His Grace Magazine

Grace Magazine His

January 2022

New Bay Road,

Grand Falls-Windsor, NL

WOOD

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Against such there is no law." Ministries

Galatians 5:22-23

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Table of Contents Happy New Year!

January 2022

"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."

Galatians 5:16

Comic.................................................................................Page 3 From the Pulpit.................................................................Pages 4-7 Book in Review..................................................................Page 8 Prayer.................................................................................Page 9 Bible Study.........................................................................Page 10 Entertainment News.........................................................Page 11 World News.......................................................................Pages 12-13 Sports News.......................................................................Page 14 Recipe ................................................................................Page 15 Athletes for Christ.............................................................Pages 16-17 Poetry ................................................................................Pages 18-19 Timeless Truths.................................................................Pages 20-21 Movie in Review................................................................Page 22

WOOD Ministries

To advertise in His Grace Magazine, call Rob

905-380-4489

or email wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com

January 2022

Happy New Year!

Now that looks like fun!

Okay it's my turn to jump!!

This is the best Trampoline!!

Guys, my head is stuck!

Let me out of here!

Luke 6:23

“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.”

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Owner/Publisher: Rob Wood

A

s we rang in another new year on January 1st, it’s a day that I like to sit down and reflect on the past year, how I have grown and where I need to make changes in my life to become more like Jesus Christ. To me, it’s a perfect time to evaluate myself as I move forward into the new year...Am I living in the Spirit or am I living in the flesh still?

I remember the way I use to be, before I came to Jesus. I was totally in the flesh, as we all are when we are not Christians. I believed there was a God and Jesus, but that was it.

I didn’t read the Bible, I didn’t pray at all, unless I needed something, but He wouldn’t have heard me, because I was not of Him then, as John 9:31 says, “Now we know

Happy New Year!

January 2022

How are you Living?

In the Flesh or the Spirit?

that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.”

I remember back in the day when hockey was my god. I would collect everything hockey, well everything with a Toronto Maple Leafs logo on it, and I do mean everything. I will let your imagination run with that one. It even led me down the wrong path financially also. When I became a Christian, that all stopped. I started realizing I had to change.

When I read the Bible for the first time, I couldn’t believe all the things I was doing in life then; it was wrong in the eyes of God. So I started to tithe, and I started to pray.

I prayed all the time, even at work. I even stopped buying sports collectibles, and believe me, that sure helped my finances. I started to become stronger in God’s word, able to pray through storms; I felt like I was on fire.

Then word came that my job was going to India. This was hard to hear; all kinds of things went through my head...

Will I have to sell my house? Where will I find work? When will I find work? So unfortunately, instead of laying it all at the feet of Jesus and moving forward, I slowly crept back to into the flesh. First thing I thought would be to stop tithing and save money. That was the worst thing I could have done, because it showed God that I really didn’t trust Him enough to help me. Knowing what I know now, I should have continued tithing, and God would have blessed me so much more.

Operating in the flesh is wrong for a Christian.

If we are not growing, especially when we have been a Christian for a long time, then something is wrong. We should always be growing and when we do, we will find it so much easier to live in the Spirit.

What does it mean to live in the flesh?

Living in the flesh is living totally against God. Here is what the Bible says about living in the flesh: Galatians 5:19-21 says, “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are:

adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outburst of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” So as you can see from scripture, works of the flesh are things that God hates.

Paul also warns us that those people who practice such things in their lives will not be allowed to enter the kingdom of God. The works of the flesh are such things that they naturally lean towards that are conflicting to God's word, as Romans 1:2831 says, "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness;

January 2022

they

are

Happy New Year!

How are you Living?

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whisperers, can always be trained Walk in the Spirit, and longer I who live, but

backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful."

Those people who chase after a lifestyle that are characterized by immorality, anger, divisiveness, drunkenness, they are showing us all that they truly are not saved.

Matthew 7:20-21 says, "Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven."

