Is God Testing Us

by   June 19, 2021 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

Is God Testing Us?

            I taught school for 34 years, and for the last couple of years I have been teaching Chinese students online. I love being a teacher and having the opportunity to help people learn something new. Sometimes I use props to get my point across. Often, I tell stories; I love to tell stories. I will spend hours working on a Sunday school lesson or a sermon, trying to figure out the best way to get my points across.

            One of the things I learned early on is that it is important to test your students in the learning process. If you don’t hold your students accountable, they will not apply themselves to learn. Students have asked me hundreds of times, “Is this on the test?” before they “wasted” their time taking notes.

            Testing occurs in every classroom to ensure that students are learning. Most students take the routine tests to the best of their ability. For the teacher, it is a barometer to determine if the students really learned the curriculum. I strongly believe that tests can be more than just paper and pencil; they can also be the application of the skills acquired. I wanted my students to demonstrate what they had learned through projects and presentations.

            Most students performed very well on the projects and presentations. What bothered me the most was when students gave no effort during final exams. One smart student explained the 50 she earned by telling me that she only answered every other question. She said she didn’t care what she earned because she was going to pass my class, regardless. I gave another student the answer sheet and by the time I came back around to give him his test booklet, he handed me his answer sheet completely filled out. I was frustrated beyond belief.

            Testing is a part of all of our lives, whether we like it or not. I imagine the worst kind of testing is when the doctor sends us for tests and we have to wait for the results. Many jobs today require additional training and testing to maintain and keep a job. I prefer not to face any more tests. The trouble is that God is in the testing business, too.

            The Bible tells us in first Corinthians that we all face common temptations. Being tempted is a test! Sometimes I pass them and walk away, other times I fall flat on my face. But the important thing that first Corinthians teaches us is that God always provides a way to pass the test. God is on our side and rooting for us. That’s good news! I just need to learn to cooperate with Him.

            Temptations don’t come from God because He cannot be tempted with evil and won’t tempt us with evil. So does God test us? Yes, He really does test us. He wants to see if the character of Jesus is growing within us. He wants us to see for ourselves that we are really getting stronger.

            Are there people in the Bible who were tested? Yes. Abraham was tested when he was told to sacrifice his son Isaac. He passed. David was given two opportunities to kill King Saul and take the throne. David did not believe in killing God’s anointed leader. David passed his tests. Joseph, Jacob’s son, was tested many times. He passed his tests and was instrumental in saving not only the people of Israel, but also the Egyptians. Peter wasn’t so lucky. He failed his test in denying that he knew Jesus. But Jesus tenderly restored him after He rose from the dead, and Peter was instrumental in spreading the gospel on the day of Pentecost and beyond.

            What I like about Peter’s story is that Jesus was there to help him back onto his feet and to restore him. We have all failed God in many ways and there is nothing we can do to fix it. Jesus went to the cross to fix all the things that were impossible for us to fix. Through Jesus we now have a right standing with God and access to the resurrection power to live a better life.

            I want to encourage you if you feel discouraged because you have failed God. We are broken people and God knew we were going to fail. That’s why He provided a way for us to be restored to Him in good standing. It is a free gift, but we have to accept it. I don’t like tests, but I do like knowing that God is on my side, cheering for me to succeed.

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

Totally Covered

by   June 16, 2021 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

Psalms 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

  • No doubt that there are challenges and storms and deserts in our lives and often we feel abandoned.
  • But God never fails, He is always there and He will cover us through that difficult time if we will just let Him.
  • His faithfulness is a shield and we only need a shield when there is a difficulty ahead of us.

Prayer:  Lord I praise You that You cover me today with Your feathers and I yield to Your covering and Your protection and I will not panic or get fearful of my circumstances.  I will rejoice in You always in Jesus name.  Amen. 
 

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Overcoming Fitness Fears

by   June 15, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

I worked at the YMCA for about four years and one of the best conversations revolved around getting started in fitness. Fear and concern usually came up in the discussion. In fact, my office was in an area where people could go to exercise if they didn’t want to be in a large open room with others.

When we do our beginning runners classes, most of the questions up front are concerns about a certain fear of being able to keep up with the class. Often I get asked, “Do you think I can do it? What if I just can’t stay on track?” My answer is always, “Yes, you need to believe you can and make sure to do your homework.”

There are lots of excellent fitness pros in town like Ester Marsh from the YMCA and Rayna Gardner from The Forum who hear about these fitness fears all the time. Here are some tips that will make your chosen workout easier and hopefully instill some confidence.

Talk to someone who is knowledgeable and can provide insight for your personal journey towards better health. Personal trainers, some of the long-time ones especially, have heard lots of concerns and reasons for success and failure. They will be glad to help.

If you aren’t sure what to do, take some groups classes at the gyms or find a workout partner. Then a small group or partner can help hold each other accountable, discuss what seems the most fun and peaks your interest while providing support.

