Gò0 ò0dNews dNews February 2015
Complimentary
CHATTANOOGA
Christian Magazine
• Celebrate with Friends p. 6 • Family Fitness Fun p. 24 • Press Hard; You’re Making Copies p. 32
Shaun Alexander
In 1973, Don Britton quit his job at the dealership as a Certified Master Technician and went in business for himself. The main motivation was the lack of future to provide for his family and the lack of integrity at the dealerships where he had worked at. Don was tired of seeing customers sold things they did not need and being overcharged for work they did need. That was 41 years ago. Over the last 41 years, Don has built the business into a well known and well respected auto repair facility, specializing in all types of auto repair, scheduled maintenance, preventative maintenance and especially automatic transmissions on all makes/models of vehicles. East Ridge Transmission & Total Car Care is a large shop with 9 technicians, 2 service advisors, a customer service receptionist, a full time bookkeeper, a maintenance technician and two customer care drivers to pick up and deliver customers and vehicles. And of course Don is there every day to makes sure everything goes well for everyone, especially the customer. If you have not been satisfied with your vehicle service at other shops, please consider ERT as your one stop shop. We do everything from oil changes, to tires, to engines, to transmissions, to brakes, to tune ups, to electronic problems, to emissions and much, much more. We take care of our customers and everything concerning their vehicles! Our specialty is customer service-‐-‐-‐-‐We care about how you feel and what you really need! Don has built this business on integrity, quality work and exceptional customer care. If you begin a relationship with ERT, you will never have to go the dealership or any other shop again for scheduled maintenance or after warranty repairs. Our Google rating is virtually a 5 star and our BBB rating is an A+. Don has built ERT and his life on the principles of God.
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God Bless You and Thank You! Writers Pastor Larry Cockerham Andrew Lee Bridge Dallas Chris Moser David Gray Heather Ryerson John Garrod Kristy Snider Kelly McDonald Paul Lee Rick Mitchell Rob England
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About Us Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have three beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, and Andrew. We live in Cleveland and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed. GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising. GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!
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Facebook facebook.com/goodnewscm
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Phone #: 423-503-1410 E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com Website: issuu.com/goodnewschatt
Disclaimer All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS� basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.
February 2015
G ò0 dNews
Christian Magazine
Pg 4 Pg 6 Pg 8 Pg 10 Pg 12 Pg 14 Pg 20 Pg 22 Pg 24 Pg 26 Pg 28 Pg 30 Pg 32 Pg 34
About Us GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk Influencing Your Family for God by Pastor Larry Cockerham GoodNews for Kids They Say I’m Stupid GoodNews on Money Matters Knowing the Score by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men Love Is a Battlefield . . . Maybe not!?! by Chris Moser GoodNews for Women Celebrate With Friends by Heather Ryerson GoodNews for Parents When God Needs Your Help by David Gray GoodNews for Everyone The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers by Paul Lee GoodNews for Health & Fitness Family Fitness Fun by Kristy Snider GoodNews for Everyone Expand Your Neighborhood by Rob England GoodNews for Seniors Jesus Christ - Our Real Valentine by Bridgett Dallas GoodNews for Missions Mission to India by Rick Mitchell GoodNews for Couples Press Hard; You’re Making Copies! by John Garrod GoodNews for Everyone Living in the Now by Kelly McDonald
Pg 18-19
Shaun Alexander
Pg 16-17
Disclaimer All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
Influencing Your Family for God T by Larry Cockerham
here are many ways to influence your family. One of the best and most effective ways to influence others is by spending time with them. Yet, time together as family seems to be more difficult than ever, especially since families are scattered all over the country. In the past, multi-generational families lived in the same community or at least in the same town. In that setting, the extended family of grandparents, uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews conveyed family values through sharing their stories. Family storytelling is almost a thing of the past, and we have to find other ways of influencing our families for God. No matter where your family members live and how little time you get to spend together, you can always pray for them. Even if they live on the other side of the world, you can influence your family through prayer. I want to illustrate my point with the biblical story of Abram, later called Abraham. His story shows us how one man influenced his family for generations through prayer. Then I want to share my personal story and how the prayers of my grandmother continue to have influence on my life, even though she went to be with the Lord more than 60 years ago. Genesis 12:7 says, “The Lord appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your offspring I will give this land.’ So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him” (NIV). Abram had a revelation from God for him and for his offspring. He called that place where he prayed Bethel. If we skip down two generations, we see
6 // February 2015
Abram’s grandson, Jacob, running away from home, lost, alone, weary, and broken by life. It’s interesting where he ended up—at Bethel, the same plaice where his grandfather had prayed for his family. Abraham’s prayers lived longer than he did—long enough to bring his grandson back home to God.
Grandma Sarah’s Prayers
Now to my personal story. I was born into a very poor alcoholic family. We were far from God. But I had a praying grandmother named Sarah. She prayed heaven down into our lost family. My father came to God and gave up his alcohol. Everything changed in our family. It seemed as if the devil had moved out of our house and Jesus moved in. I know God today because of Grandma Sarah’s prayers. She prayed when everything looked hopeless, and God answered her prayers. Maybe you’ve been praying for your family for a long time and you’ve grown weary in waiting. I want to encourage you today that, like Abram, you will establish a prayer altar for your children and grandchildren. God is faithful and He will answer your prayers. Your family members may be scattered all over the country or all over the world, but there is no distance in prayer. You can still put their names in the ear of God everyday. You can influence your family toward God through prayer. Pastor Larry Cockerham is the senior minister at Living Word Church in Cleveland.
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Gò0dNews for Kids
They Say I'm Stupid Psalm 102:8
C
arlos didn't go in the house when he came home from school. Instead, he went to the backyard where his teenage brother, Jess, was working on his car. "Hi, kid!" said Jess. "How's it going?"
"Because you're littler than they are, and they want to think they're big shots," said Jess. "When big kids pick on one little kid it shows what kind of people they are. It doesn't say anything against you. They're the ones who look bad."
"Terrible!" said Carlos. "Hey, what's the matter with you?" his big brother asked.
bad has problems. Don't ever be like those guys. Are you nice to kids who are littler than you?" "Sure I am!" said Carlos. "I wouldn't do what those guys do to me." "That's good!" said less. "Tell you what-tomorrow I'll walk home from school with you. How's that?" "Would you really?" said Carlos. "Thanks a lot!"
"The kids at school don't like me," said Carlos. "They say I'm stupid."
Some Questions
"You're not stupid," said Jess. "Who said that?"
• Do you know anyone who is a bully?
"I don't know their names," said Carlos. "They're in the fourth or fifth grade. But they walk home the same way I do, and they pick on me.
