his own arm out. The old goat draped his coat on Saul, Then quickly turned about.
Did Saul hear, too, as others did The sobs from Stephen’s heart? When as he prayed for that old goat, The heavens split apart?
Reaching for another rock, That old goat threw it straight. The rock fell short and missed its mark, His fist soon raised in hate.
As Christ stood up, with angels, round, To welcome Stephen there, The old goat left and went his way To only God knows where. The rocks were spent, the deed was done. His garment clean and dry. For Saul had held the old goat’s coat When gentle Stephen died.
8 // April 2022
About The Author
The Stoning of Stephen—See Acts 7:54-60. A young man named Saul held the coats of the men who stoned Stephen. Saul became the great Apostle Paul. He wrote 14 New Testament books!
Juanita G. Ellis created LSKidStuff, a ministry supplying printable, creative Christian material for classroom use. Visit lskidstuff.wordpress.com for more information.
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The Rich Life—What’s Yours Look Like? MONEY MATTERS
WITH DR. ANDREW LEE Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.
R
emember the days before GPS devices and MapQuest
idea aligns with your spouse’s, and where your ideas may
apps for smartphones? Hordes of hapless husbands
diverge. Discuss ways to accommodate each other’s “rich
steering with their knees while trying to read the Rand
life” dreams as you move toward practical steps to realize
McNally Road Atlas on their lap, or trying to unfold the AAA
these goals. Then, start taking action! This is where the rubber
TripTik map (without swearing) and still manage to keep the
meets the road. Most people have no shortage of dreams; we
car on the road moving at fifty-five mph. Meanwhile, the wiser
daydream in our cars sitting in traffic, at night while falling
and cooler-headed wife waits smugly for him to ask for her
asleep—dream of that glorious day when we’ve “made it”
help. Good times.
and can start relaxing, enjoying, laughing, loving life the way
Achieving our dream of “the rich life” can be just as
we always intended. But what most people do not do is start
frustrating as the scenario described above. Unless we’re
taking action now. Instead, they sit around wondering “Do I
clear on what our “rich life” destination looks like, how will
dare?” like J. Alfred Prufrock. Or, like Miniver Cheevy, they
we know what it takes to reach it—and how to recognize it
“thought and thought and thought about it.” (Nerd alert: As an
when we do, in fact, achieve it? I’m borrowing the term “rich
English professor, I can’t resist an occasional literary reference).
life” from author Ramit Sethi; the phrase simply means the
Meanwhile, time keeps ticking by, and the odds of reaching
financially secure life you always dreamed of realistically
your “rich life” dwindle.
reaching one day. Many of us might think of “rich life” as
So, let’s get going! Contact your employer’s Human
simply “retiring comfortably and being able to do whatever
Resources office and start contributing to your company
I want to do.” Each of us has a unique vision for what the
retirement plan if you haven’t yet. Or increase your monthly
“rich life” looks like. For some, it may be owning a luxury
retirement contributions if you’ve already been contributing.
car or traveling the world; for others, it may be having a cozy
Go online to TD Ameritrade and set up a Roth IRA account
cabin on a quiet lake, donating to charities, taking culinary
to have automatic monthly direct deposits going straight into
classes and hosting weekly dinner parties, or moving closer to
an investment of your choice (my kids chose the “VT symbol”
the grandkids. Maybe your “rich life” means having enough
exchange-traded fund which is the Vanguard Total World stock
financial resources so that the next time your verbally abusive
index fund—you own every stock in the world at one shot,
boss screams at you, you can simply walk away. It’s important
done!). If you’ve been wanting to explore real estate investing,
to have a clear vision of this goal so you can create a realistic
decide if you want to be a landlord by owning rental property
roadmap for achieving it.
(in which case, contact local realtors ASAP and start asking
If you’re married (or engaged), it’s important to talk about
questions), and join the Bigger Pockets online community to
both of your visions for the “rich life” and work together to
learn from others’ experiences. Your “rich life” won’t happen
make these a reality. Make notes about where your “rich life”
by itself: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will
10 // April 2022
be established” (Proverbs 16:3).
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Gò0dNews for Men
My Burial
A
by Douglas Baynes
s I walked up the stairs, my climb was slow and I held
with the warmth of fresh air and the newness of life. I had, after
on to the banister. The carpet under my feet was wet
all these years, finally followed in my Lord’s footsteps. I gave
from others that had gone before me. As I reached
my heart and my life to Christ on April 30, 1961, and a few
the top of the stairs, I was met with a warm smile from an old
years later, all the boys at my church got together, let’s all get
friend—he came to my burial. My time had come, and I was
baptized. At twelve years old, none of us really understood the
beckoned down. When my feet touched the water, it was cold—
meaning of it. It was just another “get to heaven” thing you had
cold and icy as the grave itself. Each step I took was deliberate
to do.
and forceful as the frigate water slowly rose to envelop my
In the last few months, I felt compelled to be baptized again, as I now know the meaning of it and the eternal significance of it. Water baptism is the act of obedience to His command, as all those behind me from centuries past had done. I now have been made a new creature in, and with, Christ. The steps from that watery pool were now complete, and in that water, stripped from me was that old man, but I have been raised anew in Christ. If the Lord tarries too long in His return and my days here are completed, my pastor will once again stand at my burial site. He will be across from a flag-draped casket. But know this—as he raised me from that water on March 6, 2022, Jesus will take my hand and raise me to be with Him on that last day here. Forever I shall be with Him and all those that have followed Christ. Paul wrote to the Romans in 6:4: “Therefore we were
body. When I reached the bottom, the pastor smiled at me. He
buried with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ
asked my name and harking back to old days in the military, I
was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so, we
answered with a voice loud and deliberate. He then asked, “If
also should walk in newness of life.”
you were to die today, would heaven be your home?” “Oh yes!” I replied. With that, he spoke softly as if he was
You can ask the Lord to forgive you of your sins and to make Him the Lord of your life in private, but water baptism
my father, “I have you.” I was calm, and I was in his care. I
is the public confession of your faith and trust in Him. In
heard him say, “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the
Matthew 28:19, the Lord’s great commission to the church was
Holy Spirit, I baptize you, my brother.”
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
Then laying me back into the water, the coldness of it now
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
blanketed my whole being. Death, as it was, had finally come
In closing, I have to say that at seventy, I felt, well, silly
to this soul. I knew in my spirit what it was to die with Christ.
doing this until I saw my friend in front of me—and he has six
I was separated from the very air I needed, the warmth, and
years on me. No matter your age the time is short, for Jesus
from friends and loved ones.
is coming soon. Cross all the “T’s” and dot all the “I’s.” Make
Then a strong arm grasped about my back, I was lifted, as
everything right between you and the Lord.
being raised anew with Christ was complete. I raised my arms and shouted to the Lord! The watery grave was now replaced
12 // April 2022
About The Author
from that grave, and as the water flowed from me, my joy of Doug Baynes attends PRC with his wife Annie of forty-two years. They host “Caffeine Connection” every Sunday morning. Come and have a cup!
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Gò0dNews for Women
Sometimes Receiving Is Better
M
by Karla Smedley
y mom taught me that it is better to give
Saturday. Most of the time, we have good intentions
than receive. Perhaps when it comes to
but our follow-through is lacking.
talking and listening, this is not so.
As my girls grew, I tried to encourage open
When I was a mom of young children, they liked
communication between us. Some days they clammed
to tell me how to play and what to do. “Mommy, sit
up, but more often they were Jabberjaw and I couldn’t
here and put this dress on my Barbie.” When I looked
get a word in edgewise.
at them with my mama face, they would add, “Please.”
When I reflect on my relationship with God, I
Of course, I happily did as they asked. They enjoyed
realize that I am similar to my girls and Jabberjaw, the
giving me instructions, but they did not always like
cartoon character from the ’70s. I’d much rather talk to
receiving mine.
God than listen to Him. I pray more often than I read His Word, giving Him my list of wants and needs like He is a genie. To give me a little credit, I will ask Him for guidance at times and ponder for a while. But time after time, I go on my merry little way, usually because I want a quick resolution. His instructions for a better life are found in His Word, and He continues to wait. Probably, I am an eighty/twenty percent girl. I talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, and only listen, listen. How prideful am I that I could think God would listen to me more than I should be listening to Him? I need a balance!
“Girls, five more minutes and then we need to
That’s what I need to do. Find the time to be still
leave” was not even heard at times. “Pick up your
and know that He is God. In His omniscience, He
toys, please” was weakly acknowledged with a weak
knows best for all my needs and all my wants.
“Okay.” Then, it went in and out of their ears—just
Yes, I believe there are many times when it is better
like it did with my little ears when my mom spoke
to receive than to give. God cares for us so much that
similar words. They much preferred giving the
He desires for us to spend time with Him. So, let’s
instructions rather than hearing them. Following my
sit and rest in His love. Read His words. Listen, and
directives, that was an entirely different situation.
receive His wisdom.
sometimes? We hear His Word on Sunday mornings, and out it goes the other ear on Monday through
14 // April 2022
About The Author
Isn’t that the way we are with God’s instructions Karla Smedley lives in Dalton, Georgia, where she has taught 5th through 8th grade for the past twenty-four years. She is a member of Emmaus Baptist Church and has two grown children. She enjoys singing with the praise team at church, and she writes a Christian blog, Smorgasbord of Sisterhood, with her cousin Donna.
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Dalton Church Directory Assembly of God
Christian Fellowship Assembly 3656 Chattanooga Road, 30755 706-280-7594 The Sanctuary 515 Reed Rd NW, 30720 706-270-2088 The Impact 508 Sheridan Ave, 30721 706-226-7743
Baptist
Abundant Life Baptist Church 811 J and J, 30721 706-278-5289 Antioch Baptist Church 1205 Antioch Road, 30720 706-278-1305 Beaverdale Baptist Church 2496 Beaverdale Rd NW, 30721 706-259-7089 Calvary Baptist Church 2115 Chatsworth Rd, 30721 706-278-6324 Carolyn Baptist Church 2305 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-8142 Centerpoint Baptist Church 420 Centerpoint Drive SE, 30721 706-277-2100 Christ Reformed Baptist Church 1378 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 706-226-3026 Concord Baptist Church 1054 Hopewell Rd, Cohutta 30710 706-694-8618 Cove Baptist Fellowship Church 461 Carbondale Rd SW, 30721 706-277-3484 Crown View Baptist Church 502 West Tyler St, 30720 706-278-7422 Deep Springs Baptist Church 1660 Beaverdale Rd NE, 30721 706-259-3255 Dug Gap Baptist Church 2031 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 706-278-2377 Eastbrook Baptist Church 204 Hill Rd, 30720 Eastside Baptist Church 913 East Morris St, 30721 706-278-8553 Eleventh Avenue Baptist Church 2550 South Dalton Bypass, 30722 706-278-7020 Emmaus Baptist Church 4268 S. Dixie Rd, 30735 706-483-5251 First Baptist Church 802 Kenner St, 30721 706-226-9681 First Baptist Church of Dalton 311 North Thornton Ave, 30720 706-278-2911 Grace Baptist Church 2049 Lower Kings Bridge Rd, 30721 706-537-6884 Good Hope Baptist Church 2525 Lake Francis Rd, 30721 706-259-3719 Grove Level Baptist Church 2802 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-8519
16 // April 2022
Good Samaritan Baptist Church 3137 Cleveland Rd, 30721 706-259-7239 Gospelway Baptist Church 336 Jupiter Cir, 30721 706-278-1424 Grace Baptist Church 2049 Lower Kings Bridge Rd, 30721 706-537-6884 Harmony Baptist Church 187 Lower Dawnville Rd, 30721 706-226-5521 Harvest Baptist Church 3986 Cleveland Hwy, 30721 706-694-8951 Hill Crest Baptist Church 1901 Cityview St, 30720 706-279-1267 Hopewell Baptist Church 3527 Airport Rd, 30721 706-226-5987 Kinsey Drive Baptist Church 2626 Kinsey Drive,30720 706-277-3505 Lakeshore Park Baptist Church 12 Crescent St, 30720 706-275-6050 Liberty Baptist Church 506 South Pentz St, 30720 706-226-5535 Lindsey Memorial Baptist 706-673-7650 3503 Lindsey Memorial Rd. Rocky Face, Ga. 30740 Macedonia Baptist Church 1355 Dawnville Rd NE, 30721 706-259-9220 Maple Grove Baptist Church 347 Maple Grove Rd, 30721 706-483-6300 McFarland Hill Baptist Church 307 Brickyard Rd, 30721 706-277-5521 Mount Rachel Baptist Church 332 Haig Mill Lake Rd, 30720 706-278-5192 Mount Ridge Baptist Church 1401 M L King, Jr. Blvd, 30721 706-278-0335 New Hope Baptist Church 900 Roan St, 30721 706-226-2093 New Hope Baptist Church 706-673-8050 2105 Tunnel Hill-Varnell Road Tunnel Hill, GA 30755 New Life Baptist Church 2620 Old Grade Rd, 30721 Northwest Georgia Baptist Church 222 North Pentz St, 30720 706-463-3490 Olivia Baptist Church 1817 Guy St, 30720 706-278-3507 Pine Grove Baptist Church 4004 Airport Road, 30721 706-264-8630 Poplar Springs Baptist Church 897 Poplar Springs Rd, 30720 706-259-8727 Reformation Baptist Church 244 N. Hamilton St, 30720 706-314-8711 Rocky Face Baptist Church
1544 Rocky Face Railroad St, 30740 706- 226-5751 Salem Baptist Church 1448 Pleasant Grove Dr, 30721 706-259-7045 South Dalton Baptist Church 498 Lakemont Drive, 30720 706-278-4946 Shiloh Baptist Church 2014 East Waugh St, 30721 706-226-5981 Temple Baptist Church 2310 South Dixie Hwy, 30720 706-226-6785 Valley Baptist Church 2907 Old Rome, 30720 Welcome Hill Baptist Church 2772 E Welcome Hill Circle, 30721 706-278-0368 Whitfield Baptist Church 2134 Dug Gap Rd, 30721 706-278-6776
Bible
Fellowship Bible Church 2044 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 706-278-6269
Catholic
Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church 968 Haig Mill Lake Rd, 30720 706-278-3107
Christian
First Christian Church 1506 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 706-278-7244
Church of Christ
Central Church of Christ 515 N. Tibbs Rd, 30720 706-278-8051 Riverbend Church of Christ 2218 S Riverbend Rd, 30721 706-226-0819
Church of God
Lifegate Church 2744 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-0016 Church of God of Union Assembly 2311 South Dixie Rd, 30720 706-275-0510 City View Church of God 3688 Chatsworth Hwy, 30721 706-226-6686 Crosspointe 2681 Underwood Street 30721 706-278-2649 Valley Brook Church of God 1474 Mineral Springs Rd, 30720 706-279-3296
Community
Church on the Hill 1035 Abutment Rd, 30721 706-278-9208 Community Fellowship Church 409 North Fredrick St, 30721 706-278-3204 Freedom Community Church 908 Elk Street, 30720 706-463-2690 Rock Bridge Community Church 121 W Crawford St, 30720
Episcopal
Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church 901 West Emory St, 30720 706-278-8857
Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 610 Shugart Rd, 30720 706-278-5295
Lutheran
Christ the King Lutheran Church 623 S Thornton Ave, 30720 706-278-3979
Methodist
Bethel AME Church 620 Spring Street, 30720 706-226-2714 Bethel UMC 123 Bethel Church Rd, 30721 706-278-3309 Dalton First UMC 500 South Thornton Ave, 30720 706-278-8494 Dawnville UMC 1529 Spring Ln NE, 30721 706-259-5342 Fairview UMC 735 Riverbend Rd, 30721 706-996-5057 Five Springs UMC 2823 Five Springs Rd, 30720 706-277-3928 Mineral Springs UMC 4079 Airport Road, 30721 706-517-0200 Mt. Vernon UMC 597 Lafayette Road Rocky Face, GA 30740 706-673-4667 New Haven UMC 4040 South Dixie Highway, 30721 706-217-1879 Pleasant Grove UMC 2701 Cleveland Highway, 30721 Sugar Valley UMC 503 Murry Hill Dr, 30720 706-280-9112 Trinity UMC 901 Veterans Dr, 30721 706-278-4042 Tunnel Hill UMC 706-673-4022 121 North Varnell Road Tunnel Hill, GA 30755 Varnell United Methodist Church 3485 Highway 2 Cohutta, 30710 706-694-8023 Wesley Chapel UMC 808 Jamestown CT, 30721 706-270-2331
Nazarene
First Church of the Nazarene 2325 Chattanooga Rd, 30720 706-278-8428 Grace Church of the Nazarene 1111 Nelson St, 30721 706-278-1171
