Fishing tip of the week

High water challenges
by Mike Gerry

Winter in the south is full of challenges, but nothing is as noteworthy as the fact that we get lots of rain and high, muddy, water as it becomes the norm in the south during the winter months.

Read more ...

Love shouldn’t hurt – ever

Today or Tomorrow?
by Teresia Smith

Do you ever feel as though life is passing you by? Like you are always putting things off until tomorrow? We hear so much nowadays about self-care, especially if you have experienced trauma, but chances are that many of us live our life just waiting for a tomorrow.

Read more ...

Thoughts from The Bible

Obtaining The Prize
by Terry Broome

In 1Cor 9:24-27, Paul alludes to the ancient Grecian games through the image of athletes running in a race, fighting as a boxer, and competing for a prize. He observes that there are principles common to both athletes and Christians. We all are in need of motivation, self-control, and exercise. These are necessary in order to “obtain” the prize.

Read more ...

Thoughts from The Bible

The Joy of Christian Service
by Terry Broome

Christianity must embody the principle of service for our Lord came to minister unto mankind: Matthew 20:28 “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many,” (Also see Luke 22:25-27). From the Household of Onesiphorus who ministered to Paul in Ephesus and Rome (2 Tim. 1:15-16, 18) to the Household of Stephanos who were addicted to “the ministry” or service of the saints (1 Cor 16:15) time and again, the New Testament is filled with the principle of service.
It’s an honor to be called upon to serve God’s people in any capacity: Psalms 84:10 “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

Peter actually treats ministering (from diakoneo) and stewarship (from oikonomos — steward, servant, manager for someone else) as a gift: 1 Peter 4:10-11 “As every man hath received the GIFT, even so MINISTER the same one to another, as good STEWARDS of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
The word “gift” “charisma” refers to special abilities we have spiritually by the grace of God, whether of non-miraculous qualifications or of the miraculous faculty. The context in 1 Peter 4: 10-11 is non-miraculous as it is in Romans 12:6-8 “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity (sincerity); he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
One of the characteristics which every Christian should cultivate is that of spontaneous participation in some phases of the services in the kingdom of God. There is great joy in serving others, and honor is bestowed on certain individuals in the Bible who were servants: Matthew 4:11, “Ministering angels;” Matthew 8:15, Peter’s mother-in-law; Matthew 20:28 concerning our Lord’s ministry; John 12:2 of Martha’s serving supper; Acts 6:2 of the Apostles not leaving the Word of God to serve tables so special servants were appointed; 1 Timothy 4:6, Timothy was to be a good “minister” of Christ.
We all have different abilities, talents, gifts from God that should be channeled to helping others. We sing: “Is your life a channel of blessing? Is the love of God flowing through you?” and we end it with the chorus: “Make me a channel of blessing today, Make me a channel of blessing, I pray. My life possessing; My service blessing; Make me a channel of blessing today.”
The author can be reached for comments at 256-574-2489.

Read more ...

Fishing tip of the week

December expectations
by Mike Gerry

The December question on Guntersville, every year, is: what can we expect?

Read more ...

Your Community Newspaper

Local Weather

Clarion Facebook