May 2024

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

Charles Finney

Danette Reeves

Douglas Baynes

Granger Hughes

Jamie Carnley

Jan Merop

Judy Hood

Kristen West

Leslie Bennett

Mary Wanda Lindsey

Paula Burgner

Paul McGuire

Richard Eberhart

Dr. Rob Debelak

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

EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR

Sandra Gilmore

Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com

PUBLISHER

Matthew and Bethany Ruckman

Cell: 423-503-1410

Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com

OFFICE

423-790-5378

WEBSITE

goodnewscm.com

issuu.com/goodnewscm

Hello Friends,

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

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

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

from

is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.

A Strong Foundation

by Jamie Carnley

Everything we do involves a process. Our spiritual foundation must be Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. *Matthew 7:24-27 instructs us to listen and obey His teachings, being wise like a person who builds a house on a solid rock. Though the rain, floods, and winds come harshly beating up against it, it will not collapse and will stand because it is built on strong bedrock. If anyone hears His teachings and does not obey, it is foolish, like a person who builds upon sand, so that when the floods, rain, and winds come, it will collapse with a mighty crash.

Our spiritual foundation must begin with having faith and believing in John 3:16 which reads, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Confess the Lord Jesus with your mouth and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and you will be saved (see Romans 10:9). Continue to pursue the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He will give comfort as He leads you. He will guide you in truth. Get into a good Bibleteaching ministry and continue to learn of Him and His way. Walk in faith and obedience to God's word. The spiritual foundation that God wants us to build upon is that we will be able to stand, being steadfast, and unmovable.

We are privileged to have a God who always invites us in all situations to come with confidence to prayer. Psalm 17:6 says, “I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.” When we listen with heart and mind, we will hear God speak. God may speak through scripture, through another person, or through a ‘still small voice’ within, but God will indeed speak.

People of God, keep standing in the things of God and yield to Him. His building plan and process will always stand firm and work for us every time. Keep building upon the solid rock which is Jesus Christ our Lord. He will not let you down and He will answer when you call. He will never leave us nor forsake us. Obey God's Word daily and keep offering up a sacrifice of praise and worship to God always. Matthew 16:18 says, “Upon this rock, I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

In keeping with a strong foundation, prayer is vital. When was the last time you were asked to pray for someone or after hearing their situation, offered to pray for them? The awesome privilege for me is also an awesome responsibility. We need to be persistent in our prayers. I myself keep a list of those I pray for. The list reminds me to pray for them specifically and often. Lately, I have been offering that quick ‘breath prayer’ as soon as I am asked in order that God can help me remain faithful in prayer.

*All Scriptures ESV.

Jamie Carnley is the lead pastor at Ladd Springs Pentecostal Church in Oldfort, TN. He and his wife Allison have 3 children. He is often asked: “When did you decide to become a Pastor?” People often don’t understand when I say, “It was not my chosen profession. The Lord called me to this work.” The Hebrew writer said, “…no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God.”

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WPresidential Elections and the Stock Market

Money Matters

Granger Hughes with

e have had several of our clients and individuals who have attended our educational classes ask us about our thoughts on how the upcoming presidential election may or may not affect the stock market and their investments.

Granger sat down for a Q&A on this topic to answer some of our most popular questions.

1. How do presidential elections typically impact the stock market?

• Presidential elections can introduce uncertainty, which may lead to short-term market volatility. However, historical data suggests that over the long term, markets tend to trend upward regardless of the election outcome.

2. Are certain sectors more affected by presidential elections than others?

• Yes, sectors such as healthcare, energy, and financials can be particularly sensitive to election outcomes due to potential policy changes affecting regulations, taxes, and government spending.

3. What role does investor sentiment play in market fluctuations during elections?

• Investor sentiment can heavily influence market movements during elections. Optimism or pessimism about a candidate's economic policies can lead to buying or selling pressure in the markets.

4. How do market analysts assess the potential impact of election results on the economy?

• Analysts study the candidates’ proposed policies and their potential effects on key economic indicators such as GDP growth, inflation, and interest rates to gauge the likely impact on different sectors and asset classes.

5. Are there any historical trends that investors should be aware of regarding markets and election years?

• Historically, markets have shown a tendency to be more volatile in the months leading up to an election but tend to stabilize once the outcome is known. However, each election cycle is unique, and past performance is not indicative of future results.

6. Should investors make significant changes to their portfolios based on election predictions?

• Making significant portfolio changes based solely on election predictions can be risky. It's essential for investors to maintain

a diversified portfolio aligned with their long-term financial goals rather than reacting to short-term political events.

7. How do international markets react to U.S. presidential elections?

• U.S. presidential elections can have ripple effects on international markets due to the interconnectedness of the global economy. Changes in U.S. policies and economic outlook can influence investor sentiment and market dynamics worldwide.

8. What are some potential risks associated with investing during election years?

• Some risks include increased market volatility, policy uncertainty, and the possibility of unexpected geopolitical events impacting markets. It's crucial for investors to stay informed and maintain a disciplined approach to investing during election cycles.

9. How can investors mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities during election years?

• Investors can mitigate risks by maintaining a well-diversified portfolio, staying informed about potential policy changes, and avoiding knee-jerk reactions to short-term market fluctuations. Additionally, they can capitalize on opportunities by identifying undervalued assets or sectors that may benefit from election-related developments.

10. What should investors keep in mind when navigating the markets during presidential elections?

• Investors should focus on their long-term financial objectives, stay informed about political and economic developments, and avoid making emotionally driven investment decisions. Maintaining a disciplined approach and seeking professional advice when needed can help navigate the markets effectively during election years.

Please visit our website at www.hughesretirementgroup.com/ classes to learn more about our upcoming educational events or give our office a call to further discuss your individual situation and begin developing your Retirement Playbook!

The Retirement Playbook™ - “Developing your game plan and coaching you through your Retirement Season.”

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.

Whatever your goals, we can help you get there.

Retirement Planning | Tax Planning | Social Security Strategies

Medicare Planning | Estate Planning | Long Term Care

Retirement planning is the process of determining how you can meet your goals through the proper management of your financial resources.

Tax planning should not only assess your tax situation at retirement and in the present, but also look towards the future.

Social security strategies are various approaches that an individual may take to maximize their social security benefits.

There is more to Medicare than meets the eye. Making the best decision for your situation at age 65 is one of the biggest retirement decisions one may make.

Estate planning is a key element of a successful financial strategy. It ensures you will leave a legacy that provides for your loved ones by properly protecting and distributing your wealth according to your wishes.

If you're ready to take the next step in your retirement planning journey, call (423) 664-4203 today to explore your options.

Stripping Away Religious Pretense for Genuine Faith

by Paul McGuire

Could it be the stain (that which presents a uniform appearance) of religion has hidden the real sin in the religious man? Think of a wood stain. One purpose of well stained, finished wood is to even out the color of the wood, thus hiding certain irregularities and making the appearance more uniform. It is that kind of sameness which seeks to obscure the spots of sin. That uniformity becomes the standard for the man, rather than the penetrating gaze of the Holy Spirit’s close examination according to the Father’s standard. When the coloring and stain is stripped away, the man’s true hypocrisy is exposed. “All things are naked and open before Him” (see Hebrews 3:13).

We mustn’t be as Adam was when he tried to hide in the clothes of excuses. Father knows who and what we are, and what we look like without that blending, religious stain. What He sees as beautiful is often what we carry as shame. He sees what He can change, how He can enhance the faults and blemishes, which will then bring honor to Him and an unexpected beauty to our lives.

What are these “stains” used by religion? In part, they are the views, opinions, practices and man-made theologies behind which a broken person can hide. They provide covering: “I will expose this much, then hide the rest behind my beliefs.” (Or as Adam attempted, behind these fig leaves!) We, by these, connect to an ideology rather than to Christ Jesus. We then worship our concept of who He is,

making ourselves comfortable within that or our definition.

However, Father’s rules and regulations for life apply uniformly to all men. We cannot just pick out the ones we like and push aside the ones we don’t like, and create our own religion - not if we truly want to know Him, and to receive His Benefits. God loves each one of us individually. Before Him, there is no reason to try to hide. He looks on our humanity and loves us, calling us to Himself so He can “fix” us where we are broken. Our own images of ourselves bring a loathing and a level of condemnation that He does not apply to us. Our ideas hide the “illness” of sin. Our Father’s Idea is to make us perfect in His sight by dealing directly with those issues, applying His mighty redemptive grace and loving, transformative power. Jesus’ work breaks the power of sin in us and over us. There is no reason to hide. We are welcome to run into Papa’s open arms - just as we are!

Religion seeks to craft ways for us to hide our faults and frailties, for us to justify being broken and by designing a pathway of excuses for our brokenness, sometimes even averting guilt for our failures. Father once remarked to me, “I am aware of sin and I know of man’s sin. But I am more concerned about the effects of sin on man.”

“The wages of sin is death,” wrote the Apostle Paul, “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (see Romans 6:23).

Without religious trappings, come to Jesus as you are, right now. Receive Jesus’ redemptive work for your life. Just come. In His presence, you can work out the solutions to the problems you have, without condemnation. Don’t try to hide a single thing. To sum it up, here’s an easy way to remember: the Father might say, “I do not call perfect men, I call men to perfect.”

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.

Roots, Wings, and an Anchor

by Jan Merop

When a child has one parent leave, his biggest concern is knowing that the other parent will stay. As the staying parent, I had to answer those tough questions from my pre-school child.

He was seeking stability in the roots of his family. Would those roots dig deeply enough to keep him emotionally secure and physically protected? I prayed and trusted God to help me give him security.

As he grew, he began to inch out for some independence wanting to walk to school with a friend and sometimes alone. I held back for a while until one day I realized I needed to trust him and God as I let go in small, appropriate ways.

At first, I walked with him part way. Later, he walked alone in the same direction I’d travel to my parttime job. I’d ‘catch up’ with him as I slowly drove by. Seeing his progress, I’d wave and drive on – praying fervently– knowing he was testing his wings.

Roots and wings develop healthy self-confidence – two keys moms hold in their hands.

Their roots and wings will be more effective when their anchor in God holds fast. With faith in God through an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ, our children can face the storms that may threaten their roots or render them incapable of flying for a time.

As moms, we have the awesome privilege of training our children in the things of the Lord and helping them get to know God personally. As we love God with all

By creating a loving, nurturing, and safe home where our children are cherished, they dig deep roots. This is home and it is good. This is family and family loves, cares and protects.

Once a child feels secure at home, his ‘wings’ itch to spread a bit further. By giving our children appropriate freedoms according to their age, abilities, and trustworthiness, we have turned the key to self-confidence and adventure.

But, there is another key that is essential. That key opens the door to grounding them spiritually.

our heart, soul and strength, we can teach our children by our words and behavior as seen in Deuteronomy 6:7 NKJV, where it says, “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

Roots, wings, and an anchor for the soul – three keys a mom needs on her key ring. Selah.

Jan has been writing her weekly inspirational column, Pause...and Consider, for over 30 years, joyfully encouraging others in their Christian walk. She and her husband Ken have lived in Cleveland for about one year. They enjoy hospitality, Bible study, and walking and hiking in God’s marvelous creation. They have three married sons and five grandchildren and belong to the Church at Grace Point.

Quick Decisions

by Danette Reeves

How often do I react in the heat of the moment and later think, “Why did I do that?” or “Did I say that?” I react based on my feelings. Emotions are not wrong, but when not submitted to Holy Spirit, they can lead us into temptation: temptation to disobey God’s Word. This can negatively impact our lives in general, but it can be especially detrimental within our marriages and relationships. Learning to handle our emotions wisely can make a huge difference in our lives.

God Himself expresses emotions in Scripture. He feels compassion (Psalm 103:13), anger (Romans 1:18), love (John 3:16), hate (Proverbs 6:16), grief (Psalm 78:40 & 41), jealousy (Joshua 24:19), and joy (Zephaniah 3:17).

