January 31, 2026: Driving Near The Cops

It’s surprising how our driving changes when there is a police car nearby.  We get all nervous and quickly focus on obeying all the traffic laws, especially if they are behind us!  Laugh all you want but YOU do it too.  We tell our kids to be, “on their best behavior” when it is important, but we can also be found telling ourselves the same thing in certain situations.  Our conduct is sometimes significantly different at home than it is at church or in a court room.  That’s just the way it is.  Why is that?

It is because there are possible consequences for good or bad behavior when someone in authority is present.  When there is no police car nearby, we often feel free to drive the way we want rather than to what the law instructs.  A lie or course joke might feel appropriate when you are out with your friends, but not at work, in the principal’s office or in the presence of a minister.  Are these things ok when it seems ok?  Are there situations when it IS proper, when there is no authority present to reprimand us?

Nope, we just think that it is, or at least rationalize that it is.  I have heard it referred to as, “situational ethics.”  I’ll behave when circumstances dictate it, but otherwise…  The truth is circumstances always dictate good behavior, both in thoughts and actions.  God is always there and sees and remembers everything.  Like it or not, He is the cop car that is ALWAYS behind us.  We just seem to forget that He is the present authority that we need to respect.  Either that or we don’t recognize Him as an authority at all.  Ouch.

We often fear when a state trooper is following us, but we sure would want one close if we were a victim of a crime!  In reality, law enforcement exists to protect us from ourselves and from  others.  It is a good thing.  The same is true of God.  We want Him close when we need Him, but when we don’t think we need Him, we want to do our own thing.  It doesn’t work both ways.  We know that the traffic laws are in place for our best interests whether we WANT to obey them or not.  So it is with God’s law.  We may get away with breaking some of the traffic laws, but with God’s laws…  Something to think about…  

Speaking of which: “What am I supposed to do with this?” grumbled the motorist as the police clerk handed him a receipt for his traffic violation.  “Keep it,” the clerk advises. “When you get four of them, you get a bicycle.”  There was a man who entered a local paper's pun contest.  He sent in ten different puns, in the hope that at least one of the puns would win.  Unfortunately, no pun in ten did.

God is a reality, no joke.  Come and meet Him, really! Impact Church is at 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (Across from Kwikfill Mkt.)  Services are Sun. at 10:30 am.  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!              

JANUARY 24, 2026: Altruism

Let me ask you: Does it bother you to see someone suffering? How about viewing the starving children shown on television? When someone next door or in the community needs a helping hand, do you lend one, or at least think about it? I would bet that at least some of the time, the answer is yes. What if you saw someone drowning? How about a child? I would like to believe that all of us would want to do something! Why is that? Is it because we are told that it is the right thing to do…or is there some inherent motivation inside of us that is part of who we are?  The word for this internal inspiration is altruism. Webster’s dictionary defines this as, “Unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others. “A scientific viewpoint states, “Behavior by an animal that is not beneficial to or may be harmful to itself but that benefits others of the species.” Even those that believe that we have somehow evolved into what we are now, acknowledge the reality of altruism. So, if we are a product of, “Survival of the fittest” then why does a soldier dive on a grenade, sacrificing his life for others? Shouldn’t he care only of his own survival?  This doesn’t make sense, does it?  How about this…

The Bible tells us that we are made in God’s image, and that altruism is part of God’s nature. As man walked away from God, (sinned) we became separated from Him and His desires for us.  God saw a need for altruism for mankind. He made a sacrifice for us or, “an unselfish regard for our welfare.” He sacrificed His own Son so that we might again be in right standing with Him and have a future in Heaven after leaving this Earth. Jesus, “fell on the grenade” for you. Have you taken advantage of His act of altruism? Will you? Something to think about…

Here are some questions to ponder:  Can you cry underwater?  How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of murdered?  Since bread is square, why is so much lunch meat round?  Why do you have to put, “your two cents in”, but it’s only, “a penny for your thoughts?”  Where is the extra penny going to?  What did, “Cured Ham” actually have, and do I still want to eat it?  Why is it that people say that they, “Slept like a baby” when babies wake up like every two hours? If man, “evolved” from monkeys, why are there still monkeys?  What if there we no hypothetical questions?  Think about it…

Strange things are happening in our world.  Isn’t it time to get connected to the one in control of it all?  He wants you to. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton. Each Sunday, the service starts at 10:30 It’s friendly and free. Visit www.impactministries.life to see what we are about. Until next time, look up and smile!  

JANUARY 17, 2026: Amish Grace

Do you remember the Nickel Mines school tragedy?   In October of 2006, before killing himself, a man for seemingly no reason, shot 10 Amish girls in their schoolhouse. Five died and five survived.  How would you feel if you were closely, or even superficially involved?  What would you do, or want to do?  Do you remember the response from the Amish community?  Here is some amazing information I’ve gathered.

In the hours after the massacre, as Amish parents still waited in a nearby barn for word about whether their daughters had survived, an Amish man named Henry arrived at the shooter’s parent’s home with a message: The families did not see the couple as an enemy. Rather, they saw them as parents who were grieving the loss of their child, too. Henry put his hand on the shoulder of the shooter’s father and called him a friend.

On the day of the killings, members of the Nickel Mines Amish community took food to the shooter’s widow, (the day of the shooting!). Six days after the shooting, families who had just buried their daughters attended his funeral. Money from funds that poured in from around the world was diverted to the killer’s family, even though many victims faced huge medical bills.

But the Amish did more than forgive.  They embraced them as part of their community. When Teri Roberts, (the shooter’s mother) underwent treatment for Stage 4 breast cancer in December, one of the girls who survived the massacre helped clean her home before she returned from the hospital. A large yellow bus arrived at her home around Christmas, and Amish children piled inside to sing her Christmas carols.

HOW or WHY in the world would, (or could?) they do these things!?  It is because it is not from this world that they get their motivation.  This is more than just outrageous, unbelievable forgiveness; it is what God calls grace. It is showing favor to someone who seemingly doesn’t deserve it. The Amish, as believers in Christ understand that.  Why?  Because they, (and all other Christians) have received it for themselves.  Romans 3:23-24 says, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”, yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.”  God says that we all deserve the death penalty, yet instead He died to save us and give His children favor!       

Marie Roberts, widow of the killer wrote an open letter to her Amish neighbors thanking them for their forgiveness, grace, and mercy. She wrote, "Your love for our family has helped to provide the healing we so desperately need. Gifts you've given have touched our hearts in a way no words can describe.” You can receive the indescribable love, healing and forgiveness that YOU need today…if you let Jesus give it to you.  Something to think about…

One day a college professor of Psychology was greeting his new college class.  He stood up in front of the class and said, “Would everyone who thinks he or she is stupid please stand up?”  After a minute or so of silence, a young man stood up. “Well, good morning. So, you actually think you’re a moron?” the professor asked. The kid replied, “No sir, I just didn’t want to see you standing there all by yourself.” P.S.  Students, this is NOT a good way to get good grades! 

Are you skeptical of God?  His people?  Come and let Him prove Himself. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt).  Services are Sun. at 10:30 am.  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!

JANUARY 10, 2026: Don't Ask

Hunting, like fishing is often a game of patience.  Sometimes you catch a whole lot of fish and it almost seems too easy and other times you may not get a single bite. You can ask one deer hunter how they made out and they will tell you that they saw too many deer to count and passed up on several bucks while the next one will say that they, “didn’t see a single tail all day.”  Yet again…sometimes perseverance does pay off.  I can remember many hunts where after rising early, sitting in the cold all morning and returning home for a warm and filling noon-time meal, my hunting companions and myself did not feel particularly motivated to go back out.  “Boy that couch sure looks good!”  Typically, at least one of us was inspired enough to encourage, (guilt?) the others into getting back at it.  Often it was by saying something like, “I never got a deer sitting in my recliner!”  Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

It is awfully easy to let life just go along and pass us by, isn’t it?  We get very comfortable in our routine.  If there was the prospect of something much better than what life offers you now, one that empowers you and shows that you matter, would it be enough to get you, “off the couch” to have a look?  God is real and is there for you right now.  Staying in the easy chair won’t make it happen.  “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deut.4:29).  If you need more to be convinced that it is worth the effort, God gets it.  Many a hunter has only been successful after hours of scouting and research, and there is more than enough evidence out there, (and in your heart?) to be successful in your hunt for God.  Start talking to God.  Read the book of John, (or more) in the Bible and/or talk to someone who knows.  Still, in the end, here’s the deal.

Getting the buck or fish of a lifetime is a great thrill, but it’s importance and impact does not compare to your choice between Heaven and Hell.  I never got a deer sitting in my recliner and you will never get Jesus unless YOU seek Him.  Something to think about…

There is a nine-year-old sitting at his school desk when all of the sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet.  He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened! The boy puts his head down and prays this prayer, “Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now!” He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher.   As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy’s lap.  The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, “Thank you, Lord” The sympathy is wonderful. But the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to Susie.  Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”  Susie whispers back, “I wet my pants once too.”  Let’s be like Susie. 

Strange things are happening in our world.  Isn’t it time to get connected to the one in control of it all?  He wants you to. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton. The service is at 10:30 Check us out at www,impactministries.life  It’s friendly and free.  Until next time, look up and smile!  

JANUARY 03, 2026: Better Days Are Coming

Perhaps you already know, but pearls take years to form and are grown and perfected not by gritty sand, but either by a parasite or, “mantle tissue” that causes the future pearl to form protective layers called, nacre.  The thicker the nacre layer, the better the pearl.  The longer the process, the larger the pearl.  So generally speaking, the best pearls take time.  Good to know I guess, but what’s the point?

The point is that our lives are a lot like this.  Not only do we form protective layers against life’s issues, both physical and spiritual, we hopefully also learn and grow as a result.  “Live and learn” as they say.  The Christian term, sanctification means to grow more like Christ, (“Be holy for I am holy”, Lev. 20, 1 Peter:1).  This is a lifelong process of growth that requires both the pursuit of the believer and the help of The Holy Spirit.  Sometimes it doesn’t feel fun, or fair to be one of God’s pearls, does it?  Yet with our trust in Him AND with His help, over time we build better defenses against life’s parasites and, “grow in Him.” (2Peter 3:18).  In fact, God tells us that we should feel good about difficulties in life.  Really?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James1:2-4).   God knows that if we take the easy route, we will not grow and be more like Him.  Trials and perseverance are good for me!  Do I see it this way?  Am I growing?  Something to think about…

Three engineers and three accountants are traveling by train to a conference. At the station, the three accountants each buy a ticket and watch as the three engineers only buy one ticket. ‟How are three people going to travel on only one ticket?” asks an accountant. ‟Watch and you will see,” answered an engineer. They all board the train. The accountants take their seats but all three engineers cram into a rest room and close the door behind them.  Shortly after the train has departed, the conductor comes around collecting tickets. He knocks on the restroom door and says, ‟Tickets, please!” The door opens just a crack and a single arm emerges with a ticket in hand. The conductor takes it and moves on. The accountants see this and agree it’s a clever idea.  So after the conference, the accountants decide to copy the engineers on the return trip and save some money. They buy one ticket for the return trip. To their astonishment, the engineers don’t buy a ticket at all. ‟How are you going to travel without a ticket?” says one perplexed accountant. ‟Watch and you will see,” answered an engineer. When they board the train all three accountants cram into a restroom and the three engineers cram into another one nearby. The train departs. Shortly afterward, one of the engineers leaves his restroom and walks over to the restroom where the accountants are hiding. He knocks on the door and says, ‟Tickets, please!”

Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton.  Each Sunday, We start at 10:30 (come early and hang!).. It’s friendly and it’s free. Visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!  

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2025: ASYMPTOMATIC

Here is a still relevant re-submission… The novel Corona virus and its consequences don’t seem to be going away any time soon.  Social distancing, mask wearing, and regular washing are almost becoming routine, although I still end up walking back for my mask from time to time!  Most people who get the virus survive it and many don’t even realize that they even had it!  Yet others may show symptoms, get extremely sick and even die.  I guess that if I happen to get it, I hope that I am asymptomatic.  The big issue is that anyone can be contagious, whether there is evidence or not.  Wouldn’t it be nice to have special, “Corona Ray glasses?”  But really, the point here isn’t about the virus.

It’s about being contagious as a Christian.  Unfortunately, someone can be a Christian and not show the symptoms.  I guess that if YOU don’t want to get the, “Jesus” virus, these are the safer people to be around.  However, if you are not an asymptomatic believer, you are far more likely to be a contagious carrier.  Then you will show the symptoms.  “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22,23).  So the question is, are you infected?  Asymptomatic?  Showing symptoms?  Infectious?  Something to think about…

An eccentric philosophy professor gave a one question final exam after a semester dealing with a broad array of topics.  The class was already seated and ready to go when the professor picked up his chair, plopped it on his desk and wrote on the board: “Using everything we have learned this semester, prove that this chair does not exist.”  Fingers flew, erasers erased, notebooks were filled in furious fashion.  Some students wrote many pages in one hour attempting to refute the existence of the chair.  One member of the class, however, was up and finished in less than a minute.  Weeks later when the grades were posted, the rest of the group wondered how he could have gotten an A when he had barely written anything at all.  His answer consisted of two words: “What chair?”

If you don’t think God exists, keep looking, because He is there. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton. Visit www.impactministries.life  Each Sunday, the worship service at 10:30. It’s friendly and it’s free. Until next time, look up and smile!  

SATURDAY, DECEMER 20, 2025: THY WILL

Let’s see.  Some questions have quick and easy answers.  For example, do you like olives, liver, sauerkraut, or black licorice?  How about heavy metal, opera or rap music?  Math?  Horror movies?  President Trump?  Obama?  Usually with these things it’s either yes or no.  For most of them you probably had an answer right away.  Some things aren’t quite so easy.  Perhaps you like ice cream or pizza, but only certain flavors or toppings.  Maybe you like certain aspects of several political parties.  Most of us can answer some of the questions on “Jeopardy” but none of us can answer all of them.  But they do have answers.  Now try these.

