Pastor Rick Warren: God Is Working All Things for Your Good

October 23, 2018 By Leave a Comment

By Rick Warren

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”We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 NLT).

God is a good God, and he has good plans for your life. Other people have bad plans for your life, and you may make some bad plans yourself, but God only has good plans for your life.Not everything in your life may be good—God didn’t promise that. He didn’t say everything that happens in your life would be good. Friend, we live on a broken planet. Nothing works perfectly. Your body is broken. It doesn’t always work the right way. Your mind is broken. It doesn’t think the right way. The weather is broken, the economy’s broken, relationships are broken. Nothing is perfect.God did not promise us perfection. That’s called heaven! In heaven, there is no sorrow, sadness, sickness, or suffering. We should not expect heaven to be on earth, because the earth is filled with brokenness. But even in the middle of all this brokenness, God has a good plan for your life. He is greater than your bad choices, and he can fit even foolish decisions into a good plan. What a God! He can turn crucifixions into resurrections.

The Bible says in Romans 8:28, “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (NLT). This is not a promise for everybody in the world. Not everything is working together for good for everybody. But everything is working together for good for those who say, “God, I give you my life. I want to fulfill the purpose you made me for.” And even then, it doesn’t say all things are good. It says they all work together for your good—even the bad and even the bitter.

Have you noticed that when you make a cake, the individual ingredients don’t taste good? Flour by itself does not taste good. Raw eggs do not taste good. Vanilla by itself does not taste good. But mix it all together, and you can create a tasty masterpiece.

When you let God work all the “ingredients” together, God can take the bitter, put it in the batter, and make you better. Why? Because he’s a good God.

The more you pray, the better you’re going to know your purpose. And the better you know your purpose, the more God can use everything in your life—even the bitter and broken things.

Talk It Over

  • What bad decisions—one you have made and ones others have made—do you have a hard time believing God can use for good in your life?
  • How does knowing your purpose help you see how God is working things together for your good?
  • What do you think it means to fully surrender your life to God?

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

Filed Under: Columns

Your Daily Prayer: A Prayer to Remember: God Fights for You Today

October 23, 2018 By Leave a Comment

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A Prayer to Remember: God Fights for You Today
By Debbie McDaniel

“Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.” – Deut. 3:22

One thing is sure – if you’re a believer who is living like salt and light in a dark world, you won’t go for long without encountering obstacles and attacks the enemy will hurl your direction. God’s words are true, this battle is real, and intense.

If you find yourself facing hard struggles today, please know you’re not alone. Neither are you left to fight on your own. Many of us are in the battle with you, and God is the One who fights on behalf of His children, constantly shielding, protecting, strengthening, even when we’re unaware.

And He’s given us His words that are powerful and true, so we’ll have the wisdom to stand against the enemy. We do not have to walk in fear. For when we belong to Christ, the enemy never has the final word. We are secure in God’s hands and He reminds us over and over in His word to keep standing firm.

You never fight alone.

Let God do, on your behalf, what you could never do on your own.

He’s with us.

Always.

And He is Mighty.

Dear God,

We thank you that you hold the victory over sin and death in this world. We thank you that you came to set the captives free.  We thank you for your redemptive work you’ve done in our lives.  We thank you for freedom and the hope you bring.

Your word says to “stand our ground,” and that’s what we will do, in the power of your Name. The enemy has no control over us, and we bring your words of truth as weapon against his schemes. We know that we’re never alone, for you are constantly at work on behalf of your children, shielding, protecting, strengthening, exposing deeds of darkness, bringing to light what needs to be known, covering us from the cruel attacks we face even when we’re unaware.

 We ask that you would give us wisdom and discernment to recognize the schemes of the enemy and to stand strong against his work.

We ask that you would remind us to pray, constantly, for all believers.

We ask that you would help us to stay alert in a dark world.

We ask that you would help us to be salt and light, that we would be loving and gracious, yet unyielding to sin.

We ask that you help us to remember to put on your armor daily, for you give us all that we need to stand firm in this day.

We thank you that you are far greater than anything we face here in this life, and we have overcome, because you have set us free.

We thank you for your truth, “no weapon formed that is formed against you will prosper.”

Lord, we ask for your peace, we ask for your protection, we trust you for your constant work on our behalf. We ask you to bring justice. We ask that you would bring light, knowing that you expose the deeds of darkness.

Standing together in your great and powerful Name, believing you are with us.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Find more by Debbie at www.debbiemcdaniel.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Filed Under: Columns

Commentary: Campaign ads and whoppers

October 23, 2018 By Leave a Comment

For months, the campaign website of Republican state Senate candidate Barrett Davie of Lake Forest has featured a video of him describing his position on abortion: “I’m pro-choice because I believe that having an abortion would be the hardest decision that anyone would ever have to make in their lives,” he says, looking into the camera.

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

Filed Under: Breaking News

Immigration advocates should strike a bargain with Trump

October 23, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Back in June in Sandusky, Ohio, about 65 miles west of my home here in Cleveland, there was a huge federal raid involving about 200 agents on Corso’s Flower and Garden Center. The combined ICE-led operation rounded up 114 undocumented immigrants workers; some of whom had been here on and off for decades.

