Betty Whitaker Jackson

After all the pomp and circumstance, albeit rather subdued this year, of the Inauguration, let’s put everything into perspective. We heard promises, plans, and platitudes. In the long run, Shakespeare said we are all actors on the stage with our entrances and exits, and generations and legacy legends aside, we are parts of the panoply of history, here but for a short time. God is sovereign. God is eternal. And whether Garth Brooks sings it, or today’s hymn reminds us,…..

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On this Inauguration Day, let us rejoice that as Americans we can add to history and celebrate our freedom to elect our leaders, to thank those who have loyally served us well, to bury past burdens, and to understand that the work of the Republic is never done. Let us pray for  understanding, and God’s guidance for all whose emotions are running high today. Let us put rancor, anger, distrust, disappointment, and emotions aside, recognizing that in God’s sovereign plan,…..

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If you are mocked for your faith, take heart. Your faith in God’s promises transcends anything on earth, for God has called us to believe what He says, to live in that truth, and to stay strong. Here’s what Matthew 5:10-12 says: “God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of heaven is theirs. God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are My followers. Be happy about…..

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Today as we celebrate Martin Luther King Day, let us remember that our nation has endured conflict in the past which upon reflection promoted positive change. May this be so this week as the Presidency changes amid threats of violence and discord. Matthew 5:7-9 reads: “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be…..

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It’s hard to be discouraged at events, financial difficulties, health scares, or disputes when we read Romans chapter 8. For believers, one eternal fact is true, without equivocation, without beginning or end: God is sovereign; His plan is in place. He sees the Big Picture when, as the Lord’s Prayer says, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We are, to use a literary term, in medias res, or in the middle. We…..

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Seeing the world with the view of God brings us peace, comfort, and joy, and that’s what the world needs right now.

Take time to watch a sunrise. Look for the smiles in people’s eyes, even while they’re wearing masks. Look for Godincidences: stories of people’s healing and the wonders of medicine; a fine recipe that turns out right because our land is filled with good things to eat; a book sent in the mail from a friend or a…..

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Psalm 19, 1-2  No matter what is going on in our chaotic world, there are absolutes. This is God’s message today: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” His speech is magnificent, never uncivil, and brings us to praise His name in spite of what we mortals say or think.  Are you ready for a change? Susie Larson in…..

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Genesis 1:26 says, “ThenGod said, “Let’s make people in Our image to be like Ourselves.” So God created people in His own image. God patterned them after Himself; male and female. He created them. God looked over all He had made, and He saw that it was excellent in every way.”  Before Adam and Eve sinned, the world and they were perfect. No evil. No sin. No disease. No Covid. No death. Man, however, wanted more. The need for power…..

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When God chose us as His ambassadors, he gave us a job to do. We are to witness Jesus to the world, to proclaim the good news of salvation, to bring peace, to show mercy, and to spread His grace to the whole world.  John 3:16 says, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” and that life is not the mortal one here…..

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On this Sabbath, when our world seems to be in turmoil and strife is rampant, let us fill our churches where we find answers to the big questions, balm for our souls, comfort and peace, and God’s plan. We’ve seen how vulnerable we are, with COVID, political strife, and threats to our very way of life. Susie Larson, in Blessings for Every Day says this today: “May the Lord enlarge your territory, expand your influence, and increase your capacity to walk…..

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