How many drops of water are in the ocean this second?  How far is the east from the west?  Can God make an object so large that He can’t lift it?  How far is it from where you are right now to the end of the universe?  Are any of the questions I’ve asked a matter of life and death?  Nope.  How about these?  How long is forever?  What will it be like to stand in front of Jesus?  What will happen?  Have you told Jesus, “Thy will be done?”  Do it before it’s too late, because if not, nobody wants to hear from Him on that day, “O.K. you have made your choice, THY will be done.”  Something to think about…  

Did you know?  Mister Rogers always mentioned out loud that he was feeding his fish because a young blind viewer once asked him to do so. She wanted to know the fish were OK.  Guinness estimates that 93,000 liters of beer are lost in facial hair each year in the UK alone.  Bela Lugosi was buried in full Dracula costume, cape and all.   An estimated 1 million dogs in the U.S. have been named primary beneficiary in their owners' wills.  In Japan, letting a sumo wrestler make your baby cry is considered good luck. Neil Armstrong's astronaut application arrived a week past the deadline. A friend snuck the application in with the others. A double rainbow occurs when sunlight is reflected twice inside a raindrop. If you look closely, you can see that the colors of the secondary rainbow appear in reverse order.  And, before settling on the Seven Dwarfs we know today, Disney considered Chesty, Tubby, Burpy, Deafy, Hickey, Wheezy, and Awful.

The only things you can take to Heaven are you and others.  Coming?  Don’t put church and God off another week.  Come and experience something good this Sunday. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton.  Services start at 10:30 am.  Check out, “Church done different.”  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2025: WAITING FOR SANTA

Did you ever stay up late as a kid, waiting for Santa?  Remember the eager anticipation on Christmas eve?!  Something good is coming; I’m just not 100% sure what it’s going to be!  One of the absolute best joys of being a kid, yes?  And no matter what happened on Christmas morning, one thing was for sure…I wasn’t going to miss it!  As we grow older, the things that we look forward to change, but hopefully, there are still events, experiences and people that we are looking for, or forward to.  What are some of yours?  Does your list include…

Opportunities to connect with God?  After all, when was the last time you regretted praying (even with complaining and questioning), reading the Bible or worshiping Him with your heart?  Personally connecting with God, I.E. The Holy Spirit, even when He is telling us to get our act together is ALWAYS a positive.  Whether He is teaching, correcting or empowering us, it lets us know that: A. We are still connected and B. We are still His children!  And God loves His children!  Normally, the presence of God in us brings, peace, joy, security, love and….many other good things to look forward to.  So, shouldn’t this be on our, “anticipation” list?  How about...?

Asking for and looking forward to opportunities to be used by God?  Can you think of times when you have been used to help, heal or encourage others?  Even those times when I didn’t want to help or get involved at the start, I cannot recall that I ever regretted it or did not feel blessed in the end.  Not only that, isn’t it good to know that you are being used by Him to make things better and fulfill His plan just for you?  How available am I for His use?  Am I asking for an opportunity?  So…

Every day is not Christmas, but every day IS an opportunity to connect with God and to please and obey Him.  All of the good things that we get come from God, even those found under a Christmas tree. As it is written, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” (James 1:17).  Shouldn’t I be eagerly pursuing and anticipating them?  Something to think about…    

A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups and as he was hanging it, he felt tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of a little boy. Mister, “I want to buy one of your puppies.” “Well,” said the farmer, “these puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money. “ The boy dropped his head for a moment and pulled out some change from his pocket, “I’ve got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?” “Sure, Here Dolly!” he called. Out from the doghouse ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy’s eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence, he noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up…. “I want that one,” the little boy said.”  The farmer knelt and said, “Son, you don’t want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would.” With that the little boy stepped back, reached down and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking up at the farmer, he said, “You see sir, I don’t run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands.” With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup. Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy. “How much?” asked the little boy. “No charge,” answered the farmer, “There’s no charge for love.”

Christmas is about God’s love for us. Have you accepted it? Come and check it out. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton, (Across from Kwik fil Mkt.). Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!  

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2025: GET RICH QUICK

Do you remember some years back when Corning stock was ridiculously low?  There was talk of them going under, yet some folks took a chance, invested and were rewarded richly when it recovered. Rats!  I would have bought a whole lot of it if I had only known!  Imagine if you were on the ground floor when Apple got started, or Facebook, or Google or…  How about investing in acreage just prior to the natural gas boom?  It’s easy to say we should have now that we know, but the truth is we didn’t and subsequently didn’t do anything.  After all most, “Get rich quick” schemes fail, are risky or are just plain scams anyway, right?  Yet it sure would be nice to have the inside track just once, wouldn’t it?

Most of us never, “strike it rich” but rather live a slow but sure existence.  That’s OK because there is less risk and financial wealth, (quick or otherwise) does not buy true happiness or contentment.  In fact for some, it brings problems and a big bag of daily stress.  A wise man once said, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”  (Jesus Christ, Luke 12:15).  That does not mean that you can’t get rich, or that you can’t get rich quick!

God’s riches involve internal joy and happiness that do not depend on wealth.  They come from God Himself and that means they are always available and no one can ever take them away.  Talk about low risk!  Not only that, but unlike that, “after the fact” stock tip, you now know in advance.  It’s still up to you to take advantage.  I can remember my dad saying, “If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.”  Now you know the best way to take care of yourself.  Don’t be caught when it’s too late saying, “I should have invested when I had the chance.”  Something to think about…    

The Sunday school lesson for the first graders was on the plan of salvation. The teacher asked, "If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale, and gave all my money to the church, would I get into heaven?"  "No!" all the children answered.  "If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would I get into heaven?"  Again, the answer was, "No!"  "Well," she continued, "then how can I get to heaven?"  One boy confidently answered, "You've gotta be dead!”

Don’t be caught dead without Jesus.  Come and experience something good this Sunday. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton. (Across from Kwikfill Mkt.) Services start at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025: EXPERIENCE IT YOURSELF

What does it feel like when your child runs up and gives you an extra tight hug and maybe a wet kiss and says, “I love you” and sincerely means it?  Can you explain the sensation of your own marriage ceremony?  How about the feeling of looking into the eyes of your newborn son or daughter for the first time?  Try and think of the most heartwarming, life changing events that you have experienced.  What did it feel like?  Could you explain the sensation in a way that someone else could truly be affected by it the way that you were?  Not likely right?  These are very private and personal events that matter specifically to us.  The effects and experience can rarely, if ever be transferred into words.  Sometimes we don’t even understand what the big deal is when someone is telling us about it.  Like the saying goes, “It is something you have to experience for yourself.”  Then you’ll know.

Perhaps you have heard how Jesus changed someone’s life a hundred times.  Maybe you have just gotten tired of hearing how, “You need Jesus.”  How can someone be so excited and dedicated to something that seems so questionable and distant?  I mean, what’s the big deal?  What makes them so sure?  It is because they have, “Experienced it for themselves.”  As we have discussed, it is very difficult to internalize someone else’s life experience.  It is very real and significant to them, but to me…  Why do grandparents want to tell you about their grandchildren?  It is because the love they feel inside is something that they can’t contain.  Why do people want to keep telling everyone about Jesus? 

Maybe you don’t understand the joy and excitement of someone else’s experience.  Some things just aren’t meant for all of us to understand.  God wants EVERYONE to experience Him.  He is patient and keeps waiting for you . Jesus means life change.  YOU CAN, “Experience it for yourself.”  There are steps to take to position yourself for this.  Sincerely ask for God’s forgiveness. Begin putting Him first.  Surrender your life and ask Him to come in. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13. Then you will be able to internalize what everyone has told you so many times. Something to think about…   

Our teacher asked what my favorite animal was, and I said, "Fried chicken."  She said I wasn't funny, but everyone else laughed. My parents told me to always be honest. Anyway, my teacher sent me to the principal's office. I told him what happened, and he laughed, too. Then he told me not to do it again.  The next day in class, my teacher asked me what my favorite live animal was. I told her it was chicken. She asked me why, so I told her it was because you could make them into fried chicken. She sent me back to the principal's office! I don't get it, I was telling the truth. Today, my teacher asked me to tell her what famous person I admired most.  I told her, "Colonel Sanders."  Guess where I am now...

Don’t put church and God off another week.  Come and experience something good this Sunday.  Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton (Across from Kwikfill Mkt.) There is something for everyone; services start at 10:30. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life   Until next time, look up and smile!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025: MISSING THE MARK

A friend of mine, (normally a good shot) explained to me how he had recently missed not once, but twice shooting at the same deer.  After taking careful aim, he fired the first shot.  The deer trotted a few yards and stopped, “Great, a second chance!” he thought.   This time for sure, “Bang!” and the deer ran away.  As it turns out, he had not checked his gun and sighted it in.  Everything else, like his location, his license, the season and ammunition were right, but he missed the mark because he wasn’t prepared.  Not getting a deer isn’t the end of the world…not being prepared for the future could be.

The Greek word for sin, (Hamartia) means, “Missing the mark.”  The Bible says that we all sin and fall short, (Rom. 3:23).  Does this mean we are all doomed and cannot be prepared?  No, just like my friend’s deer, God gives us a second chance.  We are even given an explanation of what is wrong and time to fix how we missed in the first place.  Pretty good deal, right?  The big question for most is, does this God really exist and have I really missed the mark at all?  Is this what I should even be aiming at?  I suggest that you look deep inside yourself.  What do you really in your heart of hearts believe?  Look around, could this really be an accident?  Now here is how you can correct your aim.

Start by admitting to God that you believe He is real.  Acknowledge that you sin and fall short and ask Him to forgive you.  Openly invite Him into your life and heart and then start learning about Him and His ways.  In Hebrews 12 God tells us, “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…”  When we set our sights on Jesus, we hit the mark every time.  Something to think about…

A little post-holiday humor:  A man buys a parrot, only to have it constantly insult him. He tries everything to make the parrot stop, but nothing works.  Frustrated, the man puts the parrot in the freezer. After a few minutes the insults stop. The man thinks he might have killed the parrot, so he opens the freezer and takes the parrot out.  The parrot is shivering. It stammers, “S-s-sorry for being r-r-rude. Please f-f-forgive me.”  Then, after a moment, the parrot softly asks, “W-w-what exactly d-d-did the turkey do?”

A bookseller conducting a market survey asked a woman, "Which book has helped you most in your life?"  The woman replied, "That would be my husband's check book."

God doesn’t accept checks as payment.  Do YOU know how to get to Heaven?  Are you going?  Don’t put church and God off another week.  Come and experience something good this Sunday.  Impact church, 141 E. Main St. Canton (across from Kwikfill Mkt).  Services start at 10:30 am.  Check out, “Church done different.”  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2025:ERIC LIDDELL MEDAL

This is From a Dr. David Jeremiah post. “Paris was in the grip of a heat wave during the 1924 Summer Olympics, and the Colombes Stadium was like a frying pan. For runner Eric Liddell, heat was the least of his concerns. His best event, the 100-meter, had been scheduled for a Sunday. He withdrew because he didn’t want to run on the Lord’s Day. He set his sights on the 400 meter, instead. In the dressing room before the event, the masseur handed him a folded paper. It contained a quotation from 1 Samuel 2:30: “Those who honor Me I will honor.” Inspired by those words, Eric Liddell broke the existing world record and won the gold medal.”

Did God run the race for him?  No.  Was Eric Liddell inspired to use the gifts God gave him to honor Him?  Yes.  We are all born with attributes and circumstances that can be used to help others and God. The problem is that we often look at the world and our lives from our own perspective rather than God’s.  We were born for HIM, not Him for US.  Most of us already know this, and often we just plain, “Choose to forget it” and do our own thing.  Ouch.  Jesus told us to Love Him, (God) and others first.  Many of us need to be reminded and re-focused again and that is one of the many benefits of Church, God’s word, worship, prayer and etc.  Do you want God’s best for you?  Here and after?

God honors those who honor Him and put their trust in Him. Honoring ourselves is a thankless task, and hoping to be honored by others is prideful.  Jesus said more than once that those who live to receive honor and credit from men have already received their reward and no more is coming.  “You see, each one of us is in a greater race than any I have run in Paris, and this race ends when God gives out the medals.”  Eric Liddell.  Something to think about…

When I lived in a dorm, one of the favorite intramural sports was water fights. Dousing and bombarding one another with water from squirt guns, glasses, balloons, even wastebaskets. Since each room had a sink, there was endless ammunition. The most frequent target was the Resident Assistant.  Approaching his room one afternoon, he noticed his door was ajar. Looking up, he saw a pail of water balanced on the door's edge, ready to fall on him. As he took down the pail and emptied it into his sink, he thought, "Those crazy guys actually thought they could fool me with that old gag!"  It was then he realized we'd removed the drainpipe beneath the sink.

Do you think that you have life figured out without God?  Think again.  It only takes ONE prayer to connect.  Do you know Him?  Don’t put church and God off another week.  Come and experience something good this Sunday. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton.  Services start at 10:30 am.  Check out, “Church done different.”  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025: DON'T SHUT OFF THE ALARM

There was a miserly man who lived out away from everyone in the woods.  He had a stash of money that he hid away under the floorboards of his cabin and every so often he would pull it out and count it.  One day, two thieves witnessed his counting through the window, and a few nights later, returned to steal it.  That night, the old miser, after getting drunk, went to bed as usual.  Hours later, his faithful barking dog aroused him from his half drunk, half hungover slumber.  He stumbled to the door, looked around, yelled at the dog to, “Shut up!” and went back to bed.  Shortly afterward, the dog woke him again and would not stop barking.  After yelling at his dog repeatedly to hush up, the miser, in an angry haze, shot the dog and went to bed.  Two nights later, the two thieves snuck in and stole his money. 

The foolish man had stifled the voice that was trying to warn and protect him.  You know, God has warned us that He is coming back.  Jesus himself says in Matthew chapter 24, “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his use be broken into. Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” 

Have you sensed in your heart and internal being, that He has been speaking to you?  Have YOU stifled the one who has tried to warn and protect you?  Confirm what you know deep down is true.  Let Jesus in before it is too late.  Don’t let your soul and eternity be stolen.  Something to think about…

Don’t try this at home.  A cowboy appeared before St. Peter at the Pearly Gates.  “Have you ever done anything of particular merit?” St. Peter asked.  “Well, I can think of one thing,” the cowboy offered.  “On a trip to the Black Hills out in South Dakota, I came upon a gang of bikers who were threatening a young woman. I directed them to leave her alone, but they would not listen. So, I approached the largest and most tattooed biker and smacked him in the face, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring, and threw it on the ground. I yelled, “Now, back off or I’ll beat the snot out of all of you!”  St. Peter was impressed, “When did this happen?”  “Couple of minutes ago.”

Strange things are happening in our world.  Isn’t it time to get connected to the one in control of it all?  He wants you to. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton (Across from Kwikfill Mkt).  Each Sunday, the worship service starts at 10:30 Visit us at www.impactministries.life  It’s friendly and free.  Until next time, look up and smile!   

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2025: CHECK MATE

Do you like chess?  Are you any good at it?  It can be a fun and challenging game, but I was never very successful.  Usually I played as a result of a good and experienced player goading me into a match, which normally ended quite quickly.  What fun!  Generally, I lost to so-so players as well, so no matter how many moves it took, the result was often inevitable.  Check mate.  Do you feel like life is like that sometimes, that no matter what, eventually you will lose?  It can get our spirits down if we let it, but it doesn’t have to be that way.  Here’s a little truth on the situation.

Much of life is a spiritual battle.  If you believe in good and evil as The Bible describes it, then you know that Satan and many fallen angels have much power and authority here on Earth.  It is their desire to deceive, discourage and separate us from God.  So when life has its trials, (and it does) they are more than happy to try to bring us down.  Jerks…  Here’s good news on two counts.

One, no matter how many moves Satan makes on this real world chess board, the end for him is inevitable.  “And the Devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and sulfur….shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever”  (Revelation 20:10).  Check mate!  He may be able to take a piece off our board here and there, but in the end he is toast, and he knows it.  That’s why he and his helpers work overtime to discourage us, but we don’t have to let them.   Because…

Two, those that have been, “born again of The Spirit” (see John Chap. 3) have been given power over Satan.  God created Satan and has complete authority over him, (and EVERYTHING else).  Those that know Jesus, I.E. Christians carry the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead! (Rom. 8:11).  If you don’t believe me, then ask Jesus, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12).  Do you have it?

Satan has already been defeated.  All he can do is make his moves and try to take what he can before it is too late.  Are you letting him?  Do you have God’s authority to win the game along the way?  If you do, then remember that you have it and use it.  If you don’t, then ask God’s forgiveness and ask Jesus to save you.  If you don’t know how, then ask someone who does before YOUR game is over.  “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  Jesus, (John 14:6).  Something to think about…    

A little girl was in church with her mother when she started feeling ill.  “Mommy,” she said, “can we leave now?”   “No,” her mother replied.  “Well, I think I have to throw up!” exclaimed the girl.  “Then go out the front door and around to the back of the church and throw up behind a bush,” said her mother.  After about sixty seconds, the little girl returned to her seat.  “Did you throw up?” her mother asked.  “Yes,” the little girl replied.  “How could you have gone all the way to the back of the church and returned so quickly?” her mother asked.  “I didn’t have to go out of the church, Mommy.”  They have a box next to the front door that says: ‘For the Sick.'”

Are YOU skeptical of God?  His people?  Come and let Him prove Himself. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwik Fill Mkt).  Services are Sun. at 10:30 am.  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025: COMFY CLOTHES

When you get home, do you put on, “Comfy Clothes?”  For some reason, over the winter all my pants seemed to shrink.  They must have collaborated in the closet because they sure fit last summer!  What’s up with that?  As a result, unbuttoning my too-tight pants and putting on the sweat pants is not only comfortable but also a relief!  Do you know the feeling?  Ahhhh….it’s like taking off the restraints and being set free.  Let freedom ring!

A lot of folks see religion as a series of cants and controlling rules.  Like being restrained by too tight pants only with, “Thou shalt not… do what you want, be free, have fun or?  Who wants that?  I do, and here is why.  What many of us don’t realize is that God provides a new series of, “cans.”  The Spirit of God creates a number of freedoms or, “fruits” as The Bible puts it.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Gal. 5:22).  This sounds like the result of being set free, not being controlled doesn’t it?  Here is something else that many of us don’t realize, (or don’t want to).

Many of the Earthly freedoms we do have are indeed like a tight pair of pants.  The things we chase in order to get some of those, “fruits” are only temporary and act as only a Band-Aid at best.  There is nothing wrong with fun in moderation, but nothing is lasting and it certainly cannot put us above life’s trials that are still there when we are done.  Right?  Not only that, but those pursuits that God describes as immoral, (AKA sin) move us farther away from God and those supernatural freedoms He provides.  Do you find yourself in a continuous cycle that never provides what you are really looking for?

Jesus said, and did in Luke 4:19, “He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners…”  He can set you free from the same pursuits that never seem to get you anywhere.  I and many others know because we have been there. The author of that book of cants and controlling rules has provided an, “off with the tight pants and into the comfy clothes” life for us and He can for you too.  Because, “Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.   Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John chap.8).  Want to be free?  Something to think about…

An elderly man suspected his wife was getting hard of hearing.  One afternoon he decides to put it to the test.  Standing in the kitchen doorway with his wife facing away at the sink doing dishes he says softly, “Honey can you hear me?”  Still facing away, his wife shows no reaction.  He then tries a second time after moving a little closer, and still no response. Finally, he stands right behind her and whispers. “Honey can you hear me?”  His wife then abruptly turns around and says, “For the third time, YES!”

Want to hear from God?  Come and let Him prove Himself.  Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt). Come as you are.  Services are Sun. at 10:30 am.  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2025: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE

I recently remembered an experience when we needed to find, negotiate and purchase a used, (new to us) car.  Buying a new vehicle is almost always associated with some stress.  There are questions on the dependability of the car, if it fits the need/desire, financing, the overall value, integrity of the sales-person and dealer, and if you are staying within your budget.  In our case, the process went about as well as we could hope.  It was a car we wanted, from a good dealer, by an honest, straight forward salesman at a good, non-negotiable posted price.  The financing process was quick and efficient and we were able to bring the car home by putting some money down and leaving a check for the balance to hold until the bank check arrived.  It was way more than expected when we left the house in the morning and we left feeling good about it without any questions, this time…

Car salesmen have received a bad reputation as a result of a few who have been deceitful and taken advantage of people… a few.  There is competition in auto sales and sales people really need to sell cars to make a living.  This can lead to some pretty aggressive folks!  A good one can have you test driving a car and in the office signing papers before you know it.  It may be an honest deal, but they also know that now is the time to get that car sold, not after you have left the lot to. Couple a slick salesman and a bad car and you end up with what the young folks call an, “Epic fail.”     

I guess that the aggressive sales approach works well with some people, but it doesn’t with me.  Have you ever been, or felt rushed into buying a car, or something else?  Even if it seems like you made a good deal, afterward you wonder, “Was this really what I wanted?”  Most of us want to make our own choice, take time to make a decision, and not feel like we have been fooled, rushed or talked into something we didn’t want or need.  Especially if what you bought becomes problematic and/or doesn’t last.  Then, even if not intentional, we will always suspect that we had been taken.

Buying a car should not be a snap decision and neither should a personal decision on what, who or if there is a God.  God knows that if you truly investigate with your heart and mind, then you will make the right choice without tricks or pressure.  He, (as well as so many who have chosen Him) are confident that when you do make the choice, that you will know that it was not only right, but FAR BETTER than you expected.  Jesus says in John chapter 8, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  When you are set free, you will KNOW you have made the right choice.  Take the time that YOU need, but understand that you had better start shopping, because your life is a, “limited time offer” and unlike an aggressive salesman, the evil side, Satan wants you to keep putting it off. Something to think about…  

A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 398, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good and therefore we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax - OH MY GOD!" After a long silence, the captain got on the intercom and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier, but while I was talking, the flight-attendant brought me a cup of coffee and spilled the hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!" A passenger in Coach said, "That's nothing. He should see the back of mine!"

A retired lady needed some extra cash, so she decided to get a guitar and take some lessons. She learned some of her generation’s favorite oldies, and then managed to get hired by a nursing home to sing for patients at their bedsides. After serenading one lady, she got up to leave and said, “I hope you get better soon.” The patient replied, “I hope you get better soon too!”

Do you want to get better? Don’t put church and God off another week.  Come and experience something good this Sunday.  Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton (Across from Kwikfill Mkt).  Services start at 10:30 am.  Check out, “Church done different.”  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile! 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2025: BEST SEATS

Have you ever had front row seats?  How about first-class airline accommodations?  I personally haven’t, but have had both good and bad seats.  I remember three of us pushing our way to the third row of a general admission concert to see a band we really liked when we were younger.  Like, “Excuse me, out of the way, coming through!”  It may not have been the proper or most polite method, but it was worth it.  I have also enjoyed concerts near the front with cushy theater seating and excellent leg room.  How about you?  Isn’t that nice?  Then again, there is the, “not so nice” venue.

Have you had the, “nose bleed” seats at concerts and ball games where binoculars were necessary?  I can’t tell which team has the ball!  Is he playing a piano or a guitar?  Bad seats can also mean a less than desirable environment.  Have you been the, middle seat guy on the plane with one person drooling while sleeping on your shoulder on one side and a screaming baby on the other?  How about the loud and obnoxious, (intoxicated) guy behind you at the game who enjoys kicking your seat and spilling food and beer in front of him?  I guess that either way you get to see the game or concert or eventually get where you are traveling to, but where you sit does make a difference. 

Are you going to Heaven?  Are you enjoying what God is giving you on the way?  It has been my experience that, the closer I get to God, the better the view and the atmosphere!  How about you?  We can choose to pursue God and, “push our way” to the front, buy the cheap seats for this show we call life, or sit somewhere in between.  I do know that the trials of life, (and there are plenty…can I get an amen?) seem to be less and less troubling the closer that I sit to Jesus’ feet.  It also feels more like a theater seat than sitting in the bleachers.   Are the circumstances in our world and life getting to you?  Well, here are some song lyrics that, when applied might bring healing to your soul and help you enjoy the show.  “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.’  Something to think about…   

A violent tropical storm enveloped a sailing yacht off the coast of Florida. As the sky cleared and the seas calmed, the people realized they were grounded on a coral reef about a mile from shore in shark infested waters.  Most of those aboard were badly injured from the ordeal. The only able bodied that were on board were a doctor, a priest, and a lawyer.  The doctor says, “Someone is going to have to swim ashore and get some help. I would volunteer but most of the passengers are in pretty bad shape and I am needed here to care for them.”  The priest replies, “I would volunteer to go also but I might be needed to comfort the injured or perform last rights.”  The lawyer says, “No problem.”  He immediately dives in. There is a great turbulence in the water and then they notice that all of the sharks have formed a double line from the yacht to the beach allowing the lawyer to swim between them.  “My Goodness,” says the priest. “It is a miracle!”  The doctor, after thinking about it says, “No, Father. It is not a miracle. It’s professional courtesy!”

Do God this courtesy, come and meet with Him.  Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton, (Across from Kwikfill Mkt). Visit us at www.impactministries.life and then come! Each Sunday, the service starts at 10:30. It’s friendly and it’s free.  Until next time, look up and smile!  

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025: BIBLE FACTS

Did you know…The Bible was written over a 1600 year period, by 40 different authors, of varying ages, from different cultures and walks of life?  Did you know…The Bible was originally written in three different languages, from 3 continents and without contradiction? Did you know…The Bible is the number one selling book of all time and still sells over 100 million copies a year? Did you know…That there are more than 3,200 verses with fulfilled prophecy either within the Bible itself or since the Bible was written, with Jesus fulfilling over 300 Himself? All written hundreds of years before His birth with the likelihood of even one tenth of them being fulfilled regarded as a statistical impossibility. One tenth.  So…

Maybe you have heard that there are several paths to Heaven, or that all major religions should be considered as valid options. Maybe you believe that the Bible is just a book written by a bunch of men a long time ago. Perhaps you have heard Christians being laughed about and ridiculed.  Read the first paragraph again and then consider what the statistical impossibility named Jesus said, long before He had risen from the dead, (BTW hundreds saw and touched Him afterward). He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6. Shouldn’t the Bible and Jesus be something that you should seriously look into?   

Can you think of any other book written over a 1600 year period by 40 different people in three different languages from 3 different continents that never contradicts itself? Yeah, me neither.  Something to think about…

A few dad jokes: There’s a fine line between a numerator and a denominator. (…Only a fraction of people will get this).  What do dentists call their x-rays?  Tooth pics!  Did you hear about the first restaurant to open on the moon?  It had great food, but no atmosphere.  What’s the difference between a hippo and a zippo?  One is really heavy and the other’s a little lighter.  My teachers told me I’d never amount to much since I procrastinate so much. I told them, “Just you wait!”  I entered ten puns in a contest to see which would win. No pun in ten did. I stayed up all night and tried to figure out where the sun was. Then it dawned on me. When does a joke become a ‘dad’ joke? When it becomes apparent.

Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton (Across from Kwikfill Mkt.).  Each Sunday the worship service is at 10:30 It’s friendly and it’s free.  Until next time, look up and smile!  

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2026: BEFORE AND AFTER

I’m sure you have seen the, “Before and After” ads for weight loss and/or physical fitness.  Some of the changes in the people are quite remarkable, (if not unbelievable).  These, “easy” ways to gain radical change in your image have been around for generations and always draw to a certain percentage of us, perhaps you.  Hey, who doesn’t want to look better and feel good about themselves?  The problem is that the people they show are not “typical examples”, (see the real, real small print) and that their testimonies don’t tell how very hard they worked to get there.  They also rarely, if ever bring their, “successes” back after years have passed to see if the results were sustained or if the people were really better from the experience.  I think we all know why. 

It’s because in order for any of it to really work, we have to rely on ourselves to make the effort and be consistent with it. We have to be driven from within and many of us don’t have fortitude and dedication to make it happen. There is nothing radical about good health, appearance and vitality; it only takes long term dedication. O.K. so I am in good shape, look and feel good and am happy about it, have I won?

