Faith On Every Corner - August 2021

August 2021 Issue

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 88Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

Visit Our Website at www.FaithOnEveryCorner.com for previous issues of our magazine.

COVER PHOTO

BY J U S TA T R AV E L E R

I am Justa Traveler.....

At this writing, I am well into my seven-and-a-half years of my journey to see and document natural landscapes that are America.

I have done my best, (for the most part), to shun cities and even most towns, (except for supply runs. ( In truth, they are just future ruins for another time).

I am witness to God’s creations and marvel at the beauty and intricate, delicate detail of what I have been blessed to see.

I am a lover/student of the “Hudson River School” of 19th Century artists and also the “Works Project Administration”, (Depression Era artists); their influence can be seen in the style of some of these photos. They reflect what the camera has captured, (realism)....and what my heart has seen, (the emotional grandeur and imagined magnificence of the American landscape(s). In fact, at this writing I am summering in the Catskills until Fall to retrace the “Hudson River Valley Artists Trail” My hope is that these images are pleasing to your heart too. I left “the world” and have taken back my heart in these seven and a half years of journeying, and I have learned a few things: “It is not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see” - Henry David Thoreau “It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool, than to open it.....and remove all doubt”- Mark Twain Find Justa Traverler on Flickr

INSIDE COVER

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Note from the editor – August 2021 Well, the hot days of August are here, and some kids go back to school this month. I’m glad we all went back the day after Labor Day when I was growing up. I hope you all have a great month ahead.

Craig and I staying close to home this summer. We hope to be taking road trips again in the fall. We would love to hear stories of your road trips and maybe how God inspired you on the trips. It never fails that God shows up for us while we are out. He may show me a place I need to photograph or bring someone into our lives while we are traveling. It is always so obvious to us, and to the people we meet. He is an awesome God. We hope you enjoy reading Faith On Every Corner Magazine. We like hearing from our writers and readers! We also look for new articles each month. If you like to write, send us an email to Team@FaithOnEveryCorner.com. You do not have to be a professional writer; we love hearing testimonies, acts of service, or family stories about how God has worked in your life.

Karen

and C

raig R

uhl

Many have asked us how we can publish our magazine without having ads. God gave us this ministry years ago and we feel that this particular edition needs to stay ad-free. Below is an ad for what we do for a living. Both Craig and I have years of experience in marketing and advertising. We coach small businesses and work-from-home businesses for a living. If you would like additional information, give us a call.

This month, we feature Justa Traveler on the front cover and inside cover. His photography is amazing, he is very humble and gives God the glory for all of his photos.

There is a link to his Flickr account where you can see more of his beautiful work.

If you have a prayer request, please send it to our email address. We would like to come beside you in prayer.

Enjoy the rest of your summer. Look for ways to make a difference in someone’s life. We appreciate you all.

Blessings, Karen Ruhl Team@FaithOnEveryCorner.com

PAGE 2

Table of Contents COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: Justa Traveler Who Provides The Loaves And Fishes ... by Gini Walker ... page 5 Talents, Talents...Everywhere ... by Melissa Henderson ... page 7 Almighty God ... Andrea Marino ... page 9 Gifts And Talents ... by Dr. Kathleen Oden ... page 11 Bible Study With Your Spouse ... by Karen Ruhl ... page 13 Prayerful Listening ... by Craig Ruhl ... page 14 Words And Affection ... by Nicole Byrum ... page 15 A Prayer To Use Our Gifts Well / August Prayer ... by Tynea Lewis ... page 16 My Spiritural Gifts and 3 Poems ... by John Alexander ... page 17-18 Having Faith ... by Gina Sewell ... page 19 Sunrise, Sunset ... by Karen Ruhl ... page 20 The Lawn Guy ... by Pam Walck ... page 21 Encourage Without Hesitation ... by Craig Ruhl ... page 23 What Are Our God-Given Gifts? ... by Yvonne M. Morgan ... page 25-26 Dear Carl ... by Anna Friend ... page 27-28 The Weight Of The World ... by Al Grimaldi ... page 29-30 How To Find Rest In A Noisy World ... by Joseph Akinrinola ... page 31-32 Road Trippin’ - Appomatix, VA ...by Karen Ruhl ... Page 33-36

4PAGE | M3 AG A Z I N E N A M E

Recognizing Spiritual Gifts ... by Chad Thieman ... page 37-38 Divided We Fall ... by Karen Ruhl ... page 39 Using Your God-Given Gifts And Talents ... by Brenda McDaniel ... page 40 Bookshelf ... Book Reviews ... page 41-44 Turning Our Talents Over To The Lord ... by Mike Buchanan ... page 45 Jesus Girl ... Bethany Travis ... page 47 Walking By Faith, Not Sight ... By Roman Bej ... page 49 Loving Moments ... by Karen Ruhl ... page 51 Waiting ... by Gini Walker ... page 52 Using Your God-Given Skills ... by Sharon Connell ... page 53-54 Changes During The Seasons ... by Cindy Oriol ... page 55 Let’s Grow Old Together ... by Michael Wells ... page 57 How Long Lord? ... by Jeff Foster ... page 59 God Uses The Imperfect ... by Maureen Kambarami ... page 61-62 Premeditated Witnesssing ... by Lisa Lesosky ... page 63-64 How God Uses You ... by Karen Ruhl ... page 65-66

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R URL | 4 5

PAGE

Who Provides the Loaves and Fishes?

by Gini Walker In the Gospel of Matthew, there are two stories about Jesus feeding two very large groups of people. The first was 5,000 with 5 little loaves and two fish, and the second account was not long after that with an almost identical miracle of 4,000 fed with 7 small loaves and two fish. It seems redundant to read these until we apply “pause and ponder.” My takeaway lesson? The disciples were quick to forget the power of Jesus to provide with their meager means, and we the readers are quick to forget the compassion of Jesus.

Today, with all the unrest in our unsettled world, I often forget Jesus’ compassion. Not only do I forget it, I also fail to see it. God revealed His all-seeing, all-knowing, and ever-present compassion through my humble prayer one sunny Saturday morning at a Little League baseball game. My prayer wasn’t for our team to win. It was for a young boy on our team who was struggling with life issues and especially with playing baseball. He had caught my attention and no matter where he was in the game, offensively or defensively, my eyes were on him. At one game he was struggling so much at his left-field position he was wiping tears away with his non-glove hand and then suddenly he started running for the fence to leave to the game. After a teammate’s reassurance, he came back and finished the inning. As a batter, he looked good — wide stance, bat ready and his size was probably a bit intimating to the opposing team’s pitcher. But he hadn’t hit the ball all season although he had walked. He had never had the thrill of crossing home plate and he batted last. He looked like he 6PAGE | M5 AG A Z I N E N A M E 3

didn’t fit and he usually looked like he didn’t want to be there. And why was he? I thought to myself with a bit of anger. Was he being forced?

My judging heart started building a case against his circumstances.

Then God’s providence entered the picture. At another game, sometime after this, I fell into conversation with one of our fans. It was a bit early before game time so our conversation wasn’t rushed. I didn’t know him so I asked, “And who are you connected with?” The name he gave me was the boy in this story. He was the dad, and he gave me a bit of background on his son.

He was struggling in school and at home and dad was hoping baseball might help him. I needed no one there to shame me. I shamed myself with silent remorse and prayer for forgiveness for judging. This was definitely a time I was glad my thoughts could not be read by another. It was bad enough that my Lord Jesus knew.

When the game started, his dad and I went our separate ways to find our spot in the stands.

Later in the game, I was fatigued from sitting and got up to stand and walk a bit. I ended up at the fence behind home plate, just as this young boy stepped up to the plate. Suddenly it felt like there was no one there but the pitcher, batter, umpire, me, and God. I closed my eyes and silently said, “Abba Father, please let him get a hit.”

WHAM!! And the fans and teammates went crazy. Not only did he get a hit, but he also hit the ball to the fence, further than any other player.

And off he went to second base. Another teammate hit the ball and drove him in and he got to cross home plate! When the game was over, his team gathered for their post-game chat with coaches. Then he ran to his dad with a huge smile. The coach gave him the team ball. I wept.

With all the sorrow, pandemic, political and racial unrest in our country, God demonstrated to me He cares enough to bend low and hear my plea.

Because our pastor was preaching on the feeding of the massive crowds, I shared this story with him. His response in part was, “How quick we are to filter out the grace and power of Jesus! I love how Jesus gave you His own heart of compassion for this boy in place of your own judgment.

And then to see how you brought your humble prayer and how He answered in such a BIG way.

A true 5+2= 5,000 moment! Oh the compassion, power, and wisdom of our Savior!”

But just like the feeding of 5,000 and 4,000, God wanted me to remember His compassion, so He came to another game and showed me. It was a totally different circumstance. I was tense, struggling with “Is this right to pray again for this boy?

Am I using the goodness of God, trying to manipulate Him… and on… and on.” Finally, I heard God’s quiet voice to me “Gini, relax. I’ve got this”. What can you say to God in response? “OK, whatever and however” was my release prayer to God. It wasn’t even time for this youngster to bat. “Whatever and however,” I said to myself over and over. Finally it was his turn to bat. No hit this time. He walked. But what an unforgettable trip around the bases he had. Another teammate got a hit and moved him to second and then he stole third. But the on-field umpire called him out, so he ran to the dugout. Then the plate ump reversed the call and sent him back to third.

Next play, he came home and scored our first run. Up until then, the score was 1-0, and we had been 0. It seemed that our bats were asleep, but as a catalyst, his run woke them up and we ended up winning the game. This was also GRANDPARENT’S DAY, so his family was there to witness his adventure around the bases. Our season is over, but I don’t believe God is finished with this young man.

Although her parents and siblings were born in Arkansas, Gini was born and raised in California.

She has been married to Charlie for more than 53 years. They live in Orange County, CA. Their son and daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and grandson live nearby.

Gini was active in the education of elementary school-age children. Feeling a misfit in education, she turned to and became active in adult ministry at their church.

Gini and Charlie have a joint ministry—12 years ago, Charlie designed and built a guest house on the back of their property. It is named Onesimus House, a gift from God of respite and renewal to missionaries from around the world. They call themselves God’s caretakers of this delightful place of rest and renewal.

Gini’s hobbies are gardening, reading, and writing. Their 3-year-old dog, Jackson, is such a joy in their lives. Gini and Charlie are members of Trinity Presbyterian Church of Orange County.

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L |64 7 Photos by Karen Ruhl

PAGE

Talents, Talents... Everywhere

By Melissa Henderson Have you thought about the special and unique talents God has given you? Perhaps you don’t feel talented in any specific area. We all go through times of doubt. Comfort and peace can be found when we remember God created each person. He created us with unique qualities and gave us important gifts to share with the world.

The women were humbled and surprised at times to learn how the other ladies viewed their individual talents. From “She likes to cook and serve meals to the homeless,” to “she enjoys sending cards in the mail,” to “she loves sharing the Gospel,” and many more descriptions of talents and gifts, each woman was shown love and tenderness.

I’ve always loved to create stories. In elementary school, my imagination began growing. Teachers commented on how they liked my creativity.

In middle school and high school, while other students excelled at math and science, I enjoyed creative writing classes. Every trip to the school library, local library, bookmobile, or bookstore provided joy and excitement.

Most guesses were correct. When someone read my form and saw all the question marks, she simply stated, “Ladies, there is a person in this room who doesn’t know their talents. Let’s remind her of the gifts and talents God has given.”

As a young adult, I attended a women’s Bible study group. A questionnaire was presented to everyone attending the meeting. The topic and questions were about spiritual gifts and talents. As I thought about my answers, I wondered if I had any special talents. Around the room, the ladies sat quietly and began filling out the paperwork. My heart sank, as I didn’t know what to write.

What talents did I have? Finally, I filled out the form with question marks and turned over the paper. I was embarrassed and defeated.

When the time came to share answers, the leader suggested we exchange papers, read the answers aloud, and not share the name of the person who provided their information. Smiles were seen on each face as the answers were shared. After each reading, the other ladies were asked to guess who they thought was being described.

8PAGE | M7 AG A Z I N E N A M E 3

My face turned beet red and sweat formed on my face. The sweet ladies knew from my expression and reaction that I was the person who couldn’t list any talents. One by one, the dear sweet group reminded me of how we are all precious, special, uniquely talented, and gifted because God created us.

How could I have overlooked that important fact?

God created us. We all have talents. I love to smile, love to chat with people, love to write letters and send via snail mail, love to read, love to write, and love to share the love of God with others.

Yes, yes, I have many talents. Talents, talents... everywhere.

God gives us talents and gifts for every moment.

I am thankful for His gifts. Pause and ask God to reveal your talents and gifts given by Him. How wonderful and glorious to know we are loved by Him. Thank You, Lord.

Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers. Melissa is the author of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”.

Her passions are helping in community and church.

Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister.

Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com

Click on the book covers to purchase Melissa’s books. We are proud owners of both books.

Karen & Craig Ruhl

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L |84 9

PAGE

Almighty God

By Andrea Marino

I love when a Scripture verse leaps off the page and grabs my attention. “God sustains all things

by His powerful word.” (Hebrews 1:3b HCSB) I had to pause and think about this one morning recently. No matter the chaotic happenings swirling around me, God maintains them all. Surely, He is able to take care of my concerns. In the still of that moment, my heart filled with hope. How awesome is the King of the universe for even caring to speak to me? It was powerfully wonderful, especially when I was feeling low, despairing over the godless activities taking place upon the earth.

God loves righteousness and hates lawlessness (Hebrews 1:9). So why do I spend any time in worry? It has never changed a thing. I cannot change anything. Herein lies rest for a weary soul: putting our concerns into the hands of God and praying to Him. Pray without ceasing if need be; because God alone is the sustaining force of the universe. He calls everything into being. Though the little ‘g’ god has influence and appears to be in control, it is not the truth. It is, rather, the working of Almighty God’s permissive will, which He promises to be used for good to those who love Him. “The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; He guides it wherever He pleases.” (Proverbs 21:1 NLT)

Lately, I need a constant reminder of Who God is.

What is going on out there in the world is quite unnerving. Oh, to always keep the perspective of a divine orchestration going on from our all-powerful God. The apostle Paul was physically blinded while traveling the Damascus Road. On a mission to slaughter those following Jesus, Paul acted in deception. In perfect justice and mercy, God removed sight from his eyes so he could gain a different perspective—a new one. Religious hypocrisy, in conjunction with a lack of love, still blinds people today. We can be quick to think we are good enough by following laws; we can be quick to get angry and judge another’s walk.

True believers are known by their fruit; (Mathew 7:16) and fruit needs time to ripen. Only God can know the end result for any person who has not yet seen the light, like Paul. Therefore, in such a ‘fragile time’, one that is winding down, it’s good to remember all of us were once entrenched in sin. (see Ephesians 2: 1,2,3) No doubt humbled discovering Jesus is God Almighty, Paul even came to appreciate his imprisonment, because it resulted in the cause of Christ throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else. (Philippians 1:12,13) There are reasons for everything that happens, no matter how bad they are. God has a plan in place to save mankind. Many have yet to see their need.

PAGE 9 3

Click on the photo of the book to purchase from Amazon.

Those who penned the words of God through the Holy Spirit bear evidence of the power of God working in absolute love. All that is written is to show the way to eternal life. So why do we worry?

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” (Mathew 6:33 NLT) This Kingdom has come down to earth by an act of God, who chooses to be like the ones He created. His Kingdom is in our midst through the miraculous work of His perfect Son. “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted upon the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.” (Psalm 46:10, 11.

NASB)

With a yearning to uncover the secret to life, Andrea embarked on a journey to discover truth.

The study of Psychology proved inadequate, while the forces of darkness began to make their presence known. The Hobble, from Ai to Bethel encompasses Andrea’s personal victory over fear and bondage to the enemy. Passionate in sharing God’s Good News about Jesus, the author desires to encourage people to never lose hope. Because we all ‘hobble’ before God in need of Him. When not writing, Andrea loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, and enjoys cycling on the open roads with her husband, David.

PAGE 10 4

Dr. Kathleen B. Oden is an author, missionary, and Bible teacher. She has been the Administrator of God’s House of Refuge Church & School of Evangelism, for 25 years. Dr. Oden attained a Doctorate degree in Christian Theology in 2000. After a bad fall in 2014, she realized that she had to start eating healthy, in order to fully recover. She became a Certified Health Minister and a Certified Essential Oil Coach. She loves ministering to people and God gave her a health ministry called, Create AnewU Health Ministry. Her health ministry has opened the door for her to share what the WORD OF GOD has to say about eating healthy. Dr. Oden has published over 20 books through Amazon.com and several of them are about health and wellness. https://createanewuhealthministry.com

Gifts and Talents

By Dr. Kathleen B. Oden Have you ever laughed at one or both of your parents for something that they did that you thought was weird, or strange, and then years later you found yourself doing the very same thing?

Let me give you an example… my father was “crafty.” However, in my mind, he just had hobbies. When he was in his twenties, he built model planes that could actually fly! My father had so many gifts and talents.

And many years later he also built model ships to scale, like the Cutty Sark or the Mayflower, from bits of scrap that he found wherever he could. But what got me was he would create other things from cardboard or “whatever” and just make stuff.

He had stuff lying around all the time that he just created from a piece of wood or cardboard.

One day, while looking around on YouTube for some projects for our Children’s Church, I discovered some ladies making clutch bags out of placemats (who knew)! This was so awesome and soon became a hobby/business because people kept asking me, “Please create one or some for me!”

Every week, heads turned, and eyes popped when they saw me arrive at Church with “another” new clutch bag tucked under my arm that totally matched my outfit! But the funny part was that one day while working on a clutch bag I just started laughing out loud! Not at my father, but myself. A thought just flew through my mind!

OMG! I’m crafty like my dad!!!

But until that very moment, it just did not enter my brain that my dad was crafty. And definitely NOT ME! WOW… it feels strange to be over 60 years old and still discovering new hidden God-Given Gifts! Needless to say, the clutch bag/ placemat craze came and went, but it was so much fun while it lasted!

Has anything ever stopped you from “Using Your God-Given Gifts?” Cheesecake is one of my weaknesses and a friend of mine has a God-Given gift/ talent to make the most delicious cheesecake on the planet! But she refuses to start a business.

And another friend of mine is a very talented writer, however, she stopped writing.

PAGE 11

12

|

M AG A Z I N E N A M E

Great tips and tricks by Dr. Kathleen B. Oden Here are a few of my favorite scriptures about health and essential oils.

HEALTH Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

(3 John 2 KJV) For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; God heals all my diseases.

(Jeremiah 30:17 KJV) My most powerful God-Given Gift is teaching the Word of God! That is why I love the fact that God made me a Certified Health Minister and gave me a health ministry. But He did not stop there! My next blessed discovery was essential oils in the Bible, as well as discovering that there are tons of scriptures in the Bible about health! That alone proves how very much God loves us. He is concerned about our health more than we are!

Teaching God’s people how to eat healthy by the Word of God is one of my missions! And as Christians, we all need to continue “using our God-Given Gifts” to complete our God-Given mission(s). There is no prayer more powerful than when we pray using the WORD OF GOD! His Word is backed up by His power! His Word never fails! His Word stands forever! His Word is Truth! Are you Using Your God-Given Gift of speech to call those things that are not as though they were? He gave us this wonderful gift! Let’s not forget about it or waste it!

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

(Proverbs 16:24 KJV) ESSENTIAL OIL There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.

(Matthew 26:7 KJV) Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord (James 5:14 KJV) And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

(Matthew 2:11 KJV)

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L

|

13

PAGE 12

Bible Study With Your Spouse

by Karen Ruhl

Many years ago, Craig and I started doing bible studies together. We both belonged to small groups and hosted an anchor group at our house to discuss the weekly sermons from our church. We loved being in the Word but wanted and needed to do more together as a wife and husband.

We loved the study, it starts off with the statement, “It is not about you.” How profound. It is true, nothing is really about us, it is all about God. Over the years, we have been faithful in our studies. We have read the Bible together from front to back, out loud, at least six times.

An early study we did was Purpose Driven Life. The day we decided to purchase the books, we went to Barnes & Noble in Irvine, Ca. Craig was across the aisle from me looking at some new releases and I was looking at the Christian book display in the center aisle. I was close enough to ask Craig what the name of the book was that we wanted to study.

Out of nowhere, a man standing at the table looked at me and said, “Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren.” I said, “Yes, thank you!” I picked up the book and walked toward Craig and realized there was no way this man could have known that I was looking for that book. I didn’t mention it to him. I stood

by Craig and told him what had just happened. I looked back to point out the man and he was gone.

I went to the front of the store to see if he was at the check-out stand. He could not have gotten far in a few seconds. Craig walked toward the back of the store as I searched the front and even went outside to see if any cars were leaving. Nothing.

The man was gone. Just like that, he was there to tell me about the book and then he disappeared.

You may think this is strange. I know we did. And yet, we knew beyond any doubt that we had just experienced a God event.

The intimacy of studying with your spouse is amazing. First, we pray before we read, and then we take turns reading through the verses. We both have a study Bible by our sides so we can look up anything we may not understand. We have become evenly yoked, and it is a wonderful feeling and has blessed our marriage beyond what we can even explain.

14 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 13

Being evenly yoked is important in marriage, in our opinion. We both share the same beliefs and views of the world. We know we are saved and if one of us does not feel strong, the other holds us up.

II Corinthians 6:14 (KJV) says, “Be ye not unequally yoked with unbelievers. . .” It does not mention marriage, and yet it is clear, a marriage that is not equally yoked is very hard to maintain.

Set aside time for you and your spouse, or if you are engaged, your fiance, and study the Word. You will be blessed beyond measure as you learn all God has in store for you.

Be blessed, Karen

Prayerful Listening

by Craig Ruhl

Some of my earliest childhood memories are of the bedtime prayers my parents listened to before I fell asleep. You know, the “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray for my soul to keep…” ones. For me, the habit of praying each night lasted until I was about 7 or 8 years old. Once I was in junior high school and became involved with the youth fellowship at church, I learned how to pray in more of an adult manner. They taught us the biblical tenants of prayer. I think that is the time the Lord’s Prayer became meaningful to me; not just the words, but also that it came from the Bible. The prayer is mentioned in two of the Gospels. The shorter version is found in Luke 11:2-4 and a longer one is included in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:9-13. As I grew older and more mature in my faith, I learned about corporate prayer—the act of praying together with a group, small or large, of other people. I also became more intentional in my prayer, asking specifically for what I needed and wanted. Mathew 7:7-11 instructs us in making requests of God. Yes, I was taught how, why, and when to pray. I learned not to just ask for things, but also to give thanks and praise to God. Although many of us have been taught to pray, for some, that knowledge has slipped away over the years. I went through several periods in my life when prayer just wasn’t a regular part of who I was. Knowledge about prayer was not my stumbling block; it has always been a matter of properly applying that knowledge in such a manner that God not only hears my pleas but He is also inclined to grant my requests—in accordance with His will.

Okay, so now I have God’s ear and He hears my prayers. What next? I didn’t learn until later in life to leave space in my prayer time to hear God’s voice. When we are busy talking, we don’t leave an opening to hear responses. Remember, God gave us two ears and only one mouth for a reason. This applies to prayer as well as speech. God is infinitely patient with us, and he wants to respond to our prayers. He is also polite and waits for us to listen for His voice before he speaks. Like many others, I don’t actually hear God’s voice when he answers my prayer requests, but I do gain knowledge I didn’t possess earlier. When I pray for wisdom and discernment about a matter of concern and then listen carefully, he replies in His time. My job is to be available so He can have a relationship and communicate with me.

Quiet time for devotions, reading the Bible, and prayer is an essential element of a Christian’s life.

Take advantage of the time you are communicating with God to hear His often still voice. It will make a world of difference in your relationship with God, your family, and those around you.

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 14

415

Nicole is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 14 years of experience in community mental health. She is the author of Remade: Living Free a book written for women in recovery from substance abuse and unhealthy relationships.

Nicole also maintains a blog at nicolebyrum.com as well as a podcast, 5 Minute Word. Both focus on topics related to faith and relationships. She lives in Northwest Ohio with her husband and two children. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, running, or cooking.

Click on book cover to purchase on Amazon.

WORDS AND AFFECTIONS

by Nicole Byrum

I closed my eyes and thought back as far as I could, trying to recall the earliest words spoken to me as a child. What sprang forth from those brief moments of solitary concentration on my living room couch surprised me. I had hoped to summon specific words from my memory, but there in my mind’s eye my childhood unfolded, one book cover at a time. In great detail, I could see the blue engine and townspeople of “The Little Engine that Could;” “Hooper Humperdink” and his grand imaginary party; and “Harold the Rabbit,” the overgrown hare who had been gracing those browned and worn pages since my father’s youth. Of course! Books and stories... my greatest love as a kid, and undoubtedly, the most glorious expression of human language.

But there was one more image that stood out among the above-mentioned books: A small blue booklet of Bible verses I had colored during my time in Sunday School. These were verses I would memorize and then verbally repeat to my teacher, week after week.

I praise God that both on Sundays and in my home, I was exposed to the greatest story ever told—the story of God’s love and the gift of salvation through the life and death of His Son, Jesus. This is the story that has shaped my entire life. From my youth until now, the words of the Bible have led me to acknowledge my sin and have given me the greatest hope imaginable through my Savior. These words have strengthened my heart and created a desire for holiness.

As I reflected on the topic of words and writing as spiritually formative, it hit me: Jesus is the Word. John 1:1 (NIV) tells us this beautiful truth: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, 16 | M AG AEVERY Z I N E N ACORNER ME FAITH ON PAGE 3 15

and the Word was God.” He is eternal and He himself spoke our entire world into existence. His words are truth and life because He is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6) With this in mind, it makes sense why I felt more connected with God over one period in time than at any other time in my life. From April through November 2019, I wrote a book for women in recovery; a book addressing key aspects of recovery from substance abuse and/or unhealthy relationships from a biblical perspective. The process of writing, the use of creativity and beautiful words, coupled with God’s truth, changed my heart by furthering my inclinations and affections for God. I have come to realize this is why I loved writing the book so much and why it saddened me when it was time to send the manuscript to my editor! I yearned to write more, for it was through writing I was being transformed.

That December, I began a website and blog as a way to continue doing what I had come to love.

It quickly became apparent to me that regardless of how many people find their way to my words, they are words I must write, if only as a process for my own spiritual growth. Ephesians 2:5 says we have been made alive through Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions.

Truly, I have been transformed from spiritual death to life by the Word himself. And I praise God that He continues to transform my heart through integrating His truth with the ability to write. Indeed, my affections for Him have never been greater.

August Prayer A Prayer to Use Our Gifts Well

By Tynea Lewis

Dear Heavenly Father, We pray that we use our gifts well. You have graciously blessed each of us with gifts to encourage one another and serve you.

Tynea Lewis is a teacher turned workfrom-home mom. She and her husband live in Pennsylvania with their two children, and they love spending time together at their family cabin.

Tynea remembers loving to write as early as first grade. She has a heart for encouraging others in the midst of their messes.

You can connect with her at her personal blog (www.tynea-lewis.com), on Instagram (@TyneaLewis), or Facebook (@TyneaLewisWriter).

Lord, it’s so easy to compare our gifts to those around us. We longingly look at other people’s gifts and feel as though ours don’t mean as much. We wish we could do so many other things, but Lord, you have wired us each uniquely. You have placed passions within us that can be used for your kingdom.

Help us see all the ways you have blessed us. Help us use what you have given us to bring glory to your name. Lord, it’s easy to keep our gifts hidden for fear of failure and not measuring up, but Lord, you can do mighty things when we rely on you and your strength.

It’s also easy to look at the things we do and believe it comes from our own ability, but it doesn’t. It comes from what you’ve enabled us to do. Help us use our gifts humbly and not become prideful.

We are not in competition with other people. Give us the perspective that everything we do is to be done for you, not the approval of other people. Help us keep our eyes focused on you and use our gifts wisely. Thank you for your love and generosity.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

WWW.FAITHONEVERYCORNER.COM WMW W.AFA E VEE&O RYCO M AG Z IINTEH O NN A M R PAGE URRNLE R|.CO 17

16 412

Poems by John Alexander

God-Given Gifts Our God-given gifts when discovered and used Can help to lift others, those beaten and bruised.

Some suffered as children, and still bear the scars, Others by life, like a soldier at war.

