The 2023-2024 season came to an end Saturday, April 27, for the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Softball team. more

Our church staff has been reading James Clear’s fascinating book, Atomic Habits, Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results. The book began with the history of how the governing body of professional bicycling in Great Britain hired Dave Brailsford as its performance director in 2003. At the time, English cyclists had suffered a nearly 100-year slump. In 95 years, British riders had won only one Olympic gold medal, and in cycling’s biggest race, the Tour de France, no English rider had won in 110 years. more

Romans 1:32 They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too. more

“Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.” (Psalm 96:2) “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.” (Psalm 98:4) Throughout the Bible, we are encouraged to sing to the Lord! In Exodus 15:21 we read that after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, “Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to the Lord for he has triumphed gloriously.’” To sing to the Lord is central to the practice of our faith. We sing to affirm our faith… “On Christ the solid rock I stand” …describe God’s traits… “Great is Thy faithfulness!”… express a prayer… “What a friend we have in Jesus.” Singing deepens our faith, strengthens us as God’s people, and prepares us for that day when all the faithful will sing in God’s kingdom. (Rev. 5) Let us sing to the Lord! May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

There’s a saying from my childhood that pops into my head every once in awhile: “God don’t like ugly.” more

The Bible isn't just another book on the shelf. It’s special, not just because of its spiritual significance but because of how we, as readers, engage with it. Unlike a novel where the story is generally accepted at face value, when it comes to the Bible, it seems everyone’s got a scoop on what the text “really means.” It’s not just about reading; it’s about interpreting, sometimes over-interpreting. more

I took my grandson to the library for the first time last Friday. J enjoys being read to, so I hoped he would eagerly pick out books. He was more interested in playing with toys in the children's room, so I allowed him to play for 20 minutes before I picked out four books for us to read later. more

Today we have GPS to tell us the way to a location. Fill in your starting point and your destination, and the way is described for you in words and a graphic. To find our way geographically, we need specific directions, like…take this street, turn left at the park, etc. To find our way in life, we need God’s guidance. In Psalm 86:11 we read, “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.” In John 14:6, Jesus told his disciples, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He asked them to follow him, to follow his teachings and way of life. Jesus taught them God’s way. Did you realize that one of the earliest names for Christians was people of the Way? (See Acts 9:2 and 24:14). Our faith is not primarily a set of beliefs but a way of life that reflects all that Jesus has shown us. May others recognize that we too are people of Christ’s way. God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

Recently, as part of ongoing discipleship with one of the groups I help lead, we have read through the epistle of Paul to the Philippians. more

In the sweeping expanse of Christian history, marked by schisms, reforms, and continuous adaptation, a disconcerting trend casts a long, chilling shadow over its contemporary landscape. This trend, which is not new but has been magnified in the glaring light of social media, involves labeling various aspects of culture—books, music, and public figures—as "satanic." What is profoundly troubling is not just the act of labeling itself, but the willful ignorance that fuels it, an ignorance embraced and perpetuated by many who have not bothered to investigate the truth of their claims. more

In the vast landscape of human behavior, a peculiar pattern emerges, particularly among Christians, though it is by no means exclusive to them. This pattern involves the tendency to reshape, reinterpret, or even manipulate the teachings of the Bible to align with personal views, prejudices, or narratives. This is not just a religious practice; it's a human one, reflecting deeper issues of cognitive bias and interpretative challenges that are widespread across cultures and beliefs. more

Ephesians 5:11 Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. more

This Sunday, The Bridge Church is set to host a unique and heartwarming event that promises to bring the community together through the power of music. Located at the familiar landmark of 10105 S. 63 Hwy in West Plains—just a stone's throw from the local Dairy Queen—the church invites everyone to a special evening dedicated to the beloved hymns and gospel songs that have echoed through the ages. more

The 73rd annual National Day of Prayer will be observed from noon to 1 p.m. on May 2nd in the People's Park pavilion in West Plains. The specific areas of prayer include: praise and thanksgiving to God, prayers for our government (national commerce state and local), the workplace and the economy, military, education, church and family and the media. more

This week I have had a medical issue. I am grateful for all the help I have received from healthcare professionals and effective medicines. The loving concern of family members and friends, plus the support from church family, have helped in so many ways. God has been present in them all. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” It is a statement of faith and certainty followed by these words in v. 2, “Therefore we will not fear.” Sickness or troubles stir up fear in us, which is why we need to turn to God in prayer and ask his help. All our prayers may not be answered immediately, yet God’s help will come in many ways and through many people. Let us remember Hebrews 4:16 says, “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (NLT) May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches of Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

As a Christian and especially as a pastor, my favorite writer and central figure outside of Christ is without question, the Apostle Paul. more

In How Firm a Foundation, Jennifer Benson Schuldt described a visit to her great-grandmother’s house when she was a little girl. The elderly relative lived by a farm, and to keep cattle from trespassing, her yard was surrounded by an electric fence. When she asked to play outside, her parents agreed but cautioned her, explaining that touching the fence would be painful. more

Ezekiel 3:17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore, hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me..." more

Growing up in Texas, I used to hear stories of treasure hidden in the hills by outlaws, pirates’ treasure chests, and lost mines filled with jewels and precious metals. Treasure! I have never found any of these, but I am glad to know of a more precious and lasting type of treasure…treasure in heaven. Jesus said, “lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal,” Matthew 6:20. What is treasure in heaven? It is our investment in God’s causes and God’s people. We invest in God’s causes when we feed the hungry, encourage the fainthearted, help those in need. Find an opportunity every day to lay up treasure in heaven by showing God’s love to others. Have a blessed week! Diane Cooke, Pastor of the Presbyterian churches in Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

The Book of Ephesians, one of the 27 books of the New Testament, is a profound piece of Pauline scripture that serves as a cornerstone for understanding the theological and practical aspects of Christian life. Traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul, this epistle is written to the church in Ephesus, a major center of trade and power in the Roman province of Asia. However, its messages have a universal appeal, aimed at a broader audience beyond just Ephesus. This article delves deeply into the themes, structure, historical context, and enduring relevance of Ephesians. more