Grace His
October 2021
Photo by Kathleen Denniston
Hamilton, Ontario
WOOD Ministries
"While you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God."
2 Corinthians 9:11
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Table of Contents His Grace Magazine!
October 2021
"Joy in Forgiveness of Israel's sins Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." Psalm 106:1
Comic.................................................................................Page 3 From the Pulpit.................................................................Pages 4-7 Timeless Truths.................................................................Pages 8-9 Book in Review..................................................................Page 10 Entertainment News.........................................................Page 11 World News.......................................................................Pages 12-13 Sports News.......................................................................Page 14 Prayer.................................................................................Page 15 Athletes for Christ.............................................................Pages 16-17 Recipe ................................................................................Page 18 Poetry.................................................................................Page 19 Bible Study.........................................................................Pages 20-21 Movie in Review................................................................Page 22
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Comic...The October 2021
His Grace Magazine!
Word According to Elijah
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It's fun up here guys!
Run!
Oh, oh... I think he caught us!!
Oh yes, start the music!
PARTY TIME!!
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.”
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From the Pulpit...
Owner/Publisher: Rob Wood
T
His Grace Magazine!
he scripture that we will start with is Psalm 100:4; it says, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." This Psalm is a great worship song of praise that tells us of the goodness and the mercy that God has for all His people. God is so faithful and full of truth; God's grace is extended to all the nations of the world and to the tribes of Israel, for always, till the end of time. This Psalm starts off with an incredible outburst of praise, an amazing celebration of the strength, majesty, supremacy and power of God Almighty, our eternal Creator. The
October 2021
How Thankful are We?
last verse directs us to the goodness and grace of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. His mercy is completely endless and everlasting; His truth lasts forever because Jesus Christ is the WAY and the TRUTH. John 14:6 says, "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" For anyone who knows Jesus and has a personal relationship with Him will also have eternal life with Him and the Father. Jesus is, without a doubt, good...so good; His mercy and His Grace unquestionably endures forever throughout the generations. He was designed before the foundation of the world, the cornerstone. He came to rescue and save mankind from a broken and fallen world. This was achieved through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, God's only begotten Son. God and His grace was designed to restore our
relationship with Him, through Jesus Christ so we can, once again, come to God through Him and have eternal life with Him. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." For this reason, we are called, one and all, gentiles and Israelis...we are to enter into His gates with thanksgiving in our hearts; we are also to come into His courts with praise, to give thanks and to be thankful to Him and to bless His name always. This means that both Jewish and Gentile are called to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, as He has already paid the ultimate price for us on the cross, as He took all of our sins upon Himself. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
When David wrote this song of praise and thanksgiving, it would be the worshippers of Israel who would proceed through the gates of Jerusalem on their way to the Temple of the Lord. They would be singing songs of praise on their way there. But because of the veil, they couldn't enter to be with God, but after Jesus had died on the cross, the veil was torn in two. Matthew 27:50-54 says, "And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many." After the veil was torn in two from top to bottom, this allowed us to come before God
October 2021
His Grace Magazine!
From the Pulpit...
to worship at His feet, because Jesus Christ became our Mediator. It doesn't matter who you are, you can be Jewish or a Gentile, you can be old or young, you can be male or female, it doesn't matter what skin colour you are, there is no racism in front of Jesus, as racism is a sin. It doesn't matter whether you are bond or free as long as we repent of our sins and are born again, born of the spirit, then we are all called to enter His gates with thanksgiving, and we shall go into His courts with lots of praise. We should always shout for joy and be happy in the presence of the Lord and we should serve Him with gladness in our hearts. Always come before the Lord with joyful singing, knowing that the Lord Himself is God Almighty, who made all of us who we are, and that we did not make ourselves, or get to where we are now in life by ourselves; all that
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How Thankful are We?
we have is because of God. We should always be praying and praising God for His grace and through faith, we can count ourselves His people. This is because God created us and He shepherds us; we are the very sheep of His pasture. Psalm 100:3 says, "Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we oursleves; We are His poeple and the sheep of His pasture." We also should respond to Him with thankfulness and always praise Him. Psalm 100:1 says, "Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!" We, as Christians, can be so thankful that Jesus never, ever changes. He is always patient, loving, kind, merciful and kindhearted. Jesus is always dependable, as He is always here now as He was then with Israel and Moses at the Red Sea. Exodus 14:28-31 says, "Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the
sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained. But the children of Israel had walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. So the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses." Jesus also pours out all His blessings for each of us every day. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him. James 1:17 says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." He takes all the bad things that happens in our lives and will make it good for our good and His glory. Romans 8:28 -30 says, "And we know that all things
work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified." We can face all things, even the difficult circumstances in our lives with thanksgiving coming from our mouths. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." It is can be so hard to be thankful when we face difficult times. But it's not that we are thankful for being sick or hurt, but it's more that we are thankful because we know that Jesus is there with us and will walk through the storm with us; that is why we can be thankful in all our
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From the Pulpit...
circumstances. What does being thankful mean to you? Does it only mean to be thankful if you get what you want? Or to be thankful for everything, no matter what it is? When a teacher gave her first grade class a drawing assignment, to draw something that they were thankful for, the teacher thought that maybe the children who lived in a bad area of town would draw something like turkey on the table or of their families during thanksgiving time. That is what she expected from them. But one drawing took her by surprise, especially the drawing from Jimmy. After the assignment was finished, they went outside for recess. The teacher looked at Jimmy's drawing; it was a drawing of a hand, and she wondered whose hand it was. When the students came back in, she asked them what they thought it had represented. One student said, "A
His Grace Magazine!
October 2021
How Thankful are We?
policeman's hand, as it represented the hand of helping." Another student said, "The hand of God, as God brings us food." "A farmer," another student said, "for they grow the turkey's there." The teacher, Mrs. Johnston, leaned down to Jimmy and asked him, "Whose hand did you draw, Jimmy?" Then Jimmy said to her, "It's your hand." Then Mrs. Johnson remembered all the times she would take Jimmy's hand every once in awhile with all the children to help them find the things they were looking for. But with Jimmy, was so thankful that his teacher took the time to help him, that this remained in his heart for her kind deeds. Being thankful for the help of others including what God does for us is something that should always remain in our hearts as well. We are to be thankful for everything, all the time. Sometimes that is a hard thing to do, isn't it? Sometimes
things happen in our lives and we really struggle with why bad things happens to us. I have heard people say that because we are now Christians, we don't have to worry anymore, that we will have a perfect life now and everything we want and need will be ours for the asking. When we ask Jesus, He will give us these things. This is one of the craziest things I have ever heard. First of all, we do not have a perfect life. Jesus never told us that, it's not biblical. As a matter of fact, He told us that when we follow Him, we will suffer things because of Him. These three scriptures shows us that things can be difficult as a Christian, but can also be rewarding. 1 Peter 2:21 says, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps." Jesus also said in Matthew 16:2425, "Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to
come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.'" And this scripture sums it up for us: 2 Timothy 3:12: "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." These scriptures tells us that the perfect life just doesn't exist here on earth. We can have a good life and as close to perfect as we can get, because Jesus is in our lives. We know that He will love us, protect us, provide for us, strengthen us, guide us and He is always there, He will never leave or forsake us, ever. Deuteronomy 31:8 says, "And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you or forsake you; do not fear or be dismayed." You see, Jesus knows us; He knew from the beginning of time that we would suffer challenging
His Grace Magazine!
From the Pulpit...
October 2021
times in our lives. He knew that life would not be easy, as He told us. The stress of this world can get to us, but when we lean on God, we have the assurance that He will be there for us. Philippians 4:47 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ
How Thankful are We?
Jesus." Just because we are Christians doesn't mean that we can ask for anything we want and receive it. The scripture, Matthew 7:7-8 says, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." This means that when you grow as a Christian, you will not ask for foolish things of the flesh, but of things for the spirit, such as things that will help further God's kingdom. Then He will freely give us these things as we need them. Don't wait, come to the Lord now, give your life to Him, and He will be there for you too.
WOOD Ministries Publisher/Sales/Graphic Designer/Writer: Rob Wood wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com
Editor/Writer: Donna Wood
wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com
Writer: Lynne Wood
wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com
Owned and published by Rob Wood of Wood Ministries. Contact us @ 905-380-4489, or email us at wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com
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But those who wait on the
LORD
Strength. Shall renew their
Eagles.