His expressed emotions are pure and perfect—no hidden motives, no manipulations, pure and perfect.

I am not pure nor perfect. My sinful nature influences my emotions, with “self” at the center. I usually find myself in difficult circumstances when I allow my emotions to be the GPS for decisions. There is good news: God offers hope!

Romans 12:2 TLV states, “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” In Ephesians 4: 2224 TLV, we read, “With respect to your former lifestyle, you are to lay aside the old self corrupted by its deceitful desires, be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self—created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

God has changed me from unrighteousness to righteousness through the blood of Jesus Christ. He has taken a sinner and made me a saint. However, that sinful nature tries to slither back into control of my thoughts and emotions. Proverbs 2 tells me to seek true wisdom. While seeking wisdom, I will discover the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:1-5). Then what does God do? He gives wisdom, He shields, He guards, and He protects. (Proverbs 2:6-8). Our foundation for wise decisions is in Proverbs 2:9-10 TLV: “Then you will discern what is right, and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.”

We have a choice every moment: seek man’s wisdom or God’s wisdom. Man’s wisdom says to act on

our emotions. We have the right to spew out whatever we think. We can be rude and expect everyone to bow to our desires. Go faster than the speed limit, be impatient at traffic lights, and be pushy to get the sale item. Me! Me! Me! OR…we can choose God’s wisdom. Be longsuffering with others, putting others before ourselves, searching Scripture, and responding in a manner that reflects our Savior.

Only when I seek God and His wisdom constantly and consistently will I be able to make good, Godly, quick decisions. I don’t always have time to think about the situation before words stream from my mouth. I need to fill my mind with Scripture and I need Holy Spirit to fill my heart with Himself and to change my desires from self to God. Only then will my quick decisions be Godly decisions and have a positive impact on my marriage, my relationships, and my life.

Danette Reeves and her husband, Charlie, live in Cleveland, TN. 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.

On The Road Again

by Douglas Baynes

Rolling eastbound on I-20 with Shreveport, Louisiana in my rearview mirror, we had just settled in for a 3-hour run to the Mississippi line. The cruise was set at 65 mph and all seemed good. The 34-foot Rockwood travel trailer that we have pulled all over the USA was gently rocking as was the norm for it. I had just topped the last bridge outside of town when in the distance I saw that traffic had slowed some. I tapped the brakes to turn off the cruise and to slow down a bit. “That’s funny,” I thought. The brake pedal sure seemed mushy. I pushed it once more and it really went soft. The third time, it went to the floor.

I worked as an equipment operator and Annie worked in maintenance. Yellowstone had been our summer home for 2 years. This last year we were in Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains.

But, we became caregivers to my mother and cared for her till she went home to be with the Lord in March of 2021. That summer we thought we would just wander for 3 months, take the road less traveled, and see the parks we had not yet been to. We had been on the road for almost three months. It was time to slowly wander home. So after our last planned stop in Waco, Texas, we headed east.

God had been so gracious to us in all our traveling that summer. We had no flat tires, for example, and never had to work at finding a place to camp for a night or a week as we had done a lot on that trip. We always started our day this way and every day for all the years we have traveled: “Lord, watch over us and keep us safe and sound. May no accident or injury befall us. May we be your smile and voice to someone this day. Amen.”

We started with that prayer along with the CD of Willie Nelson singing. “On The Road Again” was queued up, turned up, and we sang every line. We took my mother on a few of our trips and if we forgot to play ole Willie, mom would remind us, “We’ve not sung the song yet!”

I had lost all braking on the F-250 and traffic was coming up fast. Our rig had not slowed even 5 mph. With 18,000 pounds of rolling weight, it was not going to. I looked at Annie and said, “Babe, pray! We’re in trouble!”

We had worked almost every summer for the last 10 years with the National Park Service as seasonal workers.

With traffic coming up fast, I had to figure out in seconds what options I had for braking and where to get this rig off the road. With no brakes on the truck, I went down in the gears to help slow down and also used the brakes on the trailer. An exit was coming up but I decided to pass it, slow the truck with the transmission and the trailer brakes, and to pull over just past the onramp on the other side. No traffic was coming so I eased the 50 feet of truck and trailer to the wide shoulder and stopped.

“Thank you Lord, but now what?” I wondered. Typically if you have car trouble while traveling, you can limp into a dealership or have it towed. When you're pulling

your home behind you, it’s a whole other story. I got out of the truck and opened the hood and found no brake fluid. I looked under the truck and could see nothing. I looked across to the side road of the interstate and saw a big truck repair center there. I told Annie, “Honey, pray that the Lord would send someone to help us. I am at a loss as to what happened here.”

I found an opening in the fence and walked over to the store. I walked in and told our plight to the guy at the counter. A man was standing there and heard me ask for help and brake fluid as I had none of either. He turned and said, “You’re in luck. I am just getting off here and I have a work truck that services heavy equipment. I’ll come over and see if I can help you.” In my mind, I am yelling, “Thank you, Lord!”

He drove his truck over and crawled under mine. He found that the back left brake banjo bolt had come out. The crazy thing was that it had not fallen out. It was still hanging in the brake line!

He went and got a wrench, tightened it back in, and then filled my truck with brake fluid. Within 20 minutes I had full brakes. What could have been a costly nightmare was once again evidence of God’s grace watching over us.

My new Cajun friend had referred to it as “luck.” No, the great God Jehovah had seen this coming. For what Satan meant for destruction, was turned into another Godmoment in our lives. As he turned to leave, I offered him all the cash I had. He did not want it and told me that he wanted to show that the Cajun folks of Louisiana were kind.

I said to my friend, “You were the answer to our prayer for help.”

As Annie hugged him, she stuffed the money in his shirt pocket. He explained, “Well, the only reason I was there early today was my daughter turns 14 and I wanted to get her something for her birthday. Thank you for your kindness.”

God saw that he too was cared for. See Isaiah 54:17, Jeremiah 29:11, and Proverbs 3:5-6. Your road will look different from ours but God always knows the roads we are on and He is there, just up the road waiting for us.

Doug and Annie, his wife of 43 years, attend First Baptist Church of Cleveland, TN. He is an author and Annie is a speaker and teacher at various women’s meetings. Retired now, they spend their summer months traveling the USA in their RV.

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Of Sticks and Stones: Exodus 3-4 & Joshua 5-8

Dr. Rob Debelak

Moses and Joshua were leaders of godly conviction. Deeply spiritual men, each interacts with God’s messenger (Exodus 3:2; Joshua 5:13), both stood on holy ground, removing their footwear (Ex 3:5; Josh 5:15), and in unwavering faith saw God topple daunting opponents (Ex 3:7-14; Josh 6-8). The initial pair of confrontations each faced employed earthen

symbols of judgment. Respectively, God initiates decisive acts by Moses’ staff; in Joshua, critical victories conclude with stones.

Moses: Staff

Asking Moses what he holds (Ex 4:2), God transforms his staff into a snake (4:3-5). By this piece of wood, Egyptian oppression is deconstructed as water becomes blood (7:17), gnats swarm (8:16-17), hail falls (9:23), and locusts cover the land (10:13). The sea parts and pharaoh’s forces are vanquished with the tree limb (Ex 14-15). Amalekite marauders are thwarted when Moses raises the shepherd’s tool in a prolonged hold while seated on a rock (17:8-16). The scenes emphasize tyrants, terrain, and time are all subject to God.

Succeeding Moses (Deuteronomy 34:9), Joshua’s consecutive military engagements highlight the sustained extension of a spear and repeated mention of stones as signs of judgment.

Joshua: Stones

Jericho lay in ruins (Joshua 6). Obedient to the LORD’s word, Joshua silently marched Israel’s fighting men around the stronghold (6:1) –once daily for six days (6:6-15). On the seventh day, the same path was traveled seven times (6:16-20). Ram horns sounded by priests were accompanied by warrior cries, and the city collapsed (6:45). Not a single man of Israel’s ranks was reported lost.

Joshua warned his troops against taking spoils of war – in this

case, these were reserved for God (6:18-19). Unknown to the military commander, this prohibition was secretly violated. As a result, when Ai was attacked, Israel tragically lost 36 men near stone quarries (7:1-5). Distraught, Joshua prays for discernment (7:6-18), and the guilty party is discovered. Choosing identification with those under judgment, Achan, like a city reduced to rubble, was judged by stoning and buried beneath a pile of rocks (7:19-26).

Ai (“rubbish heap”) remained under God’s judgment (8:1-2). Strategic plans for ambushing the city positioned a contingent of Israel’s forces behind the target (8:3-4). At the same time, Joshua led a frontal assault (8:5). Feigning retreat with the enemy soldiers in hot pursuit, the ruse produced a false sense of security (8:6-7). The city was vulnerable by luring Ai’s defense into the open (8:14-17). At God’s order, Joshua signals his men by pointing a javelin – a stick (8:18). Like Moses lifting his staff over a sea or a battlefield (Exodus 14 and 17:8-16), Joshua sustains the raised spear until Ai is overcome (8:26). Ai’s king hangs on a tree (Deuteronomy 21:22-23), buried later that day under a heap of stones (Joshua 8:29).

Powerful Symbols

Vast resources (Egypt), immense aggression (Amalek), power structures (Jericho), enormous sin (Achan), or formidable foes (Ai) are no match for God. Using literary art, illustrating stalwart conviction in arenas of conflict communicates that teaching the faith is taken seriously. Even small details, like sticks and stones, stress the importance of trusting God and avoiding downfall.

That puts a young shepherd boy in good company (1 Samuel 17)! Like his ancestors, he stood on a hot battlefield facing a massive problem. His opponent taunted him for coming to the fight armed with a dog’s toy (v 43 a stick). David, though, brought a heart burning with confidence in God (v 46)! Loading a single stone into his sling (v 49)…he rocked the giant to sleep.

Dr. Rob Debelak is Professor of Bible at Lee University. He has taught at Lee University for 29 years and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He and his family reside in Cleveland, TN. About

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Sound Advice: Mastering Hearing Health with Ahlberg Audiology and Hearing Aid Services

Welcome to Ahlberg Audiology and Hearing Aid Services, where your hearing is our priority.

Founded by Cleveland native Dr. Tiffany Ahlberg in 2015, Ahlberg Audiology has become the premier hearing destination in East Tennessee for hearing and tinnitus patients. Dr. Ahlberg’s passion for audiology was sparked many years ago by a close family member who was born with a severe hearing loss and received hearing aids at a very young age. Having practiced as an Audiologist in Cleveland since 2000, Dr. Ahlberg strives to ensure that she and her staff are uniquely positioned to address hearing healthcare concerns for patients in her community. Audiology is a relatively small profession with less than 10,000 Doctors of Audiology nationwide. Because of this, many people are unaware of what an audiologist actually is. An audiologist is a hearing professional with a clinical doctorate (Doctor of Audiology, Au.D. degree). Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing, balance, and tinnitus issues. Ahlberg Audiology has a team of audiologists with more years of combined experience amongst its providers than anywhere else in Bradley or McMinn Counties. Dr. Lynda Klee joined Dr. Tiffany Ahlberg as a provider at Ahlberg Audiology in 2019 and Dr. Kelsey Mullen joined the office in the summer of 2022. Dr. Mullen is native to East Tennessee and received her Doctor of Audiology from the University of Tennessee. Ahlberg Audiology providers

combine their vast experience along with staying current on the latest and most-up-to-date technologies to provide their patients with the best care available. Patient services are provided by Beverly Stevison, Hope Stephenson, Breanna Tuggle, and Donny Ahlberg.

