January 2023

WRITERS

Abdiel Medina

Dr. Alan Hix

Amy Scott

Beth Penny

Brent Goodge

Chris Mullis

David Beckmann

Dorothy Teague

Granger Hughes Greg Grotewold Jessica Mathis

Jonathon Wright Judy Hood

Katie Loveless

Kristen West

Mitchell Qualls Paula Burgner Preston Bivens Sandra Gilmore Terrie Ruff SALES

Matthew

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 Are You Having an Identity Crisis? by Chris Mullis GoodNews for Youth

Battling Leaves to Share God’s Love by Abdiel Medina GoodNews Money Matters

Taxes in Retirement - It’s Not What You Make, But What You Keep That Counts by Granger Hughes

GoodNews for Men

God’s Will by David Beckmann GoodNews for Women

I Am Martha by Dorothy Teague GoodNews for Everyone

Embracing Our Blindness by Kristen West GoodNews for Mothers

The Importance of a Christian Village by Jessica Mathis GoodNews for Life

Waiting by Amy Scott GoodNews for Everyone

A Name That Will Never Change by Terrie Ruff GoodNews Cover Story

Get In Shape at Peak Fitness! by Preston Bivens

GoodNews for Everyone

Active Stillness by Greg Grotewold GoodNews Business Spotlight

Let’s talk... with Connie! GoodNews for Everyone

Unbroken by Katie Loveless GoodNews for Everyone

What’s the Story of Your Life? by Dr. Alan Hix GoodNews for Everyone

Resolutions by Beth Penny GoodNews for Health

Hamilton Health Care System by Mitchell Qualls GoodNews for Everyone

The Power of Our Words by Paula Burgner GoodNews for your Taste Buds

One Pot Tomato Soup GoodNews Poetry

Don’t Ever Doubt by Judy Hood GoodNews for Everyone

It Could Have Been Worse: But God by Jonathon Wright GoodNews for Everyone

Hope Fills the Empty Places by Sandra Gilmore GoodNews for Everyone

Praying for the Impossible by Brent Goodge

Are You Having an Identity Crisis?

by Chris Mullis

In the movie Finding Nemo, a clown fish named Marlin goes on a frantic search and rescue mission to save his son Nemo, who was captured by a scuba diver and put in a dentist’s fish tank. Marlin meets a blue reef fish named Dory, who saw the address on the diver’s mask and knows where they took Nemo. Unfortunately, Dory has short-term memory loss. She can’t remember her name, let alone the address P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sidney.

The plot is a clever twist on a common theme in many movies and TV shows. It’s the “Who Am I?” plot, in which a lead character has amnesia and can’t remember who they are. It’s an identity crisis. Life is not a movie, but people do have an identity crisis in real life when they don’t know they belong to God. God’s Word reminds us our identity is greater than the superficial things of this world. Our true identity is in Christ.

“You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God” (1 Peter 2:4-5).

“You are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple” (verse 5). The Holy Temple in Jerusalem was the most important place on earth to Jews in New Testament times. They believed it was where God’s Spirit dwelled on earth. Some had even come to idolize the Temple. But Jesus reminded people God’s Spirit is not confined to the Temple. In fact, people who put their faith in God through Jesus are the real residents of God’s Holy Spirit. Therefore, Christians together make up the true Holy Temple. What an honor and privilege!

Furthermore, verse 5 says, “You are his holy priests…” A priest is someone who intercedes to God on behalf of people on earth. A priest prays for people and performs religious rituals that help people find healing, wholeness,

forgiveness and purification so they can reconnect and be at one with God. In the Old Testament, only one certain tribe from the twelve tribes of Israel could be priests. And even within that tribe, anyone who had a blemish or a defect was disqualified. Only perfect people could be priests. So, for example, if you were born without a finger or lost an eye in an accident, you couldn’t serve as a priest. But when we put our faith in Jesus, it is different. We are all priests of God Most High—even if we aren’t perfect—because Jesus makes us whole.

Verse 9 says, “You are a chosen people…” In the Old Testament, only Israelites were considered the chosen people. Everyone else was a Gentile. And in Jesus’ day, Jews believed only Jews were God’s chosen people. But Jesus shows us that anyone who places their faith in Christ is God’s chosen. So, we could paraphrase verse 10 to say, “Once you were nobody; now you are God’s somebody!”

In Christ, everybody is somebody special. Sinners become saints. Heathens become priests. The lame are made whole. The blind can see and the deaf can hear. Those who were damned become holy. This is what it means to be Christian.

About The Author

Rev. Chris Mullis is an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church with a Masters of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Pastor Chris’s ministry has spanned twenty years and four different churches in Georgia. Chris is currently serving God as the senior pastor of Pleasant Grove Methodist Church located at 2701 Cleveland Hwy in Dalton, GA.

Battling Leaves to Share God’s Love

by Abdiel Medina

I, alongside my brothers, Evan and David, were battling against Mother Nature herself. She wielded a countless army of orange and red spiked soldiers, but we were determined not to yield. At last, we reached the point where darkness surrounded us, and the cold stabbed at our flesh. However, we had already sacrificed so much and were fighting for a noble cause, so we knew that we must not give up. So, we fought the good fight, stayed firm, and ultimately, we were victorious.

Alright, I admit that this is a bit of an exaggeration. It was early December, and we were raking leaves for our awesome youth pastors Leah and Spencer Hughes. For the last couple of months, they have been going through a difficult season, and we wanted to do our part to help them out. Thankfully, as Christians, Christ had given us a commandment that fit perfectly for this situation. Jesus Christ had declared, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34, NKJV).

As disciples of Christ, we carried the desire and responsibility to exemplify love towards our youth pastors, especially with the tough season they were experiencing. Although we could not change the source of their ongoing struggles, we desired to support them in whatever means we could. For that reason, when David, one my brothers from church, informed me that the leaves needed to be raked at our youth pastors’ house, I called up my brother Evan, and the three of us got to work. Consequently, we were able to express God’s love to the Hughes family by fulfilling one of their housekeeping needs. Furthermore, I have been in awe of how the rest of my church, Keith Street Ministries, has been an outpouring of God’s love by taking the initiative spiritually and emotionally in prayer and financially

through donations to support their family. This has helped the Hughes family to focus on what’s important.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, NKJV). We have the opportunity and responsibility as the children and army of God to share God’s joy and love into the world. Specifically, you can start to do so in your community by using the gifts, talents, and time God has given you to work alongside fellow Christian brothers and sisters to support the needs of the community around you. Afterall, God can even use the mundane task of raking leaves to be a blessing to those who are going through a tough season.

So, I encourage you to share God’s love in your community by serving the needs of those around you. Finally, a special thank you to Spencer and Leah for continuing to trust God and being an inspiration and source of God’s love to those in your community.

Abdiel Medina is a young writer, member of Keith Street Ministries, maker of KSM Youth memes, and Sophomore at Lee University.

