Maddon to return, but long-term future as Cubs manager is up in the air

October 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Near the end of a panel discussion at the Cubs Convention in 2015, moderator Lin Brehmer turned to new manager Joe Maddon for one last question.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Filed Under: Sports

Your Daily Prayer: A Prayer for Hypocrites

October 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment

A Prayer for Hypocrites – Your Daily Prayer –

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A Prayer for Hypocrites
By Kelly Balarie

“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. “ 1 John 4:20

I was livid at myself. Just livid.

Because, it seemed, I was on a rampage of “calling people out.” You know what that is, right? It is when you: 1.) see another’s faults on display 2.) you let them gnaw your heart and 3.) you blast the person.

I let my words fly out like a swarm of bees ready to attack! For those who didn’t get stung, I kept my words inside and gave them a cold-shoulder sting that probably felt worse than any kind of physical one. I was on a rampage. I literally hated myself for it.

Maybe because I didn’t want to be like this type: hyp·o·crite ˈhipəˌkrit/ noun

1. a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc

I was convicted. I was convicted as if a knife struck my heart.

I thought, “Oh God, I don’t want to be one of them, but I just may be. I just may be one who acts so above the law, I have put myself above the love of Christ. I have set myself so high, that I have removed myself from the humble and needy places where one let’s him soak in.”

I don’t want to be one who professes to know God but denies him by their works. I don’t want to be one that God calls “detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” (Titus 1:6)

And I certainly don’t want to think I am religious, only to deceive my own heart. For God says this kind of religion is worthless (James 1:26).

Lord, I am not above you. I am not above the world ruling. I am not the master of all things, nor the creator. But, I am your servant, your child, and your love. Help me reside in that place. Help me see my need and confess it to you. Help me be quick to look at myself when I am prone to look over to others. Thank you that you have wild and abundant grace for me. It will not cease. It will not end. It will not let me go. I ask you to restore me in fullness with you. Teach me your ways and help me be receptive to them, so I will not fall. Help me Lord. You rule and I surrender all my ways, thoughts, opinions, perceptions and decisions to you. Amen.

Filed Under: Columns

Pastor Rick Warren: How Does God’s Grace Get You Through?

October 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment

By Rick Warren

1.3K

”My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace” (1 Peter 5:12 NLT).

We face many pitfalls in the marathon of life. But regardless of what you go through, you can count on God’s sustaining grace.The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:12, “My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace” (NLT).

There are three things in life that can cause you to stumble, to get cast off to the side of the race, and to not finish well in life. But in each of these situations, God’s sustaining grace will get you through.

  1. God’s sustaining grace helps you keep standing when you’re tempted.

Temptation is the first thing that can cause you to stumble. The Bible says, “God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT).

God says, “I will provide the sustaining grace to always give you a way of escape.” It may mean turning the channel. It may mean running out the door. It may mean changing the way you’re thinking. But God will provide a way to escape temptation.

  1. God’s sustaining grace helps you keep standing when you’re tired.

Sometimes you’re not tempted. Sometimes you’re just tired! Life is often exhausting. It requires a lot of energy, especially when you’re trying to do the right thing rather than the easy thing. But where do you get the power to do the right thing when you’re dead tired? “It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). The key is having the Holy Spirit in your heart to have the energy to do the things you can’t do in your own power.

  1. God’s sustaining grace gives you the power to keep going when you’re troubled.

There are some hurts that all the wishing in the world won’t make go away. There are some things in life that are unplanned, unrelenting, and undeserved—and they hurt the most.

What do you do in those situations? You first stop doing the “if only” game and instead focus on Christ and his sustaining power. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Don’t worry, because I am with you. Don’t be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you” (NCV).

Talk It Over

  • How has God’s sustaining grace carried you through difficult times?
  • How can you extend God’s sustaining grace to others?
  • What do you think it means to play the “if only” game? When have you used this excuse?

Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it

Filed Under: Columns

Week 7 — Friday Night Lights!

October 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Southern Illinois football teams roll into the final one-third of the season on Friday night with some teams trying to secure a playoff berth and also some key conference match ups.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

 

Filed Under: Sports

Commentary: War on Kavanaugh might prove to be a gift for Republicans

October 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment

As ugly and vicious as the war on Brett Kavanaugh has been, it might actually prove to be a gift for Republicans, as fair-minded Americans grow weary – and angry – over Democrats’ perpetual intimidation tactics and stalling game. 

Here’s a link to the editorial at Fox News.

Filed Under: Columns

Illinois AG to investigate Legionnaire’s disease response

October 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said her office will launch a criminal investigation of how Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration handled a three-year-old Legionnaire’s disease crisis at a state-run veterans’ home.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Filed Under: Featured

Editorial: After the FBI report, confirm Kavanaugh

October 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment

The FBI has delivered its confidential report on Christine Blasey Ford‘s allegation that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in high school. Some senators who’ve read the report say it contains no fresh revelations, or corroboration of her charge.

Here’s a link to the editorial at the Chicago Tribune.

Filed Under: Columns

Jury begins deliberations at Van Dyke’s trial after prosecution, defense argue over evidence

October 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke valued the life of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald so little he had decided to shoot the teen before he even got to the scene, prosecutors told a Cook County jury Thursday.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Filed Under: Featured

‘No corroboration’ — Judiciary Committee releases executive summary of supplemental FBI report on Kavanaugh

October 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans released an executive summary of the FBI’s confidential supplemental background investigation into Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh late Thursday, which key swing-vote senators vowed they would continue to review Friday ahead of a major vote on his confirmation.

Here’s a link to the story at Fox News.

Filed Under: Featured

Robert “Bobby” J. Smith — McLeansboro, IL

October 4, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Robert “Bobby” J. Smith, 67, of McLeansboro, passed away at 5:40 p.m., on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at St. Louis University Hospital, St., Louis, MO.

  Bobby was born on October 4, 1950, to John and Wilma (Summers) Smith in Tucson, AZ.

He was a loving brother and enjoyed taking trips to the park, watching country-western shows and eating cherry chocolates.

 Bobby is survived by his three brothers, John K. (Kathy) Smith, Jim Smith and Don (Kathy) Weston; one sister, Patricia (Roger) Wheeler, and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by parents, John and Wilma Smith; one brother, David Weston.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 5, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 5, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, with Nick Roberts, officiating.

  Burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

  Memorials contributions may be made to the Stuart Estates in McLeansboro, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries
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