Message From The EDITOR
Local
CHURCH CONNECTION Volume 6 No. 4
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o you ever wonder how or why our American Culture has changed so much in the last decade? I believe we have become a self-centered, “its all about me” culture, and while there are so many factors that have caused this, I would like to suggest to you that in large part it is because we as a people have failed to live by the scripture in Ephesians 5:1-2 that reads, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
My point being that, we as a culture do not attempt to follow God’s examples he has shown us in scripture. He instructs us to be imitators of Christ. What does that mean? Most would say that means always loving everyone and always being forgiving, and being very calm and sensitive. Most would visualize a Christ that is compassionate to the sick, loves on the children, and looks after those that can’t look after themselves, and while that is definitely a side of Christ we should all try and imitate daily, there is also the side of Christ that meant business when the time called for it. He had no problem taking the whip to the money changers at the temple, or with telling Satan to take a hike in the wilderness. Being an imitator of Christ might mean that sometimes we need to stand up for injustices when we see them, rather than always taking the passive role because we mistakenly think that Christ just let things role off his back. He always spoke the truth even when it was not popular to do so. He cared more about the truth than he worried about offending someone. Christians are losing the cultural battle, and I believe that it is because we do not stand up and fight for injustices. In the name of not being a trouble maker, we sit back and just let it continue as our culture changes. Satan works slow and methodical and is winning the cultural war in America because he is fighting for souls, and our leaders (even the ones that claim to be Christians) do not even acknowledge there is a fight taking place. This quarter, please prayerfully consider your choices as you exercise your right to vote on the leaders at all levels of government, as their decisions will continue to shape our culture either to be imitators of Christ or not when it comes to love and compassion as well as when the time comes to need to break out the whip towards injustice. Please also remember that Christ and Christ alone is how we have the ability to gain salvation, and that He is the one and only reason we celebrate Christmas this quarter. Please enjoy this magazine and support our local advertisers that help make it possible to produce it in an effort to support he local churches efforts to reach the unchurched in our communities.
For more information, please contact Chuck Thompson chuck@localchurchconnection.com • www.localchurchconnection.com
Cliff (Cag) Gradwell, II President
CCN Distributing, Inc. P.O. Box 99 • Bolingbroke, Georgia 31004 Office: (478) 992-5757 • Fax: (478) 992-9092 • Mobile: (478) 954-0249 Email: callawayblue@bellsouth.net www.callawayblue.com
478.718.0105
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THRIFT STORE
3378 Gray Hwy • Gray, GA 31032 Facebook: Jones County Outreach Center/Thrift Store
OFFICE - 478-305-7702 Ronnie - 478-972-3500 Jimmy - 478-235-1480 Pastor Rick - 813-377-9181
www.jcoutreach.com 5
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Jesus Is In Your Boat By TREY DICKERSON
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t was an extremely important evening in the ministry of Jesus. He knew that the hour was at hand for Him to do what He was sent to the earth to do. Therefore, He understood that this night would be one of His last opportunities to share invaluable truths with His disciples in order to prepare them for their ministry. John chapters 13-17 chronicle Jesus’ last night with His disciples before His crucifixion. And in John 16:33, He completes the “crash course” He was giving them by saying, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” The first truth we must realize in this statement is that Jesus promised us that since we are in the world, we will have tribulation. There is no other way around it. If we are living in this sin-cursed world, we will have trying circumstances. It is unavoidable. It is just like being in the ocean. If you are in the ocean, you can count on having waves, right? That too is unavoidable. If you are in the middle of the ocean, you will have ups and downs because of the waves that are inherent in the ocean. Likewise, in the world, you can expect to have “waves”- ups and downs, mountain-top and valley experiences. But then Jesus made a powerful statement regarding those tough times. He said, “But be of good “... but be of cheer (Why?), I have overcome the world.” First of all, what did Jesus mean by He had “overcome the world”? In sticking with our analogy, it meant that He had successfully navigated through the winds and waves of the world! He had finished His course! He had fought the good fight of faith! He had fulfilled His own saying when He said to His disciples, “Let us go to the other side!”