About The Author

Taxes in Retirement - It’s Not What You Make, But What You Keep That Counts

with

Money Matters Granger Hughes

We spend our lives worrying about accumulation in our retirement accounts. In fact, many of us have probably been courted by an advisor stating they can get us more growth than our current one. Growth in our retirements is important, however, it’s not the only concern we face. Others, for example, are rising healthcare, long-term care, volatile markets, and the ever-growing concern of future tax rates. So, how can we begin to shift our thought process from just growth to these other important aspects of retirement? After all, it’s not what we make, but what we keep that counts.

Many retirees are unaware of potential tax hurdles in their retirement, and understanding a few can go a long way to ensure we keep as many of our hard-earned dollars as possible. Let’s start with Social Security – did you know that at your full retirement age, your Social Security may still be taxed? For example, if you are a married couple earning more than $44K a year in provisional income, your Social Security could be taxed up to 85%. This means if you are bringing home $40K in Social Security income taxed at 85% (which would be $34K), that has become taxable at your marginal rate. At a basic level, most people are counting on their Social Security income, and having a tax bill like that could greatly affect the retirement they had planned for.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) play a large role in this as well. Many people are not aware that at age 70½ our government mandates we take out 3.65% from our Qualified plans (401K, 403B, Traditional IRA, etc..). When we factor in RMDs, pensions, taxable accounts (brokerage, etc.), and Social Security, we could be setting ourselves up for a big tax bill we may not have been expecting. For our entire lives, we have been trained to load up our tax-deferred buckets because we don’t have to pay taxes on that money. In all reality, we are doing just that – deferring taxes – and we don’t know whether we will find ourselves in a lower tax bracket in retirement or not. All of a sudden, we may be looking at a big loss, and it doesn’t have anything to do with the markets.

When we tack on a potential market decline, things can really begin to get messy. So, what can we do? We can start shifting our minds to a new way of looking at things: preparing for the potential tax increases. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that if the spending in our country goes unchanged, the new tax rates will be 25%, 63%, and 88% respectively. What could this do to our retirements when we have for so many years deferred those taxes? With the 2018 Trump tax cuts, this may present a great opportunity for many retirees. It is going to allow many people to get their taxes at a discount. After all, it’s either “pay me now, or pay me later.”

As I mentioned earlier about provisional income being a key factor to our tax bill, what if the income we took was tax-free? There is a way to accomplish this. The key in retirement is to pull our money from the right buckets. So, if we are distributing money from our Roth IRAs, then this income doesn’t show up on the IRS’ radar. However, Roth IRAs may not be for everyone. There are income threshold restrictions, as well as the requirement to have earned income to qualify. So, what if you find yourself in that situation? You can opt for a Roth conversion – this is where you would take a specified portion each year from a Qualified account such as a Traditional IRA, and move it into a Roth. It is important to note, be careful, and do not attempt this on your own, because it could generate a large tax bill. However, systematically moving funds to a Roth can generate tax-free income in retirement, so if taxes go to 66% or 100%, zero is always zero.

Another tool you could look at using is a properly structured life policy. This can help generate tax-free income, as well as provide a death benefit that doubles as long-term care protection in the event the need arises. This will function much like a Roth, though it is important to note that it is a life insurance vehicle and there is a cost of insurance associated with it. This vehicle is linked to an index such as the S&P, so the gains will be tax-free so long as it remains in the right structure. The important thing is to realize that long-term care or a death benefit is needed, and to conduct adequate research as not all LIRPs are created equal.

Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes works with his father to help provide educational opportunities for clients as well as others in the community. He feels a responsibility to help inform those who may otherwise not be aware of strategies, changes, and opportunities available to them when it comes to their financial well-being.

God’s Will

by David Beckmann

All sincere believers want to do God’s will. We pray for it all the time: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.” Consequently, it can be pretty frustrating when you are not sure what you are supposed to do. It’s easy to wish God would just talk to you, like he did to Noah (“Build an ark”), or Abraham (“Go somewhere else”) or Moses (“Lead my people out of Egypt”). But, when you look at those occasions in light of the sweep of history, they are at very important points in God’s plan of salvation and rather rare. So, if God doesn’t talk to us like that, what are we to do?

Lots of people today talk about “having peace” about doing something. If they refer to the Bible at all, it’s likely to be Colossians 3:15: “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” However, that verse doesn’t have anything to do with a feeling you have. It’s not about “guidance.” It’s about getting along with folks at church, “in one body.” I’m pretty sure if you asked Moses, walking away from the burning bush, if he “had peace” about going back to Egypt, he’d think you were nuts.

It seems the basic way we do God’s will is to look for what the Bible says about our situation (Psalm 119:105), and ask for wisdom to understand what’s best (James 1:5). We get counsel, of course (Proverbs 11:14), and we watch out for our conscience (Hebrews 13:18). Otherwise, we step out trusting God to lead us in the right path (Psalm 23). Recognize that you are a sheep and stay close to your shepherd. “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus.”

Of course, one way God can lead us into things is by letting stuff happen to us. Remember Joseph? People talk about “having a call” from God: how about being thrown in a pit and sold into slavery? That’s some way to get called by God! I wonder if he “had peace” about it.

But, he did the right thing in a situation like that: he stayed faithful (remember Potiphar’s wife). When you cannot understand what the devil is going on, you at least know that God is still good, he’s still in control, and you need to stay faithful to him and give him time. Eventually, you’ll look back and see God’s will was done, like Joseph did (Genesis 50:20). Neither our mistakes nor evil people can mess up God’s will for us (Romans 8:28). Thank God for that!

How are we to have confidence? We trust in God’s faithfulness to his promises. He gave his only Son for us, how will he not with him freely give us all things (Romans 8:32)? Just keep looking to Jesus (Hebrews 12:1,2). It’s harder for a child of God to get out of God’s will than we think—or than the devil wants us to think!

About The Author

The Rev. David Beckmann is an Anglican priest and Moderator of the C.S. Lewis Society of Chattanooga. Recently, he was director of the C. S. Lewis Study Centre at The Kilns, Oxford, UK. He blogs at revbeckmann.com.

I Am Martha

by Dorothy Teague

There are a lot of theories on different personality types. I am what I would call a “Type A” personality. That is, I am competitive, organized, impatient, and highly aware of time management (Wikipedia). I am always making lists and if I don’t accomplish my set of tasks for the day, I can really get down on myself. I like things done in a certain order and when they aren’t, it throws me off. We all have different personalities and our own special quirkiness.

In the Bible, we find the story of Mary and Martha of Bethany, who were sisters with very different personalities. They were close friends of Jesus, as well as their famous brother, Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead (John 11). Luke 10 tells us that Jesus was welcomed into the home by Martha, which would indicate she was the older of the two sisters and ran the household. We are told that Mary sat at Jesus’ feet while He was teaching, along with the other men of the community who had come to listen to Jesus. Martha, on the other hand, was busy preparing the meal for Jesus and was frustrated that Mary wasn’t getting up to help her. She finally complained to Jesus about Mary, saying, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But Jesus’ answer wasn’t what Martha expected. Instead of saying that He would speak to Mary and encourage her to help out with the meal preparation, He said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42).