They shall mount up with wings like
Weary. They shall walk and not Faint. They shall run and not be
Isaiah 40:31
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ave you ever experienced such a remarkable moment that every time you think of it, you're still in awe? A moment that you're able to draw on to help you face seemingly impossible situations head on? These moments often come upon us at a time and place when we least expect it, like when we're driving our vehicle, lying in bed half asleep, or just meandering through our normal, everyday routine, whether it be working, cooking, cleaning, or even watching TV. All of a sudden, before we even realize what is happening, Jesus' presence fills our space with love, warmth and peace like we have never known before. And after that moment has passed and we're still trying to process it, we realize that nothing else could ever be as powerful or life changing as that brief encounter with our Lord. In the Bible, God astonished His followers when He appeared to them and those moments had lifetime effects on them. Take for instance
His Grace Magazine!
October 2021
A Glimpse of God's Glory Paul, or Saul of Tarsus, as he was originally known. Paul killed followers of Jesus Christ because he believed they
caused many people to suffer, had to suffer many things for the sake of Christ's name. After he repented and was
deserved to die. He was the enemy of Christians and probably the one they feared the most. But one day while he was travelling on the road to Damascus, a light shone around him from heaven. "Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?'" (Acts 9:4) In an instant, Paul's whole point of view changed. He was blinded by the light that surrounded him, but for the first time, he could see, for he was blinded spiritually, but God was opening his eyes. God had an important mission for Paul. However, Paul, who
baptized, he received the Holy Spirit and accepted the mission God gave him. He made a complete u-turn in his life and began teaching the things which he previously killed others for. Paul's calling on the road to Damascus became an important part of his story. In the case of Moses, God revealed Himself to him to prove His power and purpose in a burning bush. According to Exodus 3:1, while handling his usual daily workload of attending his father-inlaw's sheep, Moses saw an astonishing sight on Mount Horeb. A bush was on fire, but it was not burning up! He
went over to the bush to investigate and the voice of God called to him through the flames. God explained to Moses that He had picked him to deliver His chosen people out of the land of Egypt where they were being held as slaves. While Moses was overwhelmed with reverence, he was terrified and complained that he was not the one for the task, which angered God because of his lack of faith. God promised Moses that He would be with him throughout the difficult ordeal that God had set out before him. That powerful encounter transformed Moses' life forever and he became the leader of the historic Exodus and of the deliverance God had planned for His people. Then we look at a group of shepherds who were watching their flock at night. Luke 2:814 tells us that an Angel of the Lord appeared to them and gave them a message that would change the course of history forever! As the Angel spoke of the birth of Jesus, a great heavenly host
His Grace Magazine!
October 2021
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A Glimpse of God's Glory began rejoicing and singing in the night sky and the glory of the Lord shone all around. What an amazing moment that must have been for the shepherds who were doing their normal daily routine! If you have read my article in the July 2021 edition of 'Timeless Truths,' I spoke of my personal experience in 2002 when Jesus spoke to me in my vehicle. How do these profound moments impact us? When Jesus reveals His love and mercy to us first-handed in such moments as these, His identity becomes more real to us and we become that much more aware of His presence and power in our everyday lives. We are made aware of His assurance that
He sees and hears us. I also believe that God is teaching us a valuable lesson. He remains the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) and that He will do wonders in our lives if we surrender our will to Him. Each follower of Christ has a unique story, but essentially Christians all have the same calling. Everyone who is called by God does experience a spiritual awakening --the opening of their mind to understanding God's truth and calling. If you take hold of the truth that God is with you every moment, would that not change your life? God speaks to each of us in different ways as we walk with Him through life's journey. There are specific moments, like the moment for me
in my vehicle, when I encountered Him in such an intimate way that the pathway of my life was drastically impacted forever. We always need to be sensitive to God's presence and His still, small voice. Unfortunately, many people don't believe that God still reaches out to us in this manner. God certainly still does minister to people, whether it be at a conference, revival meeting, or even in a humble prison or any other insignificant place. According to a story that I read, Billy Graham had an encounter on a golf course as he was preparing himself for ministry, and Mother Teresa had a lifechanging moment while on a train ride
from Calcutta to the Himalayan region. What a huge impact it made in their lives! My hope and prayer is that the Lord Jesus will show Himself to you so that you can see Him in His glory, that your eyes will be opened to an Almighty Christ who comes into the heart and who faithfully promises to never leave you. He knows your deepest hurts; He knows your biggest fears. He knows you better than any human being could possibly know you; He knows you better than you know yourself! I also pray that God can use me as a humble servant to encourage you, for He longs to reveal Himself to you as you have never seen Him before!
"Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you WOOD great and mighty things, which you do not know." Ministries
(Jeremiah 33:3)
Written by: Donna Wood Photos by: Donna Wood
His Grace Magazine!
Book in Review...
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October 2021
God has not Forgotten You
He is with you, Even in Uncertain Times!
Book by: Dr. David Jeremiah Written by: Lynne Wood
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r. David Jeremiah's book titled, "God has Not Forgotten You" is a reminder that no matter what is happening, God is always with you. The chapters in this book covers uncertainty, change, loneliness, health and much more. It is a very good book, especially if you're feeling forgotten. We imagine that when we're going through difficult days, such as a job loss, sickness in family, or the death of a loved one, that God has no idea or simply doesn't care. That is completely not true; God knows when you're sad, lost, lonely and frightened. He will comfort, protect, provide and care for you always. Proverbs 3:56, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Our bodies are incredibly and wonderfully made by God. We have an amazing immune system that can eliminate threats
from bacteria to viruses and even cancer. Yet sometimes our bodies can fail us, especially when we are older and frail. Dr. David Jeremiah gives an example of frailty when he asks, "What would you think would be the most dangerous animal on the planet? Most people would probably say sharks or bears; you would naturally say with their teeth and claws that they would be. No, the most dangerous creature is the mosquito. They are responsible for the transmission of malaria,
yellow fever, dengue fever, zika and more. They kill more than seven hundred and fifty thousand people yearly. Disease is a symptom of sin, it is the curse of sin on all creation. God does not give us a spirit of fear; the Lord will be our strength, no matter what we are facing. For Christians who are suffering with a sickness, John 11:4 is our greatest truth. When Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified
through it." (NIV). Going through any illness is never easy for that person or their family, but as Christians we know God will never leave us. Our prayers are not always answered as fast as we would like. Sometimes it can take years. Because of this, we feel God has forsaken us. Please always remember, God turned His back on Jesus as He hung on the cross, because God is Holy and could not look upon the sin, our sin, that Jesus took to the cross with Him. God turned His back on His Son as He would never have to turn His back on You. The truth is, Jesus hung on that cross, endured all of it, because He loves you that much. Psalm 138:7-8: "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, And your right hand will save me. The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands."
October 2021
His Grace Magazine!
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Anne Wilson's New Song
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The Song 'My Jesus' is rising to the top of Billboard Christian Music Charts
fter singer Anne Wilson released her new song, "My Jesus," this past summer, she has become well known. The song has hit #1 on the Christian music billboard charts. Anne Wilson is the cowriter of the song with Christian song writer, Matthew West, and Jeff Pado, who is a music producer. Anne said, "I've been blown away by how God has been using "My Jesus" to impact so many lives. I'm so honored that He chose me to be His vessel for this specific time and season. My favorite part so far has been seeing people sing "My Jesus" at shows to the top of their lungs and hearing stories of how they've been impacted by the song; I would've never dreamed that God would use this song in such a mighty way." Anne Wilson grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, where she loved playing music, mostly on the piano. She sang for the first time in front of a
live audience at the age of 15. But unfortunately that was for her brother's funeral, as he had been killed in a car accident
and put it on YouTube. "This song is dedicated to the loving memory of my beloved big brother, Jacob. Thank
when he was 23 years old. On that terrible day she sang, "What a Beautiful Name," which is one of the popular songs by Hillsong. Anne later made a video of the song with a few of her friends
you, Jacob, for always encouraging us to praise God, work hard, and always be kind. We love and miss you more each and every day." The YouTube video that Anne and her friends made was
seen by a producer in Nashville, which lead to Anne working with Capital Christian Music. Brad O'Donnell and Hudson Plachy, copresidents of Capital Christian Music said, "The unprecedented success of "My Jesus" is just the beginning and we cannot wait to see what is to come for Anne." Anne Wilson has worked very hard in the last few years to strengthen her singing voice and work on her song writing. Despite Anne being amazed by all the success of her song, "My Jesus," she said, "It's been a whirlwind of emotions, just thankfulness and gratefulness, watching God take my story, which was something so broken, and turning it into something so beautiful." Anne Wilson is now on tour with Big Daddy Weave and is also working on a few new songs that she is writing for her new upcoming album that is coming out next year sometime.