good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
So why is this cause for us to be of good cheer? It is because He proved to us through His successful navigation through the waves of the world that we too can get to the other side and live a life of unwavering faith! You see, contrary to popular opinion, Jesus did not live an overcoming life of faith because He was the Son of God. The Bible teaches us that He was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin. The very fact that He was tempted in the ways we are tempted makes it evident that His walk of faith had no advantage over all of us who are born again and filled with His Spirit. Therefore, we have reason to be of good cheer. Why? It is because we also can cross over to the other side without sinking! He overcame the world as an example for us to show us that we too can overcome the world. Thank you Jesus! My friends, God has called us to be overcomers- not underachievers! He showed us His will in Deuteronomy chapter 28 in describing those in covenant with Him that we are to be the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath, blessed coming in and blessed going out. This is our destiny- not that we are beaten down and defeated, but that we overcome the obstacles of life and live a life full of victory, joy, and peace. It is our birthright to live above the world- above its ways, above its ideas, above its circumstances, above its philosophies, etc. We are not called to be overcome by the winds and waves of life! We are destined to fulfill our purpose and accomplish His will for our lives, and to do it with a smile on our face. This is the victory that overcomes the world- even our faith. And faith is not sad, depressed, and burdened down. Faith is full of joy, full of peace, and full of life. It is victory in Jesus! But I want to encourage those of you out there who might not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe you are going through a tough situation and your faith is waning. Perhaps you have just experienced a difficult circumstance and your hope is all but gone. I want to exhort you with this one statement- Jesus is in your boat! Do you remember the account of Jesus and His disciples crossing the river Jordan? It is a powerful story that should encourage each of us. (continued on next page)
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In Mark chapter 4, Jesus had spent the day teaching in many different parables the truths of the kingdom of God. He taught how God’s Word is like a seed and, depending on the condition of our hearts, we could produce thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold. He taught that God’s kingdom completely operates on the seedtime and harvest principle and depending on how we hear the Word and how patient we are with its wonder-working ability, we can see awesome results. And He even taught how when God’s Word comes into our hearts that Satan will come immediately to steal the Word. Then we are told in Mark 4:35 that “On the same day”… You see, Jesus had given them the precious truths of the kingdom on how to receive all of its fruit and so immediately after they heard the truth, they had the opportunity to practice what they heard! Jesus gave them the Word, the Seed- “Let us cross over to the other side.” Then in verse 37 we are told- “And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.” This happens to each of us too. Jesus gives us a word, direction, or a commission and then when we “set our sails” to go to the other side and accomplish what He has put on our heart, a great windstorm will arise. For some of us, the circumstances begin to beat into our boat to the extent that we don’t think we can take any more. Our boat starts to fill with water and we think we are about to sink. But, again, we need to always remember, Jesus is in our boat! Mark 4:38 goes on to say, “But He (Jesus) was in the stern, asleep on the pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Now this is amazing to me. Did they really believe that Jesus did not care about their plight? After all, was He not in the boat with them? If they would have honestly considered it, they would have known that the Lord was not going to drown. If they would have only considered what He had said- “Let us cross over to the other side.” He didn’t say, “Let us attempt to cross and drown halfway.” No, the Word said that they were going to the other side. That was their seed! They were to let that Word be planted in their heart and then let it produce its own results even though they might not know how. They should have stood in the midst of that great windstorm and said, “No, we will not drown and you will not keep us from our destination. The Lord said that we were going to other side. So you might as well calm down storm because we are going to the other side!” But as I have said already, not only did they have the Word that they were to go to the other side; they also had the Lord in the boat with them. So if for no other reason than that, they should have known they were not going to sink. Likewise, we need to understand that Jesus is in the boat with us too! He lives within us! He is in our lives! Therefore, He has a stake in the game! He is not going to let us drown! He is going to make sure we cross over the windstorms of this world and get to our destination! Hallelujah! Let me illustrate this truth by giving you an important fact concerning the lending of monies… It is understood in lending that the more money that someone puts down when getting a loan, the less likely they are to go defunct on their payments. Why? Because they have invested more in the item that they needed the loan for and they stand to lose more if they quit making their payments and lose their collateral to repossession. Therefore, friends, we need to understand that in regards to the redemption of our lives, Jesus paid it all! He put down the full down payment by placing that treasure in these earthen vessels- and that treasure is Himself! He lives within us! This should assure us that we will reach our destination because Christ in us is the hope of glory! Saints, Jesus is in your boat and He has promised us that the good work He began, He will complete until the Day Jesus returns. Therefore, we have this hope as an anchor of the soul- both strong and steadfast- and we can be assured God is going to get us to the other side! Just believe and do not doubt, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. God is faithful and He will get us to the other side! Amen! Trey Dickerson serves as the Pastor of High Point Church located at 2963 Hollis Rd, Macon, GA 31206 and is also President of Living Logos Ministries Inc. If you would like more information or materials from Pastor Trey’s ministry, you can visit the following websites: www.treydickerson.com & www.highpointmacon.com. You can also contact Trey via phone @ (706) 207-4337 or via email at trey@treydickerson.com
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Adopt A Kid For Christmas
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By Angela Bullock
dopt a Kid for Christmas came to light 4 years ago when I read an article in the newspaper about how many homeless children were in the Monroe County School System. I picked my son from school one day; he was in the 7th grade at the time and told him what I read. He said to me, “Mom, if we can help those kids, you don’t have to buy me anything for Christmas.” I called the counselor the next day! The way the program works is that the counselors meet with the children who are in need and help them fill out a wish form. We pick up the forms and we ask people in the community to adopt them for Christmas. We ask that each child receive a pair of jeans, shirt, hoodie or coat, shoes, and a stocking filled with hygiene items. The kids will ask for additional items and if feasible we ask that you buy those as well. Each gift is to be wrapped separately with a tag with the child’s number on it. If shopping is not your thing, we will take donations and do the shopping for you! The first year we did the Adopt a Kid for Christmas program we helped 17 kids. Last year we helped 128 kids, and so far this year we have 55 kids adopted! We need help getting more kids adopted to ensure they all have a Merry Christmas! We are also in need of 5 and 10 dollar gift cards for fast food restaurants for these children. Preferably the gift card are to restraunts in the Forsyth area. If you would like more information on this program, or if you would like to adopt a child, please call me, Angela Bullock at (478) 747-1896. If you are interested in sending fast food gift cards, please send them to: Box 5728, Forsyth, Georgia 31029.
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FCA Fields Of Faith By SCOTT ADAMS, Local FCA Representative
The Flint River Fellowship of Christian Athletes will be hosting their Fields of Faith on Wednesday, October 26th, at 7:00pm. This event will take place at the stadium of Perry High School. Brent Taylor will be performing at the event. We will also have Chick Fil A and Hawaiian shaved ice available for purchase.
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ields of Faith is a nationwide student-led event that takes place during the month of October. Students invite, pray for, share with, and challenge their peers to read the Bible and follow Jesus Christ. Musicians will perform at these events, student testimonies will be given, a time to establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will be offered, and a time of prayer on the fields will be participated in by all who attend the event. The Middle Georgia Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes will be hosting their Fields of Faith on Wednesday, October 19th, at 6:30 pm. This event will take place on the campus of First Presbyterian Day School at George S. Johnson Memorial Stadium. The Pursuit Band from Harvest Church in Warner Robins, Georgia, will be performing. Scott Pilkington will be the guest speaker. Food will be provided to any teams who come together with their coach. Chick-Fil-A will be available for purchase as well as Hawaiian shaved ice during the course of the evening.
T-shirts are available for purchase online by students/adults at https://mgfca.itemorder.com/sale. Shirts ordered by 11:59pm. October 9th, will be delivered to the school by Friday, October 14th. The box will be delivered to the primary FCA contact at your school and contain individually-packaged shirts with the student’s/adult’s name on the clear wrap. We will have a limited supply of shirts for sale the day of the events in your area.
Please feel free to attend one or both of these events in your area (all of the public is invited). They have been well-attended in the past. We truly focus on drawing our audience to form and/or grow in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The students who give their testimonies will be living examples of young men and women after God’s own heart-not only “talking the talk” but especially “walking the walk”! We think that Fields of Faith has a positive impact on our communities by bringing together students and coaches from teams in our area and allowing them to pray for and encourage one another. Please begin praying for the student speakers, closing speakers, musicians, counselors, parents, volunteers and attendees of the event. Pray that hearts can be changed on these campuses and in these communities!
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Ten Years By Marti Sullivan Tidwell
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’m sitting here in my kitchen, my sweet old dog at my feet, watching my little newborn daughter sleep on the monitor and listening to my husband snore on the couch behind me. It’s late, but late is all I have these days. If I can’t do it at midnight, it doesn’t get done. A newborn has a way of taking over your life like that. I have learned these past eight weeks to cherish the twilight and the quiet and peace it brings…to my home and to my heart. Tonight, that peace if harder to find. On the television in the den I hear the governor has declared a state of emergency in Charlotte, N.C., my beloved city. The National Guard has been sent in. Riots and looting are breaking out all over the Queen City. Me and mine are tucked away safely in the suburbs, glued to the news, and I am wondering how long we can stay this way…safe, removed, secure. Aniston is stirring, so I walked back to our room where she sleeps in her basinet and re-swaddled her. She tends to fight the security of the swaddle, but she sleeps better with it. She sleeps right beside me, right where I can see her and touch her from my side of the bed. It’s time to begin thinking of moving her into her nursery…so pain-stakingly prepared for her…but I am hesitant. Especially on nights like tonight. I want my baby close. I’m not sure yet how all of this is going to come together…but I’m going to believe God has a plan here and keep typing what is on my heart.
... but I’m going to believe God has a plan here...
A few nights ago I was rocking Aniston and a thought occurred to me. We are approaching the ten-year anniversary of my older brother’s death. Ten years. It’s nearly unbelievable. How have I lived ten years of my life without his presence? Words fail me. Nevertheless, ten it is. In fact, ten years ago today, we took him to the hospital where he would lose the battle to cancer and gain heaven ten days later. Generally, around this time in September, my spirit begins to mourn even before I am consciously aware. Those who have mourned deeply understand. Your body often knows your pain before your mind catches up. This year, though, has been different. I have been so preoccupied with taking care of Aniston, trying not to neglect my sweet husband, work a bit from home, and keep the house up, I have scarcely had time to be sad. But, on that night, as rocked my sweet baby, I allowed myself to feel it…really feel it…and cry. I told my sweet girl about her Uncle Chad, and mourned that she will never know him this side of heaven. I will be honest with you and tell you that having a baby has been one of the most difficult things I have ever done. I have not, fortunately, dealt with post-partum depression, but both my pregnancy and the last 8 weeks have rocked my world in a way I find hard to describe. Seeing my baby smile, feeling her snuggle her face against my neck and sigh, watching her calm at my presence and my voice…it has all given me patience I never knew I possessed and I would go through it all a thousand more times to have her…but that doesn’t change the fact it has been one of the most challenging times of my life. For a new mother, your world is literally changed in an instant and life as you know it has ended. Overnight, your entire being is devoted to another in a way it never has been before, and while I wouldn’t have it any other way, the struggle…indeed…is real. However, while it isn’t easy, it is by far the most precious and rewarding experience of my life. I am humbled by the privilege and blessing of it all daily. No, it isn’t easy…but there is just nothing better, I am convinced. That night, rocking my baby and mourning my brother, the sweet irony hit me. Ten years ago, I was weathering the most difficult time of my life and endured the greatest heartache I hope to ever face...the loss of my brother at far too young an age to a cruel and ruthless cancer. Today, ten years later, I am weathering another challenging time…the most challenging since Chad’s death. But, instead of enduring the greatest heartache of my life, I am experiencing the greatest blessing. (continued on next page)
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I can’t possibly explain to you adequately the beauty and comfort I found in that. For ten years now, I have seen the good Lord weave a beautiful and ornate story over my life. Taking the good and the bad, the mistakes and the victories, the heartache and the blessings, and make something out of it I could have never dreamed up. I have embraced Ephraim and He has richly rewarded me for rejecting the anger and bitterness over the things that I wish could have gone differently. Abundantly. He has given me not only a beautiful life, but wisdom and patience and grace and gratefulness and other treasures of the darkness too numerous to count. And, every now and again, like the other night rocking my baby girl, He gives me a tiny glimpse into the symmetry and order in His plan, and I am again comforted and in awe. In awe of a God who cares enough to plan my little old life and make it a beautiful thing…and then celebrate it with me in the quiet of my heart, while holding the greatest blessing He could have ever entrusted to me. A child to raise for His name and His glory. He would not do this and leave us helpless. He’s got us. He’s got this. He has a plan. I will trust Him. Tonight, with the National Guard on the way to town, I am hanging onto that… “‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” - Isaiah 54:10 Ephraim.
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Be Thankful In All Things By David Duncan
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t our age, we’ve turned into Holy Rollers!!! :)
Shirley and I are staying at this swanky condo in Cherry Grove on vacation and it is Designer decorated and equipped with everything that you could possibly think of! To top it off: OCEANFRONT VIEW!!! What more could you ask? The ONLY drawback is that our queen-size bed is on wheels and rolls freely about the room at will! Seriously! I guess we are succumbing to old age, but it sure is fun. The way we both toss and turn during the night, it ought to be considered as 'exercise'. LOL. Anyway, about the time we have to go to the potty, we wake up and discover that the bed has already rolled all the way across the room and is right in front of the master suite bathroom door! Pretty convenient, huh? The God who knows our need, gives us exactly what we need...plus a little chuckle in between the golden years! LOL. Maybe that is what the wrinkles are for: laugh lines of all the fun things that have happened to us! smile emoticon:-) I recently bought Shirley a pocketbook for the fall season before it gets chilly and really pumpkin time. It has lemons on it. I asked her if she knew what it meant? She responded quickly, "Of course...when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!" I smiled and added, "We can make lemonade BUT God can make Lemon Meringue Pie!!!" \o/ Is there something going on in and around your life that, at first, you would see as a hindrance but, with a second look, you can see the smile, the laughter, the giggle, the joy in the shadows!? This is the secret of Thanksgiving! Seeing the blight but acknowledging the blessing instead! Another sign of the ageing factor with me is the excessive growth of neck skin. I mean, it has taken on a life of its own! As a matter of fact, during turkey hunting season, I am really cautious about leaving the house! I fear that someone desperate for a huge bird for their family gathering would shoot first and ask questions later!!! It is looking like turtlenecks will have to be my fashion lot, at least during the fall and winter season! LOL.