I can just imagine what Martha must have felt like, because I am Martha. I get distracted by the many things I have to do. I worry more than I should about the tangible, everyday mechanics of life, rather than sitting still and listening to the voice of the Lord. While Martha was working within her gifting of a servant’s heart, not only preparing the meal but, no doubt, cleaning the house beforehand to make everything nice for her special visitor, she got so busy she missed out on listening to Jesus. Mary broke cultural norms of the time by sitting with the men listening to Jesus teach. Her place truly should have been in the kitchen but she wanted to sit at His feet and soak up all that He had to say. Both Mary and Martha were passionate about Jesus, but showed it in different ways. There’s so much to learn from this story!

As Christians, we are supposed to “do good.” Psalm 37:3 says to “trust in the Lord and do good…” while Matthew 5:16 reminds us to “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.”

Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” So, while we know we should perform good works in Jesus’ name, we must not get so distracted by those works that we miss Jesus! The work and the serving must not take precedence over sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to Him.

So, what is the “one thing” that Jesus was talking about? It is Him! He is what should come first in our hearts and minds and

everything else will follow. (“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you” Matthew 6:33) As with all things in life, it is a matter of prioritizing, putting God first, and having our ears attuned to hear what He is telling us each day.

We all get busy with the business of life. As Christians, we try to follow the precepts of scripture and do good works. However, sometimes we get caught up in doing too much and lose sight of what or who is most important. When we get overwhelmed with all that we are tasked to do, that is when we need to shut out the noise of other voices, both cultural mores and religious expectations, and listen only to Him. (“…when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I” Psalm 61:2) Like Mary, we must choose that one thing that is needful— sitting at His feet, basking in His presence, becoming refreshed to continue our journey.

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

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

Embracing Our Blindness

by Kristen West

Growing up in Upper Michigan, I learned to drive on snowy roads. Blizzards were the most nerve-racking of road conditions to navigate, as they brought complete whiteout conditions in which you literally couldn’t see anything beyond the windshield.

I remember having to slow my car to a crawl of 1 mph and pray that nothing was on the road ahead of me. On top of that, I was also praying to stay on the road as

One of the most comforting things to turn to in moments (or seasons) like that is God’s Word. It is overflowing with promises to anchor our hearts and souls as we find ourselves in the middle of blind conditions. Learning to believe God’s promises, pray them over our lives, and stand on them is part of our continual growing and maturing in the faith.

“I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on paths they have not known. I will turn darkness to light in front of them and rough places into level ground. This is what I will do for them, and I will not abandon them” (Isaiah 42:16).

The promises in that beautiful passage apply specifically to those who find themselves in a place of blindness, uncertainty, turbulence, and uncharted paths. It gives us hope to embrace our blindness and look to God to help us as only He can.

every painted line, road marker, and cautionary sign was gone, engulfed in the heavy white snowstorm. Visibility was severely limited. It was like driving blind.

I have lost count of how many times in my life I have felt like I’m spiritually navigating a blizzard. Times when I absolutely cannot see where I am going, what my next step should be, and where the road is I need to be on. On top of that, those times tend to make me feel like I’m alone, disconnected, and in a place where no one else can really help. Can you relate?

Do you feel like you’re in the dark today, friend? Navigating a spiritual blizzard? Blind as to which way to turn, what choice to make, and how to move on? Let Isaiah 42:16 breathe hope, peace, and comfort into your heart today. Blizzards are temporary. They don’t last forever. Neither do the seasons of blindness we find ourselves in from time to time. May God help us to embrace our blindness as we wholly depend on Him to guide us!

Kristen West recently published a book of 40 devotions called He’s an Everyday God. About The Author

Church Activities & Events

The Unmarried Wife Ministry Worship Night

January 7 - 8 509 Benjamin Way, Dalton, GA

Carolyn Baptist Church Karen Peck & New River

Sunday, January 15 | 6PM 2305 Cleveland Hwy, Dalton, GA

Concord Baptist Church Annual Chili Cook-Off

Sunday, January 22 | 5PM - 6PM 7025 E Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga, TN

Parkway Baptist Temple David Phelps

Saturday, January 28 | 6PM 65 Stuart Rd, Fort Oglethorpe, GA

The Importance of a Christian Village

by Jessica Mathis

Motherhood can be described in a variety of ways— exciting, stressful, full of love, upsetting, covered in grace—the list goes on. What I have come to realize is that without a village to walk alongside us during this phase of our lives, motherhood may be described with more bad adjectives than good.

Let me be honest and say that when I first became a mother, life was lonely, and I’ve heard firsthand that a lot of mothers have felt that way at some point in time. It was so lonely, in fact, that I was searching for any type of friendship—even if it was a relationship that negatively effected my relationship with Christ. Nine times out of ten, a Christian is more easily swayed to do wrong than a non-believer is swayed to do right. Being lonely is more beneficial than being unequally yoked in friendships. That is a hard pill to swallow. God said in His word, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18). Doesn’t this mean that God never intends for us to be lonely? Shouldn’t we avoid it at all costs? If we keep reading in Genesis, we find that Adam’s helper, Eve, was the person who encouraged Adam to disobey God, which led to the “fall of mankind.” Not all company is good company.

A Christian village—where do I find one of those? That was a question that I had for years and that I’m sure many women have. Career changes, family relationships, simply a need for a fresh start…these are just a few things that might lead to a place and a time where friendship is simply not easy but crucial. At times, church relationships are simply not enough. Around six years ago, I discovered a group for local Christian mothers called MOPS (“Mothers of Preschoolers”). Did I join? No. Here I was praying for Christian friendship, and I ran from it. I was too anxiety-ridden to try something new.

Fast forward a few years later, and a friend who was very active in that same MOPS group told me they were in dire need and asked if I would consider joining MOPS leadership. My first thought was probably something like,

“No way! I’ve been running from this group for years. I’m not a social butterfly. I can’t be a leader.” Looking back, I think this friend asked me because she knew I wasn’t one to typically say no to a need. Fast forward, I’m extremely thankful for that friend that knew I couldn’t say no because it was God’s way of showing me who my “Christian village” was.

This “Christian village” and group of close-knit friendships I have found has been something I’ve always longed for. There’s something about friends who will be honest about the valleys of motherhood but will pray about them with you. Those who understand how lonely the everyday chores of motherhood can be and that a simple cup of homemade coffee and conversation with a friend can make all the difference in the day.

Motherhood was never meant to be lonely. Although it might not seem like it now, there is a group of God-fearing friends waiting for you to join them. The Lord is wanting us to pray to and trust Him. He is waiting for us to step out of our comfort zone, as Peter walked onto the water, and find our “Christian village.”

About The Author

My name is Jessica Mathis and I am from Rome, Georgia. I am a blessed Christian, wife, stay-at-home mama, and part-time women’s advocate. I am just trying to raise a tiny human, one day at a time.

Waiting

by Amy Scott

What are you waiting for? Is it an important phone call, a job change, a loved one to get well, an upcoming vacation, a positive pregnancy test, a marriage proposal, a break—what is it?

