JOSH DOYLE/CBN 05-12-2025 Another remarkable story has emerged about a supernatural encounter during a neardeath experience. In a powerful new episode of the No Longer Nomads podcast, Billy and Isabella Garaffa shared their incredible story. Billy went into cardiac arrest in the middle of a hockey game and was dead for 16 minutes on the ice. But while he was physically dead, he was never more spiritually alive. A Prayer Before the Game Before he stepped onto the ice that day, Billy prayed for protection. What he didn't know was that prayer would set the stage for one of the most profound events of his life. Just moments into the game, Billy collapsed. His heart had stopped. Chaos broke out around him, but as people scrambled to save him, Billy says he was already encountering something supernatural. "I could smell the sweetest smell," Billy recalls. "I felt the Holy Spirit leading me." He describes leaving his body and then being enveloped in a peace and love so powerful it felt more real than life itself. "That felt like the real life," he says. A Wife's Cry and a Miracle in Motion From the stands, Isabella sensed something was wrong when she saw him on the ground – "I just yelled, 'Jesus, help him!'" Her desperate cry echoed as medical professionals rushed in. Looking back, Billy and Isabella both see God's hand orchestrating every detail—the right people in the right place at the right time. "Everything was orchestrated," Billy says. "There's no other explanation." A Heart Prepared for a Miracle In a stunning discovery, doctors found that Billy's heart had grown rare collateral arteries— extra vessels that helped keep blood flowing even when his heart stopped. ... See Miracle - page “ How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15 AUGUST 2025 VOLUME 27 NO 4 FREE Glad Tidings A SEASON TO SOAR....................5 FAITH THAT SHATTERS..............13 GARY TOOLE...............................11 HE IS REAL...................................10 IT’S HERE.....................................12 KINGS KIDS...................................8 MARK HANKINS............................3 PEGGY CLARK.............................6 SALVATION PRAYER ..................14 SIGNS OF LIFE..............................7 STOP-LOOK-LOCK.......................6 THE ALABSTER BOX....................5 THE HIDDEN GLORY.....................4 THE KEEN AGERS........................9 WEAVING OUR GARMENT............2 WOMAN MEETS JESUS..............15 IN THIS ISSUE vvvvv To check out our Web-Site: www. GladTidings.news or use the QR code below 'God Built This Miracle': Hockey Player Died for 16 Minutes, Says He Spoke to God Tasha Layton believes in miracles and she’s experienced them firsthand. BILLY HALLOWELL/CBN 06-12-2025 When asked to share the “biggest miracle” she’s seen in her life, the Christian singer wasted no time in explaining the powerful ways God provided healing for her and her husband, Keith. “This one is really special for me, ’cause I don’t know if you know my story, but my husband and I couldn’t have kids,” Layton said on the red carpet of the 2025 K-LOVE Fan Awards. “He had known for over eight years that he was infertile, and it was due to a back injury, and I was told I would have to have shots and a surgery.” But God had other plans. “Long story short, we were on a mission trip to Uganda and I was leading a song called ‘Miracles,'” she said. “And I looked to my right and Keith is on the ground crying, and he comes up to me in the middle of the song and he says, ‘I think God just healed my back.'” Keith was on to something, as the couple’s life soon changed in profound ways. But it all started with prayer that very night — an invocation asking the Lord to allow the couple to conceive. “They prayed for us that night that we’d be able to have a baby, and we were pregnant three months later,” Layton said “So, yes, that’s a huge miracle.” The singer said that miracle and many others have given her confidence in the Lord that can never be thwarted or pushed to the side. “I have seen so many miracles in my life, and that’s one of the reasons I can’t ever shake my faith is because you can’t deny those things,” she said. “That’s how Jesus showed His power to the world, too, was through miracles, and so I think miracles are in God’s heart and they bring faith to those who might not have it.” Layton said she’s seen “cancer disappear” and “people get delivered from demons,” among other healings — powerful manifestations of God’s love. “I’ve seen people’s anxiety and depression healed fully in an instant,” she said. “Isn’t God good?” LOOKBEFORE YOU LOCK YOUR CAR STOP - LOOK - LOCK NEVER leave Children or Pets in car during hot summer days.
