December 2022

WRITERS

Dr. Alan Hix

April Engstrom

Brent Goodge

Danny Hesterly

David Huff

Donald Cantrell

Dorothy Teague

Filip Brunner

Grace Logan

Greg Grotewold

Jonathon Wright

Judy Hood

Kristen West

Matt Jensen

Mitchell Qualls

Paul McGuire

Rick Hughes Sandra Gilmore

Dr. Shawn Jones SALES

Shane Franks 706-270-2410 Email: dalton.goodnews@gmail.com DESIGN Caleb Prytherch Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHER

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 the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!

Disclaimer

All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk 6 Memories Matter by Donald Cantrell

GoodNews for Kids 8 The Shepherds and Angels by Danny Hesterly

GoodNews Money Matters 10 Would You Like to Have Lifetime Income? by Rick Hughes

GoodNews for Men 12 Jesus and Jesus Alone by Greg Grotewold

GoodNews for Women 14 Have You Opened Your Present? by April Engstrom GoodNews for Everyone

The Character of Christmas by Brent Goodge GoodNews for Everyone

God’s Promise Kept by Matt Jensen GoodNews for Life

The Two Greatest Gifts by David Huff GoodNews for Health

GoodNews for Everyone 30 When Does a Revival Really Start? by Filip Brunner GoodNews for Everyone

Small Gifts, Large Hearts by Kristen West GoodNews for Everyone

He’s Already There by Dorothy Teague

GoodNews for Everyone

The Greatest Memory by Dr. Alan Hix GoodNews for the New Year

5 Ways to Start the New Year Off Right by Mitchell Qualls GoodNews for Everyone 40 God’s Second Chance by Grace Logan

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

Christmas Ambrosia Salad GoodNews Poetry

Emmanuel by Judy Hood GoodNews for Everyone

A Divinely Appointed Visit: Luke 1:39-56 by Jonathon Wright GoodNews for Health

Sleep in Heavenly Peace GoodNews for Everyone

The Gift of Giving by Paul McGuire

Memories Matter

by Donald Cantrell

In the coming days, we will be celebrating Christmas. It will be a time of festivities, parties, decorations, and reunions, but more than any of those things, it will be a time of making memories. There are many that don’t enjoy all of the revelry of the Christmas Season, but I am not one of them. I love it! I can listen to Christmas music year-round, especially during the last two months of the year. As I write this, Christmas is almost two months away, and I can’t wait.

I am 62 years old, and some of my fondest memories were going to bed as a kid in Chatsworth and anxiously waiting for Santa to arrive at our house, leaving our gifts under the tree. The best gifts I remember from those years were a set of cowboy pistols and a holster. I also remember that one year our mom bought us “air rifles.” She did not know that they were really Red Ryder BB Guns.

The beauty of Christmas is that it is a time when family and friends get together and eat, share gifts, share stories, and laugh about times past. In the coming years, most of us will not even remember the gifts we received or even the ones that we gave. However, we will always cherish the memories. There might be a tinge of sadness due to the

passing of a loved one, as everyone realizes that their seat is forever empty, but their memories live on.

There have been some awesome events throughout history, but the first Christmas night literally changed the world. Joseph and Mary were living in the moment as their lives were turned upside down. Joseph had to move his family from Nazareth to Bethlehem, which was around 90 miles, and his wife was pregnant with a child that was not even his. The tenseness of their travels may have been rigorous, but God was allowing them to bring the world some of the most precious and realest memories ever.

The lowly couple arrived within the city of Bethlehem to find that all of the dwelling places were occupied. However, they eventually found lodging at the inn, just not inside the inn. No, they were lodging with the animals. When God sent forth His son, He did not displace one person to make room for His son to be born. Instead, He willingly allowed him to be born and placed in a manger. Where else should a lowly lamb be born?

In time, God allowed Mary to bring forth His precious son, but He also sent forth His angel to alert some shepherds about the birth of the “Real Lamb.” The Lamb of God. Wow! Is that not the greatest memory ever? I dare say that those men’s lives were never the same because they left their lambs and went to the city. While there, they saw “God’s Lamb.” There is no doubt that everyone involved in the Christmas story that night made everlasting memories.

Memories matter, so go out and make some memories this Christmas, okay?

Donald Cantrell is a lifelong native of Murray county and has been pastoring and preaching since 1980. He has had the honor of publishing over thirty books and his sermon material is sold all over the world by various online companies. If you visit his house any weekend in the fall you will find them watching the “Florida Gators or the New England Patriots… Chomp Chomp.” About

The Shepherds and Angels

by Danny Hesterly

Do you remember that part in the Christmas Story where the angels begin to sing to the shepherds who are out in the middle of their fields taking care of their sheep? Just in case you might have forgotten, it’s found in Luke 2:8-15:

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

This had to be both amazing and a bit scary for the shepherds. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an angel, but if I did, I’d probably feel just like those shepherds did that night. There are a lot of really fun and fascinating things found in this passage of scripture. Like the announcement of the Messiah (the Savior of the world) or how there was just one angel, then all of a sudden, a ton of angels were singing. But there’s one huge thought I’ve always had that stands out when I read the Christmas Story. Here it is:

Of all the people in the world, the angel of the Lord told the most important news to a bunch of smelly, poor, and unpopular shepherds. You see, being a shepherd during Jesus’ time wasn’t a job most people wanted. Shepherds were considered not smart or trustworthy. They didn’t make a lot of money being shepherds, and most people didn’t want to be friends with them. But we see in Luke 2 that an angel of the Lord came to the shepherds FIRST! Wow!

The good news is that the Messiah, the Lord, being born in Bethlehem belonged to everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, rich or poor, liked or disliked. This good news was for shepherds and kings alike. Isn’t that just amazing? God sees us as His children. We are all important to Him. God doesn’t have favorites. His good news is for everyone.

So, during this Christmas season, we ALL get to receive the greatest gift ever given to us. His name is Jesus. He is God’s son. He is the Savior of the world, and He wants to be our friend.

Danny Hesterly lives in Chattanooga, TN where he spends most of his days in coffee shops helping others discover their part in God’s amazing story. Danny has two children (12, 10) and has been married to his lovely bride for 17 years.

About The Author

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Would You Like to Have Lifetime Income?

Money Matters

Rick Hughes with

Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes founded Hughes Retirement Group in 2007. His main interest is helping his clients in reducing their taxes.

When Social Security began under President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935, the average life expectancy was 66. At that time, FDR said that Social Security would begin at age 65, but later allowed someone to take it at 62 because of life expectancy. Either way, the payout did not last long in most cases. Roosevelt’s goal was to provide Amer icans with a stream of income they could not outlive. It was a great idea that allowed someone to work x number of years, then begin collecting some of the money they paid into the SS system. With life expectancy now in the mid-80s, the biggest fear most seniors experience today is “outliving their money.” For a couple who is 60 years old, there is a 40% chance one of them will live to be 95. Now what if this happens to you? How will you handle this? If you do the math, it would make sense to take the SS benefit at age 62 if you knew you were not going to live beyond 77, but for any age beyond that, it would make sense to take SS at Full Retirement Age (FRA) or after. If you wait until FRA, you will receive an additional 8% each year until 70.

If you are a person who has worked and had a retirement account through your employer, such as a 401k, 403b, or profit sharing, then a strategy called “Lifetime Income” might pique your interest. Think of it as a pension, or benefit you receive just like your SS each and every month for the rest of your life. If and when you draw SS, you expect the check to be deposited each and every month into your account. Lifetime Income will be another stream of income being deposited into your account for the rest of your life. It is important, if possible, to create an additional income stream to supplement the income stream you receive from your SS benefit.

Another benefit to this additional Lifetime Income stream is a statement we often use: “Zero is Your Hero.” What I mean by this is that you benefit from market gains while avoiding the losses. If you could know your principle is safe from market volatility, wouldn’t you be interested in this strategy?

How does it work? Say you have a 401k, and you are on the verge of retiring but do not want to risk your principle with the market. Your funds would be linked to the index, but you would only receive gains from the market, not the losses. This is because you receive interest credits if the market performs well, but if the market takes a downturn, “Zero is Your Hero.”

I have a client who had a 401k, had accumulated $170,000 from her employer, and was ready to retire with her husband. Although their goal was to take their SS benefit each month, they could not maintain the lifestyle they wanted without addi tional income. They had decided to put the money in the bank and take out $800 per month, or $9,600 per year, to supplement their income. The problem, however, was that they would run out of money after 17 years. I gave them a different strategy that would allow them to take $1,600 per month for the rest of their lives, even after one of them died. Let’s do the math. Say they draw on this money each month for 25 years. That would amount to $480,000. Which strategy would you prefer?

If Lifetime Income is something you’d like to discuss, give Hughes Retirement Group a call. You can reach us at 423-6644203 or www.HughesRetirementGroup.com. We’d love to hear from you!

Sources: Worker-to-Beneficiary Ratio in the Social Security Program (pgpf.org)

Jesus and Jesus Alone

by Greg Grotewold

Ican still recall as if it were yesterday. I couldn’t eat and was anxious to get going, for I wasn’t able to think about anything else. I put my baseball uniform on and headed over to my coach’s house to catch a ride. Not only did I have a game that night, but it was my turn to pitch.

The rotation required that I take the mound every other week, which meant my nerves were working overtime every other week. I wasn’t nervous about having to pitch; I was nervous because I knew that in order for me to be pleased with my performance, I would need to do something I had not done all season. It wasn’t enough to win the game; success demanded that I pitch a no-hitter.

And as had happened all summer, I failed. Even though we won the game and I got a “w” under my name, I gave up not only a couple of hits, but in fact a run. I was crushed. And as had happened all summer, I spent the balance of the week both sulking over the bitter defeat and constantly replaying in my head the pitch sequence to each of the batters who got on base. You would have thought I had blown Game 7 of the World Series.

I’m a recovering perfectionist. The problem wasn’t that I wanted to play well; the problem was how I defined what “well” meant. I saw no difference between it and perfection; in my mind, they were one in the same.

It wasn’t until Jesus entered my life that I began to recognize not only how destructive such striving was but also how unnecessary. The Lord showed me that I was using baseball (and the myriad of other aims that received my exacting energy) as a means by which to fill a more profound need. There was no way the sport and my ability to perform it could ever possibly deliver on the expectations I carried. Even if I had pitched a perfect game, I still would have been left unsatisfied and for one very good reason. I was seeking something that was designed to be met by Jesus and Jesus alone. That something was acceptance. Only He could provide the type of approval for which my heart longed.

And when I decided to surrender my will for His, that’s exactly what I received. With tender mercy, Jesus began pouring out His unadulterated love upon my frustrated soul. He embraced me with a care that left no doubt I was not only accepted by Him but adored. Adored! The Lord loves and likes me. He delights being in my presence. “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing” (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV).

This is staggering given I didn’t do anything particularly special to deserve such treatment. In fact, I did nothing, which was the whole point Jesus was trying to impress upon me. He wanted me to stop striving, stop performing; He wanted me to be still and simply abide in Him. “Stop stiving and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, NASB). The Lord desired my heart, not my sacrifice. “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6, ESV).

None of this outpouring of grace would have been possible without Calvary. Jesus died my death, and I took on His robe of righteousness (Romans 4:5). Because of the Son’s perfecting work on the cross, the Father now counts me as perfectly righteous. “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14, ESV). When the Father looks at me, He doesn’t see Greg and his brokenness; He sees Jesus and His holiness. Simply amazing.

Immeasurable in mercy, unparalleled in power, irreproachable in purity, immutable in character, unrivaled in tenderness, and irrepressible in joy, Jesus is the very embodiment of the perfection I had long sought. And I gained what I was seeking at the very moment I relinquished any effort to secure it. I became perfect when I abandoned my need to be perfect and yielded to the One who is.

May we find our acceptance in Jesus and Jesus alone. His is the only approval truly worth pursuing.

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.

Have You Opened Your Present?

by April Engstrom

Picture it—that Christmas when you got the present you’ll never forget. Maybe it was something small, something that brought you hope when Christmas was a dark time for you. Maybe you received lots of presents, but there’s that one you’ll always remember. For me, it was a set of ballet slippers, a skirt, leg warmers, and a dance bag with my name on it. I was like so many others dreaming of being a ballerina. But what was so magical about that present wasn’t just the present, it was the heart behind it. My parents were telling me that they believed in my dream too. The clothes weren’t just pretend ballet clothes; they were the real deal. I continued to wear them throughout my ten years of ballet.

Our Heavenly Father is investing in you too. He knows your heart, and He wants to bless you with gifts that will enable you to succeed at the tasks He has placed in your heart. Yes, God gave us some mind-blowing gifts. Some knock your socks off, praise Jesus, work-in-the-Holy-Spirit kind of gifts. These gifts are the real deal. They are there to equip you and help you succeed in the path God has laid before you. A path that requires you to be in relationship with the Father to bring glory to our Lord Jesus, all of which is made possible by the Holy Spirit being present in our daily lives. The greatest gift, next to salvation, is the gift of the Holy Spirit. A living and breathing, active part of the trinity is living inside of you. This is promised to us in John 14:14-21.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17, ESV).

