His Grace Magazine

Grace His

January 2020

Photo by Lynne Wood

Flesherton, Ontario

Serving from Coast to Coast

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Table of Contents Happy New Year!

January 2020

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6-7

Poetry Page........................................................................Page 3 Publisher's Corner............................................................Pages 4, 5 CD in Review.....................................................................Page 6 Prayer Page........................................................................Page 7 Book in Review..................................................................Page 8 Athletes for Christ.............................................................Page 9 Walking with Jesus...........................................................Pages 10, 11 Racing with Christ............................................................Page 12 Featured Artist..................................................................Page 14 Recipe Page........................................................................Page 15 In Concert..........................................................................Page 16 Bible Study.........................................................................Page 17 Movie in Review................................................................Page 18

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905-380-4489

or email wood.publications.2014@gmail.com

Poetry Page...

January 2020

Happy New Year!

Beacon of Light

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We all have dreams, we all have despairs, We all have joys and experience fears.

Through the good times, the difficult and bad, We strive to be happy; never wanting to be sad.

God tells us to ask when anxiety is great, We will receive; our joy will be complete.

For without tribulations, without wretchedness, We don't build character; we lack perseverance.

These things bring hope which in turn creates joy; A gift from above that evil can’t destroy.

Be hopeful in the Lord, share His living Word Become a beacon of light in this dark, needy world.

Read: (Romans 5:3-4)

“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Happy New Year!

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Publisher's Corner...

Anxiety

Owner/Publisher: Rob Wood

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nother new year has just begun, with all the promises of a new beginning.

I remember past New Years; our family would get together, we would have lots of goodies and food to munch on, and lots of pop and coffee. When I was young, my mom and dad would always put on The Guy Lambardo band to wish in the new year. I remember this so vividly, even to this day. I rather liked the show. Quite a few years later, when all those shows disappeared, we would watch a movie and then just before the countdown, we would switch to a station and wish in the new year, then go back to the movie.

Afterwards, we would go back to our busy lives. Not much has changed that way, except there is so much more stress today than we had in the past.

Especially when the bills start coming in from our Chistmas shopping. Everyday stress can bring anxiety ... anxiety that can turn into panic attacks, which if we are not careful, can begin to steal the joy out of our lives.

Is anxiety (stress) a sin? God tells us to totally trust Him in all situations. He wants us to talk to Him, pray to Him, God wants us to be thankful in all situations we find ourselves in. We get ourselves into trouble when we don't read the Bible or we think we can handle things oursleves.

When we don't include God in our lives, the devil will move in and try to trip us up and steal our joy. What does the Bible say about this? Phillippians 4:6-7 says: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplications, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

We should always follow and trust God. By doing so, we will build a strong faith, and faith can move mountains. A saying that I love is, "If you have faith, you don't have any fear; but if you fear, then you don't have any faith." I would rather have an ounce of faith than a ton of fear. Don't let anxiety get the better of you, and don't let depression get a hold of you.

Many years ago, I too suffered from depression in my life; I would get depressed over many things. I could always feel the depression starting to set in; it was like seeing a dark cloud coming my way and I couldn't do anything about it.

January 2020

I remember a particular time when I lost my son; he was still born. It was a very dark time in my life; I suffered for about three years. The depression was very heavy on my soul and it weighed me down terribly; it was very hard to breath at times.

I remember coming home from work and just sitting in the dark all night, crying for hours, not knowing what to do or how to feel better. But one day a coworker at a new job asked me if I had ever read the Bible. I said, "No, I haven't," so she took the time to tell me briefly about Jesus and how He could change my life. A few days later, she bought me my first Bible. I still have it; it's special because not long after reading it, I decided to give my life to Jesus Christ, and I have never regretted it or looked back. Thank you, Leah, and thank you for listening to God when He told you to buy me that Bible. Psalms 94:19 says, "In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul."

Stay strong in God's word; go to God, ask Him for help.

Ask Him for the strength to go forward. When you get up in the morning and all through the day, talk to Him. Surrender all to Him; give God all of your problems, then just go to sleep and think no more about them, as 1 Peter 5:7 says: "Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

January 2020

Happy New Year!

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Publisher's Corner...

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lso, Matthew 11:28 says: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

God will give us such a peace of mind when we surrender all to Him and cast our cares upon Him. It's a peace that we can never find in this world, no one can give it to us and we can not grasp it on our own. It is a peace that can only come from God; a peace that He puts deep into our hearts to help us fight anxiety and depression. It's a peace that makes us happy and loving. John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

When you go to God and surrender everything to Him, you will experience God's peace in your life. So, is worrying a sin? I believe it is because we trust our worry more than we trust God; therefore, we are sinning because of lack of faith in our God. Jesus commands us in Matthew 6:34: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

And don't fear, but instead, build a strong faith in God by delving into His word, and He will be there for you always.

1 John 4:18-19 says, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear

Anxiety

involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us."

Not only does anxiety cause depression, but it can make us very sick, weak, discouraged, feel down and worthless to society.

If you see or know someone who is struggling emotionally or spiritually, talk to them. Be a good listener and try to lift their spirits by being kind. Let them know that you care enough to sit and comfort them, that you are there for them. Talk to them about God; assure them that God loves them so very much that He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to be sacrificed for us. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

We don't ever have to worry about being on our own, because God is always here with us.

Proverbs 12:2 says, "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad." So go out and make someone's heart glad today!

One thing that I have learned over the past 16 years of being a Christian is that I didn't become a Christian because I'm strong; I became a Christian because I am weak and I need Jesus Christ every day to lift me up

when I stumble, to have Him right there walking beside me for support and when I become tired, He is there to pick me up and carry me until I can walk again. Sometimes I don't feel His presence with me, but yet I trust in Him and I am confident in His word that He will never leave me nor forsake me Without Jesus, we will keep falling into the devil's trap of anxiety...break it today, surrender it all to Jesus.

Until next time, God bless you all, from everyone here at His Grace.

WOOD

Publications

Publisher/Sales Graphic Designer/Writer: Rob Wood

wood.publications.2014@gmail.com

Editor: Donna Wood

wood.publications.2014@gmail.com

Writer: Lynne Wood

wood.publications.2014@gmail.com Owned and published by Rob Wood of Wood Publications, contact us at 905-380-4489, email wood.publications.2014@gmail.com

Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement by this publication or area churches. All content is protected by copyright and may not be commercially reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Non-commercial redistribution is permitted.

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Happy New Year!

CD in Review...

Overcomer Movie Soundtrack...

he movie, Overcomer, was released by Affirm Films and Provident Films on August 23rd and “Overcomer Soundtrack,” music from and inspired by the original motion picture, was released on August 2nd of this year in anticipation of the upcoming film.

This album, like the movie, is very inspiring. It captures all the emotion and drama that you can expect to find in a feature film of this caliber.

The artists featured on the soundtrack are some well known singers and groups in the Christian music scene, such as Koryn Hawthorne, Casting Crowns, Zach Williams, Tauren Wells, Hillsong Worship, Mandisa, Tenth Avenue North, Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers (featuring Lejuene Thompson) and Bonray.

Title cut and oldie, Overcomer

by Mandisa, was an obvious addition to the album. The track, originally released in 2013, is an upbeat, praise song that exhorts not to quit, not to give in, but be an overcomer.

Koryn Hawthorne lends her song, Enough, to the soundtrack.

This song was released to the Christian Contemporary Music radio stations for airtime. She adds flavor to the dynamic compilation with a fun, upbeat song that speaks about finding your identity in Christ.

Another song on the compilation that focuses on the theme of

identity is Hillsong Worship’s Who You Say I Am. This congregational mid-tempo track has become a favorite in churches across the world, with lyrics that say, “Who the Son sets free is free indeed; I’m a child of God, yes I am!”