Matthew 22:10-14 And those servants went out on the crossroads and got together as many as they found, both bad and good, so (the room in which) the wedding feast (was held) was filled with guests. But when the king came in to view the quests, he looked intently at a man there who had on no wedding garment. And he said, Friend, how did you come in here without putting on the (appropriate) wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the darkness outside; there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. For many are called (invited and summoned), but few are chosen. In verse 14, Jesus illustrates what he has just said; For many are called, but few are chosen. Salvation is for everyone, but the day will come when the Lord no longer invites those who repeatedly refuse Him. The invitation will go to others. Verses 11-13 are a warning to the newcomers. Those who come must come on Godʼs terms. Because His return will be unexpected, Jesusʼ followers must always be ready. Preparedness is an Individual Thing Another parable of Jesusʼ warning to be prepared is in chapter 25 of Matthew, verses 1-12; illustrating the wise and foolish Virgins. The wise virgins had enough oil to keep their lamps burning; the foolish had no oil and went out to try to buy some. The same lesson, but stressing that one day time will run out, and preparedness is an individual thing. It cannot be borrowed or bought from someone else. We have to repent and sincerely ask Jesus to be our Lord and Saviour; to be born again of the spirit of God, and have his light illuminate our very being. We are spirit beings. When Adam and Eve sinned, sin and darkness came into mankind. Accepting Jesus as Lord is the only way Godʼs light can illuminate us again. I would like to take a few minutes to talk about “Our Garment”. I believe the Word of God is like a beautiful garment made of fine white linen. All the threads of the Word of God are intertwined, making up and completing the garment. As we live our lives and grow in Godʼs Word, we are weaving our garment. The more the Word becomes a part of us, the more we conform and order our lives, behavior, attitudes, and ways to His Ways, the more perfected and complete our garment becomes. Letʼs go back to the beginning for a moment. Go with me to Genesis, chapter 2, verse 7. “Then the Lord God formed man from the “dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath or spirit of life, and man became a living being.” The moment God’s breath entered into Adam’s body, Adam was illuminated (clothed) with the glory and life of God. But what happened? In Genesis, chapter 3, verses 7-10 Adam and Eve disobeyed God; “then the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons, like girdles. 8. And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9. But the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, Where are you? 10. He said, I heard the sound of You (walking) in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” Godʼs spirit, and His glory that had clothed them had left. They became as filthy rags, contaminated, and sinful. And all of mankind after them. So, how can we become clean again? How can our garments ever be white as snow again? How do we wash our garments? There is only One Way. God sent His Son to save us; Jesus Christ The Word of God, come in the flesh. It is only by accepting Him, being washed in His Blood, that we can be made clean from all the contamination and filth of sin. In John 17:17 Jesus is praying to the Father about those that have accepted Him, and of those in the future (us) who will accept Him. And He says “Sanctify them (purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy) by the Truth; Your Word is Truth.” Letʼs read Ephesians 5:25-26 Husbands love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. 26. So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word. So, as we study and meditate on Godʼs Word, we are being washed clean, and the Word is weaving our garment of glory. In I John 3, verses 2 and 3John says “Beloved, we are (even here and) now Godʼs children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be (hereafter), but we know that when He comes and is manifested, we shall (as Godʼs children) resemble and be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He really is.) 3. And everyone who has this hope (resting) on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless). The weaving of our garment is very important. There are many scriptures that talk about our garment. Letʼs look at a few of them; 2nd Corinthians 5:1 - “FOR WE know that if the tent (our body or house) which is our earthly home is destroyed (dissolved), we have from God a building, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens”. We have an eternal spirit - we are a spirit man. 2. Here indeed, in this (present abode, body), we sigh and groan inwardly, because we yearn to be clothed over (we yearn to put on our celestial body like a garment, to be fitted out) with our heavenly dwelling. 3. So that by putting it on we may not be found naked (without a body). PSALMS 104:2 - AMP. (You are The One) Who covers yourself with light as with a garment. On the negative side - David is talking about his enemies in Psalms 109:17 and 18 - Yes, he loved cursing, and it came (back) upon him; he delighted not in blessing, and it was far from him. ... See Weaving Our Garment - page 15 2 GLAD TIDINGS AUGUST 2025 Non-denominational Christian Newspaper Sharing the Gospel of Jesus the Christ MAIL P. O. BOX 1116 - DOUGLAS - GA 31534 E- MAIL Editor@GladTidings.news OFFICE PHONE (912) 384- 6896 ADMINISTRATION EDITOR AND PUBLISHER.........Quinnelle McRae VOLUNTEERS CARTOONS/JoyfulToons...................Mike Waters EDITORIAL WRITERS .......... Gary Toole, Peggy Clark, Sara Goldstein, Mark Hankins PROOF READER.. .............................Peggy Clark PHOTOGRAPHY.... ................. Quinnelle McRae ADVERTISING.............................Quinnelle McRae SUBMISSIONS We invite and welcome articles, testimonies, poems, announcements, church news, church histories, recipes or any other inspirational writings. Submissions will not be accepted that exceed 350 words. Publisher assumes no liability for unsolicited art, photographs, manuscripts or other materials. The publisher reserves the right to edit or reject all material which goes against Glad Tidings policy. Glad Tidings will not engage in any controversy and does not endorse any religious expression, viewpoint, opinions or doctrines. The printing of Glad Tidings Newspaper is financed solely through advertisements and contributions. You may contact our office for Ad prices. DATES Glad Tidings is published bi-monthly Publication is the 3rd Tuesday of 1st month Advertising & Editorials due 3 weeks before publication .DISTRIBUTION The print edition of Glad Tidings is distributed Free of Charge in Coffee, Atkinson, Jeff Davis, Telfair, Wheeler, Ben Hill, Irwin, Cook, Bacon, Ware, and Tift counties. All churches are welcome to as many copies as they would like to pass out to their congregation. Call the office telephone number for more information. The digital edition is free and available on-line at www.GladTidings.news GLAD TIDINGS - ALL Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited. © Our Mission at Glad Tidings is to reach as many as possible with the good news of JESUS CHRIST u Please thank our advertisers and volunteers for making possible the sharing of Glad Tidings with you! AUGUST 2025 Sow your Seed into the Good Ground of Glad Tidings Glad Tidings Weaving Our Garment REV. QUINNELLE MCRAE