The Bible tells us to be thankful in all things!
I will never forget the Thanksgiving that we had all gathered around the festive feast spread on the dining room table with the best of our china and linens. Shirley had gone all out and wanted to provide the best of the best for her family and guests. Everything was wonderful until our baby daughter, Halley, kept looking and looking around the table and was getting a tad frustrated. She finally could not contain her angst any longer and blurted out with hot tears: “I WANT A TURKEY MICROPHONE!!!” Well, we all sat there dumbfounded and looked at each other in dismay. Finally, I broke the awkward silence and asked Halley, who was about six years old at the time, “WHAT is a Turkey Microphone???” She pointed at my plate and said as sweetly as any daddy’s daughter could, “You have a turkey microphone and I want one too!!!” I glanced down and saw that I had a turkey leg, and since the other one was on a guest’s plate, and THAT POOR TURKEY ONLY HAD TWO, I did what any loving father would do in a case like this. I gave mine to her!!! LOL. Another family holiday saved and a memory for the books! The Bible tells us to be thankful in all things! It is not always the easiest option but I have found that it does accentuate the positive and honors the Lord. Instead of seeing the downside, it purposely causes us to look for the UPside. We have a wise and loving heavenly Father who desires the best for us and specializes in turning the ‘oops’ of daily living into glorious opportunities to praise and thank Him for His bountiful blessings! In His Love, David Duncan Contact me on Facebook or dedsld13@juno.com.
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Crossroads Christian Counseling Center Inc.
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FREE 2016 Financial Budgeting Classes
inances and budgeting can put a tremendous strain on individuals, newlyweds and families. Crossroads Christian Counseling Center Inc. wants to help you get this important area of 2016 off to a strong start by offering a workshop entitled - Second Tuesday Finances.
Led by Mr. Tim Hemingway, Second Tuesday Finances is an interactive class that meets from 6 pm – 7:30 pm the second Tuesday of each month. To take advantage of the time, attendees are asked to bring the following: • A copy of your written budget (if you have one) • A copy of your tax return for 2015. • A written list of three financial changes you want to achieve in the next twelve months During the fourth quarter of 2016, classes will be offered on October 11th, November 8th and December 13th. For more information, please call Crossroads at 478-475-4608.
Crossroads Christian 144 Pierce Ave. • Macon, GA 31204 Counseling Center Inc.
(478) 475-4608
We are a Christian-Based Counseling Program with Licensed Professionals providing Individuals, Couples and Family Counseling for people ages 5 and up.
Crossroads is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit counseling and education center. Established in 1998 at Martha Bowman Memorial United Methodist Church, it is affiliated with congregations in the Middle Georgia area. Believing that wholeness is possible when the mind, body, and spirit work together, our staff of professionals are committed to a holistic approach to counseling. The highly trained, licensed and experienced counselors at Crossroads assess problems, explore solution and provide a secure framework as you seek personal spiritual growth in your life. Our clinical staff includes licensed marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, a clinical psychologist and psychiatrists. The mission of Crossroads Christian Counseling Center Inc. is to serve all people who are affected by life’s challenges through Christian-based counseling, support and education.
