April 2023

Gò0dNews

Back Row (L to R): Darrin Douglas, licensed funeral director; Mason Holliday, funeral assistant; Perry Horner, funeral assistant; Marc Rush, licensed funeral director; Jim Hibbard, funeral assistant. Front Row (L to R): Brent Swanson, funeral assistant; Robert Bankston, funeral assistant; Judy Satterfield, administrative assistant; Kathy Partin, family services; Joseph Bathe, funeral assistant; Darla Rush, administrative assistant; Greg Rush, licensed funeral director. Not pictured: Jenna Eve Picou, licensed funeral director; Harold (Joe) Parker, funeral assistant; Susan Harper, after care-family support.

About Us

WRITERS

Dr. Alan Hix

Angie Bishop-Forsyth

Brenda Dedmon

Charles Finney

Chuck Cleveland

Danny Hesterly

David Beckmann

David W. Kramer

John Garrod

Jonathon Wright

Judy Hood

Katie Loveless

Kenneth E. Ware

Lori Sentell

Matt Jensen

Monica Gambrell

Paula Burgner

Rick Hughes

Dr. Rob Debelak

Samuel Burger

Sandra Gilmore

Sheneka Land

Terrie Ruff

SALES

Bud Kinches

423-650-2801

Email: bud.goodnews@gmail.com

DESIGN

Caleb Prytherch

Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Paula Knipp

423-310-4207

FACEBOOK

GoodNews CM

DISTRIBUTION

5,000 Monthly

EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR

Jodi Varnado

Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com

PUBLISHER

Matthew and Bethany Ruckman

Cell: 423-503-1410

Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com

OFFICE

423-790-5378

WEBSITE

goodnewscm.com

issuu.com/goodnewscm

Hello Friends,

We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!

Put Up or Shut Up

by David W. Kramer

As a Pastor, I have often told my congregation that one phone call or event can change your life forever. I’ve witnessed people receive phone calls about car accidents, house fires, sudden illnesses, and deaths that immediately changed their life. Well, I experienced one of those events in my life last year.

In July 2022, I had an appointment with an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor in Chattanooga. I had a persistent ulcer under my tongue that would not go away. The doctor took one look at my tongue and said he thought it was cancer. He then proceeded to tell me that the only way to deal with this type of cancer was to cut out the cancerous part of my tongue.

Wow. That was a lot to take in. I had suspected it might be cancer, but a previous doctor had said it wasn’t. I knew at that moment that this was one of those life-changing moments I had preached about.

I believe it is important for us as believers and leaders to be transparent when we face trials in our lives. Shortly after that doctor visit, my wife and I decided that we should share the experience we were about to go through on our Facebook page. I felt it was time to “put up or shut up!” I had told others to trust in God through their trials. Would I do the same? I said to my wife, Alecia, “We have to show others how to walk through a trail or a test. If we don’t show them, how will they know that God will intervene and rescue them?”

What a journey it has been! I can testify that God has been with me every step of the way. When I awoke from the 8-hour surgery to remove ¾ of my tongue and reconstruct it with tissue from my left leg calf, I remember thinking that wasn’t so bad. Afterwards, when they allowed my wife to see me in recovery, I remember mouthing the word “hope.” No matter what had happened, I still had hope because I still had God on my side.

So often, we want God to heal us immediately without ever suffering any pain or discomfort. But the truth is that He often holds our hand through the trial. Isaiah 43:2 tells

us, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you, When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned…”

Two months after the surgery, I went through six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation. I can truthfully say that I have felt the waters literary up to my neck/mouth—yet I did not drown! Why? Because God was with me.

As believers, we are not exempt from trails and tribulations. However, we have a definite advantage—we have an all-powerful, all-knowing God on our side! He never leaves us nor forsakes us. He is always there.

Let me encourage you today. If you are facing something in your life that is life-changing, place your trust in Yahweh God. I can attest to you that He is faithful. I can testify that He will guide you and help you every single day. He may not always do things the way you want them done, but He knows what is best for you. He’s our loving Father, and He knows how to take care of you!

Bishop David Kramer has served as the pastor of The Church of God at Jerusalem Acres since 2010. He has also served as the music director for the international church for over 20 years. David resides in Cleveland with his wife, Alecia Kramer.

Springtime Fun

by Brenda Dedmon

One of the most beautiful times of the year for me is spring. It seems after months of winter, when the days are cold, cloudy, and rainy, I sometimes forget how beautiful our world is. When I begin to see the beautiful flowers budding, trees putting back on green leaves, and the birds chirping early in the morning, I am reminded of the Scripture, “God made everything beautiful in its own time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Spring reminds us that even when we think things are gloomy and sad, God created a beautiful world for us to enjoy. It gives us hope that God will always take care of us. How does spring make you feel? When spring arrives, it seems to brighten up our lives with the arrival of baby animals, pretty flowers, and nature springing to life. It is a great time to enjoy the beautiful world God created and to explore things with your family and friends.

The following ideas are suggestions for how you can re-discover the beautiful world with your friends and family:

• Spring Scavenger Hunt. Take a walk with your family in your neighborhood or a local park to discover what spring looks like in your hometown. Items to look for could include: a flying insect, a flower, new leaves, seeds, twigs, an ant, something red, and something that starts with the first letter of your name.

• Visit a Pet Farm. Ask your parents to find a Pet Farm to visit. You could feed a bottle to a baby goat, cuddle a baby chicken, gather eggs, ride a pony, and do many other fun activities with animals.

• Make a Birdhouse. There are birdhouse kits at your local hobby shops and hardware stores, or you might have items at your home to build one. Discover the type of birds that you might see in your backyard. Explore what kind of bird feed you

would need to place in the birdhouse. Keep a journal of the types of birds you see visiting the birdhouse.

• Draw a Spring Scene. Using neon glitter sidewalk chalk, design a beautiful spring picture to enjoy. You may use items from the Scavenger Hunt to help you decide on the design. Invite your neighbors to join you in creating a beautiful picture for the neighborhood to enjoy.

• Visit a Farmer’s Market. This would be a great time to discover fruits and vegetables that are grown in your town. It would also be a fun time to try out fruits or vegetables you have never eaten.

• Fly Kites. Visit a park to fly kites. You may choose to make your own kite or fly a favorite kite you have. Discover what is the best way to get the wind to pick up the kite and keep it up in the air. Remember to give thanks to God for creating the wind so you can fly a kite.

Remember to give thanks to God for the springtime and the beautiful world He gave us to enjoy!

Written by Rev. Brenda Dedmon, retired director of Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist of Dalton and an avid Roll Tide fan.

How to Make Your Money Go Further in 2023

Money Matters Rick Hughes with

Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes founded Hughes Retirement Group in 2007. His main interest is helping his clients in reducing their taxes.

There are about a million reasons to want your money to go further in 2023. Maybe the high inflation throughout 2022 has you feeling like you are paying more for less, or perhaps you took a pay cut that made you feel financially squeezed.

Maybe you received a bonus and you want to make sure it is put to good use. And, let’s not forget that this past year’s stock market performance is making everyone’s net worth drop like a rock.

Whatever your reason, it’s always smart to look ahead to a new year with the goal of doing better if you can. But what are the best ways to make your money go further when it feels like everything at the store costs more each time you go?

1. Ditch High-Interest Credit Card Debt

Rising interest rates were a good thing for savers throughout all of 2022, but they had the opposite effect on households that carry long-term credit card debt. In fact, the average credit card interest rate increased from 18% to 19.5% by December of 2022.

2. Start Budgeting

Begin tracking your spending and using a monthly budget that determines where your money goes each month. Not only is budgeting the most effective way to understand how to stretch your money further, but it also allows you to understand what you have coming in and going out.

3. Automate Your Savings

Begin to put money into savings or investment accounts first, versus waiting until the end of the month and seeing

what you have left. As time goes on, you won’t even miss this money because it’s not money you think you can spend. Make sure to automate so it is not missed and pick a day each month for it to come out of your account.

4.

Invest In Yourself

Most of us hear a lot about investing in the stock market, but what about investing in yourself? Consider certain types of self-improvements in 2023. Maybe it should be education or improving a skill. This may enable you to increase your earning potential and improve your financial situation.

5. Take Steps to Improve Your

Credit

If you have had a few credit mishaps over the last few years and your credit score is not as good as it should be, the new year is a good time to turn things around. After all, having good credit can mean paying lower interest rates and fewer fees any time you borrow money, and it can help you qualify for lower car insurance premiums, too.

6. Increase Contributions to Retirement Accounts

Maximizing income in 2023 involves taking advantage of increase on income limits and contribution amounts for tax-advantage retirement accounts like 401(k) plans and Traditional and Roth IRA’s. The contribution limits for 401(k) and similar workplace retirement savings plans are increasing to $22,500 in 2023. If you are 50 years of age or older it is $30,000. Meanwhile, IRA contribution limits increase to $6,500 and the catch up for people 50 or older is $7,500.

I hope this information helps you!

