March 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

Abdiel Medina

Brenda Dedmon

Brian Johnson

Charles Finney

Danette Reeves

David Beckmann

Dorothy Teague

Granger Hughes

Jonathon Wright

Judy Hood

Katie Loveless

Kenneth E. Ware

Kristen West

Leslie Bennett

Lori Sentell

Matt Jensen

Paula Burgner

Paul McGuire

Dr. Rob Debelak

Sandra Gilmore

Sheneka Land

Todd R. Gunderson

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

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5000 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

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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!

7 Things That God Loves

by Kenneth E. Ware

Has it ever occurred to you that there are certain things that God loves. The very nature of His essence is love (1 John 4:8, 16). The Bible makes it clear that there are things and people that our Lord loves in a special way. Obviously, this is not a complete list of things that God loves, for there are many more that extends this list. However, these in particular bring pleasure to Him.

1. God Loves Sinners

The Apostle Paul affirms the love of God towards sinners, saying, “But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Again, John, the beloved disciple, in his wonderful discourse to Nicodemus states, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God loves sinners.

2. God Loves Unity

In His High Priestly prayer, Jesus prays, “…that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me” (John 17:2223). Christian unity is both pleasant and precious to the Lord (Psa. 133). God loves unity.

3. God Loves a Cheerful Giver

Giving is important to the Lord. It can be so with a good or bad attitude. One may give grudgingly or under compulsion. In order to please God through giving, it must be done so with a cheerful heart. Paul states, “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:8). God loves a cheerful giver.

4. God Loves Israel

When the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon, she was stunned at what she saw. The Temple he had built unto

the Lord, the food on his table, the seating of his servants… and his stairway by which he went up to the house of the Lord, there was no more spirit in her. She blessed the men of Solomon. She blessed the servants of King Solomon. Then, she blessed the God of King Solomon, saying, “Blessed be the Lord your God who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel; because the Lord loved Israel forever…” (1 Kings 10:4-9). God loves Israel.

5.

God Loves the Church

The love of God towards the Church is inseparable. In fact, Paul says, “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution? …neither death, nor life, nor angels…will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:35-39). Jesus emphasized His love for the Church as He declared, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). God loves the Church.

6. God Loves Repentance

When true repentance takes place, it greatly pleases the Lord. The entire angelic host of heaven rejoices when a sinner repents and turns to the Lord in faith. Jesus says, “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). God loves repentance.

7. God Loves Justice and Righteousness

God loves justice and righteousness because it is His very nature. King David asserts, “For the Lord loves justice and does not forsake His godly ones…” and “For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; the upright will behold His face” (Psa. 11:7; 37:28). God loves justice and righteousness.

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.

I Wish

by Brenda Dedmon

“We all have the power to make wishes come true as long as we keep believing.”—Louisa

May Alcott

Have you ever said to your parents or teachers: I wish I would get an A on this test or I wish I could be a starter on the team? It is good to have wishes about what we want, however, only wishing will not make them happen. The following activities will be a way to help you accomplish your wishes and turn them into achievable goals for you to reach.

It is very important that you ask your parents to help you with these ideas so that you can begin making your wishes happen. Tell your parents that you would like to have family time to talk about the things that you “wish” you could do.

For the family time, have paper and markers to record your ideas. Talk with your parents about what is important to you, for example: sports, dance, school, friends, family, or any ideas in which you are interested. Write down in order of which is the most important to you and what you “wish” you could do in each area.

As you think about these wishes, discuss with your parents what you can do to help make those wishes become real. Remember, this may require you to do things to turn that wish into reality. If you wish you could be in the spelling bee at school, then you will have to set goals. It would be necessary for you to learn ways

that you can learn to be a good speller. You would need to decide how much you were willing to study and spend the time to make sure you were prepared for the spelling bee.

As you continue to work through your list, remember that there is more than one way to make a wish come true. You can make a list of things that you feel would help you reach your goal and a list of things that you feel may make it impossible to reach. Invite your parents to give you suggestions about the things that are most important to you so that you can make your wishes come true. You may choose to invite your teachers at school and church to give you ideas in reaching your goals.

One of the most important things you need to remember in making your wishes come true is that God has a plan for you. I would suggest you learn these verses to help you remember God will take care of you and help to make your wishes come true.

“I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hoped for” (Jeremiah 29:11, MSG).

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4, RSV).

“May He grant the dreams of your heart and see your plans through to the end” (Psalm 20:4, The Voice).

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

Is An Annuity Right for Me?

Money Matters Granger Hughes with

Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes works with his father to help provide educational opportunities for clients as well as others in the community. He feels a responsibility to help inform those who may otherwise not be aware of strategies, changes, and opportunities available to them when it comes to their financial well-being.

Alot of people ask this question, and as we approach retirement, we probably hear more and more about it. The biggest thing with any retirement tool is understanding if that tool is right for you. We’ve all heard the saying if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. As fiduciaries, this is something we avoid when working with clients, as annuities aren’t as bad as you have heard, and they aren’t the answer to all your financial problems, but they can be a valuable tool for a retiree.

Let’s look at some types of annuities. One of the most common that we use is called a fixed indexed annuity. This means it’s linked to an index such as the S & P, but the fixed component means that the principal (the portion you put in) is safe. Taking that into consideration, the next step is what am I trying to accomplish?

1). Do I want to protect a portion of my portfolio?

2). Do I need an income stream?

3). Is there a Long-Term Care need?

1). Annuities in today’s day and age can be structured based on the need for protection. For instance, let’s say you want to take some risk out of your portfolio by purchasing an annuity. There are annuities in this current environment that will actually give you a bonus when you purchase one! This is one of the benefits in a rising interest rate environment that is actually a benefit to those who don’t want to risk their money in the market and want to save in a safer environment. In addition, there are no fees with this strategy, and as mentioned before, you would be linked to the S & P, which means if the S & P does x percentage, you would receive a portion, but if the S & P loses money, your principal is still safe. One of the potential drawbacks is liquidity (access to your money). Typically, a lot of carriers will give you 7% to 10% a year penalty free. But if you wanted to take out all your money, you could face a penalty of 10% as well, so you need to make sure that the annuity is a piece of your overall portfolio and not your only option for withdrawals. Contracts also differ on length, though its common to see 7 to 12 years. Some misconceptions could be if I pass away, my beneficiary will have to pay penalties and that is not the case. The annuity would be liquid to them, though tax liability could potentially ensue, as will most accounts. In addition, a lot of annuities will allow a higher percentage of access should you need long term care or have a chronic or terminal illness. Once again, it’s important to know your options and find the annuity that suits your needs the best.

2). Another option is creating an income stream. Let’s say you have a portion of a 401k, for example $300k. The positive about this example is that you are basically going to have two accounts, a lifetime income (LTI) account and a life time income base. The income side will be credited with a bonus up front in a lot of cases. For this example, let’s use 20%. The income side has grown to $360k day one. In addition, every year that we wait to take that income, they would give us an additional 8%. After five years, your income account would be close to $530k. If you decided at that point that you wanted to activate the LTI, the payout would be based on a mortality table at that time. Meaning if you were 70, that percentage would be 6%. This would create $31k of annual income for the rest of your life. If you passed away, your spouse would have the option of taking a lump sum or continuing that stream of income. One common misconception is that if both spouses pass, the money is gone and that isn’t necessarily the case. As mentioned earlier, there are two accounts, the income account and the actual account value. Should both husband and wife pass away, whatever is left in the account value would be distributed to the beneficiaries you had selected.