When you accepted the salvation of Jesus Christ, you were given the gift that Jesus Himself requested from the Father. Read the whole of John 14 for an even more beautiful picture of His intentionality behind this gift. The Holy Spirit

didn’t come empty handed into your spirit, either. We see in 1 Cor. 12:4-11 examples of His gifts. In Gal. 5:22-23, we see the fruit of those gifts. In Romans 12:6-8, Paul urges us to use these gifts.

Yes, God does and will always shine when He is able to work where you are weak. But think about how much He will be able to accomplish if you are willing to allow your gifts to be pushed to the level where Jesus takes over and gets the glory. You are an active, needed part of the body

of Christ, and He wants to use you. He’s gifted you with everything He needs. Have you opened it?

As we enter this Christmas season, as we remember the greatest gift ever given to us, I encourage you to remember the daily gift you have living inside you. Jesus came and died for your sins, and now the Holy Spirit lives within you to bring glory back to Jesus. Allow Him to speak God’s heart to you. Allow Him to use you for God’s good and faithful plans. He’s speaking, have you stopped long enough to listen? May God bless you this Christmas season and this coming year as you discover all He has for you. Open the gift.

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.

About The Author

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 Healing Center Church 515 Reed Road, 30720 706-229-9456

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

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 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

Lifegate Church 2744 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-0016

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 901 Chester Road, 30721 706-270-9733

Bridging the Gap Ministries

514 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, 30721 706-277-7575

Relentless Worship Center 210 Robinwood Dr, 30721 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

The Character of Christmas

by Brent Goodge

We love to read of the angels singing to the shepherds in Luke’s account of the Christmas story. Matthew’s edition presents Christ as the Baby King worshiped by royal emissaries. But have you ever read the Christmas story in Revelation? Both Matthew and Luke presented the Bethlehem story as the Messiah’s arrival to earth. The emphasis of both is to convince the reader that this Baby in the manger was the Prophesied One.

John’s Christmas presentation, found in the book of Revelation, doesn’t allow the reader to dwell on the bleating of sheep, the poetic Magnificat, the glorious music of the angels, or the magi from the East. You can read it in Revelation 12:1-5. Satan, the dragon, was standing ready, waiting for Jesus to arrive on earth, so that he could “devour” Jesus “as soon as (He) was born” (Revelation 12:4).

Revelation’s Christmas story gives us the backstory that Luke and Matthew did not include. Satan and one third of heaven’s angels had been expelled from heaven for rebellion against God (Revelation 12:4). Satan had heard the promise God made to the woman in Eden that One of her seed would crush his head (Genesis 3:15).

And Satan was anxiously awaiting the day the King of the universe would step foot on Satan’s territory, where Satan was sure the Creator would be an easy Prey.

Did the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit know Satan’s plans? Of course. What kind of parent sends their child to certain death? What kind of God sends Himself to certain death? What kind of God do we serve? We worship a Creator that once made us in His image (Genesis 1:26; Revelation 14:6,7). And One who committed Himself to the prospect that He would do whatever it took to restore His image in us. Christ was “slain, from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8).

And so “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” Immanuel, demonstrating to us the glorious loving character

of Almighty God (John 1:14; Matthew 1:23). Through Herod the Great, Satan did try to kill Jesus as soon as He was born (Matthew 2:16-18). But in the ignominious death of Herod, God demonstrated to satan what his own fate would be (Matthew 2:19).

The story of Christmas, as the entire story of salvation, is simply a contrast of character. Satan, the king of selfishness (Isaiah 14:12-14), set himself against Jesus Christ, the King

of

Decisions have consequences. The king of selfishness will die an ignominious death as his vassal King Herod did (Isaiah 14:16-20; Ezekiel 28:18,19). And the King of Selflessness will spend eternity worshipped by those He died to transform, knowing if He could go back, He would never have chosen any other path (Philippians 2:9-11; Isaiah 53:11).

Whose character are you praying to receive this Christmas?

Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County, and will never ever understand why God was willing to die to save him. About The Author

Selflessness (Philippians 2:5-8). The serpent’s apparent victory, striking the heel of his Creator on Calvary’s cross, was the event that would crush Satan’s own head (Genesis 3:15).

God’s Promise Kept

by Matt Jensen

“Iwill put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15).

In this passage, God is the one who promises, the snake is Satan, and the offspring of the woman is Jesus. Here we find that God promises that Jesus will come in order to fix and improve everything that

• Will explain God’s law (Exodus 20:1-21; Matthew 5-7)

• Will be like a substitutionary lamb who takes away sin (Exodus 12:1-28, John 1:29, 35-36)

• Will be a son of David (2 Samuel 7, especially verses 12-16; Matthew 1:1; 12:42)

• Will be the place that God’s presence fills like the temple and tabernacle, but better (Exodus 26, 40; 1 Kings 6, 8; Matthew 12:6; Colossians 2:9)

The Old Testament announces that Jesus will come. The New Testament announces that Jesus has already come and will come again. We can believe all that God has promised because he promised that Jesus would come and then delivered on it. All who repent and believe in Christ will be saved by his blood and righteousness. All who refuse to come to Christ will be judged for their sins by the God of perfect holiness. Will you stand before God in Christ or in your sins?

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Adam has ruined through disobeying God (Romans 5:14; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, 45). This promise means judgement for Satan but salvation for mankind. This promise grows like a tree. The more Scripture that is written, the clearer and brighter this promise becomes. For example, the offspring of the woman:

• Will be a son of Abraham (Genesis 12, 15, 17; Matthew 1:1)

• Will be a king (Genesis 49:8-12; 2 Samuel 7, especially verses 12-16; 1 Timothy 6:15)

• Will be a ruler and redeemer like Moses, but better (Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Acts 7:35)

• Will lead another Exodus (Exodus 1-15; Matthew 2:15)

And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One (Acts 7:52; read verses 1-53).

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look (1 Peter 1:10-12).

About The Author

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.

The Two Greatest Gifts

by David Huff

This is one of my favorite times of the year. Leaves have turned colors and have fallen to the ground, and I love walking through them and hearing the crunching underneath my feet. For me, it is extremely peaceful and centers my mind on the things that I take for granted every day. The best part of the season is that within weeks, we are at one of the happiest times of the year—at least to me. Yes, I am referring to the gift-giving season. I love watching my kids, wife, and other family members open their presents on Christmas day.

