Gò0dNews July 2020
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Andrew Lee Angie Parris Calia Russell Deck Cheatham Heather Lowe Jace Thompson Jamey Hunt Jimmy Bryant Kara Green Mandi Bagwell Melissa Baskin Phil Wade Reagan Marsh Shane Clements Tia Wheelus Zebbie Brewster
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Contents J U LY 2 0 2 0
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 March For Jesus by Jamey Hunt
GoodNews for Kids
8 Obeying God
by Calia Russell
GoodNews on Money Matters
10 Proximity—Be There by Andrew Lee
GoodNews for Men
12 Men, Doing What You Love Is A Battle
by Shane Clements GoodNews for Women
14 What I Said Was... by Mandi Bagwell
GoodNews Ask The Pastor
18 Was it a sin for David/
Solomon to have multiple wives?
by Reagan Marsh GoodNews for Everyone
20 Washing Waterfall
GoodNews for Relationships
26 Relationships by Phil Wade
GoodNews for Everyone
28 What If?
by Deck Cheatham
GoodNews for Everyone
30 Have Hope
by Melissa Baskin
GoodNews for Couples
32 Your Home—The Sand Or The Rock?
by Jimmy Bryant
GoodNews for Everyone
34 Excuses Only Satisfy Those Who Give Them
by Jace Thompson GoodNews Testimony
36 God’s Covenant by Heather Lowe
GoodNews for Everyone
38 How Will You Be Remembered?
by Kara Green
by Tia Wheelus
GoodNews Cover Story
GoodNews for Everyone
GoodNews for Life
GoodNews for your Taste Buds
22 Farrell’s Frame And Design 24 Not Alone
by Zebbie Brewster
6
22
40 Content In Jesus 42 Surviving the Pandemic from the Kitchen!
by Angie Parris
40
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
March For Jesus
O
by Jamey Hunt
n most Mondays of the school year, I have the
and orchestrated beauty and order can be witnessed! In
privilege to share an invitation with the Good
order to successfully march in formation, a military squad
News Club members at Sonoraville Elementary
has a drill sergeant to bark commands and a flag bearer
School as part of our church’s ministry there. This past
to “guide on.” Without the sound of a cadence, orders,
week, I talked to them about a verse that God has brought
and visible guidance, there can be no organized march.
to my mind frequently in recent weeks. Galatians 5:25 says,
The same is true of a marching band: the music, uniforms,
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the
instruments, and students only come alive under the
Spirit.” All of the power and transformation that we see
leadership of the drum major.
around us in the lives of people comes from God as we trust Jesus through the ministry of the Holy Spirit! The result of this ministry is referred to as the “Fruit of the Spirit.” God works in us and through us to show His change in our lives. What, then, is our role? We are not the cause of the change, but we are the conduit. To see this Fruit of the Spirit produced in our lives, we must keep in step with God’s Holy Spirit. At the Good News Club, I asked three children to volunteer and to join me on the stage. We lined up together, and I asked them to show us how to march. I didn’t give them any commands or instruction; I just told
A church is not just a random group of individuals
them to start marching. Can you imagine what they did?
stomping around for Jesus. We are an army under the
They simply stomped around individually with no common
command of Christ! His Spirit communicates the directions
rhythm or purpose. Later, we added the entire group of
to us! Let’s keep in step with Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
remaining students to the chaos. It wasn’t marching. It was
When we do, we also get in step with one another. Decide
group stomping. I asked them, what was wrong with what
today to listen for the Spirit’s voice in Scripture and prayer.
we were doing? One little girl said, “We don’t know what
Reaffirm your readiness to obey His orders. Look for Him
to do!” An older boy said, “We need someone to show us
to show you what to do! God is at work around you and in
how!” Never have truer words been spoken.
you. “Ready, march!”
In order to march, one must keep in step with the
God is good all the time!
be given, heard, and obeyed. Signs must be seen and reacted to. When all of this happens, a parade can occur,
6 // July 2020
About The Author
others in a group by listening and looking. Direction must Jamey Hunt lives on the family farm in Red Bud, Georgia, where his wife, Leigh-Ann and him have raised their two sons, Noah, and Cooper. They have done so with the help of their dog, Bit, and the loving support of their families! He also enjoys serving as the Pastor of Sonoraville Baptist Church!
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Gò0dNews for Kids
Obeying God
H
by Calia Russell
ave you ever avoided a situation due to the opinions
along. I had an immediate change in mood. I knew it didn’t
of others? This can be a good or bad thing. Most of
feel right, but I continued. My mom noticed and mouthed,
us carry a trait to stay away from things we know
“I’m gonna get you.” If you don’t know what that means, it
are wrong. Personally, I like to stay within the boundaries of
means I’m going to get in serious trouble.
good, but most of the time, my flesh and spirit fight. I have a
After she said that, we went to children’s church. We did
story I’d like to share with you so you can better understand
our normal service, but at the end, we prayed. Out of fear, I
why I believe this so strongly.
asked to pray. I prayed that I wouldn’t get a spanking. My
My church, Eleven 22, is where the story begins.
niece took advantage of this and told my mom everything
We started going there on March 10, 2019. I had a great
to get on her better side. Thankfully she did, or I wouldn’t
relationship with the Lord, but I always felt something was
have learned this lesson. She gave me a long talk explaining
missing. Now that I’m older, I know what that is, but that
that it wasn’t about anyone else: just me and God. I didn’t
will come later. Our church has an amazing choir. My mom
completely understand what that meant, but when she
is in that choir. Back then, I thought she
finished, I didn’t get in serious trouble.
bugged me to clap my hands for the
The following Sunday, I had to go to the front again.
entertainment of the church. I had
This time, I listened to the better suggestion and
put further thought into this, and
praised. And after that, not once did I think about
it seemed like my mind had two
anyone else but the Lord. I felt closer to Him than I
sides. One was that you can just
ever had before. I felt the need to cry. But my flesh
praise the Lord and clap. Another
took over, and I didn’t. Writing this now brings
side was ignorantly thinking, “Don’t
pain to the things I’ve missed because of that. But
clap; just stare.” And of course, that
without it, I might have made the mistake later in
Wednesday, that’s exactly what I did. At church, before praise and
life, so I’m thankful. To conclude, never let your flesh take
worship, our worship leader said,
over your relationship with the Lord,
“Everyone, please come to the
like I did, because it feels amazing
front.” Back then, I used to
to be connected with everlasting
value the opinions of others,
love unlike anyone else’s. He will
and this was one of those
always be there for you in your
situations when my flesh and
toughest times; no matter how
spirit were having a debate.
much hatred you put toward
My friend Ma’Ryah and
Him, He still loves you. Talk to
my mom encouraged me
Him, read His Word, and feel
to come to the front. We
the love and strength He puts
started praise and worship.
over your life.
And of course, being a my plan not to praise for the first song, but then the second song came
8 // July 2020
About The Author
child, I had forgotten about Calia Russell is a fifth-grader at Black Fox Elementary. She attends Eleven22 Church. She loves to write and sing.
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Proximity— Be There MONEY MATTERS
WITH DR. ANDREW LEE Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.
