May 2021

SAVE THE DATE

4.6 | National Day of Prayer

4.9 | Mother's Day

4.31|Memorial Day

PRAYER CORNER

May is a beautiful time of year that brings fresh flowers and lots of opportunity to spend outdoors. Its also the month that Floridians begin prepping for Hurricane season beginning in June. We pray this year would be a relatively quiet season. We also hope you will join us in praying for National Day of Prayer. For Mother’s Day, we pray that moms would be recognized for living out the role that God so beautifully assigned to women. We also pray for those who find Mother’s Day to be less than joyful for many reasons. Remember that Jesus is near to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. May we all cling to Christ. Amen.

THE TAX MAN COMETH

By Bill Powell

Over the years I have never had a problem getting my taxes filed on time. The reason is my birthday is on Tax Day April 15th. How could I forget? If you think about it, taxes are one of those pesky things that are part of all our lives. It’s one of those tasks that you cannot avoid, that and death. Even the kids are involved. You gotta love those deductions. For many, the income tax refund has been a source of money that funds an assortment of necessities in many families. I think it only fair to say I am not a big fan of taxes. Taxes are often referred to as a tax burden.

Because of Covid, the tax deadline has been extended this year. But for me, I had to get it done on time as a matter of habit and history. We are thankful to be tax exempt here at The Cornerstone. That is not totally true since we pay payroll tax, and the city of Port Orange has managed to wrangle some tax dollars from us for the sewers and changing the plants in the medians. We are thankful to avoid taxes on our properties and things we buy. It is also a blessing that our business sponsors and listeners can use their donations as a tax write-off. I should say “tax deduction” since it does not make the tax disappear; it only lessens it.

Taxes are mentioned often in the scriptures. Tax, taxes, tribute, or publican is mentioned 35 times. I must say that the tax collector often was a rogue and not well thought of. Jesus dined with many tax collectors. Matthew, one of His disciples, was a tax collector. Jesus was accused falsely for not paying His taxes. Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s (Mark 12:17)”. Paul taught us to pay our taxes. (Rom 13:7 NASB says: Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.) I remember a well-known Pastor and excellent apologist for creation who did not believe paying taxes was legally required. I think he has since gotten out of jail. Praise God churches are tax exempt.

Since taxes cannot be avoided, please consider the Cornerstone as a choice for your next tax deduction. Check with your tax accountant or your financial planner on the many ways that are available for you to lessen your tax burden and give to the Lord’s work. We are to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s but no more. There are many ways to give to the Lord and avoid Caesar. If you would like to know more, give us a call and we can get you to someone who can guide you.

We are forever grateful to each one of you who give to this ministry, especially as we see the day approaching.

It would be nice if we could do this:

(Mat 17:24 NASB) When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, "Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?"

(Mat 17:27 NASB) "However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me."

SUMMER & GLORY OF FOD

By Chris Johnson

Bring on summer! That’s right your kiddos and mine are nearly finished with the school year, and the summer break is just around the corner. What will you do with those days, weeks and months? Are you planning to travel or stay close by? Will it be filled with lazy days and afternoons at the beach? Will they be going to any summer camps or a VBS? I love summertime and am always grateful to get some extra time to spend with family and friends. I love being able to strategize about the time off and how we can make the most of it. I also enjoy thinking through the call of the Scripture to do everything to the glory of God (I Cor. 10:31). God’s glory being made known and experienced is one of the greatest gifts in life, and as Christian’s we have the opportunity to seek to bring glory to God no matter the season or the situation. Here’s a few thoughts on how to make the most of your summer days with your family. Consider an 8 week Bible study that you can do together as a family. Research a local pregnancy care center or homeless ministry to see if you can volunteer. Conduct a neighborhood Bible study in your backyard for the kids in your neighborhood. Begin to pray for the following school year, the teachers who will instruct your kids and the administrators of the school. Doing some of these things together as a family will help you redeem the time and purposefully seek to glorify God this summer. Have fun!

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY

By Denisha Stearns

“You painted this?” Nancy admired the field of flowers on the still-damp canvas her eight-year-old granddaughter, Kara, had created. “Where did you get such talent?” Kara shyly shrugged her shoulders. “I know,” said Nancy. “You got it from God. He gave you the want to paint, a good eye for colors, and the want to stick with it to get better and better. You know, creativity runs in the family.”

As grandparents ourselves, Hubby and I have grown to cherish opportunities like Nancy’s to teach our grandchildren about God. More so, I cherish that our Father God is in the creation business. Scripture tells us that “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Gen 1:1).” He created everything first. He creates perpetually, like Psalm 100 says, “It is He who has made us and not we ourselves (vs 3, NKJV).” And Scripture shows us that the Lord creates in bringing spiritually dead people (like me) to life, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation (2 Cor 5:17).” Hallelujah!

Has anyone ever built or created anything without God? I’m sure someone has debated that question before, maybe with the “self-made men” we have met at one time. The above verses about God and His creativity are talked about in the popular devotion book Letting God Create Your Day. If you call us here at the station, we can gift one to you, while our supply lasts. And if you want to HEAR God’s great creative truths, just listen to “Creation Moments”, which we air every weekday about 7:55am on WJLU FM. Praise the Lord for His creativity!

THE GREAT DESIGNER

By Christina Hutchinson

Well it's May of 2021. I had no idea Ryan and I would be in another home renovation project, but here we are 3 months in! Next month we're hoping to be able to move in and really start in on the magic of the "reno"! Lately, I've been enjoying creating the space digitally. I use an online software and draw out the blueprint of the home. Then I'm able to add doors and windows. The fun part is when we get to take out walls we don't want or need to see how the flow of the home will feel once opened up. Then we add in the paint colors, floor style, and my favorite: the decor! The decor is the cherry on top and sets the mood for the home.

I enjoy taking anything I can do artistically and comparing to God's standard. I just think “wow, it took me a total of 2 hours to finish a room on my computer program and all God had to do was speak the things we see today into existence.” Our God is so big and so great that the impossible things to us carry no weight for Him. He not only created, but He sustains what He has created, and wow am I thankful for that! I'm also thankful that he gave me a gift for design. He is the great designer, and I love being able to see His handy work all around. I pray that others will see Him in all I do as well.