The main reason I enjoy watching everyone is it reminds me of the two greatest gifts that God gives me every day. James 1:17 says that every good gift comes from above. Indeed, it does. One of the gifts that I am so thankful for is that each day I wake up and I have air to breathe. I love the Creation story so much because of this. In Genesis 1, man was formed from the Earth and God breathed His breath into man. God later formed woman from the side of the man and again He breathed life into her. Every day God breathes life into

us. Every morning when we wake up, the breath of God is flowing through us.

The next gift I am given every day is the opportunity to receive salvation. The opportunity to be forgiven for the things I have done and the things I will do. God could have easily said, no, you are too wicked and destroyed me, but He chose to allow Jesus to redeem me. That is a gift that keeps giving everything just as much as life. Not only do I get to experience a new day with life here on Earth, but I also get to experience eternal life with my Lord and Savior. You cannot replace those gifts.

This Christmas season, I want to encourage you to take time and think about the life that God gives you every day. The air we breathe, the eternal life we will have for those who are redeemed to Christ, and the miracle birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas, and may you enjoy the gifts that God gives us every day.

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. I am also a senior at Liberty University.

About The Author

No Doctor Heals You, Only God Can Heal You!

by Dr. Shawn Jones

Growing up in the mid-west, church was an occasional Sunday event in my family. Honestly, my Grandmother Pauline preached enough in her living room every afternoon to fill in a lot of the gaps! However, we all have times in our lives where God proves He is always in charge—even if He does not make Himself known regularly to you and stays in the background of our lives.

Fortunately, He is a loving God and will sometimes let us dig pretty deep holes we think we cannot ever recover from. But when you calm yourself and pray, the revelations

overtake me, and somehow my raft mates suddenly yanked me from the rapids and I was saved! I realized I was on a wrong path and this was another wake-up call to pray for forgiveness, redeem myself with God, and get back on the plan. God had plans for me to help people heal, and just like each of you, God has a plan to follow.

There is a saying in Chiropractic: “Life Comes from Above Down Inside Out!” It means that all healing is divine and comes from above, from God through Jesus Christ. This Life-Force is expressed inside your body outwards through the nerves. All doctors are simply tools of the Lord with special skills to help your body heal itself. No drug heals you, as they can only inhibit or stimulate body function. No surgery heals you, as it removes cancers etc. or tries to improve joints or organs. They remove the impediment to healing, and your body does the healing! It’s the same with Chiropractic care, we remove interferences of bones pinching nerves, so it’s like turning the switch on to organs, muscles, and tissues of the body. We move the bone, and the power that made your body can once again heal the body. A Chiropractor treats no diseases, we only treat people, helping your innate healing power from God do miraculous things.

He wants us to learn will come to us, and eventually, the best way out of any situation! And the key is redemption! We all make mistakes, and we all sin. Because God gave us all His only son, Jesus Christ, who died for all our sins, we only have to ask for forgiveness and admit we have sinned, and we are redeemed! How many times have you felt a hundred pounds lifted off your shoulders when you asked for forgiveness and were redeemed? It does not mean we will not suffer, but there is always light above to guide you out of any hole you dug!

The most dramatic experience for me was when I was white water rafting on the Colorado River; our raft got stuck on a huge rock at the beginning of the harsh rapids and I was hurled into the water. A few seconds later, I came up more than 50 yards from the raft. I was unable to swim 10 feet to shore or barely breathe as the current was so powerful, and I had to swallow water to get breaths. In my sheer panic, suddenly, a voice quietly said to me…it’s not your time now, you have too much to do. I immediately felt calm

Some people may seek a doctor on a nutritional basis, and some need a tumor removed. The key is God will try to get you to the right doctor for any situation. Listen to His guidance. I cannot tell you how many new patients have come in and told me, “God sent me to you. Now you better figure this out!” If God sends someone to me, I know I will do my best as He gives me strength and confidence to help people who need my help! We are taught in Chiropractic school the second most important principal, to “Share for the sake of Sharing, Give for the sake of Giving, and Love for the sake of Loving.” Remember, you cannot row someone across the river without getting there yourself. I take that to mean that all doctors of all professions that have a desire to help others heal get blessings back to them as well.

Dr. Shawn R. Jones is director of Chattanooga

Wellness Centers in Cleveland & Chattanooga

2245 Chambliss Ave. NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

6016 E Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421 (423)-790-5000. www.Bone-Whisperer.com.

About The Author

Bankers Factoring LLC:

Critical Working Capital for Entrepreneurs

Are you having cash flow problems in your Dalton business? Bankers Factoring is the local choice for your non-recourse factoring and purchase order funding needs in Northwest Georgia.

Bankers Factoring’s corporate offices in Dalton and regional factoring offices in Atlanta are ready to fund your business. Bankers Factoring Invoice Factoring and Trade Financing solutions allow growing companies along the I-24, I-75, and I-85 Corridors to carry out their growth plans by covering their operating expenses. With extended credit terms, why wait 30-90 days for your payment?

How Invoice Factoring Works

Invoice factoring helps with cash flow if a business sells its products or services on Net 30–90-day terms to B2B (business-to-business) or B2G (business-to-government) clients. While using Bankers Factoring’s receivables factoring services, a business sells its open invoices to Bankers Factoring. Bankers Factoring then confirm that the business’s customers are creditworthy and happy with the business’s products and services.

After an invoice verification, Bankers Factoring will wire a business 80-93% of the net invoice amount on the same

day. After their customer pays in 30-90 days, the company gets the remaining balance minus the Bankers Factoring fees. Businesses can repeat this process as often as they generate credit-worthy invoices for unlimited working capital via Bankers Factoring’s unique cash flow financing solutions and business financial services. Benefits of Bankers Factoring  • Bankers Factoring takes the credit risk

Discount Rates as Low as 0.95%

Q and A with Bankers Factoring President Chris Curtin  GoodNews: Can you explain Bankers Factoring’s business model to our readers?

Curtin: “Bankers Factoring is an employee-owned invoice factoring company. Invoice factoring is instead of waiting 30-90 days for your large business (B2B) or government (B2G) customers to pay you; Bankers Factoring advances you 80-93% on the same day you invoice. You then receive the balance less our factoring fee once your customer pays our lockbox. Factoring Fees are similar to swiping a credit card and run from 1.1-1.6% per month.

For example, our customers sell and factor their invoices with us to UTC, VW, Chattanooga Airport, ATT, Windstream, and Goodwill, to name a few. Also, since we are helping the not-yet-bankable entrepreneur, bruised personal credit, losing money, time in business, and client concentration are not issues like they would be to a bank or credit union.”

GoodNews: What allows Bankers Factoring to stand apart from other companies offering similar financing?