If my car is completely detailed, and runs like a top but I don’t drive it, then have I missed the point?  Have I turned what was made for transport into something else?  A radical, “Before and After” renovation of a classic old car is really cool, but it still is just a car.  WE were made for so much more.  No matter what our condition, if we don’t use what we have for the purpose for which we were intended, then…

Do you feel like that seldom used car, not living your life as it was intended?  Just like the diet and exercise, the motivation for radical change in our lives must come from within. God DOES provide extreme, “Before and After” results and He provides the change from the inside, out.  Also His results have staying power and the best part is that rather than relying on ourselves, He provides the motivation!  Does your life need a radical before and after change? Seek God and ask His forgiveness, then recognize Jesus as your way to Heaven and a fruitful life. Don’t understand? Ask someone who does. Today is the day.  Perhaps you were once changed, but are in need of a renovation? Come back to God, today is the day.  Something to think about… 

Late one night a man is driving down the road, speeding quite a bit. A police officer pulls him over and says to the man, "Are you aware of how fast you were going?"  The man replies, "Yes I am; I'm trying to escape a robbery I got involved in."  The cop gives him a skeptical look and says, "Were you the one being robbed?"  The man casually responds, "No, I committed it."  The shocked officer then says, "So you're telling me you were speeding...AND committed a robbery?"  "Yes, I have the loot in the back."  The alarmed officer replies. "Sir, I'm afraid you have to come with me, I will need your license and registration.”  "Don't do that!" the man yells. "I'm afraid you will find the gun in my glove compartment!”  The officer then calls for backup.  Soon police are flooding the area. The man is cuffed quickly and taken towards a car. However, before he gets in, the arresting officer’s captain walks up to him and says, "Sir, this officer informed us that you had committed a robbery, had stolen loot in the trunk, and had a loaded gun in your glove compartment.  However, we found none of these things."  The man then replies, "Yeah, and I bet that liar said I was speeding too!"

Don’t put church and God off another week.  Come and experience something good this Sunday.  Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton.  Services start at 10:30 am.  Check out, “Church done different.”  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life. Until next time, look up and smile!

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2025: BLURRY VISION

Have you ever had an eye exam where the Doctor used the odd looking metal and glass contraption with the numerus monocle like lenses?  What an interesting experience that is.  I imagine that most exams were like mine.  The first series of lenses act as a starting point where everything is blurry, then as they are changed, the Doctor asks,” Is this better or worse?”  Sooner or later he or she arrives at the right combination of lenses and you can see!  Most people that I have talked to agree that they did not realize how much they were missing until their vision was corrected.  I wonder how much I am missing right now?

A long time ago, a blind man had his vision miraculously restored.  The religious leaders wanted to discredit Jesus who had healed the man.  They questioned both the healed man and his parents, demanding an answer.  They did not have one, other than it had really happened.  They again dragged in the healed man and this is what he said, So a second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, "Give glory to God; we know that this man, (Jesus) is a sinner." He then answered, "Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see."  For most of the millions of people who have been, “Healed by Jesus” the response is the same.  A whole new world or perspective is revealed.  Suddenly it becomes obvious and you can see.  Have you experienced it?  If not, you can.

Start praying to God as the real and living creator that He is.  Open your heart and ask God to come in.  Seek His honest forgiveness and recognize Jesus as your savior.  You may very well find the right combination of lenses that will give your life CLEAR VISION and see what, (and who) you have been missing all along.  Something to think about…

A Police officer called over to the Station on his radio.  "I have an interesting case here. An old lady shot her husband for stepping on the floor she just mopped."  "Have you arrested the woman?"  "Not yet. The floor's still wet." 

Yesterday at a job interview I filled my glass of water until it overflowed a little.  "Nervous?" asked the interviewer.  I replied, "No, I always give 110%."

God deserves all of us.  Come and experience something good this Sunday. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton (Across from Kwikfill Mkt).  Services are at 10:30 am. Come experience, “Church done different.”  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2025:  WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET?

What’s in YOUR wallet?  I bet you know the commercial.  It’s a good one because we all remember it.  The idea is to self-examine your credit card(s) and hopefully realize that you could owe less and do more with theirs.  Is theirs better?  I don’t know, but it’s important enough for most of us to at least consider, even if it only gets us to look at how much debt we ARE carrying.  Debt causes stress and sometimes we may need to self-examine and, “get our house in order.”  What’s in your wallet is probably not the only burden you carry.  Perhaps it’s depression, unforgiveness of others or yourself, a broken relationship or…  Maybe you are just plain tired and the light at the end of the tunnel looks closed until further notice.  Like financial debt, these are all life issues that can drag us down.  If only we had a magic, “Life’s Burdens” card in our wallets that could eliminate or substantially reduce them!  Well you know there is something we CAN carry that sets people free.

Yes that’s right, it’s God.  Maybe you have heard it a hundred times, but it is still true and His power and love are still FAR greater than any problem you are facing.  In fact He knows all about it and wants to help you… if YOU will let Him.  Having the, “God Card” in your internal wallet will give you access to freedom from life’s burdens and debt.  Jesus says in Matthew 11, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  The Bible has all the answers on managing life’s issues. The Holy Spirit, (Who is God) inhabits God’s people, gives them peace and empowers and directs them.   On top of that, God your Father has a special plan for YOUR life and wants only the VERY BEST for you.  You have the full support of the creator of the universe, but you have to fill out the application.  Interested?       

Isn’t now the time to be set free?  Jesus has already paid the price of your debt to God and if you allow Him, will help you handle everything else. Start praying to God.  If you are truly sorry for the things you have done against Him and others, then tell Him so and ask Him to forgive you. He will!  Forever!  Give your life to Him, and ask Him to come in and take control.  If you are truly born again, (See John chap. 3) then your life will be changed for the best and you will see and experience things in a new and exciting way. One swipe of, “The God card” can make all the difference.  So, “What’s in YOUR wallet?”  Something to think about…

“It’s time to see how clearly you can think,” the teacher said to his class. “Now, listen carefully, and think about what I’m saying. I’m thinking of a person who has the same mother and father as I have, but this person is not my brother and not my sister. Who is it?”  The kids in the class furrowed their brows, scratched their heads, and otherwise showed how hard they were thinking. But no one came up with the right answer.  When everyone in the class had given up, the teacher announced, “The person is me.”  Little Jeffrey beamed at learning the answer. “That’s a good one,” he said to himself. “I’ll have to try that on Mom and Dad.”  At dinner that night, little Jeffrey repeated the riddle to his parents. “I’m thinking of a person who has the same mother and father as I have,” he said. “But this person isn’t my brother and isn’t my sister. Who is it?”  His parents furrowed their brows, scratched their heads, and otherwise pretended that they were thinking hard. Then they both said, “I give up. Who is it?”  “It’s my teacher!” Jeffrey said.

All Christians have the same Father!  God and Impact church welcome you, just as you are.  No strange looks, just friendly people.  Services are Sun. at 10:30. We are at 141 E. Main St. in Canton (across from Kwikfill Mkt.)  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile! 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2025: ASK NOT

Are you familiar with the line from JFK’s inaugural speech, “And so, my fellow Americans - ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country?”  It not only inspires patriotism, but is a foundation for unity and a strong nation, good stuff, right?  Too bad so many of us don’t take it more to heart and apply it to our lives, (ouch).  Over the years, as our government has grown, more and more social programs have been installed to the point that a large part of the population looks to it for financial or other support.  Hey, I understand that there is a need for help, but when did it go from helping the needy to, “I’m entitled?”  Has it become, “Ask not what you can do for your country, but what your country can do for you?”  Will a nation with this philosophy and practice stand?

You know, the Kingdom of God works in similar ways.  He is the ultimate authority, and everything, is filtered through Him.  Do you believe that?  In fact, everything we have, from the planet, our lives on down to our smallest possession are only because He says so. “For from him and through him and for him are all things.” Rom. 11:36.  He has given us so many good things, yes?  Almost to the point where we take Him for granted, (bigger ouch!).  Do we feel that God  owes us because we have been good and/or done some good things, paid our taxes, so to speak?  Do we feel, “entitled” just because we exist?  After all, He created us, He should take care of us, right?  Well, maybe not…

We were created for God, God does not exist for us.  Does God love us?  Did He give us all this so that we might have an abundant life?  You bet!  The problem is that sometimes we figure that He should answer to us, rather than the other way around, (biggest ouch).  We cannot say, “I want things my way and ask You to bless it.”, much less expect it.  So if we are to live for Him and expect His blessings, what does He want?  Micah put it this way in chapter 6, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  Of course there is much more to it than that, but it begins by putting God and His desires for our lives first, not mine.  Is it worth it?

No brainer, of course it is.  God loves us and WANTS to bless us, but how can we expect good things through pride, disobedience, apathy or unbelief?  A good parent does not reward his children for these things and God is a really good parent!  So is it, “Ask not what God can do for you?” or “Ask what you can do for God?”  Something to think about…

A young monk arrives at the monastery and is assigned to helping the other monks in copying the old canons and laws of the church by hand.  He notices, however, that all of the monks are copying from copies, not from the original manuscript. So the new monk goes to the head abbot to question this, pointing out that if someone made even a small error in the first copy, it would never be picked up. In fact, that error would be continued in all of the subsequent copies.  The head monk, says, “We have been copying from the copies for centuries, but you make a good point, my son.”  He goes down into the dark caves underneath the monastery where the original manuscripts are held.   Hours go by and nobody sees the old abbot.  So, the young monk goes down to look for him. He sees him banging his head against the wall and wailing.  “We missed the R! We missed the R!” The young monk asks the old abbot, “What’s wrong, father?”  With a choking and tear filled voice, the Abbot screams: “The word was… the word was… CELEBRATE!!!”

Celebrate God and life!  Don’t put church and God off another week.  Come and experience something good this Sunday. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton.  Services start at 10:30 am.  Check out, “Church done different.”  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31: FOOL SOME OF THE PEOPLE

Do you have a favorite president?  Mine is probably Abraham Lincoln.  One of his many quotes is, “You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”  Do you agree or do you think he was trying to fool us?  Some of us are more naïve than others, but we all get fooled sometimes.  How about fooling others?  Do we do it?

With the intent to make someone look foolish, probably not.  Do we hide things from others and present a partial or false front at times?  You bet.  It is not always a bad thing, but we have to admit that very few people in our lives know the, “real us.”  Almost always, those that know us quite well are family members or long-term close friends.  Only the inner circle is allowed to see us as we truly are.  The rest get an incomplete or even false representation.  For most of us, that’s just the way we are.  It’s like, “What they don’t know can’t hurt me.”, or how about, “Boy, if they only knew what I was thinking…”   I have to admit that I have been guilty.  But they don’t really know…that’s the thing.

We can fool some of the people some, or even all the time but there is someone we can NEVER fool and WE are foolish if we think we can.  God is omniscient (all knowing) and omnipresent, (always there).  The Bible says that He knows us better than we do, (Rom. 8:27).  King David said in Psalm 139, “Lord, you have examined me and know all about me.  You know when I sit down and when I get up.  You know my thoughts before I think them.  You know where I go and where I lie down.  You know everything I do.   Lord, even before I say a word, you already know it.”  Do you believe that He knows this of you?

We open our lives up to the people we trust the most and to those that love us and yet we still don’t tell them everything.  Here is the thing, God knows us better than any of them and loves us more than we even love ourselves. In addition, we can trust Him more than ANYONE.  Do you have personal conversations with Him.  Have you trusted Him with EVERYTHING?  Even your life?  Because if we think we are fooling God, we are fooling ourselves.  Something to think about…

My apologies:  Two young men were out in the woods on a camping trip, when they came upon this great little brook teaming with trout. They stayed there all day, enjoying the fishing.  At the end of the day, knowing that they would be graduating from college soon, they vowed that they would meet, in twenty years, at the same place and renew the experience.  Twenty years later, they met and traveled to a spot near where they had been years before. They walked into the woods and before long came upon a brook. One of the men said to the other, "This is the place! The other replied, "No, I don’t think it is.”  The first man said, "Yes, I do recognize the clover growing on the bank on the other side.  To which the other man replied, "Silly, you can't tell a brook by its clover.”

God already knows you, want to know Him? Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt).  Services are Sun. at 10:30 am.  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2025: THE SUN CAME UP

Good news! The sun came up this morning. And how powerful it is from 93 million miles away! That's right, 93 MILLION miles. Astronomers calculate that there are SIX HUNDRED MILLION TONS of hydrogen fused, and FOUR MILLION TONS of matter converted to pure energy every second. Every second! Our atmosphere traps the energy as heat, keeping the whole planet a nice comfortable temperature. How fortuitous... Light travels at 186,000 miles per second, (that's 671 million mph). Stop and think about that... A light year equals about 6 trillion miles. Tonight, if you can, go out and look at a single star. The light you see may very well have been traveling for thousands of light years until you are right now seeing it, (let's say, 3000 years times 6 trillion miles). Chew on that for a minute, then chew on it some more. Can you wrap your mind around it?

The Bible says that on the 4th day, God said, “let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years…” and it was so, (Genesis 1:14 and 15). God spoke billions of stars like our sun into existence. Yet to God, YOU are far more important than the great universe that he created. He knew you before you were born, really loves you an longs for YOU to know him. Can you wrap your mind, (and heart) around that? Something to think about…

After having dug to a depth of 10 feet, New York archaeologists found traces of copper wire dating back 100 years, and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network more than 100 years ago. Not to be outdone, in the weeks that followed, a California archaeologist dug to a depth of 20 feet finding traces of 200 year old copper wire, and concluded, that their ancestors had an advanced telecommunications network 100 years before the New Yorkers. One week later, a local newspaper in Pittsburgh PA reported the following, “After digging as deep as 30 feet in his backyard, Vinnie Manziano, a self-taught archaeologist reported that he found absolutely nothing. Vinny has therefore concluded that 300 years ago, Pennsylvania had already gone wireless!” Just makes you proud to be from PA doesn't it?

Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton. Each Sunday, the worship service starts at 10:30 Check us out at www.impactministries.life and then come check us out! It’s friendly and free. Until next time, look up and smile!