K
en Coleman, a regular on the Dave Ramsey radio show, authored a book last year titled The Proximity Principle which emphasizes the importance of putting yourself in close proximity to others who are working in the career field where you would like to work, with an eye toward landing a fulfilling career. While Coleman’s book is aimed toward those seeking a more rewarding career, the proximity principle—as a concept—is applicable to financial success, as well as numerous other aspects of life. For example, those wishing to lose weight and get fit need to be in the presence of other fit people to watch and learn and ask questions. I’ve talked with numerous people who were unhappily single, yet they never put themselves in situations (i.e.—singles groups at church) to meet potential life partners but rather sat home night after night hoping Mister or Miss Right would appear magically at their doorstep. The proximity principle dictates that we greatly increase our chances of success by intentionally putting ourselves in a position to meet those whom we want to emulate, or those who can help us achieve our goals. Woody Allen once quipped, “Eighty percent of life is just showing up,” and while this may sound glib, there is some truth to it. By simply showing up and putting yourself in the right place (even if it’s not necessarily the “right time”), you enhance your chances for success. Once you know what your financial goals are, look around for people whom it would be advantageous to meet and pick their brain regarding how they handle their finances, how they balance risks and rewards, and what lessons they have learned along the way. Be sure to choose wisely those people from whom you solicit financial advice. On various financial podcasts lately, I’ve
10 // July 2020
heard this adage repeated: “Never take advice from someone you wouldn’t want to trade places with.” Or, to put my spin on it, “Never take financial advice from someone whose net worth is less than yours.” Beware of smoke and mirrors when ascertaining whether someone is a financial success. That luxury SUV and designer clothes may be signs of financial success—or they may be signs of excessive consumer debt and no real wealth. Once you have identified those with whom you wish to network, don’t waste time. Life is too short. Put yourself out there and meet as many people as you can; tell them your financial goals and plans, and then listen to their feedback. Don’t get discouraged, and ask God to give you wisdom and discernment to understand and to evaluate their feedback. Consider the difference between sharing your financial goals with someone who is more successful than you, as opposed to telling these goals to those who are less financially successful. Often, the latter group (usually family and friends) respond with discouragement rather than encouragement. After all, they are likely unknowledgeable about how to achieve financial success, and may even resent your ambitions. But those who have achieved what you hope to achieve will more than likely offer words of encouraging, practical advice. The key is to put yourself in close proximity to these people. Then, once you have networked with them, be sure not only to listen to what they have to say, but also to show that you are a person who is willing to take some action to improve your financial situation. James 1:22 reminds us to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only,” and we should likewise act on wise counsel.
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Gò0dNews for Men
Men, Doing What You Love Is A Battle
“D
by Shane Clements
oing what you love is a fight. It’s an ongoing battle
have to look for it. You can do this by volunteering, taking on a
against every influence that wants you to conform.
part-time job in something that looks fun, or starting your own
There is no solace in the conformity, only a blurred
side-hustle.
view of what you set out to be. Spend your life creating something. Betray the institution.” —Brandon Rike “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest,” Ecclesiastes 9:10. Over the years I’ve done a lot of work that I didn’t love to raise
2. Don’t stop – You will have to keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle either. If it doesn’t excite you, ignite your passion and creativity – Keep looking. 3. Explore many options – Try new hobbies. Talk to new people. Read articles on different blogs, in different magazines and books. Inspiration might come from someplace you never imagined.
a large family. Work that didn’t ignite my passion, didn’t inspire
4. Once you find it, pour yourself into it – When you find
my creativity, and didn’t allow me the freedom the Creator has
the work you love, realize you’ve been given a gift. Don’t spoil
made my heart desire.
it — truly pour yourself into that work. Learn all you can about it. Become the best at it that you can. Be careful though that it doesn’t cause you to ignore the other loves in your life, including family and friends, but when you’re working, you should devote yourself completely to that work. Here’s a few more tips: 1. Get out of your daily routine – Ask yourself if you love what you’re doing. And if you don’t, then what is it you really love? 2. Take time to think – It’s good to take some time to really think about those questions. It may be an hour or two a couple of times a week. Or, if you can, make time for a get-away to be alone for a couple of days. It’s worth the investment. 3. What are some things you are doing that you already love? – Do you have hobbies that fire you up? What do you read about? What do you watch? What do you talk to others about that excites you?
One of the keys to inner peace and happiness — as well as
4. What are you good at – What are your strengths or talents?
productivity and effectiveness at work — as a Christian man,
Is there something you excel at? Follow these to find out if they
husband, and father, is finding work you love, finding your calling,
will be something you love.
finding a vocation you’re passionate about. Finding your calling can be difficult. It can feel like a daily ongoing battle as the above quote states. It’s hard for most men to find that kind of work because they don’t know where to start. It will take some effort, but it isn’t hopeless and can be done. Here are a few steps that may be helpful: 1. Actively seek it – Doing the same thing day after day and expecting different results is what some call the definition of
5. Take action – Start doing research, get a book, write out a list of ideas, take an online class, start making calls, make appointments, take career assessment tests. Just take some action, now. 6. Then take action again – Now that you’ve learned about it, give it a try! You might be able to pursue it within your current job, or do it as a side job or just as a hobby at first. Write to people who are doing it to find out how they got started. Be the man God created you to be. Do the work God created you to do. Pursue your dreams with all your might!
things, day after day, week after week, year after year. Work you love probably isn’t going to fall into your lap. You are going to
12 // July 2020
About The Author
insanity. Yet, we stay at the same job, complaining about the same Shane Clements C.Ht is a minister of 30+ years serving as a pastor, missionary to the deaf, and evangelist. He loves spending time with his wife Kimberly, their 5 children, and spoiling his grandbabies.
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Gò0dNews for Women
What I Said Was…
T
by Mandi Bagwell
hat’s not what I said, that’s not what I said…That’s
Mother’s Day is usually sad for many reasons for
NOT what I said! These are things I hear all day,
me and a lot of others who have lost their moms and
and it’s got to be a joke at work and with friends
loved ones, but God surely showed us this year, even
all coming from a viral video that’s been going around.
on lockdown status, that we as women are loved and
So many times, we say things in the meaning of good
appreciated. Maybe it’s from our children or friends
intentions, and it doesn’t always come out the right way.
and loved ones or just a single act of kindness from
Tone is everything. This has been a struggle with a lot of
unexpected people. We as women are strong, loved, and
us throughout life. Our motto at our home is, it’s not what
sometimes broken but still beautiful.
you say—it’s how you say it. I say this to start because quite a few of us women have been struggling with being
God seems to specifically pick people to put in our lives at just the time we need them. Sometimes, we just have to stop for a minute and realize who and where they are and how He brought them in our lives for however much time it is. I am thankful for this time, even the struggles that were not planned or expected: it’s all for a reason, season, and lessons. God’s love can shine through if we just open our eyes to who He’s put in our lives. Without each other in this crazy world, it’s a lot like a hurricane, so embrace who is in your life and look to love on those who need the love we all have to offer. To end, the “That’s not
tired and feeling broken but have lifted each other up and
what I said” video—that video that brings a lot of us so
reminded each other that we are strong and enough.
much laughter—says, “She better crawl before she walks,
Times lately have been different with all the disasters
and she better not think about running because she ain’t
around the world. Although things have been very
gonna get far”…especially without God, family, friends,
different from “normal” life, they have also shown me a
and those who are put in our pathway. “Strength and
lot. God has put many strong women in my life currently
dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to
who teach me and others so much: from kindness to
come” (Proverbs 31:25).
women I would have never met if some of the world’s disasters hadn’t happened, and for that I am thankful.
14 // July 2020
About The Author
forgiveness to loving people where they are. These are Mandi Bagwell: mom, realtor, and so much more.