His Grace Magazine!
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October 2021
Missionaries Kidnapped
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17 Missionaries kidnapped in Haiti, includes a 8 month old infant
gang in Haiti has kidnapped 17 Missionary members from the United States and Canada, and they are demanding $17 million in ransom for their release. The FBI, who are working with the Haitian officials, have apparently been in contact with the gang that is holding the missionaries as hostages. The search and rescue is entering the fourth day. Some new information is now coming forth about the missionaries, including that there are five children there, their ages are 3, 6, 14, 15. There is also an 8 month old infant with the group. Ned Price, with the State Department Spokesperson, said, "This is something we have treated with utmost priority since Saturday." State Department officials are on the ground now in Haiti. They are working towards securing the safe release of the missionary hostages
who found themselves kidnapped at gun point while they were heading home from the orphanage in Port Au Prince. The missionaries are from the Ohio
group Christian Aid Ministries, who says they're a "Channel for Amish, Mennonite, and other conservative Anabaptists groups and individuals to minister to physical and spiritual
needs around the world." After the assassination of Haiti's President this year, there have been a lot of criminal gangs taking over the streets and now kidnappings are taking off. Some of the aid groups' volunteers are sharing what it has been like on the streets in Haiti. They said, "It used to be targeted, but now the whole population is targeted. Everyone is a target and no one is safe." The gangs are now in control of half of the capital city of Port Au Prince and they're growing stronger. A lot of aid groups are finding it hard to send in supplies to those people who need them. Not only is the Christian Aid Ministries praying for the release and safety of the missionaries, but they're also asking believers to pray for the hearts of the kidnappers, that they would change their lives and be changed by the love of Jesus Christ.
October 2021
His Grace Magazine!
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Murder rate is up in US
The FBI has reported the biggest US murder hike in 60 years, at least 21,500 killed
T
he FBI has reported that 2020 had been the most deadliest year in 60 years. The world is dealing with COVID-19 as well as riots and many other situations out there. Then comes a report that murders are hitting an awful high. Over 21,500 people were killed in the United States last year. Some of the possible reasons that are coming to light are the pandemic and higher gun sales. But another reason is that there is a high number of police officers that are leaving all across the United States. An annual report on the murders by the FBI shows us the murders in 2020 have spiked to about 30% from what they were in 2019. That is around 5,000 more murders and it is continuing to rise. The report also said that in addition to the murder rates, mass shootings are also at its highest level since the 1990's. Also, another grim statistic is gun violence was also up with children as it
went up during COVID. 5,100 children were shot and 1,300 were killed. Jason Rantz, a Seattle Conservative said, "People in communities need to start speaking up and getting angry." No matter what people may think, murder is not just a big city problem anymore. In 2020, it was an ongoing problem in the rural areas as well as it had increased 20% in the country. The State of Louisiana has now led for the 32nd straight year. Jason Rantz said, "When you decide to defund the police, when you decide to make proactive policing nearly impossible and
you run out of police officers, guess what happens?" Jason Rantz also said that the shocking hike in these violent crimes is a straight response of the murder of George Floyd, gangs and also the defunding of the police force. Because of all this, the confidence of the police is at an all time low. Consequently, police retirements hiked to 45% and the resignations also rose up to 18% in 2020. He said, "Why would anyone want to be a cop in 2020 and 2021? Why would anyone want to sign up for a job that's being made difficult
and more dangerous on purpose?" With the murder hike yet climbing, senators have been difficult as they are working to pass bipartisan federal police reform. But it didn't pass as it was not passed last week. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) says that he is still waiting at the table after Democrats would not finalize the bill. As a result, more than 20 big cities have drastically reduced their police budgets by a whopping $840 million across the country. Sen. Tim Scott said, "When you tell local law enforcement agencies that you are ineligible for federal money, that's defunding the police. When you reduce funding for police, you actually lose lives in the community." Murder rates could be much higher; at the time data wasn't completed. Roughly 3,000 police departments country wide hadn't submitted their crime data to the FBI last year. This year 2021 has seen a 16% increase in murders so far.
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October 2021
Copper Kupp, Rams WR
Copper Kupp relies on his faith in Jesus as he turns in a fantastic performance
FL wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who plays for the Los Angeles Rams, had a great game as he caught nine passes for 163 yards. Cooper also had two touchdowns as he helped the Rams beat the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium with a 27-24 win. The 28 year old wide receiver became the first Rams player to have a touchdown and at least 100 receiving yards in his first two games this season. At a game press conference, Cooper said that the players truly trust each other to go out on the field and give it their all. He said, "I have a belief in myself and what I can do. I trust in what coach believes in me, what the guys in the receiving room trust that I'll be able to do. They're trusting me to be able to play for them and make sure that I'm executing my job. I want
to execute my job to the best of my ability and just prepare myself to be able to do that." Cooper was asked about all the pressure that comes while playing the game of football and performing at a high level. He then talked about his faith in Jesus Christ and referred to the scripture of Proverbs 16:9. He said, "Today the verse that was on my mind was, 'The heart of man chooses his path but the Lord establishes his steps.' It just gave me so much freedom to go out there and play free, give everything I had and
know the results rest in Him." Cooper also said, "It really came down to playing free, playing this game. We have this passion, this belief, this gift that we've been given and I just feel like as a group of guys going out there, we were able to play free." Cooper Kupp is now playing in his fifth season in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams and he says that his faith is playing key role all through his career, particularly since he tore his ACL in 2008. He said, "I needed God in 2019. I needed to trust in what my faith was.
Just my wife and son, being able to push me through this, teammates, the coaching staff, training staff, strength staff. I just had a team around me that encouraged me. It really showed me how important it was to have the people that God has really placed in my life." Cooper is so thankful for all the amazing support system that he has in his life, but he said that God will always be his only source of hope and healing that he will always need. "At the very basic levels of my life, as a husband, as a father, as a football player, knowing how much of a failure I am at these things, if it wasn't for my faith, if it wasn't for knowing that Christ has told me who I am in His eyes and know that how far short I fall in all these things, that He's bridged every gap and that He's called me to even greater things."
October 2021
Prayer...
His Grace Magazine!
Building a Prayer Life Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your Word Which fills me with wisdom; Your commandments are pure and Your judgments are righteous. Your Word is as honey to my lips; It fills my soul, teaches me all things. I pray that when I read my Bible, You will fill me with Your Spirit of Grace so I can be a doer of Your Word. As I seek You, conform me into the image of Christ. Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayer and for answering me. In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words”
Romans 8:26
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His Grace Magazine!
Athletes for Christ...
October 2021
Clayton Kershaw
Clayton and his Ellen wrote a book on their Christian life
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layton Kershaw was born in Dallas Texas on March 19, 1988. Clayton's parents had divorced when he was 10 years old; his mother raised him on her own. Clayton enjoyed playing in the youth sports leagues when he was a child, that included Little League Baseball. Clayton would go on to attend a close to home Highland Park High School, where he would play baseball and he played varsity football as a centre for Matthew Stafford who now plays in the NFL as quarterback. Clayton had become the top high school pitching prospect in 2006, as he had an amazing record of 13-0 with an earned run average of 0.77. He also had 139 strikeouts in a total of 64 pitched innings. In one of the playoff games in which he pitched in against Northwest High School in Justin, Texas, Clayton had pitched an all strikeout perfect game, as he struckout all 15 batters that he faced, the game had become shortened thanks to the mercy rule. Clayton also hit a grand slam home run in the game, so he did it all. Clayton also pitched for the United States Baseball Junior National Team in the Pan-Am Championship. He was selected by USA Today as the 'High School Baseball Player of the
Year," and was recognized as the "Gatorade National Player of the Year " for baseball. In 2006, Clayton entered the Major League Baseball draft; he was thought to be the top high school pitcher that was available. The Los Angeles Dodgers selected him with the seventh overall pick of the draft. Clayton had earlier committed to the Texas A&M University; however, he changed his mind and turned down the scholarship and opportunity to play there and decided to join and sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which included a signing bonus around $2.3 million dollars. At that time, the bonus that Clayton had recieved was the highest of any Dodger player that was drafted, but later in 2010, Zach Lee topped that. Clayton worked through the Dodger farm system in one season as he would then start as a MLB starting pitcher at the age of 20. He was the youngest player in MLB at that time as he made his debut in 2008. Clayton signed a huge deal with the Dodgers in 2013 for $215 million on a seven year deal. In 2014, Clayton became the 22nd Dodger pitcher to throw a no-hitter. Clayton has a win-lose record of 185-84, earned run average of 2.49 and 2,670 strikeouts. Clayton and the Los Angeles Dodgers won the
October 2021
His Grace Magazine!
Athletes for Christ...
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Clayton Kershaw
World Series last year 2020. Clayton was married on December 4, 2010, he married his girlfriend Ellen Marianne of seven years. During the playing season with the Dodgers, they live in Studio City, California, and they live in University Park, Texas during the off-season. Clayton is a Methodist with a strong Christian faith; he shared his faith story with the I Am Second series in the 2021 series. Clayton and his wife, Ellen, have done alot of humanitarian work in Africa, where they went to build an orphanage and also helped build houses in Los Angeles with Habitat for Humanity in Lynwood, California. Clayton and his wife coauthored a book called Arise: Live Out Your Faith and Dreams on Whatever Field You Find Yourself, about their Christian faith and their humanitarian efforts.
Clayton Kershaw with the Los Angeles Dodgers 2020 World Series Champions
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Recipe...
His Grace Magazine!
October 2021
Chicken Coconut Soup
• 6 c Chicken Broth • 1/4 c Lime Juice • 1 tsp Lemon Juice • 2 tsp minced Ginger • 1 1/2 lbs boneless Chicken, cut in 1" pcs. • 8 oz. sliced Mushrooms • 1 can Coconut Milk • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce • 1 tsp Sugar • 2 tsp red Curry Paste • 2 tsp Cilantro • Bring broth, lime juice, lemon juice and ginger to a boil • Reduce heat; simmer 8-10 min. • Add chicken pieces; return to a boil • Reduce heat, simmer; add mushrooms; cook another 20 min. • Stir in coconut milk, soy sauce, sugar, curry paste and cilantro • Heat and serve
Isaiah 55:2b
“Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance.”
October 2021
Poetry...
His Grace Magazine!
Be Still and Know Those uncomfortable feelings That show up inside of me… Struggles, doubts, obsessions, And a false sense of security, I don't have to be at the mercy Of these thoughts that make me ill; I simply seek God, learn His Word, Go to prayer and then be still.
He gives me His full attention In a non-judgmental way With a heart full of compassion, Walking beside me every day. He wants to hear my sorrows, All the experiences I endure. Jesus is a friend like no other; His love is ever sure. When I strengthen my awareness Of moments sprinkled with His love, I am lifted out of my struggling Onto the wings of a snow white dove.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
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His Grace Magazine!
Bible Study...