Curtin: “We are employee-owned, so everyone you talk to at Bankers Factoring is an owner, or their goal is ownership. We are start-up friendly. Your business can be only a few days old, and we can still fund your cash flow needs. We look at the creditworthiness of your customers, not you.

We recently received an award as one of the best factoring companies from factoringclub.com. Also, our entire funding team speaks Spanish, a high-growth area for entrepreneurs in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee.”

GoodNews: Can you tell us how you found yourself starting Bankers Factoring?

Curtin: “Bankers Factoring is the third factoring company where I have had ownership. I wanted to start Bankers Factoring in Dalton for a few reasons.

• I am a Dalton High and Georgia Tech graduate, so I have many friends in North Georgia.

• I am blessed as my 83-year-old parents are both still alive in Dalton, so I now see them daily.

• The carpet industry has utilized factoring since the 1960s, so it is a familiar financing tool for the flooring, furniture, and textile industries.

• North Georgia gives my people an excellent quality of life for their families.

As I mentioned before, this is the third factoring company I have been part of the ownership team. It was important to me that everyone had ownership in Bankers Factoring. I passionately believe that entrepreneurship is the best path to helping people and personal wealth.”

GoodNews: Do you have any tips for people interested in starting a new business venture in our community?

Curtin: “My tips are for starting a B2B or B2G business, but many of them carry over to retail businesses (B2C).

Many of our clients started their companies because they were great at running janitorial teams, selling nurse staffing or security guard services, importing wine, or running directional boring crews. They dreamed of having their own company, making money for themselves and not the owners they worked for. Having a solid skill set and potential customers who want you to succeed is a great start.

I will give you a $150,000 Harvard MBA in two words, ‘Nobody Cares.’ It is your job to get enough people to care about your personal and business success so that you go from losing money (burn rate) to making a profit as quickly as possible. Also, budget for your ‘burn rate.’ How much money will you lose every month until you get positive cash flow? How will you cover those losses?”

GoodNews: We love cultivating a community around our local business owners and residents. Is there anything you would like our readers to know about your involvement in the community?

Curtin: “I have always believed in giving back to the community. In Florida, I was on the board of Foster Care for Palm Beach County and the Symphony of the Americas in Fort Lauderdale. I am currently a member of a dozen chambers and industry organizations. I find the day flies by when you focus on helping others in business or the community.”

GoodNews: What is the best way for readers to reach out and find more information?

Curtin: “Please call me at 706-229-6675 or email me at chris@BankersFactoring.com.”

Tugging at Christmas

by Sandra Gilmore

In East Tennessee, John Muir quotes surface quite often, jarring us to discover something wonderful we’ve overlooked. Mr. Muir validates his quest into these hills, “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”

When one tugs at a single thing in the Bible, he finds it attached to Christmas! Check out all the monthly Christmasconnected articles of this series in back editions of the 2022 GoodNews Magazine.

Before the common elements of Christmas today, before the tinsel and trinkets, the long ride to Bethlehem, the shepherds or the manger, there was a prayer. Zechariah and Elizabeth prayed for a son. We now know this son preached and baptized prior to the Messiah’s earthly ministry. The interesting thing about that prayer was, it’s quite possible, it had been set aside. Do you quit praying after a while? When natural evidence says the prayer won’t be answered, or when your heart loses hope? Although Zechariah’s prayer centered toward his family, the answer (their son John the Baptist) impacted the world. Your prayers are also part of a design set in motion by the Grand Designer. Only God knows the potential they hold. Keep praying! Scripture endorses our prayerful ponderings because while [Joseph] was thinking the Lord sent an angel to answer his questions (Matthew 1:20).

Also in Matthew, the “Begats” are listed. This list can be quite boring until you tug at it toward Christmas. Each name has a meaning that combines to tell the story of God’s Glory, right up to the birth of Jesus.

Another tug toward Christmas is a little town called Ephrathah, or more specially, the road connecting Ephrathah Bethlehem as it meanders even farther toward Jerusalem. Nothing changes the world quite like a road. Did you know this road brought in so many changes?

The Psalmist assures us, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). Although the road passing by Ephrathah mutely carries its travelers, the Word spotlights grand events. We know King David’s men found the Ark of the Covenant near this tiny town and with a holy procession, David took the Ark back to Jerusalem (Psalm 132:6, 2 Chronicles 1:4). As Benjamin gasped his first breaths from

the dusty air alongside this road, his mother Rachel breathed her last (Genesis 35:19). Centuries later, Jeremiah’s tears would stain this road without recourse as Babylonian soldiers forced Rachel’s shattered tribe to captivity (Jeremiah 40:1).

Not all the tears along this road were unhappy. Naomi’s friends formed a welcoming committee for Naomi’s daughterin-love and blessed her, “May Yahweh make the woman who has come into your house like Rachel and like Leah, which two built the house of Israel; and treat you worthily in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem” (Ruth 4:11). Ruth is in the genealogy of Jesus.

It is no wonder the Christmas story unfolds in Matthew with a quote from Micah, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting” (Micah 5:2). God’s people were steeped in the history of this road from Ephrathah to Jerusalem. The torch of prophecy and the lantern of history shed light on this well-worn pathway.

Even today, we continue looking for connections to Christmas through Scripture. It seems we know much about Christmas, until we look again. There’s so much to unwrap about the birth of Jesus!

Sandra Gilmore serves the Lord as wife, mom, and encourager, mostly through writing and speaking, occasionally through cooking, rarely through anything athletic and only because of the mercy and grace of Jesus. You can reach her by email: tandsgilmore@yahoo.com or her website: www.sandragilmore.org

About The Author

When Does a Revival Really Start?

by Filip Brunner

“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).

In the middle of September, a tent was pitched in front of our church. Not a tent you would go camping in, but a tent that holds over 1,400 people as a part of our first ever tent revival. Over several days, we saw God work in wonderful ways. Countless believers rededicated their lives, and almost 100 received Christ as Savior. But when did the revival really begin? Was it when four to five men met for prayer three years ago because they were tired of the same old, same old?

“Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up” (Hosea 6:1).

Or, was it a long time ago, in eternity past, in the heart of God?

“Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? Show us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation. I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he

will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly” (Psalm 85:6-8).

Is it possible that there is only one real revival which is multi-branched and multi-faceted? Indulge me for a moment. When Seth was born, people began to call on the name of the Lord. Revival. Enoch walked with God after the birth of Methuselah. Revival. Noah found grace with God. Revival. Peter heard a rooster crow. Revival. Paul saw a light and heard a voice. Revival. Paul and Silas sang at midnight after being beaten and imprisoned. Revival. Peter killed and ate from stuff that the law said was unclean. Revival. Some gave all they had. A woman gave a penny. Revival. Mary Magdalene broke an alabaster box and anointed the feet of Jesus. Revival. The mother of Jesus saw her Son on the cross. Revival. A young boy gave his lunch, and a lot more than just 5,000 men were fed. Revival.