We recently found ourselves in a season of intense waiting. My husband became ill quite suddenly, and over the course of 18 months we waited. We waited for a liver to become available for transplant. Once the transplant occurred, we waited to see if his kidneys would start to function. Once it was determined that they would not

for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

This verse caused me to reflect on my faith. How do I wait upon the Lord? Am I complacent in my waiting?

Do I look for the ways that He is active and alive and seek opportunities to share about Him with those around me? Or do I feel offended by day-to-day life and flippantly proclaim that all will be better when Jesus returns?

Truthfully, I am guilty of both. Waiting on the Lord may mean spending time in prayer, seeking God, and standing firm in what He has declared. It also means sharing with Him about the longings of our heart and trusting Him to sculpt them and fulfill them according to His plan.

function, we waited for him to get listed for a kidney transplant. We then waited for a kidney to become available. Once the kidney transplant occurred, we waited for the organ to begin functioning. I could go on and on. It was an exhausting journey.

The largest part of any of our existence involves waiting. There is an obsession in creating a false sense of control by doing all “the things” to bring about a desired outcome. It is easy to become fixated on what we seem to be lacking and hyper-focused on the longing for the next thing that we miss the beauty of the journey, and thus we can become weakened by waiting. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that we are strengthened as we wait for the Lord, “But they who wait

Henri Nowen states, “We can learn to be obedient people who do not always try to go back to the action but recognize the fulfillment of our deepest humanity in passion, in waiting. If we can do this, I am convinced that we will come in touch with the power and the glory of God and our own new life. Our service to others will include our helping them see the glory breaking through—not only where they are active but also where they are being acted upon. And so, the spirituality of waiting is not simply our waiting for God. It is also participating in God’s own waiting for us and in that way coming to share in the deepest love, which is God’s love.”

My challenge to myself and for you for the coming year is to cultivate a life where we live in a way that seeking the Lord—waiting for Him—is our go-to for waiting for life circumstances to change. And in our waiting, I hope we will connect more deeply with our Heavenly Father on our journey and that those around us will be drawn to Him. Amen.

Amy Scott is the Executive Director of Bethany Christian Services of Greater Chattanooga. She is an adoptee who passionately serves the adoption community for over ten years. Amy resides in North Georgia with her husband and three daughters.

A Name That Will Never Change

“…I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off” (Isa. 56:5, NKJV).

by Terrie Ruff

There are many reasons our names may change: adoption, divorce, marriage, death or personal preference. Our earthly names are temporary, but I’m so happy to announce to you that when we are blessed of God, adopted into His royal family, chosen as His sons and daughters and accepted in the Beloved, our names and our status will never change!

Recently my “name” as sister has changed. With the deaths of my brother and adopted big sister, I felt I was no longer a sister. They are gone, and I’m here, no longer active in my former role of big and little sister. It saddened me to embrace these “new normal” roles. The status change wasn’t what I wanted; it wasn’t what I planned. I’m hurting. I’m missing them. Then I talked to Katie. Without knowing my internal struggle, God led her to tell me, “Terrie, I feel impressed to tell you that you are still a sister! You are still a sister to someone.” As my eyes moistened with tears of a newly confirmed truth, I smiled and agreed with her, I am still a sister. My name, my status in the lives of others has not changed. I am embracing this God sent truth. Hallelujah!

No matter what changes you and I face here on earth, these are simply avenues of preparation for our eternal good. So, if your name has changed for reasons that caused you to celebrate or caused you to cry, as a child of God, know that there is an eternal agenda beneath it all! One day very soon, the One whose name saves us will come back to receive His children, and we will be given new names that will not be cut off! So be

encouraged, you have royalty running in your veins. Be encouraged, your every existence is an expression of God’s love. Be encouraged, he calls you daughter, son!

What sweet assurance we have, no matter what happens to us physically or emotionally, it’s temporary, and nothing can change what we know in our souls. Nothing can change who you are and Whose you are! Nothing can change the fact that Jesus is coming, and He will reward His children. Remain faithful, my brothers and sisters, it won’t be long. Our Name Changing Savior is coming, and we will be given a name that will never change as we enjoy eternal life with the One whose name makes it possible! Hallelujah!

What is the name God has given you? Are you living up to that name? Rejoice in that name!

Terrie E. Ruff is a public speaker, soloist and inspirational author. She is an active member of the Orchard Park SDA Church in Chattanooga. Terrie can be contacted at Terrie.Ruff@lpnt.net.

About The Author

Get In Shape at Peak Fitness!

by Preston Bivens

Peak Fitness opened in October of 2007 and was the culmination of a long-time dream that I had about owning a gym. I started working out in high school to gain some weight and get in shape, and I just fell in love with “the iron.” The changes it made in my appearance, strength, and overall fitness were very gratifying. Like most things in life, if you work hard in the gym and are consistent, you can get the results you’re looking for.

Eventually, my training led me to compete in several bodybuilding shows. The preparation and the extreme dieting that competing demands gave me a whole new understanding of willpower. But, as I’m learning more and more, when we mix our willpower with God’s mighty power, we can do all things!

I have trained in many gyms in our area and abroad, and I have always enjoyed the social aspect, the sounds, and the encouragement you get when you see others who are working hard to achieve something. There is just an automatic bond between people who are gym-goers—a kind of camaraderie. So, as I got into real estate investing with my business partner, Mark Stanley, we started to see a need for a fitness center in Dalton. We wanted to open

a gym that had the latest and greatest equipment and a motivating atmosphere that was both family-friendly and encouraged results—and the rest is history, as the saying goes. Peak Fitness is a large facility of over 23,000 feet with some of the best weight machines, free weights, and cardio equipment in Northwest Georgia. Yet, we have managed to keep that friendly, hometown atmosphere that our members appreciate. After all, it’s our members who make Peak Fitness the place to be.

Peak Fitness has many classes, including Cycle, Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, and recently added Barre classes. These classes are designed to get you fit, strong, mobile, lean, and energized. For those who are serious about getting in shape or who need that extra push, we have the best trainers around. If your thing is cardiovascular fitness and fat loss, we have treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, stepmills, and a rower to help get your heart pumping and your fat melting away. Peak Fitness also offers the best weight floor around. We have many selectorized machines and lots of Hammer Strength equipment. We have free-weight bench presses and dumbbells up to 150 lb. We have squat racks, power racks, and a deadlift platform. We have a turf training area where

you can do battle ropes, push a sled, or do agility training. Peak Fitness encourages results, and we don’t try to hold you back; we want to help you push forward to a healthier, stronger you!

Peak Fitness also offers daycare, a smoothie bar, and a supplement shop to help with your nutrition needs. With country club-style locker rooms, TVs everywhere, tanning, and sauna and hydro massages, we can work you out, feed you, and then help you relax. Peak Fitness has also teamed up with local charities like the Carter Hope Center, a local organization that assists people in overcoming their substance addictions. We have been involved with cancer awareness programs, Coats for Kids, and Christmas Angels. At Peak Fitness, we care about our members and our community. The recipe for true success is to work hard, treat people right, and give God all the glory. Peak Fitness is good, but God is great!