I have found that the Holy Spirit has a reputation for working with some real losers and making them champions! Smith Wigglesworth, said that with the power of the Holy Spirit, he was a thousand times bigger on the inside than he was on the outside. He said, “The Holy Spirit has power over your intellect and power over your voice. He has the power to magnify Christ in a way you never could without his help.” The Holy Spirit will take what Christ has done for you and translate it into your personal victory (John 16:13-15 AMPC). There is an effective prayer found in Ephesians 3:14-21. Paul prays that God, through the Holy Spirit’s power, “...would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.” The Holy Spirit lives in you, the believer, and supplies strength to the things in your character that may be weak. His assignment is to take all Jesus has done for you and make it a reality in you. Jesus said in John 16:7, “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” The Greek word for Comforter is parakletos. It not only means consolation, sympathy in sorrow or distress, but it includes much more. William Barclay describes the work of the parakletos this way: “The function of the Holy Spirit is to fill a man with the spirit of power and courage; which would make him triumphantly cope with life. The narrowing of the word “comforter” has resulted in the undue narrowing of the work of the Holy Spirit. He is called in to render service; to help in a situation with which a man by himself cannot cope; He will keep a man on his feet when left to himself would collapse. The Holy Spirit enables him to pass the breaking point and not break.” One powerful way the Holy Spirit strengthens and helps us is by making intercession for us. Romans 8:26,27 says, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” P.C. Nelson explains the Greek meaning for that phrase is: “groanings that cannot be uttered in your articulate speech.” The Holy Spirit comes to our aid when we are at a loss as to what to say or how to pray. The Holy Spirit takes a hold together with us when we pray. Rick Renner gives this insight on the Greek meaning of the word “infirmities.” He explains that this is a crippling disease, a mental oppression, a terminal condition, and reoccurring plague, which is incurable. It is as if a person has fallen into a pit with no way of escape. YOU MAY HAVE GIVEN UP, BUT HE NEVER DOES! This is when the Holy Spirit, who is your Helper, your First Responder, gets in the pit with you, makes intercession, and lifts you out of an incurable or hopelessly reoccurring situation. One way to strengthen yourself spiritually is to build yourself up on your most holy faith by praying in the Spirit. The only way you can be defeated is if you are spiritually depleted. Jude 20 says, “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” The New English Bible uses the words, ... See Mark Hankins- Page 14 3 GLAD TIDINGS AUGUST 2025 Glad Tidings “Glad Tidings” was founded by Quinnelle McRae Ministries in August 1987, after graduating from Rhema Bible College in the spring of 1981 and 1986. In the spring of 1992 we began publishing a quarterly newsletter, being mailed free of charge to a list of families, reaching across the United States, including the Navajo reservation and into the countries of Mexico, Africa and France. In the year 1998 the Glad Tidings Newspaper began its publication, replacing the Newsletter. The paper is distributed throughout South Georgia, as well as several prisons and correctional institutions in the local area. The publication has no news stand price and is supported through our advertisers and you! Subscriptions are mailed throughout the United States, France, Africa, Mexico. and other countries. The subscription price for the printed paper is $12.00 per year, which provides for the shipping and handling only. We are also introducing the Newspaper on our website, www.GladTidings.news, free of charge. Glad Tidings is an evangelistic ministry whose heart and mission is to reach as many people as possible with the good news of Jesus Christ, before His return. Quinnelle McRae Ministries. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Glad Tidings, Glad Tidings Newsletter, Glad Tidings Newspaper, GladTidings.news website and logo on front cover are registered trademarks of Quinnelle McRae Ministries. © “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” Isaiah 52:7 (KJV) Farm Insurance Coverage for Your Business Life Insurance Personal Other Insurance Health Insurance Home & Auto Ins Personal & Commercial Insurance Throughout Georgia since 1981 Douglas Location 201 E Ashley Street, Douglas, Ga. 31533 Main office: 912-384-7171 TRINA AND MARK HANKINS THE HOLY SPIRIT: OUR STRENGTHENER
4 GLAD TIDINGS AUGUST 2025 Treasures in Wrinkled Hands - The Hidden Glory of Elderly May 17, 2025 Heaven's Spotlight Is on the SilverHaired Saints "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green." (Psalm 92:12–14 NIV) Precious friends, there's something extraordinary happening in the Kingdom of God that many are missing. While our culture chases after youth and novelty, Heaven's spotlight shines brilliantly on the silver-haired saints, who've walked with Jesus through decades of faithful devotion. Imagine walking into the small Tuesday morning prayer meeting at First Church. Most hurry past the chapel door, unaware of the spiritual giants gathered within. Eight elderly Believers, their bodies bent with age but spirits soaring in heavenly places, have met every week for thirty years. Their prayers have sustained pastors, rescued prodigals, and upheld missionaries in faraway lands. Dear sister Eleanor, now ninetythree, can hardly see the prayer list anymore, but she doesn't need to; she's memorized hundreds of names over the decades. With trembling