I often hear of reasons why someone can’t exercise. One with the easiest to refute goes something like this, “I’m afraid I won’t have the time.” All it takes here is a realistic analysis of just what keeps this person so busy. Journal what goes on every day. I have yet to meet the client yet who can’t make 30-45 minutes a day to exercise, although quite a few would deny it. Find the time that can work for you and schedule it. Make your exercise a priority instead of the movable piece of the day that often doesn’t get done. “I’m so tired at the end of the day!” Fine, then schedule a morning workout and ride the boost that you’ll have all day long.

Another reason not to exercise is concern or unwillingness to cover the costs. Yes, it does cost to exercise and wearing comfortable clothes and shoes do make the workouts easier. But even the best shoes and clothing will be insignificant compared to the cost of long-term health care. A sort of pay it now or pay it later.

There are certain reasons I love to hear because it opens a big discussion. One of these is, “What if I get hurt?” I could get lengthy on this answer but won’t. Yes, the chances for an injury go up when moving the body. The other option of not moving and sitting on the couch or in the recliner every night is guaranteed to erode the strength you have, and yet your organs would prefer activity. Most initial injuries amount to little lasting concern anyway. An unmoving body opens lot of avenues that you don’t want to visit.

And finally, my very favorite reason for not exercising was already mentioned briefly, “Everyone will be looking at me!” I have heard that said over and over by some who want better health but are afraid of others watching. Know that all those others have their own issues and reasons to concentrate on what they are doing. But if you follow through, people might look at you and say, “Yes, I wish I could do that.”

Make the first step towards overcoming those fears. It will be the hardest step and then each successive one will get easier.

Look for upcoming races and events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

He’s Always Been There

by   June 14, 2021 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

Psalm 71:5: “For you have been my hope, my confidence since my youth.”

As a 13-year-old, I began attending church and became involved in a youth group. I knew little about God’s word, but there were people at the church who did. I accepted Jesus into my heart, and began my journey toward spiritual understanding.

When I went away to college, I stopped going to church. Spiritually, I was in a season of indifference. But the spiritual seed that had been planted in my heart remained. I had my Bible with me in my dorm room, and sometimes I would take a peek inside the covers of God’s word.

I knew that Jesus was my hope — and had been since my youth — and that my confidence in Him had remained.

Psalm 71:14: “But I will hope continually, and will yet praise you more and more.”

I finished college and began teaching. God began to work in my life. He put the right people in my life at the right time. As years began to pass, I began to realize that I was turning toward Christ and desiring a closer relationship with him. Living for Christ was the desire of my heart. The years were filled with seasons of success and seasons of failure, but my Christian walk was growing stronger every season.

The spiritual seed that had been planted during my youth continued to grow. I had a teaching career, but I also spent those years serving the Lord while being a part of the local church. One day I realized I had begun feasting on his word and was growing and growing and growing.

He became my comforter…my protector…my savior…my provider.

And so much more.

He has been my hope — continually.

How could I help but to praise him more and more?

Isaiah 46:4: “Even when you are old, I will take care of you. Even when your hair turns gray, I will support you. I made you and will continue to care for you.”

I think my hair may now be gray, but I have a magician friend, who makes the gray disappear before I see it. I do admit that I am starting to feel older. The physical is more difficult. The mental is more difficult. But the spiritual — grows sweeter every day. The word of God has come more alive in my spirit. I can open my Bible — and sometimes my heart begins to race as I sense his word coming alive through the power of the Holy Spirit. There is something about the season of gray hair — even though mine is not gray — that is full of the sweet savor of my savior.

God has always been there.

We are never alone.

He made us.

He will continue to care for us.

If God be for us, who can be against us?

Ann Farabee is a teacher, writer and speaker. Contact her at  annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com.

A New Adventure

by   June 12, 2021 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            The dream to write has been a driving force in my life. Each time I sit down to write my column I am excited by the opportunity to fulfill the dream. I have also dreamed of putting together a magazine and writing books. I am a storyteller at heart; I love telling a good story.

            A number of years ago I circulated a monthly newsletter. We had a good group of writers and we put out well over a hundred copies a month. Computers were not as advanced back then and I was using Microsoft Publisher. We had lots of fun for about five years, but it became cost-prohibitive and ate up lots of time.

            As the internet grew and websites became easier to create and maintain, I jumped back into the creative process. I found other writers who were looking for the opportunity to get their creative work out. We came together to create EncouragingU.com. We have been growing slowly and having fun in the process.

            We decided to create a book of our writing for Christmas last year, “An EncouragingU Christmas.” It was a blast to create and so much fun to share with family and friends. We felt so good about it that the idea to create a summer book almost seemed natural. We kicked the idea around for a couple of days, and before you knew it, we were all writing summer stories in the middle of winter.

            Our hard work has paid off in a new book to take wherever you like to travel in summer. The book is called, “EncouragingU: Summer Stories.” We now have six writers who contributed a variety of stories. There is a summer topic for every reader. Both books are available through Amazon or by contacting one of the writers.

            This is my fifth book, all of which are available through Amazon. Working with Amazon to create a book is an interesting process. One might think it looks easy, only a few decisions and steps before you, too, can have a book in print. Don’t be fooled. They want things in a very specific way before they will agree to print it. It took me several days to get everything in the exact order for them to accept and print.

