Happiness comes from within

Happiness comes from within



America, like any backslider on God, knows the joy, peace, and excitement of walking with the Savior, but for whatever reason or excuse, has left the arms of our Lord and is dancing to Satan's tune.

Americans, like the Prodigal Son, live it up and apparently are having the time of their lives. They drink too much, laugh at jokes that aren't really funny, and change playmates or partners at the slightest provocation while assuring all who will listen that they are having the time of their lives.

They change crowds and friends and stay on the go to the point of exhaustion in their effort to run from themselves in their search for happiness.

Realistically, they will never find it because happiness is not a where or when. Deep down, the miserable Christian knows that the thin facade of earthly pleasure can in no way equal the deep and satisfying "peace that passeth all understanding" that belongs to the one who walks with the Lord.

I'm convinced that everyone who has taken a single step with the Lord is truly miserable when they get out of fellowship with Him. They perhaps experience some pleasure, but pleasure is always temporary and constantly demands a greater high.

Please continue to pray for the healing of this great nation's faith.



Pastor Scott A. Lester
Gatewood Brethren Church

life is so sad

I say that because today I woke up to Mom calling me and telling me that my uncle had died this morning. Very unexpectedly. We hadn't seen each other in a very long time - he and my aunt (mom's sister) lived in Ohio. But throughout my childhood I remember seeing them all the time....I anticipated the visits. As a child that was one of the highlights. To this day when I hear about any of them, I get excited. It brings back good memories. I hate what my aunt Betty will have to go through. They had grown up together and would have been married 51 years this December. From the time Mom told me, I have kind of felt numb. I hadn't shed a tear until just a few minutes ago...when all was quiet and dark. I want to scream out that life is unfair and I'm tired of death all around. But I know he's in a better place. I just have to remember that and not want to be angry that someone else that I loved has passed.

Growing up, I was constantly at the funeral home. We would go with my Mom, Granny, and Grandpa whenever they ad someone pass...as my grandparents were older...it was quite often. It's always been there. A part of life. Inevitable. I've seen death as my Mom took care of her mother (Granny) as she died from cancer, and been there with Robby as he took care of his Papaw (also from cancer). When my other Grandma was sick (when I was pregnant with Gracie), I went to visit, and I just knew....I knew that was the last time I'd see her alive. I couldn't break down...I was pregnant and had to make sure I didn't hurt her...so I learned to cope. And I think I still am, trying to protect myself. I'm just tired....so tired of this. But even in the wake of all of this, I'm not scared of death. I know lots of people are. Now don't get me wrong, I don't want to die....but I'm not afraid of what will happen.

I'm just very sad. I want to cry and vent and make everything better. But only time will help us adjust. Things will never be the same....but I guess that's the way it's suppose to be.

Return to faith of country's founders

Was published in the Register-Herald....

Return to faith of country's founders


Many are unaware that the Declaration of Independence did not come into being until a day of fasting and prayer had been observed. Appointed by the Continental Congress, it was kept by all the colonies on May 17, 1776. At that time in our history, God and the Bible were given much more reverence and recognition than they are today.

When the nation was finally born, our forefathers rang the Liberty Bell with great enthusiasm, and a legend says that it cracked as they zealously proclaimed their freedom. Years later, the White Chapel Foundry of London offered to recast the huge carillon, but their proposal was, of course, refused.

Apparently the symbolic value of the damaged bell, which recalls the religious and patriotic fervor of those early days, is good; but in view of our nation's moral decline, the crack may also suggest a break in our basic ideals and a serious defect in our spiritual attitudes.

We can remedy the situation and avert the judgment of the Lord only by repentance, prayer, and a return to the faith of our fathers. In this sense, there is no time for delay in "mending the bell."

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14



Pastor Scott A. Lester
Gatewood Brethren Church