I surrendered my life to Jesus in 2008 after coming to realize that my sins had separated me from God. The two most important days in anyone’s life are the day they are born and the day that they realize why they were born. My life verse has become Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Seek the Kingdom of God first and live righteously and He will give you what you need! It’s Jesus and His will for our life that will lead us to the greener pastures. So, at Peak Fitness, we play upbeat Christian music, we put up encouraging Bible verses, and

we sometimes sell Christ-themed t-shirts in our pro shop. I believe that whatever we do or wherever we go, we are to let our light shine before others.

Here are some practical ways to include God in your workout routine:

1. Pray before your workout, either by yourself or with your workout partner. Thank Him for the ability to move and breathe, and pray that this workout would improve your health, strength, energy, etc.

2. Pray for an opportunity to proclaim His goodness to someone and the boldness to carry it out.

3. Catch up on some Bible reading during your cardio session and pray for the people around you.

4. Thank Him for any goals reached, such as weight loss or a new personal record on the weight floor.

5. Acknowledge that without Him, you can do nothing, but with Him, all things are possible.

6. Use the truth of His goodness to ignite your willpower to live a life that is pleasing to Him in all your actions, words, and deeds.

To God be the glory!

Peak Fitness is located at 1021 Riverburch Pkwy, Dalton, GA 30720. You can contact Peak Fitness at (706)-529-7867.

“B

Active Stillness

by Greg Grotewold

e still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10, ESV)

In an age where we are incessantly targeted for demands on our time, it’s easy to read this verse and release a long sigh. How can we possibly afford to be still when the world around us requires that we be in constant motion? Life is so busy that many struggle just to make it through the day without losing their sanity. I look at how hard my wife and I run during the course of the week and can understand the level of anxiousness many Christians carry as they scurry from one obligation to the next.

One of the first casualties of this war on time is intimacy with God. While our visceral reaction to the psalmist may be one of exasperation, we know deep down we can’t afford not to be still. To do so would only invite more anxiousness and an ever-escalating guilt. And yet, we don’t jump off the hamster wheel; in fact, we run faster.

Psalm 46:10 was written, it is thought, in the context of great calamity for Jerusalem and the people of God. In the midst of this great turmoil, Israel needed to stop and contemplate the power of the God they worship. They needed to be reminded of two things: one, God will ultimately prevail; and two, there is great safety under His protective wing. There was no need to fret.

The Lord has the exact same message for us today. In our calamity, however we choose to define it, we, too, need to be still and contemplate His sovereign presence. We need to stop and, if you will, reacquaint ourselves with the glorious attributes of our Creator. We need Him to remind us of His great care. We need Him to remind us of His unending, never-changing love. We need Him to remind us that He is superintending every hour of our day. He is in control, and we need not fret. The Lord, and those who He has called, will be victorious in the end.

When we go to this well of boundless grace and drink our fill of His wonders, we will be refreshed. We will gain

not only perspective on our obligations but also a peace as we go about fulfilling such obligations. This peace will allow us to more consistently display Christ to those whose paths we cross throughout the day.

Go daily, go hourly, go minute-by-minute if necessary. But go. Well drinking won’t just fall into our lap. It takes great action to be still. It takes real intentionality to carve out

time daily to stop and let the Lord minister to us. It takes real intentionality to say “no” to the demands of loved ones for ten minutes in the morning so we can quicken our hearts before God. It takes real intentionality to let the dirty dishes sit in the sink overnight so that we can surrender the day’s concerns to Him before bedtime. It takes real intentionality to pull over—literally if need be—and petition the Lord for help as we are about to face a particular adversity.

The world won’t come to a crashing halt while we take the time to be still. In fact, it is one of the most unselfish things we can do for those that depend upon us. A refreshed Christian is a mercy and grace-filled Christian.

Be still and be emboldened by the supreme glory of your God.

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.

About The Author

Let’s talk… with Connie!

Connie Hall-Scott wears multiple hats. She’s a writer and author, a business owner, the new Station Manager at North Georgia Television, and the host of a regional television show. Entering its fifth season, “The Talk with Connie!” is a half-hour program broadcast from the WDNN studio in Dalton.

Truck Stop in Resaca. If you missed these episodes, you can view them on “The Talk with Connie!” YouTube channel. I’ll be doing a full feature on Keeslyn Roberts this month, as January 28 marks three years that she has been away from her family. I have followed this case closely and would like nothing more than to see it solved. As for Ethan Slaughter, I’m keeping an eye on his climb up the Country Music ladder. This charming young performer will be one of the contestants on American Idol in February, so I’ll have him back on the show with updates on his grand adventure.”

This season look forward to getting to know more of your neighbors on The Talk. A new episode airs each Sunday at 7 p.m. on WDNN. The show is then replayed on Monday at 11 a.m., Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday at 5:30 a.m., Thursday at 11 a.m., Friday at 10:30 a.m., and Saturday at 8 p.m. throughout Whitfield, Murray, Catoosa, Gordon, and Walker counties.

“The Talk is a mix of entertainment featuring human-interest stories, lifestyle segments, and the occasional field piece,” Hall-Scott shared. “Among my lineup of guests, you can find an assortment of newsmakers, authors, spiritual leaders, entertainers, or anyone with a great story, experience, or interesting upcoming event to talk about. The purpose is to highlight the wealth of talent and personality we have right here in north Georgia.”

“I love hosting and producing the show,” HallScott said. “Whether it’s a fun segment like catching up with Ethan Slaughter from Lafayette, the 2022 Country Music Georgia Teen of the Year, or a serious piece such as the ongoing search for Keeslyn Roberts, a young woman from Dalton who was last seen at the Flying J

Watch WDNN on Charter/Spectrum, channel 10; Comcast channels 7 and 23; Optilink, channel 10; and Vidlink, channel 10. If you’re watching over the air, tune in to 49.1. Segments from The Talk can also be viewed on “The Talk with Connie!” YouTube channel. Keep up with upcoming show information for “The Talk with Connie!” on Facebook and Instagram. If you’d like to contact Hall-Scott directly, email her at Connie@wdnntv.com.

Unbroken

by Katie Loveless

We have been enjoying a much-needed break which served as an ideal time for family to visit. One morning one of our house guests shared that something fell and broke in the room they were staying in. A decorative plaque, a gift from a friend, was on display in a metal easel on the bedside table. Somehow, through the night, a bump disturbed the plaque so much that the plaque landed squarely on the floor. The morning light revealed two distinct pieces, which our guests carefully collected and placed on the shelf for repair. I assured them all was well as they relayed the mishap. I have a collection of broken things I am saving up for repair.

After our house guests returned to their home, I retrieved the plaque to assess the repair. It is a beautiful break. The crack is clean, pristine and only serves to punctuate the message on the plaque which reads: “As for me and my house…we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). The crack ultimately underlines the portion that reads, “we will serve.” I smile at the punctuation because it echoes in my soul with the same resounding joy of a bell ringing. This is true.

