Opinion
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 215
Why preventing diabetes should be a priority at all ages
More than 96 million Americans live with a potentially life-altering condition – yet many of them are unaware they even have it. That condition is prediabetes, which in up to 70% of cases develops into diabetes. Today, more than... — Updated 11/25/2023
Pastor's Corner: Lessons in gratitude from lepers
These days, we know little about leprosy, the disease that is both referenced more times than any other in the Bible and was the illness most frequently healed by Jesus. In Bible times, it was a terrifying diagnosis because it not... — Updated 11/25/2023
Pastor's Corner: Oh that men would praise the Lord
Four times in Psalms 107 we are urged to praise the Lord. Verses 8, 15, 21 and verse 31 tells us to “praise him for his goodness and for his works." Psalms 52:1 says, “The goodness of God endureth continually." Psalms 119:68... — Updated 11/7/2023
Pastor's Corner: Some of this, some of that
We have a lot to be thankful for. The specifics will be different for you than for me, but we live in a world that contains many wonderful things to enjoy, and blessings abound. If you take a moment to review problems you've... — Updated 10/31/2023
Pastor's Corner: Valuing your birthright!
In Genesis 25, it tells the story of Esau and Jacob, brothers as different as night and day, who had fought with one another even in their mother’s womb. Though they were twins, Esau was the firstborn and had the right to certain... — Updated 10/21/2023
Letter to the Editor: Reader questions Richland' transparency
To the editor: I am writing this as a concerned citizen of Shafter, as well as a former employee and former Board member of the Richland School District. On July 20, 2023, an article appeared in the Shafter Press concerning school... — Updated 10/13/2023
Pastor's Corner: Communication
Just as I was beginning this article on communication, I received a text message! I don't need to tell you the many forms of communication that are part of our world today, such as text messaging, email, social media, phones (cell... — Updated 10/9/2023
Pastor's Corner: Public or private?
Should faith be a public or a private matter? That question comes up in several contexts, but the basic answer is that faith must be both. We can illustrate that point from the practice of the Lord’s Supper. Since there are only... — Updated 9/26/2023
Pastor's Corner: Wisely handling anger
There were once two brothers, one a shepherd and the other a farmer. One day they gave gifts to their father. The shepherd son gave the best sheep of his flock, while the farmer son thoughtlessly gave low-quality vegetables. The... — Updated 9/17/2023
Pastor's Corner: The Kingdom
If you were to do a search for movie titles that contain the word "kingdom," you'd end up with well over 1,000 to choose from! I believe that everyone is looking for something or someone greater than themselves to believe in and... — Updated 9/4/2023
Pastor's Corner: The Lord stood with me
In life, we all face times of abandonment and loneliness. Sometimes it may feel like the whole world is against you. In 2nd Timothy 4:17, Paul said, “The Lord stood with me, and he strengthened me.”Paul had been done much evil... — Updated 8/27/2023
Pastor's Corner: Preparing our kids for school – and life
For the last month, parents have been bombarded with ads with back-to-school must-haves. Each one encourages us to start their school year off right by purchasing everything from clothes and school supplies to electronics. But... — Updated 8/15/2023
Pastor's Corner: Wisely handling criticism
The old saying goes, “Everyone’s a critic!” How true this is in a world where all of us are sinners with keen eyes to find faults in others. Critics quickly pounce on other’s flaws and point out failures. A lesson more... — Updated 8/5/2023
Pastor's Corner: Heaven will be worth it all
There’s an old song that says Heaven will surely be worth it all. The first verse of that song says, “Often I’m hindered on my way, burden so heavy I almost fall, then I hear Jesus sweetly say, Heaven will surely be worth it... — Updated 7/25/2023
Pastor's Corner: The tears of Jesus
Bible trivia enthusiasts likely know that the shortest verse in the Bible contains just two words: “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35). There are several references in the Bible to Jesus crying or weeping. The one just mentioned was at... — Updated 7/17/2023
Pastor's Corner: Wisdom and adversity
We live in a world full of trials, troubles, struggles, hardships, frustrations and disappointments. Adversities happen unexpectedly and are out of our control. Loss of a job, an opportunity, money, health, or a loved one. "Man is... — Updated 7/3/2023
Pastor's Corner: The perfect father
Father’s Day, like many holidays, gives rise to a lot of mixed emotions. For many, the lack of a loving and involved father or father figure brings a deep sense of loss and insecurity. I stand on the precipice of being... — Updated 6/17/2023
Pastor's Corner: 'They're so mean'
Every church is flawed. People have bad experiences, of one kind or another, even at healthy churches. Churches are made up of people, so this isn't a big surprise. It can be a big disappointment, or an obstacle to going back, but... — Updated 6/11/2023
Pastor's Corner: Wise conflict resolution
If you desire to live in a world without conflict, then you are living in the wrong world. The sinful nature of humanity will lead to conflicts, disagreements, and divisions. “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident ... — Updated 5/30/2023
Editor's Note: Results are in: Shafter is special
I was on the streets of Shafter to get answers for a survey that we were conducting. I was getting frustrated because I had been turned down by residents who did not want to take... — Updated 5/30/2023
Pastor's Corner: Honoring our mothers
May is one of those months that sees the weather get warmer, the end of the school year get closer, and we celebrate Mother's Day! Although not all of us are moms, we certainly all had one at some point in our lives. I know that... — Updated 5/20/2023
Pastor's Corner: The story inside the Ten Commandments
Many people are at least vaguely familiar with the Ten Commandments. And quite a few people know the story behind them — that God gave them to Moses on the top of Mt. Sinai. But much less familiar is the story [BEGIN ITAL]inside[... — Updated 5/6/2023
Pastor's Corner: Pressing on toward the goal
In Philippians 3:14, the Apostle Paul writes, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Any athlete knows it takes clear goals and consistent hard work to win an... — Updated 4/30/2023
Letter to the Editor: Stop flavored tobacco and protect youth
To the editor: The CALI Wasco Youth Coalition has been advocating for a safer tobacco-free community for the past five years. Our coalition is part of the non-California Health Collaborative, Unidos Por Salud Project- a regional to... — Updated 4/25/2023
Pastor's Corner: Evidence for faith
I probably don't need to tell you that Easter was celebrated this year on April 9. Sanctuaries were decorated, choirs practiced, meals were planned and served for family gatherings, and some of you may have even gone shopping for... — Updated 4/18/2023