3). The third option is creating some support for Long Term Care (LTC). This option will piggy back off of option 2. Let’s go back to the previous example and say we have created a stream of income annually of $31k. This strategy would actually double that income to $62K, should you need LTC. The key here is, are you able to perform the activities of daily living (ADL)? If you can’t perform two of the six, for example you can’t feed or bathe yourself, the LTC option would be eligible to be activated. All you would need is a doctor to sign off stating that you can’t perform two of the six ADLs. This can help provide some much-needed support, as the likelihood of us needing some form of LTC as we get older increases drastically. The positive aspect of this strategy is it is your money, and you can use it how you want to. You don’t have to go into a facility, you can make your home handicap accessible, hire a nurse etc., whereas a lot of traditional LTC policies only give you the option to use an actual facility.

The key is to look at what options and tools you have in retirement. An annuity can be a great tool and can be structured in different ways to meet your specific needs. They aren’t going to suit everyone’s needs and desires, but it is important to know what your options are entering into retirement and how each tool can help protect and preserve what you have made throughout your working years.

Stay on the Ride

by Brian Johnson

We don’t like trials. I think that goes without being said, but it’s one of the methods God uses to conform us to the image of Christ James 1:2 says, “…count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” Paul says, in Romans 5:3 that “…we glory in tribulations…” and they eventually end up with hope in verse 4. How can that be? How can a difficult beginning end in hope? Let’s discuss.

I love roller coasters. So, I was excited to take my oldest son on his first roller coaster when he was nine years old. While we waited in line for about an hour, I checked with him frequently to make sure he was still okay with the ride. He assured me he was. As coasters typically do, it started slowly creeping up the first hill, creating anticipation for the first dip. We got over the hill and started to come down when, all of a sudden, the ride stopped. We were stuck on the ride, strapped in our seats in a declined position.

Obviously, I was concerned about my son. A couple of workers walked up the stairs to let us know they were working on the ride. I asked one of them if they wouldn’t mind taking my son back down with them. He said to me, “Once we get the ride going again, it’s actually safer to go through it.” I said okay, and after a few minutes, they got things going, and everything ended up okay.

When difficulty comes into our lives, our natural inclination is to get away from it as quickly as possible. That’s understandable. We want off of the ride. But, if you’ve prayed about it and God still allows it, trust that He knows what He’s doing. 1 Peter 5:10 says, “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ

Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

God doesn’t promise that we won’t go through suffering. In fact, He tells us we will. But, after that suffering, we gain so much and become more like Christ in the process. That’s why we can have hope. When God continually shows His power in our lives by bringing us through trial after trial as we trust Him, we become

spiritually mature, established, settled, and hopeful regardless of the circumstances. The hope that’s developed gives us the ability to have peace that passes understanding in the midst of the ride and will give us a testimony to share about the power of God in our lives.

The ride that God takes us on isn’t smooth, but if you stay on, He’ll be able to take you to places and work through you in ways you never would’ve imagined. Trust Him in the trial. Stay on the ride. By the way, my son is 22 now and still likes roller coasters.

Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church and a nurse by vocation. He wants to do the best he can to teach people to trust God, for their eternity and for each day.

One Track Mind

by Katie Loveless

Ihave fond memories of my childhood playground on Arista Mountain in West Virginia. My grandparents lived there, and we visited often. The memories are so prominent for me that I can remember the backdrop of the cool blue sky that hovered like a canopy, a dinosaur-like mountainside by the clothesline, and the sounds of singing birds like wallpaper in my mind.

There was ample opportunity to explore and shake hands with nature. Walking to the forks of the road with my siblings and grandfather is one of many fond memories as

that all these years later, I still stand in the flow of His goodness and trust Him to wash me and make me clean. It’s a miracle that He can take the potsherds of my life and make them beautiful and functional again.

I think about Job and how he sat among ash and broken pottery as he was reeling from grief, unspeakable loss, and physical affliction (see Job 2:8). I consider how he lanced his own weeping wounds with shards of broken pottery to bring relief. We are not so different. We try to foster healing in the necrotic places of our hearts by introducing them to the broken places and we marvel why it doesn’t work. Neither one can cure the other. Brokenness alone won’t heal the stench of death in me. I need my brokenness and humility to be coupled with God’s power and grace like a hitch to get anywhere at all.

we interacted with the lush landscape. It is a place where the power to choose is outwardly evident. In fact, it was during one of those walks that my grandfather talked with me about the temporary nature of the human life. He was a new Christian and eagerly commented on how the human life is like vapor that disappears, grass that withers, and a puff of smoke that wafts away. My young mind whirred to connect the dots at the forks of the road in that moment, but the conversation remains with me to this day.

There isn’t time to waste on indecision. Entertaining doubt is an expense much too extravagant. We can’t afford it. With my childhood sprinkled with poverty at times, I understand the importance of making even a little count and stretch. Little is much when God is in it.

As I pray for bystanders refusing grace’s invitation, I consider the frailty of my own decisions. I simply can’t make good ones without God’s continual aid. It’s a miracle I ever chose to surrender my life to God at all. It’s a miracle

As my heart is joined with His, I am in a position to make better choices, more redemptive ones. I begin to meditate on His goodness with the stamina of a one-track mind like a locomotive. And with that, my mind is kept in perfect peace. The peace is not a stagnant pond with life ebbing away. Instead, it is a river that is moving, productive, life-giving, and never will run dry.

I hear a train whistle blaring near my home as I write. Have you ever wondered what it takes for a train to switch tracks or make a turn among two divergent paths? A train conductor cannot make a detour independently. He relies on the flip of a switch to elevate the chosen path. This process means that the old, forgotten path is seemingly recessed in the earth, and the new, chosen path is elevated, making it the only way to go.

The Holy Spirit will do that for you. He will be your switch operator if you allow it. He will elevate righteousness for you and make that path the only way to go. He will give you a one-track mind. “Righteousness shall go before him, and shall make His footsteps our pathway,” (Psalm 85:13, NKJV).

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.

Cleveland Church Directory

Apostolic

First Apostolic Church Of Cleveland

4859 Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312

(229) 343-6880

Assembly of God

Grace Assembly

1976 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 472-7729

The Collectives Church

3925 N. Ocoee Street, Cleveland, TN 37312

(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) 472-3882

(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

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

All Things Are Possible

by Kristen West

Have you ever noticed that the Bible is full of “impossible” stories? Had they been published in an ancient newspaper, I can imagine some of the bold headlines reading:

Noah and His Family Survive Destructive Worldwide Flood!

Puny Shepherd Boy Annihilates Battle-Hardened Giant!

Man Trapped Overnight with Lions Lives to Tell About It!

EMPTY Tomb Discovered?!?

You’d be hard pressed to find a story in the Bible where a country, a people, or an individual wasn’t boxed in at one time or another. Solutions proved to be out of their reach. Their circumstances seemed bleak. It always appeared like the end was near, unavoidable, and without hope.

Yet, time after time, these stories get to a point where all the struggles, white-knuckle moments, and intense perplexity and pain is turned on its head as God moves, intervenes, and does the impossible.

The Bible—God’s incredible written Word to us—is a faithbuilding book. From cover to cover, it is packed with stories intentionally meant to grow and challenge us in our daily spiritual walk. The crux of every impossible story, when believed, continually reminds us that in our own strength, we are powerless. But God is not. “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

Maybe you feel like you’re drowning in your own personal flood right now, unable to see how things will ever get better. Perhaps you are facing your own personal giant who challenges you with taunts, guilt, and ridicule as he tempts you to think you’ll never get passed him. God knew we would need those faithboosting stories (and promises) about the impossible to spur us on in our own lives.

What is your “impossible” today, friend? Whatever it is, He already sees, cares, and is there with you. Roll

up your sleeves and dig in to some of those incredible faith-boosting stories so that just like Noah, David, Daniel, and Jesus, you can face your impossible with utter dependency on God as you believe today that with Him all things ARE possible!

Marriage—A Profound Mystery

by Matt Jensen

“Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the Church” (Ephesians 5:31-32).

