Dependence Day

by   June 30, 2024 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

Children rarely realize the freedom and beauty of being a child until it’s too late. They are grown, adulting, and burdened with decisions and bills before they remember the joy of childhood. Do you ever relish memories of not having to decide multiple times a day what you will eat, how much sleep you should get (taking naps!), having events and experiences planned out for you, and not having to pack for them yourself? Oh, the bliss of those evenings we would arrive home late, and after having fallen asleep in the car, Mom would carry me into the house, place me on the bed, change my clothes for me, and tuck me in. She knew just what I needed. I rested in the care of her love, utterly dependent on her attending to my needs. 

This week, I reflect on my dependence upon God.

“Christianity is a crutch.” I have heard that one before; maybe you have, too. Perhaps you have even said it, boasting that you are strong enough to live without Christianity. You’ve made it this far after all, haven’t you? Then, why does anyone need Jesus?

One summer long ago, I realized how dependent I truly was and how I needed Jesus. Perhaps one could call that my “Dependence Day” – my day of salvation from myself and my sins. Resting in the arms of the One who created, saved, and sustains me enables me to trust God fully as He directs my path, making even the most crooked journey lead straight to His plan for my good and His glory (Proverbs 3:5-6). I can attest to times when my path did not look perfectly straight and neatly laid out before me, but He placed me where I needed to be in the season.

Imperfect as I am, I make mistakes, and sometimes, my journey meets trials and obstacles. But I rest assured that when my footing slips, God’s unfailing love supports me (Psalm 94:18). Wow! My Creator did not just stop with creating me and leaving me to figure it all out. He supports me lovingly. When cares of life threaten to drown me in despair, I can cast (or violently throw) them on the Lord because He cares for me (1 Peter 5:7). When I meet an onslaught of opposition, feel weak, and can’t see in the apparent darkness engulfing me, I sense my Father strengthening my heart (Psalm 73:26), fighting while I stand still (Exodus 14:14), turning darkness into light (Psalm 18:28), delivering me (Psalm 3:7), and providing a safe refuge (Psalm 16:1 – for one of MANY examples). God is also a comfort in grief, a friend in my loneliness, a good Father when I feel orphaned, a good Shepherd, a teacher, forgiving, compassionate, just, and righteous.

Having to define myself by the current culture’s values does not sustain nor fulfill me, for that is ever-changing. I am weak, and I am utterly dependent. But I rest securely dependent on Jesus. 

Have you had a “Dependence Day”? If not, how is independence going for you? It sounds like a lot of hard work. If you do have a declared day of dependence, share your journey with someone soon. Help them see the freedom in dependence!

Ashlie Miller and her husband, Chad, utterly depend on God as they raise their five children in Concord, NC.

Celebrating US

by   June 29, 2024 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            It’s time to fire up the grills. Let’s make sure we have plenty of hamburgers and hot dogs. Better get lots of ice because I think we are in for a hot 4th of July. Don’t forget to get a pack of fireworks. Too bad I don’t know someone with a pool. I am looking forward to seeing who makes it this year to our family gathering. It’s always quite a crowd.

            We are hitting the halfway point in the year. Just like the holidays give us an opportunity to get together for some great times of fellowship, so the 4th of July gives us a reason to come together for another family gathering. It is great when we have the opportunity to gather and catch up on our lives.

            We lead such busy lives so it is great to take a day and slow down. It gives us the opportunity to catch our breath. We need to disconnect, if only for a few hours, and focus on the important things.

            Time marches on and we need the reminder to savor the time we have with each other. No one knows how much time he or she has so we can’t take it for granted that we will be here. Connecting, sharing our love, expressing our gratitude, and simply living in the moment with each other is so important. We need to celebrate each other.

            July 4th is the celebration of this great nation. We are a free country. We live in a nation that people from all over the globe want to come and live. It’s the land of opportunity. Anyone who lives here can become anything they want if they are willing to work hard at it. We have the opportunity to make a better life for ourselves.