Tauren Wells adds to the album with his song, Known, with his silky smooth vocals and tonguein-cheek songwriting skills.

Zach Williams adds his rock sound to the album with a powerful track called Fear Is A Liar. This song is such an amazing ministry tool. It speaks about the lies of the enemy and how fear can “take your breath and stop you in your steps.” It is a brilliant addition to the soundtrack.

The gospel choir version of Lauren Daigle’s hit, My Revival, performed by Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers featuring Lejuene Thompson, adds another depth to an already powerful track.

Other tracks you can expect to find on the album include

January 2020

Tenth Avenue North’s Control (Somehow You Want Me) and Casting Crown’s Even when You’re Running.

Bonray’s Wildfire is a fun addition to the soundtrack, with its funky Beach Boys-styled sound and catchy melody.

The Overcomer movie soundtrack also features a host of instrumental tracks, produced

by Paul Mills, who also did other movie soundtracks, such as, “I Can Only Imagine,” “War Room” and “October Baby.”

These tracks adds tone and depth to the actual movie. They give a brilliant insight into the power of music and how the right soundtrack can add drama, intrigue and intention to each scene.

If you’re a Kendrick Brothers fan, you might want to get your hands on this album, as you prepare for the release of the Overcomer movie. It certainly is one to look out for!

Overcomer

Soundtrack...

01 "Enough"

Koryn Hawthorne

02 "Even When You're Running" Casting Crowns

03 "My Revival (DL Choir Remix)" Donald Lawrence & Tri-City Singers

04 "Fear Is A Liar" Zach Williams

05 "Control (Somehow You Want Me)" Tenth Avenue North

06 "Known" Tauren Wells

07 "Wildfire" Bonray

08 "Who You Say I Am" Zach Williams

09 "Overcomer" Mandisa

Prayer Page...

January 2020

Happy New Year!

Overcoming Anxiety

Dear Lord, You are my Strength, You are my Rock You are my Fortress and my Protector Therefore, whom shall I be afraid?

You are my shield, You are my Stronghold I will call upon You in times of trouble.

Thank you Father, for being my Strength And for being my God, in whom I can trust.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

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Happy New Year!

Book in Review...

Heaven

January 2020

Answers to your Questions...

Book by: Dr. David Jeremiah Review by: Lynne Wood

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his book that we are going to review was a very thoughtful Christmas gift that I received last year. The book is called Answers to your Questions about Heaven by Dr. David Jeremiah. He is a pastor and gifted writer of many Christian books. He has studied scripture for years and now he has provided answers about heaven, angels and eternity in a straightforward, easy to understand book.

We all have questions about what heaven will be like. The answers given in this book are all from the information God has provided us in the Bible.

Is Heaven Real? What will it look like? What will we do in Heaven? Will Heaven be boring?

Psalm 16:11 says: “You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy, and at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” In His presence is the completeness and absolute explosion of joy!

Heaven is not just our far-off home some day when we die, but a place that we can look forward to today. By knowing more about heaven, we can gain incredible joy and vision for our lives here on earth as we read in this book what the Bible has to say on this topic.

Have you ever wondered what heaven will be like? If you’re perfectly honest, you would say

yes. I think most people have wondered about heaven. I know I've thought about what our future home will be like. I imagine it being so glorious that there are no words on earth that could possibly describe heaven. The vibrant colors, breathtaking scenery and beautiful singing are a few things to ponder.

I know the most amazing part of our journey will be meeting Jesus, our Lord and Savior. What would you do? I would fall to my knees and if I could utter a word at that moment, it would be to thank Him for all He has done for us. Can you imagine what it would be like to be surrounded by His glory?

God has prepared a place for us to live for eternity. The heaven that we try to create on earth can never compare to what God has prepared for us.