Family is the most important unit in society and the Church. Societies and churches are made up of families. Marriage—the covenant bond between one man and one woman until death—is the most important unit of the family. Without biblical marriage, families derail from God’s good

Women have an indispensable role in this task (1 Corinthians 1:11-12). Finally, marriage is a supremely intimate relationship. It’s described as being naked and unashamed (Genesis 2:25). To know and love another completely in a physical and spiritual sense. To be one in communion even as you are one in union. This is the marvelous intimacy of a godly marriage. Paul can only call it a mystery! This mystery calls us to action.

A man must leave his father and mother. Not in an absolute sense, as if he can’t have anything to do with them anymore. It means that he leaves the authority of his parents’ house to become the head of a new family. This doesn’t exclude seeking advice, but much damage is done when a man slavishly follows the wishes of his parents to the detriment of his own family. Likewise, a woman is to leave her parents, and the two are to hold fast to one another. The moment you say, “I do,” your relationship with your spouse becomes your highest priority, second only to your relationship with God. It’s more important than your relationship with your work, parents, or even your kids. This is what it means to leave and hold fast to your spouse.

design. When families derail, societies and churches derail. There is much at stake here!

Not unhitching himself from the Old Testament, Paul quotes Genesis 2:24, saying, “Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” The context of Genesis 2:24 reveals some important things about marriage.

First, God made man and woman in His own image (Genesis 1:27). Maleness and femaleness are not fluid. They’re not socially constructed. Maleness and femaleness are God’s chosen way of manifesting His own glory in and upon human beings. Secondly, woman was created as a suitable helper for man (Genesis 2:23). The task of filling and subduing the earth was primarily given to man; thus, the responsibility falls more heavily upon his shoulders. However, man can’t do it alone.

The staggering mystery and dignity of marriage is that it “refers to Christ and the Church.” It’s not merely for human flourishing. It’s a picture or living representation of the relationship between Christ and his Church. Christ was born, lived, died, and rose again for his Church. He enters an unbreakable covenant with Her sealed with His own blood and merit. The marriage has been established (union), and life with Christ has begun (communion). Christian, Christ knows everything about you and loves you! You may be reading this because you’re interested in marriage, but if you don’t know Christ, that needs to be your top priority. Knowing Christ is not the means to a good marriage. Marriage—as wonderful as it is—points to something greater than itself—a union and communion with God that is not ‘til death do us part. Death only ushers in the eternal celebration (Revelation 19:6-9)! Repent and believe the gospel.

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.

Fear Not?...Not!

by Lori Sentell

We are reminded in Isaiah 41:10 that we are not to fear. This Scripture tells us that He is with us, yet, in our present world, we see ourselves and others around us experiencing fear. What can we do when everything we see and hear wants to evoke fear into our lives? We need to take a closer look at the Scriptures that can help us overcome fear in ourselves and others. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you: Be ye not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous hand.”

Our Heavenly Father does not want us to live in fear. He assures us that no matter the circumstance, He is ever present. He wants us to know that in the moments and times when fear tries to grip us, we are not to be consumed by it. He desires for us to realize that He is God and that we can cast every fear (care) upon Him. We cannot overcome it alone but can make it because of His promises. Knowing that He will help and strengthen us is so encouraging!

In Isaiah 43:1, the Word tells us, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you: I have called you by your name; you are Mine. 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, nor shall the flame scorch you.”

He reminds us so many times not to fear. He felt it was important and necessary to tell us so because

He knew that we would experience stress, worry, and even terror. Our life experiences can be treacherous and unpredictable. We all go through difficult times that are overwhelming. I think David understood this when he stood in front of Goliath that day. He knew that Jehovah God was with him. Others were in terror and fear as Goliath ridiculed them, yet he chose to fear not! David slew the giant that day because of his faith and trust in God.

We can see the giant of fear in our lives fall. Do not allow fear, worry, and anxiety to taunt you any longer. Refuse to give in, stand up in faith, and trust God to bring you through. Realize that you are His child, and He cares about every detail of your life. Share with others around you how the Lord has helped you trust more in Him. Fear not!

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

Pursuing a Relationship with God

by Leslie Bennett

As a parent, how would you feel if your child never talked to you? What if your child never expressed the need for a relationship with you? What if you had to sit back and watch your child struggle through this life, never asking you for help?

Just like us as parents, God desires for His children to talk to Him, spend time with Him, and fellowship with Him. He wants to have a wonderful relationship with His kids. He is there to help if only He is asked. He wants us to willingly come to Him, cultivate a relationship with Him, and to seek Him and acknowledge our need for Him. If we choose to try and make it on our own, we are missing out on the mighty power available to us through Him.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5, 6, NIV).

Have you ever thought about the power that is given to us when we make time for God? It is an honor and a privilege to spend time with Him. The things of this life and our present problems become much less significant when we are able to see what is going on in the spiritual realm. The power He gives us makes a lifechanging difference. His power is like a shot of adrenaline in our spirit.

Time spent with God is always powerful and effective. A humble, willing spirit is the key. He will then give us the strength, wisdom and understanding we need to live this life with supernatural power. As God’s children, let’s not neglect making time for spiritual encounters with our Heavenly Father. We have the choice to live the abundant life. It is up to us to pursue a healthy, happy, intimate, passionate, dynamic relationship with God.

Daily prayer is the best way to maintain a quality relationship with God. This kind of relationship is never one-sided. It’s a two-way street. We must humble ourselves, read His word, pray, wait for Him to speak to us, and follow Him. He will lead us if we let Him. Just checking off a box doesn’t get it done. There is nothing supernatural about checking off a box, reading a few verses every day, and saying a little prayer before we go to bed. Instead, we must

actively draw closer to God. Seek Him. Listen for His voice and obediently follow Him.

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline”

(2 Timothy 1:7, NIV).

If we want all of our relationships to be successful, we must first get our relationship with God correct. Developing a relationship with God is a process, a journey. Maybe this should be our focus in the coming days. Let’s fill up our tank and get started.

Leslie Bennett is a kindergarten assistant at Michigan Avenue School. She is a member of First Baptist Church and sings in the adult choir. She manages a blog at ohyesshedid.org.

Relating To Your Kids

by David Beckmann

Parents, you love your kids. You want them to turn out well and become men and women of God. You want to be a good parent. God wants this, too. He loves your kids; indeed, they are more His than yours! We are ultimately raising them for Him, to be Jesus’s disciples.

Yet, we know that there is work that needs to be done in their hearts that only He can do. So, it makes sense that one of the most important things we have to do as parents is to be sure we are not relating to our children in some way that is hindering or frustrating what God is wanting to do

worth, 4) having unrealistic goals—trying to make them be or do something that God has not given them the talent for, 5) failing to show affection, 6) not providing and protecting, 7) leaving them to themselves—not teaching and training them toward godly adulthood, 8) destructive or habitual criticism, 9) not matching correction with the weight of the offense, i.e., overcorrecting, and thus, 10) being unfair— which is huge!

The other side of the coin is to be thoughtful and purposeful in our relationship with our children: nurture and train. If we are just letting things go along and only intervening when they are doing something we don’t like or that bothers or embarrasses us, we are just being capricious. We are not taking on the responsibility of parenting. There is no nurturing or training going on; there is no plan, no objective, and certainly no careful maintenance of a good relationship with the kids. We are certainly not modeling for them what their Father in heaven is like.

for them. We want to be a help to their discipleship, not a hindrance!

St. Paul gives us some help with this. Combining Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21, we read: “Fathers, a) do not provoke your children to anger or resentment, lest they be discouraged, but b) bring them up in the nurture and correction of the Lord.”

So here we have “two sides of a coin” for relating to our kids. First, do not treat them in such a way that leads to the breakdown of their relationship with us, resulting in a loss of hope. We learn from John MacArthur that we must watch out for: 1) overprotecting, 2) favoritism, 3) depreciating their

And by the way, who was the imbecile who said you maintain your dignity in your position by never apologizing for anything? Good grief! God doesn’t have to apologize for anything because He is perfect. We, however, must—and the best way is to do it immediately upon an offense. The kids know when we are wrong. When we apologize, they see we are being honest. Few things earn their respect better than humble honesty.