hands that once built houses, brother Thomas now builds spiritual fortresses through intercession. They've outlived spouses, buried children, and weathered wars and depressions, yet their faith burns brighter than ever. The Lord's heart is incredibly tender toward these weathered warriors of the faith. There is something uniquely precious to Him about those who have remained steadfast through long years of testing, trials, and triumph. They've seen God's faithfulness across generations and carry a weight of glory that cannot be gained through books or Bible college. Are You Rushing Past These Treasures? Many younger Believers rush past these treasures, not recognizing the spiritual giants in their midst. They fail to sit at the feet of those whose walk with God has spanned decades. What wisdom remains untapped, what stories of divine intervention go unheard, and what prayers go unoffered because we haven't valued these precious vessels? What about the elderly saint living in the nursing home who can barely speak anymore? Her spirit communes with God in ways that theological scholars would envy. Or how about that widower who slowly makes his way to the back pew each Sunday? Angels stand at attention when he prays, for he's learned to partner with Heaven through years of intimate communion. Look at their hands... wrinkled, spotted with age, and perhaps twisted with arthritis. These are hands that have been lifted in surrender thousands of times— hands that have wiped away the tears of the broken, turned countless Bible pages worn thin with use, and remained steadfast when holding onto faith was all they could do. Heaven sees. Heaven knows. Heaven celebrates what many on earth overlook. When a twenty-five-year-old evangelist preaches a fiery sermon, people applaud. But when eighty-five-year-old sister Martha whispers "Jesus is faithful" after burying her husband of sixty years, Heaven itself falls silent in reverence at such profound faith. The Lord is speaking to many about honoring these treasures in your midst. Call them, visit them, sit at their feet, and ask about their journey with Jesus. Record their stories. Glean from their wisdom. Serve them with joy, knowing you're serving Christ Himself. You Are Not Forgotten For those elderly saints reading this, beloved, you are not forgotten. Your Father sees your continued faithfulness. What seems like a diminishing of your usefulness in man's eyes is a ripening in God's sight. Your prayers still shake the heavens. Your worship still brings joy to the Father's heart. The fruit of your long obedience continues to multiply in ways you cannot see from earth's vantage point. You are not benched. You are positioned on the front lines of spiritual battle, for your prayers carry the weight of decades of faith and testing. The enemy trembles more at the whispered prayers of a faithful ninety-year-old saint than at many a loud declaration from those still untested by time. "With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding." (Job 12:12 KJV) These are the silver-crowned saints whose journey with Jesus began in a different era—souls who carry wisdom that can't be found in books or Bible college classes. Recovering the Sacred Bond Between Generations Have you noticed them? They sit quietly in church pews, rock gently on forgotten porches, and gaze out windows in nursing homes. Many rush past these living libraries, eyes fixed on screens and busy schedules, not realizing what they're missing. When you pause your hurried life to kneel beside an elderly Believer, Heaven takes notice. These precious ones have traversed valleys so deep many wouldn't have survived and scaled mountains of adversity that seemed impossible to climb. They've emerged with a quiet radiance that only comes from decades of walking hand-inhand with the sweet Master. I sense the Lord calling many to recover the sacred bond between generations that once formed the backbone of a godly heritage. When you sit side by side with an aged saint, something supernatural happens. Their weathered voice may quaver, but their words carry the weight of tested truth. Those trembling fingers that struggle to turn Bible pages have lifted countless burdens in prayer. The lines mapping their faces aren't merely signs of aging but sacred geography, marking journeys of surrender and triumph. The inheritance they offer can't be purchased or downloaded; it must be received heart-to-heart, soul-to-soul. Revealing Facets of God's Faithfulness Have you ever noticed how our older saints often circle back to the same stories? Their memories may seem worn with retelling, but listen with fresh ears each time. Every repetition reveals new facets of God's faithfulness. Behind their storytelling lives, a deeper yearning to know someone still values what they've lived and learned. (Photo via Unsplash) Your attentive presence becomes a crown of honor placed upon their heads, restoring dignity where our youth-obsessed culture has often stripped it away. Scripture promises that divine blessing flows through our lives in extraordinary ways when we honor what God honors. The Father's heart beats with special tenderness when He sees generations linking arms in an authentic community. He delights when young disciples honor the road-worn pilgrims and when seasoned saints pour oil of blessing upon eager hearts just beginning their journey. Responding to the Heavenly Invitation Will you respond to this heavenly invitation? Could you set aside an afternoon this week to sit with someone whose decades with Jesus have crafted a masterpiece of faithful living? As they share, the tears that spring to your eyes may be the holiest water that touches your face—sacred droplets that baptize you into a deeper understanding of enduring love. Capture these sacred moments while you can. Record their testimonies. Journal their insights. One day, these treasures will become your most precious legacy to pass forward. As your own hair silvers with time, you'll understand with stunning clarity the gift your presence was to them. I hear the Spirit whispering that many of you reading this have felt an urging to connect with specific elderly saints, but busyness has crowded out these divine appointments. Don't delay any longer. Someone is waiting for you to notice the treasure they still are. For when we honor these living treasures among us, we bow before the Ancient of Days Himself, who has carried them through every season and now offers their wisdom as a priceless gift to those with ears to hear. Let us pray: Father, open our eyes to see the treasures in wrinkled hands that You've placed in our midst. Forgive us for valuing flash over faithfulness and novelty over the tested nobility of those who've walked with You for decades. Teach us to honor these saints, to learn from them while we can, and to support them in their continued ministry of prayer and presence. And for our elderly saints, renew their strength like the eagles, comfort their hearts, and help them finish their race with joy, knowing their reward is great in glory. Amen. u Permission Granted/Elijah List Steve Porter Refuge Ministries Email: G524walk@yahoo.com Website: www.findrefuge.tv STEVE PORTER Rochester, NY