Non-Denominational
Abundant Life Bible Church 120 East Morris Street, 30721 706-270-9733
Bridging the Gap Ministries 514 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, 30721 706-277-7575 Relentless Worship Center 879 College Dr, 30720 Conference Room 3 706-313-1129 Cornerstone Family Church 1240 Dawnville Rd, 30721 706-259-8509 Dalton House Of Prayer 897 College Dr, Conference Rm 3, 30720 706-915-6545 Good Neighbors Church 910 South Thornton Ave, 30720 706-226-0846 Gospel Light Tabernacle 804 Sheridan Ave, 30721
Grace Fellowship Ministries 620 N Glenwood Ave 2&3, 30721 706-280-1375 Northwest Christian Fellowship 272 Main St, Varnell, GA 30756 706-694-9830 River of Life Church of Dalton 2919 East Walnut Ave, 30721 706-965-6683 Saint James Overcoming Church 400 North Fredrick St, 30721 706-278-0319
Pentecostal
Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal Fuente de Agua Viva 1007 Underwood St, 30721 706-278-4963
La Senda Antigua 308 East Matilda St, 30720 706-270-8826 True Gospel Pentecostal Church 109 South Henderson St, 30721 706-278-5696 Shadow Ridge Worship Center 122 Wheat Drive Varnell, GA 30721 706-280-4546
Presbyterian
ChristChurch Presbyterian 510 South Tibbs Rd, 30720 706-529-2911 First Presbyterian Church 101 S. Selvidge St, 30720 706-278-8161
Grace Presbyterian Church 2107 Threadmill Rd, 30720 706-226-6344
Salvationalist
Salvation Army 1109 N. Thornton Ave, 30722 706-278-3966
Seventh Day Adventist
3 Angels Hispanic SDA 701 E Morris St, 30721 706-618-1182 Dalton Hispanic SDA 112 W Long St, 30720 706-275-0523 Dalton SDA Church 300 South Tibbs Rd, 30720 706-226-2166
Chatsworth Church Directory Baptist
Blue Ridge Primitive Baptist Church 706-517-9849 134 Hyden Tyler Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Calvary Baptist Church 706-695-7747 Highway 225 North Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Center Hill Baptist Church 706-695-7988 65 Berry Bennett Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Cisco Baptist Church 706-695-9270 Highway 411 North Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Cool Springs Baptist Church 706-517-5388 Holly Creek Cool Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Fellowship Baptist Church 706-695-2626 4396 Highway 52 Chatsworth, GA 30705 US First Baptist Church 706-695-2112 121 West Market Street Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Flat Branch Baptist Church 706-695-2663 3443 Highway 286 Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Free Hope Baptist Church 706-695-3717 4176 Highway 76 Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Holly Creek Baptist Church 706-695-8522 422 Holly Creek Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Liberty Baptist Church 4221 US-76, Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Little Consauga Baptist Church 706-517-5733 1100 Sugar Creek Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Maranatha Baptist Church 706-695-6330 Highway 225 South Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Mount Pisgah Baptist Church 706-517-8944 2309 Old Highway 411
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Murray Baptist Church 706-695-9712 508 West Peachtree Street Chatsworth, GA 30705 US New Hope Baptist Church 706-517-3089 1273 New Hope Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US New Prospect Baptist Church 706-629-9521 7629 Highway 225 Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Old Fashion Baptist Church 706-695-5420 885 Ben Adams Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Open Air Ministries 706-386-484 1058 Mtn Crest Dr. Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Prayer Baptist Church 706-624-9216 10859 Hwy. 225 South Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Shinning Light Baptist Church 706-517-1739 801 North 5th Avenue Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Smyrna Baptist Church 706-695-5815 1913 Smyrna Church Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Spring Place Baptist Church 706-695-5532 441 Highway 225 South Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Strait Way Baptist Church 706-517-2861 508 West Peachtree Street Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Total Praise Baptist Church 706-695-6441 1461 Greeson Bend Rd, Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Zion Hill Baptist Church 706-517-5913 Highway 225 North Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Bible
Grace Bible Church 2599 Leonard Bridge Rd. Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Church of Christ
Woodhaven Church of Christ
706-847-7400 508 West Peachtree Street Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Church of God
Chatsworth Church of God 706-695-9388 Highway 411 South Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Central Community Church 706-695-4242 60 Pine Hills Drive Chatsworth, GA 30705 Spring Place Church of God 706-695-8000 717 Tibbs Bridge Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Full Gospel
Faith Worship Center 706-695-6866 189 Hyden Tyler Road Chatsworth GA 30705 House Of Prayer 616 Jenkins Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Methodist
Casey Springs UMC 7250 Chastworth Highway South Chastworth, GA 30705 Center Valley UMC 706-971-4646 5394 Highway 225 North Chatsworth, GA 30705 US First United Methodist Church 706-695-3211 107 W Cherokee Street Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Fullers Chapel UMC 532 Cook Drive Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Mineral Springs UMC 71 North Way St Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Spring Place UMC 706-695-5143 Po Box 248 Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Non-Denominational
God’s Light House 784 Smyrna Church Road Chatsworth, GA 30705
The Church of God of the Union Assembly at Chatsworth, GA 706-695-7335 Highway 52 Alternate Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Liberty Tabernacle 706-517-3140 2196 Smyrna Church Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Living Word Christian Fellowship 706-695-5005 960 Cherokee Drive Chatsworth, GA 30705 US New Beginnings Ministries 706-695-6067 646 Floodtown Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US North Gate Church 706-548-4967 7727 Highway 225 South Chatsworth, GA 30755 US Tabernacle of Praise 706-517-0377 1435 Leonard Bridge Road Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Wings Of Faith Ministries 706-695-1527 1122 North Holly Drive Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Pentecostal
Victory Tabernacle 706-517-1458 355 Ellijay Street Chatsworth, GA 30705 US A Place to Worship 706-517-8568 259 Old Landfill Rd Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Presbyterian Sumach Presbyterian Church 706-695-4773 2089 Sumach Church Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Seventh Day Adventist
Seventh-Day Adventist Church 706-517-5124 1115 Highway 52 Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
goodnewscm.com // 17
Gò0dNews for Couples
Gain Wisdom for Your Marriage by Rachel Smith
I
n the Bible, God says, “My people are destroyed for
someone happily married, don’t let it discourage you—let it
lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6, NIV), and I believe that
give you hope. Hope that if God gave them the wisdom to
marriages are being destroyed for lack of knowledge
have a successful marriage, He can do it for you too.
as well. I was only eighteen years old when I got married.