SUNDAY AUGUST 27, 2025: DYING TO GET THERE

Perhaps you have heard some say recently, “We made it to such and such a place in, “X” amount of hours.  We only stopped for gas and bathroom breaks.”  Maybe it was you.  Some of us are like that aren’t we?  I am sometimes if I let myself be.  I think that there are two kinds of people; those in a mad rush to get there, and those that, “Get there when they get there.”  I don’t necessarily map out the entire route, but if the GPS says it’s going to take “X” amount of time, then by golly I’m going to beat it!  Which camp are you in?  Is one way better than the other?  Who wins?

We once went on a long weekend trip to Virginia to see family.  We got kind of a late start so I was already in the, “we’re behind” mode.  This being said, we drove a long way before stopping, and then when we did, it was fast food in the parking lot.  Then, partially refreshed, we were off to the races.  That was until the gridlock south of Washington.  Then, because I had set my time expectations high and hurried through the trip, I allowed myself to get more frustrated with the situation than necessary.  After all I had all day and couldn’t change things, so why was I, “Dying to get there?”

The truth is, all I did was put stress on myself and on my family, so in a way I was indeed, “Dying to get there.”  Check out what Jesus says in Mat. 6: “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”  Nope!  God also says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7.  I should have looked up instead of at the miles of cars around me.  All that stress along with $1.75 would have gotten me a cup of coffee, nothing more.  Do you find yourself getting agitated trying to, “get there” in life?  Look up; let go and let God.  It works you know; try it. 

I can’t say that our trip back home was completely stress free, but we did stop more frequently, ate at a sit-down restaurant and took our time.  It may have taken us longer, but everyone was more relaxed and comfortable.  So you won’t hear me say, “We got there in X amount of time” but then again we weren’t, “Dying to get there.” either.  Something to think about… 

A young woman visits her parents and brings her fiancée to meet them. After an elaborate dinner, the mother tells her husband to find out about the young man.  The father invites the fiancée to his library for a drink. “So what are your plans?” the father asks the young man.  “I am a Torah scholar,” he says. “A Torah scholar? Hmmm,” the father says , “Admirable, but what will you do to provide a nice house for my daughter to live in, as she is accustomed to?”  “I will study,” the young man said, “and God will provide for us.”  “And how will you buy her a beautiful engagement ring, such as she deserves?” asks the father.  “I will concentrate on my studies,” the young man replies. “God will provide for us.”  “And children?” asks the father. “How will you support children?”  “Don’t worry, sir, God will provide,” replies the fiancée. Later, the mother asks: “How did it go, Honey?”  The father answers: “Well he has no job and no plans…but the good news is he thinks I’m God.”

Don’t put church and God off another week.  Come and experience something good this Sunday.  Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton.  Services start at 10:30 am.  Check out, “Church done different.”  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!

SATURDAY AUGUST 9, 2025: TOASTED MARSHMALLOW

When we were kids, our parents bought us little, six packs of marshmallows that we would toast in the back yard sometimes on summer nights.  Often, through lack of experience or impatience, the marshmallow would catch on fire, and we would run around the yard yelling, “Torch of America!”  Now, as a seasoned toaster, I think the slow roasted, golden brown, soft in the middle version is the best.  I know that some folks immediately stick it in the fire and purposely let it burn.  I don’t get it.  That outer blackened crust is just…  Anyway, how do you like yours?

Like different versions of toasted marshmallows, life has a way of toasting us as well.  Sometimes it’s a long-term problem with a relationship, or finances or…?  This can slowly roast us, until….  Then there are tragedies that are instantly life changing that feel like we have been inserted directly into the fire.  Our reaction and how we deal with things often depends on how hot the fire is, how close we get to it, and how long we stay there.  The best way to react should be based on our faith in God and an understanding of His love and purposes in our lives.  For example…

God tells us in John 16:33 that Jesus has provided the answer to our problems.  In James 1:2 He says that life’s trials are to be appreciated as they are here to help us grow, (the quicker we recognize this, the better). And, 1 Peter1:6,7 says, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  Genuine faith pleases God and helps us through the fire. This being said…

Growing close to God, increases our faith and knowing who He is through His word in the Bible, helps us understand and overcome when we feel like a marshmallow on a stick near the fire.  Because the last thing we want is to stay there too long, lose control, slide off the stick, and fall in!  Something to think about…    

A lawyer named Strange died, and his friend asked the tombstone maker to inscribe on his tombstone, “Here lies Strange, an honest man, and a lawyer.”  The inscriber insisted that such an inscription would be confusing, for passersby would tend to think that three men were buried under the stone.  However, he suggested an alternative: He would inscribe, “Here lies a man who was both honest and a lawyer.”  That way, whenever anyone walked by the tombstone and read it, they would be certain to remark: “That’s Strange!”

Don’t try this at home…  A man and a friend are playing golf one day at their local golf course.  One of the guys is about to chip onto the green when he sees a long funeral procession on the road next to the course. He stops in mid-swing, takes off his golf cap, closes his eyes, and bows down in prayer.  His friend says: “Wow, that is the most thoughtful and touching thing I have ever seen. You truly are a kind man.  The man then replies: “Yeah, well we were married for 35 years.”

God wants you to know Him. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton.  Each Sunday, worship service is at 10:30am.  It’s friendly and free. Check us out at www.impactministries.life  and…until next time, look up and smile!   

FRIDAY JULY 25, 2025: FINAL EXAM

There were four University sophomores taking chemistry and all of them had an A so far. These four friends were so confident that the weekend before finals, they decided to visit some friends and have a big party. They had a great time but, after all the partying, they slept all day Sunday and didn't make it back to school until early Monday morning.

Rather than taking the final then, they decided that after the final they would explain to their professor why they missed it. They said that they visited friends but on the way back they had a flat tire. As a result, they missed the final. The professor agreed they could make up the final the next day. The guys were excited and relieved. They studied that night for the exam.

The next day the Professor placed them in separate rooms and gave them each the 100 point exam. They quickly answered the first problem worth 5 points. Cool, they thought, “This was going to be easy!” Then they turned the page, “For 95 points: Which tire?”

Wouldn’t school have been a lot easier if we were given all the answers?  I always thought the, “Open Book” exam was a great idea!  The truth is that all of our teachers wanted us to do well, but not by cutting corners.  In most of life’s situations, we learn best when we have to earn it.  We are best educated through hard effort and study and/or by making mistakes.  Then again, there were a few students who appeared to get it right away and seemingly did not have to work at all.  Didn’t you just hate that?!

For many of us, school has been over for a long time, but life still tests us in many ways.  What do you think are life’s biggest questions?  For most it is probably, “Does life have meaning?” and, “Do I have a purpose?”  Have you asked yourself these questions?  Has it even been on your radar?  Will there be a, “Final exam?”  If so, is it too late to study or get the answers?  No it’s not, in fact it is, “Open Book!”

Much like our school teachers, God really wants us to pass.  So much so, that He gave us His book, (and His Son) so that we might, “Get it.”  He has given us the answers!  All we have to do is open the book, (and subsequently our hearts) and we will know the answers to life’s most important questions.  The Bible also has the answer to our final exam.  The time to study is now; the party comes later.  Trust me, God won’t go for the, “Flat tire” excuse.  Something to think about…

Don’t put church and God off another week.  Come and experience something good this Sunday.  Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton.  Services start at 10:30 am.  Check out, “Church done different.”  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!

SATURDAY JULY 19, 2025: HEY IT'S ME

Have you ever gotten a phone call and the person on the other end said, “Hey it’s me” and it took you a long time, (if at all) to figure out who it was?  I guess it’s a little less embarrassing than when it happens face to face, especially if the other person appears to know you quite well.  On the rare occasion that this happens, I try to listen as long as possible in hopes of gaining a clue!  Stop laughing, I bet you do too.  Praise God for caller I.D!  Do you ever wonder how many times that YOU have been the unidentified caller saying, “Hey it’s me?”

Well here’s good news, this is NEVER the case with God.  Long before caller I.D, He has had your number in His contacts, even if it’s been a long time since you have called, (or if you never have).  After all, He is the one who assigned YOU your number in the first place.  Do you remember the T.V.  commercials urging us to call and saying, “operators are standing by?”  Perhaps you have done things that you know that God disapproves of and think that He wouldn’t want to answer your call.  Maybe you believe that it is foolish to talk to someone you can’t even see.  You may even have lost faith as a result of the seemingly unanswered prayers of the past.  No matter what the scenario, it doesn’t change who God is OR His strong and sincere desire to hear from you.  Really, it comes down to this.

God loves you, made you for a relationship with Him, and has YOUR PERSONAL best interest at heart.  It doesn’t matter if you have been good or bad, haven’t called in years, or spoke with Him today.  Look at it this way, you have nothing to lose and what could possibly be wrong with pleasing God and asking for His help?  You might very well find that He operates on your heart and heals you inside.  So call now!  Say, “Hey it’s me!”  THE operator is standing by.  Something to think about…

O.K. ladies, it’s your turn…  One winter morning, a husband and wife in Detroit, MI were listening to the radio during breakfast. They heard the announcer say, “We are going to have 8 to 10 inches of snow today. You must park your car on the even-numbered side of the street, so the snowplows can get through.” So, the good wife went out and moved her car.  A week later, while they are eating breakfast again, the radio announcer says, “We are expecting heavy snow today. You must park your car on the odd-numbered side of the street.” She immediately went out and moved her car again. Then a month later the radio announcer says, “They are forecasting 9 to 11 inches of snow today. You must park…” Then, the electricity went out. The lady began to get upset, and with a worried look on her face, she said, “Honey, I don’t know what to do. Which side of the street do I need to park on so the snowplows can get through?”  With the love and understanding, the husband replied, “Why don’t you just leave it in the garage?”

Just like standing in YOUR garage doesn’t make you a car, saying you believe in, “God” doesn’t necessarily get you to Heaven.  Come meet with Him, find out how, and let Him prove Himself.  Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt).  Services are Sun. at 10:30 am.  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!

SUNDAY JULY 13, 2025: STILL IN PRISON

Sometimes in life an error in judgement can follow us for a long time.  Let’s face it; there are times when we all mess up.  The best we can hope for is to avoid the mistakes and when they do happen, pray that they don’t have long lasting effects.  But what if they do?  What if saying we are sorry and paying the bill don’t fix it?  What if we can’t change the results, be forgiven by those we have affected, or even forgive ourselves?  Then what?  Do we have to carry the burden forever?  Will it ever go away?

Prisoners, even after serving their sentence and “paying their debt to society” often are still a prisoner to their history.  Even when given a chance to start over, it takes a lot of time and effort to prove themselves’ trustworthy again.  They are still a prisoner to their past.  Have you made mistakes, or have things happened in your life that you feel that you are still paying for?  Do you sometimes feel like you are a prisoner? 

Are there occasions when wish you could start over again and just like pressing the delete button on the computer, the page of your life would become blank?  Good news!  You can.  That is exactly why Jesus came.  God sent Him to show us the way and to give us the key to the prison cell.  It is through Him that we can be forgiven by God.  When we know that God can forgive us for all of our mistakes, (sins) then we can forgive ourselves and others.  It’s like hitting, “delete.”  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17).

Are you a prisoner of your past?  Do you carry unforgiveness of others?  Of yourself?  The truth is, we are all prisoners of our sin, because we all mess up.  Have you felt God’s forgiveness?  Do you want it?  Ask Jesus into your life.  Ask His forgiveness and talk to someone about it.  Don’t let your past make you a prisoner today.  “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).  Something to think about…    

A professor was giving a big test one day to his students.  He handed out all of the tests and went back to his desk to wait. Once the test was over, the students all handed the tests back in.  The professor noticed that one of the students had attached a $100 bill to his test with a note saying “A dollar per point.”  The next class the professor handed the graded tests back out. This student got back his test, his test grade, and $55 change.

First thing every single morning one of the secretaries in our office opened the newspaper and read everyone’s horoscope aloud.  “Gwen,” said our boss finally, “you seem to be a normal, levelheaded person. Do you really believe in astrology?”  “Of course not,” Gwen answered. “You know how skeptical we Capricorns are.”

Are you skeptical of God?  Come and let Him prove Himself. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt).  Services are Sun. at 10:30 am.  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

MONDAY JULY 7, 2025: CAN YOU RELATE?

My dad used to say, “I hope this rain keeps up…that way it won’t come down!”  What if Jesus stayed up and didn’t come down?  Why did He come down anyway?  There are a good number of reasons, the most important of which was that He came down so that we could go up!  He also came so that we might have a better understanding of who God is and be able to relate to God as humans ourselves.  What if He came as He is?  Moses caught only a peripheral glimpse and had to wear a veil for days because his appearance afterward was freaking people out! (Ex, 34:29-30).  Come to think of it, I don’t wear a veil and I have a similar effect on folks!  The truth is, if Christ came solely as God, we would probably have a difficult time understanding who He is and applying His plan, in and for our lives.  For example…

Jesus grew up with parents and siblings.  Can you relate?  He experienced heat, cold, hunger, anger, joy, love and peace.  Can you relate?  Cousins, friends, enemies, birthday parties, births, weddings and funerals.  His parents weren’t rich, and He was only a half-brother to His siblings and step son to His father.  To the casual witness, He was just an ordinary person, “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” (Isaiah 53:2).  Can you relate? Even so, do you have a hard time believing?  This may come as a surprise to you, but…

“For even his own brothers did not believe in him.” (John 7:5).  Yet later on, two of the Bible’s books were written by His brother’s James and Jude.  At some point, after some doubt and disbelief they were able to relate to who Jesus really was.  That’s what happened to me.  How about you; are you there yet?  Here’s how much Jesus wants to relate to you, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”  (John 1:12).  He wants to be relation!  Can YOU relate?  Something to think about…

One dark night, a fire started inside the local chemical plant. In the blink of an eye, it exploded into massive flames. The alarm went out to all the fire departments for miles around. When the firefighters appeared on the scene, the chemical company president rushed to the fireman in charge and said, “All our secret formulas are in the vault in the center of the plant. They must be saved. I will give 50,000 dollars to the fire department that brings them out intact.”  But the roaring flames held the firefighters off. Then in the distance, a lone siren was heard. It was the nearby rural township volunteer fire brigade, composed mainly of old men over 65. To everyone’s amazement, that little run-down engine roared right past all the newer sleek engines, and without even slowing down it drove straight into the middle of the inferno.  Outside, the other firemen watched as the old timers jumped off right in the middle of the fire and fought it back on all sides. Within a short time, they had extinguished the fire and had saved the secret formulas. The grateful chemical company president announced that for such a superhuman feat he was upping the reward to $200,000!  The local TV station caught the thank you on film and asked the chief, “What are you going to do with all that money?”  “Well,” said Paddy, the 70-year-old fire chief, “the first thing we’re gonna do is fix the brakes on that bloody fire truck!”

Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt).  Services are Sun. at 10:30 am.  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

JUNE 28, 2025: HANGING ON

Here’s an amusing story that I recently heard.  A man was working atop a three story building on a metal roof.  He was surprised by a gust of wind and found himself sliding downward toward the edge.  He reached and grabbed for anything he could and at the very last second caught the eaves trough, (rain gutter).  That’s the good news.  The bad news was that he was hanging three stories up and couldn’t get back on the roof.  Now what? He called down below, “Can anyone help me!?”  There was no one around.  After several attempts while losing strength and then, out of desperation he called upward, “Can anyone up there help me!?”  He then heard a booming voice from above say, “Trust in me and let go.”  After several seconds of consideration, he then looked up and asked, “Can anyone else up there help me!?”

At first this seemed like just an amusing story to me, until I realized that there might be things in my life that I was still, “holding on to.”  I had to do a little self-examination.  How about you?  Do you feel like the hanging man?  Is it difficult to let go and trust God with…your life, family, finances, future, everything?  Perhaps you are like many who trust God with some things, (maybe smaller, less important issues) but choose to keep control of, (or not give up) others.  Possibly like the skeptical man holding on to the eaves trough, you only call on and trust God as a last resort.  Is it like, “I know you are there and I’ll call you when I need you.”  How do you think God views that?

A man asked Jesus what was the most important thing in this world, Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matt. 22:37).  Again in John 14:1, "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”(NLT).  God does not lie.  If He says you can trust in Him, you CAN trust in Him.  He also says He should be number one in your heart, soul and mind, (everything in your life).  This does not leave much, “wiggle room” in what we think we should keep control of. 

The good news is that He is much more capable of handling all aspects of our lives than we are.  Are you willing to bet that you can manage ANYTHING in your life better than God?  So why do we still choose to hang on to things?  Are you still trying to do it on your own?  Let go and let God.  See what happens.  Something to think about…

Here are some things to ponder:  A farmer in the field with his cows counted 196 of them, but when he rounded them up he had 200.  Did you hear about the new corduroy pillows? They’re making headlines everywhere!   My friend recently got crushed by a pile of books, but he’s only got his shelf to blame.  Pampered cows produce spoiled milk.  Dry erase boards are remarkable and finally… Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

Jesus said, “For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” Impact Church and God say, “Come as you are.” We are at 141 E. Main St.  Canton. (Across from Kwikfill Mkt.).  Services are Sun. at 10:30 am.  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!  

SATURDAY, JUNE 21: LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

Sometimes I take life too seriously.  How about you?  I let stresses build so that little things become much more than they are.  At these times I might question God and even get angry with Him.  Often life’s not fair for all of us, but that doesn’t mean that God’s not there or that He doesn’t care.  Deep down I know that it’s true and usually it’s when I realize this that I come to the conclusion that letting life and stress get the better of me is silly and fruitless.  Sometimes it’s good to just laugh at ourselves.  If we can’t find humor in life, we are in trouble.  In fact it’s important for our healing and God says so in Proverbs 17:22: A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.  So let’s laugh a bit.

A cowboy rode into town and stopped at the saloon for a drink. Unfortunately, the locals always had a habit of picking on newcomers. When he finished, he found his horse had been stolen.  He comes back into the bar, handily flips his gun into the air, catches it above his head without even looking and fires a shot into the ceiling. “Who stole my horse?” he yelled with surprising forcefulness.  No one answered.  “I’m gonna have another beer and if my horse ain’t back outside by the time I’m finished, I’m gonna do what I dun back in Texas and I don’t want to have to do what I dun back in Texas!”  Some of the locals shifted restlessly.  He had another beer, walked outside, and his horse was back! He saddled up and started to ride out of town.  The bartender wandered out of the bar and asked, “Say partner, what happened in Texas?”  The cowboy turned back and said, “I had to walk home!”

A Texas State trooper pulled a car over on I-35 about 2 miles south of Waco. When the trooper asked the man why he was speeding, the driver said he was a Magician and Juggler and was on his way to Austin to do a show for the Shrine Circus and he was late. The trooper told the driver he was fascinated by juggling and said if the driver would do a little juggling for him then he wouldn't give him a ticket. He told the trooper he had sent his equipment ahead and didn't have anything to juggle. The trooper went to his trunk and got out 5 flares, lit them and handed them to him. While the man was juggling, a drunken good old boy from central Texas pulled over, got out and watched the performance, He then went over to the Trooper's car, opened the rear door and got in. The trooper observed him and went over to the State car, opened the door asking the drunk what he thought he was doing.  The drunk replied, “You might as well take me to jail, cause there ain't no way I can pass that test.”

A large group of Isis fighters in Iraq are moving down a road when they hear a voice call from behind a sand dune: "One Marine is better than ten Isis fighters". The Isis commander quickly orders 10 of his best men over the dune where a gun-battle breaks out and continues for a few minutes, then silence. The voice once again calls out: "One Marine is better than five hundred Isis losers! Furious, the Isis commander sends his next best 500 troops over the dune. Rifle fire, machine guns, grenades, rockets and cannon fire ring out as a terrible battle is fought .... Then silence. Eventually one badly wounded Isis fighter crawls back over the dune and with his dying words tells his commander, "Don't send any more men... it's a trap. There's two of them!”

Hope this helps.  God brings joy; come and meet Him. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton.  Services are Sun. at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life   Until next time, look up and smile! 

JUNE 14, 2025: BUCKET LIST

Do you have a bucket list? Perhaps you are even working yours out. What is it that you absolutely want to do or see before you are gone? Is it Alaska, Europe, the moon? Perhaps it’s sky diving, meeting someone special, owning a corvette or… In our culture, these things, (including the moon) seem reasonably obtainable if we would want to pursue them. Things like food, water, electricity, clothing and shelter are not major concerns for most of us. Just think about how really fortunate we are! Yet we, (I) still complain. Why is that?

I guess that the problem is in being comfortable.  We get accustomed to a certain standard of living, (which for most of us is very good!) and then anything less becomes a reason to be dissatisfied.  Ouch.  One of the many reasons that I have traveled to third world nations in the past is that the experience becomes a, “Reality Check” as to how good I really have it.  Suddenly my, 1^st world problems are put into proper perspective, at least for a while…  Perhaps we have more to be thankful for than we thought?     

Did you know that almost half the world, over three billion people, live on less than $2.50 a day and at least 80% of humanity lives on less than $10 a day?   2.3 billion people in the world, one in three, do not have a decent toilet.  If you woke up in a bed, with heat, electricity, food in your house and change in your pocket, you are doing far better than the vast majority of the world.  Isn’t life good?  Do you have more to be thankful for now than a few minutes ago?  Are there more important things?

Most of us value people and relationships even more than comfort and possessions.  Who are you thankful for?  If there was room for all of the good things in your life on the front of a, “Life is Good” tee shirt, what would be on it?  Life IS good, isn’t it?  The good life gets even better when you know The One who truly provides it.  God has provided everything, including His Son so that you may know Him and the, “Out of this World” joy. He brings.  Do you know Him?  Have you thanked Him?   Something to think about…

Sister Mary Ann, who worked for a home health agency, was out making her rounds visiting homebound patients when she ran out of gas. Fortunately, an Exxon 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 loaned out, but she could wait until it was returned. Since Sister Mary Ann 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, Sister Mary Ann carried the bedpan to the station, filled it with gasoline, and carried the full bedpan back to her car.  As she was pouring the gas into her tank, two Baptist ladies watched from across the street. One of them turned to the other and said, “If it starts, I’m turning Catholic.”

Are you skeptical of God?  His people?  Come and let Him prove Himself.  Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt).  Services are Sun. at 10:30 am.  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!

JUNE 7, 2025: OBITUARY REFLECTIONS

Some time back I saw an obituary that troubled me more than I expected. It was a girl that I knew and dated back in high school. It did not go very far and it occurred quite a long time ago, so why did it cause me such pause? I know that seeing someone that you know and of the same age go gets your attention more than others and the fact that they showed a high school age picture in the obit didn’t help any. It took me a few days to identify what troubled me more than just a memory of a good time in my life and the reality check of my own mortality. It was some something much more personal.

Thinking back, I remembered a comment that she had made after we had known each other for a while. She had admitted to me that in the beginning her intentions were for it to be a short term, “let’s have some fun and move on” relationship. But then after spending some time together she said, “But then I got to know you.” That’s why the obit troubled me so much; she liked me for who I was. The difference between someone you, “know” and someone who cares for you personally makes quite a difference, doesn’t it? Do you see God as someone who says, “But then I got to know you?”

God cares about you for who you are! In fact He fashioned YOU unique and special and knew everything about YOU long before you were created, (Psalm 139). This was not accidental nor was it intended to be a short term relationship. His concern for you, right now, is greater than the closest person in your life. It says so in His words to us and if you have been changed by His presence in your life, then I bet you understand. If you haven’t then…the best is yet to come!

Think about it, you have NOTHING to lose and once you experience God’s love in your life, it changes for the BEST. “We love because he first loved us.” (1John 4:19). God already knows you and loves you and is right there waiting. In fact if you check His obit, you will see that He died BECAUSE He loves you. Something to think about…

The child was a typical four-year-old girl, cute, inquisitive, and bright as a new penny. When she expressed difficulty in grasping the concept of marriage, her father decided to pull out his wedding photo album, thinking visual images would help. One page after another, he pointed out the bride arriving at the church, the entrance, the wedding ceremony, the recessional, the reception, etc. “Now do you understand?” he asked. “I think so,” she said. “That was when mommy came to work for us!”

A big-game hunter went on safari with his wife and mother-in-law. One evening, while still deep in the jungle, the Mrs. awoke to find her mother gone. Rushing to her husband, she insisted on them both trying to find her mother. The hunter picked up his rifle and started to look for her. In a clearing not far from the camp, they came upon a chilling sight: the mother-in-law was backed up against a thick, impenetrable bush, and a large male lion stood facing her. The wife cried, “What are we going to do?” “Nothing,” said the hunter husband. “The lion got himself into this mess; let him get himself out of it!”

God came to rescue YOU. Want to meet Him? Come and let Him prove Himself. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt). Services are Sun. at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

MAY 30, 2025: HEART APP

What feeling do you get when you think that you have lost or forgotten your cell phone?  Panic?  Is it, “Drop everything” until you locate it?  I must admit that I too have developed somewhat of an attachment to mine.  What was originally designed as a means for people to communicate has turned into so much more.  What do you use yours for?  Communication, information, banking, entertainment, a camera, or…?  There is an app for almost anything.  How many do you have?    I’m not sure, but I think there is now one that will change your socks for you!  Smart phones are valuable tools, but there are some things they can’t do.

They can’t give a hug, they can’t bake a pie and they cannot replace loved ones around a fireplace.  A video of a walk through the woods cannot replace the smells and sounds and atmosphere of being there yourself and you cannot call and talk to God on a cell phone.  I don’t know about you, but there is not an electronic device ever made that I would trade for the personal experiences that I have had with my family and loved ones.  Not even close.  There is no app that can replace intimacy and there is no God replacement app, unless you use His heart app.

Personal, direct communication with God has been available for over 2000 years.  There is always FULL SIGNAL STRENGTH and Jesus will NEVER let you go to voicemail.  He is, “Standing by” waiting to give you forgiveness and bring positive life change, but as the commercials say, “You need to call now.”  ” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.  For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  Romans 10:12-13.

Have you downloaded the heart app?  Have you been having personal encounters with God, or just letting Jesus go to voicemail?  Is misplacing Jesus in your life more important than losing your cell phone?  Something to think about…

A Baptist preacher and his wife decided to get a new dog. They visited kennels and explained their needs. Finally, they found a kennel whose owner assured them he had just the dog they wanted.  He brought the dog to meet the pastor and his wife.  "Fetch the Bible," he commanded. The dog bounded to the bookshelf, located the Bible, and brought it to the owner. “Find Psalm 23," he commanded. The dog placed the Bible on the floor and showing marvelous dexterity with his paws, found the correct passage, and pointed to it with his paw. The pastor and his wife immediately purchased the dog.  That evening, a group of church members came to visit. The pastor and his wife began to show off the dog, having him locate several Bible verses. One man asked, "Can he do regular tricks, too?"  "I haven't tried”, the pastor replied. He pointed at the dog. "HEEL!" the pastor commanded.  The dog immediately jumped on a chair, placed one paw on the pastor's forehead and began to howl.  The pastor looked at his wife in shock and said, "Good Lord! He's Pentecostal!"

Jesus is real, and He does heal.  Don’t put church and God off another week.  Come and experience something good this Sunday. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton.  Services start at 10:30 am.  Check out, “Church done different.”  Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life  Until next time, look up and smile!

May 24, 2025: ON THE WAY DOWN

The story is told about a king in Africa, who had a close friend that had a habit of looking at every situation, (positive or negative) and remarking, “This is good!” One day they were out on a hunting expedition. The friend had apparently done something wrong in preparing one of the guns, for when the king fired it, his thumb was blown off. The friend remarked as usual, “This is good!” To which the king replied, “No, this is NOT good!” and proceeded to send his friend to prison. About a year later, the king was hunting in an unusual area, and cannibals captured him and took them to their village. Then they noticed that the king was missing a thumb, and being superstitious, they never ate anyone who was less than whole. So they sent him on his way. As the king returned home, he was reminded of his old friend and felt remorse for his treatment. He went immediately to the prison. “You were right,” he said, “it was good that my thumb was blown off.” And he proceeded to tell the friend all that had just happened. “And so I am very sorry for sending you to prison for so long.” “No,” his friend replied, “this is good!” “What do you mean, “this is good!” How could it be good?” “If I had not been in jail, I would have been with you!”

There was a man that was greatly confident that gravity did not exist. So much so that he was willing to jump off the 110 story Willis tower in Chicago. On the big day, one of his friends decided that he would lean out a window about halfway down to observe and encourage his, “traveling companion.” OK, ready…set…Jump! As the confident jumper passes his buddy halfway down, the friend shouts, “How’s it going?” He then hears the rapidly fading reply, “So far so good!”

Perhaps, like the jumper, you feel that life for you is, “So far so good” because things are going well and you consider yourself a good person. After all, if it is not broken, don’t fix it. Right? The Bible, (The book with thousands of years of staying power) says that Jesus is the ONLY way to Heaven when we die. This may sound narrow to you, but we can’t change the reality of gravity, nor can we alter who God really is. Do you think that it is prudent or logical to believe that if there is a God, that he is who we want him to be or how we think that he should be? As if we can create him rather than him creating us? Please think about that.

Maybe you have heard the expression. “It’s not the fall that scares me; it’s hitting the ground that is the problem.” The man jumped off the building thinking that everything was alright, right until the end. We all have an end. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…” (Heb.9:27). Please consider carefully when I ask you, “How is it going?” Because, “so far so good” may not be good enough. Something to think about…

Strange things are happening in our world. Isn’t it time to get connected to the one in control of it all? He wants you to. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton (Across from Kwikfill Mkt.). Things start happening each Sunday at 10:30. It’s friendly and free. Until next time, look up and smile!

MAY 17, 2025: STANDBY

Have you ever been on, “Standby” at the airport? As I understand it, today it is common for airlines to, “overbook” flights in order to help insure a fully loaded plane. I have seen where when an excess of prepaid passengers show up for a flight, rewards or incentives are offered to persuade a certain number of them to fly later on. Back in the day, this did not happen. “Standby” passengers usually took a chance, arriving without a ticket, hoping that enough of the pre-scheduled passengers didn’t show up so that they might take their place. Being on standby can be intense. You could/can be on a list of people hovering around the ticket agent kiosk waiting while the plane loads. Finally, just prior to the plane’s departure, someone over the loudspeaker will announce, “Will standby passengers, blank, blank and blank please report to the ticket kiosk.” Most standby passengers are fairly desperate of they wouldn’t be there, so their level of attentiveness to the announcements is far greater than the average passenger. They are really listening! Now…

Perhaps you are, “pre-ticketed” to Heaven.  If not, you need to get online with Jesus, and soon.  If you already have, how interested are you in His announcements before your flight?  Are you just starring at your ticket waiting?  Listening to some of the messages and deciding whether or not to respond?  (Ouch!).   Or are you intently waiting and listening like someone on, “Standby?”  It is so easy to get caught up in our situations in life, I.E., the daily stuff, to the point of forgetting what is most important.  That is, knowing God (Jesus) and being attentive and obedient to what He wants us to do, both in general and more specific ways.  Too often I find myself just sitting in life’s pre-boarding area, looking at the time and waiting for the announcement for my section to board.  What I need to be doing is standing close to Jesus with the attentiveness and anticipation of someone on standby!   I need to be like Isaiah in chapter 6, verse 8, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!”  Something to think about…

Fred came home from university in tears. “Mum, am I adopted?”  “No of course not”, replied his mother. Why would you think such a thing?  Fred showed her his genealogy DNA test results. No match for any of his relatives, and strong matches for a family who lived the other side of the city.  Perturbed, his mother called her husband. “Honey, Fred has done a DNA test, and… and… I don’t know how to say this… he may not be our son.”  “Well, obviously!” he replied.  “What do you mean?”  “It was your idea in the first place” her husband continued. “You remember, that first night in hospital when the baby did nothing but scream and cry and scream and cry. You asked me to change him.”  “Well I picked a good one I reckon. Ever so proud of Fred.” Hmmm…  Here’s the good news, no matter what your origin. “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12).

Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton.  Each Sunday, adult lessons start at 9:00 am followed by the worship service at 10:30. It’s friendly and free.  Until next time, look up and smile!   

MAY 3, 2025: WHAT IS IMPORTANT

When it comes right down to it, (with the possible exception of your own life), what is most important to you? Or to put it another way, what would hurt you the most if you lost it? Money? Your car, your health, home or phone? How about the loss of a coworker, friend or family member? Ask someone who has lost someone very close what they would give to have them back, and I’ll bet you will get your answer as to the value of possessions verses the value of love and relationships. Now I am sure that we would agree that homes, money, cars (and even phones) are necessary in this life, but would you also agree that in the end, these things are there to facilitate relationships? A means to an end, so to speak? After all, having a mansion, wealth and a phone on a deserted island wouldn’t mean much would it? (By the way, if someone wanted to help me with the mansion and wealth thing here then,,,).

Being born again by and with The Spirit of God (John Chap. 3), means beginning a visceral relationship with the creator of the universe. Let me say that again, a close cohabitating connection with God! This is such an internal indwelling friendship (actually adoption) that it changes you. Stop! Don’t run away, you will still be, “who you are” in the sense of intelligence, personality, talents etc. It will however change how you feel loved, forgiven and your understanding of your place in this world. Love, purpose and,,,Heaven. “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” Jesus, John 3:5. So, let’s recap.

Possessions, health, food and a place to live are important, but…not as important as our earthly relationships, but…these are not as important as the necessary relationship with Jesus. So, if this is THE most important thing, how are you doing with that? Have you made Jesus a means to YOUR end? Something to think about…

Jack’s mother ran into the bedroom when she heard him scream and found his two-year old sister pulling his hair. She gently released the little girl’s grip and said comfortingly to Jack, “There, there. She didn’t mean it. She doesn’t know that hurts.” She was barely out of the room when the little girl screamed. Rushing back in, she asked, “What happened?” “She knows now,” Jack replied.

A woman is standing looking in the bedroom mirror… She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband, “I feel horrible; I look old, fat and unattractive… I really need you to pay me a compliment.” The husband replies, “Your eyesight’s perfect.” His wasn’t after the ensuing left hook!

Want to find God? Come and let Him prove Himself. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt). Services are Sun. at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life. Until next time, look up and smile!

APRIL 26, 2025: SOCIAL SECURITY

Life is like a roll of toilet paper, the more you use it, the faster it goes! Do you agree? It seems like not long ago, I was going to my friend’s house to play and watching Walt Disney on television. Now I am looking at retirement numbers. What does retirement look like for you? Do you have a pension, 401K, or money buried in the back yard? According to a Time Magazine report from a few years ago, 1 out of 3 Americans have saved nothing for retirement and 75% of people over 40 are woefully behind in retirement savings. Other reports showed the situation as even worse. That leaves many of us counting on Social Security to sustain us, and even that system has been eroding. At least it is SOMETHING we can count on…right? Right?

The truth is, the stock market, a company pension and even Social Security are out of our hands. We hope, plan and count on them to be there when our time comes, and they probably will be, but they are not an absolute certainty. We have to have faith in the people responsible to take care of the future. Some of those responsible have put our nation in about 36 trillion dollars of debt. How’s that working out for us? I don’t say this as a means of worrying anyone; in fact I know plenty of people who are in absolute peace about their future and I am one of them. Absolute peace.

God is responsible for all things, including my financial future. Those who know and believe in Him have committed not just their retirement to Him, but everything. Does this mean financial security, health and trouble free living? No. Does it mean that I can be irresponsible and do nothing to live today or in the future? Certainly not. God expects us to use what He has given us to care for ourselves and for others as well. Simply put, we do what we can, and God does what we can’t. We can save for retirement, eat right and exercise, increasing our chances for a better and healthier future, but we can’t say for sure it will be. So where does this absolute peace come from?

It is because if I lose my job, God is there. If my retirement savings disappear, God is there. If my health fails, that’s right, God is there. Psalm 37:5 says, “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.” I don’t know for sure what the future holds, but I DO know who holds my future, both here and forever and that’s more than good enough for me! How about you? Where is YOUR future invested? Something to think about…

Speaking of getting old… One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother has several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head. She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?" Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white." The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, "Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?

A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they drew. She would occasionally walk around to see each child's work. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was? The girl replied, "I'm drawing God." The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like." Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, "They will in a minute."

One day we will all see Jesus face to face. Will He know you? Don’t put church and God off another week. Come and experience something good this Sunday. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton (Across from Kwikfill Mkt.). Services start at 10:30 am. Check out, “Church done different.” Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

APRIL 19, 2025: CAUGHT IN THE SAME TRAPS

Have you ever tried to trap a rat? If you don’t get him the first time, then good luck! They are very wary and are not easily fooled, especially after experiencing something once. The opposite is true with some other animals. I have fished certain ponds where you can catch the same fish about every time you go there. You know where he lives, what lure to use and how to use it. For some reason, (hunger, poor memory, foolishness), without stopping to think they fall for the same old trap. Every time!

I might laugh at that foolish fish, or admire that crafty rat, but do I regularly stop and wonder where I fit between the wise and the foolish in my life? What traps do I often fall into? Do I go for the same lure over and over? Getting reeled in and taken places I don’t want to go? Do you get caught in the trap of, anger, gossip, lust, criticism, dishonesty, drugs, alcohol…? These things can seem right at the time but often leave us with a bad taste in our mouth and result in negative consequences and dissatisfaction. Have I learned to recognize a, “fake” when it is presented to me? Am I even aware? Do I care?

This needs to be seen as a spiritual battle. There is evil in our world, (perhaps you’ve noticed) and it is derived from Satan. God refers to him as the, “tempter” or the “deceiver.” Seems to fit him perfectly, don’t you think? He also has helpers, known as demons, (these are fallen angels with power to influence us!). They are vigilant and always ready to encourage us to fail. In fact, it’s their job. Proverbs 14:12 states wisely, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Satan knows where you live, what lures that you like and how to use them. It is up to us to evaluate, recognize these fakes, and like the wise rat not just to react but respond. Something to think about…

Here is something, (attributed to Larry the Cable Guy) from a recent email. “They keep talking about drafting a constitution for Iraq. Why don’t we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over two hundred years, and we’re not using it anymore. The real reason that we can’t have the Ten Commandments in a courthouse is this: You cannot post, “Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not commit adultery”, and “Thou shalt not lie” in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians. It creates a hostile work environment.”

Want an environment filled with God’s love? Impact Church is at 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (Across from Kwikfill Mkt.) Call 570-673-5912 and hear messages and more at www.impactministries.life Services are Sundays at 10:30 am and there is something for EVERYONE. Check us out! Until next time, look up and smile!

APRIL  12, 2025: WEAK ANIMAL

I am sure you have seen the nature documentaries that show how the lion herd (or other predators) attempt and often succeed in taking down and killing some prey animal. The commentator usually explains how the predator looks for the young, sick or very old animal that is falling behind or is somewhat isolated from the herd. That is because, A. they are weak and more susceptible to attack and, B. not surrounded by the security of the herd. Only the foolish lion tries for a healthy animal inside the herd. If I am a wildebeest, I want to be the healthy adult on the inside! How about you?

Does it make sense that those in our world that are spiritually weak and isolated are more likely targets for spiritual predators? Here is what God, (The Bible) says about it. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8). That means that we need to be healthy and protected. Being part of a church family is one element of it, and regular nourishment from God is another part of good spiritual health. Regular nourishment cannot be just, “church on Sunday.” Try eating one meal a week and see how that works out. When God provided manna for Moses and the Israelites in the desert, they had to gather fresh supplies every day. If kept for more than a day, it grew rancid and inedible. God, (Jesus, “The bread of life”) and His word are our manna today. Doesn’t it make sense to gather it daily? When we don’t, it sets us up as a more likely target, right?

God doesn’t say that if we are healthy that Satan will not attack. In truth, Satan sees healthy Christians as a threat and doesn’t like them, (Aww…too bad!). It’s kind of a left-handed compliment. The good news is that healthy Christians are best prepared to defend themselves. See Ephesians chapter 6:10-17 about the, Armor of God.” Satan is no match for the power of God, His word and His people…when they are healthy and together. Insufficient nourishment and isolation set us up for successful attack. How many of us want that? Something to think about…

A first grader came to the ophthalmology office where I work to have his vision checked. He sat down and I turned off the lights. Then I switched on a projector that flashed the letters F, Z and B on a screen. I asked the boy what he saw. Without hesitation he replied, “Consonants.”

Two small boys met during their first day at school. “My name is Billy. What’s yours?” asked the first boy. “Tommy,” replied the second. “My daddy is an accountant. What does your daddy do for a living?” asked Billy. Tommy replied, “My daddy is a lawyer.” “Honest?” asked Billy. “No, just the normal kind,” replied Tommy.

Impact Church,141 E. Main St. Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt). Each Sunday, adult lessons start at 9:00 am followed by the worship service at 10:30 Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life. It’s friendly and it’s free. Until next time, look up and smile!

APRIL 5, 2025: THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE

Isn’t America great?! We have rights and freedoms that much of the world has never known. Generally speaking, our wealth allows us the choices of what to eat, where to live, and what to wear. Our form of government and its laws gives us the right to vote, own property, and pursue, “Life, Liberty and Happiness.” Man it is great to be an American! That doesn’t mean, however, that we make perfect choices with those rights and freedoms, does it? I have a right to buy a house, but that doesn’t mean I that I will like it or agree with the price or even be wise in buying it. The government makes laws that they think are best, but we don’t necessarily agree with all of them do we? So how do WE know what rights are right? I’m glad you asked!

Slavery was a right, but was it right? How did we really know that it wasn’t? It was mainly a heart and conscience issue, right? Would you need a law to believe that it was wrong? Is it that God has put a moral code in each of us and that our conscience and sense of right and wrong come from it? Our parents can tell us what to do, but in the end it is our choice whether to steal that candy bar or not. Is it more that the threat of getting caught that keeps us from doing it? We just know it’s wrong inside. What if a whole lot of people kept telling you it was O.K. and were doing it themselves? Does it become acceptable then?

Over time, many of the things that were historically considered wrong, unethical or immoral have turned into rights. I bet that you can think of several issues right off the top of your head. Why is that? It is probably because you know it is wrong to begin with. There is power in our culture, peer pressure and, “political correctness” but do THEY change what is right? In YOUR heart? The apostle Paul states in Col. 2, “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding…in Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.”