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Rome Church Directory
African Methodist Episcopal Bethel AME Church 22 Nichols Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0019 St. James AME Zion Church 3 Maxwell Lane Rome, GA 30165 404-307-7396 Summer Hill AME Church 1981 Kingston Hwy NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-7113
Anglican
St. Andrew’s Anglican Church 42 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5892
Apostolic
First Apostolic Church of Rome 3213 Cave Spring Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9551
Assembly of God
Redemption Church 105 Broadus Road NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0277
Baptist
Antioch Baptist Church 4526 Big Texas Valley Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7248 Armuchee Baptist Church 6648 Big Texas Valley Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-3169 Berean Baptist Church 8 Skyline Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-9832 Blue Pond Baptist Church 1291 Morrison Campground Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3296 Bryant Chapel Baptist Church 24 Shady Lane Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9768 Bush Arbor Baptist Church 3290 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga. 30161 770-885-0779 Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church 1021 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4431 Calvary Baptist Church 101 Broadus Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-1461 Cedar Valley Baptist Church 3024 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-0978 Community Chapel Baptist Church 3733 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4070 Desoto Park Baptist Church 1107 Cave Spring Rd. Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-6207 Dykes Creek Baptist Church 3181 Kingston Hwy NE Rome Ga, 30161
16 // July 2020
706-291-7790 East Rome Baptist Church 601 Cedar Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8553 East View Baptist Church 901 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8250 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-3939 Enon Baptist Church 3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-5052 Fairview Baptist Church 2348 Old Cedartown Hwy SE Lindale, Ga 30147 Fellowship Rome Baptist Church 314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-9416 First Baptist Church 100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6850 Flatrock Baptist Church 848 Cunningham Rd SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-9976 Flint Hill Baptist Church 3578 Wax Rd SE, Aragon, GA 30104 706-232-8121 Friendship Baptist Church 2283 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-4803 Garden Lakes Baptist Church 2200 Redmond Cir Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-6615 Greater Mount Calvary Baptist 445 East 14th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-5047 Hill Crest Baptist Church 2202 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8806 Hollywood Baptist Church 112 Lombardy Way Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-6642 In Focus Baptist Church 12 N Hughes Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8963 Lakeview Baptist Church 80 Salem Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-2149 Lovejoy Baptist Church 436 Branham Ave Rome, Ga 30171 706-232-1917 McFall Baptist Church 3011 Rockmart Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5673 Mount Alto Church 1915 Huffaker Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-6222 Mount Carmel Baptist Church E 20th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-8777
Mount Olive Baptist Church 17 E Pennington Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-6413 New Antioch Baptist Church 4553 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2248 New Bethel Baptist Church Weathington Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706, 291-8939 New Canaan Baptist Church 3 Excelsior St Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-1984 New Hope Baptist Church Hwy 156 Rome, Ga 706-235-0250 New Hope Baptist Church 399 Moran Lake Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-0507 North Broad Baptist Church 1309 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-2100 Northwood Missionary Baptist 4076 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 Park Ave Baptist Church 531 Park Ave SE Lindale, GA 30147 Parkview Baptist Church 4 Wesley Drive Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4431 PisGah Baptist Church Alabama Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4431 Pleasant Hope Baptist Church 5935 Rockmart Road SE Silver Creek, Ga 706-235-2800 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 500 N Division St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0731 Pleasant Valley North Baptist 735 Old Summerville Road NW Rome, GA 30165 706-232-6426 Pleasant Valley South Baptist 702 Pleasant Valley Rd SE Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-1841 Providence Baptist Church 17 Burnett Ferry Road SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0689 Riverside Baptist Church 48 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8114 State Line Baptist Church 8536 Black Bluff Road Cave Spring, Ga 30124 678-988-0339 Saint Paul Baptist Church Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-5037 Second Avenue Baptist 823 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-3663 Sherwood Forest Baptist Church 1 Goodman Rd
Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6174 Shorter Avenue Baptist Church 1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-8266 South Broad Baptist Church 508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 Spring Creek Baptist Church 2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-1220 Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7217 Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8132 Three Rivers Church 2960 New Calhoun Highway NE Rome, Ga 706-766-0942 Trinity Baptist Church 1728 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-3368 Turner Chapel Baptist Church 756 Turner Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-8682 Unity Baptist Church 2261 Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-2184 West End Baptist Church 107 Mississippi Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-1971 West Rome Baptist Church 914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-9722 Wilkerson Road Baptist Church Wilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161 Woodlawn Baptist Church 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-4171 Word & Way Baptist Church New Rocketmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-8729
Catholic
Saint Mary Catholic Church 911 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7014
Christian & Missionary Alliance
Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 20165 706-235-9190
Church of Christ
Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0675 Lindale Church of Christ 3035 Maple Road Lindale, Ga 30147 706-234-3027 Oak Hill Church of Christ 1500 Martha Berry Hwy
Rome, Ga 20165 706-291-0351 Rome Church of Christ 121 Primrose Road Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4444
Church of God
Armuchee Church of God 4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4414 Beech Creek Church of God 3000 Alabama Hwy NW Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-7466 Church of God of Prophecy 94 Huffaker Rd. Rome, GA 30165 706-528-4225 Lindale Church of God 585 Park Ave Lindale, Ga 30147 706-232-5676 New Life Church of God 210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-0704 New Hope Overcoming Church of God 200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4695 North Rome Church of God 1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6687 Rome AOH Church of God 504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2999 West Rome Church of God UA 2827 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-880-6895
Disciples of Christ
First Christian Church 209 E. Second Ave, Rome, Ga 30161
Episcopal
Church of the Transfiguration 304 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-0197 Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church 101 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-9111
Foursquare
Rome Foursquare Church 308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161
Full Gospel
Christ Gospel Church 619 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-7744
Independent Bible
Grace Bible Church 614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165
Interdenominational
Cornerstone Church 324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-4923 Renovation Church 2601 Shorter Ave. Rome, Ga 30165 (706) 936-1380
Lutheran
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 3000 Garden Lakes Blvd Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-7257
Methodist
Beech Creek UMC 2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-4973 Chapel Hill UMC 1818 Kingston Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-9177 Holsey Sinai CME Church 1233 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161 706-295-7265 Lindsay Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 Livingston UMC 21 E Lakeshore Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 Metropolitan UMC 700 Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8660 Mt Pleasant UMC 4782 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165 706-232-4350 New Bethel Methodist Church Reeceburg Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-9700 North Rome UMC 706-291-6704 Oostanaula UMC 74 Battey Farm Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-292-0084 Rome First UMC 202 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-8590 Rush Chapel UMC 1225 Rush Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-7986 Scott Chapel UMC 3 Chambers St NE Rome, Ga 30161 Second Avenue UMC 801 E Second Ave SW Rome, GA 30161 Shannon UMC 600 First Street
Shannon, GA 30172 706-491-7112 Silver Creek UMC 36 Reeceburg Rd SE Silver Creek, GA 30173 706-234-2518 South Broad UMC 546 S Broad St Rome, Ga 30161 706-232-5230 Trinity UMC 606 Turner McCall Blvd SW Rome, Ga 30165 706-291-0033 Wesley Chapel UMC 9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161 West Rome UMC 1003 Shorter Ave PO Box 2247 Rome, GA 30164 706-234-6214