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

Filed Under: Columns

8 arrested, $50,000 and 17 pounds of meth seized in drug bust spanning Southern Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri

October 22, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Eight people have been arrested and $50,000 and more than 17 pounds of meth have been seized by authorities in a drug bust that spanned the tristate area.

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

Filed Under: Breaking News

Economists see Illinois lagging behind Wisconsin, Minnesota in growth

October 22, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Illinois’ has a larger economic output than Wisconsin and Minnesota combined, but economists looking at the three Midwestern states didn’t have much praise for the Land of Lincoln.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Filed Under: Breaking News

Ahead of court hearing, Obama Foundation reveals closely guarded design plans

October 22, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Facing a court hearing Wednesday in a lawsuit that seeks to block the Obama Presidential Center from being built in Chicago’s Jackson Park, the center’s backers on Friday released closely guarded proposals from four universities that in 2014 were bidding to host the center.

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

Filed Under: Breaking News

Sales are brisk as Mega Millions jackpot hits $1.6 billion

October 22, 2018 By Leave a Comment

The Mega Millions lottery may see a streak of jackpot rollovers end as it heads toward a record $1.6 billion drawing on Tuesday.

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

Filed Under: Breaking News

Building at Quincy Veterans’ Home named for local Medal of Honor recipient

October 22, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Korean War hero Lester Hammond gave his life to protect his unit

QUINCY — Gov. Bruce Rauner announced today that the old Sycamore nursing home in Quincy is being named in honor of Korean War veteran Lester Hammond, who was raised in Quincy. The Medal of Honor recipient was killed in action protecting his unit against heavy enemy fire. He was just 21 years old.

Cpl. Lester Hammond Jr. is buried at Sunset Cemetery on the grounds of the Illinois Veterans’ Home in Quincy (IVHQ).

“Cpl. Hammond was a true hero. His courage and fighting spirit will live on here in Quincy and across the state,” Rauner said. “This building will serve as a reminder of a life that was lost in the cause of freedom and that his selfless courage under fire is a legacy of devotion to the care of his unit that we follow today for our veterans all across the state.”

Cpl. Hammond’s nephew, Brad Richmiller, was in Quincy as the new building was dedicated to his uncle. He said he and his family will be eternally thankful for the recognition.

“Our hearts are filled with pride today, knowing that our uncle’s sacrifice was not in vain,” Richmiller said. “We’d like to thank Gov. Rauner, the staff at the Quincy Veterans’ Home, and everyone who worked to make this possible. I’d also like to personally thank the governor for his commitment to the future of the veterans’ home. I believe it is a moral obligation for us to take care of those who have served us.”

Lester Hammond Hall is the newest addition to the Quincy Veterans’ Home. The State purchased the building in June as part of an expansion of the IVHQ campus. It will provide skilled nursing care for up to 150 veterans and is the next step in ensuring quality health care for our heroes.

“Crews have worked over 70,000 hours to get this building ready for our veterans. It will have all new plumbing and a state-of-the-art water filtration system,” said Mike Hoffman, senior adviser to Gov. Rauner. “I’d like to recognize the skill, work ethic, and dedication of the dozens of Illinois workers who made this rapid renovation possible. Hammond Hall will be a worthy addition to our Veterans’ Home here in Quincy and will provide safe and comfortable accommodations for our residents.”

“We stand with pride knowing that the legacy of a local Korean War hero will live on forever in our community,” said Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Stephen Curda. “We salute Cpl. Hammond and honor the ultimate sacrifice he made while protecting our freedoms.”

There is also progress being made on building a new, world-class facility on the IVHQ grounds. Demolition crews knocked down the old Rowland Barracks building this week. It’s one of several buildings that will be razed ahead of construction.

“I’m pleased that we have been able to cut through the red tape and move forward with this critically important project. This building demolition paves the way for us to quickly start building the new, world-class facility here that our heroes deserve,” Rauner said.

The Rowland Barracks is an old residence hall and programming unit that has been unoccupied since 2006. It’s the first building to come down since Rauner announced plans to rebuild the Quincy Veterans’ Home and incorporate a new piping system that will bring cleaner water to the residents and staff.

The state has partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other environmental experts since 2015 to enhance water quality and safety at the Quincy Veterans’ Home. A new water treatment plant was brought online in 2016, point-of-use water filters have been installed on all sinks and showers, and new water heaters have been installed in all residential buildings to thermally treat the water against bacterial contamination.

To further advance the usefulness of the home, Rauner spearheaded an effort to rebuild it with enhancements to accommodate veterans who served in the War on Terror.

The IDVA’s Curda said the new facility’s modern features will prove beneficial for decades.

“We are designing the new facility at Quincy to take care of our veterans’ needs not just today and tomorrow, but for generations to come,” he said. “Behavioral health needs are currently not being met for veterans across the nation. Our investment here will change that and make Illinois a leader in this area.”

Filed Under: Breaking News

In less than 5 hours, 5 injured, 1 killed in Chicago shootings

October 22, 2018 By Leave a Comment

In less than five hours on Sunday, six people were shot, one fatally, in Chicago attacks, including two men who were caught in the crossfire of two shooters.

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

Filed Under: Breaking News
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