John Alexander lives in Frisco, Texas with his beautiful wife and his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

My Spiritual Gifts

By John Alexander

We each are created differently. Each of us have been on a unique journey through life. We each began with a unique set of gifts and abilities. Some gifts are discovered and developed early in life. Some gifts may not be known until much later in life. I didn’t begin writing in rhyme until the spring of the year I turned 70 that August 2017. Once I discovered my love for putting words into rhyme, I made the most of it. Now, four years later this month, I have penned hundreds of rhymes and I still enjoy sharing them with others.

I pray they touch a few hearts and provide just the words they need when they need to hear them. I pray you enjoy the poems shared on these pages as well as hundreds of others on QuietTimeRhymes.com for your reading pleasure.

Their wounds are not visible, hurting inside, Need some who’ll listen in whom they confide.

Some share with music, while others can write, We each have a way we can serve as a light.

I pray we each find a unique way to serve, To share what we have the way others deserve.

There’s no way around it, no two are the same, What God-given talents and gifts we can claim.

The gifts were all given, came down from above.

I pray that we use them for spreading God’s love.

The world needs God’s light to dispel all the hate, I pray we find courage to not hesitate.

Blessings, John QuietTimeRhymes.com

18 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 17

Encouragement

Wired

Encouragement, how great a gift To give someone who needs a lift.

It took me decades to find out I love to rhyme; I have no doubt.

We all need love along our way.

I pray my words are kind today.

I long to help the words I write Emerge from darkness into light.

I pray I’m generous with words That lift the soul on wings of birds.

It must be how my brain is wired.

It gives me strength; I don’t grow tired.

We all need courage, strength, resolve; Discouragement will soon dissolve.

What is the thing you love to do?

No one’s created just like you.

I pray we share our love, not hate, That violence will dissipate.

I pray you find your special zone, That gift from God for you alone.

I pray for ways to show I care, For words of kindness I can share.

Perhaps you love the great outdoors, Help gardens grow and bloom once more.

I pray that help can be received, And hurting hearts can be relieved.

A book, a rhyme, a song, or play Might help you probe and find your way.

I pray my words in some small way Lift someone up who’s down today.

I pray you find your special gift And help someone who needs a lift.

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 18

419

Gina Sewell is a mom and grandma who lives in the Dallas, Texas area, where she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family. She loves to write about Jesus and encourage others. Gina shares her journey on her website: http://www.ginabartonsewell.wordpress.com

Having Faith

By Gina Sewell

In my walk with Christ, I have finally begun to hear things He has to say to me. I don’t hear Him nearly as often as I would like, but I know that’s not because He is not speaking to me. It is because I can’t always hear it. The chaos and noise of this world make it so hard to focus on Him sometimes the way I would like to. Meditation helps.... just letting all your thoughts and feelings go and just picturing His love surrounding you, enveloping you. That’s how I get my focus back, but it is hard in this world to keep your focus.

A few months ago, I was going through a really hard time. It was one of those times that I just felt like nothing was going to work out the way I wanted it to. One Saturday morning I woke early to have my time with Jesus and as I was praying, I heard Him speak to me. I had been praying about the things that I felt I needed for a couple of weeks at that point and that day, very clearly, I heard Him speak these words in my spirit, “Have faith in what I’m doing for you.”

My first thought was, “Of course I have faith.” Then I thought, “Don’t I? What does He mean by that?”

Upon further investigation into my feelings and thoughts, I realized I was asking Him for those things but not necessarily believing that He would provide them; certainly not that He couldn’t provide them, but more likely that He wouldn’t because I didn’t deserve them. Well, I don’t. But thankfully, His grace is sufficient.

So, I began to not only believe that He would answer my prayer, I started thanking Him as well. Faith is knowing He will provide—and He will.

“But to each of us, grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” (Ephesians 4:7 NIV) “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 NIV) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

20 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 19

Sunrise, Sunset

by Karen Ruhl Are you a morning or evening person? I admit I am not an early morning person; I come alive mid-morning and love nighttime. Whatever time of the day you like most, be sure to go out and catch a sunrise or sunset.

There is nothing like a sunrise or sunset to see how God paints the sky with colors that are simply amazing. Every time I see a brilliant sunrise or sunset it makes me think about how beautiful heaven is going to be with the colors mentioned in the Bible. Here are a few with their meanings.

Red – Blood of Jesus, love of God, blood of the Lamb, atonement, salvation Blue – Heaven, the Holy Spirit, authority Purple – Priesthood, kingship, royalty, mediator, wealth Gold – Glory, divinity, kingship, eternal deity, foundation, altar, beauty, precious, holiness, majesty, righteousness Yellow – Faith and Glory of God, anointing, joy Black – Darkness, sin, Earth, affliction, humiliation, calamity, death, mourning

Can you see these colors in the photos below?

When Craig and I lived in California, we would go to the ocean often to watch the sun go down. There was something very special about watching the sun touch the water and spill it’s reflection across the waves. People on the beach would sit and stare until the sun dipped all the way behind the edge of the earth (from our vantage point). We would watch them pack up their belongings and head out. We would wait, knowing that God always has another burst of color after the sun goes down. Within the hour after the sun comes up, or goes down, the reds will pop and the colors will be much softer. A heavenly display for each of us to take in.

Next time you are watching a sunset, stay where you are for the next 15-20 minutes and if the conditions are just right, you will see the colors pop. Smile and thank God for painting the sky for you!

Blessings to your sunrise and sunset experiences.

Photo on left, sunset when everyone leaves. Photo on right, shortly after sunset, watch for the photogrphers snapping up these colors! Taken in Dana Point,, CA.

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 20

421

The Lawn Guy

By Pamela Walck

“He quit.”

“Who quit?” my mom asked.

“Craig, the grasscutter. Now we’re going to have to find someone to cut the grass and plow the driveway. It’s supposed to be pretty snowy this year.”

“Why did he quit?”

“The letter says he’s decided on a different career.

Craig did put down the name of another guy to call for an estimate.”

Over the next few weeks, I got an estimate for cutting the acre of grass that my ninety-two-year-old mom and I lived at. It was okay, but I thought I’d get at least one more.

I contacted a friend of mine, Steve, who seemed to have a lot of contacts for handyman-type work.

We ended up hiring the guy that cuts the grass at Steve’s church, Gary.

Within a few weeks of Gary showing up to work on our lawn, my mom started having health issues. In and out of emergency rooms, my mom got admitted for a week at a time for a variety of health conditions—congestive heart failure, urinary tract infections, trouble with her long-term use of Parkinson’s medications. During this time, I would come home and sometimes find Gary working on the lawn. We would often talk when we saw each other, and he’d ask how my mother was doing.

22 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 21

Very friendly and hard-working, Gary was a bit of an open book. He told me about his full-time job at a cemetery that he planned on retiring from soon, his divorce, and his children. As he talked, I wondered, though, if he had any faith. I knew he cut the grass at my friend’s church, but Steve also said he didn’t attend their church.

“Gary, do you go to a church?”

“Nah, haven’t gone in years.”

I started to share my faith with him. I also gave him a Pocket Testament of John, a tract, and some articles I had written about my faith in Jesus.

A few weeks later, he said, “Pam, I’ve been reading those articles, they’re pretty good.”

“Great, thanks for reading them!” I said.

One day, Gary shocked me. I walked out of the house to go to the hospital with my head down, feeling incredibly sad about my mom’s constant illnesses. I put a flower box in the trunk of my vehicle and heard Gary yell. “Pam, can I ask you something?”

I turned around and looked over at him. Why does he want to talk now, I thought. I’m not feeling so good about everything my mom has been going through.

“What’s up Gary?”

“Um, I was wondering, do you know where I could get a Bible?”

My ears perked up. “You want a Bible?”

“Yes, after reading your articles and the Book of John. I was thinking, I have a chair on my porch. I’d like to sit there and read the Bible at night when I get home from work.”

“No problem, Gary. I will be happy to get you one,” I said with a smile.

After dropping off flowers to the attendant in the hospital lobby (because of Covid restrictions, no visitors allowed), I drove to a few stores looking for a Bible. I really wanted to get Gary a large print Bible, as the print seemed so small in many of them, but I couldn’t find one.

After returning home, I thought about ordering one online, but due of the slow mail deliveries because of Covid, I didn’t want to wait that long.

I felt pleasantly surprised when I realized I had an extra Bible sitting in the back seat of my vehicle, so I gave that to Gary.

Weeks later, Gary told me while working on making a concrete wheelchair ramp for my mom, “I’ve been reading that Bible and the other things you gave me every night on the porch. My life has actually never been better, everything seems to be going great for me.”

He laughed, “my neighbors said I’m getting religious on them.”

“That’s wonderful,” I said. “It doesn’t always happen that way, you know. Sometimes, life gets tougher.”

“Can I ask you, have you repented and placed your trust in Jesus as your Savior?”

“Yes, I have,” Gary said as he looked up from digging with a shovel.

“Awesome! That’s the best news.”

Once the COVID-19 restrictions lightened up, Gary started attending Niagara Frontier Bible Church, where he cuts the grass. He’s been going every Sunday, he told me, and that’s been over a year.

We are truly blessed to have met Gary. He cuts our grass immaculately and the wheelchair ramp turned out beautiful, for when my mother came home from the hospital. It’s funny as you never know whom you may meet and hopefully influence for the Kingdom of God, just by having a friendly conversation.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing,” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)

Pam loves to write and inspire others to walk in faith and share the Gospel. She has been a follower of Jesus for over twenty years. She works as a physical therapist, takes care of her sweet ninetytwo-year-old mom, and loves going to the gym. A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, Pam has taught many Bible studies, been on mission trips, volunteered in pastoral care, and helps with a ministry to children in Zambia.

Pam’s blog is found at https://joyluke157.wordpress.com/

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 22

423

Encourage Without Hesitation

By Craig Ruhl

Craig Ruhl is the Managing Editor of Faith On Every Corner, he is also a writer and handles the business side of Faith On Every Corner, LLC.

Have you stopped to consider how much time you devote to getting ready to do something? I am talking about the time you spend preparing to perform a task, the lead-up to getting down to the business of doing. This month in Faith On Every Corner magazine we are talking about using our God-given gifts and I would like to take a moment to consider how we make ready to put them into action.

First, a little background about me. I am a procrastinator par excellence. I could teach a class on putting off until tomorrow what I should do today—if only I would start. My downfall often is the feeling I have that I need to have all my ducks in a row, all assets organized, and a coherent plan before embarking on a project or even a mission. Yes, many would call that procrastination while I excuse it all as groundwork and planning.

The Creator has granted each of us special gifts and talents. Although we share many of these gifts with each other, they become even more special when combined with our unique personalities and traits.

For instance, let’s ponder the gift of encouragement.

Encouragement is a blessing to both the giver and the receiver. The actual act of encouraging is simple enough. We offer another person support and stimulate their courage to perform a task, mission, or just carry on through life’s ups and downs. We are called to challenge, comfort, and guide them. This 24 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 23

motivates them to grow. That ability to encourage comes from a deeper place than many realize.

When God graced us with all those special gifts, he also equipped us with the ability to use them to His glory. God didn’t provide the tools without instructions and a plan for their use. The Holy Spirit who dwells inside us provides much of this help. The Holy Spirit offers inspiration and intuition, direction, and help in using our gifts.

I saw a perfect example of using the gift of encouragement while watching the Olympics on television the other night. The women’s gymnastics team was competing in the team finals. One woman, a worldclass performer and hands-down favorite to help the team win the gold medal suddenly withdrew from the competition, citing health and safety concerns. This was certainly heartbreaking for her, as well as for the team and supporters. The competition went on without her taking part but not without her being on the sideline, cheering, encouraging, and supporting her teammates through the rest of the competition. She could have removed herself and stayed in the locker room. Instead, her presence and encouragement undoubtedly inspired the rest of the team to take up the slack and win a silver medal.

Each of us has many opportunities every day to be the person who extends a hand, offers a smile, or lends support to another person. Being an encourager may be as simple as making a phone call, sending a text message, or mailing a notecard.

Exercising our gifts and talents doesn’t have to be complicated or tiresome. A slight gesture may make an enormous difference in the life of someone who is hurting or needing support.

One of the sincerest expressions of encouragement is the simple act of listening. In this busy, noisy world of ours, it is not always easy to find someone willing to sit still and hear us talk about what is going on in our lives—our hopes, dreams, fears, and needs. Being that person who will listen without judgment or trying to solve every issue is to be an encourager. An encourager is also a person who, after listening, looks the other person in the eye and says, “I support you in whatever you decide and no matter what happens. You’ve got this!”

Being an encourager does not require extensive preparation, training, or tools. In the spur of the moment, we can spring into action, come alongside a friend or family member, and offer support. In this world, we need more cheerleaders and fewer critics.

We have many wonderful words in the Bible that offer encouragement. Share one with a person you know who needs encouragement today.

“Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.” (Psalm 31:24 NKJV) “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

(Romans 8:31 NKJV) I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.

(Psalm 121:1-2 NKJV) One of the primary missions of Faith On Every Corner magazine is to encourage our readers through the articles, stories, poetry, and photography on our pages. We pray you will let us know if and how we can be of encouragement to you and we promise not to procrastinate or delay in responding.

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 24

425

What Are Our God-Given Gifts?

by Yvonne M. Morgan

What talents do you possess? For example, can you play the piano or sing or maybe something sports-related? Some people are born with these kinds of skills, while others develop them through years of practice. For some of you, perhaps you doubt if you have any such God-given gifts. But, rest assured, we all have abilities that God provided to us, and He wants us to use them for His purposes.

One-Body with Many Parts As we examine people’s gifting, sometimes it can be easy to become envious of other people’s talent. Yet, we all play a part in the body of Christ. Therefore, no one is more or less important than another. Our gifting is for His purposes. So we must work together to use our gifts to further the Kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 12:12; “The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ.”

(BSB) Biblical References But, what are some of the biblical gifts that God provides to us? We find several places within the New Testament that look at these God-given gifts.

• Romans 12:6-8; “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (NIV) 26 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 25

•1 Corinthians 12:8-10; “To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.” (NIV) Biblical Gifts Many biblical scholars summarize the above verses in the following list of sixteen spiritual gifts. I also include a brief description to help us better understand.