As for me and my house, we have determined that no matter who comes or who goes, we will serve the Lord. We will stand strong in the power of His might and in the liberty of His grace. We will walk in peace and enjoy a peaceful habitation of rest and joy. We will not be indelibly shaped by the trials of this life. Instead, they will merely serve to etch the channels God desires for His grace to flow through. We will be unbroken. Any crack made on the canvas of my life will only serve to further

punctuate the grace of God and His anointing on my life to proceed. We will carry on, unbroken. No matter what, we will serve.

I ask you, sweet friend, what bumps in the night have disturbed your rest? What has jostled your faith to the point that prayers seem to fall to the floor in brokenness? Look closely here. All hope is not lost. Things are not shattered beyond repair. There is goodness here, even amid the rubble of broken things. There are not too many broken things for God to attend to. You may be tempted to think that things are adding up beyond His control. Like me, you may be counting your own collection of broken things awaiting repair. Beloved, nothing is wasted. God will use even the broken things to display His glory.

Cracks will do one of two things. They will either let the light in or they will underscore truth. Either way, you, too, can carry on with a resolve that is unbroken. You can enjoy the potential of a much-needed break. “Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart” (Psalm 97:11, ESV).

Say it: God, I believe you that nothing is wasted. You will make beauty from ashes and give me the oil of joy to replace my mourning and grieving.

Pray it: God, have your way in me. My life belongs to you. Use it for your glory as you see fit. Thank you for the cracks in my life. They are merely points of reference for your glory to shine through. I make room in my heart for your word to be written on the walls in bold, italicized print with underscore.

Katie Loveless is a social worker, wife, and mother of five boys. She is a student of grace who enjoys writing, gardening, and empowering others to pursue stability.

About The Author

What’s the Story of Your Life?

by Dr. Alan Hix

What is on your mind as we start this new year? Some people choose to look forward and imagine all the possibilities that lie ahead. Others breathe a sigh of relief in hopes that this new year will be better than the last. And still others look back upon the year just past to celebrate their successes or to mourn their failures. All three approaches have something in common. They each are the results of the human struggle to discover the meaning of life.

Before we can seek to discover life’s meaning, we must first address the question: Does life have meaning? Toward the close of Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, the title character reflects on the meaning of a life marred by betrayal, murder, war, and loss. He murdered his king to become a king, and he has fought to maintain that position of power. A victim’s ghost is haunting him, his guilt is torturing him, his enemies are closing in on him, his wife has lost her sanity, and now he’s just heard that she’s killed herself.

In this soliloquy Macbeth is a man for whom life has ceased to have meaning.

Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more. It is a tale

Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.

In this moment, Macbeth is feeling that life is absurd and devoid of purpose or meaning. Everything he did to become king will soon be erased by his story coming to an end.

Have you ever had one of those moments in which you wondered if there is a purpose for your life? Have you ever felt like all you can do is to put one foot in front of another with no real sense of where your life was going? When you think about the story of your life, do the seasons of pain stand out more than the seasons of blessing?

In Psalms 2-7, David has been crying out to God for deliverance from his enemies and relief from his distress. If this were all we had from David, we might suspect that his life story reflects a life without meaning or purpose. But

David doesn’t stop on this somber note. In Psalm 8, David declares that our value and purpose as human beings comes from being the pinnacle of God’s creation.

“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:3-5).

In these verses, David shares his amazement at the value God places on mankind. God created us as beings with both value and purpose. David helps us to see ourselves from God’s perspective without all the emotional baggage that often blurs our vision.

Macbeth found his life hollow and empty because he was focused on himself and the power he craved. His story signified nothing because he had no place for God in his life. What David does is to help us see the story of our life from God’s perspective. God sees us as created in his own image, with a purpose to reflect his glory.

At the beginning of this new year, let us commit to a life that signifies something—reflecting God’s glory in every aspect of our story!

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.

Resolutions

by Beth Penny

The holidays are over; now what? Dark mornings, earlier evenings, gray days. The winter blues have set in. Time for a new start? Why do we set January as a time for a fresh beginning?

Over 4,000 years ago the ancient Babylonians were the first to have celebrated the “New Year.” However, the Babylonian new year was in March as the crops were planted. The people reaffirmed their loyalties to the king and their gods and made promises to pay their debts and return borrowed items. In turn they expected the gods to provide a bountiful harvest. Later around 46 BC, Julius Caesar moved the “New Year” to January. January, named for Janus, paid homage to the god of arches and doorways. Janus symbolically looked backwards into the prior year and forward into the upcoming year. The Romans made promises of good behavior for the upcoming year to Janus. Thus began our custom of New Year’s resolutions.

Fast forward to 2022. Research shows that between 38 and 48 percent of adults between 18 and 35 make New Year’s resolutions. Forty-eight percent of those resolutions are health-related. Yet, only eight to nine percent of people report actually keeping their resolutions. So, where does that leave the 92 percent that did not keep their promises? Feelings of failure, inadequacy, and depression can make the long, cold, and dark winters seem that much more somber.

I stopped making resolutions years ago when I realized I was only setting myself up for failure with unattainable expectations. Cue more of the winter doldrums. Here’s how I look at it. Small goals are attainable. When a child is learning to walk, those shaky, wobbly, teetering first steps have to come before training for a marathon. Players don’t go straight to the NFL without playing peewee ball. We can’t win a gold medal in swimming without first learning

how to hold our breath. The list could go on and on. Reach for small goals and feel successes rather than failures.

Here is my goal: to be the best me I can be. I don’t have to, want to, or even try to be better than anyone else. My goal is to be better than I was yesterday. Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. Strength comes from doing the things you thought you couldn’t. That feeling of accomplishment starts with reaching the small goals that you set for yourself.

While he was in prison Paul wrote his letters to the church at Philippi to thank them and encourage them to

continue in their Christian walk. He gives encouragement in Chapter 3 Verses 13 and 14 by saying, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Reading Paul’s words reminds us that our goal isn’t accomplished here in life. Daily we keep working towards the small steps that lead us to become our best selves.

Beth Penny has taught English at Model High School since 1997. There she is also the Yearbook adviser and the Special Education Department Chair. She and her husband, Chad, have four children. About The Author

Hamilton Health Care System

Providers Urge Patients to Prioritize Primary Care

Staying away from the doctor is easy for individuals who feel well. But it isn’t the best strategy for long-term health, local providers say.

Selecting a primary care provider – and keeping up with regular visits – helps catch health concerns early, builds a strong patientprovider relationship, and can make appointment scheduling faster and easier when an urgent need arises, according to Megan Brown, MD, Hamilton Physician Group – Catoosa Campus.

“The ultimate goal of primary care is to prevent disease before it happens,” she said. “It is important for everyone to have a primary care provider who can help them navigate specific age-related screenings and health goals.”

In some cases, regular screenings can mean the difference between life and death – early detection is crucial for good outcomes in many diseases.

Preventative Care

Many seemingly healthy adults rely solely on walkin clinics, urgent care, and emergency room visits when symptoms surface. But without a primary provider as part of their care team, patients may never see someone who understands their overall health.

“A primary provider can help coordinate care between specialists when needed, guard against medication interactions, ensure health screenings and tests are performed on recommended schedules, and better understand the patient’s overall history,” said Holly Hamil, DO, Hamilton Convenient Care - Varnell. They can also support patients who are ready for a lifestyle change.

Such was the case with a patient Hamil saw for an annual physical. His cholesterol was elevated, and his liver enzymes were above normal, she said, so she sent him for a liver ultrasound. It showed fatty changes to the liver. But after altering his diet and increasing his physical activity, the patient was able to lower his cholesterol by more than 50 points, lose weight and improve his liver enzymes.

“This was all done with simple lifestyle changes and no medication interventions,” Hamil said.

Hamil sees patients in a primary care capacity at Varnell Convenient Care. All of Hamilton’s Convenient Care locations provide primary care services.

Monitoring for health issues like diabetes, high cholesterol, blood pressure, breast cancer, and colon cancer is part of annual visits. Some illnesses are silent with no symptoms until the problem is well advanced. Brown recalled a patient in her 50s who was diagnosed with breast cancer thanks to following a screening timeline.

“It was caught early and treated completely with surgery,” Brown said. “She is now cancer-free, and may have had a very different outcome if she did not keep up with her yearly visits.”

Annual visits can impact the quality of life, too, Lewis said, as every patient has physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. He said he once treated a professional musician whose career and quality of life had diminished because of a hand deformity that had developed.

“I was able to diagnose him and refer him to a surgeon,” Lewis said. “Months later, I was happy to see this man –thrilled because he could play his guitar again for the first time in over three years.”

Finding a Provider

To find a provider who is a good fit, Brown recommends patients begin by checking with their insurance companies for a list of providers in their area. Hamil suggests also asking family and friends for doctor recommendations.

Expect to have an in-depth health history taken at the first visit and be prepared to provide information on previous surgeries, diagnoses, and family history.

“If there are specific questions you want to be answered, it’s a good idea to write them down beforehand so you don’t forget them,” Brown said.

Finding a provider who is a good fit can take more than one try. It’s important to find a provider who works well with you.

To find a primary care provider in Whitfield or Murray counties, please visit hamiltonhealth.com/primaryproviders or call Hamilton’s physician referral line at 706-272-6100.

Megan Brown, MD

Holly Hamil, DO

The Power of Our Words

by Paula Burgner

What are words without meaning? They are like confetti that has already been thrown at a party and ends up on the floor, soon forgotten about and trampled over. Sometimes, that is how we throw our words around. Our words can bolt out of our mouths and never be thought about until it is too late. Often times, we say things but don’t think about what it may mean to others, such as the actions behind our words. Sometimes our words can hurt others and they can feel like a deep cut from

For some, words are extremely important. It matters greatly to them how things are said. But for others, it’s the actions that we show behind the words. Our tongue is one of the strongest muscles in our body. It has no bones but yet it is strong enough to break a heart. So, be careful of what you are saying. Just as the Bible tells us in Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Our words can be like seeds that are thrown into a garden—when enough love is put into them, they have the power to help someone grow. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 15:4, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.”

a knife. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 12:18, “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”

When we can’t express how we feel, our actions seem to take over for us and our true colors shine. Sometimes our colors can be as dark as a storm cloud when we are mad, and other times they can be as bright as the sun. This is why most people say that actions speak louder than words. In some ways, our words may reveal our heart, but to some, actions are what reveals our soul. The words that we speak can have such an impact on others, but they can also have an impact on us as well. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

Our words are simply mere expressions of thoughts and feelings until they are acted on. Anyone can say they care, but when you watch their actions, it shows that they care. Our actions can prove who someone is, and their words can prove who they want to be. The words we speak may sometimes lie, but our actions will always tell the truth. Your beliefs do not make you a better person but your actions do. Our words can change how we feel about life sometimes, but the actions we do can change our whole life. In life, the way you treat people says a lot about who you are. A weak person will seek revenge, a strong person will forgive, and an intelligent person will ignore harsh words. Just remember you are the most powerful when you are silent, and when you do speak, speak with kindness, as this is good for our soul. The Bible says in Proverbs 16:24, “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, health to the bones.”

About The Author

Paula Burgner is a very strong willed, outgoing, girl who loves working out, and she believes in her heart that you are capable of doing anything that you put your mind to.

for your Taste Buds

One Pot Tomato Soup

There is nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup on a cold winter’s day!

This tomato soup recipe is a family favorite—both delicious and nutritious. What’s even better? It’s so easy to prepare, only one pot and 30 minutes needed. If you try out this recipe at home, tag us on Facebook at Goodnews CM and let us know your thoughts!

Instructions Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons of olive oil

• 1 cup of diced yellow onion

• 1 clove of garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon of dried basil

• 1 (28-ounce) can of whole peeled tomatoes

• 1 (6-ounce) can of tomato paste

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes

• 1 cup of vegetable broth

• 1 (14-ounce) can of coconut milk

• ¾ teaspoon of sea salt

• ¾ teaspoon of black pepper

• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened. Add the garlic and dried basil.

2. Add the tomatoes and their juices, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, coconut milk, salt, pepper, and maple syrup. Cover the pot and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 15-20 minutes.

3. Turn off the heat and let the soup cool. Then, puree in a blender.

4. Transfer the soup back to the pot and bring soup back to a simmer over medium heat until warmed. Simmer uncovered until desired consistency is reached.

5. Serve with homemade croutons or pair with a grilled cheese!

Don’t Ever Doubt

by Judy Hood

Our Lord is so wonderful, so true

If you will yield, he will make you brand new

He sends his spirit to seek those who can be found Makes them royalty while preparing their robe and crown

He loves his children, oh yes, he does He always has, just because He sent his Only begotten Son To bring salvation, the victory won He’s calling out to you and me Wanting to know if we can really see Into his world that he’s talking about Before long he will come back with a shout So look up my friend, stay on the right route Don’t hesitate, don’t ever doubt

It Could Have Been Worse: But God

by Jonathon Wright

Acts 27 starts with Paul getting on a ship headed to Italy, where he would stand trial before Caesar in Rome. These were unsettling times for Paul. He may have felt uneasy, but had faith that God would see him through no matter the outcome. Little did Paul know that his trip to Rome would not go as planned. He would face many adversities and even a hurricane of epic proportions. I am sure had he known this, he would have been so eager to look into the eye of this storm.

We have all seen the devastation these types of storms can produce. You would not catch me on any kind of boat in the middle of a hurricane. Even if it was a large ocean cruise liner or ship navigated by the Phoenicians, who were legendary seamen. This storm could have easily snuffed out their lives in two seconds. But God did many things to help them get through the dangers that awaited. All this leads me to make a few statements that start with the phrase, it could have been worse, but God.