            Sadly, our politicians strive to divide us into US and THEM. They try to convince us that their group is better than the other group. They try to pit us against each other. Sadly, some people have fallen for their tricks and deceptions. Most people you meet don’t see us as different. We are Americans. We come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and backgrounds. Yes, we may see things and look at things differently, but that is what makes us a great democratic nation. We find and strive to discover ways to make it work. We are a nation of the people, by the people, for the people.

            I have had the privilege of teaching social studies in the GED program at the community college.  Reading about our history and the people who sacrificed so much for us moves me deeply inside. People have fought for our ideals. Many have laid down their lives so we can live freely. This week, let’s commit to turning off all the political noise and focus on our unity as a nation. We have so much in common and so much to enjoy. When you are enjoying the fellowship of family and friends this week, lift a glass to this great nation.

            When it comes to unity, we as Christians should be leading the way on how we can bring people together. If your church is like mine, we all come in various ages, colors, and sizes. Jesus taught us to love one another. People should be able to walk through the doors of our churches and discover God’s love exhibited through His people.

            Sadly, some people and churches think they are better than others. There are obviously differences in appearances and programs between churches. Some are large and some are small. But those things shouldn’t matter if we are all focused on loving Jesus. If each church keeps their eyes on Jesus and what they are called to do in their location then God’s purposes will be fulfilled. The gospel will spread and people will discover God’s love.

            For the next couple of weeks when you go to church, I want to encourage you to examine your church family and see if you are loving each other and welcoming guests to the house of the Lord. Do people feel love and accepted even if they aren’t perfect? Do we come alongside those who are struggling, or do we condemn them? Do we value each person, both young and old? Do you find yourself celebrating that you are the family of God and that all are welcome no matter their background or their upbringing? Let’s celebrate us! Let’s celebrate the church where sinners can find a home filled with hope and love.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

To Verb or To Noun

by   June 28, 2024 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

The word Father is used most often as a noun, as in Ralph is my father. It is also used in religious references. However, the word is most interesting to me when used as a verb, as in I will father my children. It also can be used in a participle,  as in “To father a child is a joy, but it requires commitment.

On this Friday before the celebrated day of Father’s Day, I think of my experience as a father of five children, and, while I was active in the noun usage of the word, I missed much in the verb usage. As I examine my role all those years ago as a father, I see my presence, but not my participation. Yes, I performed all the standard tasks of fatherhood—I worked and provided the necessary material things for them. But I was like a shadow, I think, in their lives. I could be seen, but I had no or little substance.

I will not delve into the reasons for how I fathered you, but I ask each of you to learn from my wrongs. Here are a few thoughts:  Share time with your children because it and love are what you can give them;  Keep external pressures away from your fathering;  Be a guide on the path of your children by showing them a good way but not the only way; Find a safe escape away from your children for your anger and frustration; Understand that they may not remember your words, but will remember how they made them feel;  When they talk, listen as if everything depends on it; To guide is better than to push; Make their home a safe place.

Father as a verb, not a stale noun.

Main Street Challenge

by   June 27, 2024 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Another Main Street Challenge 5K Success

    Rowan’s only remaining night race had everything a runner could want last Friday evening. Moderate summertime temperatures and decent humidity, plus the post-race favorite refreshments from Pizza Hut, Krispy Kreme and Food Lion and a fast course added to the fun.

    The main event 5K had top performances from Matthew Martin, a 28 year old speedster, who was born in China Grpve and Megan Osborne, who moved to town at 5 years old. Martin was the overall winner in 14 minutes and 55.3 seconds, topping second place Jorge Clemente who posted 15:55.6 and third place Bricen Burleson in 16:22.8.

    Osborne, 19, led the females at 18 minutes, 56.5 seconds, ahead of second place Elise Wrenholt at 19:25.4 and third place Katie Efird at 19:58.0.

    Martin, along with brother Jonathan, have been at the forefront of Rowan County running for more than a decade, led from start to finish and said, “Always love coming home to race and it was a really fun night!”