Don’t Forsake It, For Your Sake

by John Garrod

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Three years ago, the world changed, and as much as we like to talk about only being tourists in it, we suddenly found out that “tourism” could end virtually overnight. Suddenly, we were quarantined, set at least 6-feet apart, with no clear idea of when the turmoil would cease. That comfortable pew which had begun to take on the shape of my posterior was exchanged for the front seat of my car during something called “parking lot church.” We honked our amens, beepbeeped our hallelujahs, but it was not the same. Then came online sermons, praise and worship. If God can use a donkey and a whale, He can most assuredly use Wi-Fi, and people were still getting saved through those ministries.

But something was missing, and we all felt it. Separated by a few feet or sitting in our own homes, we lost out on something—a valuable part of being part of a local body of believers. No emoji can replace a hug, and a set of digital hands clasped to pray isn’t the same as having your brothers and sisters lay hands on you and pray you through to the very throne of God. And as appetizing as some of your foodie pictures may be, it’s not the same as breaking bread with each other.

And yet we did the unthinkable: We got used to it. Staying home and “dialing in” (I can’t remember the last time I actually “dialed” anything) to service became… acceptable. Don’t get me wrong: Online ministry can be a tremendous blessing, especially to those who can’t physically be present. But I’ll confess if you won’t: Sometimes it got very convenient to coast a bit. Sleep in. Attend Bedside Assembly. I’m the Dad, the Husband: I should be the spiritual leader, and I’m hugging a pillow at 11:30.

Skipping out on the Body may have become easy, but getting up, getting dressed, and getting to the House of God is worth the effort. In the company of brothers and sisters, you hear the testimonies. Shoulder to shoulder in the altars, you feel the camaraderie: You’re PART of something. You’re not alone. And that sense of belonging becomes even stronger when you get the opportunity to reach out to someone and help them. I don’t know if you’ve read this anywhere before, but that whole “It’s more blessed to give

than to receive” thing is real. Whether we’re laying hands on someone or just resting a hand on a shoulder, sharing a laugh or giving a few words of encouragement, when we’re supporting our brothers and sisters in Christ, we are working as His agent.

So, Dad, go ahead and set that alarm for Sunday morning. For every Sunday morning. Set it early enough that you can get the kids up and stop and get donuts for the Sunday school class. You’ll be glad you did.

John Garrod is father of 6, husband of 1, an ESOL teacher in Dalton, GA, a Lee U graduate (c/o ‘19), a U.S. Army veteran and a member of South Cleveland COG.

Author

Fragrant Friend

by Angie Bishop-Forsyth

Relationships. What comes to your mind when you hear that word? For some, it may look like work. For others, it may look like sacrifice. I’m here to tell you it’s both. Depending on your people, it can be a real task. And, depending on your nature, it may be all about your motives. So, before we go any further, pause for a moment and ask yourself, “What do I bring to the table in my relationships, and what do I seek out of a friend, brother, sister, parent, or spouse?”

As a child, I had two girls I considered my very best friends. The problem was those two did not like each other. They were the type of people who could only have one friend at a time. Therefore, the dislike came from being jealous of each other for having to share that friendship with me. This taught me at a young age how to be a peacekeeper. I did my best to split time between the two and keep the waters calm, but I so desired the three of us to be together, sharing that bond as a whole.

Now, with 760 miles that separate me from them, these women are still my friends today. I can talk to them and it’s like the miles never separated us. I say all this to show you that, even at a young age, I had to work at maintaining these friendships. The two girls didn’t always make it easy, and as a non-believer at the time, I had no idea the importance of the lessons I was learning. There’s been a lot of life lived from then until now. One of the girls suffered abuse at the hand of her

father, which led her down some dark paths for quite a while—drugs, prison, and hard living. But God! The other suffered a nasty divorce that took her to the feet of Jesus. I know as children, none of us were taught about the love of Jesus, but through life’s crazy journey, we all found our place in His arms. We are all now what I desired as a little girl—united! It’s not by our efforts but by the handiwork of God.

The honesty and love we have for each other go way beyond our own doing. It’s a deeper love, as it comes from God. Love like this is unmasked, raw, and covered in truth. We have each other’s best interests at heart. We encourage one another. We offer Godly advice to each other. We see the value in each other. We do what God calls us to do in our relationships, and that is to love without limits, speak in truth and love, build one another up, and freely give our time with no ulterior motives. The Bible tells us that “heartfelt counsel of a friend is sweet like perfume and incense” (Proverbs 27:9). Find fragrant friends and be a fragrant friend! Make your relationships be about the Father’s business, and you will have lasting relationships that bring honor and glory to God for all time!

My name is Angie Bishop-Forsyth. I’m just a simple lady with a heart that chases after God! I love to share about Him anywhere I can. To me, there’s no one or no thing on this earth greater to talk about! God has blessed me in tremendous ways and I not only love to tell about it, but I live to tell about it!

Cleveland Church Directory

Apostolic

First Apostolic Church Of Cleveland

4859 Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(229) 343-6880

Assembly of God

The Collectives Church

1976 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 641-0193

Triune Assembly

301 Sunset Drive

Cleveland, TN 37312

Baptist

Beacon Baptist Church

505 Corvin Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 472-7056

Bellefounte Baptist Church

132 Bellfounte Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 336-2312

Bethel Baptist Tabernacle

3165 Buchanan Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 479-5820

Berean Baptist Church

2355 Bucks Pocket Rd SE, Old Fort, TN 37362

(423) 478-1697

Big Spring Baptist Church

1415 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 472-1101

Blue Springs Baptist Church

699 Blue Springs Church Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 472-0932

Candies Creek Church

294 Old Eureka Rd

Charleston, TN 37310

(423) 479-3731

Cedar Springs Baptist Church

723 Cedar Springs Church Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 479-5506

Center Point Baptist Church

1205 Lower River Rd NW

Charleston, TN 37310

(423) 336-2133

Cleveland Cowboy Church

3040 Blythe Rd.

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 476-7936

Cloverleaf Baptist Church

2290 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 339-3617

Clingan Ridge Baptist Church

2412 Georgetown Road, NW Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 472-3511

Church At Grace Point

2595 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 728-5050

Covenant Baptist Church

249 Calhoun Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 559-2653

Dalton Pike Baptist Church

3055 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 472-7606

East Cleveland Baptist Church

1145 Arnold St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 472-8728

Echos of Mercy Baptist Church

535 Durkee Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 715-9739

Elkmont Baptist Church

4030 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 479-4600

Emmanuel Baptist Church

1227 Powerline Dr NE, Cleveland, TN 37323

Farmland Community Church

1675 Greendale Dr. SE

Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 473-9891

First Baptist Church

1275 Stuart Road

Cleveland, Tennessee 37312

(423) 709-9100

Galilee Baptist Church

665 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 496-2019

Henegar Baptist Church

7423 Mouse Creek Rd.

Cleveland, TN 37312

Hopewell Baptist Church

188 Old Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 479-3763

Lebanon Baptist Church

1411 Old Parksville Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 479-6700

Macedonia Baptist Church

3119 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 479-1713

Maple Street Baptist Church

1700 Maple St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 478-3622

Maranatha Baptist Church

453 Blue Springs Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 614-8991

Michigan Avenue Baptist Church

2741 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 472-8891

Mt Carmel Baptist Church

7619 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 479-1620

New Friendship Baptist Church

1344 Chatata Valley Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 476-6007

New Salem Baptist Church

175 Ladd Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323

North Cleveland Baptist Church

2815 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 476-8524

Oak Grove Baptist Church

4452 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 479-9125

Old Pathway Baptist Church

224 Rymer Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323

Parkway Baptist Church

185 Meadow Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 339-5522

Philadelphia Baptist Church

910 30th St SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

Philippi Baptist Church

2325 Old Harrison Pike NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 479-5385

Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church

799 Inman Street East Cleveland, Tennessee 37311

(423) 476-4081

Public Church

850 17th St. NW Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 458-4405

Ridgeview Baptist Church

1501 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 472-5119

Samples Memorial Baptist Church

371 Samples Chapel Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 476-2329

Shenandoah Baptist Church

138 Osment Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 339-0103

Shiloh Baptist Church

357 Highway 64

Ocoee, TN 37361

(423) 338-4292

Shiloh Baptist Church

3406 Blair Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 479-5755

Stuart Park Baptist Church

850 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 472-6741

Tasso Baptist Church

164 Old Charleston Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 559-2114

Temple Baptist Church

3070 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 476-6813

Thompson Spring Baptist Church

5660 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 790-1823

Union Baptist Church

797 Hughes Lake Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 559-1720

Valley View Baptist Church

4657 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 472-7707

Washington Avenue Baptist Church

1720 Perry St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 472-0489

Waterville Baptist Church

4555 Dalton Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 472-5582

West Cleveland Baptist Church

1959 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 472-8927

Westwood Baptist Church

4001 Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 472-1534

White Oak Baptist Church

2043 White Oak Valley Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 559-2359

Catholic

St Therese Catholic Church

900 Clingan Ridge Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 476-8123

Charismatic

Cleveland Christian Fellowship

695 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 476-2642

Church of Christ

North Bradley Church of Christ

1510 Stuart Road NE, Suite 207

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 473-3298

Church of God

Community Chapel Church of God

807 Blythe Ave SE

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 479-2143

Cornerstone Church of God

1826 SE Dalton Pike

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 478-0006

Church of God Sanctified, Inc.

