Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
House Speaker Michael Madigan, with an open spigot of resources from billionaire Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker, regained his 71-seat supermajority in the Illinois House and might increase that number once final election results from Tuesday are determined. At least two suburban seats were too close to call Wednesday morning but could be Democratic pickups.
Here’s a link to the editorial at the Chicago Tribune.
A Prayer for Clarity about Your God-Given Purpose
By Heather Caliri
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” – Psalm 138:8
My old friend Pedro leaned against my kitchen counter, drink in hand, and asked me a question I knew I should be able to answer.
“How is God using you these days, Heather?”
At the time, I didn’t give myself credit for how I already served God. I couldn’t recognize God’s purpose in my ordinary life because I didn’t really understand what purpose was. I couldn’t see it, even though it was right under my feet.
Here’s what I got wrong about finding my purpose.
1. I thought “purpose” was a fancy destination, not a long, dusty journey.
For most of my Christian life, I assumed finding my purpose was like a cosmic job search. I should put together a mental resume and seek out job openings (ministry or service opportunities) that fit my profile. When I landed a “purpose,” I should keep it for life.
In truth, our purpose is an ever-evolving, multifaceted apprenticeship to Jesus, not a single, clearly defined role that lasts forever.
I’ve found great comfort in realizing that the ebbs and flows of my life are both modeled in Scripture (wandering the desert, anyone?) and reflected in nature (the cycles of tides, moons, and even my own body.) I’m on a long journey towards God’s kingdom, not parked ‘til retirement in a cosmic cubicle.
2. I thought “purpose” would be prestigious, but I’ve often found it in the mundane.
Your mundane, purpose-driven but less-than-loved tasks might look different than mine—making peace with singleness, caring for an elderly parent, or enduring financial hardship. We all live ordinary lives with ordinary, necessary, but not-fun challenges.
3. I thought ‘purpose’ was deadly serious, but it’s brought me deep joy.
Serving God is ultimately pleasurable. Seeking his purpose should bring us deep joy.
That does not mean it’s a walk in the park; we will endure hardship, work humbly at thankless tasks, and be braver than we prefer. But if our purpose doesn’t, on the whole, make us alive, something is terribly wrong.
4. I thought finding “my purpose” was up to me, but God brings purpose to our lives.
God creates in us every gift and ability that allows us to be useful. His Spirit gives us bravery, wisdom, and fortitude. He shepherds and guides us. We can do nothing apart from His power.
Let’s Pray:
Lord, thank you for helping me find clarity about my purpose. Help me remember that I ultimately can find satisfying purpose when I seek after you. Lord, as I work to understand my purpose more fully, I pray that your joy would be present. I pray for grace and wisdom. Help me long to serve you above myself, even above others. Help me walk daily in dependence of you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
By Rick Warren
“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6 CSB).
Not knowing who you are—and letting everyone else mold you into their image—is a leading cause of stress for people today.
Jesus gives us another model. He shows us the principle of identification, which is the first principle of stress management from the life of Jesus.
Jesus had no doubt as to his identity. In fact, he defines himself with “I am” statements 18 times in the Bible. He does this every time he says “I am . . .” and then declares key truths.
Jesus says: “I am the truth. I am the way. I am the life. I am the Son of God. I am sent from my Father above. I am the door. I am the bread of life. I am the living water.”
Jesus knew exactly who he was.
And we need to know exactly who we are, who God created us to be.
If you don’t know your identity, you’ll depend too much on what other people say about you.
Stress happens when you try to be something you’re not. We all start off as originals, but too often we end up as carbon copies of somebody else—because we don’t know who we are.
When you learn who you are, you’re less dependent upon the approval of others and you’re more stress-resistant.
In John 14:6, we read this: “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (CSB). Jesus didn’t need anyone else’s opinions to prop him up. Neither do you.
As if Illinois taxpayers didn’t have enough meaningful concerns heading into Tuesday’s midterm election, they’ll have new ones come January.
Here’s a link to the editorial at Illinois News Network.
Addison Russell’s future with the Cubs has been in doubt since he went on administrative leave in September after his former wife made public her allegations of domestic abuse.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
After a 15-point victory over incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner, Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday that he wants “responsible budgets.”
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
Democratic Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker wasted little time after his Tuesday defeat of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and announced members of his transition team, a group that includes former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
Cubs President Theo Epstein on Wednesday declined comment on an WMVP-AM 1000 report that pitching coach Jim Hickey will not return in 2019.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
MURPHYSBORO — According to prosecutors in the case, the Illinois Supreme Court has denied a motion asking for time to file a petition for a new trial against Gaege Bethune in the 2014 death of Pravin Varughese.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