1. Administration - organize, direct, and implement plans to lead others in the various ministries.

2. Apostleship - lead and plant new ministries or churches.

3. Discernment - recognize and distinguish between the influence of God, Satan, the world.

4. Encouraging - uphold and strengthen those who are wavering in their faith.

5. Evangelism - clearly and effectively communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others.

6. Faith - encourage and build up the church in her confidence in God. 7. Giving - meet the various needs of the church and its ministries, missionaries, or people.

8. Healing - compassionate toward the sick and pray over them regularly.

9. Knowledge - bring about understanding and inform the church or individual believers.

10. Leadership - care for God’s people and lead them into deeper relationships with Christ and each other.

11. Pastor / Shepherding - humbly teach them, guide them, protect them, and lead them in the mission that God has for His church, namely the Great Commission.

12. Prophecy / Perceiving - make God’s heart known and edify the church.

13. Teaching - help the church fulfill her ministry as “a pillar and buttress of the truth.”

14. Serving / Ministry - committed to the spread of the Gospel.

15. Showing Mercy - love and assist those suffering and walk with them until The Lord allows their burden to be lifted.

16 Wisdom - deep understanding of the holiness of God. As you read over this list, do any of them stir your heart? God does not give us gifts we will dread or despise. So, when we operate within the right area, we find joy and peace most of the time. But life will never be without some difficulties, even when we work for God. Some people may do many things better than the rest of us. But God still has designed each of us with unique gifts. And these gifts can change lives when we put them to use for God’s purposes. We may never be a Billy Graham to the world, but we might be the person who brings such a person to Christ. So, let me close out with this reminder from the Bible: “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

To him be the glory and the power forever and ever.

Amen.”

(1 Peter 4:1NIV)

Daily Bible Study

Myanmar Orphanage The situation in the town surrounding our orphanage is dire. The military controls the town and has shut down all the schools and hospitals. And, the COVID cases are climbing. Please consider helping us as we provide for theses children.

Donate at https://www.paypal.me/oreinc Yvonne M Morgan, Christian author and speaker https://yvonne-morgan.com Click on book cover to purchase.

Blog at Turningmountainsintomolehills.org Twitter: @ymmauthor Website: Yvonne-Morgan.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YMMauthor/ Books: Turning Mountains into Molehills (2017) Rest in God Prayer Journal (9-2020) Faith, Hope, and Love in a Broken World (12-2020)

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 26

427

DEAR CARL

By Anna Friend

Hello, Dear Carl fans, I am thankful for your support of Carl’s mom. She has made a fresh start in the new year. In her mid80s, continuing to thrive for quality of life and establishing a legacy of family love.

Carl’s mom had lived in North Carolina for most of her life. She was a southern transplant and had enjoyed the culture, hospitality, and high regard for kin—family closeness. She became a widow in her early 40s and has only one son. Carl was just entering college when his dad died. Carl married a beautiful woman (Donna) with ties in Arizona. He moved and established his home in Arizona soon after college. Carl has 2 sons and is a grandfather of 3 children. Carl’s mom had friends and community work she enjoyed in North Carolina that kept her from moving to Arizona upon her husband’s death.

She had lived in the home where she and her husband shared most of their married lives. She eventually moved into a senior living cottage, where every week she sat at her dining table and wrote her son a handwritten letter, though he called her almost every Sunday. Near her ending years, she moved to Arizona to live with her son and his wife in Arizona. She continues to write her son letters to put away for him to read after her passing for comfort and encouragement. This letter is one he would read after her death. She writes in the present tense because she is alive while writing them. I hope you enjoy. — Anna

28 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 27

My Dearest Carl, Today, I slept in. I sleep in a little later each week. Being an early riser for many years probably earns me the right to sleep later, but I feel like I miss out on living more life. Son, I have been more tired than I have been in years, yet I do so little. The body has a way of telling you to slow down. I read an article once where a doctor said, “You only have so many heartbeats in a lifetime. Take a nap.” I guess it’s a good idea to not work my heart too much.

I was reading about God instilling gifts in us to use for His purpose. I don’t know what He has given me, but I know I like to talk, write letters, and do nice things for people. Today, I want to cook something. Donna has a sparkling, clean kitchen since the housekeeper came in yesterday. Do I dare make something? Well, yes!

I want to make pies. Peaches are calling me from the terra cotta bowl on the counter. There is something about lightly handling dough for pie crusts. I like the way it feels and rolling it out is gratifying. I read a recipe yesterday that said to use equal parts of water and cold Vodka to the crust mix. We don’t have vodka, but our neighbors do. Can you imagine an old woman in her 80s knocking on their door and saying may I have some vodka? Son, I wouldn’t do that to you—ice water will do. Peeling the peaches will be the hardest part.

When you come home today, I hope the house smells sweet. I want to take Ken and Joan a pie next door. I hope Joan shares with Ken. She’s a diabetic but you would not know it.

Donna and you seem to have found your call from God. I love the time you invest in facilitating your different support groups. I see you making church attendance and fellowship more a priority. Just think, before you came to know my Jesus, you were already doing the good and using gifts God had put in you. We all have purpose, son. Donna loves her make-up, manicures, pedicures, and fashion jewelry. Today she is at the hospital doing her mini-makeovers for women with cancer. Last month, I was mortified she bought them bright orange nail polishes and lipsticks, and when she saw the shock on my face as she was packing, she said, “Mom, they need color, they need to look alive and happy.” She always comes home with her makeup smeared under her eyes, and nose powder gone. I know she cries all the way home. It blesses my heart that you are helping Ken get his old Pontiac GTO running again. He is not going to live to see it done, most likely, but his eyes light up when he tells me how he is working on his muscle car. He always fails to mention that you are the one under the hood. He has purpose and something to look forward to on Thursday evenings with you. We all can do something. We all are to do something.

I am in heaven as you are reading this, and I am still serving. I may not be writing letters or baking pies, but the gift of talk most likely never leaves. I bet I have already exhausted Jesus with so many questions. I have odd ones to ask. “Why did you make fleas, mosquitos, and flies?” “If hair was for our protection, why did we grow it under our arms?” and “Why did you make sugar taste so good if it’s bad for us?” The answers won’t really matter, but I wonder. How will I serve God in heaven? I guess I know now, but this morning I am alive and writing this letter. We are to serve Him now. Son, serve with a heart of cheerfulness. Serve and work as unto Him. Prepare your heart with prayer and ask Him to reveal His will for you each day. He may have a task list for you, or He may tell you to “take a nap”.

Love, Mom “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”

(Colossians 3:23 NLT) “Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7 HCSB) “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6 NIV )

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 28

429

Al Grimaldi and his wife, Carolyn, have been married forty-two years and live in Johns Creek, GA. They have four adult children and four grandchildren, and love family times and boating on Lake Lanier. They are members of a small group Bible study, and Al serves as a co-mentor for men in his local church.

THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD

By Al Grimaldi

As COVID-19 forced many to shelter in place during June of last year, I ventured from Atlanta to my hometown of Utica, New York, to be with my father who lived alone and was nearing the end of his battle with prostate cancer. Due to the pandemic, I was forced to fly into Buffalo, more than a threehour drive from Utica. As I began the long drive, I pondered how many times I prayed for my father’s salvation over the past thirty years, seemingly to no avail. His days were coming to an end, and I felt the full weight of this burden I had carried for so long.

My father had a strong sense of right and wrong and struggled to reconcile a trustworthy God with so many bad things that swirl around us. He asked such questions as “Why does God allow innocent children to suffer?” “How is it fair that someone who does evil their whole life can find forgiveness in Christ at the end?” “Why did my wife have to suffer through ovarian cancer when she didn’t deserve that?” We spent countless hours in conversation, read books together, and looked at God’s word. I wrote letters, pleaded with him, created my own parables for trusting Jesus, and I tried to answer his questions that had no real answers. The burden of getting him “saved” was crushing me, and I looked for assurances.

In his classic allegory, The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan portrays an individual who carries a sack full of burdens on his back until finally freeing himself by laying those burdens at the foot of Jesus’ cross. Burdens are plentiful–sin, regret, shame, guilt, relationships—an “all you can eat” buffet. As believers, we are commanded to pray for one another and to bear with one another, but that does not mean the Lord expects us to carry the burden. David so eloquently wrote in Psalm 68, “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.” (Psalms 68:19-20, NIV) As my drive to Utica progressed, I found myself praying the same prayers I had prayed for years, until simply declaring to God, “I have nothing left to say. I just need to hear what You have to say.”

I stopped praying and put on a playlist of praise music. As the playlist ended, the music streaming service began to play similar songs. That’s when I heard the MercyMe song, Word of God Speak, which opens with these lyrics: “I’m finding myself at a loss for words, and the funny thing is, it’s ok.

The last thing I need is to be heard, but to hear what You would say.”

Millard, Brett, and Pete Kipley. Word of God Speak, MercyMe (23 September 2003).

30 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 29

The similarity to the words that came from my mouth just moments earlier was unmistakable, and I was reassured that if I could trust the Lord with my own salvation, I could trust Him with my father’s salvation. The presence of the Holy Spirit was overwhelming and comforting as I continued to Utica.

To my surprise, I learned that the song was released in 2003, yet it was new to me. I can only guess that God communicated to me through that song in 2020 because that is exactly when I was ready to hear what He had to say. I never envisioned that the stretch of the New York State Thruway between Buffalo and Utica would forever represent “holy ground” for me!

My good friend and pastor, Bill Willits, who has often provided me with wise counsel rooted in God’s word, encouraged me with the following words: “Knowing if/when a person crosses the line of faith is a tricky one. It certainly doesn’t mean you cease having questions or wrestle with what God allowed. If that were the case, all our salvation stories would be in question! It does mean that what your dad is trusting in for his salvation is Christ’s death on the cross. That it was enough. Which he has heard. Which he has understood. Which I will pray that God provides some glimpse of clarity for you about. But even if you don’t have it, it doesn’t mean that he hasn’t responded the best he could.

I am so thankful God gave you that 3-hour drive, but especially that He showed up so personally for you. I will pray that the Holy Spirit shows up in his spirit to lead him to rectify what he can come to peace about in the middle of so much that he can’t.”

Another close friend, Becky McNamee, introduced me to the book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, by W. Phillip Keller. Keller, a former shepherd, explains the nuances of the psalm in a way that amplifies the richness of David’s words and brings the psalm to life for those of us twenty-first-century readers unfamiliar with shepherding. As I studied this wonderful psalm with family and friends, I also gravitated to Shane and Shane’s musical adaptation of Psalm 23.

Oddly, I had always held Psalm 23 at arms-length.

Maybe because so many people quoted verses like “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...” that it seemed cliché-like to me. Yet, it was this precise psalm that the Lord used as His primary tool to prepare me, and my family, to experience the all-encompassing majesty of His presence.

During our last conversation, my father said, “Just because I have questions doesn’t mean I don’t believe.” As our family gathered around his bed during his final hour, my wife, Carolyn, suggested we listen to Shane and Shane’s Psalm 23. My father passed from this life during that song, and he incredibly took his last breath as the line, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil” rang out. The Lord’s presence penetrated that room, and none of us will ever forget the assurance and comfort He provided through His boundless grace and mercy. We were all aware of our smallness in the presence of His power and greatness.

In the days that followed, we discovered things in my father’s apartment that surprised us. His hand-written version of Psalm 23, his letter to “God and Jesus” after the death of my maternal grandmother, crying out for help to understand why some things do not seem fair, and telling the Lord that He loved Him, even though he could not understand.

You see, the burden I attempted to carry for so many years was never mine to carry. Our Lord carried the burden of my father’s salvation the whole time. He was in control, as always. He simply asked that I remain an available and willing participant.

What about you? What burdens are you carrying that God is waiting for you to relinquish to His control? God is ready and willing to do the heavy lifting, as it is He alone who transforms lives!

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 30

431

How To Find Rest In A Noisy World

By Joseph Akinrinola

There is no doubt we are in a noisy and busy world.

With that, we are doing a lot of harm to our health and relationships because of our busyness. We have created a big gulf in our relationship with God, family, friends, and community. This self-inflicted crime is our inability to rest. Though we may want to justify our tight schedule with the scriptures that command hard work, yet we forget the same scripture commands rest. (Proverbs 6:6-11, Psalm 127:2) But how do you find rest in this noisy world?

Let me say this to you. What happens to you is not as important as your reaction to it. You may not stop a bird from flying over your head, but you could stop it from building its nest in your hair. The world was also busy, though not as ours was, yet Jesus created time to focus on the essentials. Jesus, with His tight schedule, created time for rest and relationships with people that mattered in His life and ministry.

For instance, He slept in the middle of the boisterous storm. In addition, Jesus took His social relationships seriously by attending parties and visiting friends. You cannot do less as His follower. So let us go through some ways on how to find rest in a noisy world like ours.

1. Success comes from God. The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it. (Proverbs 10:22) Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. (Psalm 127:1)

Jesus told us our busyness stems from anxiety, which is a sin. (Matthew 6:25-33) So check your faith level if you are not resting. Therefore, our faith brings to bear the promise of Jesus in the book of Matthew 11:28.

When you rest on the Lord, his favor will give you what your labor cannot give you.

2. Set the right priority. Setting priority for your daily task guarantees you get more done in less time, so you could rest. The right time management is based on our value system. Our value system, however, depends on our relationship with God and level of faith.

You know we give attention to what is important to us. What is important should, however, be things and issues that have eternal value. Whether on a business trip, vacation, going through the grocery store, chatting with friends, or taking a cup of coffee, eternity should be in view.

With the right priority, you concentrate your effort only on things you must do while you let others handle the rest. Always remember you can only be at one point at a time. That was why Jesus recruited the disciples to help him with the ministry. Equally, you will have enough time to rest if you avoid multi-tasking. Besides avoiding perfectionism, you’ll find time to rest. As a result, you will increase your productivity and perform optimally in both life and ministry.

PAGE 31 3

3. Stand your ground. Sometimes our inability to find rest in this noisy world is our inconsistency. People will always take you for granted if you do not maintain your stand. If you do not have a stand, you will fall for anything. One truth about life is people will keep making demands on you while you make yourself available. However, they will turn elsewhere when you are incapacitated. To have time for yourself, you should not allow people to fix you in their molds.

4. Consider the effect of stress. Today, stress is the number one killer in the world. Now you have people and things contending for your time, but your concern should be what happens if you break down.

There is a not too funny saying among my tribe people. They say we will still hold church service and give thanks to God on Sunday if a hundred Christians died on Saturday. That means the world would not collapse if you die or become incapacitated. The horrible part of it is some people you gave yourself to will blame you for mismanaging your time and health.