Yes, the law says we have the right to choose. We also have the right to believe in Santa and The Easter Bunny. God is the ultimate author of truth. Respecting the law does not mean the obligation of agreeing with it. What laws are written on your heart? How strong are your moral convictions? Something to think about…

Once there was a little boy that lived in the country with his father. They had to use an outhouse, and the little boy hated it because it was hot in the summer and cold in the winter – and stank all the time. The outhouse was sitting on the bank of a creek and the boy determined that one day he would push that outhouse into the creek. One day after a spring rain, the creek was swollen and the little boy decided that that was the day to push the outhouse into the creek. So he got a large stick and started pushing. Finally, the outhouse toppled into the creek and floated away. That night his dad told him they were going to the woodshed after supper. Knowing that meant a spanking, the little boy asked why. The dad replied, “Someone pushed the outhouse into the creek today. It was you, wasn’t it son?” The boy answered yes. Then he thought a moment and said, “Dad, I read in school today that George Washington chopped down a cherry tree and didn’t get into trouble because he told the truth.” The dad replied, “Well, son, George Washington’s father wasn’t in the cherry tree.”

Want to hear from God? Come and let Him prove Himself.

Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt). Services are Sun. at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

MARCH 25, 2025: UNCERTAIN TIMES

Some people have been referring to all that is going on as, "these uncertain times." I think that we all understand why they say this, but are things really that uncertain? Perhaps you are familiar with the saying, "There are only 2 things that are certain in this world, death and taxes." Well, I can't argue with that! The truth is, uncertainty has been with man from the beginning. We have no personal control over many things, from the weather, the economy, politics…a pandemic. If we are not careful and lose focus, fear, worry, anger and frustration might rule the day, and eventually…our lives. So, how do we deal with this, "uncertainty?" Is there anything really to worry about? What is the proper perspective?

The answer is to trust in God for those things that are out of our hands and to also trust Him to give us direction, peace and wisdom in addressing those issues that are. When we understand that in the end, there is nothing here on Earth that can or will thwart God's ultimate plan for us as individuals and indeed for all mankind, (Which is eternal life for those that believe, and for evil to eventually be cast out forever) then we can view our lives as His and not our own. Trusting in God's unfailing love and complete sovereignty can give us a peace that overrides any fears about the here and now, (see Phil. 4:6-8). Worry is faith that hasn't said its prayers, think about it. Does that mean that we should not be concerned and do nothing? Of course not. God has given us His word to direct us through life's issues and His Holy Spirit to inform, comfort, direct and empower us! He provides everything…if we let Him. Some people say, "We do what we can, God does what we can't." There is another time proven reference that perhaps you are familiar with called, "The serenity Prayer." It goes, "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference." How are you dealing with these, "Uncertain times?" Are you looking around us, or up? Something to think about…

A guy is driving around the back woods and he sees a sign on a broken house, “Talking Dog For Sale.” He rings the bell and the owner appears and tells him the dog is in the backyard. The guy goes into the backyard and sees a nice-looking Labrador retriever. “You talk?” he asks. “Yep,” the Lab replies. After the guy recovers from the shock, he says “So, what’s your story?” The Lab looks up and says, “Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA. In no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping.” “I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running…I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals.” “I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I’m just retired.” The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog. “Ten dollars.” the guy says. “Ten dollars? This dog is amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?” “Because he’s a liar. He’s never been out of the yard.”

Strange things are happening in our world. Isn’t it time to get connected to the one in control of it all? He wants you to.

Impact Church: www.impactministries.life, 141 E. Main St. Canton. Each Sunday, adult lessons start at 9:30 am followed by the worship service at 10:30. It’s friendly and free. Until next time, look up and smile!

March 22, 2025: EXCITING CHANGE

Have you noticed it? There seems to be a quiet excitement amongst the people concerning the new direction of our nation. The president is moving, “Full speed ahead” in actions consistent with his campaign promises. I believe that the people elected him in hopes that he would be different and make changes that were both positive and long overdue. It appears that much of the media and established political leadership don’t appreciate his unorthodox approach, but many of the people sure do. Why do you think that is? Is it because he is addressing what most Americans feel are priorities and that he says and does things that we strongly agree with? Doing and saying things that up until recently we were afraid to do or admit publicly? It almost feels like we have been set free. What do you think?

You know, Jesus had a similar effect when He walked the Earth. He was not politically correct for the day and offered a radically different approach. He displayed a genuine love and concern for each individual person and still does. He represented a freedom from much of the difficult living required to be in good standing with God and offered a direct relationship between the people and God Himself! The established leadership of the day was so firmly entrenched and threatened that many of them closed their hearts and minds to Him and His movement. So much so, that they captured and killed Him, (or so they thought…). Perhaps you have noticed that some people are NOT happy with the election results! I am NOT putting our new president at the same level as Jesus, however you have to admit that he has changed the atmosphere and caused a stir.

Were you one of the many who thought that there we needed long overdue necessary changes, but didn’t feel like you had the freedom to act or say anything? Until we privately spoke it in the election booth, then there was change… Are you one of the many who deep down knows that there are long overdue, necessary changes needed in your life for God? Have you been putting Him off because you felt you were unable or afraid to do or say anything? Well you can, and now is the time. Your voice and heart can be heard right now, privately, just like in the voting booth. What is holding you back?

Jesus wants to be both President and resident in your life. Let Him in and see how it changes everything. Those things that you have long knew were needed will give you that peace and satisfaction that you have been missing. Let go and let God. You will find He is the positive change of direction that your life needs. Something to think about…

Four retired ladies are playing bridge. One of them looks across at her partner and says, “I know we’ve been playing bridge every week for two years, but I can’t remember your name. Could you please tell me again? Her partner looks at her for a long moment and finally replies, “How soon do you need to know?”

An elderly couple was attending church services. About halfway through she leans over and says to her husband. “I just let out a silent one. What do you think I should do?” He replies, “Put a new battery in your hearing aid!” God was still happy she was there and wants YOU there too. Don’t put Him and church off another week. Come and experience something good this Sunday. Impact Church, 141 E. Main

St. Canton. Services start at 10:30 am. Check out, “Church done different.” Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

March 17, 2025: EVERYONE IS DOING IT

"But mom, all the other kids are doing it!” Remember saying that? Do you remember this response, “Well if they all jumped off a cliff, would you do that too?” What the kids wanted to do might not have been as extreme as jumping off a cliff, but it still needed to be filtered through reason and experience by the parents. Perhaps it is a matter of not enough information like, “Can I go to the movies with some friends?” The normal parental response would be…”Who are you going with, do I know them and/or their parents, whose driving, what movie are you seeing, when will you be home etc. , right? We try to keep an eye on what our kids are learning and what their influences are, but are we monitoring ourselves? Is it really necessary now that we are, “adults”?

It is easy to become a product of our environment. What we see and hear through cell phones, T.V., the radio and computers has always, in some way shaped our culture and as a result, some of us. Now that we have media 24/7 in the palm of our hand from thousands of sources, there is literally a world of opportunity for our children and ourselves to be affected. When our kid’s grades slowly decline, we usually notice it and try to identify the cause, right? What not long ago might have been an “R” rated movie is now, “PG 13”. What are we watching, listening to, and filtering? Do we have or take the time? Can we trust, “The world’s” filter? Have we allowed a media with a big microphone to implement things that at one time would not have passed our own personal, “filter” to become acceptable? I am bringing this up because I wonder, if our filters have become clogged, allowing us to slowly, “Jump off the cliff.”

God has from the very beginning had a plan for us and principles by which we should live, successfully! His filter does not change or get clogged. The truth is, our nation was founded through His filter and He, (along with effort and obedience on our part) is the reason we have been as prosperous and successful as anyone in human history. Have you recognized the downhill change? It’s not too late to live your life as God intended you to. Look into what He says, and learn from the best. Like for example, Proverbs 14:12 states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Something to think about…

Moses, Jesus, and an old man were enjoying a friendly round of golf together. Moses stepped up to the tee and hit the ball. It went sailing over the fairway and landed in the water trap. Moses then parted the water and chipped the ball onto the green. Jesus stepped up to the tee and hit the ball. It went sailing over the fairway and landed in the water trap. Jesus just walked onto the water and chipped the ball onto the green. The old man stepped up to the tee and hit the ball. It went sailing over the fairway and headed for the water trap. But, just before it fell into the water, a fish jumped up and grabbed the ball in its mouth. As the fish was falling back down into the water, an eagle swooped down and grabbed the fish in its claws. The eagle flew over the green where a lightning bolt shot from the sky and barely missed it. Startled, the eagle dropped the fish. When the fish hit the ground, the ball popped out of its mouth and rolled into the hole for a hole-in-one. Jesus then turned to the old man and said: “Dad, if you don’t stop fooling around, we won’t bring you next time.”

Are you skeptical of God? Come and let Him prove Himself. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt). Services are Sun. at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

MARCH 09, 2025: Jr. High Thinking

Wasn’t puberty great? Can you remember what was important to you when you were in Junior High? If you can, how many of those things still matter today? I know that it was an age of, “sorting things out” but as life changes, those priorities now seem silly and misdirected, don’t they? I wonder if some of the other, “important” things of our past now also appear senseless in today’s light? I’m not saying that they weren’t relevant and significant at the time, but things change, don’t they? What’s important now? Will it be in the future?

How about the distant future…like eternity? Eternity is hard to grasp, all I can say about it is that it is a long… long…time. If I knew in Junior High what I know now, I might not have taken things so seriously. In the end, it didn’t really matter so much, did it? The question is, do I have, “Junior High” thinking today? Do you? Let’s see.

Jesus says in Matthew 6, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” What does this mean? It means that if you are living for yourself here today, then your heart is in the wrong place (Jesus also said to love God first and others as much as yourself Matt. 22). Having a car, a house and a bank account aren’t bad things, but they aren’t as important to God as having a heart that wants to share and give to others is. So…

Our money, our time and our talents were given to us by God and meant to be shared. For many of us, this doesn’t come easy; after all, I come first, don’t I? Not if your heart has been changed… and Jesus changes hearts. That’s one of the reasons He came. The heart of Christ shows us what is truly important here and now AND in the future. It is so that while we are here that we don’t have, “Junior High” thinking. So remember, do your giving while you’re living so you’re not crying when you’re dying. Something to think about…

Little Johnny had a cussing problem and his father was getting tired of it. He decided to ask his doctor what to do. The Dr. said, “Since Christmas is coming up, you should ask Johnny what he wants Santa to bring him. If he cusses while he tells you his wish list, leave a pile of dog poop in place of the gift or gifts he requests.” Two days before Christmas, Johnny’s father asked him what he wanted. “I want a @&*)_!$ teddy-bear laying right beside me when I wake-up. When I go downstairs I want to see a +)*&#@ train going around the tree. And when I go outside I want to see a new #<:{+&! bike. Christmas morning, little Johnny woke up and rolled over into a pile of dog poop. Confused, he walked down stairs and saw another pile under the tree. Scratching his head, he walked outside and saw a huge land mine by the garage. When Johnny walked back inside with a curious look on his face, his dad smiled and asked, “What did Santa bring you this year?” Johnny replied, “I think I got a *?<+*%! dog but I can’t find him.”

Want to find God? Come and let Him prove Himself. Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (across from Kwikfill Mkt). Services are Sun. at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!

FEBRUARY 22, 2025: A Diamond Inside

Have you ever given or received a gift where it begins looking like a big present in a big box, only to find when you open the box, there is a smaller box inside? Then another and another, and another until… I expect that it is usually more fun being the giver than the recipient. How many boxes do you open before you think, “This isn’t funny anymore!?” What if, (and maybe you have been there) there is an enormous diamond, stack of money or something else of great value inside the final box? Suddenly the effort and angst of opening all the boxes seems unimportant. “If I only knew, I wouldn’t have complained!”

God never promised that life as a Christian was going to be easy. In fact He said that it wouldn’t, but 1. He would be with us when it gets tough, “…. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). And 2. That enduring life’s hardships and the effort that it takes to remain faithful will be rewarded in the end. “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Cor. 4:17). Here is a problem that I have sometimes.

I forget that He is with me when I am opening life’s, “boxes.” The truth is that there is no trial in my life that is bigger than God. It’s even quite possible that the trial is intended for my benefit, even if I don’t like it or appreciate it. (See James 1:2-4). I also need to remember that no matter how many boxes I have to open or how difficult they might be, that in the end, the present will be so special that any difficulty getting there would be immediately forgotten. Much like a mother soon forgetting the pains of childbirth the instant her baby is in her arms. Even better…

Heaven is forever, and the experience there will be more rewarding than anything we have talked about here. Think about it. Perhaps your life has felt like opening box after box hoping that eventually there will be a gift. Maybe you have given up even looking. If you don’t know Jesus, many gifts for here and now are available, if you make Him lord of your life. If you do know Him, the best gifts are yet to come! Something to remember and something to think about…

A Chinese doctor can’t find a job in a Hospital in the US, so he opens his own clinic and puts up a sign outside. It reads: “GET TREATMENT FOR $20 – IF NOT CURED GET BACK $100.” An American lawyer thinks this is a great opportunity to earn $100 and goes to the clinic. Lawyer: “I have lost my sense of taste.” Doctor: “Nurse, bring medicine from box No. 22 and put 3 drops in patient’s mouth.” Lawyer: “Ugh, this is kerosene!” Doctor: “Congrats, your sense of taste is restored. Give me $20.” The annoyed lawyer goes back after a few days to recover his money. Lawyer: “I have lost my memory. I cannot remember anything.” Doctor: “Nurse, bring medicine from box no. 22 and put 3 drops in his mouth.” Lawyer (annoyed): “This is kerosene. You gave this to me last time for restoring my taste.” Doctor: “Congrats. You got your memory back. Give me $20.” The fuming lawyer pays him and then comes back a week later determined to get back $100. Lawyer: “My eyesight has become very weak I can’t see at all.” Doctor: “Well, I don’t have any medicine for that, so take this $100.” Lawyer (staring at the note): “But this is $20, not $100!!” Doctor: “Congrats, your eyesight is restored. Give me $20.”

Don’t put church and God off another week. Come and experience something good this Sunday. Check out, “Church done different.” Impact Church, 141 E. Main St. Canton (Across from Kwikfill Mkt.) Services start at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.impactministries.life Until next time, look up and smile!