    Osborne didn’t realize that she was winning and was only looking for a PR (personal record). She had first competed in the race in 2013 and has ran most of them since. She said, “It is one of my favorite races and the community really shines. The course is fast and the weather was great. I have won a couple of local 5Ks and a half-marathon in Hendersonville.”

     John Gillespie of China Grove decided at the last minute that he wanted to enter the race after suffering multiple strokes in recent years. He said, This was my first 5K since 2021, I am glad it was a flat course because I had to put on my knee brace with a mile to go. Thank God I was able to finish it.” Gillespie posted a time of 68 minutes, 25.3 seconds.

     Runners also competed in a 200 yard Tot-Trot and a half-mile fun run. A total of 293 runners completed the 5K. Primary sponsors were the Town of China Grove, The South Rowan Y Service Club, Pizza Hut and Food Lion. Proceeds benefit the South Rowan YMCA scholarship programs.

    Complete results and more information on other upcoming races including the Shiloh Run for Missions 5K on June 29th in Faith can be found at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gotta’ Run: Another Main Street Challenge 5K success

Such a Kind and Generous God

by   June 26, 2024 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

Psalms 103:2-3  Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits– who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

  • We are not to get focused on the one negative thing or challenges, we need to see the bigger picture.
  • We have so much to be grateful for and we ought not to forget all His benefits/blessings.
  • He has forgiven every one of our sins and we can expect Him to heal every single sickness.  Hallelujah!

Prayer:  Holy Spirit help me not to focus on the challenges or difficulties or to be distracted from so many things that God has done for me and is doing for me.  Thank You for forgiving all of my sins and that I am healed in Your name.  I praise Your holy  name.  Amen.

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Off the Main Road

by   June 25, 2024 with No Comments

Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of life? Would you like a quiet place to live? It’s not easy. It is remote. Check out Steve Hartman’s story about living off the main road…you might like it!

The Door Was Open

by   June 25, 2024 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

We purchased our tickets.

We looked up the ramp toward the door.

It may have been a wooden ramp beneath my feet – but it felt solid as a rock.

It was leading up to the Big Boat – Noah’s Ark in Williamstown, Kentucky.

The door to the ark was open.

An ark is defined as a vessel or sanctuary that provides safety and protection. Noah built an ark as directed by God, in order to provide protection and safety from the flood God sent to cover the earth. The ARK lived up to its meaning!

During our visit to the Ark, the story of Noah’s Ark went from a story in the Bible to a story in the Bible that came to life. My words to my family as we walked through were mostly, “Look at that! Look at this!”

If you visit the Ark, I recommend asking the Holy Spirit to allow it to be a spiritual experience. I am certain it is much better when the Holy Spirit guides you through, as you will see a new revelation in each scene. I had read about it in God’s Word and felt it in my spirit, but now someone had given it life in the form of a lifelike walk-through on Noah’s Ark in Kentucky.

The wooden frame may have seemed a bit dark and dull,  but the experience was illuminating and illustrious. I was in a place made by man to give others a starting point for internalizing the magnitude of Noah’s Ark and also the magnitude of the purpose of Noah’s Ark. I chose to experience it with my heart more than with my eyes, although my eyes certainly were given a feast.

Noah did what God told him to do.

Then God shut the door.

The rain covered the earth.

In those rain clouds, the storm met the sun.

The rain ended.

Everyone began to look up – to see the rainbow.

It was a promise from God for a new beginning.

Everyone had a chance to accept the promise that was to come. They had seen Noah building the big boat for 40 years and they knew what he was up to – but yet – most chose not to believe God’s man. Or maybe they did believe – but they just thought they would get on board closer to the time the ark would be put to use – not knowing when God would actually be closing the door. They assumed there would be more time – perhaps one last second chance.                                                     

Only those who took that step and went through the door into the ark received the promise. Had they not taken that step and gone through the door, they never would have seen the rainbow. They never would have seen the promise.

Would I even have gotten on the ark?

Hmm? Noah spent years building it.

I hope I would have.

While visiting the Ark in Kentucky, it became much more than a story.

It became a choice.

It is our choice to get on the ark of safety given to us by God – before the door is closed.