5. Never forget, life is not about getting things. In God’s estimate, success is more about how much you give than how much you gain. This covers every aspect of life and ministry. Believers often join the rat race to become relevant by the world standard.

Ministers of God are not exempted from this error.

We engage in unhealthy rivalry and competition while building a church for God. While it is good to strive for excellence, it is suicidal to do that at the expense of our health, family, and our eternity. If you understand the parable of the talent, you will reduce your speed. Therefore, to create time for rest in this busy world, you must run your race without competing with others.

I am Joseph, an author, blogger, and content writer from Nigeria. In the field of writing, I deliver unique, grammatically correct, and plagiarism-free content. Currently, I work with three online firms specializing in motivation, human capacity development, lifestyle, relationship, and spiritual writings.

You can find Joseph on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/2228667160717043

As I close, remember you handle how you run your life. To think things will be easier will be deceit. Read about Jesus’ approach to a speedy, busy, noisy, and demanding world. (John 7:1-9)

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 32

433

The Court House and the home where the agreement was discussed and settled.

Walking through this town, you have a true sense of history.

Below is the sketch of the actual surrender.

34 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 33

Road Trippin’ In Appomattox, VA

by Karen Ruhl

I have lived in the South in a few states including Kentucky, Mississippi, and now North Carolina. What I love about the South is their love for history. Although, it saddens me that so many people want to change history by tearing it down piece by piece.

While in Lynchburg, we were told to visit Appomattox. It is a village with the original buildings from the civil war.

From Wikipedia: The Battle of Appomattox Court House, fought in Appomattox County, Virginia, on the morning of April 9, 1865, was one of the last battles of the American Civil War (1861–1865). It was the final engagement of Confederate General in Chief, Robert E. Lee, and his Army of Northern Virginia before they surrendered to the Union Army of the Potomac under the Commanding General of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant.

If you get a chance, take a drive to this piece of history. I was overwhelmed as I stood where the battle had taken place in fields all around and where 28,000 remaining officers and men, free to return home without their major weapons but enabling men to take their horses and officers to retain their sidearms (swords and pistols), and effectively ending the war in Virginia.

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE URL | 4 35

34

Sites around town, amazing buildings - and very historical. The kids we saw with their families were asking questions and really enjoying going in and out of these old buildings.

If you would like to know more - and I sure hope you do, visit: https://www.experienceappomattox.com/

36 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 35

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 36

437

Chad writes Christ-centered and faith-filled poetry, parables, proverbs, devotions, and inspirational short stories. He and his wife, Tina, live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They both enjoy walking in nature, inspiring others, and living out their faith in the local community. Chad’s books are available on all major online book retailers.

Recognizing Spiritual Gifts

By Chad Thieman

Our spiritual gifts differ from our physical talents in that they are provided to us instantly once we are born of God, though we may not realize that we have received them at first. There is no work involved or required for their development. They are all true gifts from above and manifestations of the Lord’s Spirit which come to us through His grace. The first and greatest of these gifts is the gift of eternal life. There are also other gifts that are apportioned to each believer for the work that they are called to do, both in and through the Body of Christ.

Spiritual gifts come to us once we have denied ourselves and have taken up the mantle of Christ, receiving of His Spirit. This not only includes the repentance of sin but also the acceptance of His work of salvation. The evidence of which is a strong willingness to bear our cross, spread the Gospel, and invest in His Kingdom daily. Spiritual gifts are a treasure that we must put to use for the sake of the body of Christ.

The measure in which we do this will determine the fruit that we bear in and through His networking body.

“There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” (1 Corinthians 12:5-11 NIV)

Any gifts we did not receive at our spiritual baptism can still be attained along our journey in Christ, through seeking and asking for further gifting. Even after spiritual gifts are initially received, the new believer may be completely unaware of what their spiritual gifts are. Truly understanding our individual and unique gifting requires Christ-centered and Spirit-filled enlightenment. Without enlightenment and revelation from the Holy Spirit, we walk in ignorance of our spiritual gifting.

38 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 37

Spiritual gifts come to us in several forms, but the various gifts all have their origin within the same Spirit. There is but one body, one mind, and one Spirit in the Lord. By being baptized into the body of Christ, we can all experience and share in the gifting of the one Spirit.

The Five Groups of Spiritual Gifting: Gifting of Mercy: Service, Giving, Generosity, & Forgiving Gifting of the Mind: Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, & Interpretation of Tongues Gifting of Manifestations: Courage, Faith, Healing, & Miracles Click on book cover to buy Chad’s book on Amazon.

The gifts of the Spirit include those gifts mentioned within the text of the New Testament.

These are Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Giving, Leadership, and Mercy in Romans 12:6–8; as well as, Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Prophecy, Knowledge, Speaking in Tongues, Interpretation, Fortitude, Faith, Healing, Discernment, Miracles, Piety, and the Fear of the Lord in 1 Corinthians 12:8–10.

If you have received the Lord, you have likewise received spiritual gifts. Which category or categories of gifting do you feel that you have? If you are unsure, pray about your gifting or ask others in the body of Christ to help you discover your gifting in the Lord.

What spiritual gifts do you wish to seek from the Lord? Ask Him for His Spirit and the gifting of the Spirit. Write down everything that He lays on your heart in relation to and pertaining to your spiritual gifting.

The following section includes a breakdown of five basic groupings of spiritual gifts, to help you discern which categories your spiritual gifts fall under. First, make a note of all the groups that seem to reflect your gifting. Also, note which category you believe includes your greatest gifting.

Gifting of the Mouth: Counsel, Prophecy, Speaking in Tongues, & Exhortation Gifting of the Magistrate (the priestly gifts): Discernment, Piety, and the Fear of the Lord Coming to the realization of which Spiritual gifts have been entrusted to us can happen through prayer, fasting, the study of the Scriptures, meditating on the living Word of God, and through the counsel of others within the networking body of Christ. These things may help bring awareness and perception of our spiritual gifts, and the effects that those gifts will have on us personally through their practical application and daily use. Once we have a firm grasp of what our spiritual gifts are and how to use them for the benefit of the Gospel and the Kingdom of Christ, we will finally be able to complete our equation of higher purpose.

The Equation of Higher Purpose: Our God-Given Desires + Our Physical Talents + Our Spiritual Gifts = Our Higher Purpose By acting on our Higher Purpose, we begin to participate in our Personal Ministry in Christ!

Proverb: Spiritual gifts are those treasures from heaven that when put to good use will bring forth avalanches of abundance.

Which group or group(s) of spiritual gifting do you possess? If you feel that you have spiritual gifts which are not included in the five groups of spiritual gifting list, what are they?

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 38 39

Divided We Fall

By Karen Ruhl My study Bible says that Paul called the people Brothers and Sisters to show them that they are all part of Christ’s family. Believers share a unity that runs even deeper than that of blood brothers and sisters.

In Romans 16:17, Paul says “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.”

A couple of days ago, I woke up with these words that were almost visible, “Divided We Fall.” I have prayed over them and let my mind stay calm so that I could hear what I was supposed to hear.

Our world is changing, we are being separated by evil people all over. Our very nation is being divided and if we do not take a stand, we too will fall.

So, I turned to scripture to help me understand what God wanted me to know. The first scripture that I read is this one: Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.

(Matthew 12:25) In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul writes, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

This writing was to the church in Corinth. Paul was addressing the problems that the church was experiencing with arguing. The people of Corinth had a reputation for jumping from fad to fad.

Sound Familiar?

40 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 39

We need to guard ourselves in all areas of our lives. As believers, we know that we are subject to spiritual attacks. We know the evil one wants to divide us because he knows that though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. ) (Ecclesiastes 4:12) Divided we fall—we need to find those who are believers and stand with them. We need to take stands against those that are trying to break down our standards and values. We need to keep vigilant to those around us who want to divide us.

God wants us to rely on Him, to come to Him in prayer and with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. We need to love one another deeply and come beside those in need. And we need to spread the Good News to as many as we can. We will not know the time when Jesus will come—but we need to be ready, and we want to be in unity with His words.

Father God, I thank you for giving me those words the other morning. I have been praying to you to ask what it means and what I can do.

Lord, I stand in agreement with your words.

The Bible tells me all I need to know. Open our eyes, Lord God, to see the evil that is around us and help us to take a stand against the injustice in the world. Lord, free us from any bondage, break the strongholds against us and help us by giving us wisdom and understanding on how to stay united. We pray in this in the strong name of Jesus. Amen.

Using Your God-Given Gifts & Talents

By Brenda McDaniel

God gives each one of us many gifts and talents. Each of us is unique and special. No one is exactly like you. We are unique in appearance and in how we live and deal with life. Our skills and talents, such as in the arts, music, science, and writing, can be developed to their ultimate potential—if we try! These talents and skills can also be used for God’s purposes.

God’s gifts may include being a good listener or speaker, which can lead to becoming a preacher, teacher, or counselor. Having empathy and understanding of another’s needs and problems might lead you to be a social worker.

In many ways, these gifts and talents are God-given and can be used in helping those in need and for the betterment of society. Such as using your gifts of empathy/understanding to encourage others. Or to educate the hurting, needy, or poor people. To help them find better ways of dealing with pain or disappointment and new ways of living their lives. Lives of faith, hope, and love. Faith in the Lord, hope for tomorrow. And a love of God, others, and themselves.

I can make a difference through my writing articles and poetry about the many blessings, miracles, and answered prayers during my lifetime. So believe in yourself. Look for your special talents and gifts to help this hurting world. You are a uniquely gifted and loved person, especially in the eyes of God! “The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” (Proverbs 20:7 KJV)

Brenda McDaniel is the author of My Angel My Hero with two more books soon to be published. She is from Roanoke, VA. She has a B.S in Psychology and M.A. in Counseling. She has enjoyed writing poetry and short stories, even as a small child. Brenda says she is now living her dream come true!

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O RPAGE U R L | 40 41

Faith On Every Corner Bookshelf A Place With A Past

By Marlene Ratledge Buchanan Reviewed by Karen Ruhl

How would you like to inherit a home only to find out it is inhabited by ghosts!? Marlene has a wonderful way of bringing you immediately into the story of this school teacher and the ghosts who have very different agendas.

When you read this book, you get drawn into the family, their stories, and the history of their finds. There are moments of laughter, tears, and even a bit of fright, all emotions a good author knows how to evoke in their writing.

I encourage you to purchase this book to learn about the family and their secrets. I love that it is on our personal bookshelf!

Click on book cover to purchase this book.

42 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3

Happy Reading.

PAGE 41

Faith On Every Corner Bookshelf

Morning Coffee With Words For The Day: A Ninety Day Journey In Life

By Michael E. Wells Reviewed by Craig and Karen Ruhl In his book, author Michael Wells sends us a letter a day for 90 days. Written in a devotional style, each letter cleverly addresses a different subject. These are topics that each of us deals with regularly. The author uses these daily letters to personally come alongside the reader, offering not only encouragement but also providing building blocks that strengthen our walk in faith. Although not strictly a Bible study, each day’s letter includes biblical references and is centered on those principles and values.

This book, along with your favorite beverage, makes a perfect companion during morning devotion time. It is also a book to be read over and over again.

The team at Faith On Every Corner recommends Morning Coffee With Word For The Day by Michael Wells to our readers and followers. We have placed a copy on the Faith On Every Corner Bookshelf.

Click on book cover to purchase this book from Amazon.com.

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 443

PAGE 42

Faith On Every Corner Bookshelf

Faith Over Fear

by Lisa Lesosky Reviewed by Craig and Karen Ruhl This is a wonderful book to read if you, a family member, or a friend are dealing with a life-threatening illness. Lisa Lesosky shares her chronological journal pages describing her journey from diagnosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia to becoming cancer-free. Faith Over Fear shares the power of a positive attitude, prayer, and faith amid the storm. Thorough education on this disease is provided. Treatments and the author’s experiences are detailed. As she tells her story, the author shares humor, hope, and how her total reliance on God’s grace saw her through the highs and lows of her disease. Miracles do happen every day and Lisa’s story includes some!

Lisa has a unique way of sharing her unwavering faith in God. Find out what it is she gives as you read this remarkable journey.

Click on the book covers to purchase these book from Amazon.com.

We were blessed to work on this book with Lisa, helping her through the editing, design, and publishing process. The experience drew us to the strength she has, and we have fallen in love with this special woman of Christ—she surely lets her light shine.

I Never Knew You

by Patrick Higgins Reviewed by Craig Ruhl The title of this book first drew my attention; words I never want my Lord to say to me. Patrick Higgins weaves important biblical tenants into a story that closely describes many in today’s society who questionably consider themselves Christian. Although a work of fiction, the unveiling of prosperity preaching, false prophets, and religious persecution will strike a chord for many readers. The story is solid, and the character development is excellent. The ending is chilling and serves as a wake-up call to Christians that they must be certain they are in right standing with the Lord—now. I enjoyed this reading this book. It made me consider the theological teaching I have been consuming and the importance of wisdom and discernment in what I allow to enter my mind. The description of intolerance and persecution in a foreign county makes me very thankful to live in America.

44 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 43

Attention Parents, Teachers, Young Writers. We are seeking articles to run in our premiere magazine coming this fall. To get submission guidelines, email us at Team@FaithOnEveryCorner.com

Call For Writers For Faith On Every Corner Magazine We are looking for testimonials, acts of service, devotions, and articles of how you have witnessed God working in your life or the life of family and friends.

Email for submission guidelnes.

Team@FaithOnEveryCorner.com

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O RPAGE U R L |44

PAGE 445

Turning Our Talents Over to The Lord

by Mike Buchanan

1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (KJV) Paul addresses even things that we, as 21st century Christians, might think of as mundane, when he talks about food and beverages. I would suggest if Paul talks about what we consider as minor, he also means more major things. For instance, when he says whatsoever, he may mean the jobs we have, the money we spend, or the talents and gifts we have been given

by God. I want to use this article to talk about those last two specifically.

Romans 12 gives us a list of what has been called motivational gifts. They include prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy. Paul lays these out as things we all bring to the body of Christ. Much like our own body is made of many parts that all have different functions, so does each brother or sister in the church have a different gift that we need.