uring Jesus' early ministry, enemies often tried to kill Him but could not, because it was not time for Him to die (John 7:30). When that time came however, He voluntarily laid down His life on the cross for our sins (Romans 5:8), though He could have summoned thousands of angels to rescue Him (Matthew 26:53). Those who trust in the Lord have nothing to fear because the Lord watches over them. But trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness does not mean an absolute expectation of safety. Yet, those who love God and honor Him can count on His provision and protection and know that nothing happens without His approval. Although trouble and affliction is eminent, nothing shall hurt the believer, but will happen not for his hurt, but for good. We call upon the Lord in times of adversity and His promise to us is that He will, in due time, deliver us out of trouble and in the meantime, be with us in trouble. The Lord will manage all his worldly
Psalms 91:11
"Guardian Angels"
concerns, and preserve his life on earth, as long as it is good for him. Angelic servants are one of the ways in which God acts in the world. Take, for instance, Lot, in Genesis ch. 19. Lot had invited the two angels, who unbeknownst to Lot, came to rescue him and his household from God's judgment. Lot invited them to spend the
city was given over to violence and immorality and it wasn't unusual, but accepted among the men of Sodom. So Lot went out to them and shut the door behind him and pleaded with them to leave the two visitors alone. But they told Lot to get out of their way and they attempted to break down the door. The two angels reached out their
night at his house because he was too aware of the wickedness of the people of Sodom. Before they lay down for the evening, however, the men of the city surrounded Lot's house and demanded that the two strangers come out so they could have homosexual relations with them. This type of behavior shows that the entire
hands, pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. They then struck the men outside with blindness. This was a supernatural act. The mob now had a physical blindness that matched their moral blindness. Earlier in Genesis ch. 18, Abraham asked God to spare the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah if there were ten righteous
October 2021
people found there. Although there weren't ten righteous, God still answered the heart of Abraham's prayer by bringing Lot and his family out of Sodom. As the angel said in Genesis 19:23, judgment could not come upon Sodom and Gomorrah until Lot and his family were safe in Zoar, a town nearby. As soon as morning broke, the angels urged Lot to hurry, and while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife's hand and the hands of his two daughters and hurried them out of the city. Once they were safe in Zoar, the Lord completely destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah with brimstone and fire. Angels are the ministers of God's wrath for the destruction of sinners, as well as of His mercy for the preservation and deliverance of His people. They are sent out by God to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14). No doubt, believers are not fully aware of the ministry of angels on
Bible Study...Psalm
His Grace Magazine!
October 2021
their behalf. Angels are the bodyguard, the garrison to the body, soul, and spirit of the saint, and they have received commission from the Lord to watch carefully over all the interests of the faithful. The angels of God have special
charge to accompany, defend and preserve us, and against their power, evil spirits cannot prevail. Angels see to it that the elect are secured and we can rest assured that they will carefully discharge the duty imposed upon them.
91:11
How angels keep us, we cannot tell. Whether they repel demons, counteract spiritual plots, or even ward off the physical forces of disease, we do not know. But I do know that one day, I will stand amazed at the many services
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these unseen hands have rendered unto me. Psalm 91:11-12: "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all their ways. They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone."
Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord ALmighty the whole earth is full of His Glory
Isaiah 6:3
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Movie in Review...God's Not Dead 4 His Grace Magazine!
“We The People”
T
his entertaining movie called God's Not Dead: We The People is the fourth movie in this series. The movie follows the life of Pastor Dave and some home schooling parents who are in a group that the Pastor sponsors. They go up against the Marxist government with all their politically correct agenda for their right to have their children homeschooled.
God's Not Dead: We The People is a powerful movie with a strong Christian message that tells every Christian to stand up for their rights. The movie starts with the McKinnon family where they live in Arkansas, as they start their morning of homeschooling. A part of their learning includes theology and some reading with Pastor Dave as he reads to a group of
children in his church, St. Judes, with one of the two McKinnon children who is the youngest. But while Pastor Dave was speaking and teaching the children a lesson about the Flood in the book of Genesis, a official from the government showed up for a surprise check on the learning conditions at the McKinnon's house and he writes them up for a court summons, saying that their schooling is not politically correct. In the beginning, Pastor Dave really doesn't want to fight the government and he thinks about changing the home schooling program to along the lines of what the United States Department of Education wants in their schools today. But the parents of the co-op and Pastor Dave decide together to stand up for their constitutional rights after Pastor Dave remembers a past conversation that he had with his dear friend from Africa, the late Rev. Jude, when they talked about liberty. Pastor Dave, the McKinnons, Taylor Hays who is a widowed mother, and a missionary
October 2021
who just arrived home in America from China all pack up and head to Washington D.C. to passionately state their case. As they arrive, Pastor Dave meets with a Christian congressmen who takes the time to help him prepare for the fight that is ahead of him. Regardless of all the emotional arguments describing why Christian education considers the faith and the freedoms that America was founded on, the chairman that was listening was not moved at all about what he was hearing. Even despite Taylor Hayes plea about how her son has suffered trauma after the passing of his father, and it would be impossible for him to go to public school, still the chairman refuses to listen and dismissed everything. After spending almost a week in Congress pleading their case, all seems lost and it looks like all of the families involved in the homeschooling coop could be fined. But against all odds, will Pastor Dave and the parents have success by protecting their faith and liberty?
October 2021
His Grace Magazine!
"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17
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His Grace Magazine!
October 2021
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