What about the four men who prayed earnestly for revival? Little by little, others joined them, but some fell away because they became discouraged. Still, others prayed all the more. Finally, three years later, perhaps… but definitely in eternity past, God knew the day would come. Intertwined in the revival that flows from the very heart of God, a small church on the side of the road, like so many others before it, plunged headlong into the current of God’s grace and mercy. We became the benefactors of God’s will for us by taking a closer walk with the Almighty. We have renewed zeal and an overflowing of God’s love for a world in need of Jesus. Just something to think about.

About The Author

Filip Brunner is married to his wife, Dr. Kim Brunner and together they have six children. He is a writer, author, and artist.

Small Gifts, Large Hearts

by Kristen West

It was Christmas morning. My living room was filled with family and the remains of what had been neatly wrapped packages. We were nearing the end of our traditional gift exchange when my 13-yearold grandson produced a small, red stocking from behind his back and gave it to me. “Merry Christmas, Grandma,” he proclaimed.

I dumped out the stocking to find $13.82. The entire contents of his piggybank from home. “It’s everything I have, Grandma,” he said with a sweet smile. “And I wanted you to have it.”

My eyes welled up with tears as I gave him a bear hug that he’s probably still recovering from to this day. His comparatively small gift of the morning had the largest impact on my heart. The rest of us had purchased gifts within our budgets and from our surplus. Not him. His gift was completely and unreservedly sacrificial.

Mark 12:41-44 tells a story of a widow who did the same thing. Jesus and His disciples happened to be sitting across from the temple treasury one day as folks were coming through and dropping in their offerings. “Many rich people were putting in large sums. And a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little” (vs. 41-42).

Jesus used that opportunity as a teaching moment for His disciples as He told them, “I assure you: This poor widow has put in more than all those giving to the temple treasury. For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she possessed—all she had to live on” (vs. 43-44).

The Gospel point here is simple. In regards to giving, it is always the sincerity of the thought and the attitude and generosity of the heart that God regards. Not the magnificence or largeness of the gift. In a

culture where we’re encouraged to buy big, spend more, and keep up with the Joneses, that life-giving truth is essential to remember. Small things matter. Tiny tokens of thoughtfulness and love count.

As we approach this Christmas season, I pray that we all will keep that truth close to our hearts as we give freely, sacrificially, sincerely, and with love.

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.

About The Author

He’s Already There

by Dorothy Teague

Iwatch a lot of “Sci-fi” shows, and I’ve been a “Trekkie” for a long time, watching the earliest Star Trek series avidly. I’m fascinated with “worm holes” and hooked on movies about time travel. I’ve always thought it would be pretty cool to be able to go back in time and fix my mistakes, or gain the knowledge of how not to make them to begin with. A peep into the future to ready ourselves for what’s to come would be quite handy. But I have to bring my vivid imaginings to a halt and step into scripture where the real answers are found.

Even though God created time, He is above time itself (Genesis 1 and 2—the seven days of creation). He is omnipresent, which means that He is everywhere at all times. We ordinary mortals cannot see the future; we can only look back at the past or see the moment we are presently in. But God is everywhere at all times, tenses, and places! He is not confined by the construct of time nor can He be contained by any of the laws of nature and science that we must abide by (“Behold, Heaven and the highest Heaven cannot contain You” 1 Kings 8:27).

Psalm 139:7-10 says, “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to Heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! …if I dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” So, no matter what

happens to me in my present or future life, He is an almighty God who is already there taking care of me. Even though I come from a long line of worriers, I try to hold fast to this tenet and what Matthew 6:34 says, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow.”

Time travel may not ever come to pass while I am on this earth, but God is already the ultimate time traveler! He is omnipresent! “We see through a glass darkly…” (1 Corinthians 13:12) but God already knows all the events of your life (Psalm 139:16) and is there in each moment of it with you. It’s comforting to know that no matter what happens in my life’s journey, He’s already there!

Dorothy Teague is a Tennessee native, who resides in McMinn County with her husband, Lewis, on their farm. After completing 31.5 years as a teacher in the Bradley County School System, she is active in her church at Eastanallee Baptist Church where she is a member of the choir and praise team.

About The Author

The Greatest Memory

by Dr. Alan Hix

The Christmas season is often a time for remembering. What is your fondest Christmas memory? The month of December holds some special days for our family. My father was born in December, and he and my mother were wed a few days before his birthday. Skip forward in time, and our daughter was born on my parents’ anniversary, and a few days later, I walked across the stage at New Orleans seminary for my doctoral degree.

Christmas songs often reflect memories of Christmases past. The Twelve Days of Christmas might cause us to wonder what we would do with all of those presents if our true love actually did give them to us. The cacophony from all the livestock alone might make us rethink our view of the Grinch as a villain. He had a problem with the noise too!

Closer to home, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus might stir memories of those childhood schemes to catch a glimpse of the man in the red suit. I’ll be home for Christmas captures the wistful longing for treasured Christmas traditions.

More poignantly, Jim Brickman’s song That Silent Night, recounts the story of a courtship that began on a Christmas night and continued through the decades. Alone now, a widower looks back over the years of Christmases spent together. We feel his wistfulness in the chorus:

And the world spins round and the seasons change Letting go moving on and nothing stays the same Winter turns to Spring and Summer turns to Fall Our shadows on the wall, I still can see When I was holding you and you were holding me.

We find many details of the Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke. The difficult journey to Bethlehem, a stable turned into a delivery room, and a host of angels announcing the messiah’s birth to lowly shepherds all capture our imagination. Luke concludes his narrative with a simple statement that implies the details he recounts come from Mary’s memories: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

I wonder how often during the course of Jesus’ life, Mary paused to remember the wonder of those events. As her heart was broken as she watched her son dying on a Roman cross, did she think back to those events when it seemed God was

planning something special for her child? She would not know until three days later, that God’s promise all those years ago was fulfilled in ways she could never have imagined.

During my early adult years, a popular song for church choirs to sing at Christmas was called simply, That Night. The song begins with a hushed memory of a humble birth.

That night in all of Heaven there wasn’t a sound As God and the angels watched the Earth. For there, in a stable the Father’s only Son Chose to give Himself through human birth. And when the cry of a baby pierced the universe Once for all, men were shown their worth.