GLAD TIDINGS 5 AUGUST 2025 A Season to Soar on Wings of Prayer & Praise A Dream of Parachutes There is a clarion call from Heaven for us to stay and abide in the heavenly places where we have been raised with Christ Jesus. In times of distractions and attempts by the enemy to take us from God's secret place, the word of the Lord is to stay the course and abide in His presence, for this is our place of victory and dominion. Fairly recently, the Lord gave me a dream to highlight this message. In the dream I was in a helicopter, and several others were in their helicopters too. We were on our way to a designated spiritual assignment. Suddenly our helicopters stopped in midair, and we were told to come out and make our way to our destination that was still several miles away. We were shocked and asked why we were being told to get off our aircrafts in midair and not wait till we landed on the ground to leave the aircraft as was the normal practice for flights. The answer from our pilot, or flight attendant, was that we all needed to make our journey to our destination on the parachutes we would be given. We were not to walk on ground to our destination but soar with the parachutes till we got to where we needed to be. Each of us were then given parachutes and pushed out of the helicopters to continue our journey. In the dream I noticed that some of us had good parachutes that helped us soar quickly to where we needed to be, but others had faulty parachutes that wouldn't open or fly properly. Some people with the faulty parachutes landed quickly on the ground but far away, miles from where they needed to be. Those individuals started making their way to the destination by walking. As they walked, I saw many distractions and interruptions on their path. It was clear that the reason why we were given the instructions to soar instead of walk to our destination was to avoid these ground-level distractions and interruptions. I woke up and received the following revelations regarding the dream: Soar on the Wings of Praise and Prayer This is a season to soar on wings of praise and prayer. Praise allows us to see from Heaven's perspective. We are called to see from Heaven's perspective so as not to be distracted or dismayed by difficult earthly perspectives. An encouraging testimony of operating in the spirit of praise in the midst of earthly difficulties happened last year when I was invited to speak at a church that I knew was going through many difficult circumstances. In particular, they were unable to pay off their hugely expensive building mortgage, and they were under serious threat of losing their building. As I started to minister at the church, the Lord led me to sing almost throughout the whole service. As I sang these Heaven-inspired songs, I received downloads of words of knowledge that released many physical healings to the sick. I also received words of prophetic strategies of favor for the church building. Recently, I heard from the pastor that the very impossible situation had been resolved. They had received supernatural favor from the building owner (just as I prophesied as I ministered in praise), and they are no longer losing their church building! I believe victory was released to that church as I led them to soar on the wings of prayer and praise. Faith to Fly Secondly, the difference between the good and faulty parachutes is faith. In my dream, faith was the ingredient that caused the parachutes to fly properly. Some immediately believed they could fly and began to soar. Those who doubted saw their parachutes collapse. I encourage you to keep your shields of faith up and not doubt. I hear in my spirit, "Faith will cause you to encounter the goodness of God." Our faith is the ingredient that empowers our prayer and praise, which is what accelerates us to our intended destination by God. In my dream, the faulty parachutes were also symbolic of false beliefs and lies of the enemy that some have believed. A strategy of the enemy is to cause interruptions to our God-ordained destinies by getting us to believe the lies spoken to us. I encourage you to put on your armor and guard your loins with truth (Ephesians 6:14). (Photo via Pexels) This is the word of the Lord for those with faulty parachutes: "Even those with faulty parachutes, for the reasons given in this word, are not to despair but to put on hope and faith, because as faith ignites their hearts, they will begin to soar again." I sense the Lord's encouragement to the ones with the faulty parachutes through these words, "Don't despair; you will yet again fly as you lift up faith-filled prayers and praise." As your faith soars, interruptions and delays will give way for you to enter into your destination intended by God. Today, I pray for a release of faith-filled prayers and praise to rise from within our hearts so that we can soar and fly without hindrances. Beloved, it's your season to fly! u Ella Onakoya Harvest of the Nations Email: ella_koya@hotmail.com \www.harvestofthenations.com ELLA ONAKOYA London, United Kingdom THE ALABASTER BOX The story of the alabaster box in Luke 7:36-50 illustrates the power of faith, humility, and redemption. When Jesus accepts an invitation to dine at a Pharisee’s house, a woman known for her sinful past boldly enters, carrying an alabaster container of costly ointment. Undeterred by societal expectations, she kneels before Him, her tears falling as she wipes His feet with her hair. A profound display of worship and gratitude. As she anoints Him, the fragrance fills the room, symbolizing the depth of her love and devotion. Simon the Pharisee, watching the scene unfold, internally questions Jesus’ identity, believing that he wouldn’t allow such a woman to touch Him if He were truly a prophet. Perceiving Simon’s thoughts, Jesus responds with a parable, teaching that those forgiven much love much in return. He highlights how Simon failed to offer simple hospitality, while the woman expressed sincere reverence. Her willingness to pour out something so valuable reflects her understanding that Jesus alone was worthy of such an offering. Jesus then assures the woman that her sins are forgiven, demonstrating His divine authority