Entries by j_massey

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Catherine Booth

Catherine Booth (1829-1890), the Mother of The Salvation Army and wife of William Booth, talks about achieving true peace, how our hearts can be made perfect, and what a Christian can learn from one of Napoleon’s soldiers.*
None of our hearts are born perfect by nature, but they can be renewed to be made perfect. For this, first, a heart must be loyal to God. It should be thoroughly given to Him, irrespective of consequences. Second, a heart must be obedient. A perfect heart does not pick and choose which commandments to obey. Hearts that do so are partial, not perfect. Third, at the root of all perfect hearts, is trust. Look no further than Abraham to see a heart perfect in its trust. Abraham believed God almost to the blood of his son Isaac, and God showed Himself strong in his behalf.
Our charity must be divine and focused on the soul. Sentiments of pity and acts of generosity towards man is sometimes done all without a spark of divinity in one’s heart. Or worse, it may be simply ..

March 21, 2019 by
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Taking the Lead

Women assume the role of president at prestigious Christian colleges around the country. by Retta Blaney
With a sense that they have been called, and with an appreciation for the groundbreaking role they are assuming, women have been taking over the leadership of Christian colleges and universities in slowly increasing numbers. Religious schools still lag far behind secular institutions in the appointing of female presidents, but the ceiling has been broken in schools across the country that were established in the holiness tradition.
“The idea has been that only one population, gender or ethnicity makes all the decisions,” said Deana L. Porterfield, who in 2014 became the first female president of Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary in Rochester, N.Y. “We’re better when we’re diverse. I do believe it’s what God’s calling us to do. Full representation is important if you really believe all are made in the image of God.”
While being the first woman president is an hono..

March 21, 2019 by
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10 ways to spread positivity in 2019

In a time when negativity surrounds us, it’s important to spread positivity and be the light for others who are struggling. These are some simple ways to do so in 2019:
1. Use social media for good Social media is a go-to time filler for many people. And while it helps bring us together, it also has broken many apart through messages of hate and negativity. Take the initiative to use social media for good — to spread uplifting stories, bring attention to charitable fundraisers and share messages of hope when people may need it the most.
2. Be available to listen and offer support There are times when all a person needs is to have someone there to listen. Be a listening ear for others to vent their frustrations and worries by motivating, encouraging and helping them through their difficult times.
3. Partake in random acts of kindness Challenge yourself to brighten the days of others with random acts of kindness each day — whether that’s paying for coffee for the next person in line a..

January 22, 2019 by