This little book was so interesting I couldn't put it down. It will spark your imagination for your future home. I hope you love reading this book as much as I did.

In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and

receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

John 14:2-3

January 2020

Happy New Year!

Athletes for Christ...

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Bill Bates Dallas Cowboy Empowered by Jesus...

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ne of the all-time favorite Dallas Cowboys' player is Bill Bates, for all of his inspiring plays. Bill played 15 years in the NFL and he spent all of his career playing for the Cowboys, from 1983 to 1987. Bill was part of three Super Bowl Championship teams in 1992, 1993 and 1995. The Dallas Cowboys sealed its place as the team to beat in the 90's.

Bill was one of NFL's success stories. Throughout his career, he overcame the odds. At the start of his career, Bill was a long shot to make the team as a rookie, yet he made it by working hard. Right away, he became a strong player on the field with his fierce play on special teams. It was Bill's success that pushed the NFL into adding special teams' coverage on players. Bill also became the

NFC's first player to be honored.

During his career, Bill was blessed as he won many awards.

He earned the Bob Lilly Award four years in a row, which is given for the Cowboys player who shows leadership and character on and off the field. Bill was also chosen by his teammates after the 1993 season to receive the Ed Block Courage Award for overcoming an injury successfully. In 1995, Bill was named by his teammates and the fans for the "Unsung Hero", an award given to a player from each NFL team. Bill also received the Dallas All Sport Association Courage Award. Ultimately, he was selected for the All Madden Team for an amazing twelve years in a row, as well as for the All Madden Hall of Fame.

At the end of the 1997 season, Bill decided to

retire. He had tied the Dallas record by playing all 15 seasons with the Cowboys. In Bill's time with the Cowboys, he played 217 games, which ranked Bill second in Dallas Cowboys' history. He also had over 700 tackles and 14 interceptions. In 1998, he joined the Cowboys' coaching staff as their special teams' defensive assistant. He was the defensive back's coach in 2000, also defensive nickel package, and special teams' assistant coach for the next two seasons.

Bill then decided to sit down and write his autobiography, "Shoot For The Stars". In his book, he tells us how his faith in Jesus Christ strengthened him and totally empowered him in his football career and also with his family.

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Walking With

Jesus...The Angel of Happy New Year!

January 2020

the Lord The Pre-existence of Jesus Christ...

T he journey with the Walking with Jesus series continues every month as we learn more about Him. The more we get to know Jesus, hundreds of years before Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, the more we will grow in wisdom and know that, not only is Jesus the Son of God, but that He is also God; God born in the flesh. We will do research and together every month, we will go through all the scriptures. As a result, we will grow stronger in our relationship with Him. Last month, we took a look at the book of Judges; this month we will continue to study the book of Judges where the Angel of the Lord continues His time with Manoah, the father of Samson.

Manoah offered the Angel of the LORD a meal; the Angel of the LORD would only accept an offering. The Angel of the LORD showed Himself to be God, in the sense that He did not need a meal but would accept a sacrificial offering made unto the LORD. Judges 13:15-16 says: 'Then Manoah said to the Angel of the Lord, "Please let us detain You, and we will prepare a young goat for You." And the Angel of the Lord said to Manoah, "Though you detain Me, I will not eat your food. But if you offer a burnt offering, you must offer it to the Lord." (For Manoah did not know He was the Angel of the Lord.)'

When Manoah asked the Angel of the LORD His name, the Angel of the Lord showed Himself to be Jesus, in taking the name, Wonderful. Isaiah

9:6: says, "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

The Angel of the LORD displayed His authority to Manoah and his wife.

The Angel of the LORD proved He was wonderful by doing a wondrous thing – ascending in the flame of sacrifice to heaven. Judges 13:17-21 says: ' Then Manoah said to the Angel of the Lord, "What is Your name, that when Your words come to pass we may honor You?" And the Angel of the Lord said to him, "Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?" So Manoah took the young goat with the grain offering, and offered it upon the rock to the Lord. And He did a wondrous thing while Manoah and his wife look on - it happened as the flame went up toward heaven from the alter - the Angel of the Lord ascended in the flame of the altar!