The practice has been voted number one for Audiologist and Hearing Aid Center by the Reader’s Choice “Best of the Best” for eight consecutive years, establishing them as the most qualified hearing healthcare office in this area. They are best known for offering the best hearing healthcare with state-of-the-art technologies and patient care. Their services include diagnostic hearing evaluations, custom earmolds and earplugs (for musicians, hunting, flying, etc.), cerumen management (earwax removal), hearing conservation, central auditory processing screening, tinnitus treatment, comprehensive hearing device services, and cochlear implant programming.

The office is proud to be Cleveland’s only Lyric provider. The Phonak Lyric is the world’s smallest hearing device and is often called the contact lens for the ear. It is inserted by an audiologist and can stay in the ear for up to three months. The patient that wears the Lyric can sleep and shower in the device, and there are no batteries to change.

Audiologists at Ahlberg Audiology employ the highest standard of care for each patient, including Best Practices which include individualized programming and Real-Ear

Measurement verification to ensure optimal technological performance for hearing aid patients. Ahlberg Audiology is the only facility in Bradley County that contracts with the Veterans Administration to provide veteran care for audiology services.

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

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

Hearing loss is a pervasive public health concern with potentially significant negative consequences if left

untreated, which makes audiology an essential part of health care. Unfortunately, hearing loss can be left untreated for a variety of reasons and this lack of treatment has significant adverse consequences. Untreated hearing loss can negatively impact the quality of a person’s life, including economic health (reduced occupational opportunities and income), psychosocial health (withdrawal and isolation), and mental health (cognition, depression, and even suicide) in addition to harming patient-provider communications and patient compliance with healthcare provider treatment plans.

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

Ahlberg Audiology now has two convenient locations to serve its patients. The Cleveland location can be found at 4220 Ocoee Street North in Cleveland, Tennessee. The Athens location opened in February of 2024 and is located at 605 Congress Parkway South in Athens, Tennessee. The hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. You can find more information about Ahlberg Audiology by visiting the website at www.ahlbergaudiology.com or visiting them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ahlbergaudiology. Call Ahlberg Audiology and Hearing Aid Services at (423) 641-0956 (Cleveland) or 423-212-9110 (Athens) for your whole family’s hearing wellness and listening needs.

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dNews for your Taste Buds

A Breakfast Surprise for Mother’s Day

With Mother's Day just around the corner, here’s something special to consider making for the moms, grandmothers and/or the special ladies in your life. Here’s the story of two siblings who made something special for their wonderful mom, Mrs. Johnson.

Alex, who was ten years old, and Emma, who was eight, put their heads together to come up with the perfect Mother's Day surprise. After some brainstorming, they decided to make breakfast for their mom.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread

• 2 eggs

• 2 tablespoons of butter

• 1/4 cup of milk

• 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract

• A pinch of salt

• A heart-shaped cookie cutter

• A frying pan

• Just enough powdered sugar to sprinkle

• Pancake syrup

On Mother’s Day morning, they woke up early, tip-toed to the kitchen, and prepared this breakfast for their mom. As the two siblings placed the plates on the dining table, they couldn’t help but smile at their creation. The heart-shaped eggs in the middle of the toast looked perfect, just like their love for their mom. They sprinkled some powdered sugar on top and set out the syrup just in case Mom wanted some.

You can follow along with Alex and Emma: First, Alex and Emma washed their hands thoroughly, just like their mom always taught them. They cracked the eggs into a bowl and added the milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Alex took a whisk and beat the mixture until it was smooth and creamy.

Emma, with her tiny fingers, used the heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out a heart-shaped hole in the center of

each slice of bread. It was a bit tricky, but they giggled and helped each other.

They put a frying pan on the stove and turned the heat to medium. Alex added the butter and let it melt until it bubbled and sizzled. Carefully, they placed the slices of bread with heart-shaped centers in the pan and let them toast for a minute on one side. Once the bread was slightly golden, they flipped the slices over with a spatula to toast the other side.

Emma, who was in charge of the egg mixture, poured it into the heart-shaped holes they had cut in the bread slices. They watched as it filled up, like a heart full of love. They cooked the eggs until they were set, which took about 2-3 minutes.

Finally, they carefully used the spatula to lift the heartshaped breakfast treats out of the pan and onto a plate.

When their mom came down to the kitchen, her eyes filled with tears of joy. She hugged Alex and Emma tightly, feeling so loved and appreciated. “This is the best Mother’s Day surprise ever,” she said.

With a simple recipe and a lot of love, Alex and Emma showed their mom just how much she meant to them on that special day. It wasn’t about the food; it was about the thought, effort, and love they put into making it, just like the thought, effort, and love their mom put into each and every day.

Fight the Good Fight

by Judy Hood

So many Saints have walked through this life. It doesn’t mean they did it without a thorn in their side. This world can be rough, this world can prolong. Keep the joy of the Lord, keep singing His song.

Fight the good fight, keep the faith.

Think about things like entering through that gate. Be content and enjoy what God has given you. A positive person’s complaints will be very few.

Follow Jesus no matter where He takes you. He has promised to never leave or forsake you. Our mansions there will be absolutely priceless. He only built them for His children, the righteous.

So, don’t hide your light under a pail. That’s when you’ll find people dying and going to hell.

Reach out to help them before it’s too late.

If you wait till tomorrow, you may just seal their fate!

Award Realty: Excellence and Unparalleled Service in Cleveland, Tennessee

In the dynamic landscape of real estate, success hinges not only on the properties themselves but also on the expertise and dedication of the agents who represent them. Marcia Botts explains, “At Award Realty, our unwavering commitment to excellence is ingrained in every facet of our operations, and our exceptional team of agents lies at the very heart of our success story.”

Leading the charge in Cleveland, Tennessee is Marcia, the esteemed broker of Award Realty. The business and its accompanying building were acquired by Marcia's parents, Floyd and Genelle Hardin back in 1994 Under their diligent stewardship, Award Realty cemented its position as a trusted name in the local real estate scene. In 2008, Marcia and her husband Dennis assumed ownership of the business, ushering in a new era of growth and innovation.

Marcia and Dennis are deeply proud of their team of 21 licensed agents. They have seen these individuals grow and thrive, each contributing their unique talents and expertise to the collective success of

Award Realty. Marcia and Dennis recognize the dedication and hard work of their agents, and they are committed to providing them with the support and resources they need to excel in their roles.

Award Realty boasts a formidable team of agents. Beyond their roles as real estate experts, these individuals are passionate advocates for their clients, leveraging their collective experience, knowledge, and boundless enthusiasm to navigate the complexities of every transaction with finesse and integrity.

Mrs. Botts explains, “What truly sets Award Realty apart is our profound commitment to people. It is the driving force behind everything we do. Our agents transcend the traditional mold of salespeople; they are trusted advisors who place the best interests of their clients above all else. Whether guiding first-time homebuyers through the intricacies of the purchasing process or assisting seasoned investors in securing lucrative opportunities, our agents approach each interaction with empathy, professionalism, and

Marcia Botts

Dennis Botts

a relentless dedication to achieving optimal outcomes.

“From the initial consultation to the final closing, Award Realty is dedicated to providing a seamless and stress-free experience for clients. Whether it's conducting thorough market research to identify the perfect property or negotiating the best possible terms on behalf of clients, we pride ourselves on delivering results that exceed expectations.”

Their commitment to client satisfaction extends far beyond the transactional realm. This excellent team understands that buying or selling a home is one of life's most significant milestones. These agents take the time to listen to their clients' needs, address their concerns, and provide personalized

guidance tailored to their unique circumstances.

Mrs. Botts emphasizes, “At Award Realty, our success is not measured solely by the number of transactions closed or properties sold. Rather, it is defined by the enduring relationships we cultivate and the positive impact we make on the lives of those we serve. My dad always stressed to us, ‘Your name will travel farther than you will ever go.’ We firmly believe that our clients' satisfaction is the ultimate measure of our success, and we are honored to be entrusted with guiding them through one of life's most significant milestones.”

Award Realty stands as a beacon of integrity, professionalism, and unparalleled service in the Cleveland, Tennessee real estate market. With

a stellar team of agents at the helm, this team is poised to continue the legacy of excellence and redefine the standards of success in the industry. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing in property, you can trust Award Realty to be your guiding light in achieving your real estate goals.

Seeking Wellness

by Richard Eberhart

Iwould like to introduce myself: I am Richard Eberhart and I have had Type 1 diabetes mellitus for 43 years.

The first 10 years I was under the close eye of my mother who made sure that I was eating a well balanced diet, checking my blood sugar and taking my insulin injections. During the first decade of my diagnosis nothing slowed me down, thanks to my father who always reminded me that I can do anything. I loved being outside, playing football, and just hanging out with friends. I did have to do more than most kids my age as I had to learn to take care of my diabetes.

After high school, I worked EMS for more than 21 years. I felt a strong desire to help others with diabetes. After working full time as a paramedic, being a husband and father of two and attending college, I became a registered nurse. I worked in the emergency department and then went on to be a diabetes educator.

For the next few years, I believed that I was helping people with diabetes but my health was not the best. I was gaining weight. I was over 290 pounds. My A1c was in good control but my total daily insulin was over 100 units a day. My endocrinologist and my PCP said that I needed to exercise and stop eating carbohydrates. I started walking everyday and got ready to hike the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail. I started the trail at 256 pounds and at Bly Gap in North Carolina, I was still 256 pounds. I felt disappointment and anger.

The anger was quickly turned to a drive for knowledge. I opened my Bible and read Isaiah 58. At verse 6 (“loose the bonds of wickedness”) a proverbial lightbulb went on to show me that my current diet was all the wickedness in my life. I was not being a good nurse by not following Hippocrates who said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” This is when I made the decision that I would follow a Lent Fast for the Lent in 2022.

The Lent Fast is no food from sunset on Fat Tuesday until sunrise on Sunday, Little Easter.

I had no food for 40 days and during this time God walked with me. I walked five miles every day of my fast plus, I did two 10 mile hikes and one 18.5 mile hike. With the use of my insulin pump and Dexcom Continuous Glucose Meter, I was able to reduce my insulin to prevent low blood sugar. This treatment has me now in excellent control of my diabetes with my current HgbA1c at 4.9%. I now eat food that Jesus would have eaten, whole foods that grow naturally. Today I still fast at least once a week. I am 100 lbs lighter now and feel like I’m healthier and living the best version of myself, due to my determination to seek wellness.

Richard Eberhart: 44 years Type 1 Diabetic, 21 years paramedic, 15 years RN with a bachelor’s degree, married to Janet, 30 years. We have 2 adult children, William and Elizabeth. We also have a 3-year-old grandson who keeps us moving. I enjoy walking/hiking, gardening, cooking, and spending time with family.

Even Children Can Live For Jesus

by Leslie Nolen Bennett

Ihave been spending my days in the classroom with children for thirty-four years and believe it or not, I still love it! People often ask me, “How do you deal with kids every day?” My response is this: “I do my best to treat the students the way I would want my own kids to be treated.”

There is nothing quite like the innocence of a child. Their smiles and hugs are the best. It is clear in scripture that children held a special place in Jesus’ heart. In fact, He considered them to be the greatest in the kingdom. He also made it clear that His disciples should change their ways and be more like little children if they wanted to enter heaven.

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 18:1-3 NIV).

Maybe Jesus was referring to the innocence of a child. Or He could have been referring to the trusting ways of a child. Perhaps it was their obedience He was talking about. It was possibly the love they had for others. Actually, it could have been all of these things.

When I was a child, I had a desire in my heart to do something special for the Lord. I invited Him into my heart, but realized I was young and couldn’t do much. I wanted my life to be pleasing in His sight. I even wrote a poem expressing my feelings on the subject.

I Want My Life To Count

Although I may be young, with nothing much to give. I want my life to count, while on this earth I live.

Soon I’ll stand before my Lord and all my works I’ll see. Only what was done for Him will last eternally.

So as I live from day to day, Lord, help me most of all, To uplift You in what I do or else not do at all.

As I grew into adulthood, I failed the Lord in many ways, but there was never any doubt that He loved me with an unconditional love. Forgiveness has always been available when I have come to Him with the messes I have made. His promises are still true today. The same God who placed a desire in my heart to live for Him as a child is still with me today. He has never failed me and He never will. I encourage parents to talk to your children about Jesus. Let them know that He loves them unconditionally and wants to have a personal relationship with them. Be an example to your children by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life. Teach them how to live for Jesus.

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 ohyeshedid.org.

for Everyone

Clear Vision

by Paula Burgner

Too often we all get up in the mornings, never stopping to think that one of the gifts that we are given by God is our sight. Most of us are always in such a hurry that we never take the time to actually realize what we have in front of us. Most of us are too busy looking beyond what we have trying to find what we think we need.

What you see usually will depend on what you are looking for. Most of us will look but never see what is meant for us to see. Just like most of us will hear but

vision will become clearer the more you get God’s word into your heart. You will begin to see that God values our lives more than we could ever imagine. The Bible tells us this in Isaiah 43:4, “thou wast precious in my sight.” Sometimes, we think we can walk without knowing where we are going. Once you have given your life to God, you don’t have to worry about knowing which way to go, as He will always guide you to where you are supposed to be.

The Bible tells us this in 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Vision can be described as the art of seeing what is invisible to others. When you have a vision without corresponding actions, it’s just a dream. Your actions without a vision will then just pass the time. When you put your actions to work with your vision, then you can accomplish anything!

yet never understand. This is how life can feel to many of us sometimes, especially for those who are lost and living without God in their hearts. When your eyes are just wandering and you have no destination, you will eventually end up going nowhere in life and start to feel like you are no longer living but just existing.

The Bible tells us this in *Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” There comes a point in life where you notice that when you are continually looking on the outside that you are only dreaming but when you start to look on the inside that is when you become awakened. When you accept Jesus in your life, you notice that your

Once you give your life to God and accept Jesus into your heart, you will begin to hear God’s voice more as He will make it known to you. The Bible tells us this in Numbers 12:6, “I, the Lord, will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” If you stop to think about it, an artist is not being paid for their time but for their vision. Once you get the love of God in your heart, it makes you so joyful that you must tell others so that they too can see the love that God has to offer them as well. The Bible tells us this in Habakkuk 2:2, “And the Lord answered me, and said, ‘Write the vision, and make it plain upon the tables, that he may run that readeth it.’”

*All scriptures are from KJV.

Paula Burgner is a very strong-willed, outgoing girl who loves working out. She believes in her heart that you are capable of doing anything you put your mind to. Paula is the author of a new book, Grounded by God’s Grace.

My Journey of Faith Includes a Bus!

by Mary Wanda Lindsey

When I was growing up our neighborhood consisted of our house with five children, my aunt's house with four children, and my grandparent's house. As youngsters, my sister, cousin, and I wanted to attend church. What we did then you probably could not do now. We persuaded our parents to let us go to church on a Trailways bus! We loved everything about that adventure, especially attending church.

For a long time, I have thought of us wanting so badly to go to church. I believe now that our strong desire to attend church was, in fact, our God-given gift of faith. As I have studied the scriptures, I have learned that “Faith is the substance (assurance, basis, foundation) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV). Paul in Hebrews 11:4-12,17-34 gives us some examples of people in the scriptures who have accomplished great things through faith.

For instance, by faith, Abel offered a sacrifice and obtained a witness from God that he was a righteous man. Enoch did not die but was translated because he believed and had a testimony of God. Noah listened to the Lord, made preparation, saved his family and all the animals, and became heir of righteousness. Abraham was called by the Lord. He obeyed, left his birthplace, received an inheritance, and became the Father of all Nations. Sara conceived a son, Isaac, in her old age because she believed

the promise of God. Abraham, when he was tried, obeyed and offered Isaac as a sacrifice to God. Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. Jacob blessed both the sons of Joseph and worshiped leaning upon the top of a staff. Joseph promised that the children of Israel would leave Egypt and be free. Moses accepted the call from God, forsook all his riches and power and led his people to freedom. Joshua prayed and did as the Lord instructed and the walls of Jericho came tumbling down.

Having faith has helped me during times of adversities and oppositions. My favorite scripture verse is “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10 KJV). I remind myself often that God keeps His promises. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the Saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10 KJV). The Apostle Paul taught that those who exercise faith in Jesus Christ will inherit a place in the kingdom of God.

Paul also explained the ways in which the fullness of the gospel is a higher, more complete law that replaces the law of Moses. He exhorted the saints to follow this “new and living way” by putting their faith in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 19:19-22 KJV).

Our bus ride adventure led to many wonderful blessings in our lives. It wasn’t long until our parents began attending services. My dad, cousin, sister, and I soon accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ and were baptized. Attending Sunday school, singing in the choir, and playing on the softball team were experiences that drew us closer to each other and to God. My husband and I, and my cousin and her husband, were married by the revered pastor of that church.

I am so thankful that as young children we exercised our faith and followed the promptings of the Spirit to attend church because it shaped our lives for good in so many ways – starting on a Trailways!

The Shoebox

by Charles Finney

In a small village nestled amidst rolling hills, lived a humble cobbler named Ezekiel. Known for his remarkable craftsmanship, Ezekiel was renowned throughout the land for his ability to create the most exquisite pairs of shoes. Each pair was a work of art, carefully handcrafted with love and dedication.

One sunny morning, a peculiar incident occurred that would forever change Ezekiel's life. As he was strolling through the village market, an elderly woman approached him with a weathered shoebox in her hands. She had a weary look upon her face, as if burdened by the weight of her past.

Intrigued, Ezekiel kindly inquired about the shoebox. The woman, her voice filled with sadness, explained that it belonged to her late husband, a shoemaker himself, who had passed away many years ago. Inside the box lay a pair of unfinished shoes, a poignant reminder of his unrealized dreams.

Touched by the woman's story, Ezekiel made a solemn promise to her. He would complete the shoes, breathing life into her husband's aspirations, and give them the beauty they deserved. With the shoebox cradled in his hands, Ezekiel returned to his humble workshop.