to grant redemption to all who seek Him. Though some present question His power to forgive, His declaration affirms that salvation is available to anyone, no matter their past. Her unwavering faith in Christ brings her peace, freeing her from judgment and the need for human approval. Like many biblical stories, this passage offers deeper meaning upon reflection - beyond mere redemption, it is a testimony of love, humility, and faith. It reminds us that no sin is too great for forgiveness and that true love is the natural response to God’s grace. u Your Sister in Christ, Diana Youngblood Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Follow us on Face Book at Pentecostal Fellowship Center 1065 Kings Estate Rd., St. Augustine, FL 32086 CATHOLIC GAS? Sister Mary, who worked for a home health agency, was out making her rounds visiting homebound patients when she ran out of gas. As luck would have it, a gas station was just a block away. She walked to the station to borrow a gas can and buy some gas. The attendant told her that the only gas can he owned had been lent out, but she could wait until it was returned. Since the nun was on the way to see a patient, she decided not to wait and walked back to her car. She looked for something in her car that she could fill with gas and spotted the bedpan she was taking to the patient Always resourceful, she carried the bedpan to the station, filled it with gas, and carried the full bedpan back to her car. As she was pouring the gas into her tank, two men watched from across the street. One of the them turned to the other and said, "If it starts, I'm turning Catholic." Author Unknown
Psalm 100:2 When you look around at people today, you see many long faces with sour expressions on their faces. Some of the most popular topics of conversation are the high price of gasoline, the high price of food and the recession. Lots of folks are talking about the problems we are facing in the world. Problems, problems, problems. Sometimes people don’t really do any research to find out if the supposed problems are valid or not. More than likely they heard these “facts” on the daily news report on their favorite TV news channel. Are these “facts” true? I always heard, “Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.” There’s a lot of wisdom in that saying. Things are not always as they appear. On the other hand, God’s Word is truth. We can judge everything we see or hear by the Word of God. Facts are subject to change, conditions in the world, conditions in your body, conditions in your family, the economy -- all of those things are subject to change but the Word of God can never change. Because of this truth, we can use the Word of God as our final authority. Knowing we have distinct guidelines for our life decisions makes living more enjoyable and much less stressful. God knew what He was doing when He gave us the Bible to live by. He said if we live by His Word, we would make our way prosperous and successful. (Joshua 1:8) Knowing this, why would we want to be sad, depressed or gloomy? Knowing we can live a prosperous, healthy, successful life should help us be happy, joyful and stress free. Knowing God is on our side will enable us to serve Him with gladness all the days of our life. Most of us take things much too seriously like we are responsible for everything that happens in the whole universe. Actually, I am just the believer; God is the performer. Jeremiah 1:12 says God watches over His word to perform it. So my job is to speak God’s Word so He can perform it on my behalf. That makes me very glad. I have the easy job. I read, meditate and learn God’s Word, the Bible, so I can speak it daily and watch God do all the work of making it create things just like He did in the beginning. Did you know that God is still creating things every day? That’s His nature. He can’t help but create things. Every time He speaks, He creates whatever it was that He said. His words are alive and full of creative power. That makes me glad, too. I love serving a God who is powerful and creative. The best thing about serving God is He loves me and He appreciates everything I do for Him. He really appreciates my praise and worship and He loves hearing my voice when I pray. I can just imagine Him saying, “That’s my girl!” Why wouldn’t I want to serve a God like that with gladness? Hebrews 11:6 says, “…He that cometh to God must believe He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” He is a rewarder. He is good. He loves us. That’s good news, isn’t it? If God be for me, who can be against me? (Romans 8:31) I want to live my life on God’s side and I want Him to be on my side. I choose this day to serve the Lord with gladness and watch Him make all things work together for my good because I love Him and I am called according to His purpose. u AUGUST 2025 GLAD TIDINGS MARRIAGE FROM HEAVEN AN INTERNET CONNECTION by CHRISTIAN AUTHOR PEGGY ROTH CLARK Publisher Zulon Press One Christian Widow and One Christian Widower’s parallel Journey of Faith A true testimony of Godʼs faithfulness Can Be Purchased: Christian Book Stores Amazon.com & Barnes & Noble.com Author: prclark7@gmail.com Delightful and Inspiring! Tomorrow’s Best Seller Today! 6 Serve the Lord With Gladness PEGGY CLARK PEARL RIVER, LA It's like God built this miracle into me ahead of time," Billy shares. But the miracle went far beyond the physical. Billy describes his near-death experience as a journey into God's presence, an encounter that left him forever changed. "He wants us to be in His presence. He wants to speak to you," Billy says. Faith in Fear Through their story, Billy and Isabella want others to know that God is absolutely real, His love is powerful, and that He brings peace even in the middle of chaos. "Faith doesn't mean you don't feel fear," Isabella shares. "But even in fear, you can know His peace." Billy's testimony is a reminder that God is always working, even when we can't see it, and that His love is a transformative force in our lives. "The war is won," Billy declares. "He's inviting us into His love." u MIRACLES - Con’t LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK YOUR CAR! STOP – LOOK – LOCK LOOKBEFORE YOU LOCK YOUR CAR! STOP – LOOK – LOCK Never leave children or pets in unattended vehicles during hot summer days. More than 1,010 children have died of heatstroke, because they were left or became trapped in a hot car over the past 25 years. A child's body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult's. When a child is left in a vehicle, that child's temperature can rise quickly. Temperatures inside your car can rise 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes of turning the engine off.