When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell on their faces to the ground.

When the Angel of the Lord appeared no more to Manoah and his wife, then Manoah know that He was the Angel of the Lord.'

Next month, we will continue to look at more encounters of the Angel of the Lord as we come to a close in the book of Judges. We will see where Manoah and his wife understands that they have actually been talking to the Angel of the Lord and now are afraid that they will surely die, because they had seen God.

Walking With Jesus...

January 2020

Happy New Year!

The book of Luke Christ as the Son of God...

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e will now check out more of the Book of Luke; we left off last month where we were learning that Jesus has complete authority in controlling nature, as it says in Luke 9:12-17: 'When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, "Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; we are in a deserted place here." But He said to them, "You give them something to eat." And they said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people." For there were about five thousand men.

Then He said to His disciples, "Make them sit down in groups of fifty." And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.' Luke 5:4-11 says: 'When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."

But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to

come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men." So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.' We now see where Jesus healed the dead in Luke 7:11-15: 'Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother.'

Next month we will examine more of Luke, and we will read about Jesus healing people, forgiving sins, having the power to bless people, and much more.

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Happy New Year!

Racing with Christ...

January 2020

Andy Petree Andy embraced God after career loss...

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hen Andy was 12 years old, he accepted Jesus into his heart as his Lord and Savior. Unfortunately, later in life he grew apart from Jesus and the church, as Andy's career in racing started to take off. When he went out into the world; he started to enjoy the things the world had to offer and he became more a part of the world.

At that time, racing was the most important thing to Andy, whether he was driving a race car or being someone's crew chief. Even though he had tons of success, Andy never felt truly happy in life.

However, Andy was happy and very fortunate to find Motor Racing Outreach early in his racing career.

The outreach was a huge part of building him spiritually. They helped by showing him the way

back to Jesus and strengthening him to start his journey, but even at that, his racing career was still the most important thing to him.

As Andy continued to put racing over God, he eventually realized why God should always be put first. Because in 2004, Andy's racing career was taken away. At first, this was a huge change for him; one that he struggled with, as he just didn't know how to handle it. But as time passed by, he started to accept it and embrace it, with God's help. Andy then found the perfect local church for himself.

As a result, he has grown much closer to Jesus than ever before.

The few years away from racing were the most rewarding and happiest years of his life.

When Andy was asked to join the ESPN team in 2006, he said yes. With his knowledge of engines, the cars and how they handle on the track, and knowing what goes on in the driver's and crew chief's heads while racing, Andy was hired as a racing color commentator. After NBC took over the racing broadcast from ESPN, Andy left after the 2014 season. Now he is VP of Competition of Richard Childress Racing. Andy doesn't know where his new career will take him, but he does know that God will use him to bring new souls to Himself.

Andy also knows that if he ever loses peace in his heart, he will know it's time to move on in his career. But for now, he knows that during his time here, he will be given opportunities to share his faith with others and for that, Andy is thankful.

January 2020

Happy New Year!

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Look at the birds

of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your

heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Matthew 6:26

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Happy New Year!

Featured Artist...

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Tauren Wells A successful solo Artist...

n April 7, 1986, in Battle Creek, Michigan, Tauren Wells was born. He is married to Lorna Wells and they have three sons. In 2014, Tauren and Lorna started a Prisma Worship Arts School, where they train musicians. The school offers private lessons in piano, guitar, violin, drums, voice, viola, bass and cello.

Tauren was one of the founding members and lead singer of the Christian band, Royal Tailor, who had a couple of albums over a period of five years, with two Grammy nominations and New Artist of the Year Award from the Gospel Music Association Dove Award. Tauren started Royal Tailor while he and the group were

attending Indiana Bible College, along with band members DJ Cox and Blake Hubbard. Jarrod Ingram joined later.

Tauren is a four time Grammy Award nominee. In 2017, he began

January 2020

his successful solo career with a dance hit, "Love is Action". It moved up to the number one spot and held for eight weeks, along with the song, "Undefeated", with rapper KB. Both were followed by the Grammy nominated "Hills and Valleys", with the sound of the piano and cello...the song that climbed swiftly up the charts and leaped all the way to the Christian Airplay radio Top 10 chart and lasted for numerous weeks. The single, "When We Pray", hit the Top 10 also.

Tauren has a strong desire to bring people closer to the Lord and it shows in all that he does.

He just recently toured with Chris Tomlin and his Worship night in America Tour.

Recipe...

January 2020

Happy New Year!

Teriyaki Chicken Legs

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Teriyaki Sauce: 1 tsp Minced Garlic • 1 tbsp Ginger • ¼ c Brown Sugar • ½ c Soya Sauce • ¼ c Water Mix and heat above ingredients in microwave just long enough to dissolve sugar.

1/2 Green Pepper, sliced • ½ Onion, sliced • ½ lb Mushrooms, sliced

• Saute sliced green pepper, onions and mushrooms in ½ tbsp oil until cooked • Add teriyaki sauce to sauted veggies and pour over chicken legs • Cover with tin foil and bake in 350 deg. oven for approx 1 hour, removing foil last 15 minutes to brown chicken

Psalm 136:25 “He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.”

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Happy New Year!

In Concert with...

Newsboys Greatness Of Our God Tour...

uring this past fall, Newsboys have had their concerts packed full of excited fans.

The Christian band announced that they extended their "Greatness Of Our God" tour well into the spring.

After the band's huge number #1 album Untied, Newsboys will be on the road starting February 6, 2020, with 35 new shows. By popular

demand, they decided to extend the tour of "Greatness Of Our God." The tour will consist of current and former band members Peter Furler and Phil Joel, also current members Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein and Jody Davis.

Newsboys will be back on stage to start performing several new songs from the Untied album as well as some songs that extend over their thirty year career. You will hear some of their recent music such as, "God's Not Dead" and "The King is Coming" to such classics as "He Reigns" and "In The Hands of God" plus many others.

Newsboys will be starting the tour in Eden Prairie, Minn., and

January 2020

will finish in Grand Prairie, Texas.

The "Greatness Of Our God" tour will be featuring Grammy Award Winning Mandisa, who was the American Idol Season 5 finalist, also singer, songwriter Adam Agee as their special guest. The "Greatness Of Our God" tour will run between February through April.

January 2020

Bible Study...

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Happy New Year!

Philippians 4:6-7

Be Anxious for Nothing...

eople turn to the Bible for support with many challenges, especially when trying to reduce anxiety.

Philippians 4:6-7 says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Most Biblical scholars agree that the apostle Paul composed Philippians while he was in prison.

Because Paul was able to reject anxiety even during his own imprisonment, it makes this passage all the more encouraging. This lesson is timeless and can affect anyone.

Life is often terrifying, particularly when we are taking risks or challenged by crisis. This passage shows the vast amount of love that God has for us and trust that we must have in Him. Paul doesn't just write, "Do not be anxious," but rather says, "Do not be anxious about anything." In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made it clear that anxiety stems from a lack of faith and from a focus on the things of this world rather than on the kingdom of God. Matt. 6:33-34 says: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. For after

all these things the Gentiles seek.

For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things." If we excuse our anxieties by saying, “Well, it’s only human,” we will not overcome it because we are not confronting the root cause of it, which is our sin of not believing God. The challenge of being anxious for nothing can seem overwhelming, but Paul provides tangible, definitive steps to attain this comfort…by prayer and petition. Pray with thankfulness (Phillippians.

(Philippians 4:6).

The encouragement to pray is one that we all need, but so often overlooked when things get tough.

In this verse are four key words of inspiration.

First, in our prayers we can and should include everything. Don’t leave anything out, particularly when it feels as though the world is against us.

Second, in prayer don't worry; let anxiety drift away from us as we share our concerns and troubles and trials with our heavenly Father.

Third, give thanks to God, not

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for the trials, but for God…for His goodness, for His presence, for His listening ear.

Fourth, make your requests known to God. God hears and responds to us with love, mercy, and salvation.

Those who pray and trust during times of anxiety will experience the "peace of God." God's peace is supernatural and unexplainable.

It is truly amazing how God can and will respond during times of difficulty.

God’s peace will be our guard. When the life of following the Lord Jesus gets tough, we can so easily feel as though we are unprotected. It can feel as though our commitment to gentleness, love, and kindness has left us vulnerable. But, Paul is clear that if we hold on and pray, then the wonderful, mysterious peace of God will guard and keep safe our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul notes that his experiences have taught him to be content with whatever material blessings he has. This reliance on the power of Christ not only allows believers to be content, it produces peace in our relationships to other Christians.

This requires a deliberate choice to set our attention on positive things.

With a proper focus on positive things, we can experience peace through the power of God.

Happy New Year!

Movie in Review...

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January 2020

Hoovey “An inspiring and powerful movie�

ric Elliot had his hand stuck in a Hoover vacuum cleaner as a young child. After they removed his hand from the vacuum cleaner, that moment on they gave him the nickname of Hoovey.

For the longest time the nickname was about the worst thing that ever happened to Eric.

Eric was blessed to have a loving family, his parents Jeff and Ruth, a sister, a bunch of good friends and a great talent for basketball. Eric was his team's star point guard, and he had dreams of playing basketball in college. Eric was an extemely postivie person with a very strong faith.

But Hoovey started having

problems with double vision, yet he wasn't too worried about it.

He put on a pair of glasses and thought all was okay, but then started experiencing headaches. but he thought they were just headaches; after all, everyone experiences them, so he just brushesd it off.

Then while he was at basketball practice, he collapsed in the middle of the court. He grabbed his head while screaming in pain. His father Jeff, who was at the practice, ran to him and took Eric to the hospital during a snow storm. While at the hospital, Eric was told that he had a brain tumor. Eric said, "It's actually kind of a relief. Now I know why I was playing so badly."

Eric and his family prepared themselves to have the tumor removed. The neurosurgeon told them that even if the tumor was removed successfully, there was still a chance that Eric could have permanent brain damage. This put a terrible strain on Eric's family's finances, as it's very costly.

As all the medical bills started to come in, Jeff and Ruth are starting to realize that they're in danger of losing everything that they worked so hard to build...their farm and

house. But the Elliott's never lost sight of the bigger picture, which was God and family.

Health issues can destroy people's dreams, they can make a family come apart at the seams or bring them much closer; they can also test someone's faith and see how strong that person's faith really is.

There is a moment in the movie where Eric and his family sit down and try to figure out whether Eric should return to playing basketball. Since the doctor had to remove a portion of Eric's skull to get the tumor out, there is some danger in playing the game again.

A blow of any kind to Eric's head could kill him. Is going back to playing basketball an acceptable risk for him? Eric believes that it is. Eric says to his family, "I want to play again." He also said, "I think God wants that too." Eric then looks towards his mom, who is understandably concerned, "I won't go against you."

This is a very good movie for the whole family to enjoy, the acting is good and so is the storyline. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Starring: Cody Linley, Patrick Warburton, Lauren Holly, Alyson Stoner, Brandon Smith, Charles Robinson, Elise Baughman, Glenn Morshower.

Director: Sean McNamara.

Distributer: EchoLight Studios.

Hoovey: is available on Blue ray and DVD.

Happy New Year!

Grace

January 2020

His

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January 2020

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