When the Bible speaks of the "flesh," it is usually talking about our natural tendencies to sin. After all we are all born with the sin nature, for we all have sinned. Romans 5:12 says, "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned." Our natural weakness is to please ourselves any way that we see appropriate. We

to behave ourselves and find ways to enjoy ourselves in being kind to others. But without the power of God in our lives, we will still be self centered. At times, people will do good things for other people because we will receive a pat on the back or we receive a payout and we feel proud for helping. Any thing that we do that is not from faith or from love for God, any deed that is not empowered by the Holy Spirit is just a "work of the flesh." Romans 8:8 says, "So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Also Romans 14:23 says, "But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin."

When we come to salvation, the Holy Spirit comes into our lives and moves into the repentant heart.

This is what makes it possible for us to make better choices that are of the Spirit, not from the flesh. Galatians 5:16 says, "I say then:

you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."

Ezekiel 36:27 says, "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them." Also Colossians 3:5-8 says, "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth."

This clearly tells us what we must do to enter the kingdom of heaven, and it shows us that we really are not to swear or curse as a Christian. We are to recognize ourselves "crucified with Christ."

Galatians 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no

Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." As we know, the flesh does not die so easily. A battle continues to rage within us; even the strongest of Christians struggle. The apostle Paul wrote gracefully of this battle we fight: Romans 7:21-23 says "I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."

We can avoid the works of the flesh in our lives by staying submitted to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to direct the details in our lives. Galatians 5:25 says, "And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

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As believers, we have the indwelling Spirit of Jesus Christ, the Comforter who comes from the Father. John 15:26 says, "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me." The Holy Spirit will assist us believers in prayer, especially if you are struggling with your prayer life, by interceding for all God's people in consensus with the will of God. Romans 8:2627 says, "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God." God will also lead all His believers into righteousness.

Galatians 5:22:23 says, "But the fruit of the

Happy New Year!

January 2022

How are you Living?

Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Against such there is no law." Christians are to submit to the will of God and only walk in the Spirit.

The Christian life is a journey and every one of us are supposed to walk it, and we are supposed to make consistent, forward progress in our walk.

As the Bible says, all believers are to walk in the Spirit, Galatians 5:25 says, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

For instance, the Spirit gave us life in a new birth. John 3:6 says, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." We must continue to live in the Spirit every single day.

As we walk in the Spirit, this means that we must yield to His control. We must follow His lead and we must allow Him to exercise His influence over us every day. As we walk in the Spirit, we are the opposite of resisting Him or grieving Him.

Ephesians 4:30 says, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

The book of Galatians 5 explores the works of the Holy Spirit in the believer. The context is freedom from the Law of Moses, Galatians 5:1 says, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."

Christians who walk in the Spirit are united with Him and the messengers of the fruit that the Spirit produces. That's why those who walk in the Spirit walk in Love; they live in love with God and with their fellow man. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in Joy; they show gladness in what God has done, is doing, and all that He will do for them. Peace: they live worry free and have no anxiety, Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let

your requests be made known to God." Those who walk in the Spirit of Patience, they are known for being so calm and do not get upset or lose their temper. Those who walk in the Spirit of Kindness, they wear their heart on their sleeve, they show genuine concern for others. Those who walk in the Spirit in Goodness, their actions reflect righteousness and holiness. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in Faithfulness; they are steadfast, they cannot be moved in their trust in God and His word. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in Gentleness; their lives are identified by humility, grace, and thankfulness to God. Those who walk in the Spirit walk in Self-Control; they display restrictions, moderation and the ability to say "No" to the flesh. Christians who walk in the Spirit are relying on the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide them in their thoughts, actions, and in God's word. Romans 6:11-14 says, "Likewise

January 2022

you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace." They show forth daily, even moment by moment holiness; that is what Jesus did. Luke 4:1 says, "Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness."

As we walk in the Spirit, we are then filled with the Spirit, and when the Spirit fills us, we feel thankfulness, we feel like singing to the Lord and joy. Ephesians 5:18-20 says, "And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation;

Happy New Year!

How are you Living?

but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymms and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Also, Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Christians who walk in the Spirit follow the Spirit's lead. They let God's word live deep inside them, and the Spirit will use the Word of God for rebuking, correcting, teaching and training Christians in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every

good work."