Raising children is part of your own discipleship; part of your own training as a child of God. Embrace it, and lean on your loving Father who gives you grace to follow His example (2 Corinthians 9:8). Keep up this good work—they grow up so fast!

The Rev. David Beckmann is an Anglican priest and Moderator of the C.S. Lewis Society of Chattanooga. Recently, he was director of the C. S. Lewis Study Centre at The Kilns, Oxford, UK. He blogs at revbeckmann.com.

H.O.P.E. Helps

by Sandra Gilmore

Where do I start? Are you feeling overwhelmed, a bit beat down, somewhat stagnant? Let’s find some HOPE.

Have you ever heard of “Heed Other People’s Experiences”? It’s a quick acronym to get motivated, to get moving forward. Life comes at us fast. Other times, it comes very slowly. Some days we are ready for progress. Yet, opportunities seem distant and difficult to reach. Other days, life comes crashing on our heads like we’ve opened a closet that’s too full and unorganized. We need HOPE.

lost battles, and won battles that didn’t even feel like victories. He kept praising! (See the Psalms)

*Deborah charged forth into battle as a leader when others disregarded her expertise simply because of her gender (Judges 4-5).

*Early in his relationship with Jesus, Peter bragged about his loyalty then buckled under the pressure within hours. Later, his loyalty was exemplary (Matthew 26:69-75).

*Saul—who was later known as Paul—thought he knew it all, until his experience on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). Humility underscored the rest of his life. Yet, the Lord wrote much of the New Testament through Paul’s letters to encourage Christians.

This same Saul who persecuted Christians later mentored them, including one young man named Timothy. Paul writes to his young friend in 2 Timothy 1:6-7, “And for this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”

We don’t have to make all the mistakes to learn. We don’t have to struggle all the struggles to know what happens on the other side. We can look to others who have blazed trails. But I don’t have time to listen to all those inspirational podcasts. I don’t have funds to attend all those workshops or seminars.

Flip a light switch. Remember scientists and inventors who developed lightbulbs and harnessed electricity? Crank a vehicle. Recall the early pioneers of “horseless carriages”? Hear a few bars of graduation theme music? Honor those who have passed all the courses in a program. They kept at it until the goal was reached. We can too.

So, who do I look to? Lots of examples of Heeding Other People’s Experiences can be found in the Bible. The Bible records fellow strugglers who kept focused on the Hope of Glory (Colossians 1:27).

*David kept praising God in the tough times. He lost a child, had marital troubles, struggled through family dynamics,

Paul was particularly selective in his word choice. The word “timidity” (deilia in the Greek) implies an insecurity. Apparently, Timothy (which means “honoring God”) had let fear and insecurity slip in his thoughts, holding back his gifts. “Timothy” and “timidity” start the same, but they don’t end the same! Paul’s encouragement spurred Timothy to keep honoring God by releasing the gifts inside him.

Has insecurity tied the bow too tightly on your gifts too? Are you struggling to unwrap your talents and pursuits? Take HOPE (Heed Other People’s Experiences). Study how other folks pushed through to build their businesses. Investigate how they overcame hurdles. Search out ways to break down projects into manageable portions. As you work through your goals and challenges, remember His step-by-step promise:

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

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

Don Ledford Automotive Center Automobile Sales are Back

Post-pandemic comeback gains and a promising future are here!

The past year has been one of new opportunities, hard work and renewed growth for the Don Ledford Chevrolet, Buick and GMC Automotive Center in Cleveland, TN— “The Dealership That’s Different!”

This 40-year-old family business has become a pilar of the community, and has survived multiple recessions and the General Motors closing of dealerships during their 2010 reorganization. During the pandemic, the dealership has not only survived but has kept all its 45+ employee staff working. Leading the Don Ledford team is Dealer Principle and General Manager Debbie Melton. “It’s an exciting time to be in the automotive business as the industry shifts back into gear after the pandemic. A severe chip shortage due to supply chain and other pandemic issues severely crippled our industry, but those issues are starting to be seen further and further back in the rear-view mirror,” said Melton.

We Say Yes!

That’s not just the dealership’s motto, it’s what they are all about when it comes to serving their customers and our community. Back in 2017, the dealership was one of very few businesses in East Tennessee and North Georgia nominated for the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. Being nominated is an honor, but in April of that year, Don Ledford Cleveland was presented the 1st place award at a ceremony in Chattanooga hosted by the Better Business Bureau, with then Governor Haslam as the guest speaker and presenter. There were only three “for profit” and three “nonprofit” businesses in the entire two state area given this award based on Trust, Performance & Integrity. From 2018-2022, they have continued that tradition. It all starts with the dealership motto: We Say Yes!

In 2022 the dealership was rated #1 by the readers of the Cleveland Daily Journal in all three automotive categories of New Vehicle Department, Pre-owned Vehicle Department and Service Department experiences. “We are so proud to be able to provide good jobs to good people from this area,” said Melton. “I am proud of the efforts our team puts forth and the positive satisfaction ratings from our customers. Making our customers feel valued, appreciated, and at home is important at Don Ledford.”

Customer Focused Extras

The updated Don Ledford facility has added a new Service Drive-in Reception Area and two indoor Delivery Areas. When customers must leave their vehicle for warranty work, Don Ledford provides free loaner vehicles or shuttles. “We’re very proud of our team training programs,” said Melton. The company’s HEART OF SERVICE curriculum has been a key to success. This training instills a set of principles which empowers employees to deliver their services to their guest with a common set of core values. “Our employees come to work every day to serve God, Family, Employees, Customers and Community,” said Melton. “It is what sets us apart from other businesses. “We’ve always had a really good Better Business Bureau rating but having been honored with the BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Excellence, well, it was just validation to all of us that we have been on the right track and we’re always working on getting better.”

“We have also invested in a Community/Conference/Training room and use it regularly. To back those efforts up and to work towards continuous improvement, the dealership has started a “Ladies Day” in

Service, offering different treats for the ladies from time to time, like free mani-pedis, roses, car care clinics, etc., in addition to service specials. “It’s been a big hit!” said Melton. When Melton designed the new dealership, a top priority was a new Customer Hospitality Area. This part of the dealership is spacious and has comfortable seating, large flat screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and refreshments, and a separate children’s playroom in an area that is in full view but isolated from the adults.

General Motors is Back in a Big Way

The new 2023 lineup of General Motors vehicles has Melton and the entire Ledford team very enthusiastic and optimistic about what the coming year holds. “Inventory challenges are clearing up. GMC had a total of 15,000 new vehicles on dealer lots one year ago, but today there are over 60,000. There were less than 6,000 new Buick vehicles on dealer lots one year ago, but this year there are over 20,000. So, we’re growing back the industry stronger than ever,” said Melton. “Quality is truly second to none. Buick was ranked the #1 Brand in the 2022 Initial Quality Survey that J.D. Power has been conducting for 35 years. And all our other brands were in the top 10. That’s from a list of 33 Brands, including all the well know luxury brands.”

To combat those high interest rates in the news, General Motors is leading the way with rates as low as 1.9% APR for 60 months on some of their most popular vehicles. And GM is on the forefront of the EV (electric vehicle) revolution in research, development and putting these vehicles in customer’s hands as demand starts to grow. Prices vary with entry level pricing starting at under $30,000, and most all qualify for federal tax credits up to $7,500. Distance on a single charge starts at over 200 miles per charge and goes up to 400 miles on a single charge.