With a mixture of excitement and trepidation, Ezekiel presented the shoes to the elderly woman. Tears welled up in her eyes as she gazed at the exquisite pair before her. It was as if her husband's spirit had been resurrected through Ezekiel's hands. She gratefully slipped her feet into the shoes and felt an indescribable warmth, as if her heart had found solace.

Word of Ezekiel's extraordinary act of kindness spread like wildfire throughout the village. People marveled at the power of his craftsmanship and the profound impact he had made on the woman's life. The shoebox became a symbol of hope, reminding everyone that dreams, no matter how forgotten or unfinished, could still be realized. In the years that followed, Ezekiel's workshop flourished. He became a mentor to aspiring shoemakers, passing on his knowledge and inspiring them to pursue their own dreams. The shoebox remained a constant presence in his workshop, a reminder of the transformative power of compassion and the ability to breathe life into forgotten dreams.

Days turned into weeks as Ezekiel poured his heart and soul into the unfinished shoes. He meticulously handpicked the finest materials, carefully stitching and shaping them into a masterpiece that honored the legacy of the woman's late husband. With each stitch, he felt a profound connection to the craftsman who had come before him.

Finally, the day arrived when Ezekiel unveiled the completed shoes. They were a sight to behold, radiating a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Their flawless design and impeccable craftsmanship were a testament to Ezekiel's talent and the unwavering love he had poured into their creation.

And so, the legacy of Ezekiel and the shoebox lived on, touching the lives of countless individuals who sought solace and inspiration. Acts of kindness, like Ezekiel's, have a way of echoing through time, reminding us of the profound impact we can have when we embrace the dreams and aspirations of others.

As Acts 7:33 KJV says, “Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.” In Ezekiel's case, the true holiness lay not in the ground, but in the love and compassion he poured into his craft and the lives he touched along the way.

Charles Finney—minister of inspirational Good News, retired various positions and industries, management and operational, freelance writer, author of “Grandpa-Good News From The Good Feel Cornfield.” Writings are a remembrance of family, farm life and church upbringing to be a blessing to all!

I Prayed and Things Got Worse

by Kristen West

One of the things I love most about the Bible is how we can take the stories written on those crisp pages, lay them over our own lives, and see ourselves so clearly in the application.

An all-time favorite of mine is Moses. If you are living and breathing right now, then you can definitely find yourself somewhere in the up’s and down’s of any one of his life’s adventures.

Here’s a perfect example: How many times have you prayed for something to improve only to discover it seemingly got worse? That happened to Moses!

“That day Pharaoh commanded the overseers of the people as well as their foremen: ‘Don’t continue to supply the people with straw for making bricks, as before. They must go and gather straw for themselves. But require the same quota of bricks…as before…they are slackers…’” (Exodus 5:6-8 CSB).

The children of Israel were horrified and made a beeline to Moses in anger.

“May the Lord take note of you and judge…” (vs.21).

Can you imagine how bamboozled Moses must have been? The children of Israel just went from the frying pan to the fire! This didn’t look anything like what God had promised. Moses went to bat for God’s people and things got much worse.

After having his initial chat with God about delivering the children of Israel from their slavery in Egypt, Moses set out to do just that. The simplicity of his mission was before him – free God’s people from bondage and then lead them into the promised land.

When he got to Pharaoh, however, he was met with hardened resistance. Worse yet, the heavy work load that the children of Israel had been suffering under was increased after Moses confronted Pharaoh!

Of course, we know what happens next. Right around the corner was the Red Sea and the miraculous deliverance that God had planned. But they didn’t know that. They couldn’t see past their crushing circumstances. Can you relate? How many times have you found yourself frustrated or angry at God because things seemed to get worse after you prayed?

We don’t generally see the big picture. But God does. And His promises remain true even when it looks like the Pharaohs in our lives have only increased our suffering.

He “is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 CSV). The same God who had the Red Sea deliverance ready for His people then is the same God who has a perfect plan in place and ready for you today. When He chooses to unveil it is completely up to Him.

Cleveland Church Directory

African Methodist Episcopal

Price Memorial AME Zion

254 Dooley Street NE, Cleveland, TN 37311

Anglican

Mission Cleveland

1165 Church St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311

Apostolic

First Apostolic Church Of Cleveland

4859 Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (229) 343-6880

Assembly of God

The Collectives Church

1976 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 641-0193

Triune Assembly

301 Sunset Drive Cleveland, TN 37312

Baptist

Antioch Baptist Church

2807 Old Alabama Rd. SW

McDonald, TN 37353

Avenue Church

1720 Perry St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0489

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

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 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

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

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

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 Community Church

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 Springs Methodist Church

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

Mt. Zion Methodist Church

7223 Georgetown Rd Cleveland, TN 37312

Pleasant Grove Community Church

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

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

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

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

Church At Grace Point 2595 Old Freewill Rd NW,

Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 728-5050

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

Eagle’s Chapel Church

133 Beaty Dr NW

Cleveland, TN 37312

Eleven22 Church

1701 South Lee Hwy

Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 488-4526

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

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

Mount Zion Prayer Center

650 25th Street NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 478-5044

New Life Bible Church

155 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-3882

Redemption To The Nations

2750 Keith Street NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 591-7886

Restoration Fellowship

211 Trewhitt Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-4249

Rock Bridge Community Church

3635 Georgetown Rd, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 641-1485

The Sanctuary

1203 Smith Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-2843

Tasso Christian Church

1135 Tasso Lane, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-2705

The TRIBE

1175 King Edward Avenue SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 380-8802

Tri-State Cowboy Church

200 Natures Trail SW, McDonald, TN 37353 (Building 3) (423) 303-8954

United Christian Church

2200 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-4277

Unity Christian Ministries

2419 Georgetown Rd NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-9338

Walker Valley Community 787 Lauderdale Memorial Hwy Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-9696

Wings Of Love House Of Prayer

855 5th Street SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 716-5394

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

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

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