Crossroads Christian Counseling is pleased and excited to welcome: DR. DEBRA ANN OSBORNE Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist She is seeing clients on Fridays at Crossroads
Save the date for: Crossroads 2017 Annual Golf Championship Monday, May 8, 2017 with 1 pm shotgun start Brickyard At Riverside in Macon 19
Love God, Love People, Serve Others
Pastor Joe S. McDaniel
Musella Baptist Church 5430 Hwy 341 North • Musella, GA 31066 (478) 836-2936 • www.musellabaptist.org
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Deceptive Eyes and Blazing Glory
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By Jana Abbott
've just returned from the mission fields of Bulgaria. The ground there is hard and history has created such a defense of mistrust and scepticism in Bulgarians that it quickly turns my thoughts to images of real Georgia fields deep in red clay and shocking to the arms on every blow. We did some hard tiling and very little planting. And it was one of the most profound fields of growth in my own faith. Often times, the Lord will call us into dark places and dark times. He will lead us to those moments when all we say with such ease is tested for it's truthfulness, giving us the opportunity to prove our faith as one that is sure and solid. In those calls, as we dwell or drown in dark moments, He often provides direction, hope, and community onto which we may cling if we are only willing to lift our eyes to His hand of provision. God promised fruit. When no one came, no saving prayers were prayed, and no fruit was evident, I had to choose. "Will you believe me still?" He would say, "Or will you believe your sight?" Every day-- on mission, in life, at work, in finances, around our world-- He asks the question, "Will you believe me still?" Each situation in which we choose to walk in faith, giving our hearts, our thoughts, and our bodies as testimony to that faith, we are made more capable of saying yes the next time. There is another part of following this dimly lit path that I had the pleasure of experiencing in Bulgaria. He often shines forth in glorious light in the midst of our darkest surroundings. I didn't see much Jesus on the streets I walked, I didn't see hearts open to His grace and love, I didn't see people eager to set their souls at the foot of His cross. I saw faces darkened by loss and hopelessness. I saw parents desperate to keep their children safe. I saw even believers who held on tightly to their mistrust. And then I saw a blazing inferno of Christcentered passion and abandon that burned through the darkest of streets and hearts. A young, 20-something guy with very little English in his repetoire seized the opportunity to pray with other believers as if it were the greatest joy not of his night, but of his life. He layed himself out before this same God we so safely serve in our mega-churches and, in a tiny community center in a dark and tiny town across the globe, he poured out his soul to the God I too call Father. All around the world, men and women lay down their lives at the feet of this God on whom all my hope rests. We praise Him in many tongues, we approach Him with many fears, and we follow Him at greatly differing levels of sacrifice. Same God. Same glorious and powerful and remnant-carrying God. It is faith in these things, it is the knowledge of these truths that sparks a flame potent enough to light the darkness into which we each walk. (continued on next page)
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Much of our lives are lived in dark seasons, dark situations, and dark times. In those moments, our eyes don't tend to serve us well. What we see rarely lines up with the truths God has impressed on us. What we see is often a brutal reality that tests the faith we so quickly profess. Politics, tensions, unrest, discord, hopelessness, our eyes would lead our hearts away from peace, stealing our joy and leaving us heavy with anxiety and fear. It's not just a lesson from across the globe, it's a lesson for us all today--our faith is not in what we see, feel, or perceive, it is in our God who is able. Our eyes deceive us, our hearts lead us astray, our emotions overwhelm us, but our God is our steady anchor in whom we can trust, even when all we see tells us of a different reality. Let not our faith be our sight, but let us step ever closer to the promises of a faithful God.
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Quinn & Mandy Pinnell CEO & CCO
Phone: 478,254.7906 Cell: 478.973-2601 Fax: 478.254.7907
4524 Forsyth Rd • Suite 309 Macon, GA 31210 cw0813@cartridgeworldusa.com
Now Accepting New Patients Medical Associates of Central Georgia
We accept most insurances Dr. Kameisha Thomas, M.D.
www.medacg.com
1343 Gray Hwy. • Macon, Ga. 31211
(478) 743-1602
Medicare, BCBS, Cigna, Secure : Health, Aetna, Tricare Standard & Multiplan.
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (478) 992 6534 134 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. - Ste. B in Forsyth, Ga.
www.SmilesBySmaha.com 23
YOU’RE INVITED
NEW VISION FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL - MACON
240 Coliseum Drive • Room #309 Marriott Convention Center • Macon, GA 31217
Pastors Juanita & Henry Simpkins Contact: 803-634-3932 North Augusta, SC • 803-426-1348
KARSTEN & DENSON HARDWARE STORE Johnny Davis
Owner/Manager karstendenson@yahoo.com Phone (478) 745-3306 2323 Ingleside Avenue Fax (478) 743-7555 Macon, GA 31204 Monday-Friday 8:30am-6:00pm Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm
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Wounds
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By Kelly Philbrick
resh, open wounds cause pain. Living life in this fallen world where violence, immorality, hatred, spiritual darkness, and sin abound can cause inner turmoil. Suffering, even by believers, can be covered by the mask of a smile, extreme busyness to fill the void, or anything that can hide a bleeding heart from exposure to the world. Read on to learn how our physical wounds mimic spiritual wounds and how God is the Great Healer of our lives. FRESH WOUNDS They hurt, so you go to a medical doctor. They're vulnerable to infection without the proper care. You may need someone to drive you to get treatment. STITCHES A physician could determine that stitches are necessary to stop bleeding and allow healing to take place. The physician gives specific instructions to care for the wound. It could take some time to accomplish complete healing. During that time, we may be somewhat uncomfortable and inconvenienced, but patience is a normal part of the healing process. Eventually, a scab forms over the wound. SCABS Scabs are physical signs that healing is almost complete. They need to be protected from being removed too soon. If scraped off early, the wound may reopen, taking longer to heal. Once the wound is healed, the scab will fall off without any effort on our part. We may not even notice it's gone for a few days. The wound no longer hurts, there is no longer danger of infection, and we are no longer uncomfortable or inconvenienced. The only thing left is the scar. THE SCAR The scar is a blessing to us. It is a reminder that complete healing is possible. It is a reminder of how the physician took good care of us. It is a testimony to others that they can be healed from their wounds too. More wounds will most likely occur in the future. Healing from the first wound gives hope for full recovery from others. Each visit with a physician builds more confidence in his abilities and helps assure us of his care. Our part is to follow his instructions. Many parallels can be drawn between fresh wounds and spiritual suffering. Let’s look together at a few. SPIRITUAL SUFFERING It hurts. We realize we need Christ, the Great Physician. We are vulnerable to bitterness and a hardened heart if we do not promptly turn to the Lord for help in our time of need. We may need another believer to encourage us toward Christ for deliverance. OUR VISIT WITH THE LORD The Lord shows us that He alone can stop the pain and heal our broken hearts. The Lord gives us specific directions to follow in His word. We see that God’s way includes patience as part of the healing process. During this time we may be somewhat uncomfortable or inconvenienced. We need to guard our hearts from unforgiveness and bitterness, which lengthens the healing process. Once fully healed, the burden of the trial will be lifted by Christ and not by any effort of our own. All we have left is the scar. (continued on next page)
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THE SCAR The suffering is a blessing to us. It is a reminder that complete healing is possible through Jesus Christ. It is a reminder of how the Great Physician, the Lord, took perfect care of us. Great is His faithfulness! It is a testimony to others that they too can be healed from their spiritual wounds. Suffering may be taking place in the life of another, and we may not even be aware of it. Silent teardrops may fall on one’s pillow at night unseen by others. Rejection and put-downs by a family member, spouse, friend, or child may be a regular occurrence. Feelings of hopelessness maybe lead to despair. A dream shattered may be crippling one’s relationship with the Lord. The list could go on and on. These things are not visible to the naked eye but are real and usually go unnoticed or undetected. I encourage everyone to ask the Lord how they can be a part of His healing plan in the lives of others. Praying represents the invisible cells working overtime to ward off infection. A note with scripture spreads the healing balm of God’s word on spiritual wounds. A phone call lets someone know you care about them. A pat on the back or hug tells them they are special. A smile shows they're important. A note of encouragement provides hope for somebody to keep going. A meal spreads worth. Sharing personal experiences of God's healing power imparts hope to others that they too can persevere and overcome. How incredible to serve a God who heals our broken hearts, loves us relentlessly, and then uses us ~ scars and all ~ to further His kingdom!
3771 Mercer University Drive • Macon 478-471-1200
1001 Russell Parkway • Warner Robins 478-302-5888
Serving the needs of many with integrity & respect for over 22 years.
In Macon on Mercer University Dr. and now a new location in Warner Robins on Russell Parkway.
Come check out our unbelieveable values with inventory changing daily!
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Community Benefit Concert By Macon Bibb Citizen Advocacy
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Print works. 70
% of Americans, including 69% of 18-24 year olds, state they “prefer to read print and paper communications rather than reading off a screen.� The majority of respondents (67%) say paper is more pleasant to handle and touch than other media. (Survey commissioned by Two Sides)
800.622.0676 www.panaprint.com 7979 NE Industrial Blvd Macon, Georgia 31216
Freedom From Addiction
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By Jodi Sappe
ddiction is defined in the dictionary as the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma. I can agree and personally attest to the last part of that definition. As the wife of an addict I have experienced the pain and trauma of addiction up close. However, I think the first part of the definition is a bit misleading because there are many, many things our culture can find themselves addicted to besides narcotics. People can be addicted to porn, to sex, to food, to alcohol or people can find themselves addicted to more socially accepted vices such as work, social status, or acceptance from peers. All of these things can be described as strongholds in a person’s life. What I have learned is that God does not intend for us to be bound by any of these things but that he intends for us to operate in the freedom He provides & to live this life fully as His children, children who know that the battle for our minds and bodies has already been won. Jesus did that for us thousands of years ago on the Cross. Cross Roads Recovery Ministries, Inc. exists to help men find freedom from the strongholds in their lives. Our detailed curriculum gets to the root of the problem, which is the heart issue and once that is conquered then lasting freedom can be found through a real relationship with Jesus Christ. Our regeneration curriculum is the same curriculum that our strategic partner, No Longer Bound uses. In the words of NLB’s staff “The regeneration process at No Longer bound involves resolving wounds of the past, repairing damaged belief systems, restoring relational health, and facilitating lasting intimacy with God, Self and Others. We believe this process of regeneration is the prescription for life long freedom from addiction.” My husband is a product of No Longer Bound and we are thrilled to bring this type of healing to Middle Georgia. Together we have founded and operate Cross Roads Recovery Ministries, Inc. We are not a rehabilitation center but instead are a regeneration program. We are not interested in rehabbing or returning to a former state but we are interested in seeing men regenerated into who God created them to be & becoming husbands, fathers, sons and productive members of society. The face of addiction has changed and addicts are no longer just the folks sleeping under the bridge and on the streets. They are in our schools, they are in our workplaces, they are in our prominent neighborhoods and churches. Addiction knows no socioeconomic boundaries & we are in the midst of an epidemic that starts in small towns like ours and has become a national crisis. The stigma and shame attached to addiction only compound the problem. This drug epidemic is the quietest epidemic because of the guilt and shame associated with it. There is not much violence – people usually die alone in addiction. We can’t fix it alone but together we can make a big impact. There are people that need our help and you can be a part of the solution. It takes prayers and money to operate a program like ours and if you would like to be a part of the solution please reach out to us! You can find us on Facebook, on Instagram and on the web at www.crossroadsrecoveryministriesinc.com “The problem is not the darkness – it’s the absence of light.” – Unknown Go & be the Light for someone today! Stay tuned for our next article & God Bless!