746 First Street N.E.

Cleveland, TN. 37311

(423) 479-3895

East Cleveland Church of God

900 15th St NE

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 479-3389

Fellowship of Praise Church of God

931 Inman Street East

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 479-3121

Grace Community Church of God

4745 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312.

(423) 614-0708

Heritage Fellowship Church of God

4635 South Lee Hwy

McDonald, TN 37353

(423) 476-6316

International Worship Center

Centro Internacional de Adoración

533 Central Ave. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 476-1977

Kinser Church of God

141 Kinser Road

Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 476-7400

Lakeview Church of God

105 Pound Street SE

Cleveland, TN 37323

(423)-790-5805

North Cleveland Church of God

335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 476-5513

Michigan Avenue Church of God

515 Minnis Road NE

(423) 284-7573

Mt Olive Church of God

3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 479-3381

Mt View Church of God

210 Roadway Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(706) 455-3528

Pine Hill Church of God

1484 Old Alabama Rd

McDonald, TN 37353

(423) 488-0939

South Cleveland Church of God

1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 476-6382

Westmore Church of God

2440 Legacy Pkwy NW

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 479-3415

Church of God of Prophecy

Cleveland Spanish COGOP

2610 Grove Ave.

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 473-7199

Durkee Road COGOP

201 Durkee Rd.

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 472-4384

Keith Street Ministries COGOP

4000 Keith ST. NW

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 476-2448

Peerless Road COGOP

3301 Peerless Rd.

NW Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 303-2680

Spring Place COGOP

2530 Spring Place Rd.

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 476-6414

Union Grove COGOP

533 Union Grove Rd

Charleston, TN 37310

(423) 479-5357

Wildwood COGOP

140 Wildwood Ave

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 479-6584

The Church of God

The Church of God Jerusalem Acres

1826 Dalton Pike SE

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 472-1597

Community

Fellowship in Christ

1025 Beech Circle NW

Cleveland TN 37312

(423) 314-2382

Disciples of Christ

First Christian Church

3625 N. Ocoee Street

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 472-6682

Episcopal

Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church

320 Broad St NW,

Cleveland, TN 37311

Lutheran

First Lutheran Church

195 McIntire Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 472-6811

Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

4200 Pryor Rd N.E.

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 503-6394

Methodist

Big Spring United Methodist

1196 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 476-5242

Black Fox United Methodist

1820 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 339-1908

Broad Street United Methodist

155 Central Ave NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 476-5586

First United Methodist Church

3425 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 476-4504

Mount Zion UMC

7223 Germantown Rd NW

Cleveland, TN 37312

Pleasant Grove UMC

3043 Pleasant Grove Church Rd SW

Cleveland, TN 37311

Red Hill United Methodist Church

527 Red Hill Valley Road SE

Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 728-5413

South Cleveland United Methodist

1165 Church St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 507-5760

Tasso United Methodist

1106 Tasso Ln NE, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 479-4457

Trinity United Methodist Church

731 1st St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 614-7900

Valley Head Methodist Church

920 Mouse Creek Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 472-0575

Wesley Memorial Methodist

3405 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 472-9578

Pentecostal

Faith Memorial Church

910 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 476-6281

First United Pentecostal Church

4095 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 476-9436

Revolution Life Church

1525 Jones Ave SW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 310-7287

Full Gospel House of Prayer

1500 Wildwood Ave.

Cleveland, TN

Set Free Christian Fellowship

1175 King Edwards Ave.

Cleveland, TN

Non-Denominational

Benton Pike House Of Prayer

2615 Peach Orchard Hill Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323

Christian Fellowship Ctr

895 6th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 479-9591

Church Alive Ministries

6315 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 476-8133

Cleveland Community Chapel

1823 Forest Ridge Dr.

Cleveland, TN 37311

Cleveland Cornerstone Church

533 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 479-1775

Community Hall Church

1305 6th Street

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 472-2178

Crossroads Community Church

1000 South Lee Highway

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 716-2871

Dwelling Place Church International

523 Urbane Road NE

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 790-5200

Evening Light Gospel

200 20th St SE

Cleveland, TN 37311

Freedom Fellowship Church

3555 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 478-0654

God’s Family Fellowship

2823 South Lee Hwy

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 458-4490

Graceway Chapel

221 14th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 728-2226

Jacob’s Tent Fellowship

1080 Montgomery Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37311

Eleven22 Church

1701 South Lee Hwy

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 488-4526

The Journey Church

3191 South Lee Hwy, McDonald, TN 37353

(423) 728-4100

Living By Faith Ministries

1175 King Edward Avenue

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 457-9072

Living Stones Church

4165 Peerless Rd NW

Cleveland, TN 37312

Living Word Church

930 25th Street NW

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 339-3028

New Life Bible Church

155 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 478-2843

Tasso Christian Church

1135 Tasso Lane, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 479-2705

The TRIBE

1175 King Edward Avenue SE Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 380-8802

Tri-State Cowboy Church

200 Natures Trail SW, McDonald, TN 37353 (Building 3)

(423) 303-8954

United Christian Church

2200 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 479-4277

Unity Christian Ministries

2419 Georgetown Rd NW

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 473-9338

Walker Valley Community

787 Lauderdale Memorial Hwy

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 336-9696

Presbyterian

Charleston Cumberland

Presbyterian Church

8267 N Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 336-5004

First Cumberland Presbyterian 161 2nd St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 476-6751

First Presbyterian Church 433 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 476-5584

Flint Springs Cumberland

Presbyterian Church

515 Flint Springs Rd Cleveland TN. 37323

(423) 284-6397

Prospect United Cumberland

Presbyterian Church

310 New Murraytown Rd. NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 476-6181

St James Cumberland Presbyterian 151 Short St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 472-5762

Trinity Presbyterian PCA 1780 Stuart Rd. NE, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 559-9595

Seventh Day Adventist

Bowman Hills Adventist

300 Westview Dr NE

Cleveland, TN 37312

Cleveland Fellowship Church 211 Trewhitt Drive

Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 400-7054

East Cleveland Seventh-Day 801 Howard Circle SE

Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 476-9299

Nazarene

Cleveland First Church Of The Nazarene

2712 Henderson Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312

423-472-7371

New Hope Church of the Nazarene

4514 Waterlevel Highway

Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 473-3379

(423) 472-3882

Redemption To The Nations

2750 Keith Street NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 591-7886

Restoration Fellowship

211 Trewhitt Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 479-4249

The Sanctuary

1203 Smith Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311

Ladd Springs Seventh-Day 5860 Bates Pike SE

Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 476-1889

Zion Assembly

Zion Assembly Church of God

5512 Waterlevel Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 476-3337

Be Filled

by Katie Loveless

As a young girl, I stood by the kitchen window in awe as I watched my grandfather gulp water from a metal cup. He noticed my gaze and pushed out his belly, patting it as he did so and chuckled heartily. “It’s good to be filled up,” he said. “You should try it.” He promptly handed me a tall glass of water which I chugged heartily. We made a game of it, walking through the house, which ended with me rocking in the chair with my hand on my belly to feel the water slosh around.

It feels good to be filled up. God is so good to fill us with good things. Did you know that you were born to be filled? God has a plan to keep you, fill you, and allow His goodness in your life to overflow to others. We see this in the Bible as we consider passages in Exodus and John.

In the Book of Exodus Chapter 31, Verses 2 and 6, we see that God has a special call of service for His house. We’re told of one man He has filled with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge by His spirit to create good works. God soon calls helpers to join in the efforts of filling His house, and He gives them wise hearts to make everything He says. God says clearly here that the wise hearts have wisdom that God personally placed. He gave them wisdom, not merely for wisdom’s sake. He gave them wisdom to use for His glory. Wow!

Later in John 3:1-8, we see the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. I enjoy reading this because I see a mama’s heart here tugging at her son’s heartstrings and him tugging right back. Mary knows Jesus already. She understands what he is capable of, not merely as her son but as the living Son of God. And she draws it out of Jesus like water from a well. Parents, this is a lesson for us.

Provision is lacking at the wedding, and his mom calls Jesus to action. We see Jesus express that it’s not yet the season for his miracles. In one way, Mary lets it drop by not saying anything further to Jesus about it. In another way, she nudges him in the direction of destiny as she encourages the nearby servants to obey whatever he says. He does not disappoint as he commands them to fill six waterpots and draw water out from those. They filled the waterpots to the brim. Water went in, but wine came out. This valuable exchange is a miracle.

God has miracles for you, too. He has filled you with gifts and prepared you to do good works. He has important things for you to do and has filled you with wisdom and understanding to do them. Just as Jesus did, grow in your gifts as you get older. When the season is right, God will call you to action just as Mary did with Jesus.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV).

For Kids: Fill a glass of water to the brim with an adult’s help. Sip from the top until you can pick up the cup without spilling it. Take a few gulps. What does it feel like to be filled up? Notice how the water feels as it makes its way slowly to your belly.

Read Exodus 31:4, 6. What happens when God fills His servants?

Read John 1:32. What happens when God fills His son?

Read John 3:1-8 and 3:11. What happens when Jesus pours out to others? Consider how using your gifts the way God has designed makes room for faith and belief in others. How might God’s glory displayed through you lead others to know Him?