PRAYER One evening in 2004, the Lord had me reading Psalm 141. While there is a great deal of wealth in this entire chapter, verse 2 seemed to be the one which captivated me. It reads, "May my prayer be counted as incense before Thee." What a precious thought. I had heard this verse referred to many times. Each time I had pictured my Lord taking this long, deep breath to enjoy the aroma of my prayers. What mental picture do you get when you hear this verse? In that moment, I was thinking about the fact that I do not pray nearly enough. It then dawned on me that I may learn more about prayer by studying the burning of incense in the Old Testament temple. You may be thinking...not another teaching on prayer, aargh! I too become exhausted by hearing the same messages multiple times with no fresh manna in them. Believe me, I would not write this if I did not consider it fresh manna. Well, let me say this...it was fresh to me; therefore, I took the chance it may be to at least one of you. So, let's reflect on prayer. Most of us love to talk. When we are around other people, we have no problem interjecting into the conversation. We rarely run out of things to say. Just driving to the store is an adventure in the art of conversation when so many of the drivers we pass are talking on a cell phone. We obviously talk too much when the government says cell phones are a road hazard that needs regulation. Indeed, we have no trouble talking! Yet, many times, it becomes a chore to talk with God. Why is that? We cannot say it is because we cannot see Him. We cannot see the person on the other end of our phone conversation either. Maybe it is because we do not feel He talks back. I have thought to myself before that if I would shut up talking and listen more, He might have something to say. It seems as if it is almost inconvenient to take time to talk with Him daily. How sad and fearful that we might consider our Savior inconvenient. I have learned a more casual approach, by including Him in my everyday tasks. For example, I talk with Him about cleaning the house, while I am cleaning the house. This approach; however, can be risky if we become too casual with the Lord. We can lose respect for His Holiness. He is my Friend, but He absolutely is Ruler of the Universe, as well. So, what can we do to help our way of thinking about prayer? Foremost, I believe I must consistently remind myself that God is never fully discovered by me. I am so finite, and He so infinite, I can never discover all there is to be discovered of Him. This is especially true if I do not converse with Him. We are commanded by Jesus in Matthew 6:33a, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” I cannot separate Christ from His righteousness. I have also learned God does not respond to or deal with any two of us the same way. He created us to be individuals; therefore, He treats us as such. For example, Jesus never healed any two people afflicted with blindness the same way. He laid hands on one who received a gradual healing. For another He made mud packs for his eyes, then he had him go wash. Knowing this helps me understand the Lord is unlimited in what He has for us and even in His teaching us to pray. Just look at the Lord's prayer. There are many differing ideas people have had about it. We all see things differently. I do not believe He minds as long as it is within His Will. Now, back to incense. We already know Psalm 141:2 refers to prayer as incense. The book of Revelation 5:8 shows us the 24 elders in Heaven. Each has a golden bowl full of incense. It then tells us that the incense is the prayers of the saints. Obviously, no matter how difficult, our prayers are very important to the Lord. In fact, in Revelation 8:3-4, a significant event occurs. Our prayers are on the altar before the throne, and an angel comes and adds incense to them. I believe this incense is the Intercessor Jesus' prayers. Regardless, our prayers are so important and sweet to the Lord, He Himself adds to them. Let's look at one more verse so we can settle in our minds that prayer and incense parallel in their significance. In Luke 1, Zacharias is told by an angel of the Lord his wife will conceive and bear John the Baptist. This angelic visitation occurred during the time of the burning of incense. Note in verse 11, "the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering." You see, to Israel, the burning of the incense was symbolic of their prayers. Now, to the O.T. burning of incense. In Exodus 30, God gives Moses the Law for the burning of incense. I am not going to go into all the symbolism here, but just know it was to be burned on an exquisite altar (vv.1-5) in front of the veil (v.6). If you do not know, behind the veil was where the Ark of the Covenant with the Mercy Seat remained. There God actually met with the High Priest. His presence continually remained there. The alter of incense was the last thing the priest passed before entering the presence of the Almighty. We cannot enter the presence of our Holy God without prayer. Oh yes, there may be sovereign times when He will show up uninvited, but these are rare. He desires fellowship with us, but it must include conversation. That draws Him to us, and us to Him. This incense was to be burned upon that alter "every morning, when dressing the lamps" (v.7) and when "Aaron lights the lamps at twilight" (v.8). I learn from this that prayer not only lights me up to shine for Jesus, but is the very preparation (dressing, trimming) time for me to be able to do so. Verse 8 also teaches us prayer is to be perpetual as was the burning of incense. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 is a familiar verse to most of us, "pray without ceasing". I know this seems impossible in natural thinking. What this means to me is I must never "hang up the phone" on Jesus. I must always have an open line of communication. He must remain in the forefront of my mind day and night. I must meditate on Him and His Word, day and night (Ps. 1). I must never forget Whose I am. I must listen to Him always and be sensitive to the unction of the Spirit who guides my steps and guards my heart daily. I must be willing to forgive in the twinkling of an eye. Yes, forgive. The Lord’s prayer includes, “forgive my debts as I forgive my debtors.” I must have my mind set and my heart turned toward Him at all times. To me, this is perpetual burning of incense. This entire teaching came out of my openness to His leading me to read Psalm 141 that evening in 2004. I cannot; however, let these chats throughout my day diminish my need to find a time to dialogue with Him when the focus is solely on Him! Let's step away from Exodus 30 for a time and look at Leviticus 16:12-13. These verses explain what priestly duty Zacharias was performing when he was told of the coming birth of John the Baptist. The priest would go behind the veil with a censor of coals from the alter of incense and having his hands full of beaten incense. He would then put the incense on the coals. This would create a cloud of the incense that covered the Mercy Seat so the priest would not die. We must understand the significance of the incense having been beaten. Prayer must be a part of everyday life, but the prayers of a broken saint are even more precious to the Lord. Can you imagine how much the prayers of Job meant to God after he had lost everything in contrast to before. God enjoys our conversation at any time, but our love is proven when we pray despite difficulties coming against us. It shows we will not turn our backs on God for any reason. ... See PRAYER- Page 16 GLAD TIDINGS 7 AUGUST 2025 Signs of Life from The King's Highway Evangelistic Ministries SARA GOLDSTEIN
DLTK's Bible Activities for Kids by Sharla Guenther Psalm 23 is one of the more famous psalms written by David the King. This was the same David who took down Goliath with a slingshot and some smooth stones. David was now King but he was also a musician and liked to write poems and songs. This particular psalm is about God being his Shepherd-King. Keep in mind that David used to be a shepherd. He remembers how he lead and cared for a herd of sheep. At first thought a King and a Shepherd are very different. When I think about a King I think of a royal crown, a large castle, servants, large fancy meals and a beautiful Queen. When I think of a shepherd I think of a servant who works in the fields with raggedy old clothes and a small bag lunch. There is also something that a Shepherd and a King have in common too. They both take care of something. A King is supposed to look after and protect the kingdom of people under him and a Shepherd looks after and protects his herd of sheep. A King might have fancier stuff than a shepherd but they both have an important job. David might compare God to a shepherd because sometimes when we think of kings we think of someone snobby, who thinks he's way more important than us and he couldn't possibly know each person in his kingdom. A shepherd on the other hand seems like a regular person that works hard and takes care and loves each of his sheep. We wouldn't be afraid to talk to a shepherd and could just be ourselves around him. David knows that God isn't like the kings on earth so he compares Him to a loving shepherd taking care of his people so we can get a better picture of what God is like. So, throughout this chapter even though David is talking about himself as a sheep. I think it was meant for us to read and see ourselves as the sheep and God as our shepherd. After thinking about a shepherd I thought about sheep and how they completely rely on the shepherd for food, shelter and safety. Just like we need to rely on God. You might think that your parents provide all this for you but your parents rely and trust in God to give them a job, money and blessings so they can give you what you need. Another important point is that sheep don't know as much as a shepherd. If you really think about it sheep are pretty dumb compared to a shepherd. Compared to God we don't know too much either! God knows our future, He made us and the whole world. The first part of the psalm David talks about God being his shepherd and he is the sheep. The shepherd makes sure his sheep has everything he needs like nice green grass and clean water. God gives him peace and rest because he can trust Him. God keeps him on the good path. Even when there's rough times he doesn't have to be afraid. God is always with him and He can make him feel better when he needs it. Then David talks about a banquet that God the King would prepare. There were lots of important, fancy banquets for kings and since David was a king he was thinking how God would treat him. (I don't think David is still referring to himself as a sheep). God would prepare a banquet for David and protect him from his enemies. He would treat David like a royal guest and anoint him. In those days people would get anointed to become king or if they were recognized as being someone special. David was trying to say that even though he was King, God recognized him as more than a king but as someone even more special to Him. David ends by saying that he will continually be blessed by God with lots of goodness and love and he is looking forward to living with God forever. God is our Shepherd-King and we are his sheep. God is guiding us, protecting us and He loves us. We don't know as much as God does so we have to trust Him. u King’s Kids A Featurette of Glad Tidings - A Non-Denominational Christian Newspaper 8 GLAD TIDINGS AUGUST 2025 Psalm 23 Good Enough by Belinda van Rensburg God wants me to be myself For He created me this way, And since God made me who I am, Myself I'm quite content to stay. In His eyes I'm good enough - It matters not what others say; I need not act as if I'm tough, Or copy other children's ways. God doesn't care if I'm not cool - If I'm not stronger; thinner; In His hands I am a tool To reach out to another sinner. Though I am still young and small In Jesus Christ I'm strong and tall; So when people look at me May it be God's own Son they see. Anointing of David: This coloring page depicts the significant moment when the prophet Samuel anoints David as the future king of Israel. Samuel, guided by God, pours oil over David's head, symbolizing God's choice of David as the next king. The onlookers, including David's brothers, watch in awe as David stands humbly, accepting God's plan for his life. This moment marks the beginning of David's divine journey.
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