Currently on the market are:

The Chevrolet Silverado EV

The Chevrolet Equinox SUV EV

The Chevrolet Blazer SUV EV

The Chevrolet Bolt ESUV

The GMC Hummer SUV and SUT EV Super Trucks

The GMC Sierra Denali EV (2024)

The Buick Electra E5 (2025)

In total, GM expects to have 30 different EVs available by 2025. By 2030, Buick will have a total electric SUV line-up. GM is doing it right by investing in infrastructure at the dealership, community, and national levels to support these numbers. Training and upgrades to service departments are ongoing and a priority.

Geared Up for Business Customers

The dealership’s Commercial & Fleet Department is celebrating its 7th birthday this year and has one of the most respected Commercial and Fleet Managers in the industry, Jon Arbuckle, to help keep growing the business to the next level. His first mission was to get the dealership into the Chevrolet Business Elite Program to enable the dealership to offer more inventory, Upfit Packages and Fleet Discounts to our growing business community. Mission accomplished! Arbuckle is heavily involved in the business community and will go above and beyond to take care of all the dealership’s current and new clients.

Giving Back to Cleveland & Bradley County

A business won’t be successful if it doesn’t give back time and money to the community that supports it. This past year the dealership has worked hard to do that. Here are just a few of the opportunities Don Ledford

Cleveland has been able to participate in to enable the dealership to give back to their friends, neighbors, and customers.

• The dealership consistently supports the local Bradley County and Cleveland City schools with cash awards for back-to-school events. They recently donated $2,000 to the Cleveland High School softball program through the Chevrolet Youth Sports Program.

• The dealership participates every October in the Chevrolet I Drive For Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Campaign where Chevy will donate $5 for every test drive an employee and customer takes to the American Cancer Society. (Chevy’s National Goal was $500k, but in 2021, they raised $1.7 million alone and 16.7 million since inception.)

• The dealership worked with Outlaw Rodeo Co. to bring back a Rodeo to the area by sponsoring the Memorial Day Weekend event at the TriState Exposition Center’s Bess Neil Arena.

• The dealership was once again involved with Lee University in the 2022 Cleveland Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis.

• The dealership donated a new vehicle for one Bradley County School Teacher of the Year and one City of Cleveland School Teacher of the Year to drive for the next 12 months. A key presentation event was held at the dealership to present the vehicles.

• The dealership has recently been sponsoring “win a vehicle for a hole in one contest” for local charity golf tournaments. The chance to win a new vehicle really excites and ignites a lot of participation in these great events for good causes in our community. Just in the last year these have included the Scott Hicks Make a Wish Foundation, the Live Wide Open Dustin Ledford Tournament, the Joe Rodgers Golf Tournament, the Kiwanis Golf Tournament, the Camp Lookout Tournament, the Becky Smith Tournament, The FCA Region Tournament, The Better Business Bureau Tournament, and the Cleveland Civitan Club Tournament.

• Every summer the dealership teams up with local radio station MIX 104.1 and its Owner and General Manager, Steve Hartline, to do the Great Cleveland Duck Race, a hometown tradition.

“Our We Say Yes motto is not just a slogan. It’s who we are and what we do, whether it’s in relation to your purchase, your service needs, or in regards to our community relations. We Say Yes to our community both as a business and as individuals,” said Melton.

Beauty for Ashes

by Dorothy Teague

In January 2014, my oldest son passed on to Heaven due to a lengthy illness. In February, I was still reeling from losing him even though I knew he was with the Lord. I was up late one cold night and went to the fireplace to warm up. But I found only embers barely alive from the fire that had so recently burned bright and hot. As I stirred the dying embers, I heard God speak in my spirit clearly. He said, “Stir up the gift that is in you!” (2 Timothy 1:6). You see, I had spent many years caring for my son, especially the last year, and I had to put my singing and writing on hold. The Holy Spirit spoke to me in my time of mourning and gave me not only permission, but a directive to start using my gifts again for His glory. With each song I sang, my joy in the Lord returned.

Sometimes a crisis or tragedy happens in our lives, and it seems like God couldn’t possibly use us anymore to do His will. But God comes and stirs the ashes of our lives and creates new life within us. Isaiah 61:3 says, “To appoint unto them who mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” Isaiah was delivering a message of hope to the nation of Israel. We, too, have that hope because we know that God never leaves us or

forsakes us (Deuteronomy 31:8). Psalm 147:3 tells us that “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

I believe the gifts He endows us with at conception go with us throughout our lives so that we might point others to Him. People can be cruel to those who have slipped and fallen into sin or those they suspect have sinned. For some reason, they suddenly think that God doesn’t forgive and that a person shouldn’t work within their gifting anymore. Jesus had something to say about this in John 8:7. “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” People are quick to judge, it’s in our own sinful nature to do so, but God’s opinion is really the only one that counts! He takes the messiness of our lives and turns it into beauty for our good and His glory. Ashes, like trials, are useful. Ashes can be put in a garden to make the soil fertile to bring on new growth and life. That’s what God does with our tragedies; He uses them to help us grow in Him, though the growth does not feel very good at the time.

When you’re standing with the ashes of your life all around your feet, just remember that God can turn what looks like defeat into a triumph! He can give you a new beginning (Isaiah 43:19). God told me to stir up my dormant gifts, and then He ignited the fire, giving me new opportunities to share about what a good God He is! He can give you a beautiful new beginning too!

Dorothy Teague is a Tennessee native, who resides in McMinn County with her husband, Lewis, on their farm. After completing 31.5 years as a teacher in the Bradley County School System, she is active in her church at Eastanallee Baptist Church where she is a member of the choir and praise team.

Gò0 dNews for Couples Love

by Paul McGuire

Obviously, just a few words cannot summarize “love.” The expression is often carelessly used or misused, so the genuine meaning can be lost. Let’s consider “love” as in marriage. God’s idea of marriage is the committed joining of a man and a woman for the purpose of making a family. Couples mostly marry because of affection, which is usually considered “love.” That’s a good thing. Does this kind of “love” ensure a marriage will survive the challenges of life? My experience of 50 years of marriage says, no, not as most would define “love.” I would offer a definition of a love that lasts: “Persistent pursuit of relationship through deep and affectionate commitment.”

This is “love” expressed as a verb, not just as a noun. True love precipitates something. It’s not just roses and thoughtful gifts—although that can be one of its expressions! And within my definition, gifts are given because of loving commitment, not just for seeking favor. Loving commitment provides foundation for shared dreams and hopes. I once saw a poster which read: “Love is looking together in the same direction.” Scripture asks, “Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” (Amos 3:3, NLT).

True commitment in marriage requires some laying down of personal (often selfish) ideas, and the taking up of shared ideas, hopes and dreams. Let’s add trust into the commitment—and loyalty, especially loyalty in heart. Genuine trust invites. When I trust God, He is freed to do things in my life. He can be trusted to do whatever He says. People, however, must earn the trust of another person. Disloyalty, which is a violation of trust, is a, if not the, cause of failed marriages. Trust, once broken, is extremely difficult to rebuild. So, I should add to my definition the word “unbroken.” “Unbroken, persistent pursuit of relationship through deep and affectionate commitment.”

Life works successfully because God’s rules and boundaries are respected and obeyed. Inside these

definitions for life, there can be peace and a level of happiness. Marriage survives when the man and woman commit to live with each other inside the defined boundaries established by their marriage vows. Deep loving affection works all the better when God’s rules are followed.

God’s plan for creation in every aspect calls for the planting of seed for a harvest. This is with humans, plants, and animals, as well as with relational aspects of life like marriage. There is currently a perverted view of marriage

which defies God’s ideas. It is seedless and therefore is fruitless, offering no increase as God desires—expect for the expansion of perversion and death. Following God’s ways and plans for us will always produce life and increase. Just as He desires for us! In marriage, each plant themselves in the other’s life for a combined increase— “through deep and affectionate commitment.”