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

Church Activities & Events

Benton First Baptist Church

Family Resource Fair

Saturday, April 1 | 10AM - 2PM

2498 Parksville Rd, Benton, TN

Hiwassee Acres

Seated with Christ

March 31 - April 1

900 County Road 950, Calhoun, TN

Heritage Fellowship

Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 8 | 11AM - 1PM

4635 South Lee Highway, McDonald, TN 37353

Lighthouse Church International

Chosen Ministries Morning Worship

Sunday, April 16 | 10AM

8593 Hiwassee St, Charleston, TN

Abba’s House

Chris Tomlin

Thursday, April 13 | 7PM - 10PM

5208 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN

Omega Center International

2023 Prophetic Summit

Thursday, April 27 - Sunday, April 30

410 Urbane Rd NE, Cleveland, TN

Hearing His Voice

by Lori Sentell

In our relationships, we have many voices that we hear daily. As we are growing up, we hear the voices of our parents, siblings, grandparents, and other family members. These voices can encourage you, empower you, or discourage you. What others say to you and how you internalize their words will help you flourish or stifle you.

The voice of God will speak to you through His Word. Scripture is filled with encouraging Bible verses that can provide an uplifting word of hope and inspiration for your daily life. The Scriptures can give you daily encouragement and strength to persevere through life’s greatest challenges. God wants to comfort us in times of need. When you feel overwhelmed and anxious, the Bible can lift and renew your spirit and give you hope. When you read the Bible, you will experience God’s healing power for your heart and soul. When you meditate on Bible verses throughout the day, you can share them with your friends, family, and acquaintances. This encouragement will make an impact on someone else’s day, too.

In the world around us, we encounter despair and anxiety, but we can all find strength and guidance in His Word. No matter what we face—relationship conflict, death of a loved one, or loss of financial security— we can turn from our heartache, trouble, and confusion and focus on God’s promises to us and for us.

The Lord encourages us to find joy and peace every single day. He wants us to steal away from all of the busyness of life and have quiet time with Him and His Word. Psalm 91 says, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.’ Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee

with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”

The Bible is full of encouraging verses! God’s Word has been translated and kept alive throughout centuries to speak directly to your heart, right here and now. You were meant to find hope through Jesus Christ and His Love. The best way to fight discouragement is by meditating on words of encouragement! Bible verses grow your faith. Here are some Scriptures that will encourage you:

Isaiah 41:10— “Fear thou not: for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee.”

Psalm 118:14— “The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.”

2 Timothy 1:7— “For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

John 16:33— “These things I have spoken to you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; for I have overcome the world.”

Proverbs 3:5-6— “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths.”

Colossians 3:16— “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.”

Let me encourage you to read His Word and let Him speak to your spirit and heart today.

Lori Sentell is the pastor’s wife of Cornerstone Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee, and she is a teacher at Hopewell Elementary School.

The Fields

by Charles Finney

“Say not ye, there are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest” (John 4:35).

My grandpa was a simple man, but his wisdom was immeasurable. He lived on a farm with three fields that he tended to with great care—one for corn, one for hay, and one for wheat. He taught me the value of hard work and the importance of taking care of the land. He would always start his day with a prayer before he went out to his fields, asking God to bless the land and the crops.

But Grandpa wasn’t the only one with a green thumb in the family. My grandma had her own three “fields”—a garden, a field of flowers, and her children. She would spend hours in her garden, planting and tending to her vegetables, always with

a smile on her face. She would tell me stories of how she would use the vegetables in her cooking, making the most delicious meals for the family. And like Grandpa, she would also start her day with a prayer, thanking God for the beauty of nature and the bounty of her garden.

The flower field was her pride and joy, with rows and rows of different colored flowers creating a beautiful tapestry that would change with the seasons. And, of course, her children were her greatest accomplishment. She raised them with love and care, instilling in them the same values that Grandpa had taught me.

But there was one field that Grandpa and Grandma shared equally—their love for the church. They would often be found sitting in the front row, singing hymns with all their hearts, and listening attentively to the sermons. Their faith was a constant source of inspiration for the whole family, and their devotion to God’s Word was evident in the way they lived their lives.

Grandpa and Grandma were a perfect pair, each with their own unique skills and passions, but united in their love for the land, their family, and their church. They would often work side by side, Grandpa in his fields and Grandma in her garden, but always taking breaks to admire each other’s work, share a laugh, and pray together.

I have many fond memories of those days on the farm, learning from my Grandpa and Grandma. Their wisdom, love for the land and their family, and devotion to their faith has stayed with me throughout my life and has shaped me into the person I am today. I will always be grateful for the lessons they taught me, in the fields, in life, and in faith.

Three Principles of Leadership

by Samuel Burger

Leadership is an art. However, three fixed principles can help provide direction and alignment in any organization. Here they are in sequential order.

1. The Why

Any organization must know why it exists. The foundation of an organization must know its purpose and meaning. Every individual in the organization must understand why they exist and be able to tell why it exists in a sentence or two. Henry Thoreau wrote, “It is not enough to be busy. The question is: What are you busy about?” Easily distracted by the daily grind, we tend to drift from the meaning of why we do what we do. We can begin to do other things that don’t apply to the organization’s purpose. Thus, the leader must continually remind the people of the importance of “the why” by sharing positive results and how each person’s work contributes to the overall purpose.

2. The What

What goals need to be set about the purpose? A leader must be willing to collaborate with the team to set goals worthy of “the way.” Once the people are inspired by “the why,” they can partner in setting goals together, creating a shared sense of direction and camaraderie. As they work together, the plans can be placed in unison. Not only do they have a shared understanding of “the why,” but they also have a shared experience of “the what.”

3. The How

Since the whole team or organization understands its purpose and what it should do in pertinence to the goal, a plan or system needs to be created. Often, this area can take time to achieve. How do we create a culture to help achieve the organization’s goals? Groeschel wrote, “Systems create behaviors. Behaviors become habits. Habits drive

outcomes.” He says, “Strong systems make good people look great. Weak systems make great people look bad.” When one understands the concept of systems, we realize that any problem that usually arises is not the people but the system, that is, how something is done.

The bottom line is this: when the people in the organization have a strong sense of purpose, a sense of relevant directional goals, and a solid system to implement those goals, the results can be outstanding. I encourage you to go deeper and develop your leadership capacity. If you

aren’t a positional leader, you are still a leader. All of us lead in some way.

Not only do these principles apply to leading an organization or group of people, but also to your personal life. Why do you exist? What goals will you set for your purpose? What habits will you ask God to help you create to foster the accomplishment of those goals? We can never know the answers to these questions until we adopt God’s view about us from the Scriptures.

Samuel Burger is the pastor of Chestuee Worship Center in Calhoun, TN. You are invited to join the church on Sundays at 11:00 for Worship and Wednesdays at 7:00 for Bible Study.

Psalm 133 The Blessing of Togetherness:  A Pilgrim’s Point of View

Part I of III

by Dr. Rob Debelak

Unified kingdom: rejoicing in God’s presence – v 1

Ascending my country’s central mountain range, I make my way to Jerusalem’s temple mount. Befitting the honor of the one true God, this single sanctuary is the sole location the Almighty chose for His Name (Deuteronomy 12). At least three times annually, we assemble here for worship (Deuteronomy 16:16), and each time I climb these hills, I am gripped by the power of my people’s history.

Our ancestor Abraham worshipped here (Genesis 22). The LORD promised the aged patriarch that he would inherit this land (Gen 12:1-5). Under Moses’ leadership, God brought our people to this home of promise. Joshua fought valiantly for this country, and King David moved our nation’s government from Hebron to Jerusalem. The kingdom of 12 tribes is unified, and it is good!

Worshippers make their way up the mount; already, the music begins! “Behold what goodness…” (Psalm 133:1)! I see friends from every tribe in today’s assembly – those dwelling in distant locations far to the north, travelers from across the Jordan to the east, those in neighboring regions just to the west, and pilgrims like myself from well to the south! It is good - so very good, we are all here! Those blessed with plenty share with the impoverished, and no one lacks (Deuteronomy 14:29). There is no divisiveness – nothing offends in all of God’s holy mountain. Yes, it is good! As in the creation account (Gen 1), God’s work is good in history and contemporary life! Remembering and reflecting on God’s work, the lyrics of our psalm effectively blend the past and the present as the numberless congregation vocalizes two important illustrations…

Unified in faith: remembering – v 2

From the days of the exodus, Moses’ brother, Aaron, was anointed first high priest. He represented all the tribes as one redeemed nation before God. As the consecrating oil was poured generously on his head (Leviticus 8:1-12), it flowed downward, moistening his beard, reaching still down to the collar of his garment. From the head to the body – from one for all. The vivid ideal of Sinai echoes our

shared calling…we are a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6). The significance of this descending symbol touches my soul, and I pause in wonder before God.

Unified in life: reflecting – v 3

Beginning in the northern territory of our country, melting snow runs down Mount Hermon, finding tributaries to Galilee. This freshwater moves southward in Zion’s direction via the swelling Jordan River, emptying into the Dead Sea. I am humbled by the reminder that brothers and sisters in the north make an important contribution to tribes living in the south. Like precious water, we need each other.

A hint of eternity is present in a moment where heaven and earth meet. As we ascend this mountain, God sends down His blessing!