The chorus crescendos into a powerful declaration of the eternal significance of this one simple event.

And the heavens exploded, with music everywhere. And the angels spilled over heaven’s edge and filled the air. And the Father rejoiced, for He did not lose His Son, But He gained to Himself forever those who’d come.

No wonder Mary pondered these things in her heart. For Christians throughout the centuries, this is truly the greatest memory. This Christmas, let us make it ours!

About The Author

Dr. Alan Hix is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.

5 Ways to Start the New Year Off Right

by Mitchell Qualls

One more year is almost in the rearview, and the countdown to the new year is on. Can you believe it? If you’re like me, you may already be thinking about new opportunities and goals to help you start the new year right.

If you’re rolling your eyes at the thought of “New Year’s Resolutions,” let me just state the obvious: There’s nothing significant about January 1 when it comes to goals. There is nothing magical about new year’s resolutions. In fact, research has found that only about 45% of people even make resolutions. (And 35% of those who do quit them before the end of January.)

So, are they even worth it? While resolutions may not be the most successful, there is a lot of benefit in setting goals for yourself. Goals can help you become who you want to be, provide stability and drive you. January 1 gives you a good starting point. The calendar flips to another year, and it’s often seen as a fresh start.

But, how do we start the new year off right?

1. Reflect on the previous year.

Healthy things grow. Healthy people are no different, but to grow, we have to see where we are. Start by looking back at the previous year and ask yourself: What went well last year?

What did I accomplish? How did my life improve? What goals did I abandon? Why? What hurdles did I overcome? What do I wish I had spent more time doing?

2. Ask yourself, “What do I want to improve upon and why?”

You have the best opportunity to achieve the goals you set for yourself. Be careful not to set your goals based on what another person or our culture says. Your goals are about your health, finances, career, relationships, or whatever you choose. No matter how good a goal is, the success rate is diminished if it’s set for the wrong reasons. Side note: There is no magical number of goals either. Maybe you just need to start with one and focus on it until you achieve it.

3. Set SMART goals.

Ever heard of a SMART goal? SMART is an acronym coined in the Management Review Journal in 1981. It means specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. It’s a business model for setting goals, but it translates well to other types. Here’s a brief explanation of a SMART goal:

• Specific: Your resolution should be absolutely clear. Instead of “I want to get in better shape,” say, “I want to run a 5k in 3 months.”

• Measurable: You need a way to measure your progress. Depending on your goal, you may have to search, but look for a tool to measure your progress. Choose a method that you’ll stick with.

• Achievable: If it’s not attainable, you’ll probably give up too soon. Don’t try to jump too big, too fast. If there’s a big, lofty goal you want to achieve in the future, that’s great. Break it down into smaller goals and take those on. It’s a lot less daunting to say you want to lose 5 pounds in 2 months than to say you want to lose 50 pounds.

• Relevant: Does the goal matter to you? Is this something you want, not anyone else?

• Time-bound: Every goal needs a timeframe. The timeline must be realistic. Set a target achievement date and set benchmarks along the way.

4. Build a support system. Achieving goals is a lot easier when you surround yourself with people cheering you on. Come alongside friends or family, and all agree to share your goals and support each other. Accountability will push you to keep at it. If you need to, find an online group with similar goals and journey together.

5. Write it down. This seems simple, but there’s power in writing your goals, perhaps in your planner or on a sticky note in a prominent place. Make sure they are somewhere highly visible so you can read them over and over. And you can check off that goal once you achieve it. Go ahead and set those goals for the new year. But take the time to make a plan. As Benjamin Franklin said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”

About The Author

You can reach Michell Qualls at Mitchell@ FirstThings.org or visit First Things First’s website for more content at firstthings.org.

God’s Second Chance

by Grace Logan

On July 10, 2022 at 7:45, my youngest brother Tony (age 55) has a Basal Ganglia Stroke (this type of stroke occurs when blood leaks from a burst, torn or unstable blood vessel into the tissue of the brain). Tony was taken by ambulance to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Emergency Room, and immediately rushed into surgery to drain blood from his brain. After surgery, Tony was very heavily sedated and on a ventilator. We wait, pray, and hope Tony recovers.

July 11, 2022—I am posting to Pray Warriors to pray for healing for a family member. I am praying to God to give my brother a second chance of life. A scan was done, showing improvement. This is our hope, brain is still draining.

July 15, 2022—Scan was done, slight improvement. We keep praying.

July 17, 2022—Brain still draining, Tony is opening his eyes, squeezing his left hand, we keep praying. Now, I am praying Psalm 118:17. Tony will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.

July 20, 2022—Tony’s quality of life was greatly impacted, he will move to comfort care. I left from TN to IN that morning, praying and crying. I arrived at the hospital around 8:00 p.m., my niece Amber was there, she had prayed over her father. Tony knew we were there; his eyes opened several times and squeezed my hand. The presence of God in the room was amazing. As I cry and love on my brother, I read this to him:

That if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

Tony was squeezing my hand so tight; I believe he saw Jesus. Tony is now saved and is going to be with God. Hallelujah! Then I read Psalm 23 to him, The Lord is my Shepherd.

July 22, 2022—Tony went to Hospice care, he is very comfortable.

July 23, 2022—I prayed Peace and Comfort over Tony.

July 24, 2022—With guidance from God, Tony died peacefully and comfortable at 5:00 a.m. with Grace (his sister) beside him. I raise a Hallelujah to God!

God gave Tony a second chance for Eternal Life. Only God could do this. Thank you, God! I would like to thank IU Ball Memorial Hospital, ER, Surgeon, ICU, Hospice, and all staff for taking care of my brother.

Buds

Christmas Ambrosia Salad

This side dish is sure to bring joy to those around the dinner table this Christmas! Let us know if you share this sweet treat with your family this season. Tag us on Facebook at Goodnews CM.

Instructions Ingredients

• 1 (15 ounce) can of mandarin oranges, drained

• 1 (20 ounce) can of pineapple tidbits, drained

• 1 (10 ounce) jar of maraschino cherries, drained

• ½ cup of sweetened flaked coconut

• 1 ½ cups of mini marshmallows

• ½ cup of sour cream

• 1 (8 ounce) container of Cool Whip

1. Drain the mandarin oranges, pineapple, and maraschino cherries. Pat the fruit dry. Cut the maraschino cherries in half.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the pineapple, halved maraschino cherries, flaked coconut, and mini marshmallows until combined. Then, gently fold in the mandarin oranges.

3. In a smaller bowl, mix together the sour cream and Cool Whip until well combined. Then, gently fold into fruit mixture.