I’ve been told I have the gift of encouragement. It can come across in verbal or written form. I prefer writing to speaking. It gives me more time to think about what I am going to say. It makes it easier to organize my thoughts. Every time I am honored with the opportunity to speak, I end up spending part of the time reading.

It may be Scripture, it may be something I’ve written, but my writing is a large part of who I am. I’ve had the opportunity to share that gift in several different ways.

46 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 45

Humbly, I think the Lord directs my best writing. I have been blessed by having people come up to me over the years and tell me that what I wrote ministered to them. I always tell people if they like what they read, it is the Lord, if they don’t it is me.

You may have the gift of leading, but you may display it through service. Christ modeled it for us in washing the Apostle’s feet. You may have the gift of showing mercy. You might do that by teaching a Sunday School class to pre-teen kids. I don’t think it’s an accident or even a writing technique that some of these gifts overlap.

I would also suggest you have talents you can use for the Lord. You may be an ace mechanic. You can help single moms with their cars. You used to be a piano teacher? Who do you think is going to teach the next Michael W. Smith? You! We are one body, many parts. We’re not all one nose.

Where would the sight be? We’re not all thumbs. How would we walk anywhere? We’re not all brains. Where would the compassion be? The Bible describes angels as “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.” (Hebrews 1:14, NIV) We show angelic behavior. More importantly, we show Christ-like behavior, when we do the same types of things.

Mike Buchanan is a Christian writer and the author of the book Mountains of Hope Surrounding the Valley of Cancer. He uses his writing talents to further Jesus’ Gospel.

Angels Ministering spirits…

Surrounding protectors…

Message bringers…

Trumpet blowers…

Heavenly warriors…

Angels from above.

Helping hands…

Loving hearts…

Praying souls…

Encouraging words…

Understanding ears…

Angels on earth showing God’s Love.

If you stumbled onto this and you don’t know God’s Love, then He brought you here. He wants you to know He loves you. He died for you. He can forgive anything you’ve done. He sent Jesus to die for all of our sins. Mine, yours, everyone’s. Just ask God to forgive you, believe He raised Christ from the dead, and confess He is your Savior. If you do that, reach out to a local church, the editors of this magazine, or me at mountainsofhope2003@yahoo.com.

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 46

447

I am Bethany Travis and live in the foothills of North Carolina with my husband, two children and eight dogs. Yes, eight! I love Jesus and just want others to experience and know the love of Christ.

Jesus Girl

By Bethany Travis Have you ever been a “Jesus girl”? There is no shame in it, and I don’t mean it in bad terms. Let me explain what I am getting at—You love Jesus, you believe He is Lord, the Savior of this world, He gave the Holy Spirit to dwell in you… but you start to not live it, truly in your heart and actions day to day. You start that way and slowly drift. You wear the t-shirts saying Jesus Saves, have the bumper sticker proclaiming I love Jesus! and listen to the worship music. You are deep down a “good person” who loves Jesus, just not with all of you.

That is what I mean by a Jesus girl. You let that love for Jesus become superficial. It’s not loving with your whole heart or that visceral “gut” love. I recently was there again in my walk with Jesus. When I was saved in my early 30s, man, was I on fire for the Lord, just couldn’t get enough of Him. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. I just wanted to know more about my Father. I couldn’t get enough of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and what they had to say and teach me about Him. I was blind but suddenly, I saw. Eventually the newness of being “a new follower of Jesus” wore off and my light grew dim. It’s just like with a new love relationship, you have those butterflies in the pit of your stomach, can’t wait to see him or her again, and then with time, it slowly turns to “oh, it’s you again, darling.” You still love the person, but the fire and passion have flickered out. That’s what happened when I became a Jesus girl.

48 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 47

Don’t get me wrong with the term “Jesus girl”, I don’t mean it to be offensive, I still loved Jesus and believed in Him but only when Sunday mornings rolled around. Y’all, that is not what a relationship with Jesus is about, if all you do is show up on Sunday mornings, enjoy that 15 minutes of worship, and 30 minutes of preaching, and check it off the box; then the well of your soul will run dry. I write this to other Christians because that is not what Jesus wants for His children. He wants us to know Him so intimately that we can’t imagine a day, hour, or minute without Him. He wants us to run to Him like a child would run to their parent when they have fallen and scraped a knee. When I got to this place in my mid 30’s, I realized how much I had drifted. I was thirsty and just being a good ol’ Jesus girl was not cutting it. I needed more fulfillment, and my well was running dry. Instead of running to the one I know would fix it and fill my well, I tried to fill it instead with the comforts of this world.

What I came to realize, after much running and chasing after worldly desires and wants, is that nothing could or would fill that void. It can only be filled with Jesus to truly satisfy my soul.

Now let me explain. This is a daily desire and daily urging in my soul that I must seek, but once you have experienced it, you will want more of it. I compare it to the desire of wanting to go back for seconds in the food line. It is just that good and I really like the food! Now, in any relationship, both partners have to be willing to be there for one another and rely on each other, or it doesn’t work. Well, I can tell you, your partner, named Jesus, He is 100% committed to this relationship with you. He tells us in His Word, “I will never leave nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV) “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NKJV) To all my Jesus girls, He is so much more than just a Sunday morning worship service. He left us His words written down for a reason. The Bible is a beautiful love story that tells us of the love He has and always will have for us. You have been written into that story. Don’t you want to know more of Him, your Father, and where you come from, and just how much He loves his children? He told us, in this world there will be hard, difficult times, but He also has told us you don’t have to walk it alone. Jesus wants to walk with us if we allow Him to be the partner. He was meant to be in our lives. Jesus wants 100% of your heart and in return, He will give you so much more. He is waiting and wants you to experience what He has in store for His children. I promise you, from a Jesus girl, you won’t regret it when He has your whole heart. And even better news, He wants you to come just as you are in this moment, you don’t have to get dolled up or dressed down, He knows you, nothing is hidden from him, just come as you are right now.

Dear Lord, our Jesus, help me and whoever’s eyes read this to experience this relationship with you, for this relationship is better and sweeter than honey (or even my favorite cake)! I pray that I seek you first in my life. Help me become so undone by you, Jesus, to really experience your glory and your grace that I cannot contain it for myself. You are so, so, good God and I just want more of you.

Love, your Jesus girl, Bethany

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 48

449

Walking By Faith, Not Sight

By Roman Bej

One wintry afternoon in Michigan, after a snowstorm had dumped several inches of snow, I was shoveling my driveway. Suddenly I heard the loud roar of a car engine. I turned around and sure enough, a car was stuck in the snow. The car was grinding forward and backward, trying to get loose—but to no avail.

Fortunately, after a few minutes, another car drove by and the driver offered to help. After a few more minutes passed, another person offered help. With the three of us pushing and shoveling and huffing and puffing, it wasn’t long until we got the car free from the snow. The driver thanked us and was off on her merry way. As the two other helpers drove off, a thought crossed my mind: Were any of those people Christians? They helped me, that’s for sure, and Christians are called to help others; however, unbelievers can also be kind and generous people.

On the other hand, shouldn’t Christians be kinder and more generous?

I thought to myself, this is an opportunity to be a Good Samaritan. When I approached the car from the driver’s side, the driver lowered the window, and I noticed two teenage girls sitting in the front seat, looking a bit distressed. I offered to help, and they eagerly accepted.

I’m sure you’ve all experienced acts of kindness from others in your daily lives: in a supermarket when someone went out of his way to provide you with information about a product, while driving a car in traffic, someone let you cut in front of him; when you were lost someone provided you with directions to your destination, or perhaps you were stuck in a car in the snow and someone helped you.

We all have our stories of somebody who helped us out in our times of need.

I helped push the car as they shifted it in forward, but it still wouldn’t budge. After a couple of minutes of pushing, I started to dig in the snow with my shovel, and as the wheels spun, the car moved forward a few inches; unfortunately, it got stuck again, with the wheels spinning aimlessly. I thought to myself, OK, this is going to be tougher than I thought it would be!

One of my experiences was when I was a young boy about twelve or thirteen years old. My parents and my uncle’s family went on a picnic at a State Park in Pennsylvania. After lunch, I decided to take a walk on a trail. Now, for some unknown reason, I got the idea that the trail went around in circles and that I would eventually end up near our picnic area.

I was wrong, and I found that out the hard way.

50 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 49

After walking what seemed like hours, but may have only been 45 minutes, the picnic area was nowhere in sight, but I was stubborn. I walked faster and faster, hoping to get to where my parents were; in reality, I was getting further away.

A while later, I came across a dirt road. It was at this point that I had to decide whether to walk down the dirt road or go back the way I came. My fear overcame my stubbornness, as I was faced with a couple of problems: 1) the trail forked a number of times, and I wasn’t even sure what the proper way was back to the picnic area; 2) it was getting late in the day and I was afraid I would get hopelessly lost in the woods. As a result, I walked along the dirt road, hoping this would either lead me to someone who could help me or to a passing car that would give me a lift.

Many times the Christian Church will take second place in a contest of good works with other religious institutions. Living a Spirit-filled life doesn’t mean that we’re in some sort of competition with unbelievers, or for that matter, with other Christians. Some Christians feel they have an obligation to do good works or think they need to compete with others so as not to come out second best.

Well, that may be the way the world thinks. Unlike the rest of the world, our focus should be on God, not on how much time and money we donate to charitable causes.

A couple of verses in the Bible caught my eye: “If I give everything I have to feed poor people and if I give my body to be burned, but do not have love, it will not help me.” (1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV)

I walked faster along the road, and then I started to run as I was desperate to come across anyone who could help me. After a few minutes, I heard the sound of a car. I turned around and saw a car coming around a curve in the road. As I waved at the car, the driver stopped and rolled down his window.

I don’t remember the conversation exactly, but he knew where the picnic area I described was and offered to give me a ride.

“If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. God is love.

Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:15-16 NIV)

When we arrived at the picnic grounds, I found my family searching for me, walking on the trail that I’d taken, and desperately calling out my name. Needless to say, they were relieved when I jumped out of the car and ran to them. I left the car in such a hurry that I don’t think I even thanked the man who drove me to safety.

Despite how much an unbeliever gives to the poor, or how much time he’s donating to helping others, he’s not operating out of the love motive but out of the self-motive. On the outside, it may seem that he’s acting out of love, but it’s only a worldly type of love. If, on the other hand, we live by faith, we’re operating out of a godly type of love.

I didn’t have the faintest notion if this person was a Christian. I’d like to think that he was, but to tell you the truth, I’m not sure. Think about the examples in your life when someone showed you kindness.

Were all the people that helped you Christians?

Probably not.

It’s possible that an unbeliever may go out of his way more to help you than your fellow brother or sister in Christ. How can this be? After all, God has called us to be part of His family; we have the gift of the Holy Spirit. So, how is it possible that someone who isn’t saved could show us more kindness than our fellow believers?

We already have love because God is love and we have God. The unbeliever does not have God, so he does not have love; therefore, he can neither love others nor do things out of love.

Mr. Roman Bej is a lifelong Christian who was raised in the Catholic Church, but is now a non-denominational Christian, He attends several churches.

He was a contributor to Victory Herald (a monthly e-zine), has had articles published in the Christian Journal, Believers Bay, Eternal Ink, Gem, Halo, and Success/Victory News. He has a strong passion for stimulating others to think about God and to reflect on biblical concepts. An independent thinker, Mr. Bej challenges readers to question what they may have heard in churches or read in other books.

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 50

451

Loving Moments

By Karen Ruhl

Have you ever witnessed pure love, something so deep that the minute you see it, you want what you are seeing? Craig and I were at a surgeon’s office in the patient waiting room, waiting for my name to be called. There was an elderly couple sitting across from us, and the woman looked very nervous. Her husband would pick up her hand and hold it and move a bit closer, so she was very aware he was next to her, supporting her and loving her with a deep love. Watching them was heartwarming and heartbreaking because you could feel their fear.

She and I were called back one right after the other, leaving our worried husbands to sit and wait to hear how we were doing. I had to have a basal cell carcinoma removed from my nose. We didn’t know immediately what the woman had to have done. After the first round, there was about an hour’s wait to find out if they needed to cut more. The nurse brought Craig back to the operating room, where he could sit with me for the wait. I needed to go to the restroom and walked in to see the man sitting, hoping his wife would walk in soon too. He told me she had her cancer removed two years ago, but it came back. He was so worried. I told him I would pray for her and for him.

I went back to the operating room, and the nurse came in to take Craig back to the waiting room.

Craig chose to sit next to the man (social distancing, of course). The wife had come out to use the restroom in the hall and the nurse told her husband that she had an aggressive form of cancer, and she would be in the back for a while. Craig listened as this sweet man talked and told him about the pain she has been in. He was worried about her and told Craig that he didn’t leave her alone much anymore. They were in their mid to late 80s. Craig listened and helped ease the man’s nervous wait time by giving him a person to come beside him. It was an act of love and witnessed by a full waiting room.

When I came out, the man asked me how the other guy looked. My nose had a big bandage on it. I laughed and told him again that we would pray for them. It struck me that there were so many senior citizens sitting in this waiting room by themselves, with blank stares on their faces. I pray that God had someone sit beside them and comfort them by helping pass the time. I pray that each person that had surgery that day went home cancer-free. I was blessed and praise God for the wonderful surgeon and nurses that took care of me that day. May God Bless You and keep you well.

52 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 51

Waiting

By Gini Walker At the end of my waiting, will I be celebrating or mourning? I do not know. And, because I do not know I struggle with Psalm 11:4 “BUT the LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD still rules from heaven.” In other words, God is in control. Yet, hearing these words spoken by people of faith as I stand and wait for an outcome, I sometimes feel a bit of a rage. It seems to matter why I am waiting. When I read Revelation 22:12, “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”, I know I will be celebrating. Yet, there are those life’s waiting rooms that often hold pain and sorrow with news.

Here are some waiting stories from scripture. “Greeting, favored woman!” The angel said to Mary, “The LORD is with you!” And Mary’s response? Scripture says she was confused and disturbed. Eventually she did say, “I am the LORD’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” Acceptance. Then, much later, about 9 months later, scripture says Mary kept all these things (angels, shepherds, the birth of her savior son, etc.) and pondered. An angel also spoke to Zechariah about Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Zechariah was more than confused and disturbed. He doubted. So his tongue was silenced for about 9 months. As the shepherds were told about the promised Messiah, they had to see for themselves. Then the people they told were astonished. Many different responses to news. And, from our perspective, all GOOD news.