Dr. Rob Debelak is an Associate Professor of Bible at Lee University, where he has taught for over 29 years. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Making Room for Hope

by Sandra Gilmore

Can you imagine the pace of life with no television, telephones, or email? Imagine a little further. What would our pace be like if there were no activities to rush to like soccer practice, dance lessons, or after-work meetings? Marinate in the thought of having the time to sip coffee, engage in an interesting conversation, teach children a life skill or just simply sit still and reflect on the Lord. There were once days not influenced by modern advances and the fast-paced technology that underscores

intrigue, victory, compassion, comfort, wisdom, and especially hope. Here are a few samples:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13, NIV).

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, KJV).

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17, NIV).

“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you” (Psalm 39:7, NIV).

“Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying” (Romans 12:12, CEV).

the hectic pace we live in today. In fact, Jesus lived in days without all our modern advances and conveniences.

Yet, Jesus tells the religious leaders of those days they had no room for His Word! What? How can that be?

It seems to me that not making room in our schedules for God’s Word is a generational curse, a habit of oversight passed down through the ages. Deuteronomy 6 declares that we are to teach our children about the Lord’s mercy and provision. Generations before us have overlooked this important teaching. Many of us have grown up learning to schedule for success, multiply for effectiveness or delegate for thoroughness. Where has the stipulation been that we must make room in those schedules for God’s Word?

Deep wellsprings of Living Water can be found in the pages of that dear Book. Its chapters are rich with history,

Christ still calls out for us to make room for His Word. As you schedule your appointments, make cupcakes for the preschool or prepare for the next business review, will you schedule some time to read His Word? Hope dwells in those pages. Romans 12 says, “Let your hope make you glad.” We need more gladness. We need more hope!

Father, how precious is your Word. Give me the heart of a bride reading a love letter from her groom. Reveal your interest in my every move, your conviction that arrests my faults and your love that lifts me from them. Let me see the hope in Your Love Letter to me. Amen.

Sandra Gilmore serves the Lord as wife, mom, and encourager, mostly through writing and speaking, occasionally through cooking, rarely through anything athletic and only because of the mercy and grace of Jesus. You can reach her by email: tandsgilmore@yahoo.com or her website: www.sandragilmore.org

Ahlberg Audiology and Hearing Aid Services

Welcome to Ahlberg Audiology and Hearing Aid Services, where your hearing is our priority. Founded by Cleveland native Dr. Tiffany Ahlberg in 2015, Ahlberg Audiology has become the premier hearing destination for hearing and tinnitus patients. Dr. Ahlberg’s passion for audiology was sparked many years ago by a close family member who was born with a severe hearing loss and received hearing aids at a very young age. Ahlberg Audiology and Hearing Aid Services are proud to provide the highest level of hearing care to Cleveland and its surrounding communities. Having practiced as an Audiologist in Cleveland since 2000, Dr. Ahlberg strives to ensure that she and her staff are uniquely positioned to address hearing healthcare concerns for

patients in her community. Audiology is a relatively small profession with less than 10,000 Doctors of Audiology nationwide. Because of this, many people are unaware of what an audiologist actually is. An audiologist is a hearing professional with a clinical doctorate (Doctor of Audiology, Au.D. degree) obtained from a university. Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing, balance, and tinnitus issues.

Ahlberg Audiology has more audiologists and more years of combined experience amongst its providers than anywhere else in Bradley County. Dr. Lynda Klee joined Dr. Tiffany Ahlberg as a provider at Ahlberg Audiology in 2019, making them the most experienced audiology team in Bradley County with over fifty-five years of combined experience

in audiology. Dr. Kelsey Brittingham joined the office in the summer of 2022. Dr. Brittingham is native to East Tennessee and received her Doctor of Audiology from the University of Tennessee. Ahlberg Audiology providers combine their vast experience with staying current on the latest and most up-to-date technologies to provide their patients with the best care available. Patient services are provided by Practice Manager Beverly Stevison and Patient Care Coordinator Hope Stephenson. Donny Ahlberg recently joined the practice as Director of Business Operations. The practice has been voted number one for Audiologist and Hearing Aid Center by the Reader’s Choice “Best of the Best” for seven consecutive years, establishing them as the most qualified hearing healthcare

office in this area. They are best known for offering the best hearing healthcare with state-of-the-art technologies and patient care. Their services include diagnostic hearing evaluations, custom earmolds and earplugs (for musicians, hunting, flying, etc.), cerumen management (earwax removal), hearing conservation, central auditory processing screening, tinnitus treatment, comprehensive hearing device services, and cochlear implant programming. The office is proud to be Cleveland’s only Lyric provider. The Phonak Lyric is the world’s smallest hearing device and is often called the contact lens for the ear. It is inserted by an audiologist and can stay in the ear for up to three months. The patient that wears the Lyric can sleep and shower in the device, and there are no batteries to change.

Audiologists at Ahlberg Audiology employ the highest standard of care for each patient, including Best Practices which include individualized programming and Real-Ear Measurement verification to ensure optimal technological performance for hearing aid patients. Ahlberg Audiology is the only facility in Bradley County that contracts with the Veteran’s Administration to provide veteran care for audiology services.

Offering many different product lines sets this practice apart from others and allows patients the most hearing options based on their individual hearing needs. There are hearing devices available for everyone. According to Dr. Ahlberg, “Some people are most interested in price, while others want a superior product for hearing background noise. Some specifically need Bluetooth capabilities, and some want rechargeable devices. Some want tiny, virtually invisible, in-the-ear devices, and others choose to keep the ear canal open with the unit behind the ear. There are options in technology, price, and performance for everyone. Our audiologists conduct a wide variety of tests to determine the exact nature of an individual’s hearing problem and present a variety of treatment options to patients with hearing impairment. When appropriate, they dispense and fit hearing aids and provide hearing rehabilitation training.”

Hearing loss is the second most prevalent health issue globally, with the number of people with hearing loss being more than those with Parkinson’s, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes combined. The number of Americans with hearing loss was up by 44% over the five years from 2000 to 2015. That’s 48 million Americans and 360 million worldwide with hearing loss. Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic health condition in senior citizens, exceeded only by arthritis and hypertension. The risk of dementia may be up to five times greater and the risk of falling three times greater among people with untreated hearing loss.

Hearing loss is a pervasive public health concern with potentially significant negative consequences if left untreated, which makes audiology an essential part of health care. Unfortunately, hearing loss can be left untreated for a variety of reasons and

this lack of treatment has significant adverse consequences. Untreated hearing loss can negatively impact the quality of a person’s life, including economic health (reduced occupational opportunities and income), psychosocial health (withdrawal and isolation), and mental health (cognition, depression, and even suicide), among other social determinants of health, in addition to harming patientprovider communications and patient compliance with healthcare provider treatment plans.

Although many insurances cover hearing testing, coverage for hearing devices or hearing aid-related services continues to evolve. Ahlberg Audiology participates with most major health insurances including Federal Insurance. Most Federal plans have hearing aid coverage as a benefit. Many other insurances have hearing aid benefits, and most of the time, people are unaware that the coverage is available. Our staff can verify benefits for individuals in advance of their appointment so that patients know what to expect before their visit.

Ahlberg Audiology is conveniently located at 4220 Ocoee Street North in Cleveland, Tennessee. The hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. You can find more information about Ahlberg Audiology by visiting the website at www.ahlbergaudiology.com or visiting them on Facebook at www.facebook. com/ahlbergaudiology. Call Ahlberg Audiology and Hearing Aid Services at (423) 641-0956 for your whole family’s hearing wellness and listening needs.

by Chuck Cleveland

Ibecame a Christian at 24, and my first years in the faith were spent being grounded at an excellent Bible-teaching fellowship. I learned the doctrinal lessons well and, while still in my twenties, was elected a church officer. Unfortunately, I knew more about theology than love.

Many years later, I concluded the character change needed was to become more compassionate, but I had no idea how to fulfill that desire. Thankfully, however, I soon received a tape from Steve Brown (the Bible teacher on the Key Life radio show), and it was an excerpt from his message that motivated me to go in a new direction. Here is a slightly-edited transcript, provided with Steve’s permission. I got a letter last week from a man who has a sexual problem, and he said, “I’ve never told anybody about this situation, but I’m writing to you at major risk because I’ve listened to you for two years

After twelve years of overt hostility, we began to speak cordially about the time I received Steve’s sermon, but those long-distance calls were primarily motivated by our mutual concern over our mother’s failing health. However, once that process began, it was amazing how quickly layers of distrust peeled away, and I began to understand the relationship between love and acceptance. Put simply, without the latter, I suspect expressions of the former are pretty much meaningless.

Clearly, the walls of hostility had come down. Shortly thereafter, I sent him a tape of some songs (a mutual interest), two excerpts from Steve Brown sermons, and a recounting of how much my life had changed. Almost immediately, I received his response, and (in part) it said:

I also enjoyed the excerpts from that

and I don’t think you will condemn me, I think you will try to help me.”

I’m going to frame that letter, because that’s the goal of my life. I want to be the kind of person who solicits from those who are hurting, who are sinful, who are broken and who are oppressed…You think about that.

Think about it I did. I earnestly wanted to become that kind of compassionate Christian and shortly thereafter, seemingly overnight, that desire became a reality. The relationship benefitting most from the change in Chuck was that with my long-estranged brother.

Barry and I were both only children—that is, he was born almost ten years after me and our worlds seldom touched. As he grew up, he adopted a belief system far removed from mine, and the clash of lifestyles made for uncomfortable family gatherings. Rather than detail those adventures in adversity, I’ll just say I thought the “loving thing” to do was have no contact.

talk on love and friendship… The difference between preaching and sharing is sincerity, and sincerity is the honest attempt to truly communicate…

You know, I feel like I have a brother for the first time in my life, and it feels really good. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all your efforts to make the changes that were necessary to make it possible.

Love, Barry

Concluding remark: For those Christians with nonbelieving friends and family members who think the only hope for reconciliation is for God to “fix” the other people, note that the “surgery” in this case was performed on me.

Chuck Cleveland lives in Newnan, GA and has written for three area magazines, as well as the local newspaper. He has been a Christian for over 50 years.

Chapters of Life

by Paula Burgner

Like a chapter in a book waiting to be written, each day of our lives has already been laid out before us. God has laid out the plans for our lives. He tells us in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

In this life, we sometimes wish that we could skip through the bad chapters, and other times, we can’t wait to turn the page. Don’t let those feelings keep you from reading the entire book. Just because one chapter is bad, it does not mean that is the end of the book. God tells us in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

No two chapters in our lives are the same, and they can make us feel like we are on the edge of our seats. We do not meet people by accident. Everyone we meet is meant to cross our paths for some reason. Although we may not realize it until the time has gone, in one way or the other, God has always given us the instructions on where to be or what to do. Sometimes, He places someone around you that will help guide you to where you are suppose to go. The Bible tells us this in Psalms 32:8, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”

Everyone at some point in their lives has a painful story that they have been through. Every painful story can have a successful ending, so push through the pain and get ready for success to come. In order for something to grow, it has to be dropped into dirt, covered with darkness, and struggle to reach the light. You endured the pain, but God has healed you. Remember that your story is never over. Every book has an ending, but in life, every ending is just a new beginning waiting to be told. The Bible says in Habakkuk 2:2, “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.”

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

DeBruce Pest Solutions

Brandon and Elizabeth DeBruce are the owners and operators of DeBruce Pest Solutions, a local family-owned pest control company in Cleveland, TN. DeBruce Pest Solutions opened to the Cleveland community in 2021, with service spreading throughout Bradley, Hamilton, McMinn, Meigs, and Polk County. Whether you are looking for residential or commercial pest control, termite control or any crawlspace needs, DeBruce Pest Solutions offers the pest protection and prevention you need!

family a priority, to give exceptional customer service with a hometown feel, and to give back to our community,” said Elizabeth DeBruce. DeBruce Pest Solutions is always working on new ways to improve methods for even better results for our customers and prospective customers.

Brandon DeBruce has over a decade of experience in the pest control industry, but the DeBruce family has a business legacy reaching back to the 1960s. Brandon’s grandfather, Grover DeBruce, started DeBruce and Sons in 1966 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. DeBruce Pest Solutions’ slogan, “Bugs on the Loose? Call DeBruce!” was coined by Grover DeBruce, and lives on as a callback to the family business. Brandon’s grandfather, father, and uncle paved the way for his approach to a strong work ethic. “The family legacy pushed us to go out on our own, and we hope to become a foothold business in our community,” said Brandon.

DeBruce Pest Solutions prioritizes customer service, high-quality work, and affordable prices for everyone. “We opened our business to set our own standards and give a fresh approach to the pest control industry, to make our

Elizabeth, with over ten years of experience in the medical field, is passionate about customer care. She handles all of the behind-the-scene mechanics of the business. Whenever you call DeBruce Pest Solutions, Elizabeth is the one to answer the phone, schedule an appointment, and ensure the customer’s needs are handled quickly. DeBruce Pest Solutions wants to make the customer experience as efficient as possible, offering same or next day service. “We get to your home or business as soon as we possibly can, typically within 24/48 hours, and we keep the line of communication open,” said Brandon. “We want to build long term relationships with our customers.”

Brandon and Elizabeth, along with their three children - Bryson, Brody, and Ellie Kate, are proud to take part in our community. “We hope our children will eventually take over and carry on our family business one day,” said Brandon. DeBruce Pest Solutions plans to serve you, your family, and your business for many years to come!

You can contact DeBruce Pest Solutions at debrucepestsolutions@gmail.com or schedule an estimate through their website, www.debrucepest.com. You can call or text Brandon and Elizabeth at (423)-435-9404 with any questions today!

God’s Plan and the Single Christian

by Matt Jensen

Singleness is hard. There’s the pain of not knowing if you’ll ever meet someone or be content with singleness. There’s the pain of many unmet desires, maybe even the pain of confusion. Afterall, if marriage is a godly desire, why would God not fulfill it? Then there’s the pain of not knowing how singleness fits into God’s plan. You’ve heard sermons about God’s task for humanity—be fruitful and multiply. “How, then, can I glorify God as a single? Where may I find comfort?” The Bible answers these two questions. Let’s consider mankind’s task in light of the first and last Adam (1 Cor. 15:44-49; cf. Rom. 5:12-21).

Adam and Eve were given a task which can be summed up as filling and ruling the earth (Gen. 1:28). God made man and woman as sexual beings. In the context of marriage, man and woman were created to come together and bear children, filling the earth with other image bearers. Man and woman were created to rule the earth, subduing it for the glory of God. Had they obeyed God, “the earth would be full of the glory of God as waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2:14). Adam and Eve disobeyed God, however, bringing sin into the world instead. Consequently, this task is fundamentally changed. No longer can procreation fulfill this task, for we are all born in sin (Rom. 5:12-21). We must be born again (Jn. 3:3-8). This brings us to the last Adam.

Jesus is referred to as the last Adam for good reason (1 Cor. 15:44-49). Jesus became true man, sin excepted. As sinless man, he is the perfect image bearer (Heb. 2:17; 4:15). He lived, died, and rose again to represent his people before a holy God. God’s people participate in his life, death, and resurrection through faith. Christ purifies his bride, the church, making her a suitable helper for the glorious task of filling and subduing the earth. Before the fall, Adam and Eve’s children would have been image bearers who properly reflected God. Since the fall, however, everyone is born in sin. There is only one way for sinful man to begin properly reflecting the glory of God—the reconciling and transforming grace of God. Christ is on a global mission to “bring many sons to glory” (Heb. 2:10) through new birth (Jn. 3:3-8). He is adding to, sanctifying, and equipping his church to “proclaim his excellencies” among the nations (1 Pet. 2:9). The task moves forward through proclamation rather than procreation. We are not co-redeemers and Jesus doesn’t need

a helper, but he has freely chosen to include us in this glorious task (Matt. 28:19-21).

“How can I glorify God?” Dear single Christian, know that you don’t need a spouse to glorify God. You can glorify God in your singleness. You are participating in the glorious task of filling the world with those who properly reflect God’s image. That task belongs to the last Adam, and he has freely chosen a helper. Every time someone is born into the kingdom of God, or you witness someone grow in holiness, you are witnessing the last Adam fulfilling the first Adam’s task. As you join, participate, and serve in a biblical, missions-minded church, you are involved in this task.

“Where can I find comfort?” Until Christ comes back, God’s people will suffer (Job 14:1; Lk. 13:1-5; Rom. 8:16-18). Singleness can be unspeakably painful. It’s often a pain that you think others don’t understand. You feel alone. As to his divinity, Christ is your rock (Ps. 18:1-3). As to his humanity, he knows human suffering to a degree that you will never know (Heb. 2:17; 4:18; Gal. 3:13). You are not alone, and you are heading to a land without marriage (Matt. 22:30). The joys of marriage in this life can’t be compared to the joys of the next (1 Cor. 2:9). Marriage in this life is only a small sample of “joy forevermore” in the presence of God (Ps. 16:11), a joy that will be shared by all believers, married or single.

Matt Jensen is a missionary from Reformation Baptist Church in Dalton, Georgia. He and his wife, Danielle, are preparing to move to Thailand soon with their son, Judah. They are also anticipating the birth of another son, Gabriel.

The Darkness of Discouragement

by Dr. Alan Hix

Have you ever had one of those days when everything seemed to be going right? It seems that the sun is shining bright in every area of your life, and you think to yourself, “This just can’t get any better!” Then at the close of the day, someone complains or criticizes you about something. All of a sudden, your world is turned into darkness, and the multiple successes of the day are lost in the shadow of one cross word or mistake.

Matthew 3:13-17 tells us that when Jesus emerges from the water at his baptism, a voice from heaven proclaims, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” This is surely what prompts John the Baptist to declare, “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

We see a different side of John in Matthew 11:2-3. 2 Now when John heard in prison what the Christ was doing, he sent a message through his disciples 3 and asked him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

This question is a far cry from the confident declaration John made earlier. We might wonder what caused John to entertain questions about Jesus’ identity? The answer is found at the beginning of verse 2: “Now when John heard in prison. . .”