4. Chill in the fridge overnight before serving.

5. Enjoy!

Emmanuel

by Judy Hood

Over rough terrain they traveled far

The things that have happened have just been bizarre Like when Mary told Joseph she was with child by the Holy Ghost

Most men would have left and headed for the coast But an angel came to Joseph in his sleep that night She will give birth to the Savior of the world; she did not lie

So as there was no room for them in the inn All that was left was a stable but they gave thanks once again

Before they knew it the baby was born

As the animals looked on, the cows eating corn They named him “Emmanuel” meaning “God with us” When the three kings arrived, they made such a fuss

Giving him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh

He was such a delight; he was God’s spoken word He came to bring salvation to all men If men would just put their faith in him He hung on the cross, you see

To show his love for you and me Just think when we get to heaven fair And see all the wonders that are there

What a moment that will be When our Jesus we shall see

A Divinely Appointed Visit: Luke 1:39-56

by Jonathon Wright

Mary went into hyperdrive, throwing her stuff together. She had to know if the angel’s words were true. After all these years, was Elizabeth going to have a baby? Mary’s journey from Nazareth into the hill country of Judea was uphill, but she didn’t seem to mind. As each hill passed, Mary was getting closer to seeing her relatives and friend. The closer she got, the more excited she became. Mary was a woman on a mission and could not wait to see Elizabeth.

Shortly after this, the women sat down to talk and share a meal. “It is so good to see you, Mary! I have not felt God’s presence like that in a long time. You have no idea how good it is to have someone to talk to. I have been in seclusion for five months after getting pregnant. And my husband Zechariah has not said a word after the angel Gabriel told him we were going to have a child.”

Mary quickly replied, “I know Gabriel. He’s the same angel that told me about my child and your pregnancy. That is the reason I came.” Both women were amazed by all the great things that God was doing in their lives.

Elizabeth reaches across the table to give Mary some bread and asks, “How long are you staying?” “Well, I had not given it much thought, but as long as you will have me. I was hoping to help in any way I could and see the baby.” Elizabeth told one of her servants to prepare the extra room upstairs and said, “It will be a joy to have you.”

Mary finally got to the house and knocked on the door. She had no idea what was about to happen. The very moment she came into the house, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth was in the kitchen, but her words echoed through the house. “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!”

Elizabeth knew she was pregnant without Mary having to say a word. The timing of this great blessing overwhelmed Mary’s heart. And further confirmed the truth she held deep inside.

The two women had a great time reminiscing. Mary was a tremendous help and blessing to Elizabeth and their family. Mary’s visit was a special blessing from the Lord that lifted Elizabeth’s lonely heart. But the Lord used both of them to comfort, help, and encourage each other. And in the midst of it all, God’s Spirit showed up mightily. Mary stayed with Elizabeth through the rest of her pregnancy, and it was a Godsend.

I hope this Christmas, you and your family will have a wonderful time celebrating the birth of our Savior. May we all love, serve, and encourage each other for God’s glory. May we all pray for more of God’s Spirit to help. And may we all be more like Mary and Elizabeth, true servants of God that believe in the promise of God’s Son.

Jonathon Wright currently lives in Cleveland, Tennessee, and has been a member of the Church of God for about twenty years. He is a graduate of Lee University and Beacon University where he earned a BA and MA in Biblical Studies. He loves studying the Bible and has done so for over thirty years, but only now has God given him a desire and the opportunity to be a writer. Jonathon hopes to encourage people to read the Bible and take notes. You can find more from Jonathon at amazon.com/author/everydaynotes.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Snoring? It could be sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes a person’s airway to collapse or become blocked during sleep. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.

You are more at risk for sleep apnea if you are overweight, male, have a family history of sleep apnea, or have small airways. When your sleep is interrupted throughout the night, you can become drowsy during the day. Because of this, people with sleep apnea are at a higher risk for car crashes and work-related accidents.

“Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to multiple health issues. From a preventative medicine standpoint, the condition should be screened with the same urgency as diabetes and high blood pressure,” says Erick Kimmerling, DO, pulmonologist.

The vast majority of patients who have sleep disorders experience daytime sleepiness, a lack of

energy, insomnia, nightmares, sleep deprivation or snoring. When you or a family member has concerns about sleep, it’s best to get an evaluation.

At Hamilton Regional Sleep Center, overnight sleep testing is provided with state-of-the-art technology by highly trained technologists. The sleep studies are painless and use noninvasive technology to record heart rate, brain waves, breathing, oxygenation, and eye and leg movement. Hospitalization is not required. Evaluations are available for patients suffering from potentially serious medical conditions such as sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome.

Do you think you or a loved one has sleep apnea? Ask your primary care provider for a referral to Hamilton Regional Sleep Center.

Hamilton Regional Sleep Center is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for sleep testing and sleep lab/center services. ACHC offers a patient-focused approach to sleep accreditation with principles that were developed with direct input from industry professionals to ensure relevant and realistic standards.

The Gift of Giving

by Paul McGuire

Perhaps the greatest gift of one person to another is a spoken word. I think we can accurately say that to “gift” someone in this way is to speak a thing that elevates, improves, or enhances their value as a person. Who wouldn’t like that?

God’s great Gift to mankind is firstly His Son (the Gospel of John refers to Him as “the Word” in John 1:1), whose furthering Gift to us is access into a friendly relationship with God (by our words or confession, Romans 10:10)—which is God’s intent. So, even God’s Gift of Jesus gives back to Him! When we re-gift from that Treasure, we demonstrate our own likeness to Him. We echo back His spoken intent to Abraham that “through your seed shall all nations of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 22:18).

And how is our “re-gifting” done? It starts with our spoken words. In our troubling and turbulent times, I want to encourage us all to speak with such words that build up and encourage Righteousness in our lives and in our Nation. God’s desire is that all Men come to Him, that none would be destroyed (2 Peter 3:9). Let’s speak words which invite His plans to bear that precious fruit.

The Lord once asked me, “My Words bring Light and Life, what do your words bring? Better use My Words!” That challenged me! Perhaps you will have to do some repenting of words spoken, as I did! So, I’m passing along that same challenge to you: “What do your words bring?”

In this season, as we consider the priceless Gift of Christ to us, and face a new year, let’s consider the value of our words spoken to and about others. If we will ask Him, our Father will give us Life-giving words to speak, words that express His great Love for a person. This is the kind of gift we can give every day of every year.

About The Author

Paul McGuire has been born again for almost 60 years, and has pursued to hear God’s Voice through all those years. He and his wife Teresa of 49 years are active at Living Word Church in Cleveland, Tennessee. They have two children and five grandchildren.