The Christian's way of life is lived according to the rule of the gospel, as the Spirit is moving them towards obedience. As Christians walk in the Spirit, we will find that the sinful cravings of the flesh have no more control over us.

Even today, sometimes we seem to slip back and forth at times as we are human, but we must continue to develop and grow stronger as Christians.

Hopefully, after you evaluate yourselves, you see improvement every year and you can see yourself more in the Spirit than the flesh. So start toda

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to read and study your Bible. Get to know God's Word, draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. It is the only way that you can stop the devil's attacks on you. When you do this, the devil will flee. James 4:7-8 says, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double -minded."

Now is the time to get to know Jesus. He died on the cross for you and rose on the third day, so you could have eternal life with Him in heaven.

WOOD Ministries Publisher/Sales/Graphic Designer/Writer: Rob Wood wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com

Editor/Writer: Donna Wood

wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com

Writer: Lynne Wood

wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com

Owned and published by Rob Wood of Wood Ministries.

Contact us @ 905-380-4489, or email us at wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com

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Happy New Year!

Hurt Road

January 2022

The Music, The Memories, and the Miles Between

Book by: Mark Lee; Foreword by: Mac Powell Written by: Lynne Wood

I

really enjoyed reading Hurt Road by Mark Lee, The music, the memories and the miles between. Mark Lee and Mac Powell started one of the greatest Christian bands, "Third Day." Mark is also a wonderful story teller. He begins his story where he grew up, thirty minutes outside Atlanta, Georgia with his mom, dad and older brother.

His dad worked on planes at Lockheed during the week and served in the National Guard on weekends, as he had been a Drill Sargeant in the military before Mark was born. His dad was his hero, though he'll tell you he had more in common with his mom.

Mark's mom was an english teacher and later she was a librarian. She taught her children to read at a very early age.

Mark was three when he started reading and still loves reading books.

Every Sunday, the family would go to church, Mark loved going; he also had a passion for music.

When Mark was four, they were at a church outing. The kids were all playing in the swimming pool; Mark was totally mesmerized by the water. He kept walking till he was completely under water, then terror when he realized he couldn't breath. He then began to sense someone was with him and their presence was very calming.

He knew it was a person and this

person let him know he would be okay. What seemed like forever was only minutes, when someone pulled him safely out of the water.

Mark had many accidents growing up. Once, when selling donuts for the church youth group, he was hit by a truck at the intersection of Powder Springs Rd. and Hurt Rd. He suffered a bad break to his leg and needed surgeries. He was in and out of hospital; he was out of school for quite awhile. There wasn't much to do but watch TV. His dad was watching and thought with his love of music he should play a guitar.

On his fifteenth birthday, his dad bought him a guitar; he wasn't interested in playing one. Soon he started playing a few chords.

His dad was right; Mark never looked back. He rocked playing guitar. Early the next year, Mark's dad was getting forgetful and his personality changed. He was diagnosed with brain cancer that began a year of surgeries and chemo. Mark's dad died a year later; as you can imagine, he went through a very hard time after that. He began to pour everything into his music. He found a way to escape problems in his life with music. He learned to let go of the way he thought his life should be, and let God take control, because through everything, God has our back. Mac Powell and Mark Lee became very good friends when they met in junior high school in 1989; they're still very close. In 1991, they formed the band, "Third Day." Mark has been through so much, yet he has a very strong faith and love for God. You can't possibly know what's coming next in your life, but you can follow your Creator. He knows where your life is going and He will lead and strengthen you on your journey.

Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

January 2022

Happy New Year!

Pray for Guidance Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the freedom to make choices And decisions in my life.

Thank you for the assurance that you want the best for me.

I pray for wisdom to make the right choices And I pray for your guidance and direction In this path called life.

In Jesus' wonderful name I pray,

Amen “Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.”

James 4:15

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P

roverbs 16:9: "The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

It's wise to make plans for the future. God gave us a free will to make wise choices in life.

