Blue Ridge Christian News

01/10/2026

Permit-free firewood collection extended through 2026 on the Pisgah National Forest
Release Date: January 9, 2026
Contact Information: Dana Hodde (828)-712-5017 [email protected]
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Jan. 7, 2026)— You are invited gather firewood for personal use in the Pisgah National Forest- from now through December 2026.

Hurricane Helene left a significant amount of woody debris across much of Western North Carolina, leaving higher-than-usual levels of fuels on the ground. This creates a heightened risk of wildfire. The public can help mitigate this risk by collecting downed wood to warm their homes during the winter season.

Firewood can be gathered from along all open roads on any re-opened portion of the Pisgah National Forest. Portions of the Pisgah still remain closed because of impacts from the storm, including areas on the Appalachian Ranger and Grandfather Ranger districts.

Please contact the local ranger district for more information on where firewood can be gathered.

Appalachian Ranger District, spanning Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell and Yancey counties: (828) 689-9694
Grandfather Ranger District, spanning Avery, Burke, Caldwell, McDowell and Watauga counties: (828) 652-2144
Pisgah Ranger District, spanning Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties: (828) 877-3265
Anyone wishing to gather firewood must follow these rules:

Do not gather firewood from closed areas.
All motorized vehicles must stay on clear roadways.
Do not block traffic.
Take all trash, litter and wood scraps from collecting firewood with you.
No on-site warming fires.
No digging or picking of any plants is allowed.
No collecting in an active logging area.
Firewood collected is for personal use only and may not be sold or exchanged.
Permits are still required to collect firewood on the Nantahala National Forests and can be obtained at the forest’s three local district ranger offices.

01/10/2026

Hope is rising in Venezuela — and the Church has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to respond.
From collapse to restoration, this is a moment for faith in action. FULL STORY IN COMMENTS...

01/07/2026

01/07/2026

Most of us can remember a moment when we felt the Holy Spirit prompting us to act—and we didn’t.
This article walks through missed opportunities, biblical examples of obedience, and the grace of second chances God still offers today.

Missed opportunities don’t mean God is finished with you. This reflection explores obedience, second chances, and serving the Lord with a willing heart.

01/05/2026

Red Light Prayers

By Kurt Bomar
Avery County

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” Col. 4:5

When I was young, I never thought about how long I would live. Now it is increasingly on my mind. James was right when he wrote: " Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." (4:14).

Life goes by fast, so we need to make it count. How do we do this? We redeem the time. We need to be creative in finding ways to make every moment count.

Here's one little tip: red light prayers!

According to USA Today, the average American will spend six months of his life just waiting at red lights!

Wouldn't this be a great time to pray for your Church, your town, or your loved ones (as well as your enemies)? Think of how much our Nation needs your prayers in these dangerous times.

Here's another thought. What if you wrote out that Bible verse that you always wanted to memorize and placed it somewhere handy in your car? Those 15-45 seconds of idle time are perfect for a glance at that verse. You could have it memorized in no time. Think how quickly you could build up a reservoir of great Scripture in your heart as you add verse after verse.

Big changes in your life start with small changes in your habits. Redeem the time!

Selah, (think about it)

01/05/2026

So much of life tries to define us — our past, our mistakes, our failures, even our successes.
But the New Testament uses one phrase over and over again: in Christ.

This powerful reflection walks through what Scripture says about who we were before Jesus… and who we are now because of Him. From death to life. From darkness to light. From sinner to righteous — by grace.

If you’ve ever struggled to understand who you are in Christ, this is worth your time.
Pause for a moment, read slowly, and let God’s Word remind you of your true identity.

Check link in comments...

01/05/2026

God spoke through prophets for centuries—but His final word came through Jesus.
This reflection traces how the entire Old Testament points to Him.
Take 3 minutes to read and reflect.

01/01/2026

January 1, 2026.
A new year is here. The days ahead are unknown to us—but never to God.
No matter what last year held, we can step forward with hope because His faithfulness has not changed. Don't give up on those things that you have been praying about that haven't came to pass yet!
“The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22–23)
God is still at work—still redeeming, still restoring, still making a way, even when you and I see no way...
“Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it?” (Isaiah 43:19)
As we step into 2026, we can not rely on our own strength or understanding. We should trust the One who goes before us.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)

Friends - for you (and me), I hope this year will be marked by renewed faith, steady hope, and with our hearts anchored in Christ. God is with us—and He is faithful.
Happy New Year!

12/31/2025

As publishers, we are non-denominational. Personally, I attend a Baptist church. I so much enjoy reading perspectives from other believers from different denominations! I feel quite sure Heaven won’t be full of only Baptists… LOL! We can disagree about a lot of theology, but we all share the basic and most important truth — salvation through Jesus Christ alone. That shared foundation matters far more than the labels we wear. Here's a perspective from one of our writers that I enjoyed reading...

A clear Protestant reflection on Mary as the model of the Church, explaining the Annunciation, Incarnation, and how Mary’s faithful Yes guides believers.