It could have been worse, but God surrounded Paul with good friends. Notice verses 2-3 of this chapter. The author describes Paul in the third person and then says “we.” Many understand this to be Luke because of the similar opening addresses between the Gospel of Luke and Acts. Aristarchus from Thessalonica is also with them. Shortly after this, a centurion named Julius allowed Paul to go see his friends to help with Paul’s needs.

God even used Julius to help spare Paul’s life when others wanted to kill the prisoners. I am glad Julius was not a fairweather friend like some others in this story. We make our problems and the lives of those around us worse by not caring and helping. These are things God call us to do.

It could have been worse, but God had a plan. After 14 days, the storm showed no sign of lessening. Most of the men had lost all hope of being saved. I am sure in their minds, things could not have been any worse. But little did they realize that God was speaking to Paul and that God had a plan for Paul and those on the ship. The Lord stood by Paul and helped them survive this tsunami of a storm.

In Philippians 1:13-14, Paul mentions palace guards knowing that Paul was in chains for Christ. His stance for Christ was giving others the courage to proclaim the Gospel

without fear. I wonder if Julius eventually turned to Christ because of all that he saw in Paul’s life. There is a good possibility. Philippians 4:22 mentions some in the family of Caesar coming to Christ and sending greeting. It could have been worse, but God had a plan for them and the Gospel to go to Rome and the ends of the world.

It could have been worse, but God spoke to Paul through an angel and stood by him. We may not all have the privilege of hearing God or an angel speak. But we do have the words of God right by our side. The Word of God is supposed to encourage our hearts, lift our spirits, and help grow our faith. If we do not open His book and meditate on His Word, how can we live the abundant life He has promised to give us? As we come into this New Year, may we commit to being the kind, good people God has called us to be. When we do this, we are making the world a better place. It could be worse, but God and His people were there and here even today.

Jonathon Wright 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. You can find more from Jonathon at https://christianwritersbookstore.com/jonathon-wright

Hope Fills the Empty Places

by Sandra Gilmore

It wasn’t anybody’s fault. It was an oversight, a misplacement. Still, there was no gift. Was there any hope to fill the empty spot?

We couldn’t find the third Wise Man’s gift. The other two were supplied with something to hold and thereby something to portray the gifts from the Wise Men in our local drive-through Nativity scene. In front of haybales in a muddy ballfield, dressed in costumes assembled from brightly colored cast-offs, who would notice? And who were we trying to fool anyway? This was a portrayal, a re-enactment of Nativity. No one expected this to be authentic. My panic from not being able to find the third gift was distracted by my attention needed elsewhere. My director-duties kept me in constant motion, everywhere at once checking details, fetching props or pins, and communicating what was next. I had to shift focus to the next crisis. They’d figure out something, somehow.

in real hues. Moms with tots in tow pretended to banter with vendors offering wares. Craftsmen mimicked motions of ancient trades.

Around a fire, our so-called shepherds carefully took note as masquerading angels delivered the blessed message. Luke 2:10-14 gives their proclamation, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’” Sheet-clad Mary and Joseph admired their swaddled son under an unusual twinkling star. The star beckoned the Wise Men from the East who imported their gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

When I circled back to check on the progress for a gift replacement, the defining moment of the evening (at least to me) greeted me. I was awe-struck, simply halted despite the other commotion.

There he stood, our dressed-up Wise Man, with empty hands cupped and extended: bare but bearing tribute; blank and yet blanketed with gratitude and submission. The other fellows had some sort of container to hold their offerings. This one bowed his head, cupped his hands, and fully offered his humble adoration.

Each station was made ready. Luke chapter 2 gave us the narrative and set the scene. Caesar had sent out a decree that “all the world should be taxed” so our Caesar actor stood regally with his paper scroll as soldiers stood guard with plastic swords. Close by Caesar, our nod to Bethlehem’s marketplace came alive with vivid colors and variegated shadows. Pins customized costumes for vendors, shoppers, and animal caretakers. Baskets on tables held promise of being filled while fake food looked good enough to eat, including faux bread from a fake flame-flickering oven! Animal-shaped plyboard painted black shadowed live ones

We weren’t a theatrical production company. The crooked crowns, homemade-plyboard-shadow animals, or the blue jean hems peeping out from underneath pinned together costumes made that very clear. Our earnest goal was to keep Christ in Christmas, to worship Immanuel (meaning God with us), and to share our worship with our neighbors as they drove by. And there it was, the worshiping I mean. From a humble gesture of adoration, a mistake became a mission, the hollow became hallowed, the hopeless became hopeful. Yes, indeed, they had figured it out somehow.

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

ClayH.ChamblessCPCU,AAI,ARM 706-278-1149

ClayH.ChamblessCPCU,AAI,ARM 706-278-1149

201W.WaughSt.,Ste.100 Dalton,GA30720

201W.WaughSt.,Ste.100 Dalton,GA30720

ClayH.ChamblessCPCU,AAI,ARM 706-278-1149

201W.WaughSt.,Ste.100 Dalton,GA30720

Praying for the Impossible

by Brent Goodge

As the days of Passover went by, the church members came together for a round-the-clock prayer service. These Christians were no strangers to suffering and persecution. Many had been imprisoned or seen their family members killed because they refused to deny the Name of Jesus. But this was different.

James, who had been among the first disciples called by Jesus; James, who had been one of only three to witness the glory of the Transfiguration and the agony of Gethsemane; James, who had rashly assured Jesus that he too could drink whatever cup of suffering was coming Jesus’ way…had just been killed by King Herod. Many Christians had already given their lives for the cause of Christ, but the leadership of the church had previously been spared.

Now, Peter was in prison awaiting execution. Chains hanging from each extremity, multiple iron doors separating him from freedom, and sixteen Roman soldiers guarding him on pain of their own deaths if he escaped prevented any hope of human rescue. The heartless King Herod, bereft of the character of Heaven, gave no hope of clemency. Unless God stopped the evil work, the human instruments Christ has chosen to lead His church would all soon be dead. Tirelessly, the church prayed.

The night before Peter’s execution finally arrived. In answer to the prayers of His people, Christ sent an angel to the lonely prison cell. Peter’s chains fell off. Unhindered by locks and soldiers, the angel led Peter through the prison gates to freedom and then disappeared. Peter gathered himself and went to the house where the believers were praying. Knocking on the door and trying to keep his voice low enough not to waken the neighbors, Peter requested entrance.

Rhoda’s heart leaped for joy when she heard Peter’s voice, and she went to tell the praying church that God

had answered their prayers. But nobody believed her. They basically told her it was impossible for Peter to be released and would she please be quiet and reverent so they could resume asking God to do what they were insisting that God could not have done. Finally, they agreed to go check and see who was still knocking at the door.

How often do we plead with God to free those we know and love, not from earthly chains, but from bondage to sin? For most of us, the answer is likely “not nearly enough.”

But when we do pray those prayers, we need to believe God can and will work miracles in the lives of those we pray for. It is so easy to pray for our friends and family day after day and year after year while honestly expecting no real change. When God, in His perfect timing, works the miracle of deliverance in their lives, may we be sure we do not leave them outside knocking while we try to move to a quieter area to keep praying for God to do something He has already done.

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