Good News - April 2020

In view of everything that has been going on recently, I have been reading Psalm 91, the protection of the Lord. This Psalm gives me reassurance that God will take care of everything we are facing. In addition, since January, God has placed the word “trust” on my heart. We can “believe” God, but do we TRUST Him? There is a difference. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5. Dr. Mary Drabik , President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary For only the past the twenty years, Mark 8:36 is one verse that has been consistently impactful. As a half centenarian businessman, husband, father and friend, I amconstantly required tomake decisions that affect me and those aroundme. This causesme to bemindful and aware about the choices I make. This verse has helped me simplify the process by reminding me that, if I were to gain the whole world, yet in doing so, forfeit my soul, I would have actually gained absolutely nothing. The best Gift in life is actually free so like the song says, “You can have all this world, just give me Jesus” Dr. Michael Rozenblum , Genesis Physical Medicine The Bible verses which has recently impacted me is from Philippians 4:4- 7. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonable- ness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests bemade known toGod.And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” With the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus and all the reactions, it’s easy to get caught up in the fear and hysteria. However, these verses giveme com- fort and peace knowing the Lord is in control. It reminds me to be smart and reasonable about the proper way to deal with these health concerns. But I will not fret or be anxious because my trust is in Jesus Christ, who commands us to pray to Himwith all our requests. Praise God for His deep love and care for us always. Milan Stefanovic , Chief Operating Officer, Bass Underwriters, Inc. My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 37:25, which says, “ I have been young, and now amold, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed beg- ging bread.” This Bible verse has impacted my life in a very positive way, in that, it has given me the absolute assurance that God would never forsake me, my family and the body of Christ. O’Neal Dozier , Pastor, The Worldwide Christian Center My favorite all time verses in the Bible are the 23rd Psalm. I know it is not just a verse, but it is my go-to all times of my life. I memorized it in 3rd grade (KJ version) and have recited it before a test, during labor, death of a loved one, and often when I need comfort. The words remind me to seek, rest, and rely on Him throughout my life. Patricia Colangelo , EdS, Director of Operations – Florida, Trinity International University The Bible verse that God reminds me of over and over again is: “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you is faithful to see it through until completion!!” Philippians 1:6 God is soooo Faithful, He is a ‘promise keeper.’ My walk with Christ is not about a destination, it is about the journey. He is such a good, good Father. “Better is one day in His courts than a thousand elsewhere.” I cannot imagine life without Jesus!! Coach Rick Andreassen , Founder and President, SAINTS International Sports Ministry and SAINTS Homeschool P.E. I try and pick a Bible verse every year to be a “theme” for the year. This year I chose 1 Thessalonians 5:17, which is only two words...”Pray Con- stantly.” Since prayers are the only way we can talk to God, we need to be praying all the time. Youmight think that is impossible, and surely it is. However, I have interpreted it tomean you need to pray whenever you think about some- one or something that has a need, a praise or a request. Don’t just tell someone you will pray for them and walk away, pray right then and right there! You will be amazed at the impact that has on the person or issue you are praying for. So Pray Constantly! Romney C. Rogers , Managing Partner, Rogers Morris & Ziegler Llp I’ve recently taken up trying to learn fly fishing so this verse from the King James (though taken out of context) spoke tome: Exodus 8:5 “And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say untoAaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds…” Samuel Lamerson, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies, Knox Theological Seminary In early January, I prayed for God to giveme a word for the year. The word I heard was Wisdom. Ironically, or God reminding me to stay faithful to what He has been saying to me for many tears, the verse that came to mind for this is Matthew 10:16, a verse I have tried to live out for my entire walk as a be- liever. “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in themidst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. In these unique days, this is how I will strive to live - Wise as a serpent and Innocent as a dove!” Thomas L. Lukasik , Vice President, Community Engagement, 4KIDS “The name of the L ORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 Yes, “You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble”… . Psalm 32:7 Many scriptures tell us of God’s love and protection for each of us. During hard times we need to reach out in prayer and know that the Lord is our hiding and healing place. Virlee “Vee” Stepelton , Ministry Advocate Wants to Know… Patricia Colangelo Coach Rick Andreassen Romney C. Rogers Samuel Lamerson Thomas L. Lukasik Virlee “Vee” S. Stepelton