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Paul McGuire has been born again for over 60 years, and has pursued to hear God’s voice through all those years. He and his wife Teresa of over 50 years are active at Living Word Church in Cleveland, Tennessee. They have two children and five grandchildren. About The Author

Cleveland Chiropractic & Rehabilitation

Cleveland Chiropractic & Rehabilitation is a locally owned practice in the Cleveland community offering a wide variety of options for patient care. Dr. Rachel Masterson and the staff enjoy greeting everyone with a friendly smile and creating a welcoming atmosphere while working towards addressing the needs of each patient.

The practice offers multiple modalities of care, including Chiropractic spinal adjustments, acupuncture, massage therapy, nutritional response testing, and spinal decompression. Adjunctive therapies include local and fullbody cryotherapy, IonCleanse detox foot baths, and infrared laser therapy.

Dr. Rachel Masterson graduated from Logan College of Chiropractic in December 2012 and has treated patients for more than ten years. She recently expanded her education by completing the acupuncture curriculum at Logan University and has also completed Nutritional Response Testing courses. By offering more options for patient care, Dr. Rachel Masterson believes she can meet a wider variety of patient needs.

Dr. Olivia Miller started her chiropractic career serving as a chiropractic assistant, where she fell in the love with the profession. She graduated from Life University in December 2018 and has been with the practice since January 2020, after moving to the area. She specializes in pregnancy and offers pediatric adjustments starting at birth. Dr. Olivia Miller has expanded her knowledge in the chiropractic field by studying the Webster and Activator techniques as well as functional neurology.

Chiropractic adjustments are a very effective and powerful treatment to relieve neck pain, back pain, joint pain, and headaches. Chiropractic adjustments can also improve quality of life by improving movement, function, and range of motion for everyday life as well as for athletes.

Our practice currently employs three massage therapists to assist in improving overall health. Massage therapy is known for promoting general wellness while manipulating soft tissues and joints. Our therapists offer multiple additions to massage, including the Gua Sha technique, cupping therapy, and hot stones. While massage therapy is a beneficial and relaxing treatment for patients, it is also very complementary to chiropractic care.

Acupuncture is a wonderful treatment for multiple conditions and possibly the most unique treatment we offer. Some of the most common conditions treated with acupuncture in our practice include sciatica, headaches, and low back and neck pain. However, Dr. Rachel Masterson’s favorite conditions to treat are diabetic neuropathy and post-stroke complications. Neither diabetic neuropathy nor post-stroke complications can be treated via Chiropractic care, therefore Dr. Rachel Masterson is thrilled to have a new way to help her patients.

Cleveland Chiropractic is a team, and we work together to make your experience a great one. The treatments and therapies offered at our practice are put in place to treat patients as whole people.

“My goal is to help the most patients in the best way we can. There is no doubt we change lives every day; we have amazing patients. Much of the reward of being a Chiropractor is unknown. I will never know how many patients were kept off addictive pain medication or prevented surgical intervention due to our care, but I know in my heart we are. I could never do it without all the ladies that make up Cleveland Chiropractic, a big thank you to them and all our wonderful patients,” said Dr. Rachel Masterson.

Cleveland Chiropractic & Rehab is located at 4645 N Lee Hwy #1, Cleveland, TN 37312. You can contact Cleveland Chiropractic & Rehab at (423)-790-1415 or visit their website at www.clevelandchiropracticandrehabilitation.com.

Listening To Family

by Abdiel Medina

During the 2022 Christmas season, I went on a quest that caused me to desire to be more intentional about how I spend my time with my family. I was in pursuit of Christmas gifts to get for them. This proved to be difficult because I honestly had no idea what to get them, but I was determined not to yield to the simplicity of buying gift cards. Eventually, after searching for a couple of hours, and thanks to the help from my friend Gabe, I was able to pick out presents for my family!

On Christmas day, they received the gifts with a grateful heart, and I was thankful that they liked them. Nonetheless, the experience was humbling. I realized that if I knew more about my family, then it would have been much easier to do Christmas shopping for them. It may not be wrong to be uncertain about what Christmas presents to get for loved ones, as many have shared in the struggle of knowing what present to purchase for a sibling or parent! I have been guilty in the past of letting the busyness and distractions of life get in the way of being intentional about being attentive and listening when spending time with my family.

However, consider the difference it would make when spending time with family to practice Paul the Apostle’s words for people to “be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger…” (James 1:19, ESV). For

instance, it would be an opportunity to share love since by listening, you are showing that you value what your loved ones have to say. Furthermore, being attentive and listening are skills that enable people to get to know their family members better and grow in their relationship with them.

The positive ramifications of taking the time to listen to family can even apply to our relationship

with God. Our Heavenly Father is always available and listening to our prayers to Him. Taking some quiet time to slow down and listen to God is an open opportunity to express your love and grow closer to Him. So, I encourage you to find moments in between the busyness of life to take some time to spend with God and your family, and listen to what they may have to say.

Abdiel Medina is a Lee student, a young writer, and a member of the Medina Awesome Family.

A Golden Friendship

by Todd R. Gunderson

Iwas recently researching friendship online for a project with my students. It seemed like such a boring topic, but I proceeded with reluctance. After all, everyone knows what a good relationship is. The information I found was eye-opening to say the least. Many of the online sites, books, and general advice suggested friendship building was based on getting to know those with whom you want to engage. It’s not that I disagree, I liked what I read. I was just surprised how little the tiny word “do” was used. Sure, the obvious

me.” Of course, Gensler is joking, but he goes on to say that early clans around 12,000 years ago had a much better chance of survival when cooperation and sharing were part of their reality. It makes a lot of sense that the simple concept of do (as in kindly actions towards others) has such a large impact on humanity. Here are some of the entries in Gensler’s list.

1450 BC to 450 BC: The Jewish Bible has golden-rule like passages, including “Don’t oppress a foreigner, for you well know how it feels to be a foreigner, since you were foreigners yourself in the land of Egypt” (Exodus 23:9) and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).

700 BC: In Homer’s Odyssey, goddess Calypso tells Odysseus: “I’ll be as careful for you as I’d be for myself in like need. I know what is fair and right.”

551-479 BC: Confucius sums up his teaching as: “Don’t do to others what you don’t want them to do to you” (Analects 15:23).

words were there: trustworthy, kind, compassionate, good listener, and many of the other commonly head words centered on the idea of friendship. But “do” is the word that expresses, for me, the most convincing argument for friendship development. After all, The Golden Rule has been part of humanity for thousands of years. “Do onto others as you would have them do unto you.”

I laughed as I came across Harry J. Gensler’s “Golden Rule Chronology,” where he lists nearly every reference of the historical suggestion of the rule. There, he lists the oldest mention of the rule as one million years ago. It is a quote from the fictional character Fred Flintstone after he helps a man who was robbed and injured. “I’d want him to help

4 BC to 27 AD: Jesus proclaims love (of God and neighbor) and the golden rule to be the basis of how to live. Luke 6:31 gives the golden rule in the context of loving your enemies, later illustrated by the Good Samaritan parable. Matthew 7:12 says: “Treat others as you want to be treated, for this sums up the Law and the prophets.”

Many friendships begin with a kind act toward another. We love it when another gives something to us, does something for us, or just takes something out of our way all in the name of friendship. Reciprocity is not required in a true friendship, and you must not expect it. You may feel obligated to give back when it happens to you, too. This is human nature, but try the “do” without requiring anything in return. You’ll come away feeling quite happy and content.

Todd R. Gunderson is a teacher, author, and woodworker who lives and works in Cleveland, TN. He has been teaching for 25 years for Bradley County Schools. He earned his teaching degree at Lee University and a Master of Science in Education from Arkansas State University. Todd lives the country life with his wife, Laura, 4 children, 4 cats, and 2 dogs. You can see his books and woodworking projects at ToddRGunderson.com.