• Do you think anyone else thinks you are a bully?
"Do you know why they pick on you?" asked Jess. "Because they don't like me," said Carlos, "and they think I'm stupid." "They don't even know you," said Jess. "Your teacher, the other kids in your class, and your family know you're not stupid. We like you." "Then why do they pick on me?" asked Carlos.
8 // February 2015
• If you call someone else bad names does it make the other person look bad? Or does it make you sound bad? "That doesn't help me at all," said Carlos. "Yesterday they took my books away and threw them over the fence. I had to climb the fence to get them." "Look, little brother," said Jess. "I'm not very old yet, but I've learned a few things. Anyone who has fun by trying to make other people feel
• Can you still feel good about yourself when someone calls you bad names? Why?
A Prayer Lord Jesus, I'm glad you love me. Help me to love and to live with people who don't know how to give love. Amen.
Walter L. Crox
Covenant is a family owned and operated funeral provider with five generations of funeral service professionals specializing in reasonably-priced funeral products and services. Let the Crox family serve you in celebrating the life of your loved one with a fairly priced funeral that meets your loved one’s wishes. At Covenant, we feel that the true value of a funeral lies not in the cost or style of the casket but in the care of those who are left to mourn their loss.
(423) 485-0911 • covenantfuneral.com 4340 Bonny Oaks Dr. Chattanooga, TN 37416
Barbara H. Crox
Ben M. Crox, III
Gò0dNews on Money Matters
Knowing the Score (Credit Score, that Is)
U
by Andrew Lee
nless you’ve been living under a rock for the past several years, you’ve probably seen at least one article or commercial stressing the importance of checking your credit score, most often referred to as the FICO score. FICO simply stands for Fair Isaacs Corporation, the company that established the concept of the credit score ranging from 300-850, with 300 being the lowest and 850 being the highest possible credit score. The FICO score is determined by a complex formula that considers such factors as paying your bills on time, how much debt you have, what types of debts are owed, and other factors. (Curiously, your FICO credit score does not take into account your income). Anytime the FICO score is mentioned in news articles or on commercials, consumers are always reminded how important it is to maintain a high credit score in order to qualify for lower interest rates on debt or to qualify for a home mortgage. Before going any further, let me clarify the difference between a FICO credit score and a credit bureau report. The FICO credit score is, as stated above, a number between 300-850 that purports to give a concise and comprehensive portrait of a person’s credit-worthiness (meaning responsible handling of credit and debt, and the likelihood that a person will repay his or her debts). But a credit bureau report is much more personal, historically detailed, and informative— a multi-page report of credit accounts during one’s lifetime. It often includes closed accounts from years or decades past, as well as current open credit accounts (including credit cards, home equity lines of credit, personal loans, car loans, student loans, etc.). Conventional wisdom says that we should all check our credit bureau reports every year to be sure they are accurate.
10 // February 2015
Some statistics say that over half of all credit reports contain some sort of inaccurate information. Identifying errors and fixing the errors can result in a higher credit score, and, for many, dollars saved in future interest payments. Moreover, a close examination of your credit report might reveal that you have been a victim of identity theft and that criminals have opened up credit accounts or borrowed money under your name. Identity theft reportedly occurs every two seconds. That’s scary. To obtain all three copies of your credit bureau report from TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax, simply visit the U.S. Government’s free website and place your request: www.annualcreditreport.com. This is your legal right to request a copy of your reports once every twelve months at no cost. Beware of many website scams such as www.freecreditreport. com which turn out not to be so “free” after all but are enticements to sign up for a monthly credit monitoring service for a fee. Finally, remember not to obsess over your credit score. For people who pay their bills and debts regularly and on time, and who are cautious to avoid debt whenever necessary, they will eventually achieve a good credit score due to their wise and disciplined financial habits. After all, one simple trick to get out of debt is to avoid it altogether. Proverbs 21:20 says, “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.”
Dr. Andrew Lee is associate 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.
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Gò0dNews for Men
Love Is a Battlefield . . . Maybe not!?!
F
by Chris Moser
or a couple of months I have been experiencing writer’s block. Although I really enjoyed writing these articles, I felt like I had nothing left to share. One of my heroes told me just to write what I know. Since this is the month of love, I thought I would write about my favorite subject. Because my wife has really bad vision, a clock by the bed has huge numbers. I despise and love this clock. I hate it because I don’t sleep much and the light of the clock keeps me awake. However, I love this clock because my favorite subject is my bride and the clock gives off the right amount of light for me to see her in her most peaceful state. I was doing this favorite past time the other night and decided I would share some things that I feel have kept the love in our relationship. I thought it was also appropriate to talk about Gloria since I was sixteen when we met and twenty-two when we married. It was as if the stars aligned, the numbers matched up, and it was time to share these thoughts. I will admit that I am no expert; I am not even a skilled writer! I just want you to know how much I love her, and most everything I have employed to love my bride was learned through other professionals. On our wedding day a man gave me some words of advice. I don’t remember who he was, and I am sure he was kidding with me about how the woman is always right, but I took his words to heart. He said, “Happy wife, happy life, and ask yourself Is it better to be right or be happy?” I have spent the last sixteen years with these two things in mind. Am I perfect? Yes, I mean no, but I have tried. One of those professionals told me that you can’t make a person feel an emotion such as happiness, but you can work to help put your bride in the best place possible to experience this emotion. By not trying to be right all the time, I think I am putting my wife in the best place to experience happiness. By not
12 // February 2015
fighting over the little things and only concentrating on the big stuff helps keep love in the air. Having to argue her point on every little thing may strip away a little bit of that love every time. It also helps that I am a very laid-back person. After reading Gary Chapman’s book, The Five Love Languages, I learned the language of love that my wife speaks, and I have tried my best to speak love to her in that language. She loves by having and giving quality time. I try to give her this time. I forget often in the day-in, day-out routine of life, but I do try. Quality time is not my language at all, but because I know that it is my wife’s, I hear her when she shows me love in this way. It might feel a little like getting regular unleaded gas when you want premium, but the way I see it, the car will still keep moving as long as there is gas in the tank. I call her my bride because she likes to be called that, and it helps me remember that she is the bride of my youth the way Solomon felt when he wrote Songs of Solomon. If you want to read some real romance, check out that book of the Bible. When I tell my bride I love her, I often tell her by saying “I am in love with you,” instead of just “I love you.” Some may say that there is no difference, but I disagree. I want my wife to always know that my love for her is deeper than the love I have for hamburgers. I believe that love is not an emotion but a choice. I choose every day to love my bride and to honor the vows I spoke almost sixteen years ago to love, honor, and cherish her till death. This is pretty easy because, without even knowing it, Gloria is a Proverbs 31:10-31 wife. She is a woman of noble character that is worth more than rubies. She brings me good and not harm. Chris Moser is a lifelong resident of Cleveland, Lee University graduate and Court Liaison Team Leader at The State of Tennessee Department of Children’s Service.
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Gò0dNews for Women
M
Celebrate with Friends
ost people will tell you that women are more relational than men. Scientific studies confirm that we were created to love each other and live in relationship with one another, to share both joys and sorrows, weep with those who mourn, and rejoice with those who rejoice! Recently I attended a Beth Moore simulcast where she highlighted the true joy of girlfriends to share life with. The following notes from the simulcast. You may remember the parable in Luke 9 of the woman who had 10 coins and lost one. She searched until she found it, and then what do you suppose she did? She called her friends, invited them over and said, “Rejoice with me! I have found my lost coin!” Her joy at finding what was lost was incomplete until she shared her joy with her friends. I can relate. If I have an accomplishment that makes me feel proud, I’m not able to rest until I share my joy with a friend. Misery may love company, but so does celebration! So thank you to friends who have endured the texts I have shared about my accomplishments. I bet you are the same way. You don’t keep your accomplishments to yourself; you want to shout from
14 // February 2015
by Heather Ryerson
the rooftops: “I made dinner tonight and even the kids ate it!” or “I made it 30 minutes into a workout today, and I’m still alive to tell you about it!” Maybe yours is “I got twelve loads of laundry done today!” or “I totally didn’t lose it when I went to the grocery store and there were only two cashiers and 12,187 customers!” Whatever it is, it’s so much more fun to share. You may say, “When I accomplish something I’m excited about, I post it on Facebook or Twitter.” Social media has given us that little pat on the back we crave when we share big deals in life, hasn’t it? We get an easy way to feel good without actually having to invest in a relationship. That’s not what I’m talking about here. I’m talking about real friendships that require time and face-to-face investment. It’s vital. Second John 1:12 addresses this. (Maybe he knew something about how much screen time would be affecting us in our time.) He says, “I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink [or 140 characters or less]. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete” (NIV). My momma always said, “If you want to have a friend, be a
friend.” Here are some suggestions: • Join a Bible study or an exercise class. • Start a ladies’ night with the mothers from the Girl Scout troop. • Reach out by preparing a meal for a friend who is weary. • Invite someone out for coffee. • Offer to watch her kids. Small things can go a long way, and often God uses those things to encourage the friend in your life in more ways than you can imagine. Step out, girlfriend. Don’t wait on it to come to you! I’ve been so thankful to develop amazing friendships through what started as a monthly game of Bunco. They are the ones I call or text when I need prayer, want a celebrate, or borrow a cup of sugar. My Bunco Beauties, I am so grateful for you! We are truly “striving together as one for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27 KJV). I hope you can find friends to celebrate all the things in life! In the meantime, let God lead you to be the friend you desire to have. Heather Ryerson is a daughter of the King, wife to Matt, and mom to Jackson, Chloe, Gabi and Elsie. You will find her on any given day in the trenches of homeschooling and homemaking, loving most every moment and trying to forget the moments she doesn't! It's all about grace!
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Chattanooga Church Directory Assembly of God
Calvary Church 423.629.1200 1212 South Seminole Drive, 37412 Fresh Fire Awakening 423.255.3103 Chattanooga, 37421
Baptist
Bayside Baptist Church 423-344-8327 6100 Hwy 58 Harrison, TN 37416 Covenant Baptist Church 423.892.5542 1640 N. Joiner Rd, 37421 Duncan Park Baptist Church 706.899.3707 1609 Glowmont Dr, 37412 New Haven Baptist Church 423.855.4910 1058 Graysville Rd, 37421 Middle Cross Baptist Church 423.877.5742 4009 Norcross Rd, 37343 Heritage Baptist Church 423.499.5060 2934 Hickory Valley Rd, 37421 Ridgeview Baptist Church 423.899.1530 6 Moore Rd, 37411 Spring Creek Road Baptist 423.894.0700 1312 Spring Creek Rd, 37412 Alpine Baptist Church 423.875.3522 4720 Stagg Rd, 37415 Ashland Terrace Baptist Church 423.877.4392 906 Ashland Terrace, 37415 Avondale Baptist Church 423.344.2208 5479 Hwy 58, 37416 Bartle Baugh Baptist Church 423.344.5207 6129 Champion Rd, 37416 Berean Baptist Church 423.629.1634 1614 Kirby Ave, 37404 Bethel Baptist Church 423.875.9107 632 Lullwater Rd, 37405 Bethlehem Baptist Church 423.266.5484 101 Lawn St, 37405 Bible Way Baptist Church 423.624.2149 2003 Elmendorf St, 37406 Brainerd Baptist Church 423.624.2606 300 Brookfield Ave, 37411
16 // February 2015
Brainerd Hills Baptist Church 423.892.6645 6611 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 Calvary Baptist Church 423.875.8154 5201 Dayton Blvd, 37415 Central Baptist Church 423.624.4678 901 Woodmore Ln, 37411 Charity Baptist Church 423.267.6576 2340 Rossville Blvd, 37408 Clifton Hill Baptist Church 423.867.4887 3616 Rossville Blvd, 37407 Concord Baptist Church 423.892.9313 7025 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 East Brainerd Baptist Church 423.892.4235 1047 Graysville Rd, 37421 East Lake Baptist Church 423.698.1597 3315 12th Ave, 37407 East Ridge Baptist Church 423.698.2421 4201 Ringgold Rd, 37412 Edgewood Baptist Church 423.629.5821 2007 East 27th, 37407 Empowerment Church 423.355.5576 1203 Blocker Lane, 37412 Faith Baptist Church 423.344.9712 8834 North Hickory Valley, 37416 Fellowship Baptist Church 423.894.8080 5335 Clemons Rd, 37412 First Baptist Church 423.265.2257 401 Gateway Ave, 37402 First Baptist Church 423.629.1950 1228 Latta St, 37406 First Baptist Church 423.265.3229 506 East 8th St., 37403 First Calvary Baptist Church 423.267.5159 300 Bell Ave, 37405 Grace Baptist Church 423.892.4869 7815 Shallowford Rd, 37421 Greater Beulah Baptist Church 423.624.0418 1301 Commerce St, 37404 Harmony Baptist Church 423.629.9660 3832 Youngstown Rd, 37406 Hickory Valley Baptist Church 423.892.1916
2320 Hickory Valley Rd, 37421 Highland Park Baptist Church 423.493.4111 1907 Bailey Ave, 37404 Hillcrest Baptist Church 423.867.2812 3300 East 42nd St, 37407 Independent Baptist Church 423.875.3054 2624 Lyndon Ave, 37412 International Baptist Church 423.624.8638 1512 Old Ringgold Rd, 37404 Kings Point Baptist Church 423.624.5202 2834 Harrison Pike, 37403 Kingwood Baptist Church 423.624.7301 3522 Ringgold Rd, 37412 Lighthouse Baptist Church 423.624.4125 3777 Wilcox Blvd, 37411 Lookout Valley Baptist Church 423.825.5335 23 Lilac Ave, 37419 Macedonia Baptist Church 423.267.6915 1156 East Main St, 37408 Maranatha Baptist Church 423.899.0571 1701 Hickory Valley Road, 37421 Mission Ridge Baptist Church 423.624.0424 302 Shallowford Rd, 37411 Morris Hill Baptist Church 423.892.2071 1804 Morris Hill Rd, 37421 Mount Paran Baptist Church 423.629.2377 1319 Moss Dr, 37411 New Grace Baptist Church 423.899.5510 7861 Lee Hwy, 37421 Orchard Knob Baptist Church 423.629.6115 1734 East 3rd St, 37404 Philadelphia Baptist Church 423.629.5786 2230 East 18th St, 37404 Pilgrim Rock Baptist Church 423.894.7548 1726 Church Rd, 37421 Pleasant Hill Baptist Church 423.892.0237 1441 Crawford Rd, 37421 Prospect Baptist Church 423.698.4149 734 Dodson Ave, 37404 Resurrected Reformed Baptist 423.698.8086 2230 East 18th Street, 37404 Rose of Sharon Baptist Church 423.629.9534
2001 Blackford St, 37404 Second Baptist Church 423.629.6039 1619 East Main St, 37404 Shiloh Baptist Church 423.267.3131 1708 Carr St, 37408 Silverdale Baptist Church 423.892.2173 7236 Bonny Oaks Dr, 37421 Standifer Gap Baptist Church 423.892.8596 8159 Standifer Gap Rd, 37421 Temple Baptist Church 423.622.1913 3200 Rossville Blvd, 37407 Terra Vista Baptist Church 423.892.3879 4412 Oakwood Dr, 37416 Tucker Baptist Church 423.510.9684 1115 North Moore Rd, 37411 Washington Park Baptist 423.899.9408 1823 Shepherd Rd, 37421 Westview Baptist Church 423.899.0127 9516 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 Woodland Park Baptist Church 423.899.9185 7501 Standifer Gap Rd, 37421
Church of God
East Chattanooga COG 423.894.7926 4924 Hwy 58, 37416 East Lake Church of God 423.698.6522 2949 East 29th St, 37407 Brainerd Hills Church of God 423.892.2092 410 Friar Rd, 37421 City Church of Chattanooga 423.894.6982 7122 Lee Hwy, 37421 Church of God of Prophecy 423.899.4074 3927 Webb Rd, 37416 Church of God of Prophecy 423.894.0597 2201 Hickory Valley Rd, 37421 Church of God Seventh Day 423.899.5490 7504 Old Lee Hwy, 37421 East Brainerd Church of God 423.899.4755 8312 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 East Ridge Church of God 423.867.7287 1512 McBrien Rd, 37412 East Side Church of God 423.624.8797 2105 Citico Ave, 37404
Fellowship Church of God 423.867.3194 3426 Clio Ave, 37407 Fourth Avenie Church of God 423.867.4545 3912 4th Ave, 37407 Holy Temple Church of God 423.629.2649 2311 Bliss St, 37406 Joyful Noise Church of God 423.698.1813 1614 Foust St, 37404 Pure Holiness Church of God 423.622.4667 420 North Holly St, 37404 Redemption Point 423-855-7321 3831 Ooltewah-Ringgold Rd. Ooltewah, TN 37363 Temple of Faith Church of God 423.698.2700 2139 East 27th 37407 United Temple Church of God 423.624.1037 2418 Dodson Ave, 37406 Vision Church of God 423.624.7170 4901 Midland Pike, 37411 Woodmore Church of God 423.899.0827 1115 North Moore Rd, 37411 Word Center Church of God 423.867.3330 4803 13th Ave, 37407 Church of God in Christ
Nazarene Alton Park Church of the Nazarene 423.756.2468 4004 Dorris St, 37410 Nazarene Calvary Church of the Nazarene 423.892.5771 4400 Bonny Oaks Dr, 37416 East Brainerd Church of the Nazarene 423.499.8643 8101 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 East Ridge Church of the Nazarene 423.894.8656 1202 Spring Creek Rd, 37412 First Church of the Nazarene 423.624.2679 2099 East Main St, 37404
Community Church
Cosmopolitan Community Church 423.622.3217 3031 Wilcox Blvd, 37411 Friendship Community Church 423.698.3471 7 North Tuxedo Dr, 37411
Metropolitan Community Church 423.629.2737 1601 Foust St, 37404
Lutheran
Ascension Lutheran Church 423.698.5047 720 South Germantown Rd, 37412 First Lutheran Church Pastor Mark McCrory 423-629-5990; www.first4u.org 2800 McCallie Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37404 Good Shepherd Lutheran Rev. H. Christopher Sheets 423.629.4661 www.gslcflock.org 822 Belvoir Ave, 37412 Saint Phillip Lutheran Church 423.267.1475 51 West 25th St, 37408
Methodist
Jones Memorial UMC 423.624.6073 4131 Ringgold Rd, 37412 Mount Crest UMC 423.881.4165 8206 Cicero Tr, 37421 St John UMC 423.892.2257 3921 Murray Hills Dr, 37416 Wesley Memorial UMC 423.892.6446 6314 E. Brainerd Rd, 37421 East Ridge UMC Pastor Ken Sauer 423-892-8451; eastridgeumc.org 1601 Prater Road, East Ridge, TN 37412 Stanley UMC 423.624.6729 501 Dodson Ave, 37404 Washington Hills UMC 423.892.8050 6216 Hadley Dr, 37416 Cleveland Trinity UMC 423.892.6926 9028 Warbler Ln, 37421 East Lake UMC 423.624.4921 2903 East 37th St, 37407 St Elmo UMC 423.855.0807 3030 Towerway Dr, 37406 Lake Vista UMC 423.892.4941 6216 Hadley Dr, 37416 Saint Mary CME Church 423.622.2742 1417 Wheeler Ave, 37406 Sheares Memorial UMC 423.855.2004 515 Airport Rd, 37421 Sheares Memorial UMC
423.698.4114 400 Glenwood Dr, 37404 Tyner UMC 423.892-0444 6805 Standifer Gap Rd, 37421
Non-Denominational
The Sacred Heart Mission of Chattanooga 423.238.3835 3914 St Elmo Ave, 37409 Faith Connection Church 423.933.6986 7312 Shallowford Rd, 37421 Metropolitan Tabernacle 423.894.3377 2101 West Shepherd Rd, 37422 Carpenters Cowboy Church 423.867.4232 3616 Rossville Blvd, 37407 Brainerd Hills Chapel Church 423.899.3098 5931 Pinegrove Tr, 37421 Chattanooga Church 423.892.2888 6188 Adamson Circle, 37416 Christian Church of Hope 423.855.0767 2330 Hickory Valley Rd, 37421 Church of Jesus 423.629.5051 2118 Wilson St, 37406 Church of the First Born 423.756.0704 3418 St Elmo Ave, 37409 Church of the Lord Jesus 423.265.8235 200 West 19th St, 37408 Mount Summit of Peace Church 423.899.0434 6925 Shallowford Rd, 37421 New Covenant Church 423.867.2121 3700 Clio Ave, 37407 Walker Avenue First Church 423.622.2982 2101 Walker St, 37404 Worlds Church of the Living God 423.622.2992 2110 Glass St, 37406
Pentecostal
Emanuel Pentecostal Church 423.821.5261 4204 Ohls Ave, 37410 Sharon Pentecostal Church 423.867.7088 1400 East 48th St, 37407 Virtuous Church Pastor Richard O. Smith 5952 Brainerd Road Chattanooga, TN 37412 (423)521-4440 www.virtuouschurch.org Word of Pentecost Church
423.624.2620 1722 Newton St, 37406
Presbyterian
First Cumberland Presbyterian 423.698.2556 1505 North Moore Rd, 37411 Central Presbyterian Church 423.629.1401 1815 McCallie Ave, 37404 Covenant Presbyterian Church 423.899.5377 8451 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 East Ridge Presbyterian Church 423.867.2717 4919 Court Dr, 37412 First Presbyterian Church 423.267.1206 554 McCallie Ave, 37402 New Hope Presbyterian Church 423.892.0853 7301 Shallowford Rd, 37421 North Minster Presbyterian 423.894.3773 4791 Hal Dr, 37416 St Elmo Presbyterian Church 423.821.1424 4400 St Elmo Ave, 37409 Second Presbyterian Church 423.266.2828 700 Pine St, 37402 Trinity Presbyterian Church 423.899.9586 104 McBrien Rd, 37411
Vineyard Vineyard Christian Fellowship 423.704.2188 10615 London Ln, 37302
Seventh-Day Collegedale Community 4995 Swinyar Dr. Ooltewah, TN 37363 Hamilton County Church 7997 Shallowford Rd Chattanooga, TN 37421
Wesleyan
Faith Community Wesleyan 7725 Shallowford Road Chattanooga, TN 37421
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issuu.com/goodnewschatt // 17
COVER STORY
Trust Me...
FEATURED
A
Conversation with Shaun Alexander, a former football running back who played for the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins of the National Football League.
by Jason Browning 18 // February 2015
“Y
ou don’t like to see a hole in the line if you’re in the NFL.” That’s the way a professional answers an amateur question. He didn’t say it with arrogance but in a teaching sort of helpful way. Talking on the phone with Shaun Alexander was almost like having him sit across the desk from me. Charisma and personality bleed through the phone in a way that makes three minutes turn into 45 minutes.
Trust the Line
To be fair, it was a great question even if it was an amateur one. Just so you know, it’s probably a question every guy who watches the pros play on Sunday wants to know. The question I asked was this: “When you’re playing on Sunday and the quarterback turns around to hand you the ball and you see a hole open up, what defensive back do you not want to see in that hole?” Shaun answered that question like he did the other questions about football, faith, and family. His patient explanation left me more encouraged and informed. “In college, you see a hole in the line and you hit the hole hard. In the NFL, if you see a hole in the line, you don’t like that. A hole in the line usually means the defense is running a play, and when you step into that hole, there’s someone who’s been running full speed ready to hit you. In the NFL, you run where the play has designed the blockers to be. You anticipate the hole and trust your blockers to do their job. You have to trust the line.” Trust is something Shaun has been doing for a while. His story starts like too many other stories—broken home, singleparent family, difficult situation. But Shaun’s story takes a radical turn when he starts trusting
Jesus. “My mom would take time to show me right and wrong. If someone wasn’t living the right way, she didn’t hide that from us. She told us the truth and taught us why we didn’t listen to some music. She taught us why we didn’t go certain places.” Shaun went to church. That wasn’t negotiable. His mom made sure of it. And when it was time to go to college, Shaun just kept on trusting Jesus. “Part of what attracted me to the University of Alabama was the fact that they have the longest continual running Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) program,” Shaun explained. “It was like there were two doors at Alabama. One went to a room where there was drinking, partying, girls, and all that; the other door led to a room where people were having a Bible study. It still had goodlooking girls in it, but they loved Jesus.” So Shaun kept on trusting Jesus in college. “College is where I learned to really study the Word. Before that, I would read the Bible and read the stories, but at Alabama, I learned what it meant to study the Word and grow.” And grow he did. Shaun was the president of the University’s FCA chapter, hosting upwards of 300 students each week.
A Catalyst for Change
Shaun and his teammates put on their helmets and went to work. Day in and day out, committed to Jesus, committed to football, that’s what they did. I did some homework on Shaun. I spoke to FCA Director Jay Fowler who worked with Shaun at the FCA leadership camp in Black Mountain, North Carolina. “Shaun is the real deal. We get some athletes who help out in college and that’s great, but Shaun came back after he signed his NFL deal. He sponsored several students all the way from Seattle. He would fly them to camp and pay for them.”
Running His “Life Play”
Shaun Alexander is still trusting Jesus. Speaking life into marriages and families, Shaun points others to Jesus just like he did in Florence, in Tuscaloosa, and in Seattle. Studying the Word and encouraging others, Shaun Alexander keeps trusting Jesus just like he did after every one of his 100 touchdowns—just like he did after hitting Ray Lewis or Junior Seau. Through the good and the bad, Shaun Alexander anticipates something great from God, and he wants to be in the middle of it. You don’t want to see a hole in the line. You want to trust your blockers to run the play the way it’s designed. Shaun is running his “life play” the way God designed it. He’s trusting the playbook and humbly pointing others to Christ. You can hear more about Shaun Alexander’s inspirational story at the Annual FCA “Road to Victory Banquet” on Tuesday, February 17 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. For more information about tickets to the event, visit www.chattanoogafca. org www.ocoeefca.org or contact Robert Green at rgreen@fca.org.
Shaun trusted the Lord when the NFL came calling, too. The same running back who was fueled by his passion for Jesus in Florence, Kentucky, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, showed up in the locker room in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks then weren’t the Seahawks we know today. It took a change of culture—a mindset change, and Shaun not only witnessed that, he was a catalyst for it. Changing that culture started with thinking differently. Even when no issuu.com/goodnewschatt // 19 immediate results were shown,
Gò0dNews for Parents
When God Needs Your Help A by David Gray
s I exited the house one Saturday a few years ago, I discovered I had a flat tire on my car. I wasn’t in a hurry that particular day so the frustration that would normally accompany this unexpected hindrance to my unofficial schedule wasn’t present. Instead, I decided to take advantage of the situation. I went inside to look for my ten-year-old son. He was exactly where I had anticipated: engrossed in some highly intellectual Saturday morning television program. Though I hated to interrupt his extra-curricular education, I told him I needed his help. After the usual pre-adolescent protests, he agreed to join me outside. I showed him where to find the necessary tools for this job in the back of the
20 // February 2015
vehicle. Somewhere in the process of showing him how to release the spare tire from underneath the car I remember him saying, “Dad, I don’t understand why you need my help. I’m just a little kid.” To which I responded, “Just trust me buddy; I need your help.” I instructed him on all the minor details that would make this a safe and quick job; things like, where and how to put the emergency brake on, and so forth. I taught him to loosen the lug-nuts before jacking up the car. After I started one, I let him try the rest. Of course, his ten-year- old arms didn’t have quite the strength mine did, so after he attempted each one, I finished that portion of the job. I showed him how to find the appropriate spot to put the jack and let him place it there. When we started jacking up the vehicle, I explained why we were doing it that way. In the process he experienced sev-
eral missteps which included: cranking the wrong direction (several times), letting the wrench slip, experiencing tired arms to the point where I had to do the last several turns myself, and getting scraped knuckles on the pavement with a bit of blood. After quite some time, we finally jacked the car up enough to remove the old tire and replacing it with the spare. Then we did the whole process in reverse. After some conversation, some giggles and laughter, and just plain old having a good time together, we finally finished the job, which took two to three times as long as it would have had I simply done it myself. Tired and dirty, we went inside to wash the dirt, grime, and blood from our hands as a result of handling the tires. While he was cleaning up, he had a slight grin on his face. I said to my son, “Thanks, buddy, I really appreciated having your help changing the tire.” To which he replied, “No problem, Dad. I still don’t really see why you needed my help, but I was glad to do it.” Today I am reminded of the reality of God’s call on each of our lives to do His will.
David Gray is the store manager at Habitat Restore on Grove Ave. He and his wife Kendra have four children and two grandchildren.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers
A
by Paul Lee
s I talk with law enforcement officers across the United States, including the Hamilton and Bradley County areas, I hear them refer to The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO). I’ve never heard of that. That is because a Christian charity ministry is not able to really advertise. It is operated by word of mouth mostly, and God has continued to bless. Thanks to GoodNews Christian Magazine that is about to change. Let me tell you a little bit about us. FCPO is a national tax exempt 501 © 3 ministry comprised of Christian men and women from all areas of the Criminal Justice System. Since 1972 thousands of those in Law Enforcement in over 236 FCPO chapters across the United States have become affiliated in this unique ministry. We are touching thousands of police officers, sheriff’s deputies, state troopers, correctional officers, special agents, and support personnel nationwide . . . one heart at a time. For more than forty-two years, FCPO has challenged Christian peace officers to use the powerful medium of their jobs and the fellowship that the brotherhood of police work provides, to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCPO focuses on serving local law enforcement communities and their families by equipping, empowering, and encouraging officers to make a difference for Christ one life at a time. Can you imagine a world in which police officers actually minister to the needs of the people they serve? The FCPO provides teaching materials and training for spiritual equipping to allow those Christian offi-
22 // February 2015
cers to make a spiritual impact within their communities by carrying out the Great Commission.
The Beginning
In 1971 two Christian Los Angeles police officers, unbeknownst to each other, attended the same Bible Conference and recognized each other. They had thought they were alone as Christians in the LAPD. As they talked, they began to notice other LAPD officers, and, as most cops do, they found camaraderie in each other’s company. This group began to meet regularly for a time of prayer and Bible study. By 1973 they had named their group The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers and were officially incorporated. In 1992 the ministry had grown to the point that they needed full-time staff members. Through a series of God-ordained events, the national headquarters moved from LA to Chattanooga.
Phenomenal Growth
Since then, FCPO has continued to grow and has even embarked on several foreign police mission trips. We were instrumental to relief efforts to first responders in Gulfport, Mississippi, after hurricane Katrina. In 2010 we completed a FCPO history book titled, Onward and Upward a History of the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers. Paul Lee is retired captain (Chattanooga PD). He is the executive director for the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers.
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Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness
Family Fitness Fun W e did it! We made it past the Thanksgiving turkey, the Christmas ham, and brought in the New Year with some luck from our black-eyed peas. However, we might not have gotten by without getting a little lazy from time off work or school break. This time of year it’s hard to get the family motivated to start moving and stay active to shake the holiday weariness. Establishing some fun activities the entire family can enjoy can help kick-start the New Year with physical activity while giving you built-in family time. Creating healthy family habits early in the year can help you stick with those plans and help your family realize fitness can be fun!
Find a place to play or walk.
Our area has lots of great parks, hiking trails, and places to walk with the entire family. The Greenway in Cleveland is a great place to walk or run, and there are tons of outdoor and indoor walking tracks. You can also find family-friendly hiking trails or biking trails throughout our area. You can turn a walk in the park into a fun nature walk or scavenger hunt. Take a list with a variety of animals, trees, plants, and so forth, and have the kids find as many things as possible on the list.
Try some seasonal activities.
Even in the South, we have several winter activities that are fun and also help burn calories. Some cities, including Knoxville and now Chattanooga, have set up ice skating rinks during the holiday season (Chattanooga is keeping the rink
24 // February 2015
by Kristy Snider
open until February!). Try skiing or snowboarding in Gatlinburg, or take a longer trip to find a ski resort. If we’re lucky enough to get some snow this year, take advantage of it! Build a snowman, make a snow fort, and go sledding.
Take a fitness class as a family.
Fitness facilities are beginning to offer specific classes for youth. Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and strength training are some of the many options available. Some places also offer family classes where parents and children can participate together. There are facilities in our area that have indoor pools you can visit year-round. Swimming isn’t just for summer! Take swimming lessons, try out an aquatic’s class, or simply come to free swim. If your family likes video games, another great way to stay active is to invest in sports, dance, or other interactive games you can play at home.
Plan out future family activities.
Take some time to prepare for warmer weather. Plan your family vacation and think of new spring or summer activities you would like to try. Get the kids involved in setting goals needed in order to make these plans happen. They might want to learn to swim, learn a new language, get in better shape, or learn about a new culture. Everyone will get excited about meeting these goals! The main idea . . . be active and be together! Kristy Snider is the aquatics director at the Cleveland Family YMCA.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Expand Your Neighborhood D by Rob England
o you have any homeless neighbors? The question seems to present an oxymoron, because we generally think of our neighbors as those who live in the houses near our house; thus, they are not homeless. When Jesus says in Mark 12 to “love your neighbor as yourself,” who is He speaking of? This is the second greatest commandment that Jesus gives to us, so we need to know what it entails. So who is our neighbor? Jesus is asked that same question in Luke 10. His answer is in the form of a parable that most of us are familiar with—the Good Samaritan. In this parable Jesus describes a man who is alone, injured, without clothes, and half dead. While others (including a priest) walk by, deliberately steering clear of him by moving to the opposite side of the road, one man, a Samaritan, shows
26 // February 2015
compassion. This Good Samaritan goes out of his way to help the needy man lying in the road. He did not know this man nor did he live next door to him, but this was the example Jesus gave to describe who our neighbor is. Our “neighborhood” extends past our street or subdivision. More than likely, we have needy neighbors in our church, in our school, or at our workplace. To use examples more closely matching Jesus’ example, we pass by needy persons on the street or sitting on a sidewalk who looks to be in obvious need. Or we may drive past a homeless or needy person along the side of the road who is holding up a sign, spelling out his or her need. These people seem to fit the description of our neighbors in light of Jesus’ definition, but do we recognize that? Let’s both recognize and act on it.
What to Do
As an easy starting point, you can help the needy that you pass by with a simple bag of helpful items. I like to keep what I call “homeless bags” in the car. These are small kits I’ve put together with some basic personal
items: a toothbrush, toothpaste, Kleenex, ChapStick, bandages, and so forth. I also include food like crackers, granola bars, and applesauce. This time of the year you may want to include a pair of gloves or a hat as well. Most importantly, I include a Bible and an Evangelical tract. Most items, including the Bibles, can be purchased at a dollar store. I put them in a gallon-size zip-lock bag. Keep a few of these in your car, where you can quickly grab and hand through the car window to someone in need. Always smile, make eye contact, and say, “God loves you.” Then say a prayer for them. (And don’t let the occasional news story of a fake homeless person stop you from helping.) Another option is to keep an extra coat in the back seat—one that you are willing to give away in a moment’s notice if you pass someone who could use it. These are just starting points. Volunteering at a local rescue mission is a great way to help many needy members of our community. But there are many other ways. Be creative and pray about how you can help those in need around you. Maybe this could be a New Year’s resolution for you. Let’s update our definition of neighbor and expand our neighborhood. Rob England is a resident of Cleveland and works as a senior technical support rep at Thomson Reuters.
SOFTBALL? Want To Play…
SENIOR SOFTBALL
Senior Adults 50+ (Men and Women) are invited to play softball. Sign up as a couple, as an individual, or even as a church team(s). Contact Rick Mitchell for more information at 571-278-5987 or email him at: sportsrecplus@cs.com. Depending on the number that sign-up we may have a Men’s League, Women’s League and/or Co-ed League.
1810 Chestnut Street Chattanooga, TN 37408
423.531.8688 thejumppark.com
FAMILY SOFTBALL
Calling all families that want to play ball with other families. Get several families together and form a team or sign-up as a family and be placed with other families to form a team. Churches can enter a team(s) as well. We have several special rules to make it safe and fun for all ages. Contact Rick Mitchell at 571-278-5987 for more information or email him at: sportsrecplus@cs.com
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Gò0dNews for Seniors
Jesus Christ—Our Real Valentine
“D
by Bridgett Dallas
ear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:7-11 NIV). Although February is known for being a winter month, it is most popular for Valentine's Day—a holiday celebrated by many. Every year parents surprise their children with special gifts. Newlyweds enjoy each other’s company as they fall deeper in love. Blind dates are arranged with hopes of finding the perfect partner. Husbands and wives gather and reminisce of their years spent together, and high school kids believe they have finally found the love of their life. No matter the age of a person, love seems to be the common dominator for this special occasion. Love is expressed during this time as the economy has prepared well in advance to accommodate us with tons of heart-shaped balloons, chocolate candy, beautiful flowers, expensive jewelry, deli-
28 // February 2015
cious champagne, and cute, stuffed animals to help make this one day and yearly event even more special. We participate in hopes of showing kindness and acts of love toward those we love.
The Greater Gift
Before Valentine’s Day was ever established on our calendars, there was a greater love made known to mankind that was so beautifully displayed at the Cross of Calvary. The truest act of “loving and giving from the heart” was freely given by Jesus Christ as He allowed the nails to pierce His hands and feet. This was the greatest gift of unconditional love mankind has ever known. This valuable gift, however, was not wrapped up in a pretty bow, nor did it have cute heart-shaped balloons attached. And it definitely wasn’t adorned in costly jewelry. This kind of love is more costly than any gift we could ever purchase and is available every single day of our lives. Because God is love, we can love one another. Daily, our love can be displayed toward one another through random acts of kindness, gentle hugs, words of encouragement, a warm smile, and a loving touch. May every day you live be filled to overflowing with the love of Jesus Christ—our real Valentine.
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Gò0dNews for Missions
MISSION TO INDIA—PART 2 W
by Rick Mitchell
ednesday morning arrived at the same time it usually does, very early. From outside my room I could hear the sound of roosters, smell the fragrance of the streets and sewers, and marvel at the vast humanity that lives in India. Later that day we flew from Delhi to Jammu, India. There were two young men, training to be pastors, who traveled with me for the entirety of the trip. One was a driver and the other was a translator. They kept me out of trouble—not an easy job Upon arrival in Jammu, we went to where we would be staying for the week and got ready for the evening. Joseph*, Pastor of The Crucified Christ Church (the only evangelical church in Jammu serving a population of 4.5 million) came to get us. Hindus have over 330 million gods. So when you talk about Jesus as God, they just add him to their already long list of gods. This spiritual battlefield requires enormous prayer for the Indian people to come from the pitch-black darkness of the devil’s Hinduism into the marvelous and bright light of the Gospel. That evening Pastor arranged for us to go to several homes and hold Bible studies, pray, and share Christ. Toward the end of the evening Pastor asked if I wanted to go and visit a large compound where five families lived. They were Hindu idol worshippers. He has been visiting them for quite some time, but has not been able to get a Bible
30 // February 2015
study or church started there. We went to the compound and for a while just talked and let them get to know me. Then, Pastor called everyone together and told them to listen. I then shared my testimony. It was very simple. Only a few paragraphs, but God did His work. After I finished I asked everyone to bow their heads and close their eyes and to raise their hand if they wanted to get into a Bible study to learn more about how to become a follower of Jesus. Nine people raised their hands. The moms and dads from most of the families and several older youth and young adults made up the nine. You should have seen Pastor’s face. He was so excited. On the way back to our place Pastor remarked that he had been there many times, but with no visible results. But this time he saw God work. Later he told me that he would return to their compound for follow-up several times a week for the next few weeks. After that he will go once a week. We both remarked that in just a few minutes God had started a church. This was our final full day in India. What a week. God did a great job. To Him be all the glory and praise. *Real name not used.
Rick Mitchell is president of Sports & Rec Plus, a worldwide church-planting ministry that trains churches and mission organizations to use all types of recreation and leisuretime activities for evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. Contact him at sportsrecplus@cs.com.
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Gò0dNews for Couples
I
Press Hard; You’re Making Copies! by John Garrod
hail from the carbon paper days. You younger folks have no idea what you missed, with your carbonless forms and paperless society. In the carbon paper days, you had to have a piece of carbon paper between the original and each copy you wanted to make. With carbon paper, you had to be careful how you even handled the stuff, or you’d end up with a deep purple-black ink all over your hands. Any time you were filling out any kind of important paperwork, you always received the same admonition: “Press hard; you are making multiple copies,” because the imprint of your pen had to imprint the ink of the carbon paper onto each successive copy. If there was sensitive information involved (as was the case in my Army days), the carbons had to be destroyed, because they held an image of what had been written. There were no corrections; even if you put White-Out on the original, the carbon paper had already imprinted the copies. When you’re a couple raising children, you are imprinting messages all of the time. What children perceive, process, and store about what it will mean someday to be a spouse comes first and foremost from one source: you. They pick up on everything—the way you speak to each other, the way you hold each other, the way you handle good times, and just as importantly, the way you conduct yourselves when all is not roses and honey in your household.
32 // February 2015
These all leave indelible marks on young minds and will override what they learn elsewhere, because you are their primary source of information. They may read in Ephesians 5 that wives should be subject to their husbands, but have they seen Godly submission to a priest of the home, or fearful obedience to avoid abuse? They may be taught in Sunday school that a man should nourish and cherish his wife, but do they understand that means you should hold her as priceless, even when she is ill? Angry? Wrong? With the divorce rate in the church matching or surpassing that of couples outside the church, and the rate of children being born in single-parent homes, I’d have to surmise that the correct answers to those questions would be, “Not enough.” Is it any wonder that the Biblical model of marriage has never seen such an attack as it has in recent decades? We have the blueprint for marriage sitting on our coffee tables and loaded onto our smart phones and tablets, but we need to live that out if we want to see the institution of marriage restored to order. So please, folks, press hard. Let’s make copies that will last for a lifetime of marriage. John Garrod is a father of 6, husband of 1, Army veteran, and a resident of Tennessee for the past 4 years. He is a member at South Cleveland Church of God.
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...we see people developing energy, stamina and healthy living habits. You may see the Y, as kids playing in a pool. We see kids gaining self-confidence and learning long-term life skills. It’s not about the gym or equipment, it’s about the commitment, the confidence, the camaraderie and the accomplishments of our members Stop in at and staff. our O P E N H O US Stop by the Y today and see why E at all bran we’re so much more than a gym… ch Saturday es! We’re a CauSe! , Jan uary 17 2- 4 p.m. th
Facility to pr ogram ur s and FUN dem for the en onstrations tir e family .
YMCA OF METROPOLITAN CHATTANOOGA ymcachattanooga.org
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Living in the Now by Kelly McDonald
“T
herefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt. 6:34 NIV). As humans, we worry about our past, our present, and our future. There are things we have done in our past that we are not proud of. Sometimes we are afraid that our past actions will come back to haunt us. We are concerned with our present and the decisions we should make now. We have bills that must be paid and obligations we must meet. Lastly, we are concerned about the future of our children and grandchildren. We think about how our needs will be met in the future. Satan, our Enemy, wants us to live in constant worry about yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The problem is that when we live in fear, shame, and worry, our “right now” passes us by. We let it go by without living every moment with purpose and drive. The most important moment of your life is now! In the first century, the Jewish people were waiting for the coming of the Messiah. When Jesus came, some recognized Him as the Messiah. Everyone else was still focused on the future, waiting on the Messiah. The Messiah was in front of them, yet they missed Him. They failed to recognize the time of God’s coming to them (see Luke 19:44). The miracles of Christ were all overlooked because Jesus did not fit into their mold. He did not fit their way of doing things. They had their own mindset
34 // February 2015
of what tomorrow would bring, and they missed the “now”! The beautiful thing about the one true God is that He can take care of the three things we worry about. He takes care of our past by forgiving our sins and wiping them away. He provides for our future by giving us precious promises in His Word. This provision allows us to live in the now—the present. Through His Spirit, every moment of our lives can be purpose driven. This allows us to make the most of our life here on earth. Are we just letting time pass us by? Are we living in worry? Living in concern can quench the Spirit’s burn. It is easy to look back and think we should have done something differently. Hind sight is always 20/20. God redeems our past by giving us a message for now. Our past failures become our present message. Perhaps you lived a life as a drug addict; that was your past. Jesus wipes away your past mistakes. This gives you an eternal, future hope. In doing this for you, He gives you a message for now. Your present message will help others overcome. Jesus urges us to live right now—the present. The past is the past and the future is in His hands. I encourage you to give your past to Him, believe in Him for your future, and live purposefully and passionately in the now. Kelly McDonald, Jr. is an ordained evangelist with Hungry Hearts Ministries. He has written 15 books and booklets on Christian Living. www. hungryheartsministry.com
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PRESENTS “Transforming Lives in the Face of Persecution� FEATURING
Os Guinness
(D. Phil. Oxford University) Social critic and author of The Call, God in the Dark, The Global Public Square, Renaissance: The Power of the Gospel However Dark the Times, and over 20 other books.
Thursday, March 26, 2015 6:30 p.m.
Chattanooga Convention Center
Tickets: $40 (includes dinner) Table for eight: $300
Join us for this unique opportunity to advance the Gospel through national workers who faithfully proclaim Christ in their native languages and home cultures around the world with AMG.
To learn more and register: Visit
amgbanquet.org or call (423) 894-6060, ext. 261