            I haven’t held the first copy yet—I hope it comes tomorrow. It is an exciting, fun, and yes, challenging process to get six writers to turn in their work. Each of us is refining and rewriting up until the last minute, and even then, catching a comma here or a wrong word there. We want our book to be perfect. The artist that created the cover feels the same as the rest of us. He wants his work to look great because he understands that first impressions can make it or break it.

            The main thing we all hope is that everyone will enjoy our new book: “EncouragingU: Summer Stories.” Some of the stories are just fun, relatable tales that will keep you dreaming of summer days. I tried my hand at writing a summer love story. Some of the stories are adventures that will take you around the country. Many of the stories will renew and refresh your spirit. We can’t wait to share our little treasure with you.

            I think some of our stories are like parables. Most of what Jesus taught His followers were parables. They were lessons about life, spiritual principles to guide His listeners to a better and a more fulfilling way to live. Being a teacher, I often wondered why He didn’t just teach the principles straight out. In plain language, just tell us how to live. I think the reason is that principles are easy to forget, but stories can be carried with us for a lifetime. If I mention the parable of the sower or the prodigal son, most of you could probably retell the story without looking it up in the Bible. The story sticks with you. I also believe that the lessons Jesus intended for us to learn can continue to speak to us long after we have heard the story.

            I want to encourage you to reflect on the stories of your life, the lessons you have learned, and how you can pass on those lessons to others through your stories. I love a good story and I love listening to someone tell a good story. Parables and stories are powerful, especially when we reflect on them and meditate on them. I hope you will be touched by the many stories in “EncouragingU: Summer Stories” and at our website, EncouragingU.com.  

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

Constant Strengthening

by   June 9, 2021 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

  • It’s by grace that we are saved and by grace that He sanctifies us and keeps us.
  • We always have this good hope and encouragement in our hearts because of who He is. 
  • We are strengthened with words (which are important) and the things we do because His name is glorified through it.

Prayer:  Lord I do want to be strengthened in good deeds and words by Your Holy Spirit I lean on You for that and all the good hope and all the grace that You give.  I look to it today and I praise Your name for it.  I receive it Lord and I will not let the enemy steal from me my joy and confidence in You.  Amen.

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Main Street 5K and Fidler Update

by   June 8, 2021 with No Comments

By David Freeze

China Grove’s 22nd Annual Main Street Challenge is on tap for Friday evening. Usually the largest 5K in the county, this race has a long history. Started in 1998 by Edie and Ricky Smith, the South Rowan YMCA has managed the race since the 2000 edition.

Always an evening event, the race started as a challenging journey through some of China Grove’s neighborhoods. After just a few years, it transitioned to a Main Street out and back. Start is just north of the fire department with the participants proceeding to the Food Lion at the corner of Kimball Road and Main before turning and retracing the same route back to the fire department.

It’s a fast course with some sizzling 5K records. Former Olympian Anthony Famigletti holds the course record at 14:19 and Caitlin Bullock has the women’s record at 16:36. There’s a $250 bonus for a new course record.

But what makes this event special is that a huge number of local runners and walkers of all abilities turn out for some challenging fun. Local residents pull their lawn chairs to the curb to watch the races that include a 200-yard Tot Trot and a half-mile fun run for kids. There’s music too, and a course without a real hill. Registration continues at runsignup.com and at the Y. Registration is also available on Friday evening at the race. Look for a printable brochure and more information on this and other events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

I promised to update Heather Fidler’s wellness journey. She’s closing out her third month working with me on a personal journey toward some big goals. Heather manages the Partners in Learning location at Catawba College. She was a college athlete and seeks a return to better health.

Heather Fidler at The Forum on Thursday. Photo by David Freeze

I asked Heather what she thinks is working and what’s not. She said, “When I only have to worry about me, while at work usually, it is very easy to make good food choices and drink water. We have made it a culture at work, so it is simple. But at home I am a very busy mom. I find that I fall victim to what I call family circumstance. I have to be very organized to make sure I follow my meal plans and proper calorie intake. When I forget to take something out for dinner, attend a track meet, get home at 7:30 p.m. and then have to thaw or prepare a meal, it’s too easy to find something processed or on the run.”

Water is a key to a good diet for all of us. Heather said, “Water is something I am still struggling with. To meet my water requirement, I have purchased a water bottle with times on it. I can often be on the go so much that I forget to drink, but with the times on it. I know that if it is 11:00 and I am only at 9:00, I need to get drinking. It gives me a tangible goal that I can see, so progress or lack thereof, is more in my face.”

Heather knows that goals are important. For June, she said, “I would like to lose 10-12 pounds. I will be focused more on meal planning and logging my caloric intake as we will not be on the go so much. Also, I would like to push myself more at the gym to increase what I am burning. I need to get more time in the gym. I try to be active outside, exercise and family time, but it doesn’t push me enough. My girls are awesome, so they understand if I walk or hike the trails with them that I still need to go to the gym.”

Heather wants to become a runner but prefers to wait until she’s dropped some significant weight before starting. Heather is now down 15 pounds since she began our program in early March. She has completed her first 5K by walking the Bare Bones 5K on May 1. I will update Heather’s progress at the end of June.

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