When we are sick, we go to a doctor to get medical
My husband and I knew nothing about marriage. We went
advice, but that advice will only help us if we apply it to our
through pre-marital counseling like most couples, but I
lives. In the same way, as you become more knowledgeable
felt it only pointed out the ways we were different, and it
about marriage and your role as a husband or wife, nothing
didn’t help us learn what it would take to make a marriage
will change if you don’t apply it. In marriage, you will
succeed. After seven years of struggling in our marriage
change, your spouse will change, seasons will change, and
and being faced with a possible divorce, I knew something had to change. In 2014, when I prayed and asked the Lord to transform me as a wife and renew my mind according to Romans 12:2, my actions began to change. With my renewed mind came an eagerness to learn everything that God’s Word says about marriage and how a wife should treat her husband. I also started reading several books and attending conferences with my husband to gain more knowledge. I have learned that when marriage gets hard, you don’t just give up—you do whatever it takes to learn how to fix it. I love the story of Solomon in the Bible because when God allowed him to ask for whatever he wanted, he asked for wisdom. When is the last time you asked the Lord
circumstances will change. You never know what you may
for wisdom to handle the situation you’re facing in your
face tomorrow, but you can trust that God can and will give
marriage? “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,
you the wisdom to face it. Don’t let your marriage fall apart,
who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will
gain wisdom at all costs. “Get wisdom, get understanding;
be given to you” (James 1:5).
do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not
Asking the Lord for wisdom is just one of many ways
forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she
we can obtain it. We can also read the Bible, seek counseling,
will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get
read books, take personality tests, attend marriage
wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding”
conferences or retreats, and connect with others that are
(Proverbs 4:5-7, NIV).
wiser than us. Often, we look at other people’s lives and will become jealous of the very couple that God wants to connect us to in order to gain more wisdom. When you see
18 // April 2022
About The Author
compare our marriages to theirs. If we are not careful, we
Rachel Smith is the founder of Transformed Wife, a non-profit organization that helps others learn God’s design for marriage. She hosts local conferences and retreats to help strengthen couples, and travels to speak all over the world. She has been married to her husband, Richard Smith, for 14 years. www.transformedwife.com.
Church Activities & Events Grove Level North Trail 2022 Run for God 5K
Saturday, April 9 | 1PM 3606 Tom Manis Rd NE, Dalton, GA
ChristChurch Presbyterian
GriefShare Grief Recovery Support Group Sunday, April 10 | 1PM - 3PM 510 S Tibbs Road, Dalton, GA
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
St. Mark’s Preschool - Peter’s Free-Wheelin’ 5K Saturday, April 23 901 W Emery St, Dalton, GA
Calvary Memorial Baptist Church The Hinson Family Friday, April 29 518 US-41, Ringgold, GA
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Adjusting to Change by Velma Monday
I
was so excited about this change that I had been
the different areas of my life. This one is no different.
waiting on for several years! It had finally come to
I need Him to walk with me through this. After years
fruition, and I couldn’t wait to see how things were
of experience with changes in my life such as cancer,
going to work out. Until…they didn’t. Well, at least not
getting additional degrees, and family, I know that He
how I thought they would.
will lead me through this as well.
After eight months, I have to admit that I’m
The one thing I would say to anyone else who
disappointed in how things are going. After thinking
finds themselves in a similar situation is to just hold on
about this and planning how it would look, it just doesn’t! The sad part is, for the most part, I feel helpless to fix it and make it any better than it is. It’s discouraging to think that what I had planned for all of these years is not at all what I thought it would be. Each night as I work to fall asleep, I think of what I can do the next day to make things better. When the next day comes, all of my nighttime plans just fall apart. Partly because I just can’t seem to find the motivation to do even the little things that I could do to make them better. However, I am determined that they will be better! I am doing one thing right now that I hope will help.
to His unchanging hand. I know that sounds trite and cliché, but it is solid.
I am pursuing one thing that I’ve always wanted to
Making changes in life is all about learning.
do during this time in my life—I’m writing. I know. I
Learning a new way to live each day. Learning that
know. Just because I write doesn’t guarantee it will be
things are not always how you thought they would be.
published, but at least I’m writing.
Learning that God is still on His throne willing to walk
I understand that this alone will not make a big
with you through whatever curveballs life throws your
change in things, but at least I’m doing something
way. After all, those curveballs didn’t surprise Him.
towards making things better.
He may have even been the pitcher!
God for guidance. I’ve always depended on Him to lead me and guide me as I walk with Him through
20 // April 2022
About The Author
The most important thing that I’m doing is asking Velma Monday has recently retired from 34 years of teaching in public education. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and a lover of most things found in nature.
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Gò0dNews for Life
The Christ We Need
“J
by Matt Jensen
esus then took the loaves, and when he had given
event is taking place during the Passover festival (John 6:4 cf.,
thanks, he distributed them to those who were
Exodus 12-13). John wants to keep “the Lamb of God who takes
seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.
away the sin of the world” (John 1:29) ever before our eyes.
And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples,
During the Passover, Israel’s firstborn sons were spared, but
‘Gather up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost’”
in the Passover, the only begotten Son of God was slain. During
(John 6:11-12).
the first Passover, blood was applied to the door, but in the
This passage comes to the heart of Jesus’ feeding of the five
Passover, Christ is the blood-soaked door (John 10:7, 9). During
thousand. I will not keep you waiting—this miracle shows us
the Passover, Israel was safely tucked inside their houses, but
the God who abundantly provides. But we need to be clear on
in the Passover, Jesus faced the cross outside. Unleavened bread
what He has promised to provide, which is seen in this miracle.
sustained Israel after the Passover, and in the Passover Jesus is the “bread of life” (John 6:35). It is Christ, not bread, that is the significance of this miracle. To miss this point is to miss heaven! Jesus exposes the hearts of those who were seeking Him “because they ate their fill of the loaves,” and commands, “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life” (John 6:27). In other words, don’t get caught in the cares of this world, forgetting the world to come. “I am the bread of Life,” Jesus says, “whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). Christ himself is what God has promised to give! Christ as true man and yet true God (John
Misunderstanding God’s provision has led many to serious
1:1-3, 14). Christ instructing His ignorant people (Hebrews
doubts or worse: apostasy.
1:1-3). Christ our wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30). Christ our
Does God provide health, wealth, and happiness? Of
protector and safety (John 10). Christ our Passover Lamb, who
course, He does, “every good gift and every perfect gift is
takes away our sin (1 Corinthians 5:7, John 1:29). Christ our
from above” (James 1:17). Jesus laid the test to Philip, “Where
righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ our life (Colossians
are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” “We
3:1-4)! He must increase and we must decrease (John 3:30).
could work our fingers to the bone most of the year,” Philip
We must thank God for the abundance of bread that
basically retorts, “and not be able to provide even a bite for
perishes (i.e., health, wealth, and happiness), but don’t lose
everyone!” (John 6:5-7). Andrew’s answer is not much better
sight of the bread that endures to eternal life. Keep Christ ever
(John 6:8-9). Jesus—the Good Shepherd—leads the people into
before the hungry eyes of your soul! Let us thank God for the
green pastures (John 6:10; cf. Psalm 23) and provides so much
“bread of life.”
food that there were twelve baskets of leftovers after everyone But does God promise to provide health, wealth, and happiness, or is Jesus making a deeper statement? Notice this
22 // April 2022
About The Author
had eaten their fill.
Matt Jensen is a missionary from Reformation Baptist Church in Dalton, Georgia. He and his wife, Danielle, are preparing to move to Thailand soon with their son, Judah. They are also anticipating the birth of another son, Gabriel.
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Gò0dNews for Parents
Surrender
T
by Greg Grotewold
he parable of the sower is perhaps Jesus’s most famous allegory (Mark 4:3-8). And until recently, I thought its sole intent was to explain why not everyone who hears the word
of God (the seed) receives Christ and truly abides in Him. While that’s the primary aim of the text, I’m discovering that the third scenario (seed falling among thorns) is a bit more nuanced and
perhaps carries a broader application. Aided by a recent sermon from my pastor, I now see how a thorn’s capacity to overwhelm isn’t isolated to just unbelievers. After all, good soil produces not only grain but also weeds. A thistle here and there is innocuous enough, but problems occur if the field is left untended for any material length of time. If prolonged, an infestation will occur. The suffocated grain plant will begin to wither, and yield will be compromised. While the Lord promises the blood-bought believer that the plant itself will never die, it will remain barren until action is taken. I recognize it’s an image not explicitly depicted in the passage; nonetheless, I do sense that this specific circumstance is anticipated and for good reason. It’s real. I very much feel such barrenness at times, and so does every other disciple. Whether we always recognize its source is a different matter but one that Jesus helps us with later in the chapter. He pinpoints these yield-thwarting thorns as “the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things” (Mark 4:19, ESV). In other words, thorns are idols. They grab hold of the heart’s affections and begin choking the believer’s love for the Lord. While Jesus specifically targets riches, the reference to “the desires for other things” suggests He is speaking about any form of idolatry. The revelation here isn’t that I’m an idolater and have weeds. I know that; it’s not news. However, the speed with which these pesky intruders can develop into an infestation is. I’m currently living that reality. I look away for what seems but a fleeting moment, and my field becomes littered with them. The growth is invasive. In fact, it’s only upon closer examination that I can even see the grain. This is not without consequence. Weariness has become my dominant emotion, thanks in large part to one particular idol. It isn’t money or possessions but an item potentially even more dangerous. What I euphemistically frame as resolve and dedication, the Lord sees as something quite different: control. And He is correct. I’m a helicopter parent, hovering overhead and
In this gracious rebuke, the Lord is beginning to show me there is a better way. It’s Him. The energy I exert to secure outcomes for my sons needs to be redirected towards securing a greater reliance upon Him and His omnipotent goodness. As much as I love my kids, Jesus loves them infinitely more. He too wants them to prosper. The very best way I can serve them, and myself for that matter is by allowing Jesus to serve us. I must lean into His wise and gracious care and surrender these burdens. They are not mine to shoulder. They’re His. If I will deepen my dependency upon Christ, He promises a spiritual reversal will occur. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, ESV). The thorns will wilt. The grain plants will strengthen. And to His glory and my family’s peace, the yield will grow thirty, sixty, a hundredfold. May the Lord give me the strength to abide in Him and surrender my hardships. May He do the same for you, too.
swooping down whenever there is an issue or concern with either for them, but my relentlessness in trying to protect their well-being has proved exhausting for all involved.
24 // April 2022
About The Author
of my sons. I dearly love my children and want only the very best
Greg Grotewold lives in Oakdale, MN, with his wife, Sandi, and their two sons, Luke and Eli. He is a deacon in his local church and greatly enjoys serving in this capacity.
LIFE IS FULL OF SURPRISES.
FEATURED COVER STORY
Best Buy Metals: Roofing That Lasts by Jodi Varnado
I
saac and Angel Libbey, owners and operators of Best
Best Buy Metals offers a complete line of building
Buy Metals, provide a strong foundation for a company
materials and coverings, including metal roofing, American
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pole barn kits, and steel framing components. Best Buy
Metals manufactures the highest quality metal roofing and
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building materials, coupled with an extraordinary customer
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Metal Shingles, Metal Tile Roofing, Commercial Panels,
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Metal Siding and Soffit, Metal Shake Roofing, and Metal
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and building products with American steel, never relying
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on foreign, imported materials. Best Buy Metals believes
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thoughtfully selected materials. According to their website,
most comprehensive level of interactive customer service.
Best Buy Metals “strives to offer competitive pricing on
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Mason Burchette, Director of Marketing and Development.
26 // April 2022
Best Buy Metals offers unique services with innovative technological software, including the use of satellite imaging. So, instead of in-person measuring, Best Buy Metals can measure your roof directly from a Google Maps view and provide a full-product estimation, simply from a computer! This technology allows Best Buy Metals to offer free, detailed quotes to customers from their full staff of Product Sales Representatives. Once you decide which design and style meet your specific needs, products and materials can be delivered directly to your door! In 2002, Isaac Libbey opened Best Buy Metals’ first location in Cleveland, TN. Now, Cleveland is home to Best
schools across Haiti. Isaac and Angel Libbey serve on the
Buy Metals’ headquarters and showroom. Twenty years
board of directors for this 501©3 non-profit and travel to
later, Best Buy Metals has found roots in four states, with
Haiti frequently to lead and serve. Best Buy Metals provides
seven locations throughout, including Chattanooga, TN,
materials and proceeds to Arms of Hope Children’s Home.
Asheville, NC, Charlotte, NC, and Greenville, SC. Best Buy
More than twenty employees have had the opportunity to
Metals’ newest location in Dalton, GA, will open on April 1st.
travel to Haiti and serve alongside the Libbey family. This
Best Buy Metals prioritizes service not only to their
organization is making a difference, providing a Christ-
customers but everyone in their communities. Best Buy
centered environment filled with the love of Jesus to those
Metals sponsors numerous school system sporting events
who have so rarely seen it.
and provides local support during storm season. Best
Best Buy Metals’ headquarters and showroom are
Buy Metals donates roofing underlayment materials for
located at 1652 S Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37311. Best Buy
families who suffer damage and loss during tornadoes.
Metals’ newest location in Dalton, GA, is located at 815 E
This provides immediate relief and a temporary solution
Walnut Ave, Dalton, GA 30721 and is open Monday through
until roofs can be completely restored. “This is a unique
Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. You can call Best Buy Metals’
way to support the community with what we specialize
Dalton office at (706)-671-6655. You can help celebrate Best
in,” said Burchette.
Buy Metals’ grand opening on Friday, April 1st, with a free
Isaac and Angel Libbey are also mission-minded. Best Buy Metals is a foundational partner of Arms of Hope
community lunch and door prizes. Come join us for a fun day of fellowship and learn more about Best Buy Metals!
Children’s Home in Mirebalais, Haiti. Arms of Hope Children’s Home serves through a children’s home for orphans and abandoned children and a nutrition program that pulls children from the brink of starvation. Arms of Hope Children’s Home also serves widows, churches, and
goodnewscm.com // 27
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Change of Plans
A
by Kristen West
complete conundrum. That’s what it was. Three of my dear friends and I stood there in
the Chattanooga airport gazing into the apologetic
eyes of the Delta airline check-in attendant. “I’m so sorry,” the nice lady said. “All the planes are grounded due to the storm last night.” My friends and I had been planning, preparing, and packing for this much-anticipated cruise vacation to New
cleared, we sprinted out and caught the LAST shuttle that day heading to the cruise port. We climbed in, giddy with excitement—we were almost there. Our shuttle dropped us off within a few blocks of the dock, and as soon as we had our luggage in hand, we were sprinting again, determined to make it to our ferry that would finally connect us to our boat.
England for months. Now, it appeared as though we
WE MADE IT! (*insert Chariots of Fire theme music here*)
wouldn’t even get to leave our area.
All the twists, turns, and changes in plans hadn’t
The following 24-hour period looked like something scripted for a sitcom and involved some massive changes in plans.
stopped us. They simply rerouted us. Through it all, none of us got frustrated. No one became angry or upset. We all just enjoyed the journey. Every surprising and unplanned detail of it. To be clear, I wasn’t always like that. Sudden changes used to send my emotions into a tailspin or cause my stress levels to go into orbit. It took me years to get to a place where I could roll with the punches, pivot on a dime, or have my plans suddenly change without my innards crinkling up. (I’m not saying the work in me is complete, but a huge internal transformation has definitely taken place.) Can you relate? God, in His wisdom and mercy, knew ahead of time that sudden changes in plans might be
We hopped a shuttle to Atlanta and jumped on a new
an issue for us and graciously gives us this beautiful verse,
flight to Boston (our cruise port) only to find that by the time
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his
our plane landed, we had missed the boat!
steps” (Proverbs 16:9, HCSB).
We grabbed our luggage, hailed a taxi, and headed for the nearest hotel. By morning, we were strapped into an early flight that was off to Bar Harbor, Maine. (The airline “hoped” we’d
Having that promise gives us daily opportunities to embrace our Father’s alternate routes for us and gives us the grace to change direction and live in the moment for whatever HE has planned!
Upon landing, we looked like we were on the starting blocks of the Olympic 500-meter dash. As soon as the aisle
28 // April 2022
About The Author
land in time to connect to our cruise.) Kristen West works at Rock Bridge Community Church with a heart for staff leadership, development, and care. She is a communicator with a passion to inspire, encourage, and challenge others in their daily walk with Christ. She writes and publishes weekly content on her blog at kristen-west.com.
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Gò0dNews Ministry Spotlight
The Serpentine Prophecy
I
by Brent Goodge
t’s easy to get confused in the Biblical details of the universal battle between God and Satan (Revelation 12:7). But the basis of this war is very simple. God, the rightful Sovereign over all creation, rules from a throne of Selflessness (Philippians 2:5-11). Conversely, Satan, the usurper, attempts to rule from a throne of selfishness (Isaiah 14:12-14). The battlefield for this war is our minds. Who will we worship? (Revelation 14:7; Revelation 13:4,8). Whose character is worthy to lead the universe? (Revelation 5:9). The only offensive weapon God chooses to use in this war is truth (Ephesians 6:17). The cross of Jesus Christ answers all questions and removes all doubt as to the loving, selfless character of God (Philippians 2:5-11). Satan attempts to use force to accomplish his warfare against God and His people. But while Satan can kill the body when God allows, force cannot contaminate the character (Matthew 10:28). Thus, Satan’s only ultimate weapon is deception (Revelation 12:9). To win a heart, Satan must take our eyes away from the cross and separate us from God’s Word (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10; John 17:17). In this battle of truth against error for the minds of humanity, it makes sense that the very first lie Satan presented to humanity would have to be extremely powerful. Remember, in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were spotless. They had no propensity toward nor desire for sin. Satan had to get them to both believe his lie and doubt God’s Word to the extent that they would take actions in direct defiance of the plain command of God. What kind of a lie could possibly be so subtle and so devastating? Read the heart-breaking story in Genesis 3:1-7. Of all the falsehoods Satan could have presented to the first couple, he lied to Eve about the mystery of death (Genesis 3:4). Why? Have you ever wondered why nearly every pagan religion contains at least some basis of ancestral worship and subsequent communication with the dead? Psalm 106 tells us that the Israelites apostatized and thought they were taking part in ancestral worship (Psalm 106:28). They did not realize that in their idolatrous practices, they were
in reality sacrificing to demonic powers rather than dead family members (Psalm 106:36-37). Satan lied about the mystery of death way back in Eden. He used it to deceive God’s people in the Old Testament. Is there any chance he might be trying to use it as a weapon to deceive God’s people today? Pastor Shawn Boonstra, of the Voice of Prophecy media ministry (VOP.com), is presenting Serpentine Prophecy, beginning in Dalton on Thursday, April 21. In this free, four-part series, he will examine these threads of deception regarding the mystery of death that have come down through the millennia, sometimes even through Christianity. We hope and pray you will check out the trailer at SerpentineProphecy.com/sp/1498 and register for this free series today.
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Join Shawn Boonstra on April 21 at 7:00 PM for this fascinating event.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
When God Arrived by Dean Draper
I
will never forget that day. It was a beautiful, sunny
and deserved it. But a different person said goodbye to us.
afternoon in Hawaii. With the sun gleaming through
She wasn’t the same silly entertainer we met hours before.
the palm trees, our college choir boarded a tour bus and
She was still wiping her eyes, touched by the music she had
headed for a luau. The young tour guide greeted us with a
heard. She wouldn’t take our money. Instead, she hugged
Hawaiian “Hello” and off we went. She introduced herself
each one of us. The song was worth far more than what
and began to entertain us with island stories and jokes, some
money could buy her. Just another day at work, another
of them funny, some of them with inappropriate overtones.
tour group, became something much more.
After all, we were college students, and her job was to entertain. The luau wasn’t what we expected. Yes, the food was incredible, but the entertainment was again off-color. One of our students was summoned up on the stage for a gag. Unfortunately, she was embarrassed by one of the male entertainers and left the stage in tears. The mood was different when we reboarded the bus. We had experienced the real world with its emptiness and darkness. As we headed back, our tour guide asked us to sing a song. I’m sure something in the realm of “Chattanooga Choo Choo” or “Rocky Top” would suffice. But instead, we proceeded to sing one of the most
I thought about how the Gospel penetrates the human
beautiful Christian songs I’ve ever heard, “The Majesty and
heart, often through music. I was reminded about how the
Glory of Your Name.”
Holy Spirit can unexpectedly arrive when our focus turns
“Oh Lord our God, the Majesty and Glory of Your
from pleasure to worship. I’m not sure that special moment
Name, transcends the earth and fills the heavens. Oh
was for us, as much as it was for that young lady. I am quite
Lord our God, little children praise you perfectly, and so
certain she had never experienced anything like that.
would we.”
I’m reminded of Matthew 5:14, when Jesus said, “We
As we sang, I truly believe the Holy Spirit filled that bus,
are the light of the world, a city set on a hill that cannot be
because the atmosphere suddenly changed. Tears streamed
hid.” Light penetrates darkness, and it can break through
down that young lady’s face. Yes, the façade was shattered.
any barrier and transform the human heart. There was
The one-liners ended and she stood there in complete
no greater example of this than in that special moment. It
silence. God arrived, and we all knew it.
would be easy to just blend in, to adapt to our environment.
When we approached our hotel, we had all gathered up
But God didn’t call us to be chameleons, did He? He said,
cash to leave her a large tip. After all, she had worked hard
“Go into all the world, and preach the Gospel.” And yes,
32 // April 2022
sometimes that’s through song.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
It’s Not Hurting Anyone
S
by Brian Johnson
amson is one of those people we learn about at an early age. I can still remember seeing pictures of him with his arms stretched out between two pillars at the
end of his life. I used to always wonder how he fell into the trap of letting Delilah cut his hair. He told her his strength could be nullified by tying him with seven new cords that hadn’t been dried, seven new cords that had never been used. Then, he said to weave the seven locks of his hair together, and she did all those things. So, why would he let her know to cut his hair? Surely, he would know she would cut it. I propose he told her because of a combination of pride and overlooking the longsuffering of God. We know Samson was a Nazarite from birth. According to Numbers 6, that involved no drinking of “wine and strong drink…nor eat moist grapes, or dried” (vs 3), “there shall no razor come upon his head” (vs 5), and “he shall come at no dead body” (vs 6). We don’t have proof that he drank wine or strong drink, but we know he came at several dead bodies. He killed many men and, in Judges 14:19, he ate honey that he got from the carcass of a dead lion. He gave some to
since there aren’t any immediate consequences, we keep
his parents but didn’t tell them where he got it from.
doing the same wrong repeatedly. We forget that we have a
According to the Nazarite vow, whenever he came at a
God that loves us and is longsuffering. But Numbers 32:23
dead body, he should’ve shaved his head and performed
says, “…be sure your sin will find you out.”
certain sacrifices, but he never did and didn’t lose his
Remember, God always sees and He always knows. As
strength until Delilah cut his hair. He never lost his
Christians, we shouldn’t want to continue in sin. It hurts our
strength any other time he broke the vow. Why should this
closeness to God and prevents Him from being able to work
time be different?
through us as effectively. You say it’s not hurting anyone
We go through life prideful. We got the success we have
but when it prevents the Holy Spirit from working through
solely from hard work or because of our own intelligence.
you, the efforts of your sin are potentially hurting everyone
We don’t take the time to recognize God or give Him the
around you. Don’t continue in sin. Repent and allow God to
glory. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches:
use you. Eventually, your sin will find you out.
He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth Or we continue in sin. Knowingly and willingly. We say things like “no one knows” or “it’s not hurting anyone,” and
34 // April 2022
About The Author
much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church and a nurse by vocation. He wants to do the best he can to teach people to trust God, for their eternity and for each day.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
What are you looking for?
R
by David Huff
omans 3:23-24, “For all have sinned and fall
it up by saying, where is your God now? He left you
short of the glory of God, being justified
alone. The truth is we are the ones that pull away
freely by His grace through the redemption
from God. He is still in the same place that we felt
that is in Christ Jesus.” I could hear the voices saying you’re not good
Him at before. We just choose to separate ourselves from Him. God gives us a promise that He will
enough—just look at your past. Is that worthy of the
never abandon us or leave us. Even in our darkest
calling God has given to you—all the things you have done
hour, God is still there and wants to help us, but are
wrong and every time you mess up even now? Do you
we listening for Him?
believe you are good enough to be in His presence? What makes you think that God has forgiven a sinner like you? Why do you think a person like you has been forgiven? These are the all too familiar words that the devil loves to put in our heads to make us think that we cannot be forgiven. The truth is we are. Through Jesus we are offered forgiveness for everything that we have ever done. God no longer sees those pages in our book. They have been blotted out and washed clean by the blood of the lamb. It’s hard to imagine ourselves as being forgiven for the past that we tend to hold onto far longer than we should. For the longest time, I couldn’t let go of who
Life can be overwhelming at times, but it does
I used to be. The devil constantly berated my mind
not have to be. In my darkest moments, I have found
with thoughts of being unworthy and not good
a peace that has outshined the sun. We will find
enough. In Ephesians 1:4, the Bible says even before
what we are looking for. If we are looking for chaos
He made the world, God loved us and chose us in
and darkness, we will find it, but if we are looking
Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God
for the love of God and the peace that comes from
no longer sees us as we see each other. He now sees
Him, we will find it. What we give our heart to is
us through Christ Jesus who has freed us from the
what we will become.
The devil will pound your mind with thoughts to separate you from God, and then he will follow
36 // April 2022
About The Author
eternal death we deserved. My name is David Huff, and I am married to Brittany and together we have five wonderful kids. We attend Rock Bridge Community Church Calhoun where I serve on the prayer team, host team, and a small group co leader.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Coming of New Beginnings pril showers bring May flowers”—a rhyme that was a constant tune come April every year. This phrase mimics scriptures and the promises that while sorrow may last for a night, God promises joy for the morning. After winter, after storms, there is the promise of new life or new beginnings. This transition of winter into spring comes alive for me in the stories of Narnia. When we first encounter Narnia, in the second book, we find a land that is always winter, never Christmas, and never spring. Yet, as Aslan is on the move, spring comes roaring in, and with it the hope and promise of something new (The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe; C.S. Lewis, 1950). Spring has always been my favorite season because of the promise of new life. I am fascinated by how seeds lay dormant through frigid temps for months yet then have the ability to crack through the earth and into life and new growth. This is a parallel for our lives, and coming into spring of 2022, this is a season to grow into a new beginning. Through 2020 and 2021, many of us found ourselves in a season of dormancy. We’ve sat at home, we’ve allowed ourselves to freeze, and now God is calling you out. He’s always had a plan for you, He’s always had a calling for you, yet winter came, and you froze. It’s okay to freeze. Sometimes, God brings us into a season of winter. My family was previously called to live for two and a half years in the beautiful area of Yosemite National Park. Upon reflection, I realized that this was my winter. Slowly, the leaves started dying off the trees as we found ourselves more and more isolated. Then the pandemic started and it was like everything froze. Our dreams, our jobs, our plans just stopped in motion. We were in Narnia, it was winter, never Christmas, and never spring. Yet under it all, God was moving. Then we began to feel the still small voice breathing renewed life into us. Winter is an incredibly important season. Trees need to shed their leaves, the plants need to die back and be pruned, and underground much happens that we can’t even see. Long before we feel spring coming, the daffodils are already getting ready to bloom. They know when it will be their
38 // April 2022
time to announce the beginning of spring. We can feel it in our Spirit too. When you seek after God and listen for His voice, He will lead you into spring in His perfect timing. He promises in Jeremiah 29:11-13, that He will give you a hope and a future, when you call upon Him, pray to Him and seek Him with all your heart. This passage comes after He
froze the Israelites; they were in a deep winter of captivity in a foreign land. They doubted their identity as God’s chosen people. Yet, following that time, God gave them this promise of blessing, one that continues to bless us today. For my family, Christmas in Narnia finally came when we stepped into God’s next step for us and followed His guidance. Now we are enjoying the growing pains of spring. As we are leaving behind winter, examine your life. Are you still frozen? Have you gotten to experience your Christmas that will make way for the promised spring? Maybe you’re just waiting for something you’ve planted to finally take root and bloom? Whatever season your life is in, I encourage you to take heart and take hope. Cling to Jesus’ promise of new life and restoration, and walk firmly into the call He has given you.
About The Author
“A
by April Engstrom
April Engstrom resides in Bradley County with her husband and two boys. She loves her family at the Church at Grace Point and exploring God’s creation. You can follow April’s blog at everlasting-evergreen.weebly.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
What’s The Truth?
W
by Susan Lavigne
hile rooming with a friend during my college
As with my situation, sometimes our perceptions of
days, we both went to bed around 10 p.m.
what we believe and what is the truth clash. It’s like waking
because of our early morning schedules. This
up one morning thinking it’s a workday when it’s actually
was before cell phones, so we only had one phone hanging
the weekend. It’s hard to change your belief when you don’t
on the kitchen wall. One night, my roommate came into my
recognize the truth.
room around 11:30 p.m. I was so sound asleep that I didn’t
A biblical example of this problem with perception
hear the phone ring. She said, “Susan, the phone is for you.”
happened to the apostle Paul in his early days (when he was
Now, since I didn’t hear the phone, I proceeded to tell my
known as Saul). He persecuted the new church of Christian
roommate that she was dreaming and to go back to bed. She
believers. You see, he was zealous to do “God’s work” and
was very unhappy with my assessment of the situation and
truly believed he was doing God a favor by ridding the
more forcefully said, “Susan, the phone is for you!”
Jews of this new religious cult. Although he was passionate, his perception was not the truth of what God wanted. When his eyes were literally opened to the truth, he found a new mission, this time in support of the church he had previously persecuted. All of us develop different perceptions from our experiences and emotions. We then develop expectations about life from what we were taught or saw modeled. For example, we may have expectations of what our spouse needs, or more often, what we expect from our spouse. However, sometimes conflicts arise when our expectations differ from another. So, where is the truth in our perceptions? As a Christian, when I am struggling with the truth of my
Showing incredible compassion for this poor friend who
perceptions, the best thing I can do is seek out God’s Word
was obviously having a bad dream, I continued trying to
on the issue and listen to the Holy Spirit for guidance.
convince her that everything was okay and she just needed
Sometimes, guidance comes in the form of wise Christian
to go back to bed. At this point, she totally lost patience with
counsel. Trust me, God wants us to know the truth and will
me and said, “SUSAN, YOU GET OUT OF YOUR BED AND
do whatever it takes to help us know it, even if it has to
PICK UP THE PHONE IN THE KITCHEN!” Shocked by
come from a friend shouting at us to pick up the phone.
more shocked to hear a person’s voice on the other end of the telephone.
40 // April 2022
About The Author
her words, I got out of bed to answer the phone. I was even Susan Lavigne attends Cornerstone Church. She is a Christian speaker and songwriter. Feel free to contact her at susanclavigne@gmail.com.
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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
Let Food Be Thy Medicine: Sensational Salads
W
by Dana Robinson
hen we think of healthy eating, salad is one of the first things that comes to mind. As children, we are encouraged to eat our fruits and vegetables to grow healthy and strong. After all, Popeye gulps down his spinach. Some people appreciate a nice salad for the colorful combinations of fresh fruits and vegetables, while others classify salad as boring “diet” food. I’ll be honest—I am a bit of an oddball and love salad. I mean, I truly love a delicious salad. In fact, when I was pregnant with my first son, I craved salad! My tastebuds exploded with the watery yet crisp romaine lettuce and the sweet crunch of the orange baby carrots. I remember asking my husband if that was the sweetest carrot he had ever tasted as I excitedly enjoyed my lunch salad for the day. He looked at me mildly perplexed and replied that it tasted like a carrot. Clearly, he categorizes salads as diet food. In a world with over processed, over salted, and over sugared foods, how can we get back to enjoying the freshness and sweetness of raw fruits and vegetables? A single salad can provide a multitude of vitamins and minerals into our diets. Aside from promoting regularity and preventing dehydration, salad ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, berries, seeds, nuts, cucumbers, carrots, olives, etc. are chocked full of antioxidants and other cancer fighting properties. When my husband, Jamie Robinson and I founded Lighthouse Personal Care Homes, we knew that food would be a foundation for healthy and joyful living. Real food makes such a difference in a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Too many organizations skimp on fresh quality foods. During meal planning, I’m guided not only by Hippocrates, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food,” but also by a passion for bringing to life the true pleasures of food. Simple ingredient variations can create delicious salad sensations that are truly something to look forward to eating. We don’t just experience food with our noses and our mouths, food should be visually appealing as well. Food is beautiful and artistic. When the right ingredients are paired together, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. I challenge
42 // April 2022
you to incorporate more salads in your daily routine. Be bold and playful. Be creative and savory. Go with the sweet flavors of the season. Step out of the mundane, basic salad and enjoy one of these sensational salads!