Back in Chapter 3, John was at the height of his popularity as crowds were coming to hear his message and be baptized. However, John’s criticism of Herod’s marriage to his brother’s wife eventually resulted in his being thrown in prison. Now alone in a dark cell, John begins to look back and wonder if he missed something. Needing reassurance, he sends disciples to Jesus to ask him if he is “the one who is to come.”

Nothing has changed about Jesus since his baptism. What has changed is John’s perspective. There are no crowds filled with joyous excitement in his prison cell. Alone and facing an uncertain future, John is discouraged.

I came across an article that identifies three underlying causes that lead to discouragement: 1) a lack of confidence in ourselves, 2) a lack of confidence in God, and 3) a lack of hope for the future. All three of these appear to be present in John’s situation.

Let’s look at Jesus’ response. 4 Go and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news.

Here, and in the verses that follow, Jesus does two things in response to John’s question. He first reassures John that he was right in recognizing Jesus as the “Lamb of God” by describing the works he has been doing. He then goes on to praise John to the crowd. There is no censure or criticism of John because of his doubts. What Jesus does is reorient John’s viewpoint. John was looking at things from the context of a prison cell. Jesus responds by showing him God’s perspective. While the darkness of John’s cell caused him to wonder about both himself and Jesus, Jesus shines his light upon the situation by declaring that both he and John are doing exactly what God sent them to do.

So, the next time the darkness of discouragement comes knocking at your door, ask God to shine his light on your situation, so that you can see through his eyes and not your own.

About The Author

Dr. Alan Hix is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.

God’s Agenda

by Sheneka Land

Dreams feel so beautiful, especially when we are living in them. We get the guy or the girl, we clutch the diploma in our hands and get the dream job, we move into the house and buy the car. We dream of seeing two pink lines on the pregnancy test, and we begin to make long-term plans for our unborn children. We love. We smile and enjoy sun-filled days of laughter with a few bumps along the way, but we are okay because our dreams are still serving us.

Then one day, something feels off. We can’t quite place what the niggling uneasiness is, but something just isn’t right…we feel as if something is about to unravel. Then

was robbing him of even the basic enjoyments of life, not to mention the total destruction of all his dreams. He accused God of binding him in a straitjacket and throwing him in the mud. His nights were sleepless and full of anxiety, and his body was keeping the score. Have you ever been where Job was? Did God seem not to answer when you pled and begged Him to intervene? We can become disappointed in, or even angry with, God when we no longer believe that He loves us or is working on our behalf. It may seem that He is never where we want Him to be, nor is He who we’ve believed Him to be. We can’t understand why He allowed the people who were supposed to love us the most to love us the least. Our dreams were centered around God, family and church. Why didn’t He bless them? How do we wrestle with the tension of both faith and disappointment in God? When He doesn’t intervene and work in ways that align with our dreams?

it happens; we are assaulted by things we never thought could happen to us: infertility, sickness, death, adultery, pornography, divorce, depression, suicide, addictions, financial setbacks, and other destroyers of our hopes and dreams. And oh, how hard we fight to save our dreams, but sometimes the struggle becomes so intense that we find ourselves emotionally strangled with not a hint of hope left. Engulfed in anguish and disappointment, we feel hopeless. We may begin to believe there will never be a better day on the horizon, and we lose our ability to dream new dreams. Our deepest depth of despair is when we lose hope in hope itself.

In the Bible, we are introduced to a righteous man named Job, who suffers immensely. In Job 31:35, he pleads for God to give answers for his adversity. Job felt that God

In Walking with God through Pain and Suffering, author Tim Keller says, “If we have created a false God-of-my-program, then when life falls apart, we will simply assume He has abandoned us, and we won’t seek Him.” However, Isaiah 55:8 informs us that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are different than ours. Maybe this is where our confusion and disappointment begin to fade away; when we realize that God has better plans for our lives when He chooses not to approve and bless our human agendas that don’t include suffering or difficult days. Let’s recall times in our lives when God unfolded plans according to His mysterious wisdom and love for us through what we believed at the time was unanswered prayer. With God on our side, there is always hope in suffering.

“And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10, NIV).

Sheneka Land is an ordained minister, community service chaplain, and a graduate of the Pentecostal Theological Seminary where she earned her MDiv. She is co-author of From Rejection to Validation (pathwaybookstore.com). She and her husband, Jon, currently reside in Cleveland, TN. Sheneka can be found on Facebook at Strokes of Hope.

Caught, Not Taught

by Monica Gambrell

As parents, my husband and I worked hard to impart godly values to our children. We verbalized it, and we tried to be cognizant of teachable moments, but the bulk of what our children learned was caught, not taught. Our family had a few traditions and activities designed to draw our family closer together. One of those activities was time in the mountains—mostly Fort Mountain State Park. Many times, the focus was a leisurely hike, sometimes minigolf or paddleboats,

his hours were, and whether or not he found the work fulfilling.

He seemed fascinated by the man’s responses. I believe he would have talked indefinitely with the stranger if work hadn’t called the man away. For days afterward, David spoke of the man. Years later, my children’s choice for bedtime reading was Gary Paulson’s book The Hatchet. It is more or less a wilderness survival book. This book also stirred David’s fascination with living in the wild. At 30, David’s long-range plan is to homestead. And he’s successfully working toward that goal.

Years of my teaching may not have accomplished as much as just a few moments with this stranger. Our teaching is incredibly important, and should not be ignored. But equally important is the example we live before those whom God has placed in our lives. Without that example our words are hollow and valueless. Who is watching you needing an example of what it means to be a true Christian—to be Christ-like? Someone is. I guarantee it.

sometimes a relaxing picnic. We loved our time in the mountains.

There was a chance meeting on one of those trips that truly impacted my youngest son, David. I can’t remember how old he was—I don’t think he was in middle school yet—when we had the opportunity to speak with a park worker. He didn’t don the typical brown uniform of a ranger, but he was most definitely doing that type of work. David approached the stranger and asked him tons of questions about his work: how varied it was, what

“For I gave you an example, so that you also would do just as I did for you” (John 13:15).

“Nor yet as domineering over those assigned to your care, but by proving to be examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3).

Father God, as parents, we desperately hope to produce children who are not only productive contributors to society, but souls ready to face eternity. Due to this desperation, we sometimes talk too much, and do too little. May our lives be shining examples to our children and others. And may we look to You as the foremost example.

I’m Blessed Like You!

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name” (Ps. 103:1).

by Terrie Ruff

We were both rushing down the hospital hallway with our own agendas. We always greeted each other with a smile and a friendly “Hello,” and this morning was no different. Before we even passed each other, we were saying “Hello” and “How are you?” Today, her response was different. When I asked how she was doing, her response was, “I’m blessed like you!” Wow! I wasn’t expecting to hear those words, and without saying a word, we both acknowledged our understanding of what had been so powerfully spoken. And with that powerful affirmation, we both moved on with much more pep in our step! The day seemed much more pleasant and hopeful as I reflected on the powerful encounter with my sister-friend! These divine encounters fortify my soul and remind me that God truly does order our steps. He’s behind the scenes arranging things, people, and events to come together to bless us and remind us of His Sovereignty!

When I returned to my desk, I thought about her response. “I’m blessed like you!” I praise God that she could see a blessed attitude in me. My prayer is that I would represent God in a positive way, and this morning I could feel His presence in the hallway with

us. I believe that as we bless the Lord, as we forget not His benefits, and as we spend intimate time with Him in prayer and Bible study, people will begin to see His reflection in our attitudes, character, and in the glow of our countenance. As a result, when we show up, the atmosphere changes! When we bless the Lord, we

become blessings to everyone we encounter. Oh, that we all would strive to be a blessing to others and an example of the blessed God we serve, so that when people look at us, they will be able to say, “I’m blessed like you!” What a powerful complement to our God.

You are blessed! List your top five blessings and focus on those every day. Those blessings will change your perspective.

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

Mission Statement:

We believe when people are equipped, motivated, and passionately engaged in living out their faith in Jesus Christ they have the potential to be world changers.

Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents. Christ was an activist, he did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world.

Writer Guidelines:

Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and professional writers to stay at home moms and dads, business professionals, and others who have a desire to reach out to people through words of encouragement.

What: We believe that it is important to laugh together, praise each other, encourage one another, and to offer biblical advice. Articles can be directed toward everyone, or from woman to woman, or man to man. We love to share recipes and family traditions as well. We ask that articles be kept to a 500 word maximum. We’d love to hear from you!

Where: Please send submissions to articles.goodnews@gmail.com

Why: Because God has not intended for us to just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.

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He Rose

by Judy Hood

I don’t know how you did it

I don’t know how you felt

But when I think about it

My heart just wants to melt

So tortured sliced you paid the price

The guards didn’t even think twice

They just tortured some more and laughed with glee

And to think you did it all for me

You carried that cross up Calvary’s hill

To think what you went through gives me a chill

They drove those nails through your hands and feet

You looked at them lovingly with eyes so sweet

They thought they had killed you as the thunder roared

They were not aware of what was in store

They laid you in a tomb as they made fun

Three days later Satan cringed as you rose from the dead and won

1.

3.

2.

The Resurrection

by David Beckmann

We think we’re pretty smart if we can “kill two birds with one stone.” Well, not mentioning all the other things he did, just consider all Jesus did in the one act of coming back from the dead.