Some of us plan our lives right down to the last detail, while others do not give it as much importance and leave things to luck. Some planning is necessary, such as what to have for dinner tonight, or when to get groceries, but for the most part, the kind of planning that is not good is the arrogant kind that wants its own way and has expectations for how things should go.

Our hearts are deceptive and when our will does not line up with God's will for our lives and we follow our own desires, evil or not, we like to think that our desires, however evil, are okay.

The way of the world puts a lot of pressure on society to be achievers to make a name for oneself.

Mark 7:21-22 says, "For it is from within, out of a person's heart, that evil thoughts come sexual immorality, theft,

Happy New Year!

Proverbs 16:9

'Which way, Billy?'

murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly." This mentality can lead to being prideful or feeling empty because our goals were not worthy or fulfilling.

We could end up hating ourselves for the decisions we have made to try to be somebody.

We find ourselves at

expected outcome.

However carefully we plan, we just don't know what our future holds anyway. We don't know what will happen tomorrow, much less the coming weeks and months.

Only God knows the future; He holds all of our futures in His hands. It is such a comfort knowing that

crossroads where we need wisdom or advice to decide well, but we don't think about whether our decision is aligned to the will of God, who directs our path of life.

Sometimes we make decisions with the best of intentions, but God knows the end from the beginning. He sees the big picture and may take us to a different destination with a different

if we seek His guidance by first taking things to Him in prayer, the Lord will direct our feet into the way that is best for us.

Sadly, we meander through life wondering what God's will is for us. But His will is not a mystery! We just need to commit our works to the Lord, plan a way to achieve our godly objectives, and believe that the Lord will take

January 2022

care of the rest! If you fear or worry about circumstances, you will hesitate and not do anything, and will lose God's blessing for faith and diligence (Eccl 11:3-6). Don't fret about having perfect goals or strategies, because we're not capable of knowing them. God does not want us to worry because He loves us and will provide what we need.

Jesus can set us free from this cycle. Instead of being stressed about having to make a decision, open your heart to Christ, entrust your way to Him and wait for His answer.

When we pray the Lord's Prayer, we are saying that God's will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

So before we even make a decision, we ought to take it to the Lord and ask that He guide us and show us the path to take.

The Bible tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God, and the Lord, who establishes our steps, will add all things to us.

If we live by faith and trust His guidance, He will bring us to the place that He knows is best.

January 2022

Happy New Year!

Danny Trejo

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The Veteran actor says, "With God, Anything is Possible," Danny Trejo credits God

V

eteran actor Danny Trejo found himself on a long and hard journey to find fame in Hollywood.

He didn't find himself traveling the road that other big name celebrities did; he wasn't starring in big name movies or top TV series; Danny found himself in some of the country's most notorious prisons.

Danny, who is now 77 years old, was a convicted felon who overcame all his struggles with violence and drugs to be socializing with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. God gets all the credit for helping him get through all his struggles and finding his way. Danny has been alcohol free for more than 50 years.

Danny has joined with a fellow actor, Donal Logue, to write his autobiography called Tejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood.

The book mentions Danny's life that includes when he was abused as a child, his life

spent in jail, and how all the turmoil in his life had brought him to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

all, I made a deal with God in 1968. I said, 'If you let me die with dignity, I'll say your name every day. And I'll

Danny told Fox News, that describes the time while he was in prison, and how he made a deal with God 53 years ago.

Danny's faith is still going strong today.

Danny said, "First of

do whatever I can for my fellow inmate.' I never thought I was getting out of prison. And God let me out of prison. I got out on August 23, 1969." " I have to say that

with God, nothing can hurt you. Anything is possible. Without God, you're dead. And I know I would be without the faith I have," Danny said.

Danny continued to say, "I wake up every morning and say, 'Dear Heavenly Father, please let me help whoever I can for my fellow man.

And I'll say Your name every day and I'll do whatever I can.' And it's been working. He lived up to His deal. I'm living up to mine. " Danny also told the network what it was like when he knew he had a drug problem and he needed a lot of help.

Danny has made over 380 movies and television shows including "Walker Texas Ranger," over his 36 year movie career.

He is also a successful businessman; he owns seven locations of Trejo's Tacos, Trejo's Cantina and Trejo's Coffee & Donuts in the Los Angeles area.

Danny is hoping to expand his franchise nationwide very soon.

Happy New Year!

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January 2022

Missile System!

Israel Successfully tests the Arrow-3 Missile Anti-Ballistic Missile System

T

he Arrow-3 interceptor missile was successfully concluded a test flight, the Israel Defence Minister said. It is designed to destroy a ballistic missile beyond the earth's atmosphere.

The test was carried out earlier this week over Israel. They launched two Arrow-3 missiles at one target. The Defence Minister said, "The (Arrow Weapon System) operational radars

array detected the target and transferred data to the battle management control (BMC), which analyzed the data and established a defense plan. After the defense plan was established, two Arrow-3 interceptors were launched toward the target and successfully completed the mission."

The Arrow-3 test flight was done in alliance with the United States Missile Defense Agency

(MDA) and the Israeli Defense Forces.

Jon Hill is the MDA Director Vice Adm. He said, "The test was designed to challenge every element of the Arrow Weapon System, and it performed beautifully.

MDA remains committed to assisting the Government of Israel in upgrading its missile defense capability against current and emerging threats."

This flight test was a part of the IDF's multi year developmental program and is "an important milestone" for Israel to be able to defend itself against all regional threats.

The Arrow-3 program is Israel's most advanced defense against the long range ballistic missiles.

Researchers have already been working on additional advanced systems called the Arrow-4.

January 2022

Happy New Year!

Tensions running High!

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Russia is suggesting deploying Military to Cuba and Venezuela if the tensions with US continue

R

ussia has now raised the stakes during its disagreement with the West over the Ukraine and NATO's extension, after a top diplomat declined to rule out the deployment of the military to Cuba and Venezuela if tensions with the United States continue.

Sergei Ryabkov who is the Deputy Foreign Minister said he could "neither confirm nor exclude" any possibilities of sending Russian soldiers to Latin America if the United States and their allies don't reduce their military exercises on Russia's border.

The minister, during an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin, warned that Moscow could begin to take unnamed "military, technical measures."

This all depends on the US and their allies, if they fail to listen to demands. "It all depends on the action by our U.S. counterparts."

The United States national security adviser,

Jake Sullivan, said he disregarded those statements of a possible Russian deployment of their military to Cuba and Venezuela. He said it's "bluster in the public commentary."

Sergei Ryabkov was with a Russian delegation that he led in talks with a United States delegation.

The talks were held in Geneva and a related NATO Russian meeting in Brussels took place in response to the significant Russian troop increase close to the Ukraine border.

This is what the West fears, that the Russians may be preparing for an invasion of the Ukraine.

Russia in 2014 had annexed Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula, and denied having any plans to invade the Ukraine.

The Kremlin responded to the suggestion and accused NATO of intimidating its territory and they have demanded that their military alliance never accept Ukraine or any of the other ex-Soviet countries as their new members.

NATO and Russian delegations have agreed to leave room for additional talks on all issues including arms control that will hopefully decrease the possibility for any more aggressions.

Jake Sullivan spoke to reporters in Washington.

He said, "Allied unity and transatlantic solidarity were on full display and they remain on full display."

He described this week's talks with Russia as "frank and direct."

He also said, "We stuck to our core premise of reciprocity. We were firm in our principles and clear about those areas where we can make progress and those areas that are non-starter."

Sullivan also said that at the moment, no further talks have been scheduled; although, "we're prepared to continue with diplomacy to advance security and stability in the Euro Atlantic."

This high stake diplomacy was held as a total of 100,000 Russian soldiers with heavy weapons including tanks are gathered on the Ukraine's border.

Sullivan repeated his concerns that Moscow could be planning the groundwork for an invasion of Ukraine as we speak.

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Happy New Year!

Frank Reich

January 2022

NFL Headcoach, Frank Reich, gives a small sermon during a post game press conference

F

rank Reich is the head coach for the Indianapolis Colts of the NFL. During the post game interview, after his Colts beat the Buffalo Bills 45-15, he gave a very powerful sermon when he quoted some lyrics from a popular Christian song called, "In Christ Alone."

"In Christ alone I place my trust, and find my glory in the power of the cross. In every victory, let it be said of me, that source of strength, that source of hope, is Christ alone."

As he recited this scripture, he said that he wanted to share so that he could "encourage somebody who's climbing their own mountain right now."

It was a successful time that eclipsed a typical NFL press conference. Frank said to reporters, "I want to give a personal

account to where I found my strength for the journey. The reason I'm doing that here and now is because, almost 30 years ago after a really big game, right down the hall in a press conference, I shared the lyrics to a song that meant a lot to me, that really spoke to where I get my strength from."

Frank then finished the recital with his favorite line. It says, "I seek no greater honor than just to know Him more."

This wasn't the first time Frank has quoted lyrics. Back in 1993, Frank made news for quoting an entire song after his team, the Buffalo Bills, had scored the biggest comeback win in NFL history.

Frank also mentioned a message about God's nature in Hebrews 13:8.

Frank said, "So even though it was almost 30 years ago, when I read those words here in this stadium, this week, I was reminded of Hebrews

13:8: 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.'

It's crazy that we're here, but we're here some 30 years later, not living in the past, but rather attempting to press on to what is ahead. So my encouragement is to keep climbing and to find the strength and power that you need in Jesus Christ."

Frank said in an interview he was emontionally inspired by "In Christ Alone" before the Bills 1993 win, and that the song had played a huge part in inspiring him as he led the Buffalo Bills to an extraordinary win.

Frank is a former pastor and Christian college leader.

He likes to help people by strengthening them to move past their grief and hurt and letting them know of the strength that God gives us in the hard times.

January 2022

Happy New Year!

Peanut Butter Toffee Bark

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• 1/2 c Brown Sugar/Splenda mix • 1 c unsalted Butter • 1 sleeve Crackers (enough to line baking sheet, approx 32 crackers) • 1 heaping c Peanut Butter • 2 c Choc. Chips • 1/4 c crushed Candy Canes

• Preheat oven to 350 deg.

• Line Baking sheet with Parchment paper; arrange one sleeve of crackers in one layer • Have ready 1 heaping cup of creamy peanut butter and 2 c choc chips; set aside • In large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter and sugar over medium heat, stirring one way constantly in one direction about 4 min until boiling. Remove from heat and immediately pour over crackers, using rubber spatula to smooth out into an even layer. Cool about 5 minutes to set.

• Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top of warm toffee; spread • Sprinkle chocolate chips over peanut butter; bake for 5 min to melt chocolate • Swirl chocolate into an even layer • Top with chopped peanuts or crushed candy canes; • Place in frig for several hours • Break bark into large pieces and enjoy!

Proverbs 25:27 "It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glory to search out one’s own glory."

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Happy New Year!

Mike Singleton

M

Mike Singleton with the Chicago Bears from 1981-1992

January 2022

Mike Singleton is now an Ordained Minister!

ike Singleton was born on October 9, 1958 in Houston, Texas. Mike was one of the best defensive football players in NFL football history.

You could see the intensity in him through his eyes and in the way he played his the game; this is what made him a legend.

Mike was picked by the Chicago Bears in the 2nd round of the 1981 NFL draft and he was their starting middle linebacker mid way through the 1981 season. Also, that season Mike was named to the NFL's all rookie team, even though he only started in 9 of 16 games.

M i k e had been famous for those hits on the other

teams' players with an immense force. This led him to being the Chicago Bears leading tackler in his 11 seasons in the NFL. Who could forget the Mike Singleton 1985 Chicago Bears who went 15-1 on the season! They tore through the playoffs all the way to Super Bowl XX, where they became Super Bowl Champions by soundly beating the New England Patriots 46-10. With Mike's excellent 1985 season with the Monsters of the Midway, as they were well known by that name at the time, Mike was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year...this honor he also earned once more in 1988.

Mike won several honors in his career; he was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. He was at the top of the list. Mike was also named 7-time First Team All Pro and once a Second Team All Pro and a 10-time Pro Bowler. Mike won the 1990 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award given to the player voted to have combined community work with on-field excellence and is considered the NFL's highest award. Also in 1999, Mike was ranked 56th on the Sporting News list of the 100 Greatest Football Players. Mike also had another honor; he was named the NFL's All 1980's Team. In 1991, he was given the Bart Star Award which exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community.

January 2022

Happy New Year!

Mike Singleton

After Mike's playing career came to an end, he started his coaching career. He was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Mike also coached with the Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams. He had an two-year run as head coach at the Trinity Christian Academy High School in Addison, Texas.

Mike was raised in a Christian home; his father was a Pentecostal preacher.

But Mike wasn't strong in his faith until later in his life.

Once he started to listen to Jesus calling, he began to trust fully in Him. He is now the head of his family with his wife Kim. They have seven children.

Mike Singleton is now an Ordained Minister, he is an Evangelical Christian. Mike said during an interview with the 700 Club, "To me, Christ means everything. I know that He's got my back, no matter what I do. So that gives me all the freedom in the world to be the man that He's called me to be."

Mike Singleton Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2008-2010

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Happy New Year!

It is Well

We tend to take things for granted, Especially our health and wellness; But discover how to respond By staying open to illness.

Create a deeper connection Cultivate moments of glee; Realize life's preciousness Through its ever-changing beauty.

Once the clouds are lifted, And the truth is here to stay, We know that God is with us And is keeping us wonderfully safe.

January 2022

January 2022

Happy New Year!

It is Well

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We needn't fear death and Sheol For Christ died in our stead; He has given us life eternal And a crown upon our head.

We will reign with Him in glory; The New Heaven will be our home; A mansion waits on the hilltop; We will forever be with our Lord.

Then, soften your mind to your struggles, Breathe deeply and let yourself go, Through the stillness, rediscover the peace It is well; all is well with your soul.

(James 1:2-4)

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

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Happy New Year!

January 2022

Encounter with Christ

A

month ago, we celebrated the birth of Christ. I have often wondered what it would have been like the night an angel of the Lord approached the shepherds in the fields, telling them of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. The Bible tells us that the glory of the Lord shone all around them and they were frightened! Though the shepherds probably weren’t fully aware of what was happening, the angel was hand-delivering a message telling them that the Christ, the promised Messiah, was finally born. Animal sacrifices were no longer necessary. Jesus would be the ultimate and perfect sacrifice to pay for man's sin once and for all through His death and resurrection. The shepherds were engulfed in God's glory. In an instant, they went from the black of the night to being surrounded by the glory of God! God wants to make Himself known to us, not so that we just know about Him, but

Encounter with Divinity! that we can know Him in a personal way. He created us by breathing life into man. His desire for His creation to have

a way that Moses was in awe and he hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. This revelation is an image of

a personal relationship with Him is revealed throughout the Bible.

Even before the fall of man, God had a plan to restore nearness. Jesus, the incarnate God, was already in place to close the gap. But even before He sent His son to be the propitiation for our sins, He spoke with Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend (Exodus 33:9-11).

In Exodus 3:1-4, we learn of Moses' encounter with God on Mount Horeb through a burning bush that took on the form of the Angel of the Lord. At the burning bush, God revealed His holiness in

God's glory and holiness.

But it manifested the sheer majesty of God and revealed that His glory is like a consuming fire that radiates light.

God's glory is described in different ways, but one thing that remains the same is the response of the people who see it. In the book of Exodus, we are told that when the Israelites saw God's glory, they would not even go near the mountain for fear.

Ezekiel fell on his face and was unable to stand.

This is the glory of God that pierces the darkness and surrounds the unsuspecting shepherds. After finding

Jesus in a manger, they return to the field, but they are not the same men who had gone out into the field earlier that night. They had seen and heard Jesus!

When you think of it, our natural reaction is to fear divinity.

But why is that?

We see in Exodus 3 and 4 that Moses questioned God and made excuses for not obeying the call to be God’s man to return to carry out God's purpose of deliverance.

God had already told Moses that he was the man for the job of delivering the Hebrew people out of Egypt, but Moses expressed his fear to answer the call.

Why? Because of selfperceived inadequacies.

Moses was afraid of not being accepted by his own people. He was afraid of rejection.

Just like Moses, we look at ourselves through our own eyes. We don't see the person that God sees. We look at our resources and wonder how can we possibly do what God is asking?

Who are we that we should go and do this

Happy New Year!

January 2022

great thing? We forget that God of the universe is our provider and that He goes before us.

If you want to encounter God, don't be afraid; welcome the Holy Spirit to meet you. Allow Him to work in your life and see the transformation it will have...God will show His indescribable majesty and greatness to you while embracing you in His arms of amazing love. You will be free of insecurity; you

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Encounter with Christ

will be able to stand in the fullness of His love.

Right from the first book of the Bible, Genesis begins by God speaking the universe into existence out of love.

And after He created everything, He said it was 'good.' This is how God chose to present Himself to the world. And we should do the same.

The birth of Jesus was good news; it was good news for everybody... the rich, the poor, Jews,

Gentiles. It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from; Jesus is for everyone and He is accessible by everyone.

The Messiah was sent to the whole world; and He was born unto us. He is universal and personal, all at the same time. He is not limited to church meetings; you can have an encounter with God whenever and wherever! He will speak to you while you're driving, when you're

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who ask receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, it will be opened.”

(Matthew 7:7-8)

out for a walk, or when you're asleep in your dreams. After Jesus' resurrection, He met His disciples in the upper room unexpectedly... and the beauty is that He still does that!

When we encounter God, we find the dearest friend we could ever imagine. When we seek Him, we will never be rejected.

Everything our hearts have ever longed for is found within His love.

WOOD Ministries Written by: Donna Wood Photo by: Stock

Happy New Year!

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Woodlawn

“One Hope, One Truth, One Way”

T

his movie, Woodlawn, is a faith based football drama that is about Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Alabama, where they were integrating whites and African Americans back in the early 1970's.

The high school football coach, Tandy Gerelds, is being forced to have African Americans on his football team. This causes a huge turmoil

among the school and community, which sees a lot of families moving away. Coach Tandy is committed to the team and school, so he decides to stay.

Now a young African American named Tony Nathan is extremely fast and looks promising as a wide receiver and running back.

But unfortunately, because of his skin color, he is facing discrimination.

Coach Tandy is now also receiving pressure from other sources to only play white players in the games. Then enters Hank (played by Sean Astin), who is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He persuades Coach Tandy to allow him to talk to their football team.After his talk with the team, a revival starts at their high school and almost every football player and the assistant coaches give their lives to Jesus Christ.

The team is now changed by love and they find a peace that brings them together. Now Coach Tandy begins to see this take shape before his own eyes and it moves him deeply, so much so that he also surrenders his life to Jesus Christ and becomes a Christian.

The team starts to play like a team that is together, This shows on the field as they start to win games and now the University of Alabama Legendary Head Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant (who is played by Jon Voight) is eyeing Tony as the player they want on their team.

Woodlawn is a great movie and it pays

January 2022

homage to the Erwin brothers and their father, Hank Erwin, who was the former State Senator and their grandfather, Henry Eugene 'Red" Erwin Sr., a Medal of Honor recipient and World War II veteran.

Their father Hank was used by God to start a revival in Birmingham in the early 1970's.

Woodlawn looks and feels like a Hollywood movie and the message that it gives is one that is applicable even today and it is needed for everyone to hear. The acting in this movie is really good, especially from Nic Bishop who plays Coach Tandy, and Caleb Castille who plays Tony Nathan. The Erwin brothers should be praised for the great scenes and camera work in the movie.

Woodlawn has a full and strong Christian message and it has the potential to reach a lot of people who need to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The subject of racial reconciliation, overcoming hate with love and forgiveness is an important message for all to hear. It also has a very strong message of faith.

January 2022

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!

January 2022

G GOD O D IS

PLEASE SHARE GOD'S LOVE