Hawaiian Salad Recipe • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits, reserve juice for dressing • 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup pecans or macadamia nuts
• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
Strawberry Pineapple Vinaigrette • ½ cup strawberries
• ¼ cup pineapple juice • 1 tbs honey
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar • ¾ cup olive oil
• ¼ tsp Himalayan Pink Salt Wash and chop lettuce. Evenly distribute remaining ingredients on top of salad. In a blender or separate bowl, blend vinaigrette ingredients together. Drizzle dressing over salad mixture. Serve or toss as desired. Can substitute strawberries and honey with 3 tbs strawberry jelly.
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Gò0dNews Poetry
Happy by Pamela Latham
Where is your happy, did you lay it down? Did you lose it or drop it, Or was it ever found? Happy is out there, that’s what I’ve been told I went out there to find it All I found was cold. You can’t hang on to happy, you can’t keep it, and boy,
44 // April 2022
About The Author
You can’t refill happy like you can Jesus’ Joy. Pamela Latham is 57 years old and moved to Cleveland, Tennessee, three years ago. Pamela has written a collection of poems, which she hopes to turn into a book, “Love Poems to Jesus from Me.”
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
True Beauty by Porter Johnson
I
n December of 2021, I went on a backpacking trip to Big
all hindrances are sins. Therefore, God’s people must not be
Bend National Park in Texas. My best friend and I were
content with asking the question, “Is this a sin?” Christians
celebrating college graduation. When we planned the trip,
must move forward to the question, “Does this help me run
I didn’t know that the park has an incredible view of the
after God?”
stars at night. Big Bend is one of the top five darkest places
When we conclude that an action, relationship,
in the United States. There is virtually no light pollution, so
substance, topic of conversation, or anything else does not
you can see every star in the sky. I thought I had seen the
help us run the race of life, the biblical command is to lay
beauty of the stars growing up in the mountains of Northwest Georgia, but I had no idea their true beauty until I saw them in Big Bend. The point of this story is that I could not see the true beauty of the stars until all light pollution was removed from my sight. Similarly, we cannot see the full beauty of God until all hindrances and sins are removed from our hearts. “Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross,
it aside. Paul wrote a parallel statement in 1 Corinthians
despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the
10:23, “‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything is
throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2, CSB).
beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything
There is a significant nuance in this passage from the
builds up.” The heartbeat of a born-again Christian is to get
book of Hebrews. An exhortation to lay things aside in order
closer to God. Nearness to God is best accomplished when
to run after God is found. The author encourages readers to
all hindrances and sins have been cast aside. Dear Christian,
“lay aside every hindrance and sin that so easily ensnares
lay aside sins and lay aside all other hindrances as well.
us.” It is easy to see that sins will hold the Christian back
Then you will be able to run with endurance the race that is
from seeing God. However, sins are not the only thing
set out for you, and you will clearly gaze upon the beauty of
that keeps Christians from running with endurance.
the Savior.
hindrances and sins. According to this passage, there are hindrances that are not sins. All sins are hindrances, but not
46 // April 2022
About The Author
Hebrews 12:1-2 specifies that Christians must lay aside both Porter Johnson is a Shorter University Graduate, a current student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and College Pastor at Sherwood Rome.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Empty Grave
W
by Rhonda Beavers
hen my parents were first married, they decided
but socially because he tended to look down his nose on
to live with my maternal grandmother to help
others he perceived as inferior to himself.
her bring up her pre-adolescent son. My dad
After quickly observing my father’s perfectionistic
moved into a community in which my mom had lived for
efforts, this outsider announced, “that’s good enough, it’s
years. This didn’t phase my dad at all, as he was the most
just Abb Addison.” There was no way out of the grave
outgoing people-person you ever met. He loved talking
except to be pulled out by a pal. After what must have been
to everyone, old or young, rich or poor, male or female.
a cold, steely glare from my dad’s hazel green eyes, my
My mom had no reason to be jealous as there was never a
father put up his young, strong hand and instructed his
more loyal husband. My dad considered them all his peers,
friend Buck, “Pull me out.” The intruder quickly saw his
no more, no less. All these people had a story to tell, and it seems as if my father was determined to hear every one of them. “For I say, for the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). He was also a good neighbor, pitching in a hand whenever necessary. These duties even extended to digging a grave for an old family friend by the name of Abb
social faux pas and beat a path homeward, leaving the dead
Addison after my dad and his best friend had found the
man’s friends to send him to Heaven in style.
gentleman deceased in his bed one chilly late winter morning.
Christ sees us all as equal. He loves to talk with us, but
In those days, graves were dug by hand, and my dad was a
He doesn’t need to because He already knows our story
perfectionist when it came to any handiwork he attempted.
better than we do. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is
On this occasion, he was standing in the bottom of the
neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for
freshly dug grave, perfecting a small ledge that was placed
ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Christ was
necessarily just below the opening. The group of attending
surrounded at the time of his death by those who loved him,
community men were approached by what some of them
those who mocked him, and those who cared not either
considered to be an outsider. Not an outsider geographically,
way. He was placed in a borrowed grave, but not for long.
48 // April 2022
All He had to do was ask His Heavenly Father, “Pull me out,” and Satan knew to beat a path.
Gò0dNews
Christian Magazine
Mission Statement:
W
Writer Guidelines:
e believe when people are equipped,
Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and
motivated, and passionately engaged in
professional writers to stay at home moms and dads,
living out their faith in Jesus Christ they
business professionals, and others who have a desire to
have the potential to be world changers. Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic
relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents. Christ was an activist, he did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world.
goodnewscm.com Phone: 423.478.6484
reach out to people through words of encouragement. What: We believe that it is important to laugh together, praise each other, encourage one another, and to offer biblical advice. Articles can be directed toward everyone, or from woman to woman, or man to man. We love to share recipes and family traditions as well. We ask that articles be kept to a 500 word maximum. We’d love to hear from you! Where: Please send submissions to articles.goodnews@gmail.com Why: Because God has not intended for us to just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Perfect Peace
E
by Karen Jeffery
very believer can presently enjoy the tremendous
“He said onto them all if any man will come up after
fruit of this promise by keeping our minds centered
Me, let him deny his self and take up his cross and follow
on Christ and what Christ has done for us at Calvary.
me” (Luke 9:23).
“Thou wilt keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee: because He trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3). Justifying peace is the peace that God gives when the believing sinner comes to Christ. The enmity of sin
He also reminds us in Psalms 23, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul. He leadeth me in the path of righteousness for
between Christ and the sinner is removed because of what Christ’s cross did at Calvary, the sinners’ acceptance of this finished work. Once we come to know the Lord, justifying peace remains with us forever as we know our sins are gone, and we have made perfect peace with God. “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep for thou, Lord only makes me dwell in safety” (Psalms 4:8). Every single believer enjoys justifying peace, but we all still have emotional disturbances, stress, fear, nervousness, depression, and another host of things that can happen in our minds. The phrase whose mind is stayed on thee refers to the renewing mind. The mind is the gateway to the
His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley
Spirit, and we feed our minds constantly with that which
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because for
is either fruitful or unfruitful. The renewing of the mind
thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
suggests that the believer should pull out his faith for other
You preparest the table before me in the presence of my
things, replacing it entirely in Christ.
enemies. You anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth
“I beseech you, therefore, brother, by the grace of
over. Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all
God, that we present our bodies as a living sacrifice, Holy
of the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the
acceptable onto God which is your reasonable service.
Lord forever.”
And be not conformed to this but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:1-2).
There’s a blessing waiting you cannot contain—just reach out to the Heavenly Father. Most of all, don’t lose
We have to fully trust in the Lord for our faith to be
hope. You may be in the midst of it all, but remember the
placed exclusively on Him and let nothing move us from
Lord is with you, and He will never leave nor forsake you.
50 // April 2022
About The Author
this foundation. Karen D. Jeffery lives in Chatsworth, Georgia, and loves the Lord. He is first in her life.
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