Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
Like a baseball team that is way behind going into the fifth inning, Democrats (and socialists) are hoping for the political equivalent of a rainout, so that the game President Trump is winning will be canceled, allowing them time to regroup.
Here’s a link to the editorial at FOX News.
By Rick Warren
““Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life” (Timothy 6:18-19 NLT).
Jesus did not mean for you to “buy” friends with money. What he meant was that you should use the money God gives you to bring people to Christ. They will then be your friends for eternity, friends who will welcome you in heaven! It’s the best financial investment you’ll ever make.
You’ve probably heard the expression “You can’t take it with you,” but the Bible says you can send it on ahead by investing in people’s eternal destination: “By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven — it is the only safe investment for eternity! And they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well” (1 Timothy 6:19 TLB).
What are ways you can invest your money in other people? What are ways you can invest your money in bringing people to Jesus? Pray about this, and see who or what God brings to mind. No matter how small, make one investment in eternity this week.
Your actions will affirm your faith.
This time they’ve surely got him. Pack your bags, Mr. President. The game is up. Because this week we learned that . . . that . . . well, there’s this tape, see, recorded by Donald Trump’s lawyer Michael Cohen in September of 2016, during which the then-presidential candidate discussed setting up a company for the purpose of paying off alleged former paramour Karen McDougal to make her go away.
Here’s a link to the editorial at FOX News.
Believers might react with envious hearts toward riches of the corrupt or with arrogant pride toward immorality. All of these are unhealthy attitudes for Christians. How does God want believers to view unbelievers, whether they are rich or poor?
But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds (Psalm 73:28).
Just as Asaph, the author of this psalm, realized that he needed to focus on God, Christians should seek the Lord’s perspective toward the lost. Then hearts of compassion will replace wrong attitudes. God loves all people and desires that they be forgiven for their sins and receive Jesus as Lord. Like Asaph, believers can tell of a treasure that goes beyond earthly riches and provides hope, peace with God, and help in times of trouble.
As we look at people through the lens of God’s love, let’s pray for opportunities to humbly talk about what Jesus has done for us.
Challenge for Today: Share your story so others can learn of everlasting riches.
If you’re getting some hammock time this summer, you probably are aware there’s a race for governor unfolding in Illinois. Television ads composed and controlled by the campaigns have been streaming into living rooms for months.
Here’s a link to the editorial at the Chicago Tribune.
During Memorial Day weekend last year, my younger brother and two of his friends were sitting in a car on the south side of Chicago when two men walked up to the window and fired 25 times. With his bloodied best friend dead in his arms, it was only through God’s grace and mercy that my younger brother made it out alive.
Here’s a link to the editorial at FOX News.
By Rick Warren
“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerful” (2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT).
Sometimes it’s a challenge to be cheerful when God’s challenging you to give. Whenever you feel that way, just remind yourself of the benefits of what God wants to do in your heart: It creates community. It defeats materialism. It strengthens your faith. It’s an investment for eternity. It blesses you in return. And it makes you more like God.
| I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. |
| Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 |
Gay Bowlin, Manager
The Franklin County Farm Bureau received a $750 grant from the Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Farm Families for the purpose of face-to-face communication between adult non-ag consumers and farmers with the ultimate goal to build trust in farmers and our farming practices.
We partnered with the University of Illinois Extension, Ag in the Classroom, and the Early Head Start Program for Franklin and Williamson Counties. Each month the Early Head Start meets at the U of I Extension office in Franklin County and does a program about food preparation. It was just so easy for us to partner up with this effort.
In June Mary Bolen from the Benton Farmers Market came and talked about the foods that are available at the market and to inform them that Benton Farmers Market now takes SNAP and that there are many benefits to eating local fruits and vegetables. Mary handed out a sheet to inform them of when the fruits and vegetables are ready to eat and would be available in our area.
Melissa Lamczyk, Ag in the Classroom Coordinator from Franklin County spoke about the ways in which AITC helps the communities and teaches children about planting and growing healthy foods. Because Melissa is also an active farmer she talked about her and her husband Marc’s farming practices and what they grow and harvest.
On a normal month when this group meets they cook several different meals, eat and then walk away with the recipes. In June Jennifer Newbury and Hannah Sickmeyer from the University of Illinois Extension cooked Chicken & Rice Casserole and had it ready to eat at the end of the program. After the participants ate they were then given an Illinois Farm Bureau insulated bag and filled it with the non-perishable food items that it takes to make this meal at home. They were also given vouchers to go to Save A Lot in Benton where they could pick up the perishable items as well.
At the July session Easy Vegetable Soup and Fruit Salad with Vanilla Yogurt was on the menu. Each family once again received the insulated bags that we had ordered from the Illinois Farm Bureau and we able to “shop” for the non-perishable items that we had on-hand. Save A Lot in Benton once again provided vouchers for all perishable items.
Hannah Sickmeyer, Jennifer Newbury and Melissa Lamczyk all spoke about the ways to freeze foods – type of item, length of time and thawing times were all discussed. Several of the families are already freezing but the ones who don’t already found this to be very interesting information.
Carrie Eldridge from Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department spoke on car seat safety which concluded with on-site inspections for everyone who needed it. Between the two sessions we had 19 kids under the age of 5 attend.
Sixteen families participated in the June session and 15 families in the July session. Each family consists of at least 4 family members with several having over 6 in the family unit.
Remember we are farmers working together. If we can help let us know.
By Rick Warren
“Wise people live in wealth and luxury, but stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it” (Proverbs 21:20 GNT).
God says that’s being responsible.
There is a question you can ask yourself that will help you save more money. It’s very simple. When you get ready to buy something, ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” And then be honest with yourself.
For instance, do I really need a new car? Well, I know I’d like it. But do I really need it? Do I really need this upgrade? I know I’d like it, but do I really need it?
A fundamental financial principle is this: When you spend your money, it’s gone. But when you save your money, your money works for you. If you’ll do things God’s way, you can get out of debt and invest in the future by saving.
This week, keep asking yourself, “Do I really need this?”