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LIBERTY CHURCH Calendar of Events Everyone is Invited
6511 Houston Road • Macon, Georgia 31216 • (478) 788-5343 • www.libertyumc.org
Bright Star Learning Centers at Hartley Station and Peake Road North is a locally owned and operated day care center in Macon, GA.
4901 Mt. Pleasant Church Road • Macon, GA 31216 (478) 742.8865 7087 Peake Rd N • Macon, Ga 31210 (478) 477-5990 www.brightstarofmacon.com
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Christian Business Directory Restaurants
Printing / T-Shirts / Signs
El Sombrero - Page 14
Panaprint - Page 28
Fazoli’s - Page 20
Ugly Signs - Page 30
Captian D’s - Page 20
Services
Olde Times Country Buffett - Page 23 Ingleside Village Pizza - Page 24 Bear’s Den - (478) 745-9909 Fresh Air BBQ - (478) 477-7229 Fresh Market - (478) 757-4222
MBG Office System - Page 2 Callaway Blue - Page 4 Ken’s Stereo - Page 4 Son Rise Ministires Thrift Store - Page 5 Rescue Mission of Middle GA - Page 5
Banking / Accounting
Mother’s of Preschools (MOPS) - Page 5
McNair, McLemore & Middlebrooks - Page 4
AARP - Page 10
Persons Banking Company - Page 12
Advance Water Technology - Page 12
State Bank - Page 24
Wilson Bryant Air Conditioning - Page 12
Insurance Reeves, Roland & Abbott - Page 18 State Farm - Page 32
Raffield Tire Master - Page 14 Harrison’s Body Shop - Page 16 Cartridge World - Page 23 Van’s Pawn Mart - Page 11
Dental / Medical
ASP Pool & Spa - Page 27
Macon Volunteer Clinic - Page 5
Bright Star Learning Center - Page 30
Heartland Hospice - Page 6
Churches
United Hospice - Page 8 Primary Eyecare - Page 10 Smaha Orthodontics - Page 23 Medical Associates of Central Georgia - Page 23
Piedmont Church - Page 5 Northway Church - Page 6 Maebel White Memorial Baptist - Page 6 Lizella Baptist Church - Page 9
Construction / Hardware
Musella Baptist Church - Page 20
Bland Roofing Company - Page 24
Lizella United Methodist Church - Page 22
Karsten & Denson Hargware Store - Page 24
House of Shekinah - Page 24
Fitness / Sports Brighter day Fitness - Page 4
New Vision Fellowship - Page 24 All Saint’s Church - Page 24
Central Georgia Power Sports - Page 26
Gifts Southern Grace Creations - Page 4
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Bobby Hartley, Agent 5402 New Forsyth Rd Ste D Macon, GA 31210 Bus: 478-474-7644 bobby.hartley.u295@statefarm.com
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Chuck Thompson, Agent 4009-A Vineville Ave Macon, GA 31210 Bus: 478-405-0166 chuck.thompson.jyq1@statefarm.com
Alex A Thigpin, Agent 108 Ga Highway 49 S Byron, GA 31008 Bus: 478-956-3131 alex.thigpin.ff7o@statefarm.com
Anthony McEver, Agent 652 Mulberry Street Macon, GA 31201 Bus: 478-330-7229 anthony.mcever.dyod@statefarm.com
Pat Patterson, Agent 2305 Ingleside Avenue Macon, GA 31204 Bus: 478-743-2741 pat.patterson.cgq4@statefarm.com
*Ranking and data provided by SNL Financial based on reported individual ordinary life insurance policies in force as of year-end 2014. 1506555
State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL