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December 13, 2021: The Branch, Not the Vine

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“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1, NASB).

Jesus’ teaching in John 15:1 illustrates our dependence on Him: “I am the true vine,” He says. How often have we tried to be the vine, but produced sour grapes—the ugly works of the flesh? We have tried to find holiness and love for others in ourselves, which we will never find. “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature” (Rom. 7:18, NIV).

Jesus, the true Vine, will produce the fruit of the Spirit as we allow Him to live in us. “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live” (Gal. 2:20, KJV). Paul, who was crucified with Christ, was not the vine, vainly trying to do his best. He was the branch, whose self-confidence was broken and dependent on the Lord.

December 12, 2021: Light of Salvation

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“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:105, NKJV).

It seems as if the jungle, the mountains and rural areas are favorite destinations to send new ministers. I was no exception. My first district was in the deep forest of Nicaragua, surrounded by rushing rivers and deep lagoons. Our congregations resided in small communities nestled around these lagoons. Ninety percent of travel between them was by river, so we used an outboard motorboat to carry out pastoral work.

December 11, 2021: Armed to the Teeth

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“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11, NKJV).

“The term ‘armed to the teeth’ originated in Port Royal Jamaica in the 1600s when pirates were constantly looking for ships to loot and their guns were very primitive. As a result, pirates could shoot only once before a long reloading process. Consequently, they needed to carry a gun in each hand, and perhaps in each pocket. For extra power, they would also hold a knife between their teeth. To be ‘armed to the teeth’ means to carry the maximum number of weapons possible.”*

December 10, 2021: Beans and Rice

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“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19, NIV).

Many people live from paycheck to paycheck. In fact, many are one paycheck away from being homeless. I’ve been there before.

I had three small children living in Texas. There was no food, no job, no money and no husband. I had one cup of rice and one cup of beans, and, like the widow in the Bible, I was going to make that meal and then try to figure it out from there. She had made up her mind to die; I wasn’t quite there yet, but I was very discouraged.

I was living in a town where I had no friends, church or family. My baby daughter needed milk, but I didn’t have any way to get it. I felt hopeless.

December 9, 2021: Our Comforter

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“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105, KJV).

In the movie The Sound of Music, Maria sings “My Favorite Things” to the von Trapp children to comfort them during a thunderstorm. She tells them that whenever she’s scared or upset, she simply sings about things that bring her comfort and joy. I figure if she can sing about “raindrops on roses,” then I should be able to use Scripture to do the same thing.

Set to this song’s tune, this is “My Favorite Things: The Christian Version.”

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

No weapon that’s formed against me shall harm.

Be anxious for nothing, and in all things pray.

Trust in the Lord that He’ll make a way.

Kettering College Announces New Scholarships for New Students

Healthcare professionals are needed now more than ever. A report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment opportunities in healthcare is projected to grow 15 percent from 2019 to 2029, citing that this is much faster than the average for all other occupations. The need for well-educated graduates in the field of healthcare is clear, but we know that choosing a career path is one of the hardest decisions a student can make, and many times finances play a big role in that decision.  

Kettering College has announced two new scholarships to make a healthcare education at Kettering College more accessible. 

WGTS Accepts the Red Kettle Challenge

Story by WGTS Staff

The Salvation Army bell ringing near a red kettle is an iconic symbol of the Christmas season. So recently, the WGTS show producers faced off to see who could raise the most money during one show, ringing the bell at a kettle.  For the challenge, morning producer Claude Jennings, midday show producer Spencer White, and evening show producer, Cleavon Davis headed out to different Giant grocery stores in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. The outcome: Evening show producer Cleavon Davis and the evening show team raised over $1,200 in four hours. In addition, all the red kettle locations, plus online donations from the virtual kettle, raised over $18,000 for the day.

December 8, 2021: The Vinedresser

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“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ... Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:1–2, 4, NKJV).

These words have brought me so much comfort over the years. When I was a junior at Southwestern Adventist University (Texas), I felt lost and not ready to face my senior year. God had not answered my prayers and desire to travel the world.

God Is on the Move

Story by Tamyra Horst

God is on the move in powerful ways across Pennsylvania—in lives, in churches and in schools.

During a recent virtual town hall meeting, Gary Gibbs, president; Will Peterson, vice president for administration; and Carlos Charnichart, treasurer, shared reports on the impact God has had on mission.

To watch these reports, along with “Testimonies of Faith,” a series of stories by members and pastors who share how God is moving in their lives and communities, visit paconference.org/godisonthemove.

He Is Always on Time!

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Editorial by Jorge Aguero

Do you know someone who is always late for meetings? That person might even be you. There is Someone, however, who is always on time. You know who I’m referring to. But when it comes to God’s timing, many draw the wrong conclusion. Personal hardships or calamities and suffering can cause one to question His good and perfect plan.

Some have lost trust in Jesus’ promise of His second coming, because, in their opinion, He is late. Second Peter 3:9 gives insight into this apparent delay: