Beauty for Ashes

Discerning Grace GOD’S GRACE isn’t obvious to everyone. When Jesus walked on earth, not everyone recognized He was full of the Spirit, much less the Son of God. Therefore, it was significant that Nicodemus knew that Jesus was a teacher who had come from God. His observation said more about Nicodemus as a man of discernment than it did about Jesus. It is safe to say that many fail to recognize God’s grace upon Toccoa Falls College. Some people only see the institution’s deficits. Others only perceive the contributions of dedicated men and women. Many would not even consider the

A Walk of Faith Walking by faith does not mean we are given all the answers to our questions. Actually, many times the opposite is true. We walk not by sight but by faith. God reveals to us what we need to know in order to take the next step. Whenever I am tempted to look too far in front of where I’m going or stop to consider what has taken place in the past, the Lord reminds me that this is not the direction He wants me to travel. He’s always moving forward but there are times when He

A Place of Rest It seems there is always so much to do. We complete one list of things that “must be done” only to sense the need to create another one of equal importance. Looking over it, we realize that nothing is frivolous and nothing can be put off to a later date. The list of legitimate distractions is long. There are calls that need to be made, meetings that must be attended, and appointments that need to be kept. The thought of retirement, even if it was a reality, provides no form of shelter from the firestorm of

In The Company of Friends Thousands of miles away from home on their tour around the world, Richard and Evelyn Forrest often thought of two things—family and friends. Though they had been given a trip around the world, their hearts remained firmly tied to those they had left behind in Toccoa, Georgia. As she was sailing for Africa, Evelyn dashed a letter off to Ora Frost, who had been one of the college’s first graduates and was now considered a beloved friend. The letter began with the words, “My dear.” She went on to write, “Your good letter . .

Obeying the Call AS A PROFESSOR AT Toccoa Falls College, I found it not too difficult to give instructions, teach material, and hand out homework. However, it has been proven more difficult, for both professors and students, to obey the commands of Jesus than simply to teach about them or listen to them. Happily, it can be reported that Toccoa Falls College graduates in more than eighty countries around this globe are involved in obeying God’s call on their lives. In scores of languages and dialects, and in a variety of situations and climates, following through in obedience to God

I’m Glad I Listened JESUS’ FIRST MIRACLE is described in John 2:1-11. This scripture inspires me to imagine what the servants might have experienced. “How many guests did you say were coming to the wedding?” one servant asked. “Really?” was the reply with concern, “I don’t think there is enough wine.” Last minute preparations were made and the “I do’s” were said. At the reception, the servants’ fears became reality as the wine jugs emptied early and only water was left to drink. Scripture tells us that Jesus was just starting out in his ministry. He had no known miracles

I’m Glad I Listened JESUS’ FIRST MIRACLE is described in John 2:1-11. This scripture inspires me to imagine what the servants might have experienced. “How many guests did you say were coming to the wedding?” one servant asked. “Really?” was the reply with concern, “I don’t think there is enough wine.” Last minute preparations were made and the “I do’s” were said. At the reception, the servants’ fears became reality as the wine jugs emptied early and only water was left to drink. Scripture tells us that Jesus was just starting out in his ministry. He had no known miracles

Staying the Course Do you have what it takes to stay put when trials and difficulties arise? Real commitment is not fair weathered. It is not blown to the left or to the right when the challenges come or when someone makes a suggestion that tickles your emotions. It is not pulled aside by the whispering voice of temptation that seeks to remind you that you are under paid, over worked, and under appreciated. The person who truly is committed remains in the place where God has placed him or her regardless of the pressure, personal pain, and sacrifice until

Back on Track with God If you stop and think about the Thessalonians, they were mentally busy people. They became very discouraged over the words of false teachers, and on top of this, many of them stopped working. They had bought into a pack of lies. In essence, the began to live the opposite of the way God had called them to live; and just as importantly, in opposition to the truth the apostle Paul had taught them. These believers started out believing that Christ’s return was imminent. They took Paul’s teaching about the second coming literally as they should

Evidence of His Presence It is no secret that these days can seem very difficult. And if you are not careful, you can end up feeling both discouraged and discontented. Gas prices are at a record high, and a trip to the grocery store costs more than this time last year. Five minutes spent watching the evening news can leave you wondering how you will make it through another day, let alone another year. Thankfully, God knows exactly how you will continue. Amy Carmichael reminds us, “The Lord went before the nation of Israel in a cloud and in a