To begin with, he proved that everything he had said about himself being the Son of God and the Messiah was true. Romans 1:3-4, “…made of the seed of David according to the flesh; [he was] declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” Since he rose from the dead, when we proclaim him to be the Son of God, we are announcing the truth (1 Cor. 15:14, 15, 20).

His resurrection was also the public declaration that his work to justify his people was accomplished. “[Jesus]…was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification” (Romans 4:25). In other words, his resurrection was proof that all that needed to be done for his people was perfectly accomplished so that all who believe in him will have their sins forgiven and be made righteous before our holy God. “It is finished!” (John 19:30).

Paul teaches us in Romans 6 that all that happened to Jesus happened to us. When he died to our sins, we died to them, too. When he left behind his earthly life as he joined the dead, we left behind our old life in him. And when he rose from the dead, he rose to live a new life to God, in a condition and power that he did not live before—and we do the same with him! That’s what our baptism stands for (among other things). That’s what it means to be “born again.” Our old man is dead on the cross and we now have a new life planted within us in the new birth—and that new life is the very risen life of our Lord, because we are one with him in the Spirit. The power of his resurrection is our power. We are alive

in Jesus as never before! Therefore, we can live a life of righteousness before God. Can I get an Amen?!

When Jesus rose from the dead, he gave the people of God the hope of their own resurrection and eternal life. Paul says in Romans 8:11, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Peter says in 1 Peter 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord

Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

Friends, that hope enlightens the whole story of our lives. Whatever has been, whatever will be, whatever stupid things the world around us does, we will rise again when Jesus returns and so shall we ever be with the Lord, and we will live happily ever after. Praise God!

And I just got started. Wonderful Savior! Happy Easter!

The Rev. David Beckmann is an Anglican Priest and an adjunct professor at Lee University. About The Author

Stay Pure

by Danny Hesterly

Recently, my wife and I have been eating a lot of gluten-free chicken nuggets on the nights our son has soccer and our daughter has ballet training. On the package, it gives you instructions on how to cook the nuggets:

1. Preheat the oven to 425

2. Place the frozen nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet

3. Bake for 14 minutes or to desired color and crispiness, turning the nuggets over halfway through cooking time

4. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce

You’re probably thinking, what in the world does this have to do with Jesus? I know right! It’s a bit off the wall, but hang with me. When you look at Psalm 119:9-16, it says:

“How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.

I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands.

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.”

Many times, throughout God’s Word, we see “instructions” on how we are to live our lives that will honor God. Just like the detailed, specific instructions on the back of the chicken nuggets bag, there are detailed, specific instructions in God’s Word that when followed, lead to a life that is full of purpose and truth.

Just like there’s no shortcut in cooking those nuggets, there’s no easy hack when it comes to living the Christian

life. There’s no shortcut that gets you big gains with minimal effort. In Verse 9, there’s an important question that is asked: “How can a young person stay pure?” A lot of times, when we think of the word purity, we think about staying physically pure. I think this passage in Psalm 119

is talking about how your mind and heart can be pure. In today’s culture, it is not easy for young people to stay pure in their thoughts and beliefs. It’s an everyday challenge. So, how does a young person stay pure in mind and heart?

The answer—by obeying the Word of the Lord.

This month, read through Matthew Chapters 5-7. What is Jesus saying? How can His teaching begin to transform your mind and heart? Reading God’s Word and applying it to your life is a game changer. Your mind and heart can stay pure when you obey the Word of God. This obedience unlocks a special treasure. This is a truth that will define your life, your relationships, your passions, and your purpose. Jesus makes it very clear that to live your life fully devoted to Him would not be easy. It would cost you everything. But in the end, you gain a heavenly treasure that is eternal.

Danny Hesterly lives in Chattanooga, TN where he spends most of his days in coffee shops helping others discover their part in God’s amazing story. Danny has two children (12, 10) and has been married to his lovely bride for 17 years.

God’s Amazing Grace (Acts 3-4)

by Jonathon Wright

There is a great song that I sang growing up called “Amazing Grace.” It was a sweet sound to hear about God’s love that saved someone like me. My relationship with Christ exploded when I realized His deep love for me. Unfortunately, after becoming a Christian, I did things that caused me deep pain and regret. Yet, God once again revealed His love to me. It renewed my relationship with Him in ways I cannot explain. It was amazing.

There is another story of amazing grace found in Acts 3-4. It started when Peter healed a lame man. There were many people who looked at Peter as if he had done this. When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?”

(Acts 3:12, NIV).

Then Peter, in the rest of Acts 3, went on to tell them the God of Abraham did this to glorify Jesus, the Righteous One, who you crucified. But this was part of God’s plan in the Old Testament. God has raised him from the dead. And this miracle has been done in His name. The people must have stood there motionless as they realized the truth of Peter’s words. They had conspired to kill God’s Son. Their hearts were broken and without hope when they realized what they had done. But Peter’s words gave them hope. “You can still turn to God. Repent, He will forgive you and send times of refreshing from the Holy Spirit.”

Two thousand people responded to Peter’s message of repentance and grace. But their response was not a superficial one. It transformed their entire lives. Acts 4 gives us a wonderful picture of the early

church. They committed to prayer, and God showed up in so many unexpected ways. They also dedicated their lives to helping the poor and sharing the Gospel. Great grace was upon their lives (Acts 4:33), and people were being added to the church daily.

Second, notice how the rich sold their property and gave it to the apostles. They came together and became one group of people because of Christ. When they did this, nobody lacked anything. The actions of

these Christians eradicated homelessness and poverty. And it all started because of an encounter with God’s amazing grace. They came to God in repentance, and His grace transformed them into loving people.

Lord, thank you for your amazing grace. Thank you for helping us to see and respond to your love, to believe in the good news of the Gospel, and to follow you. May this work of grace continue in all our lives! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jonathon Wright has been a member of the Church of God for about twenty years. He is a graduate of Lee University and Beacon University where he earned a BA and MA in Biblical studies. He loves studying the Bible and has done so for over thirty years, but only now has God given him a desire and the opportunity to be a writer. You can find more from Jonathon at https://christianwritersbookstore.com/jonathon-wright

Early Sunday Morning

by Kenneth E. Ware

While the term “Sunday” is not a word found in the Bible, its DNA is interwoven throughout the Gospel narratives. Oftentimes, the four Gospels refer to Sunday as “the first day of the week” (Matt.28:1; Mark 16:2; Luke 24:1; John 20:1). It was on Sunday that Jesus triumphantly rose from the dead. It was on Sunday that Jesus appeared to His disciples and gave them the Great Commission. It was on Sunday that the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem took place. Although every day is the Lord’s Day, it was John who named Sunday “the Lord’s Day” (Rev.1:10). However, something miraculous took place on this day nearly 2000 years ago. Jesus victoriously defeated death through His miraculous resurrection and appeared to Mary Magdalene and other woman who followed Him during His earthly ministry. Nevertheless, a radical change took place in Mary Magdalene’s life. Upon witnessing an empty tomb, Mary Magdalene learned to put Jesus first.

I. A Resurrected Christ — Mary Magdalene was among the last ones at the crucifixion and burial site of Jesus Christ. She put Jesus first as Lord of her life. A) She was the first to visit the empty tomb of Jesus Christ while it was still dark (John 20:1). B) She was the first to see the stone rolled away (John 20:1). C) She was the first to tell of the empty tomb of Jesus Christ to Peter and John (John 20:2ff). D) She was the first to witness the resurrection appearance by Jesus Christ (Mk.16:9; John 20:11-18). E) She was the first to be commissioned by Jesus Christ after His resurrection (John 20:17). F) She was the first to share the good news to the disciples as an eyewitness of the resurrected Lord (John 20:18). Now, all these things took place early Sunday morning. Mary put Jesus first in her life. The question is, does Jesus have first place in your life? Is He Lord of your life? Do you rise early Sunday morning in search of Jesus? Put Jesus first today.

II. A Radical Change — Much like you and me today, Mary Magdalene had a gloomy past but a gracious present and a glorious future. She was not perfect before God,

but she made peace with God. Mary’s life was radically transformed by the victorious and powerful resurrection of Jesus Christ. In John 20:16-18, she has a new focus (Magdalene reps her past life, Mary reps her new life (v.16) she had a new faith (v.17), a new family (v.17), and a new fire (v.18). Mary’s life was radically transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ. Has your life been transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ?

Early Sunday Morning

With a crown of thorns on His head, Blood flowed down past His thighs; They hung Him high, With His arms stretched wide; Splinters in His back, Up and down the cross He would slide; A Roman soldier grabbed a spear, And stuck Him in His side; Forthwith came blood and water, Gushing out from His side; He bowed His head and gave up the Spirit, For you and me He died; With His body in a borrowed tomb, His body would lie;

But Early Sunday Morning, From the grave He did rise.

Kenneth E. Ware, M.M., M.A.B.S., M. Div. is a husband, father, pastor of New Scholar Avenue Baptist Church, and graduate of Temple Baptist Seminary. Pastor Ware is also a Christian writer and an Expository Bible Teacher at Samford University Ministry Training Institute in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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