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Springtime Lemon Cookies

Lemon cookies are the perfect treat to celebrate a spring day! We recommend sharing these cookies with a friend during your mid-afternoon coffee date, popping one in your child’s lunchbox for a mid-day surprise, or treating yourself to one (or maybe two) after a long day! If you try out this recipe at home, tag us on Facebook at Goodnews CM and let us know your thoughts!

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

• ½ cup of all-purpose flour

• ½ cup of almond flour

• ¼ cup of tapioca flour

• ¼ cup of cane sugar

• 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt

• ¼ cup of coconut oil

• 2 teaspoons of lemon zest

• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon of milk (or dairy-free milk alternative)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cane sugar, lemon zest, salt, and flour. Then, stir in coconut oil, lemon juice, and milk. Combine until all ingredients form a dough.

3. Place your mixing bowl in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes. This will help you roll out the dough easier!

4. Then, roll out your dough and use cookie-cutters to cut out as many cookies as possible. Place cookies on the parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes.

Galatians 3:26-28

by Charles Finney

There were two people who attended the same church. One, named John, always sat in the front row of the pews, while the other, named Mary, always sat in the back row. John was an active member of the church and had a strong faith in God. He was a regular volunteer, always willing to lend a helping hand, and had a deep understanding of the Bible. He felt blessed and grateful for all the good things in his life and was sure that God had a plan for him.

But Mary, on the other hand, felt like she was not worthy of God’s blessings. She had been through a lot of difficult times in her life and had lost faith in herself. She felt like she didn’t belong in the church because she was not good enough to be there. She had a hard time connecting with people and found it hard to open up and share her thoughts and feelings.

John and Mary had never really talked before and never really paid attention to each other’s presence in the church. But one day, during a service, the pastor invited the congregation to come to the altar for prayer and reflection. John, as usual, went to the front, but to his surprise, Mary was there too. They made eye contact, and Mary’s eyes were filled with tears.

John walked towards her and sat next to her. He put his arm around her, and they both cried together. Mary opened up to John and told him about her struggles and how she felt like she was not good enough for God’s love. John listened attentively and reassured Mary that God loved her just as she was and that everyone was worthy of His blessings. He told her that God had a plan for her and that she was not alone in her struggles.

They both felt a sense of comfort and peace. They realized that they were not alone in their struggles and that they had each other’s support. They left the altar with a renewed sense of hope and a deeper understanding of God’s love.

From that day on, their relationship changed. They started to sit together in the front row of the pews, and they would talk and share their thoughts and feelings before

and after the service. John helped Mary to reconnect with God and understand the Bible better. Mary, in turn, helped John to see the world from a different perspective. They both learned to be more open-minded and understanding of others’ struggles.

They shared a special friendship and encouraged each other to continue to seek God’s guidance and blessings in their lives. They would often go to the altar together and pray for strength and guidance. They also helped others in the church who were going through similar struggles.

As time passed, they both grew stronger in their faith and their bond. They rejoiced in the knowledge that they were truly equal in the eyes of God and that God had brought them together for a reason. They both knew that they were blessed to have each other in their lives and they were grateful for the opportunity to share their faith and help others in the church. They both knew God had a plan for them and were excited to see what the future held.

In conclusion, this story shows how two people from different backgrounds and with different struggles can come together and help each other find peace and love in God. It shows that even in our darkest times, God is there for us, and we are never alone. It also shows that sometimes we can find the help and guidance we need in the most unexpected places and that we should always be open to the possibility of new friendships and connections.

A Dead Heart Revived

by Sheneka Land

Irecognized the symptoms of my dying heart long before it hammered out what felt like its final beat. But I pushed on. Secretly I would tell myself, I don’t think I can take another rejective blow to my heart. One day I will no longer be able to hide the pain, and my heart will die.

No, I was not to die physically, but my wellspring of life seemed dried up, leaving me hopeless and disconsolate. Past trials can lead us in a struggle to please others, to fix ourselves so that our hearts and minds won’t continue to suffer abuse as in the past. We work hard to be liked, to

In fact, they may say something opposite or, even more painful, they may say nothing at all. We allow people to become the stronger voice in our lives, and we become discouraged and hopeless, maybe even questioning our very existence.

The road to discovering our identity in Christ is full of hills and valleys, and we will sometimes suffer injury. It may feel as if God has forgotten us, and we wonder why He does not rescue us or at least attend to our wounds. During a particularly difficult season in my life, I came close to giving up everything I had been working towards for years. I no longer desired to be a part of any faith community, and I began to find excuses to stay home from church each Sunday. It felt safer to exclude myself from the spiritual family so that I would not longer feel the pain of rejection and betrayal. I had been faithful in church attendance for many years, but I was exhausted, with no desire to do anything except to stay home to read, garden and enjoy my pets and family. My wellspring of life seemed to be dried beyond any hope of redemption or life.

make people laugh, and to be told that we are doing a good job. We long for others to affirm what God has already said.

As we age, we begin to view milestone events and chapters of transition to measure our worth, value, and success. Have we done well? What do others think of us?

Is what God said about me really true? We may draw an imaginary box in our minds, place those questions inside, and hope for certain answers to those questions that will meet our expectations—expectations that will finally bring us affirmation and acceptance that we have been searching for all our lives.

And then it happens…or maybe it’s better to say it does not happen. People do not say the same things God says.

I did indeed isolate for nearly three months, but eventually, I began to hear a gentle voice whisper: See Me. See My fingerprints on the canvas of your life.

You are not who they say you are. Listen to Me.

During this season, I prayed tearful and sometimes angry prayers, but eventually I began to feel the smile of God upon me, and I discovered hope and faith again.

Job 5:18 says, “For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds, but His hands make whole” (NKJV). May our futures not be shaped by our hurts but rather by our hope in God who desires to make us whole.

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.

ABOUT US

Alchemy was founded on a simple concept of transformation from within. Let our team schedule your complimentary consultation, which includes a real-time skin analysis with CaptureMD, allowing our team of experts to make the appropriate recommendations for your specific skin correction issues, using the latest technology and modalities to give outstanding results.

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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On My Mind

by Judy Hood

I woke up this morning with you on my mind

My feelings for you I just cannot hide

My faith grows stronger with each passing day

From your word, it’s my manna, you made a way

I look to the heavens looking for you

But there you are right beside me in everything I do

I will not fear as I walk through this life on earth

What can man do to me? You knew me before birth

Lord, you have loved me with an everlasting love

I can’t wait to get to heaven to give you a long-lasting hug

My love for you I’ll not be able to control as we stroll down those streets of gold

And I look upon your face your radiance to behold

A Story Behind the Story

Ruth Ch 1-4

by Dr. Rob Debelak

Ruth was a woman of distinct qualities. She lived as a childless widow during the turbulent era of Israel’s Judges (1:1-4). In the absence of a family-clan leader, her security was threatened. Most notably, she risked opposition as an idolatrous Moabite – a prominent enemy of ancient Israel. Unmasking societal assumptions, she faces these formidable challenges with quiet strength. Scripture does not voice her pain, giving more space to Ruth’s unwavering love for her grieving mother-in-law.

Ruth remained close when Naomi prompted her to depart. She may have never met her deceased father-in-law and mourns the loss of her husband and brother-in-law (1:24, 4:10). Ruth now watches what is left of her family dissolve before her eyes. Her sister-in-law set on a path for her home in Moab (1:4, 15), while her mother-in-law intended to return to Israel (1:6). In tearful brokenness (1:14), Ruth is at a crossroads of decision; it is here she pleads with Naomi (1:1618). In an emotional scene permeated by death and loss, Ruth sacrificially lays down her life for an unseen land, unknown living conditions, a new community, and the one true God.

Hard, arduous labor in a hot Bethlehem field greeted the impoverished Ruth (2:1-17), though the seemingly endless toil of a long day’s work did not dissuade her. An immigrant searching for mercy, hints of her loneliness and vulnerability surface, though no complaint is found on her lips. In contrast to the challenges of manual farm work stands the resilient character of a woman whose tireless efforts and humility to serve are undeterred. Her rich, genuine willingness to honor others and abase herself is recognized and rewarded with blessing and acceptance. Joyfully, she celebrates the humble gift of daily bread (2:17-23).

The manners and customs of this ancient world catch modern readers by surprise. Despite uniqueness, diverse times, lands, and cultures are all too familiar with hunger (1:1) and bereavement (1:3-5). Tension flared during the era of the Judges (1:1), provoking violence. In such perilous days, it is rare to find righteous people who are selflessly concerned for others. Mirroring the character of the Moabitess (Ch 1), this great Old Testament book

next introduces an honorable man of Israel. Boaz lives in accordance with the law of God, sheltering and providing for the two widows. He acts justly, redeeming Ruth and taking her as his bride. As providence would have it, theirs was a match made in heaven! The child born to them continues the family line to King David (4:22) and ultimately to Messiah (Matthew 1).

Noble traits of faith and devotion continue to serve as examples for readers of Scripture. Death-to-life themes such as bareness to fruitfulness are staged in the land as a backdrop for what the narrative’s characters experience. The emptiness and void give way to the full and plenty, reminiscent of God’s work in the creation account. However, the narrative crafting reverberates the familiar covenant story of hope and promise—a story behind Ruth’s story. Like a man of faith centuries before, her life story is akin to the journey of Abram, to whom God gave land, blessing, and offspring. Bereft of his father (Gen. 11), Abram had left an idol-filled country, placed faith in the God of eternity, and traveled to Israel, becoming the parent of many children. Ruth, a Moabitess no less, relives the story, inheriting an amazing legacy!

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.

The Love of God

by Danette Reeves

We’ve heard the story a million times—how God loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for our sins, to pay a debt we could not pay, and to make the way for us to have direct access to God. It’s all true. It really is. We think about the craziness of Jesus leaving everything to come as a baby born in a stable. Then, we tend to fast forward to His ministry and death and resurrection. That was the plan. That was what was necessary.

thousand, teaching the Sermon on the Mount, discipling the disciples—another step closer. Every breath Jesus took was leading Him closer to the cross.

In His humanity, Jesus suffered as we do, all the minor and significant things. Hebrews 4:15 states, “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” Praise God! He understands what we are going through. He understands our feelings of betrayal or sadness. He understands our fears, our joys, our laughter, and our tears. He knows and understands that innermost thought that you would never let anyone else know.

I have been thinking about what Jesus underwent in His 33 years. As a human, it must have been challenging to live with the cross overshadowing everything in His life. Yet, everything He did led Him closer and closer to that one horrible event. All of the scraped knees, mashed thumbs, and the ridicule from the siblings—His life was that of an ordinary little boy, only it was leading Him closer to the cross. Healing the woman with the issue of blood—another step closer. Losing and raising His good friend, Lazarus— another step closer. The blind man, the leper, the servant, Peter’s mother-in-law—another step closer. Feeding the five

That is why we can claim Hebrews 4:16 as a cornerstone in our relationship with Jesus. “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in the time of need.” We can come to Him with confidence. We don’t shrink away in fear or insecurity. We can know that His throne is a throne of grace. And there we will find mercy (not receiving that which we do deserve) and grace (receiving that which we do not deserve). Thank God Jesus is our High Priest! We can rest in His love with great confidence.

The first verse of the hymn O The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus: “O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!

Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!

Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above!”

Danette Reeves and her husband, Charlie, live in Cleveland, Tennessee. They attend The Church at Grace Point. One of their joys is being Oma and Opa to four grandchildren. Her heart’s desire is to be a student and a teacher of the Word, and a consistent follower of Jesus.

The Silent March

Joshua 6:1-27

by Jonathon Wright

It was a very strange miracle indeed, the day that the walls of Jericho fell. It was an unusual request of God to ask His people to silently march around the city for seven days. But it must have been worse to march around the city seven times on the seventh day. I can almost hear some of them saying, “I don’t like this plan. Are you sure there isn’t another way?” The Lord could have told Joshua to take his staff and cause the walls to collapse. But God did not work that way this time.

It reminds me that God does not always work on our timetable. Nor does He do things the way we think they should be done. But He does always work. And it is important to listen to and follow Him. His ways are better, even if sometimes it does not seem that way. Many times, we face problems that are insurmountable. But God has a way of helping His people though impossible situations.

The Encyclopedia Britannica describes the two walls that fortified Jericho. The first wall was approximately 13 feet high. The second wall was a 28-foot watch tower. So, you can imagine what they were looking at. To make matters worse, the city was locked up tighter than a modern-day Fort Knox. You know, Fort Knox, where a lot of our gold reserves have been stored. Jericho was fortified as much, if not more than that.

But Joshua got the people together, and day after day, the people continued to do what God told them to do. Can you imagine not being able to talk to your best friend or brother who was standing beside you? This leads me to ask, why was it so important not to talk?

About 40 years prior, Israel was preparing to go into the promised land, much like this day. But, the negative

report of ten spies caused a whole generation to miss out on entering the promised land (Numbers 13:28-14:10). God was making sure that they did not repeat the mistakes of the past and miss out on His best for them. Sometimes, when the pressures of life are at their worst, we talk ourselves out of following God. The Lord did not want that to happen again. The Lord wanted them to trust and obey.

It is easy to take our eyes off the Lord when all we see are huge walls of problems and difficulty. But God has a way of getting us through those difficulties. I am so glad that when I miss the mark and take my eyes off Him, He is there waiting. He loves me with an undying love that goes beyond my natural circumstances. We still have hope because of what He did for us on the cross. His love and miracle-working power inspire us even more to trust and obey. Even if we do have to go through a silent March.

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

Hey, 80s kid. Get to know your colon health!

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Month the perfect time to schedule your colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a screening that helps identify cancers early, when the odds of successful treatment are highest. Schedule your appointment today if you have any of the following risk factors:

You are age 45 or older

You’ve experienced a persistent abdominal discomfort or change in your bowel habits

A family member has experienced colon cancer or polyps in the past

Chain Breaker

by Paula Burgner

Do you ever feel like you are trapped in a place or situation in your life where you feel so alone and miserable? Does it feel like you have chains dragging behind you everywhere you go that are holding you down?

Sometimes, this feeling is caused by our own doings and struggles. At some point in life, we all have

walking through a dark tunnel that’s cold and damp with no glimpse of light. The Bible describes a valley like this in Psalms 23:4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.”

Sometimes, we can feel so overwhelmed and stressed from everyday life that depression, anger, and disbelief will try to set in. These things can make you feel like God is not hearing your prayers or that you are hidden from the blessings that come from God. Those feelings are like chains—they only let you go so far and can make you think you are trapped with no way out. This is why we must have God in our hearts. It is okay to cry and get those feelings out.

However, when we accept God into our hearts, He will fill our hearts and lives with joy.

these moments where we sit in silence. We block out all the other noises, except the heartache is so deep that we can only hear the sound of our own breathing. Do you know those kinds of deep breaths where you are pulling the air from way down deep, as if you were trying to breathe as deep as the bottoms of your feet? The Bible describes this feeling of being trapped in Psalms 107:10, “Some sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron.”

Our hearts can be so heavy with a hurt that we feel lost. This feeling can seem so deep and dark, like

Revelation 21:4 says, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” When you accept God into your heart, those chains will no longer keep you down. This is where God takes over, and the healing begins. The Bible tells us in Psalms 107:14, “He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and brake their bands in sunder.”

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.

“Legacy is truly an answer to prayer. When we read the mission statement about serving residents in a Biblically based community, we knew we found the right place. The atmosphere is what Mom needed to continue fulfilling her purpose in life.” – Daughter of Resident