Sometimes I feel there is a great chasm between heaven and earth. The Psalmist in Psalm 10 agreed with me. “O LORD, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble?” As I watch people stand and wait for word about their loved ones after buildings fall, no doubt these words ring true for them. As the years have passed, I have observed waiting, ending in disappointment, and waiting, ending with joy. If God had only recorded the positive outcomes in scripture, I’d be disheartened.

But, he showed me Peter, who denied his Lord, and Thomas, who had to touch the nail-pierced hands before he believed.

So, as I see others wait, I need to consider my role. It is not to preach. It is to stand with them and encourage with tender care, especially when the news is not what we want.

(Scripture quoted from the New Living Translation Bible)

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 52

453

Click to order Sharon’s books.

Using Your God-Given Skills

By Sharon K. Connell

So, what are you doing with your God-Given talents? Are you hiding them under a bushel? Do you only use your talents for yourself? Or do you do things for others using your talents?

“That’s a gift from God.” Have you ever had anyone tell you that when you’ve done something they liked? Singing, crafting, painting, writing, whatever it is that you do if you enjoy it, and others enjoy it too, that is a gift from God. Now don’t tell me you don’t have any talents. Being able to bake a cake that someone loves is a talent.

Some people can’t bake at all. Cooking a good meal for your family involves a talent God has given you. There are those who cannot cook.

Even if you can’t paint, or write a book, or sew, or create a piece of crafted art to hang on the door or wall, you have talents. No one is talentless.

Here’s an exercise for you to do, if you feel you have no talent. The next time someone compliments you on something you did, whether it was for them, someone else, or yourself, write it down.

Be specific, date, accomplishment, who made the compliment. After a while, you’ll see what God has given you as a talent.

54 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 53

Can you sing? Are you in a choir at church? Have you ever thought about leading children in your church in a children’s choir? This not only helps children discover their talents for God, but I’ll guarantee the congregation in your church will love to hear those little (or almost grown) voices singing praises to our Lord and Savior. Use simple songs. Choruses. Tell them to use their outside voices when they sing, and to follow your direction. Children do love leadership, although they will test it. Tell them to listen to the boy or girl next to them when they sing so they can make beautiful music together for our Lord.

Can you garden? Is there someone in your neighborhood who could use a bouquet of flowers to cheer them? Maybe there’s someone who’s having a hard time and could use some free homegrown vegetables.

Are you a good cook? Maybe that someone in your neighborhood who is having a hard time or is sick could use a meal they don’t have to prepare. Good bakers are always welcome.

Maybe you are good at reading? Libraries usually have a program where people come in and read to children, or even adults. Perhaps there’s a bedridden person you can find to read to in the hospital. Yes, I know we are under some restrictions today with Covid, but a face mask can’t stop you from reading, even if you have to wear gloves to do it.

Now we get to my field. Writing. What do I do with my God-given writing talents? Well, this article, for one, and others like it. I’m an author. That didn’t come about by my training to be one or deciding that’s what I was going to be. I received hints about some little things I wrote. When I prayed about a suggestion from an author-friend that I should be writing, I got peace from God. So, I started writing. I know I’m using my talent because my readers tell me they enjoy my stories. Praise God! I also use my writing abilities online with social media. Often I’ll hear, “I really needed this today.” What more could a writer ask for?

Example of some of the artwork Sharon does along with writing.

Hawaiian Hibiscus

So, figure out what your God-given talents are, and ask God where you can use them for someone else.

You won’t be sorry.

Author, Sharon K. Connell lives in Houston, Texas from where she writes Christian Romance Suspense, containing a bit of mystery and as much humor as she can get into a story. She’s also written many award-winning short stories in a variety of genres.

Hawaiian Plumeria

Sharon attended college in Illinois, graduated from the Pensacola Bible Institute in Florida, and holds a certificate in fiction writing from the International Writing Program through the University of Iowa.

She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Scribes Critique Group, Houston Writers Guild, and CyFair Writers. She is also the founder of the global Facebook Christian Writers & Readers group forum. Her monthly newsletter, Novel Thoughts, goes out every month to its subscribers in all parts of the world.

Hawaiian Orchid

https://www.authorsharonkconnell.com/?fbclid=IwAR3blPumdZvBOZprsoWSgI0SApQPkFdPhBRtEWe3tMZ7Rw17qQcE_LMH6yE

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 54

455

Changes During The Seasons

By Cindy Oriol

I want to show everyone that even when the weather changes from extremely hot days to frigid cold days and back to the hot days again, you can always make it fun days when the weather changes seasons.

When I was sixteen years old, I started babysitting for several families in the block. I would go to school and after school let out, I would go directly to the families’ homes to take care of their children.

I loved babysitting, and I was good at it. I recall a time when the weather was so hot outside some other children from the block saw the children and me playing dodge ball. We were having such a wonderful time that one by one the children decided it was a beautiful day and wanted to come outside. I asked them if they wanted to play with us.

The weather does not phase children at all. They can stand the sun’s heat and the freezing temperatures better than we can.

The children were skeptical at first, but they saw us playing and we were having a fun day. They finally caved in and said, “yes!” That day is one of my fondest memories. Not only did we play dodge ball, but we also played kick the can, freeze tag, and ghost in the graveyard.

Some of them came from their homes to play board games with us in the home I was babysitting at.

We played monopoly with the boys and girls and if it was all girls, we played with their Barbie dolls. I even brought my Barbie dollhouse and my Barbie dolls. They were ecstatic and surprised that I played with Barbies when I was younger. The children were finally trusting me. So what started as watching two children would usually grow to as many as eight to twelve.

Wintertime was here and all the couples wanted me to watch their children for New Year’s Eve. I didn’t want any of them to miss out on going to their party, so I came up with a solution to keep everyone happy.

I decided to babysit all the children together at the biggest home. We had a blast on the block. At the stroke of midnight, we all went outside, banging on pots and pans, and screaming loudly to bring in the New Year. This was my favorite tradition as a child.

Every year my dad would say to everyone that was at one of my parent’s parties, “ Everyone get your pots, pans, and spoons, and let’s bring in the New Year together.”

One of my favorite things to do in the winter was to go sled riding with my friends. We had the perfect place, behind a school with rolling hills. And we would go down the hills screaming because it was so much fun. We would slide down the hills until we could no longer feel our feet and hands because of the frigid cold.

56 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 55

Afterward, we would all go to my house where the delicious aroma from the hot chocolate my mom had made for us filled the room.

I continued to babysit for these families for several more years. One of favorite families moved away, but before they did, they made sure to tell the new family about me.

It was summertime again. We had just made it through the ice-cold temperatures and now it was back to the heated temperatures. I had only babysat for this new family a couple of times. They were so taken in with me on how well I treated their children and the special relationship we had grown toward each other. One day I was at my home and the phone rang. It was Linda, the mother of the children, and she wanted to speak to my mom about something. She asked my mom if I could go to Florida with her entire family. Her husband had just received a promotion, and they were looking for homes in Tampa, Florida. I would be away for two weeks and I wouldn’t be expected to babysit all the time. I would have lots of free time for myself.

One hot day with the heat of the scorching sun, but cloudy at times, I decided that I wanted to go to the beach alone for a couple of hours. I lay there thinking I wouldn’t get burned but, boy, was I wrong.

When I arrived back at the home where I was vacationing, I could barely walk; I hurt so bad.

Even though the sun was peeking through the clouds, I was so burnt my pale, white skin was blistered. I was burnt from my head to my toes. At least it was our last day there before we would depart for home. Despite the terrible burning of my skin, I had a great time and Linda did not break her promise to my mom. Out of the two weeks, I only had to babysit her children twice while they were going out.

I was in so much pain from the burning of my fair complexion I couldn’t let anyone touch me, which made my job complicated. I now worked as a teacher of four-year-olds at a daycare center and when the children saw me for the first time after being gone from them for two weeks, they came running up to me and started hugging me. I was in excruciating pain. I had to hide my feelings from them.

They did not realize I was hurting the way I was. It hurt, but I loved the feeling of my children embracing me more. For a short time, all I could feel was their precious arms around me and hear them telling me they loved and missed me.

I learned a great lesson while I was recuperating from my experience in the sun. When you have fair skin such as mine, stay out of the sun unless you are using a suntan lotion with at least fifty SPF. While I was tanning at the beach, not only did I have the sun looking down at me, I also had Jesus, the son. He is with us wherever we are.

M AG AZINE NA M E &O R56 U R L | 457

PAGE PAGE

Let’s Grow Old Together

by Michael Wells

In my office, there is a picture my wife Jenny gave me. It is of a little boy and girl dressed in fall clothes with backs turned. They are walking along the sand holding hands and carrying buckets to play. There is a poem beside the picture, part of it reads, “Let’s grow old together, hand in hand, you and me. Sharing life’s greatest moments, keeping each other company. And no matter where life leads us, remember this is true. Today, tomorrow... forever, I will always love you.” Written by Judith Bulock Morse.

From all I know of God, all I have read and experienced in my 50 years of trying to walk with Him, this could just as easily be His words to us. None of us are free from the sorrow of losing someone dear, some much too early in life. But God says, “I am still here and I will always be here.” He is the One Who will hold our hand when others have let go.

He is the One Who will walk beside us when they are no longer there and He is the One Who will listen to our heart when they cannot hear ours. God says in His word (2 Cor. 6:16 Amp.), “I will dwell in you and I will walk with you.” So when times get tough and there is no one to hold on to or when you wish there was someone to share your heart with, stretch out your hand to the One Who walks beside you. And as you walk along that sand, if you will listen quietly with your heart, you will hear a still small voice saying, “Let’s grow old together...”

58 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 57

Click on book to order.

Michael E. Wells has a passion for writing letters of Christian encouragement. With poetic style and moving messages, the reader is often comforted and consoled, inspired, and refreshed.

Since his retirement from Federal Service in 2006, most mornings are spent penning letters of the heart. Tucked away in the foothills of Pennsylvania, he leads an idyllic lifestyle in a pastoral setting. This backdrop helps to set both mood and message for his many writings. You can find his book, “Morning Coffee with Words For The Day” at Amazon.com.

And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.

1 KINGS 3:6 NKJV

M AG AZINE NA M E &O R58 U R L | 459

PAGE PAGE

How Long LORD?

By Jeff Foster It doesn’t take but a few minutes of watching the mainstream news media to become discouraged in our walk with Christ. Cruelty and hate are running rampant in the world. Abominable behavior is celebrated rather than despised. Society cheers on those who brazenly make a mockery of godly morals and laws. We know the Bible says “God is not mocked”. So why then does God just stand by and watch all this, seeing his children are in such distress? The deepest drawer in Lucifer’s tool cabinet is labeled DISCOURAGEMENT, for that is his most reliable tool.

Habakkuk asked the same questions. “O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!”

(Habakkuk 1:2 KJV) This was during a time when God allowed the Chaldeans to rule over Judah as a punishment for their sin. The Chaldeans were a violent people, priding themselves in the art of war, pillaging and plundering their victims. In verse 4 Habakkuk continues questioning God’s reasoning, even to the point of accusing God of wrong judgment. “Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.” (Habakkuk 1:4 KJV) He simply could not understand why his prayers for relief from these evil people went seemingly unheard. Does that sound familiar? Churches are praying for the world leaders and their ungodly influence on society. Evils and immoralities continue unrestrained while the church is fervently praying against them.

How long LORD must we wait?

60 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 59

How quickly we forget the sovereignty of God. If we’re not careful, we begin to put ourselves on the same level as God himself. We start believing that just because we belong to God that we have the right to judge those “terrible sinful creatures” all around us and demand our Father to strike them down. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:4 KJV). God reminds Habakkuk that when we think ourselves to be on a higher plane than our fellow man, then we have failed to be the example to the world that God has called us to be. In verse one of this chapter, Habakkuk announces that he has set himself on a tower to watch for God to protect him. However, God rebukes him for setting himself above the circumstances. When we self-righteously hide ourselves away from the evils of this world, how can anyone see the strength we have from our faith? It is the confidence in our salvation and the boldness of godly living in the midst of evil circumstances that will shine a light in the dark souls we encounter.

O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. (Habakkuk 3:2 KJV) Habakkuk now sees that no matter what is going on around him that he will be safe in God’s hands.

Jesus said, “Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.” Those who trust in Christ have a safe destination. It is our job to intercede in prayer for the salvation of those caught in the evil strongholds, not for their destruction.

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. (Habakkuk 3:17-18 KJV) When we understand as Habakkuk finally did that when we seek harm to our enemies, we are failing to exhibit God’s love. God sent His Son to die for ALL people because He loves ALL people unconditionally.

However difficult our struggle, whatever evil we encounter, we can rejoice because we have a sure salvation. Rejoicing makes our light brighter and perhaps, with God’s grace, may draw even the vilest creature back from the precipice of the fiery pit.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. ROMANS 12:2 NKJV

“Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Jeff Foster and his wife Lorena live in Granite Falls, NC. As a mechanical engineer with many years of technical writing experience, he discovered his calling to devotional writing in 2018. He finds purpose in his writing by encouraging the saints and inspiring them to strive for a closer walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His website was launched in April of this year www.seedsowing.org.

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 60

461

Maureen Cresencia Kambarami is a Social Worker with extensive experience in family counseling and therapy. A woman after God’s word and principles, she is passionate about writing Christian articles and believes in telling authentic stories to inspire and uplift others.

God Uses The Imperfect

By Maureen Kambarami

I grew up in an unusual family. I think I was approximately 5 years old when I realized that there was something amiss about my family. However, with this realization came the feelings of shame, embarrassment, inadequacy, and unworthiness, feelings that would take many years to wear off. Throughout my primary and high school career, these feelings were my constant companion, and I did my best to conceal them from the outside world. I was a very reserved person, always conscious about the people I let into my life and how much I shared with them.

“Trust me, I know clearly what I am talking about”, I told her and went on to narrate my experiences of growing up in an abusive home. The look of disbelief changed into realization and acceptance as it dawned that our experiences were similar, and she later asked me how she could turn around her life. Here was I, a 16-year-old, advising a woman far older than I was; a mother of three, whom I gauged at the time to be in her late twenties. I had received no prior training at the time, I only boasted of experience then. That incident marked the realization of my God-given talents that I had possessed all along but had suppressed because I was ashamed of my background, not realizing that sometimes God uses our imperfections, trials, and afflictions to help others. It is through these experiences that we can help others when they go through the same experiences using the same help that we have received from Him. (2 Corinthians 1:4)

Later on, I went for professional training as a counsellor. I have realized that in my work, it is my experiences that help me get through to someone more than my professional training. Yes, the two complement Truly speaking, I believed that nothing good could each other, but often realizing that someone else had ever come out of a person with a background like been through the same experiences and survived mine, and not in my wildest dreams did I ever think gives more hope and confidence in oneself and bethat God could use a person like me to assist othcomes a motivational factor. Now if I look back at my er people. However, God had other plans which he background (the same one that I used to be ashamed revealed when I was 16 years old. It happened by accident that when I was doing my community service of because of its imperfections) and realize how much after taking a gap year; I met a lady who was a victim God has used me and is still using me to assist victims of domestic abuse. At that moment when she narrat- and survivors of domestic violence, one thing is clear in my mind that God does not care about perfectioned her sad story to me, it was as if something in me ism, neither does he want us to be perfect. Anyway, erupted. I suddenly found a voice as I advised her to get out of that situation for the sake of her children, if we can never be perfect even if we wanted to. It is who we truly are and the way we live our lives that not for herself. counts before God. (John 4:23) 62 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 61

God does not look for perfectionism in us but looks for imperfect people who are willing to surrender to his will using their talents. Once we surrender to his will, he then uses our imperfections or shortcomings as a tool to fulfil our mission. There are many examples of imperfect people in the Bible who became great leaders despite their limitations. For example, Moses had a physical limitation. He is believed to have had stuttering problems or a speech defect yet God used him to plead with Pharaoh and ultimately lead the Israelites out of Egypt, the land of slavery. Jonah was also not perfect; he was stubborn or had character issues, even so, God used him to convince the people of Nineveh to turn from their evil ways and repent. There were, no doubt, more willing prophets during Jonah’s time, prophets who would have obeyed God instantly with no questions, but God did not choose them for the Nineveh mission. He chose Jonah.

Jeremiah is another example of an imperfect individual; he is often described as the weeping prophet as he suffered from depression (Jeremiah 20, 14-18) but God chose him despite that limitation. Paul also had pride issues, and God gave him a thorn in his side to keep him humble so he could spread the good news effectively.

(2 Corinthians 12:7) All these examples show how God uses the imperfect to further his mission; it is clear that God qualifies the unqualified, and no imperfections can hinder us from achieving our mission.

Sometimes our weaknesses make us insecure to the extent that we end up feeling inadequate and doubting that God can use us, but then we must just remember that his power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) More often than not, it is when we face our brokenness that we experience God’s power, presence, healing, help and we become more useful to others, for God is close to the broken-hearted and he saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalms 34: 8) As a result, our brokenness and imperfections draw us closer to God more than our perfections do. This is because it is only when we have reached rock bottom that we often realize that we cannot overcome on our own and we need God’s help. It is when we are down and out that we see clearly, like Saul. It took physical blindness for him to see the church and God clearly, thus leading to his repentance and re-birth as Paul. What the current times have shown us is that on our own we are unable, lacking, and inadequate; we need God on our side to enable, satisfy, fulfil, heal, protect, uplift, restore—the list is endless.

Although we are imperfect, we are loved by a perfect God who uses our imperfections to heal, direct, teach and show the way to others, for his power is brought to perfection in weakness.

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 62

463

Premeditated Witnessing

By Lisa Lesosky

When I was diagnosed with CLL, a form of leukemia, in April 2018, it was more than a shocking blow to a relatively normal life living in a Central Texas city. On the 20th, I was teaching school like any normal day, but this Friday I had become extremely tired and was moving like a sloth. My left side was rigid and tender.

On the 21st I had bloodwork done, and by Sunday the 22nd, I stepped off a medical airlift heading to Baylor Medical in Dallas, Texas. A quick turn of events and life would not be the same from that point forward. It was indeed the beginning of a most concerning and darkly scary time.

To abbreviate the story—six or so months later (November 9th to be exact), I was in another Dallas hospital waiting for a much-anticipated bone marrow transplant. Not knowing if I would survive this process, I walked faithfully forward into the unknown with my hands tightly gripping the loving hands of God, my father. From April to November, and still, He walks along my side, whispering scriptures into my ear, and comforting my soul.

Fortunate to feel well enough to be involved with normal activities before the transplant, I attended an arts and crafts show at my church in October. I stayed busy, keeping the impending hospital stay at bay by baking pumpkin breads to sell along with decorated caps for ladies who were going through the balding stages of cancer treatments. I knew hair loss, for me, was eventual, so I made a few extra caps in anticipation of looking like Telly Savalas.

64 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 63

During the day of the fair, I visited other booths staffed by local artisans and discovered an older couple who had beautiful woodwork, specifically handmade hand crosses crafted from Texas mesquite, oak, cedar, and other exotic woods. At $5.00 a cross, it was a bargain I could not pass up and a cross would be perfect to hold as I traveled forward with leukemia. As we conversed about life, I revealed to them my medical circumstances. This precious couple, the O’Conner’s, insisted I have a cross at no charge, and I felt the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this sweet couple. I received the cross, gave thanks for their generosity, and grabbed a business card.

Days later, as I prayed with the cross, a vision swept into my heart. I contacted Mrs. O’Conner to order thirty crosses, which I intended to take to the hospital and give away as the O’Conner’s had done for me. She graciously sold me the crosses at her cost, and I picked up a full box, packed them carefully, and stowed the box away for my trip to Dallas. I might as well be a working disciple while I was idly waiting for my next big medical event.

In November when I began the radiation treatments (total body irradiation), I carried the hand cross. Every day, twice a day for four days, they wheeled me downstairs with the cross tightly gripped, my phone (of course), and earbuds preparing for the 20-minute sessions. The radiology techs were always thoughtful of me when I arrived and left the radiation room. At my last session, one woman asked about the cross I carried and asked where she might acquire about ten.

That opened the door for the conversation that ensued. Did I know where she could get crosses?

Absolutely–I had a box full in my room. Wow! God certainly knew when he placed the desire in my heart exactly where the crosses would go. She intended to distribute the crosses to patients who had finished their treatments. I was blessed to be able to grant this request and on my last day of radiation, I carried those ten crosses to her (in a pillowcase from my room) and waited for the Lord to lead me as to who would receive the other twenty.

During the month of November, it was not long before all the crosses were in the hands of those who needed them. The crosses went to friends I had met on the leukemia floor; one couple, the Taylor’s, my friends from Stamford, accounted for two. The Lord kept me busy discipling even in the seclusion of a hospital room.

Even during the days of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, I was handing out crosses like candy. Even through the drugged state of Ativan and Benadryl and being loopy all day long for four days during radiation, those little crosses jumped out of the box and into the hands of someone who entered my room. The Lord would prompt my heart to make a spiritual connection with another human being: nurses, housekeepers, the floor secretary, and various hospital chaplains.

The distributing of every cross before Thanksgiving was not initiated by me, but by God’s Holy Spirit. I was simply a willing conduit for His work. Since the cross box was empty, I phoned my husband, Mark, to bring more on his next visit over Thanksgiving. By my exit from the hospital in December, almost all the crosses had found new homes and hands to bless.

After the transplant, I remained in Dallas for close monitoring, so Mark and I nestled down in a small efficiency apartment near the hospital. Aptly named The Ark House, and a ministry of Richardson United Methodist Church, we met many lovely older Christians who came two-by-two by, every week, to check on us for the duration of our stay. For each couple, I gave a hand cross in thanks for their volunteering to work in the Lord’s army and supplying hospitality to me and Mark.

A few crosses went to others we encountered at The Ark House who were staying in neighboring apartments for the same reason we were. We swapped stories, shared fresh produce from the local farmer’s market, and witnessed to the goodness of God. I stood in amazement at the power of God’s Holy Spirit to move His people into connection with each other during tough times.

As Mark and I finally journeyed back home in May 2019, we talked about the crosses. With a low supply, I would need to replenish my stock, but what I had

would suffice until my next order. When the Spirit moved me to give to a needy soul, I was prepared.

The youth director at our church invited Mark and me to provide live music for the young men and women one Sunday evening. We accepted the invitation and, again prompted by the Spirit, I tucked six crosses into my bag. If any youth were to stand up and join us in leading worship music, they would receive a cross.

I did not tell them in advance they would receive anything for their leadership. The Spirit again pursued me to give to those who willingly came forward. So many came forward, I had to write I.O.U.s for crosses.

The Lord never stops working and in the beginning of this year, 2021, a couple I befriended in a local restaurant secretly and thoughtfully paid for our dinner. Initially, I believed them to be someone I knew, but later discovered via conversation, I most certainly did not.

They visited our city periodically from a small town called Water Valley and patronized two of my favorite eating places. I saw them a week earlier at another establishment. What was God up to? What are the odds of them being in the restaurant at the same time, on the same day of the week, two weeks in a row?

As chance would have it, we did have a friend in common. The next day, I located the couple’s address, mailed a cross, and a note in appreciation of the free meal. I have not seen them recently and may never see them again, but I know the cross is in the hands of believers. We should all be prepared to give when the Spirit prompts us to do so. If God gives so graciously to us, should we not, in turn, give to others?

As of today, July 14th, 2021, I am no longer a leukemia patient. I have been “cured” from a potentially deadly blood cancer and I praise God each day for His goodness, faithfulness, and healing. As with the prompting of the Holy Spirit with the hand crosses, God put another desire in my heart. He strongly suggested I author a book encompassing my leukemia journey. I followed His prompting and completed the book, Faith Over Fear, this spring. Craig and Karen Ruhl, publishers of Faith on Every Corner magazine, were my conduits for achieving publication. Another story of God putting me with great Christians that would assist me in His vision of a book. I anxiously wait for His next prompting… and ensuring journey.

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 64

465

The Blowing Rock - Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (NKJV)

How God Uses You Many years ago, I took a class at church about discovering your gifts and talents. It was good, and gave me quite a bit to think about.

share the magazine cover with other photographers. My heart is filled when I see the beauty on the front page and inside cover of the magazine.

What I have learned over the years is to keep your heart open to hear how God wants to use you. He has given us all gifts that make us useful in the body of Christ.

While taking a drive in the very mountains shown in the photo above, God began to show Craig and I what He wanted us to do. It was not an audible voice, but rather a downloading of ideas to both of us. We just kept taking it in and talking about what ideas we were being given and by the end of the day, the idea for Faith On Every Corner Magazine was born.

Craig loves to write and edit. Thank goodness he likes to edit, because that is not my strongest talent. Each word that is in this magazine has been read over, edited where needed, and lovingly placed on each page.

There is a difference between gifts and skills and yet, God uses them all to further the work in the Kingdom.

Craig and I are both encouragers, God told us to look for writers and showcase their work so that we build each other up through the reading of their words. Each article is helpful, uplifiting, or tells of an experience that may be just what the reader needs at the moment.

If you ever have a chance, take a class about learning your God-given gifts and talents. He will use each of us in different ways. You will know they are from God because you will be filled from the inside out.

I love photography, the magazine gives me an outlet to showcase my work. I decided long ago that I wanted

66 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 65

Some of God’s talents are being used in this very moment on earth to teach us to be His church.

Loving Christians who come together to Praise Him each and every day.

Praise Him! Thank Him. Love Him with all of your heart. God loves us so much He wants to use us all to love one another.

Be blessed, Karen

All photos by Karen Ruhl - copyrighted 2021

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE U R L | 66

467

SUBMISSION POLICY

Magazine Submission Policy and Guidelines • Faith On Every Corner magazine is digitally published on a monthly basis by Faith On Every Corner, LLC • All submissions are subject to editorial review prior to acceptance and publication • Content: Focused on articles, stories, poems, and testimonies centered on acts of faith and service • Audience: Christian, family oriented • Rights: Contributing writers retain the rights to their work, granting Faith On Every Corner, LLC the right to publish, re-publish, share, archive, and for promotional use.

• Word Count: Suggested length is 1,000 words.

• Submission Format: Microsoft Word documents are preferred.

• By-Line: By-line is included in publication, table of contents, and contributor highlights • Acceptance: All submissions will be promptly acknowledged, and the author will be advised via e-mail if their submission has been accepted, of any suggested edits, and which issue it is scheduled to be published in.

• Distribution: Writers will be provided with a digital link to the publication in which their published work appears. The link is sharable through social media and is suitable for use on writer’s website or blog. The magazine is downloadable from the publisher’s website.

• Compensation: Faith On Every Corner is a free digital magazine. Currently, we do not offer compensation for published content.

• Faith On Every Corner reserves the right to change or modify these submission guidelines at any time without prior notice.

Please contact us at team@faithoneverycorner.com for clarification or questions regarding these guidelines. Prior to submitting to Faith On Every Corner, we suggest that you review prior issues of the magazine at www.faithoneverycorner.com/magazine.html

68

|

M AG A Z I N E N A M E

Faith On Every Corner Publisher & Editor in Chief: Karen Ruhl Managing Editor Craig Ruhl Photography: Karen Ruhl (unless otherwise credited) Staff Writers: Craig Ruhl Karen Ruhl

Submit Articles For Consideration to: Team@faithoneverycorner.com Phone: 828-305-8571 www.FaithOnEveryCorner.com

©Copyright: Faith On Every Corner 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

PAGE 67

Disclaimer and Copyright Notification The Information contained in the published works of Faith On Every Corner has been received from sources we believe to be reliable. However, neither Faith On Every Corner nor its authors, writers, editors, or publishers can guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information published. Faith On Every Corner, its authors, editors, and publishers are not responsible for any errors or omissions in our published works. The opinions and theology expressed by contributing writers are their own and not necessarily that of Faith On Every Corner, LLC., its owners or staff.

All Faith On Every Corner, LLC publications, websites, blogs, and other media are copyrighted. All rights are reserved. Contents published in Faith On Every Corner Magazine may be reproduced, shared, copied, or transmitted as long as the published work is unaltered and contains proper attribution to Faith On Every Corner.

Contributing writers to Faith On Every Corner retain full rights to their contributed content.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ®.

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. ™ Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ® (ESV ®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) taken from the New King James Version ® (NKJV ®). Copyright © 1982

by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission, all rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (CSB) taken from The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) taken from The King James Bible, public domain.

M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R U R L

|

69

PAGE 68