Nazarene
Rome First Church of the Nazarene 20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 30165 706-234-5023
Non-Denominational
Access Church 1905 Calhoun Rd Rome, Ga 30161 705-584-7497 Christian Church at Rome 2417 Shorter Ave Rome, GA 30165 706-235-0501 Glorious New Jerusalem Church 537 W 12th St Rome, Ga 30165 706-295-2045 Glory Tabernacle Church 300 Watson St Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-0888 Gospel Harvester Church 1246 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-290-9858 LIFE Church of Rome 19 John Davenport Drive Rome GA 30165 706-728-3166 Lighthouse Church of Rome Lighthouse Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-0864 New and Living Way Bible Church 59 Dykes Creek Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-233-9200 Northside Church 75 N. Floyd Park Rd. Rome, Ga 30165 706-233-9896 Rally Up International Ministries 1941 Shorter Avenue Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-8561 Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle 700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8948 The Church at Rome 246 North 5th Avenue Rome, Ga 30165 706-346-2733 The Place Global 1107 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706.802.2059 Trinity United Christian Church 6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 30165 706-204-8270 We The Church 810 East 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 Words of Faith Tabernacle 3134 Rockmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-314-9158
Orthodox
All Saints Church 615 Cleveland Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-378-4474
Pentecostal
Cannon Temple Holiness Church 308 Porter St Rome, Ga 20161 706-233-9001 Christ Temple Holiness Church 1321 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161 706-235-3787 Victory Temple Of Joy 118 Williamson St. Rome, Ga 30165 706-766-3865
Presbyterian
Covenant Presbyterian Church EPC 1645 Cartersville Hwy. Rome, GA 30161 706-767-8373 First Presbyterian Church EPC 101 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6033 Seven Hills Fellowship 530 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161 706-530-1630 Silver Creek Presbyterian Church 6 Old Rockmart Road Silver Creek, Ga 30173 706-234-6862 Westminster Presbyterian Church 1941 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165 706-235-8561
Seventh-Day Adventist
Rome Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church 307 E 14th St SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-292-0067 Seventh-Day Adventist Church 2526 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161 706-234-4117
Cave Spring Church Directory
Cave Spring Church of God 19 Mill Street Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8348 Cedar Creek Baptist Church 5440 Black Buff Rd Rome, Ga 30161 706-777-8360
Live Oak Baptist Church 5506 GA-100 Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8566 The Empty Tomb 5630 Fosters Mill Rd SW Cave Spring, GA 30124 Rehoboth Missionary Baptist
6 Rehoboth Rd SW Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-3313 First Baptist Church 4 Old Cedartown Rd. Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-3566 Cave Spring UMC
30 Alabama Street Cave Spring, GA 30124 706-777-8624 Jackson Chapel UMC 301 Jackson Chapel Rd Cave Spring, GA 30125 706-777-3750
goodnewscm.com // 17
Gò0dNews Ask The Pastor Was it a sin for David/Solomon to have multiple wives?
Q
by Reagan Marsh
. Was it a sin for David (and Solomon) to have multiple wives/ concubines? Why was David punished for Bathsheba when he had all the other women? Isn’t marriage 1 man + 1 woman? Is
there inconsistency in this? A. Great question. Understand that David’s and Solomon’s
18) rather than a servant of God and the people. Having multiple wives in Scripture is reported, but never approved; it’s generally a sign of one being led by lust, who is not disciplining himself for the purpose of godliness (1 Timothy 4:7-8). The man after God’s own heart was following his own heart, which led him straight into ruin;
marital situations, complexities, and sins were the precise fulfillment of what God had warned would happen if Israel failed to destroy the godless nations in the promised land: they would learn their ways (Deuteronomy 12:30) and become like them. As 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, bad company ruins good morals. So, to the question: Yes, it was sin for them to have multiple wives/concubines. In Genesis 2:24-25, Moses speaks of a man cleaving to his wife (singular), and the two becoming one flesh. Ephesians 5:22-33 speaks in lockstep with Genesis 2 when Paul describes a wife (singular) and a husband (singular). The NT further shows that the pattern for Christian marriage is to be exemplified in an elder’s life, specifically in that he is to be the husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:1-7). David was punished in the Bathsheba account (2 Samuel 11) because his sins were lust, seducing her to marital unfaithfulness, committing adultery, abusing/misusing power entrusted to him for others’ wellbeing, committing murder, and involving others in his own sins. It’s worth noting that the Hebrew is suggestive that he may actually even have forced her against her will (i.e., sexual assault/rape). A great deal of the civil unrest in Israel at the time was not merely circumstantial, but judicial – God’s punishment of David’s sin with the other women. His own family was deeply affected by his sin (for example, the shame of Amnon raping Tamar, and Absalom murdering Amnon in revenge…like father, like sons). When Absalom rebelled and David fled, leaving 10 concubines behind to defend the palace, David’s shame was complete: the giant-slayer who had killed his ten thousands was on the run from an out-of-control teenager. This, in part, is why Solomon later wrote, Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death (Proverbs 19:18). David’s punishment with Bathsheba, then, was because he
and when Solomon came to power, he followed the same course— with the result that his foreign wives led him astray from the Lord (1 Kings 11:3). Such inconsistency is par for the course with man, but not God. God is patient with our sin and theirs, but his patience is not forever; even the best of men require a Saviour from their sin. We have him in the Christ who was Son of David (Matthew 21:9) and Son of God (Matthew 27:54) – the faithful husband-King who is far greater than Solomon (Matthew 12:42). Jesus is the proof of God’s holy commitment to save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). He will one day receive us as his radiant, blood-washed bride, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:27); and we will be with him forever. Whatever wicked men may do, Jesus doesn’t take two wives; and Christians may rest secure in his faithful covenant love. If you’d like to submit a question about the Scriptures, please use the contact form at reformationdalton.com – maybe I can answer it in a future GNM article.
despised his own marital covenant(s), and hers; and that cheapenwife carried disastrous results. David had learned the ways of the godless nations, and decided to live like a king (cf. 1 Sam 8.10-
18 // July 2020
About The Author
ing of what God ordains and consecrates between a man and his
Reagan Marsh is husband to Kara, daddy to RG & AG, and founding Pastor-Teacher to Reformation Baptist Church. A biblical counselor, and Th.D student in Puritan Studies, he has served in gospel ministry since 1998.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Washing Waterfall
T
by Kara Green
he quarantine we have experienced as a nation has
voice in worship, I saw water being poured out from heaven
definitely been an unusual, trying time. Everything that
onto the people. This was not a little sprinkle of water, but it
was normal, was stripped away. Our busy schedules, ap-
was a rushing of water being poured out; like standing under
pointments, games, even work was cancelled for many people.
a massive waterfall. I asked the Lord what this meant, and He
During this time all the “normal” things we took for granted
began to show me. He said,
were suddenly stopped; like time standing still. Stores closed;
“I am pouring out my water on you; refreshing you. Let go,
and everything inside was left just like the day they locked it
and let me do this. Don’t be afraid. My water is washing you!
for the last time. At grocery stores and other places that were
Flooding over you. I’m pouring out my Spirit and washing you from the PAST season. I’m making you ready for what I’m doing NEXT! The water of My spirit is being poured out over the church- purifying the church- washing my people. Old ways , old thinking, old stuff- washed away like dust! It’s gone! My spirit POURED out! I’m calling you higher! I’m calling the church higher!” Isaiah 44:3: “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your off-spring, and my blessing on your descendants.” Revelation 22:17: “The Spirit and the bide say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” The Lord reminded me that there is power in gathering with other believers; with the family of God. Faith rises
deemed “essential”, people and workers wore masks and
when we gather to worship Him. We need each other! When we
stayed apart from others. “Social distancing” became the buzz
lift our voices together, it makes a difference!
word for people in our nation, no hugging, handshaking, or
I felt compelled to look up the definition of the word dust.
getting together with friends. Even churches closed their doors
Dust is defined as, earth or other matter in fine, dry particles.
and had to do services online or drive-in style. School buildings
The dust of old attitudes and thinking are being washed away
were empty; no hustling and bustling of children, teachers and
as we press in to God in worship and prayer. I believe God is
parents. Now school had to be done online. We couldn’t gather
calling us to receive His love and surrender everything to Him.
together for any event. Everything in just a few days changed.
He is preparing us for greater things! We have a choice. We can
It was all different.
surrender and allow God to wash away all those things that have settled on us, or we can hold on to them and stay in the past. He is calling us to move up higher and rise up! Things
me on the first service I went to in person as the quarantine was
that have been difficult to overcome will be washed away in a
ending. When I walked in the door, the worship was so pow-
moment in this outpouring of the spirit. Surrender it all to the
erful, and the sound of the worship of the people of God was
Father now, and receive the Holy Spirit in a fresh way! We are
so beautiful! My heart was so moved by the sound! The sound
moving higher!
of the people of God lifting their voices together was piercing the heavens. I could feel the Holy Spirit so strong. As I lifted my
20 // July 2020
About The Author
Our country is opening up in phases now, and as the church doors are opening, I want to share a word the Lord gave
Kara Green is a psalmist and prophetic worship leader from Signal Mountain, Tennessee. She released her first worship album, “Presence of my King,” in 2017. Her heart is to see the Body of Christ experience the glory of God through lifting up the name of Jesus in worship. She also releases prophetic words on her blog at Karagreenworship.com.
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FEATURED COVER STORY
Farrell’s Frame And Design
Dear Past,
felt like a tragedy, with help from one of our clients, we
Thank you for all the lessons.
turned the hunt into an adventure. The new location is an
Dear Future,
unconventional one for our business; we share a building
F
We are ready! arrell’s Frame and Design specializes in custom framing and fine art printing. Our company turns 5 years old in November of 2020. For us, 2019—
and do we even need to say 2020?—has been the time for change. We have been through ups, downs, personal life changes, professional life changes, and a complete shift in how we do business with our consumers. Overwhelming as it may have seemed, our unplanned journey took us exactly where we needed to be. Now that we are on the other side looking back at the trials and tribulations that have been 2019 and the first half of 2020, I would like to shout from the rooftops expressing the gratitude, excitement, and pride that relates to all of our recent “Good News.” (You see what I did there?) In mid-2019, we made the hard decision to relocate our business for various reasons. While at the time it
22 // July 2020
with several law firms and other professional businesses. While we might be the business that doesn’t exactly fit in, we like to think of it as our bringing some life to the party. From the first day at our new location, our clients have been there to show their support, share advice, and share their confidence in us as we worked to get through the hurdles that presented themselves along the way. As of a few weeks ago, we officially deemed this our home by putting our multi-colored frames back up on the windows. It is a more refined version because we have grown as a company, but nonetheless, we now feel like we can honestly say, WE ARE BACK! We are back and stronger than ever, with a powerhouse of a team that fell together accidentally, seamlessly, and again—just the way it needed to. In December, I had to close the shop due to what I thought was an illness; during that time, Virginia came by to try to place an order. She grew concerned when our store was closed for several days and approached me with the question, “Are you looking for
help?” The answer was yes. Virginia has a background in
With so much uncertainty going on in the world, I feel
framing and in Rome, as she used to work at Meeks Picture
it is important to focus on the positive aspects: to work
House. It was evident after just one week of working together
hard in order to jump hurdles, climb mountains, and
that it was going to be a harmonious working relationship,
adapt to our ever-changing environment. In the face of our
not to mention one that started at just the right time. Many
most daunting time as a business, I humbled myself and
of you may remember Antoneisha from when we first came
asked for help. I was granted such blessings in return that
to Rome: she helped us open the first location. Although
I cannot express fully just how fortunate I feel: not only to
we have had the greatest intentions of working together
have the individuals, the community, and the professional
throughout the years, finding a cohesive schedule that
network surrounding me that I do, but also for blessings of
worked for both parties has been difficult. Due to schedule
another kind. If I have learned anything through this time
changes demanded by COVID, we have come up with a plan
of change, it is that hard work will get you far, but having
that allows her ample time to focus on her art but also play a
faith, admitting you need help, and accepting that help from
vital role in our business. Our newest member, Candiss, is a
those around you will make the journey a lot smoother and
local photographer and is eager to learn more about framing
enjoyable to be on.
and printing. She is as sharp as a tack and has already
I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to tell
excelled at every task given to her. This group of women
our story of change, to allow us the ability to express a
came together at a time when I was in dire need of not only
sincere thank you to our clients, friends, and family for
help but also positivity, inspiration, and motivation as we
sticking with us as we navigated a new path, and lastly, the
began to fight our way through a global pandemic.
chance to share our good news in a time when we all could
Let's get personal for a moment. Remember the illness we
use a little happiness.
shut the store down for in December? It was not an illness at
Our new location is 519 Broad Street, Suite 101/103. For
all! On December 31, we discovered that we were expecting.
the time being, we are working on an appointment-only basis
Fast forward to now, and we are over seven months pregnant
and will be extending appointment hours in the future. We
with our first child, a baby girl who will be named Finlee
appreciate your patience and your business throughout this
Lynn. While being pregnant during a pandemic has been
transition, and we honestly cannot wait to show you what we
interesting, we are grateful for the extra time we have been
have accomplished while riding this whirlwind of change.
able to spend soaking in this experience. Tying back into professional life, it is an absolute weight off my shoulders as a business owner to know that without a doubt while I am out on maternity leave, my team will be able to handle the shop, our clients, and day-to-day business.
goodnewscm.com // 23
Gò0dNews for Life
Not Alone by Zebbie Brewster
J
ohn 16:33: “These things I have spoken unto you,
me. That contact meant so much. It reminded me that
that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye
I was not alone. That caring word they shared meant
shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I
more than they will ever know. My mom always told
have overcome the world.”
me that if God puts someone on your mind, then you
Have you ever had a really bad day, and you
need to take time and pray for them. You may not
wondered how things got so out of control and bad?
know what they might be going through, but God
It started out pretty well, but those phone calls kept
does. That quiet prompting could be the Holy Spirit
coming in with bad news. You felt the pain of the person who was calling you and promised to pray for them and the situation, trying your best to remember that when things seemed so out of control, God was still in control. I remember hearing a preacher say that prayer is allowing God to get in the boat with you. Out there in that storm with Him with you, you are not alone. That is what it is about fear: it makes you feel so alone in your pain. The whole world keeps going on, and you feel no
leading you to reach out for that person. I am thankful
one cares. You just need to be able to reach out to that
for those people who reach out to the Good Lord on
one caring, listening, loving soul.
my behalf in prayers.
When someone goes through the storm with you,
In this world, as the Scripture says above, ye shall
they know all about what is going on. They hear and
have tribulation; no one is exempt. I am so thankful
see all that you hear and see. They can feel your fear
that we can also have peace when we trust God to help
with you.
us through.
remembering in my mind the many events of the day, out of the blue, it seemed friends started contacting
24 // July 2020
About The Author
What I was so amazed about was as I sat that night, Zebbie Brewster resides in Summerville, Georgia. She is an active member at Perennial Springs Baptist Church.
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Gò0dNews for Relationships
Relationships
R
by Phil Wade
elationships are the thing we most desire. Yet we so often
are joining hands and building community than any other time in the life
find ourselves running from them. Why? From the world’s
of our ministry. Sounds kind of like how Jesus describes the church, does
perspective: to need somebody else is a sign of weakness. For a
not it?
man to ask another man for help is emasculation in the worst sense of
• Is it hard, taxing, exhausting work? Without a doubt.
the word. Also, there is the trust we lose when we have placed our trust
• Does it take a lot of time? Absolutely.
in people, only to have these people go and share everything we have
• Is that what God has called us to? You betcha.
asked them to hold with great confidentiality. Sometimes it seems that
• Does it bring about joy unspeakable? Certainly.
life would be much easier if we just left out the relationship component.
• Does it bring God glory? Heavens, yes!
However, we know that what is easy is not always what is best. We were created for relationships. Primarily, we were made for
The relationships we have built are far more valuable to us than anything we could bring to them. These are relationships that will not just
a relationship with Jesus. Then we were made to be in relationships
last for a lifetime but for an eternity. I long for these relationships. I need
with others. Whether a child, a high school student, college student,
these relationships. We all are richer as a result of these relationships.
single, married, middle-aged, or seasoned adult, we were all created for relationships. Once I discovered my motivational gifts and began putting them to work in everyday life in serving others, I began experiencing the power of investing in others. One of the most valuable things I have learned in life is that investing in others brings far greater joy than self-indulgence. Investing in others brings far more opportunities for relationships with others than does spending all your time focused on yourself.
The Reward of Investment Several years ago, God opened the door of opportunity for Keli and me to serve as character coaches for the men’s and women’s basketball teams at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. This opportunity overwhelmed me with excitement as I draw energy from being with like-minded people. Not that I knew much about basketball, but I loved sports, competition, and being with people. I was aware this opportunity to build relationships would cost us a great deal of time and energy. However, it would be a great investment for us personally and for the Kingdom. Never in a million years would we have imagined what God was preparing to do in and through our investment at the collegiate level. One thing I discovered was that relationships are built via the ministry of presence. In order to build and grow relationships, time must be spent with the people you wish to reach. Time spent while serving builds trust that creates and strengthens relationships. Prior to this opportunity to serve Berry athletics, we at Northside were reaching few college students, at best. Since this opportunity began, we have seen Bible studies launch with coaches, students, trainers, and student athletes. We have seen atheist come to faith in Christ; people who have been in church all their lives surrendering to God; students serving in ministry and internships; not to mention people from all denominations: (1) becoming unified in the essentials—things of top priority; (2) finding
Time If you are like most people whom I talk to about going all in with relationship-building, then right about now you are asking yourself, “When in the world will I have time?” Great question! God has given every person the same amount of time: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. God also gave each person the power to choose how they would use this time. My “life word” is intentional. My life verse is Matthew 6:33: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” My motivational gift is the gift of exhortation, teaching and leading. It is this life verse, life word, and my purpose statement which is, “To develop godly leaders, encouraging them to live life beyond themselves,” that set my daily agenda. I believe with every fiber of my being that when we identify how God created us and surrender to the purpose for which He wants to use us, we then become passionate about living out our purpose. Time is no longer as big an issue as I found it once to be. Do not get me wrong. My calendar is always full, and I often struggle to get it all in. However, the difference is my calendar is packed with building relationships while operating in my gifts.
unconditional love in all things. We have baptized students. We have students leading other students to Christ. We are seeing more people who
26 // July 2020
About The Author
freedom from the nonessentials—things of lesser priority; and (3) showing Pastor Phil Wade and his wife Keli have two children and five grandchildren. His passion in returning to Rome is to give back to Rome the investment they made in him as he served as lead Pastor of Northside Church since 2012.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
What If?
G
by Deck Cheatham
ranting glimmers between reflection and longing,
with Gordon Lightfoot tickets, making our house a home
joy lays hold of you by what you know you will
with her quiet, overflowing thoughtfulness. Joy has a chance
lose, with reflections of the unobservable universe,
when two shores meet.
with the present delight of fleetingness. She touches and
All my joys, those repetitive little waves lapping
kisses her intended as a warm wind rising, then passes,
on my rippled shore, came to establish a province, a
allowing nothing but brushes of her solitary ascent and
sphere purposed to gain my attention to what is true and
disappearance. Unable to be held or conjured into being, her allure teases us toward shallow imitation, knowing her true self comes only as toil and pain give way and the sweet memory of her scent lingers until she comes again. When, finally, we reach the place where we serve God’s will not as we wish, but as He desires us to see it, we have come to that place of the heart God talks so much about. Joy laps over our ruddy shore until her rising tide reaches a high, deposits her humility within us, and leaves an unrepayable debt, an assurance all is well. Joy is God’s way to say, “I’m here; rest in Me; I shall never leave.” I took years to understand this, to respond with thanks and giving. Too many times in life, I have felt like an island, separate from all those other islands with names and lives
unchanging. Don’t we all possess a sphere through which
and ruddy shores. If there was a chance to advance, to
passes either joy or discontent, God or indifference? Who,
claim a beachhead, I did my utmost. Each advance met with
then, will dive in faith and fathom God’s will to awaken
obstacles, retreat, and then advancing again and spurred
to life’s purpose, to wander upon another’s shore and
me toward self-gratification. Forget I knew this wasn’t true
wonder…what if?
and around me were family and friends who loved me, who
Each must decide. I, imperfect I, have decided mine. To
made me mad with their truth-telling. Forget I discarded my
each God gives this ministry of sphere, our joys never to be
upbringing to stake my claim.
held but passed on to someone’s ruddy shore. This is God’s
Along the way, those little twinklings kept fleeting by, reminders of my forgotten treasure. There was my son
will, life’s purpose. Today, I encourage you to wonder with me and ask,
breaking 80 on the golf course for the first time, his twin
“What if?”
sister writing a poem about a golf pro’s long hours, and as
“Those who have ears to hear, let them hear” (Matthew 11:15).
the pages turned, my youngest reciting “Milk and Cookies” from memory, all granting glimmers into fleeting delight. I my streak of chocolate birthday cakes intact, surprising me
28 // July 2020
About The Author
remember those times N. prepared a favorite meal and kept Deck Cheatham has been a golf professional for some 40 years. He lives with his family in Dalton. He is a guest columnist for the Rome News Tribune, The Daily Citizen, and the Calhoun Times. Email him at pgadeacon@gmail.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Have Hope by Melissa Baskin
I
was enjoying time with my daughters when my husband
get out of the ER in an hour. “It’s my tooth,” said Dad.
came into the room and said, “Come here. I need to talk
“Your tooth!” exclaimed Mom. Apparently, my dad had
to you.” Instantly, I knew something was wrong. “Your
a back tooth that was surrounded by blood clots! The ER
dad is spitting up blood clots, and your mom is taking him
doctor was shocked, too, thinking my dad would need
to the emergency room (ER),” he said. Uncertainty, fear, and
multiple tests. Mom didn’t know whether to laugh or cry;
anxiety gripped me. Because my dad takes blood thinners
she did both.
due to a heart condition, I imagined the worst. But my fear was compounded because this was during the height of the COVID-19 health crisis. Donning masks and gloves, my mom, dad, and I headed to the ER. An ER nurse suited in protective gear met us at the door and took my dad’s vitals and information. Then, the nurse said something that I will never forget. “Say your goodbyes because no one is allowed to go in with the patient.” My parents embraced each other and cried. In that moment, the magnitude of the COVID-19 health crisis hit me like a ton of bricks. The word “goodbye” sounded so final. Like many, I had read stories of people dying alone in hospitals because
As we praised God for my dad’s diagnosis, I couldn’t
family was not allowed to be by their sides. Would this be
help but think about people in hospitals who are alone,
the case for my dad?
scared, and might not get such good news. During this
As my mom and I waited in the car, consumed by fear
time of our “new normal,” please pray for those affected
and worry for my dad, a familiar verse of Scripture calmed
by COVID-19. Pray for the patients, their families, and the
my fear. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid…for
medical teams. It’s important to minister to those in need
the Lord your God is with you; he will never leave you or
and remind them that God will never leave us or forsake
forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
us. In John 16:33, Jesus said we would face trials but that He
We called friends and family to pray and also posted a prayer request via Facebook. Within minutes, over 100
had overcome the world. Even in our time of trial, we can be encouraged that our ultimate hope is in Jesus Christ.
people were praying. The comfort of fellow believers’ prayers and the knowledge that God would never leave us After an hour had passed, my dad called and said he was ready to go home. I was shocked; most people don’t
30 // July 2020
About The Author
gave me hope in a frightening situation.
Melissa Baskin is an assistant professor of Communication Studies at Shorter University, Rome, Georgia.
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Gò0dNews for Couples
Your Home—The Sand Or The Rock?
I
by Jimmy Bryant
t was 50 years ago when we met Lee and Judith. The
elephants in the room, there will never be the love, peace,
Lord had called me to preach, and we moved back to my
and joy that a couple should have. However, when Christ
hometown to enroll in the local junior college. We bought
is the center of the home, that home will be the epitome of
a house just a few houses down from them. Lee and Judith had just lost their only child, a little boy.
happiness. Yes, there will always be problems, but when those problems are committed to the Prince of Peace, He will
They said it was Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. As you
give you the wisdom, compassion, and insight to handle
can imagine, they were still grieving. Neither of them had
those problems in a godly way. I do not know what kind of
ever trusted Christ as Savior. They occasionally attended the
stress you are living under, but there is one who does: He
church we joined. The pastor and other members of the congregation witnessed to them time and time again, all to no avail. They were living with a certain kind of bitterness that words could not touch. However, what men could not do, God did. In time, they both came under deep conviction and accepted Christ as their Savior. They became one of the happiest, loving couples in the church. The bitterness was gone because it was replaced with heavenly joy. Instead of being angry with God, they began to understand that one day, they would see their little boy again. Couples go through all kinds of hurt, disappointment, and anger. Sometimes it is how the finances are handled, or a lack of communication,
is one who sticks closer than a brother. His desire for you is
or even becoming too familiar with someone from the
to find Christ as Savior if you have not already done so. If
opposite sex. But it is always there like an elephant in the
you have, His desire is for you to live like it. When He is the
room. And it will always be there until things are made
center of your life and your home, the church will become
right. Things will never be right until Christ, instead of the
a vital part of your life. Why not show up to church this
problem, is the center of the home. Oh, you may already be
Sunday? It will thrill the church and bring peace and joy to
a Christian. But Christ is not preeminent in the lives of one
your life and your home. And when you leave the church,
or both. You see, a home that is built upon the sand cannot
leave those fears and frustrations at the foot of the cross.
stand the storms of life. However, the home that is built upon the rock will withstand any storm that may arise. upon? The shifting sands of troubles or the solid foundation of the Rock? As long as the problem or problems are the
32 // July 2020
About The Author
Now, I have a question for you. What is your home built
Jimmy Bryant and his wife of almost 60 years reside in Summerville, GA. He is interim pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in the Gore Community. He has authored a book, “Confessions of a Baptist Minister,” available at Amazon.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone Excuses Only Satisfy Those Who Give Them
T
by Jace Thompson
he man I look up to most on this Earth is my dad.
me an excuse, I would simply point to the sign of this
He has been a pastor for my entire life. He is still
quote I had posted on the wall. Their excuse didn’t change
my family’s pastor. We actually drive over an hour
anything. The excuse didn’t complete the task. I didn’t want
one way each Sunday to our little country church in Trion,
to hear an excuse. I wanted to hear, “I will get it done.” I
Georgia, where he has pastored for over 30 years now! This
respected them more for admitting they had fallen behind,
is where God has chosen for him to be for so many years,
taking responsibility, and working to improve than if they
and I am thankful to be able to hear him preach and sing
just gave me all of the excuses and expected me to simply
praises like no other man can, in my opinion.
overlook it.
Of all of the services I have had the pleasure of hearing my dad preach, one stands out in my mind more than most: “Excuses Only Satisfy Those Who Give Them.” How many times do we make excuses for things in our lives? Who are we making these excuses to? Who are we making them for? When growing up, how many times did we do things wrong and have an excuse to give our parents or our teachers? Did the excuse fix the problem? Did it make the bad things go away? One of the biggest (and oldest) excuses is, “The devil made me do it.” This couldn’t be more wrong! The devil doesn’t MAKE us do anything. He is an influencer, a trickster, a bully, and a liar. But the devil cannot make us do the things we do. One of the greatest gifts God gave us was “free will.” We make the choices that determine our lives. Sure, situations arise that
How many times in our lives have we made excuses
are completely out of our control, but how we handle those
to God? “I can’t go to church today because…” “I can’t
situations is all on us. We choose how we will allow each
pray right now because……” “I can’t help my neighbor
situation to define us. Making excuses for the situation does
because…” Does God hear our excuse and simply say,
absolutely nothing to help bring us through it.
“Okay, I can overlook that,” or does He expect us to take
When making excuses, who really cares, right? An
responsibility and do everything we can to honor Him? God
excuse only makes the person giving it feel better about
wants to hear, “I am here, Lord; use me!” He does not want
the situation. It is a means to justify instead of taking
to hear, “You could use me, Lord, but not today because…”
responsibility. I worked in a management role for over 20
It may make us feel better at the time, but we are missing
years. I used this quote many times. When I would ask
out on the many blessings that God has for us if we would
about a task being completed and someone would give
simply follow His will instead of making excuses to follow
34 // July 2020
our own.
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Gò0dNews Testimony
God’s Covenant
O
by Heather Lowe
n November 7, 2018, the Lord revealed Himself to me in a very special way. I was working in Woodstock as a pension analyst and I was making the long drive home. It was pouring down rain and my heart was so heavy because I realized that I had been on a journey of seeking the Truth and pursuing my calling to be a life purpose coach for 7 years and I had lost everything in the process including my marriage. I was caught between New Age beliefs and Christianity and I wondered how much more I would have to lose to find the truth, but I had nothing left. When I realized all this, I called out to God and I asked Him if His son, Jesus Christ, had been my guide for the past 7 years and I also told Him to show me the Truth if He wanted me to do what He called me to do in the name of Jesus to honor and glorify His name. Right after that prayer, I realized something so simple - that I could just decide that Jesus had been my guide all those years and give Him the honor and glory for leading me...and that’s what I decided to do. In that moment, I recommitted my life to Christ. Right when I made that decision, I made a turn at a stop light and I could see that behind me was a fully-formed, vibrant double-rainbow. I took some pictures of it and the next day, I noticed something incredible. When I looked closer at the last picture I took, I noticed that the rainbow was pointing to a cross in the word COVENANT on a church sign. I was speechless. The Lord confirmed the Truth of the gospel to me that day. He had been leading me to Himself the entire time. I rejected Jesus numerous times on my journey, but He never stopped pursuing me. Shortly after that my son and I were Baptized. At the start of the next year, I committed to read the entire Bible in 90 days and as I did, the Lord also restored my marriage. I had no idea who God really was until I read the Bible. I could finally understand and appreciate the sacrifice that both God and Jesus made to free us free from our sin, so that we could have a relationship with them and spend eternity in Heaven - and all we have to do is receive the free gift of salvation by believing and accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Since I’ve re-committed my life to Christ, I have innerpeace, love, purpose, and meaning because I allowed Him to
36 // July 2020
meet my deepest inner needs. When Covid-19 hit, the Lord placed me with a team of Online spiritual coaches through the Groundwire ministry. I’m honored to be serving the Lord by leading others to Christ and offering life and spiritual guidance and prayer for others in crisis and I’m so grateful that he would use someone like me to do it. I had to lose everything to find Jesus again, but what I realized is that He is more than enough, He is everything that we need. We are all designed with a God-sized hole inside of us. Without Christ, we will try to fill ourselves up using anything from this broken world. The missing piece is and always will be Jesus - apart from Christ, I am nothing and can do nothing.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
How Will You Be Remembered?
H
by Tia Wheelus
ave you ever asked yourself, “What will people say
opportunity (Ephesians 5:15-17).
about me at my funeral?” Several times in my life,
One of my favorite verses goes like this: “Therefore,
this question has popped into my mind. Stop and
since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
ponder it for a second. What thoughts come to your mind?
let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so
Will people say you were kind, generous, funny? Will you
easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race
have a packed house at your funeral, or a small crowd filled
marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and
with close friends and family?
perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the
I was taking a coworker home the other day, and she shared with me about her current circumstances. I could feel the heaviness of her struggles. I could sense the Holy Spirit saying, “You need to pray with her.” “Right now?” I thought. “Yes, before she gets out of the car.” Unfortunately, I didn’t do it. Her family was waiting on her to get out of the car when we got to our destination. It was one of those conversations that I wish could’ve lasted longer. “Next time,” I thought. I drove away thinking about the question I posed to you earlier: “What will people say about me at my funeral?”
cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Does she know how much I look to Jesus to get me through
If we would like to be remembered a certain way,
each day? Does she have the same hope that I do? Does my
why not begin acting in the way we would like to be
life reflect the God I love and strive to serve?
remembered—kind, generous, and yes, even funny
If you have a relationship with Jesus, I’m sure you’ve experienced these types of situations and had similar
(laughter is good medicine)? Let’s live out our own eulogies. Let’s live now how we want to be remembered later.
thoughts. It can be challenging to know what to say and would have said something to someone we thought to say at the time. We need the grace to make the most of every
38 // July 2020
About The Author
when to say it. We all miss opportunities. We all wish we Tia Wheelus found her love for writing at a very early age. She is a victim advocate at the Sexual Assault Center of NWGA and works as the director of marketing for a missions organization named Global Year.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
T
Content In Jesus
his morning after walking, I took the time to sit outside with my battery radio and listen to the local news. The morning was so perfect. It was a little cool, with a blue sky and bright sunshine. As I sat there listening to the news on my little boom box, I thought to myself, how much more perfect could this morning be? I am so blessed to just sit here and enjoy all this
beauty in my own backyard. The birds were content also as they were happily singing their tune. It brought me back to a time when I was a young child and would sit on my grandparents’ front porch. My grandfather would often be there with his transistor radio and flyswatter. He was busy listening and swatting. Often, we would not always be still to listen to what he was saying. It seems that my brothers and I would be busy jumping off the porch or running up and down the front porch 40 // July 2020
steps. My grandfather was not lazy! It was just time for that local news, and in the summertime, there was no better place to listen to it than from the front porch. We got to enjoy it with him if we would be still long enough to listen. The Bible talks about contentment. I can see now that was what my grandfather had in looking back on those times. 1 Timothy 6:6-8: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” When it comes down to it, what is really important in life? My mom was pretty much telling me the same thing last night when I was talking to her on the phone. Trust God with your life. He is trustworthy, having truth, hope, and love. Others need our witness as we show His love to them. For truly, someone also took time and showed us the love of Christ. They introduced us to their friend and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. You couldn’t have a better friend. I am so glad that Jesus is that friend who sticks closer than a brother. He wants to spend time with you as you pray and read His Word. You will not regret those moments you spend with Jesus. You share everything with that true friend of yours. Share the burdens of your heart. He is listening.
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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds Surviving the Pandemic from the Kitchen! by Angie Parris
I
don’t know about anyone else, but when I am stressed…I like to bake. There is nothing better than the smell of fresh bread rising and baking. There is nothing more intimidating as the thought of making fresh bread for anyone other than experienced bakers. I have found myself in the kitchen during this pandemic, looking for items to bake. The need for distraction has never been greater. The moment I spotted yeast, which seems to be a hot commodity…I knew a fresh loaf of bread was in my future. Whipping up things in the kitchen can be more than just creating meals or comfort foods. In fact, baking has been found to have therapeutic value which helps to ease depression and anxiety. Any activity which takes your whole attention can have calming and therapeutic qualities. Gathering ingredients, following a recipe, mixing and kneading truly lend a therapeutic quality to this recipe. This recipe is pretty simple and turns out beautifully but will give you such a sense of accomplishment and pride when your family enjoys this with their next meal! Give it a try! I hope you will feel much more relaxed and your entire family enjoys the fresh baked goodness.
Beautiful Loaf Bread Ingredients • 2 cups water • 2/3 cups sugar • 1 ½ tablespoons Active Dry Yeast • 1 ½ teaspoons salt • ¼ cup vegetable oil • 5 ½ - 6 cups All Purpose Flour • Two large bowls • 2 Loaf Pans
Instructions Heat water to 110 degrees F. This is what I do: Heat ½ cup water in a microwave safe bowl for one minute. This will boil the water. Then add tap water from the faucet until you reach 2 cups of water. Add the sugar to the water you just heated and stir it up. Add the active dry yeast and let it set for exactly 10 minutes. It will become frothy. After 10 minutes, mix in the oil and salt. Slowly add one cup of flour at a time to the yeast mixture. You might not use all of the flour. It depends on how wet the dough is towards the end. You want to get a good non-sticky dough consistency and it will form a ball. Once the dough forms a ball, you will need to knead the dough for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the surface with flour before you begin. When you feel the dough get sticky, sprinkle more flour over the top while you knead it. When kneading is complete, you should be able to lift a small piece of dough without tearing it, just a gentle stretch. Spray a large bowl with non stick cooking spray and place the dough in the bowl. Cover with a damp towel. Let this dough rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. After the dough has risen, punch down the middle part of the dough and pull from the sides of the bowl. Split this into 2 equal parts and place them in greased loaf pans. Gently shape to match the loaf pan shape. Allow these to sit uncovered for another 30 minutes to rise. Place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes or until they are cooked thoroughly. Feel free to brush with melted butter when they come out of the oven. Transfer to cooling rack. Enjoy a warm slice with butter and honey…you’ll be glad you did!
42 // July 2020
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