I only had to look to page 18 in my Bible to read this beautiful story of God’s love:

Genesis 8:1 – God remembered Noah.

Genesis 8:18 – And Noah went forth.

Genesis 9:13 – God set the rainbow to be seen in the cloud to be a token of the promise and everlasting covenant between Him and those on the earth.

As I walked up the ramp to the ark, I thought, “I am so glad I purchased my ticket to go through that door into the ark of safety.”

No, I was not thinking about the ark in Williamstown Kentucky.

I was thinking about how Jesus purchased my ticket for me as He died on the cross for my sins, so that I could receive Him as my Savior and be on the ark of safety in His arms now – and in my eternal home – HEAVEN!

I am so thankful the door of salvation was open.

Big Little Things

by   June 23, 2024 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

Sleep away summer camp has been a rite of passage for generations now. Some of my best summer memories are from one particular camp, Ambassador Camp on Lake Waccamaw. I only had the opportunity to go 2 or 3 times, but the stays there filled my childhood with memories that have endured. Counselors like “Cousin Pamela” or “Cousin Paula” felt like aunts caring for me those weeks. The founder was affectionately called “Aunt Sara.” The cabins felt like “adventure sleeping” (Andy Griffith fans will remember Opie using that phrase) – rustic enough not to feel like home but good enough to get rest during a busy week. 

My children know silly songs I learned around the dining hall tables – “Fried ham, fried ham, cheese, and bologna…” I share stories of the themes from each week, how I learned to swim in a lake, and being awoken one night to come outside to watch fireworks. Then, there was the kangaroo court with silly judgments from made-up misdemeanors. Inevitably, one counselor would receive the penalty of a dreaded homemade shampoo of cracked eggs and other goop. 

At the time, I assumed we were remotely nestled away from civilization, with a field on the back side of the property. Stories of missionaries, like Amy Carmichael, and being caught up in island themes swept me away! Activities reserved only for camp weeks made this seem like a land of structured independence and fun. 

Last year, on a trip to the beach with a few of my children, we again drove by the Lake Waccamaw area – passed many times over the years. Not being in a rush to reach our destination, I decided THIS would be the time to stop to see if the camp still looked the same. After driving by several lake properties and homes, I missed the location entirely at first. When I pulled up to the camp, which was not in session, I could quickly recognize a few of the cabins and buildings. There was little change overall, especially in the size. But – as many recollections of the past now seem – the place seemed smaller than I somehow remembered, and it was not in a remote location but nestled among a lovely lake community.

Have you had moments like that – revisiting the old neighborhood where you rode your bike freely for seemingly endless miles only to realize it was not that big after all? But that freedom made it feel tremendous!

I find that, as an adult, my perception of things today is still that of a child. Trials find their way into my life and seem devastatingly big. Instead of fun and freeing childlike experiences, they are scary and paralyzing. Stepping back – or rather forward – I can see that they are not as big as they seemed to me at the moment. It can be embarrassing to ask others to pray for trials, especially when we compare them to what others are going through. It can feel like an insignificant request or lament to present to the Creator God. 

But nothing is too small for a big but personal God. Sure, down the road on the journey, a look in the rearview mirror may reveal that the ordeal was not larger than life. At the moment, however, it was very real and looming, yet that Big Creator met you there personally and calmed troubled waters. 

I hope this summer provides you opportunities to revisit and reminisce with fondness over simpler times and encourage you for the big, small things today. 

Ashlie Miller is mom to five children – one serving at camp all summer, three going to a camp soon, and another waiting for his turn.

Water

by   June 22, 2024 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I just looked out the window and noticed that things are looking a little dry. We watered everything just a couple of days ago, but it looks like we need to water again. We are in a dry spell, and with hot temperatures expected from now through the 4th of July holiday, we will need to keep a close eye on the potted plants. The raised beds out back are doing a little better, but they are thirsty, too.

            A friend asked how my garden was doing. Things are coming along well. I am not going to be getting many beans, as the rabbits have eaten the plants even though I planted seeds several times. The tomatoes are coming along but there won’t be any for the 4th. Other things are growing well, but I think I could use some fertilizer. I think the garden should be a little farther along, but maybe that’s me being impatient.

            Speaking of the 4th, I am looking forward to our annual family gathering. My brother hosts the gathering and you never know who might show up. There will be little toddlers to the elderly patriarchs gathering to celebrate family, friends, and of course, our nation’s birthday. I eagerly await the food, laughter, and joyful celebration.

            We used to host the family gathering on the 4th many years ago. My adult nieces and nephews were young kids and they loved going over to the Faith Fourth Celebration. After we came back there was always a water fight. It started out simply with squirt guns and water balloons, but would eventually become hose fights. One year I thought I would outsmart my brother and climb up on the roof and attack him from above. I didn’t think about him taking my ladder away, thus trapping me on the hot roof with no water supply. His kids have never forgotten those good times.

            Summer seems to revolve around having fun and water. Many have already or will soon be heading to the beach for a refreshing getaway. Others will be going to local pools, or if they are lucky, jumping into one in their own back yard. I have always preferred swimming in pools to the ocean. I love being near the ocean and even allowing the waves to wash up on my legs. I prefer to allow the animals to swim in the ocean while I stay safely on the shore.

            I am hoping I will get to see the Chesapeake Bay when I visit my sister soon. The last couple of summers I have visited her and we have either walked the beach or sat out by the water and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon together. The water has a way of calling to us. We have fun and can relax when we are near water. It has a way of refreshing and renewing us.

            Summer invites us to rest and relax, and often we do that near water. We need that sense of renewal mentally and we need it spiritually, too. We need to slow down and spend some time in quiet reflection with Him. We need to gauge where we are and where we need to be going. When we can disengage our minds from daily routines and the hassles of life, we can engage with our spiritual life.

            If we are honest with each other we could all use a refreshing swim in the water of His Spirit. We need to be washed and cleansed from all the things of this world. This is not our home or our destination. We need to wash our eyes from all the distractions of this world and refocus our vision on heaven. Who wouldn’t want to take a deep drink of God’s heavenly waters and receive the refreshment that comes from being in His presence? I want that sense of renewal to invigorate my spirit, that water from heaven’s river to touch and renew me.

            As we step into summer and all the wonderful times ahead, take time to be in His presence and allow your spirit to be refreshed. There are always going to be hot, dry times, so take advantage of your vacation time to connect with your Creator and drink from the water of His presence. He wants to refresh and invigorate your spirit. He wants your vision to be renewed. He wants to reveal the path to His heart to you. He, the God who created the entire universe, wants to spend time with you. I encourage you to connect with Him and allow the water of His presence to fill and refresh you.  

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

Showing Us How

by   June 21, 2024 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

Pastor Clarence Jordan showed us how.

In November 1942 he and Martin England, a Baptist missionary to Burma, placed a $2,500 down payment on a run-down farm eight miles southwest of Americus, Georgia. They named the scarred and eroded acres Koinonia Farm and began living the Sermon on the Mount as they worked to turn their purchase into a place guided by Jesus’ message in Matthew 5-7.

As a doctoral student in Greek at Louisville Seminary, Jordan did not just read the words of Jesus, but he began to use them as his guide for living each day. It was his firm  belief in those words that guided him to begin Koinonia Farm as a place for justice and equality during the days of a world war, the Ku Klux Klan, Senator Joe McCarthy, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, civil rights struggles, and more. His world, like ours, was divided. However, he remained loyal to the best sermon ever spoken and withstood attacks by the KKK and harassment by the FBI and local churches. In fact, because he brought a black man to a Christmas Eve service at his own Baptist church, the church told him not to return.

Pastor Jordan lived the words of Matthew 5:44 that tell us to love our enemies and at Koinonia Farm he showed us that it is not only possible, but better for us, to follow the Sermon on the Mount.

Koinonia Farm still operates today, and many scrumptious food items may be ordered from its website. I recommend Clarence Jordan, Essential Writings, edited by Joyce Hollyday, (Orbis publication) as a good primer on this man who showed us how to live during difficult times.

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