Happy New Year! January 2021
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19
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COVER PHOTO BY KAREN RUHL
I love trees! They are so beautiful and always show their strength. I have watched trees bend beyond comprehension in high winds. I have seen them burned in wildfires and come back new the following Spring. I have seen animals using trees as their homes, confident that they are safe from harm. Did you know that there are more than 60,000 species of trees? Here in the United States, we have 1,000 different trees. And many of the trees around the world face extinction. I looked up this information and found a wonderful fact. Methuselah is a 4,852-year-old Great Basin Bristlecone pine (Pinus Longeval) tree growing high in the White Mountains of Inyo County in eastern California. It is recognized as the non-clonal tree with the greatest confirmed age in the world. (Thank you Google and Wikipedia). Trees are in the paradise of God. In Revelation 22, we learn that the tree of life bears fruit crops 12 times a year, and its leaves are for the healing of the nations. There are many trees with healing powers at our disposal now, which is a sign of God’s provision for us. God bless you in the New Year.
Inside Cover
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR It is hard to imagine that we are starting a brand new year, 2021 is here and we all pray that along with it comes healing from the COVID virus. I read posts on social media where everyone has considered 2020 the worst year of their life. Like everyone else, many of our family members have had the virus or were exposed and had to quarantine until their tests came back. Craig had to be tested twice before he could have procedures done for his heart. It has been an inconvenience for sure, but I would like to take a look at some of the good I saw in 2020. • God was ever-present, even when the news was grave, He was there to help us through the roughest times. • Families were closer than ever, not only because we had to stay in or had curfews, but because we were not supposed to be out socializing, we were to stay in and that meant spending precious time together. • There were thousands of heartwarming stories of how neighbors helped neighbors during this time. God is the same today, as He was yesterday, and will be tomorrow. Keep your faith.
Karen
and C
raig R
uhl
Have a blessed and Happy New year!
Blessings to your new year, Craig, and I pray for good health, prosperity, and above all else, that you continue with your relationship with Christ Jesus. If you would like to talk to a Team Member with Faith On Every Corner, please drop an email to team@faithoneverycorner.com. Happy New Year ~ Karen
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A Quiet Night and A New Year by Karen Ruhl
In December, many people around the world went outside to see if they could view the Christmas Star. We read articles and were so excited to see the occurrence that hadn’t happened in over 800 years. Jupiter and Saturn were to line up on Dec. 21, so close together that they would appear as one bright shining star. Some even referred to it as having a tie to the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ with its occurrence so close to Christmas this year. To this, I smile and shake my head, knowing that the star that came out to announce the birth of our Savior was not two planets lining up but God announcing the birth of his son, Christ Jesus. I did go out to see the “Christmas Star,” I really wanted to see if I could photograph it, but my lenses were not long enough or powerful enough to do anything other than catch a dot in the sky. The thought of the Christmas star made me sit and think about what that night must have been like for Mary and Joseph and for the shepherds who witnessed the light and saw the baby so early in His life. I imagine Mary’s labor screams would have awakened the village! Maybe it was a quiet night after Jesus was born and Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were left alone in that manger. Here they were, in a city far from home with a newborn and ready to start a new chapter in their lives, a new year. 4PAGE | M3 AG A Z I N E N A M E
My favorite quiet night is to read the Bible with Craig. We take turns reading and will stop and look up a passage if we have questions. We try to match our reading to a bible study online and do the study after we have read the chapter and verses for the evening. Sometimes after we read, there is a momentary quiet as we put our Bibles away, thinking about what we just read. We end our reading by saying, “This is the word of God. Thanks be to God.” I look forward to many quiet nights in 2021,. nights where we focus on Christ Jesus and what He did for us. Nights when we scour the Bible to find a way to tell more people about God’s mercy and grace. Nights when we reflect on who we are and what we would be without Him. Regardless of how you spent your New Year’s Eve, take time to be with Him. Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10 NKJV I look forward to the new year and knowing that my God is with me always. He will look out for us regardless of what we see before us on earth. His light is in me. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 NKJV
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover photo by Karen Ruhl - more on the inside cover. ROAD TRIPPIN’ PAGE 33-34
By Karen Ruhl
IN THIS ISSUE
F O L LO W U S
A Quiet Night and A New Year ... by Karen Ruhl ... page 3 Enduring The Process ... by Jessie Garcia ... page 5 No Greater Love ... by Gina Sewell ... page 7 New Year, New Beginnings ... by Melissa Henderson ... page 8 Our Firm Foundation ... by Andrea Marino ... page 9 Create A New You ... by Dr. Kathleen Oden ... page 11 What The Hearts Of Mere Players Hold ... by Gittel Fruma ... page 13 Adventure Reflections ... by Nicole Byrum ... page 15 The Unforgotten ... by Christine Controneo ... page 17 A Moment In Time ... by Pam McCormick ... page 19 Talitha Koum ... by Kalli Cook ... page 20 A Prayer For January ... by Tynea Lewis ... page 21 When You Can’t See The Whole Picture... by Tynea Lewis ... page 22 Your Mission, Should You Decide To Accept It ... by Scott Dunn ... page 23 The Christmas Valley .... by Lynn Downham ... page 25 He Has Plans For Us ... by Karen Ruhl ... page 26 Dear Carl ... by Anna Friend ... page 27 Not Just A Coincidence ... by Craig Ruhl ... page 29 What Does Tomorrow Hold ... by Joseph Akinrinola ... page 31 Birthday Tears ... by Pam Walck ... page 35 Embracing Adventure When You Want Life ... by Juliana Gordon ... page 39 Companions for the Journey ... Ruth Black ... page 40 Divine Appointment, Backroads Of Life, God Ordained ... by John Alexander .. page 41 The God Adventure ... by P. Diane Buie ... page 43 A Gypsy For God ... by Yvonne Morgan ... page 45 I am Not Enough ... Amy Davidson ... page 47 When God Chooses You ... by Maureen Kambarami ... page 49 Burning Passion For Lost Souls ... by Aradhana Thakor ... page 51-54 Light At The End Of The Tunnel ... by Brenda McDaniel ... page 55 My Journey With Jesus in 2021 ... by Cindy Oriol ... page 56
Bookshelf - Book Reviews Starting on Page 37
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Enduring The Process by Jessie Garcia With over 20 years of ministerial service, I am a dedicated servant of God. My passion is to live and work for God and bring others into an intimate relationship with God. I understand that this life comes with many challenges and many have stumbled along the way. I am committed to helping those get back up and continue their journey towards a successful walk with God. God’s Kingdom will advance with strong men and women building strong families.
Looking forward while overcoming the past. As we sit back and reflect on all that we have endured in 2020, one can only sit and wonder as to where our thoughts want to take us. Our faith was tested and our patience was put through the fire. Many saw the hand of God move through their lives, and others have encountered death and destruction. Some of us were drawn closer to God, and others drifted away. Some took advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves while others fell victim to the unfortunate events that took place. Matthew 11:28 (KJV) reminds us, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest.” As we near the end of 2020, although many have come out victorious, the battle that we all fought had taken its toll. The burdens that come from our daily way of living were augmented through the events that took place during this year. Christmas time brings the opportunity to look back at the battles we have endured and allows us the blessing to not only see how much we endured, it also signifies that we are nearing the end of one chapter and going to open a new one. As the shepherds were out attending to the flock, they noticed a star that normally was not there. They relied on the stars to navigate their journey. Coming to a determination that 6PAGE | M5 AG A Z I N E N A M E 3
something was new allowed them to get out of their comfort zone and take a new path that led them to the Savior. They could have noticed the change in the stars, yet continued living their normal lives. The disruption in the stars prompted them to make some changes that would affect the rest of their lives. Witnessing the birth of our Lord and Savior would lead them down a new path. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (KJV) One can assume that the shepherds had nothing but time on their hands to see the new star. It was their job to be out with the sheep, and it is easy to assume that the shepherds stayed awake all night attending to their flock. We never seem to think that these men would walk for miles seeking a place to feed the sheep. They grow weary, hunger, thirst, and also get distracted attending to the needs of each sheep as well as the whole. To think their lives were any different from ours is a false claim; they too were humans with the basic needs of life. They not only had to care for the sheep, but they also had to attend to their families and other obligations.
As we come to the end of 2020, what is it that you are seeking; where is your focus fixed on? Are you focusing on the things above or on the things at eye level? Are you still trying to figure out the events that took place in your life during 2020, seeking meaning and understanding of these events? Are you choosing to grow and gain experience, or are you lamenting all the loss? Though it is unfair to compare losses, we can all agree that up to a certain point, we all have suffered losses, some more than others. Also, we have all gained, some more than others, yet we have all gained. There is a light looming above us all, letting us know that the Savior is still in our midst. His light is still shining as bright as it first did when God gave us that gift of life at the birth of His son Jesus. We all live busy lives. We have to attend not only to our own needs, but the needs of our families, our job, and all the obligations we have. It is easy for us all to become distracted, causing us to miss the light that is shining before us. This Christmas time, let us remember the light that was given to us to direct us down a better path. Let the light bring light to our future and leaving our past behind us in the darkness, never allowing our past to come to light. As we come to a close in 2020, we can bring a new light into our 2021. We can allow the light to strengthen our faith, having the confidence that God brought us through the difficulties during the 2020 year. 2021 can bring forth a new blessing. Let us allow the Lord and Savior the ability to bring blessing and prosperity to our lives and the lives of our families. Let us not go astray while the light is shining above us. Let us seek those things that are above to bring blessing to all that is around us. Let us bring back the light of God into the center of our lives.
In Love With Marriage by Jessie Garcia is available at Amazon.com Click the book cover to go directly to this book.
Let us look forward while leaving the past behind us. â€œâ€Ś up to this point, the Lord has helped us,â€? (1 Sam. 7:12 NLT)
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No Greater Love By Gina Sewell
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
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV) Can you imagine a love so strong that you would sacrifice your child? I can’t. But thank God for His amazing grace and gift to us that we may be given the opportunity to have a relationship with Him and live eternally in heaven. I remember the night that I got saved. I was at church camp. I could feel the Holy Spirit and I began to sob because the feeling was so strong. Over the years I’ve gotten lost many times–as a rebellious teenager, and even in later years because of things that I couldn’t understand. Anger had built up inside of me that I didn’t know how to deal with and a pain that I thought that I couldn’t bear. I turned away from the Lord for a while, but I came back. Thank you, God, that we can come home. This reminds me of the parable of the prodigal son. He had squandered his entire inheritance, and he was so ashamed of what he had done, but he returned home out of necessity. He was hungry. There was a famine in that country, and he had become desperately in need of food to eat. “So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw 8PAGE | M7 AG A Z I N E N A M E 3
his arms around him, and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’” (Luke 15:20-21 NIV) But the father didn’t see it that way. He told his servants to kill the fattened calf so that they may have a feast and celebrate. “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15:24 NIV) This parable is to let us know how God feels about us even when we get lost and we do things that are not part of his plan for us and for our lives, he still loves us and he is still waiting for us with open arms. Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for your amazing love for us. It knows no bounds. Thank you for your mercy and grace. We all fall short at times, Lord, but your love for us never waivers. You said that you would never leave us, and I know that to be true. Thank you, Lord, for all you do for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
New Year, New Beginnings By Melissa Henderson Have you heard that phrase, “New Year, New Beginnings?” Especially during the past year, when we looked forward to a time with no pandemic, thoughts may have popped into your mind around the beginning of December as you thought about what could happen in the new year. A faith-filled positive outlook can help us through tough times. With “to do” lists and busy lives and dealing with a pandemic, we might look at the new year a bit differently this time. Perhaps you are a person who enjoys journaling and recording your thoughts, dreams, and hopes for the future. Have you ever wondered what God was thinking when He created the world? A new beginning. Everything was new. Was each creation like an adventure for Him? Can you imagine God smiling as He created each plant, animal, and more?
nings all around. What a glorious time He must have had placing the bright sun, the full moon, numerous planets, vast bodies of water, the expansive land, and more in just the right places. What things make you think of new beginnings? A rainbow? Clouds in the sky? A sunrise? A hummingbird drinking nectar from flowers while their wings rapidly move? A newborn baby? The list is endless for me. When we create something unique, we have the opportunity to thank Him for giving us the ability to use the talents and gifts He has given us. Let’s go on an adventure today. Let’s look for God’s glory in every moment. A new beginning. A new adventure. God is with us always.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1: 1 (NIV) Because we are not God, we can’t know the full emotions of God when He brought the world into being. We can only imagine with our human minds. I like to think of God smiling as each of His creations came into being. What wonder! What majesty! What glory! In Scripture, we read how God created the world, and then He rested. When we try to create something, we are embarking on something new and often different from usual. There may be smiles and there may be signs of frustration.
Melissa Henderson is a writer of inspirational messages. Her first book for children, “Licky the Lizard”, was released in 2018. She also has a story in the compilations “Heaven Sightings” and “Remembering Christmas.” Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister. She and her husband, Alan, moved from Virginia to South Carolina to be near her son, daughter-in-law and first grandchild. The family motto is “It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons” Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com
God had a purpose for His creations. New begin-
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Our Firm Foundation By Andrea Marino
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.
It is not unusual during the winter months to see a lot of shaking going on. It brings to mind the verse in Hebrews 12:27, where God speaks of shaking the whole earth, yet once more. I certainly don’t like the idea; I naturally resist such a shaking about me. But in nature we are given a picture: a strong winter wind, blowing through the trees, vigorously shaking its branches. We can be sure of a message from God coming through the things He created.
of Judas, Peter declared that he would go to his death for Jesus. “Simon, Simon, look out!” Jesus replied, “Satan has asked to sift you like wheat.” (Luke 22: 31 CSB) We can backslide in faith when being shaken. We can even deny Jesus. Though Peter was yet unaware of what he would do in fear for his life, the Lord assured him he would be praying for him. God’s allowing us to be shaken is for a greater purpose. Always for us, He knows that we are weak. (Romans 8:31, Psalm 103:14)
When we receive salvation through Jesus, God does not leave us “as is.” No, He gets busy shaking off the worthless things in our lives. Becoming a new person in Christ sure isn’t easy. But, there are things we cling to that actually cause us harm, threatening our well-being, as well as others–all of it thwarting the life of abundance Jesus died to provide. Interestingly enough, the mighty oak tree holds many of its leaves through winter. Brown and dead, these leaves appear to be holding on for dear life. Letting go of what God wants us to let go of is hard, but necessary. The cares of this world can be overwhelming.
In these last days, the entire world is being shaken. This is clear to the followers of Jesus. Everything is topsy-turvy in the current, evil, system operating under the sway of the devil. Only God can realign the madness in the deception of an enemy who knows his time is running out. So is a realignment taking place in the church of Jesus Christ? God desires no man to perish. (2 Peter 3:9) And as there is righteous wrath from Heaven to be unleashed against evil and its willing participants, we, God’s people, need to be seen in possession of real faith and courage, having complete trust in supernatural protection. The time has come to be shaken. For what will remain is unshakable.
At the Last Supper, after witnessing the betrayal
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No one will have an excuse when they stand before God; because God’s invisible attributes, eternal power, and divine nature can be clearly seen through all He has made. (see Romans 1:18-22). “The heavens declare the glory of God… day after day they pour out speech… their message has gone out to the whole earth.” (Psalm 19:1-4 CSB) Indeed, all of God’s creation being shook up is a warning sign. While Satan plans his great reset of a new world order of eternal control of those rejecting the Savior, we are called to proclaim the Good News. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe,” (Hebrews 12:28 CSB) The Lord’s instruction tells us, “He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” (Psalm 1:3 CSB)
Click on the photo of the book to purchase from Amazon.
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Create A New You! By Dr. Kathleen Oden
WOW! And that is all I have to say about 2020! So, let’s create a new you for 2021! Some of us have been eating comfort food since May. So, put down the fork, back away from the plate, and start using social distancing with your fridge! It is time to reset our mindset, create a new body, and rejuvenate our spirit! Why should we create a new us? We need it; we want it, and we have to have it! But it is going to take commitment, dedication, and perseverance. How do you want to feel? How do you want to look? How do you want to live? It all starts with creating a new you! Everything has a natural side and a spiritual side. YOU CAN DO IT! How you feel starts with resetting your mindset. There was a time in my life when being negative ruled. At times, it is still a battle. It was a complete surprise to me that, “we have a choice.” We can wake up with a good attitude or a bad attitude, happy, sad, or mad. But the truth is, we all have a choice. We all have the God-given ability to choose how we want to feel and think. If we are in pain, upset, disgusted, or whatever, we still can choose how we want to feel. We just need to make a “righteous” decision. Here is some food for thought—add these brain foods to your diet (avocados, bananas, walnuts, and blueberries).
“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4:23-24 KJV) How you look starts with creating a new body. Because of a fall in 2014, some of my motor skills were impaired. Our body has millions of cells that die every day, and millions of new cells are created every day. WOW! That means that we can create a new body by eating healthy. My memory was also impaired, so this was extremely exciting for me. When we eat healthily, the body creates new healthy cells. But when we eat unhealthily, the body duplicates the old bad cells that are weak and damaged. The Lord and healthy eating keep my 69-year-old body looking good and working well! My secret fountain of youth is coconut oil. We need to keep a jar in the kitchen to replace butter and cooking oil. And one in your bathroom to use after a bath or shower. Plus one in your bedroom for your face cream. “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? (1 Corinthians 6:19 NLT)
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How you live starts with rejuvenating your spirit. When was the last time your spirit had a good meal? We have to feed our spirit daily with the WORD OF GOD to keep it rejuvenated! The closer we are to Jesus, the more rejuvenated our life will be. “... but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16 KJV)
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” 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
Genesis 1:29
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Gittel Fruma came to believe in Jesus after growing up as an Orthodox Jew. Gittel lives with her husband and son in Clearwater, Florida. She is currently working on a book about her testimony and recording her first album. You can find her at her website GittelFruma.com or on Facebook at @GittelFrumaMusic.
W H AT T H E H E A RT S O F M E R E P L AY E R S H O L D by Gittel Fruma I remember the first time I learned about The Scream painted by Edvard Munch. I wonder what he would think to know it’s been immortalized in the form of a commonly used emoticon. Ironic that this famous statement on existential angst has now been so trivialized that it sits in each of our cell phones next to a smiling cat and a winky face. Do we really think so little of our own existence, our own search for meaning, that we can put it aside so easily? I’ve lived with existential angst my entire life, although for a long time I didn’t know what to call it. As a child attending an orthodox Jewish school, I learned that when Messiah came, we would live forever. Everything would be changed, and the world would be right again. We used to talk and sing endlessly about Messiah’s coming. It was everything. Being a child of both Judaism and science fiction, I was just as familiar with Star Trek as I was with Jewish doctrine. I would watch, awestricken, as mankind would journey throughout infinite space. Their encounters with the unknown both mystified and terrified me. And at night, I would lie in my bed and ponder things I did not and could not understand. If Messiah came, we would live forever. We would eventually travel through space, which is infinite. We would live in a world of time and space without end. The vastness of this notion was paralyzing. I’ve never quite been able to shake that feeling. When I came to believe that Jesus was the Messiah I had waited my whole life for, I read my Bible voraciously. One day, I came across a verse that made all the others make sense.
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“Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11b ESV) This verse is so often quoted, yet I’m not sure we fully grip what it says. Eternity in our hearts is what drives us forward. It is what fuels our aspirations, our desire for legacy, our respect for history, and our infatuation with ourselves. We are so small, but we contain something so great. If we lose sight of Whom that eternity rests in, we start to believe it belongs to us. If we lose sight of the Eternal, we lose sight of everything. God did not give us ambition for our own use any more than he gave eternity for such a purpose. We are to be ambitious for His kingdom. We are to forge His legacy here on the earth. We are not to exist without leaving a mark that points back to Him. Ambition, legacy, and worth don’t look the same for everyone. They can look like supporting your church, raising your children, working with excellence, speaking of God to the people you know, or acting in His Name where you can’t say a word. It may mean that everyone knows your name or that no one does. But eternity lives in us all, propelling us forward.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. ~Romans 8:28
A burning, beautiful piece of the world to come beats within your chest. The King who put it there didn’t give it to us to fret over but to treasure. Remember this year as you continue your pursuits, whatever they may be, that you carry eternity within you. And if you were made for eternity, you can overcome whatever you encounter on this temporal ground. You cannot find out what God has done from beginning to end, you can only do your part in it. So, do what is before you while you still can and trust God to do what you cannot.
Photos by Karen Ruhl
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ADVENTURE REFLECTIONS by Nicole Byrum I am a therapist and writer who is passionate about family, faith, and recovery. I am the author of Remade: Living Free, a book that explores topics related to substance abuse, recovery, and unhealthy relationships from a biblical perspective.
As I thought about the theme for this month’s issue, I had a difficult time narrowing down what to write about. Although I don’t have the kind of experiences chock full of exotic destinations or a plethora of riveting tales, I do have a life full of God’s faithfulness. And as I consider the sequence of my life events more carefully, I can see a beautiful life of adventure providentially orchestrated by my heavenly Father. Sometimes the onset of adventure looks like broken dreams. I can truly say the beginning of my adult life started with the loss of a dream. All throughout my senior year of high school, I had enthusiastically envisioned attending one particular private Christian university in Indiana. I was so sure this college was the place for me and was thrilled when I opened my letter of acceptance. So imagine my devastation when I received a dismal “financial aid” package later that spring. Let’s just say the $500 a year they were offering me wasn’t going to cut it. I was heartbroken. To make a long story short, I happily landed at Huntington University, another small, private Christian liberal arts college in Indiana. Believe me, I am forever grateful for this. Not only do I cherish memories of friendships, cross-country, and track seasons, and hold my education in high regard, but I am indebted for the opportunity of meeting my husband, Greg.
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Adventure is sometimes an actual adventure. One month after I graduated from Huntington Greg and I were married, and two weeks after returning from our honeymoon we traveled halfway across the country to Abilene, Texas to start our new life together. I never imagined living in Texas, but there I was, 22, married, and attending graduate school at Abilene Christian University. Those two years in the Lonestar state were absolutely an adventure: new culture, new people, new sites and experiences... new everything! It was a fantastic way to begin married life, and those years set the stage for the next chapter of our story. Joy in the ordinary adventures of life. The following years were characterized by settling into adult life and working full time towards my licensure as a marriage and family therapist. The last 14 years have centered on all the normal things of adult life: work, family, kids, and friends. Sure there have been great vacations and times of extraordinary fun, but I think the real adventure of it all has been in the everyday happenings of being a wife, mother, and therapist. To be sure, the routine of the daily grind is not always glamorous. There have been countless moments of frustration and of questioning my effectiveness in all three of these roles. But I can’t
think of a more worthy adventure, for this is the adventure God has called me to—the adventure He set the stage for all those years ago. It is the adventure of making Christ known to my children and of showing His love to my clients. The adventure of serving my spouse in covenant love. The greatest adventure of all. As I sit at my computer typing this brief synopsis of my life, I can’t help but think of the lyrics, “All my life you have been faithful, and all my life you have been so, so good.” Every time I hear this description of the goodness of God, one word resounds in my mind: “Yes.” For whether in blessings or trials, He continuously works all together for my good and His glory. Faithful He has been, and faithful He will be. Yet I know the adventures of this world will pale in comparison to the adventures in store for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. For those in Christ, the greatest adventure is yet to come; for an eternity with him will be the greatest adventure of all.
They also made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates all around on the hem of the robe. ~Exodus 39:25
Photos by Karen Ruhl
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THE U N F O R G OT T E N by Christine Cotroneo Christine lives in Upstate, NY with her husband, Ryan, and is a pet-mom to their rescued cats, dog and ducks. She is the owner of Living Word Decor, an online shop where she creates hand painted wooden signs with Bible verses. When she’s not painting, she loves to go for walks, and to spend time in the word of God. www.LivingWordDecor.com
A new year is upon us, and the time has come for resolutions to be made and goals to be set. I’m not much into resolutions or goals myself. The only goal I ever stuck with was reading through the Bible in a year, and even then I sometimes was playing catch-up from the days I missed. I think this past year has taught us we really can’t anticipate what a new year may bring, and while plans are good, it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21) I remember one year in particular when the Lord brought the unexpected into my life. That year began with a devotional entitled “For the Right Moment.” It was about God’s work in our lives to prepare us for His perfect timing to send us into the work He has planned for us. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 NKJV). I had decided that this would be my only expectation for that year, to simply abide in His word and to wait and see what He had planned. I had my own ideas of what I wanted to accomplish, but in typical God style, what I ended up involved in were things I never could have imagined. I have a copy of that devotional printed out and taped inside one of my journals with the name “James” written at the bottom. James, who preferred to be called Jim, was a man I met by chance, and one of those people that you just know God would use to leave a lasting impact. I was visiting my grandmother’s friend at a nursing home and Jim was a resident there. His room was across the hall, and he liked to sit in the corridor. 18 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 17
I can’t recall the first time we said hello, but I do remember him being more than willing to talk. I looked forward to seeing Jim on my visits and after the woman I was visiting passed away, I kept going back to spend more time with him. He wasn’t a well man himself, and although his demeanor was not always suggestive of someone who wanted company, I knew underneath that rough and tough exterior was someone who enjoyed the conversation. He was often sad when we talked about his children, the work he used to do, the days gone by, and his desire to be with his wife, who was still alive and well at home. I did my best to cheer him up. One Sunday afternoon I felt the pull to visit Jim. I can’t explain the feeling, but it was as if God Himself was telling me to go. Although I had no plans to visit him that day, I went out of obedience to the Lord. When I got to his room, he shared how he had just gotten out of the hospital and was still under observation. He was extra chatty that day, and at the end of our visit, I asked if I could pray with him. I had previously shared about my faith, and we talked some about the Lord Jesus, and he agreed to the prayer.
When I got home and read my evening devotional, I could not believe my eyes. The title was “The Unforgotten”, and it was all about being God’s representative of love and support to those who feel insignificant or forgotten, to those who wonder if anyone cares for them at all. It talked about being that person’s listening ear, and how our prayers can encourage them more than we know. The reflection question asked, “God, is there someone you want me to help today? Please bring them to my mind and show me how to love them as you would. Amen”. I knew at that moment that Jim was the unforgotten in God’s eyes, and that pull I felt to see him was indeed God’s will. I prayed that my visit that day had allowed him to see how much God loved him. The next time I went to see him, I learned that he had been taken back to the hospital. I decided to visit him there and found out he was in pretty bad shape. He was still alert and knew who I was, but it was clear that his time was drawing to an end. I sat by his side and shared with him about the devotional I had read, and how I felt that God wanted him to know that He loved him and had not forgotten him. He seemed overwhelmed at the thought, but I left him with that truth as I kissed him on the cheek and said goodbye. In the morning I found out that he had passed away during the night.
As I think about Jim, I’m still amazed that God would give me the privilege of sharing His love with him. Here I thought I was just spending some time with a lonely man who needed company, but God had a specific purpose for our encounter. He wanted Jim to know that he was not forgotten, and I imagine that Jim is with the Lord now, spending eternity with His King. If you like to make resolutions with a heart full of hopes, dreams, and expectations for the new year, just remember if things don’t go as planned that there is one who is “the same yesterday, today and forever”—Jesus Christ (Hebrews 13:8). He doesn’t change at the start of every new year, and He doesn’t fail like a resolution by February 1st. He has plans for us that are far better than anything we could have planned for ourselves. When we’re open to being used by Him for His will and plans, our lives just may be forever touched by those He works through us to reach.
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A Moment In Time by Pam McCormick
If you had told me I’d be night hiking this night to a place that can only be captured in a memory of the heart, I would have told you, “Not me.” First, I’m a born scaredy-cat. The idea of walking deep into the woods would not be by choice, but by a desire for the “not so normal” adventurous girl inside of me. See, at night, I think of spiders, creepy crawlers, snakes, bears, bobcats, yep, all of those and more, but tonight was different. My husband, George, asked me to go with him. He never said where we were going, but I went. I’m glad I went. We got to a spot, a bridge with a creek running on both sides. And George said, “Look up.” He had told me to do that several times before because I had gone through some tough times, but this night, this moment in time, I looked up and saw a cloud hugging the moon. It was a quarter moon, but it shed just enough light to reflect itself on the surface of the creek below.
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My husband said, “Isn’t this peaceful?” To be completely honest, my fears of the night, my unknown whereabouts at 9:30 PM, and the cold wind that had been blowing all night made me less than peaceful. Then I realized something. George had arranged this spontaneous moment to help me have more peace. My husband is an original. He doesn’t do the ordinary. He does the extraordinary. Having gone through tough times, I just couldn’t believe I deserved this much love. Thank you, my love, for loving me and helping me see I’m lovable. And the wind stopped on the bridge over the running creek. And there was peace. “In his days may the righteous flourish and peace abound, till the moon be no more!” (Psalms 72:7 ESV)
Talitha Koum by Kalli Cook
As I walked out to the barn this morning, I only looked downward, watching my feet take each step. I never looked up to see what lay in my path ahead. When I got to a mud puddle, I stepped over it or changed direction to go around it, but I never looked up to plan my route to the barn. I just walked along, only looking at how I was walking, rather than where. As I walked, I thought about how I usually like to see where I am going. As I walked, I kept fighting the urge to look up and look ahead. I really wanted to look ahead and see the best path to the barn, the quickest path that would avoid all the mud puddles. But God ministered to me at that moment. Often, when we want to look out ahead of ourselves, when we want to see where we are going so we can plan our best route, what He wants us to do is to just focus on each step. He would rather us just stay focused on how we are walking, and simply trust that He will lead us to the “where.”
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You. (Psalm 139:16-18 NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8:28-31 NKJV)
Beloved, sometimes the only thing you will be able to see is your feet. The furthest ahead you will be able to look is your next step. And perhaps you will even find yourself in front of a mud puddle — a small one you can step over, or maybe a big one you will have to walk around. Trust that even though you can’t see out farther ahead to plan your best route, God is already leading you down the path He has planned for you. And even though you may find yourself in front of some pretty deep mud puddles, God’s route is always the best choice. No need for us to see out ahead. The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand. (Psalm 37:23,24 NKJV)
My name is Kalli Cook. I named my ministry page “Talitha Koum” after Mark 5:41, where Jesus takes the little girl’s hand and raises her from the dead. I have been in ministry for 8 years and I have a BS in Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute.
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Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the fresh start of a new year. We ask that you ignite within us the passion of loving you and loving others this year. Turn our hearts toward the things that matter most to you and open our eyes to how we can serve those around us this year and love them as you do. Help us live in a way that pleases you and brings glory to your name. We ask for wisdom this year. There is so much we don’t know, and there are circumstances that arise that we don’t know how to navigate. We ask that you provide us with the wisdom for each situation that comes our way. Thank you for giving it generously to those who ask.
A Prayer for January
Lord, last year was a struggle. Everyone experienced some type of change, and for many, it was a year that brought loss and stretched us like no other year. Thank you for being by our side every step of the way.
by Tynea Lewis
We are excited to annouce that Tynea will be writing a Prayer Column each month. 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).
Even through the challenges and terrible experiences we had to face, you never left our side. You never turned your back on us. Even in the moments when we cried out in anger to you, you did not turn away from us. You heard the cry of our hearts, and you always will. Even in those moments where it felt like you were silent, you were still working. Thank you for going before us this year. No matter what we face in the coming months, we ask that we stay focused on you. No matter the valley we will walk through, may we constantly give you praise. No matter the mountains we have to climb, may we constantly give you praise. No matter the circumstances, may we constantly give you praise, for you are worthy. Thank you for being in control of it all. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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When You Can’t See the Whole Picture by Tynea Lewis
My husband is in the final six months of seminary. For nine years, he was a teacher, but during that time, he felt God nudging him toward ministry. We prayed about it but didn’t know what all of it meant. We didn’t know where God was leading, but we could feel him stirring something within us. Michael resigned from his teaching career in 2019 to pursue seminary education full-time. We didn’t know how everything was going to work out, but just as God does, He made a way. We couldn’t see all the pieces, but we knew it was the next step. It can be scary at times, but we know God is calling our family to a life of ministry. We have no idea where God is going to lead us next. All we know is He’s going to lead because we’ve seen Him do it in the past. I’m the type of person who wants to know every detail and how those details are going to come together. If there is too much risk involved, it’s harder for me to jump in and be okay with the unknown. Despite all the unknowns, I jumped head-first into this. That peace could only come from God.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV) I love that this peace transcends all understanding because it clearly comes from God. There are many moments where I should not have peace, based on a worldly perspective, but God settles my heart. That’s the gentle answer from God. It’s the reassurance that He has everything under control and that I’m on the right path. When we face uncertainty and big decisions, are we depending on our own understanding or the understanding of God? Are we trusting that He is going to show us the way? We need God’s understanding; we need His wisdom. The amazing thing is He gives it generously to all who ask (James 1:5).
God is faithful and will show the way. God is faithful and will make the way. It might not be the way we would make, but every time God changes the Is God stirring something in your heart? Something big, scary, and life-altering? It’s so easy to let plan on me, it always ends up so much better than fear put out those sparks because we want to live I could have ever imagined. In those moments, I’m reminded of my limitations and my humanity. I’m a life that is comfortable, but I’m realizing more and more that following Jesus is not about being flawed. The world is flawed, but our God is not. comfortable. It’s about being willing to give up Seek Wise Counsel our comfort, our status, our possessions, and to truly follow Him. God uses people in our lives to point us back to Him. He uses people to accomplish His will. When So, what do you do when you feel a nudging to we are trying to discern God’s will for us, an imexplore a new path? portant thing to do is seek wise counsel. The book of Proverbs is filled with this reminder. Pray Take it to God. Share your struggles, your hopes, your fears. He longs to hear from you. Many times, I have no idea where God is directing, but He always calms my anxious heart and provides clarity when I turn to Him in prayer.
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.” (Proverbs 11:14 NIV) “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15 NIV) (Continued on Page 60)
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Your Mission, Should You Choose To Accept It by Scott Dunn
My talents for kingdom work include this magazine, my podcast, helping with the audio and visual work at our church, and being a husband who teaches his kids about God every day. The crazy thing is that I did not have all these talents to start with in my life. I was given opportunities through God’s goodness, and then He equipped me to do the work. I do not have to write an article every month or stay up until 3 AM working on podcast editing. I do not have to volunteer at church, and I could choose to be an absent father in my children’s understanding of God. I am confident that if I did not do those things, someone else who was willing to accept the work God puts before them, would. His work stops for no one because His work is sovereign in all ways. One of the absolute best things about God is our freedom. It does not matter whether you live in a place like the United States where people by and far can do just about anything, or if you live in a country that is all but locked down. God’s grace of giving us the ability to choose how we live is sovereign and transcends any barriers such as forced religiosity through legalism. His freedom is impactful in the here and now, but His focus is on where you end up. While that freedom is amazing, God also gives you opportunities to accept difficult tasks so you can do kingdom work. So, what is this kingdom work phrase we pass around? It is almost at risk of being a cliché phrase if we are not careful in using it. I will share this answer from Eric Epperson from CIY about what a kingdom worker is; I think it focuses on things that are important to discuss. “A Kingdom worker is somebody who takes whatever God gives them—whether that’s a talent, whether it’s a circle of influence, whether it’s a relationship or even an opportunity at work or school—and says, ‘How can I use this to advance the message of Christ?’” Eric Epperson CIY Senior Director 24 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 23
NBA great David Thompson, while on the 700 Club, used the word EGO as an acronym for what happens when we begin refusing God’s invitations to have a close love relationship with Him. EGO stands for Edging God Out, and that is so poignant! When we live in an ego mode, we are pushing God out of our lives and becoming self-centered. One universal talent we all have through God’s love is ‘service to others.’ In all things we do, we should view our actions through that lens. How does this help others see God in me, my church, my family, my business, etc.? How we serve can vary, and we should not try to confine that to our predispositions on what serving others is. That is myopic and circles back to EGO, our penchant for not being able to see bigger pictures. Consider the rich man in Matthew 19:16-22, You have this young man, bursting at the seams with all the wealth of the world at that time. He throws himself before Christ and asks, “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? (Matt. 19:16 KJV) and Christ told him to keep the commandments. The man replied that he had but still felt lacking. What
is interesting is the next thing Jesus said, “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” (Matt. 19:21 KJV) God opened the door for this man to seize an opportunity to move further along in his adventure with God. God was before him, telling him; “I am what you are lacking. Take this opportunity to see how much I love you.” Instead, the man concerned himself with his riches and EGO. He lost an opportunity because his money was more important. The idea of stepping out of your comfort zone to do God’s work is daunting. I get that; I do not consider myself a good writer, let alone have a face for radio/podcasting. Yet here I am. More confident than before but humble that God has invited me along this path. God has done this to both my wife and me in the last year and a half. My wife was even going to go to Peru on a mission trip. Something I would never have foreseen her doing until it happened. COVID-19, as it has for many, has ruined that chance currently, but I am confident she will go when the time is right.
Scott Dunn is a Christian husband and father who has spent over 15 years in the telecommunications industry. He is the founder of Talking with God (https://twgpodcast.com), a podcast that seeks to educate and encourage a closer relationship with God. Scott is a northerner who migrated south and has fully acclimated to the wonderful area known as the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. He serves at his local church by helping with the production and online streaming of services. He has a genuine passion for the Christian man and his responsibilities, often writing about them on his blog https://justholdfast.com. Here he shares open and real-life experiences so that other men can relate to the human condition and how that relates to a stronger love relationship with God.
A lot of this knowledge about the intimacy of God’s relationship with us, on a singular personal level, I have learned in the last year or so. Reading and doing the workbook ‘Experiencing God’ has turned my relationship with God on its ear in so many positive ways. The next time that God invites you into His plans, accept it! You do not need to know every single detail of God’s plan. You just need to have faith in His will because the implications of His work through you can reach across lifetimes and beyond. If you ever want to get a glimpse into a life that God worked through without being blatantly present, check out the book of Esther. You will not find a single mention of God’s name but read and see how God was at work in her life.
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God has his hand extended, are you going to join him on an adventure that will blow your mind?
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Lynn Story Downham is a fourth generation artist who returned to North Carolina in 2014 after twenty-six years on the Florida panhandle. Her seventh family tree commission was for a “family tree for Jesus.” Twenty years later she is a born-again believer with a best-selling print, a beautiful family and a passion for sharing Christ through her art. Find out more on Facebook by looking up “Lynn Story Downham’s Art” or “Lynn Downham Jesus Tree.”
T H E C H R I S T M A S VA L L E Y By Lynn Downham I just looked up the word “adventure” in Webster’s dictionary. Oh, my! How did I get to the place where I thought an adventure was just a lark or a trip to the beach or some mountain geta-way fishing trip? Here’s how Webster’s defines adventure: “1. An undertaking of a hazardous nature; a risky enterprise. 2. An unusual experience or course of events marked by entertainment or suspense. 3. Participation in hazardous or exciting experiences...” And they further define an “adventurer” as “1. One who adventures.” Well, now that I have had my definition corrected, I’d say that’s just about perfect. That’s exactly what it’s like going on an adventure with God. He and I began our adventure in a hot, dark, and dusty work shed in DeFuniak Springs, FL some twenty-odd years ago or so, (see my article “Where My Thankful Started”, Faith On Every Corner) and it has been every bit of Webster’s definition and more. Unusual experience or course of events? Hey, the Bible’s full of them. That’s just how God works, opposite of the ways of the world, so of course, a worldly dictionary would describe that as “unusual”. Entertainment? God’s the best entertainer if you know where to look. He’s the best-selling author, (the Bible), the best artist, (creation), and the most interesting Being to watch, (once you’ve learned to watch Him working). Suspense? Why God’s the best at that too! Once you’ve walked with Him a while, you get that whole “long-suffering” bit (patience). 26 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 25
Right now my husband and I have just listed my mother’s house for sale and we know that He has someone lined up for this house so we are watching Him work this out and sell this property. Now, back up to “hazardous,” definition number 1., yes, this would be the “stepping out in faith” part. I’ve found this can range from absolutely terrifying to mildly risky ventures and this doesn’t necessarily correspond with where you are in your walk with God, it just that sometimes He asks you to do scarier things. But I’ve also discovered, as you no doubt have too, that He is there with us, no matter what He asks of us. He does not ask us to do it alone. There is only One who can lay claim to having the Father turn His back on Him for a moment and that would be our risen Savior, Jesus Christ, when He was on the cross and took on the weight of our sin. And that was temporary and for our salvation. Why is this article called “The Christmas Valley?” Those who have read me know that I adore Christmas. It’s my favorite holiday. I was born 3 days after Christmas. I love the Christmas carols, traditions, and stories! I love learning about Hanukkah stories and traditions! Well, this Christmas season is a bit of a valley adventure, given chemo treatment on top of Meniere’s disease while trying to take care of others, etc. But the song I was given, (by Him of course), for this time, was the
was the one from childhood. You know it, “Count your blessings, count them one by one...” only I couldn’t remember the words, so I kept singing it and lo-and-behold, last month’s Faith On Every Corner had an article by Hannarich, (whom I will contact and thank!), of, you guessed it! Count your blessings, count them one by one. And you will discover just what God has done!” Blessing in the valley, number two, I had 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep the other night. Yes, it’s a big deal. And blessing number three... I was going through Mom’s files and discovered an older Christmas card. It was handmade and addressed to my paternal grandparents. It is exquisitely cut-out and crafted and it has three little stockings on the mantelpiece which read, “Johnny”, “Shirley” and “?” I stared at it for a moment and then gasped, “This is the Christmas card from the year I was born!” My sweet artistic mother had made it and then, 3 days later, delivered her first child in one hour and almost died. I will treasure this card and every little blessing I have along the way of this glorious adventure with my God, for we may walk through the valley of the shadow, but we do not travel alone. If you do not know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I encourage you to “seek Him while He may yet be found” for the time grows short. From one adventurer to another, keep your eyes on Him! “And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts. I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love. My hands also I will lift up to your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes. (Psalm 119:45-48 NKJV)
He Has Plans For Us by Karen Ruhl
I love the beginning of a new year. To be honest, it is just another day and yet it holds so much hope. We have been taught that we can wipe the slate clean and begin a new year ahead. That is only partially true. You can wipe the slate clean and begin fresh, you can be born again into the family of Christ. But, there is a bit of work involved. In Jeremiah 29, verse 11 (NKJV), God is talking to the people of Babylon. He says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This has been used as a memory or life verse by many, yet there is so much more for us to learn in this chapter. This is the next thing he says, “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Have you been seeking a relationship with Christ? Are you ready to say a simple prayer and become a member of Christ’s family? Then say this simple prayer now and then find a pastor or a Christian friend who will come beside you and help you learn more.
Dear God, I am a sinner. I need you in my life right now. I open my heart to you and welcome you in. Please forgive me for my sins and make me new. I will put behind my sinful ways and follow you, Lord God. I pray this and receive you in my heart today. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen The prayer is a simple prayer. We are all sinners. If you said this prayer and believe in what you said, welcome to the family of God. I urge you to find a church so you will be around others who will help you learn and grow. Also, find a family member or friend who will help you as you walk on this new path. Remember, God, Has Plans For You! Happy New You, Karen
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DEAR CARL By Anna Friend
Hello, Dear Carl fans Happy New Year to you and yours. I am thankful for your support of Carl’s mom. She has made a fresh start in the new year. In her mid-80s, she thrives for quality of life and establishing a legacy of family love. Carl’s mom has lived in North Carolina for most of her life. She is a southern transplant and has 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 moved into a senior living cottage a few years ago. Every week, she sits at her dining table and writes her son a handwritten letter, though he calls her almost every Sunday. New this year—Carl’s mom is now living in her son’s home. She made an abrupt decision to move to Arizona upon the death of a close friend, and at the request of her daughter-in-law. Although Carl and his mother now have time for in-depth conversations, which she relishes, she has decided to continue to write letters to Carl each week. She is documenting her life and life lessons in them. She folds the letters neatly, places them in envelopes, seals, and dates them. She then stores them in a large wooden box that she inherited from her friend, Shirley. She wants to leave Carl his small family’s history and tie them with the assurance that her Lord and Savior was with her, her husband, their families, and Carl, even when they did not know Him.
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Dear Carl, If you are reading this, I am seated at the feet of Jesus. I am healthy, happy, and serving God. Hopefully, your tears are dried. You are smiling and thumbing through these letters I have written to comfort and encourage you. I am sitting in this luxurious chair at a most beautiful writing desk in the beautiful room that Donna prepared for me. I know Donna did not like that I put my old quilt on the end of my fluffy comforter spread, but it has been with me for many years. She has extravagant taste, and I am appreciative of her thoughtfulness. I am enjoying my morning coffee with you, son. It is a daily gift. It is New Year’s week. We all want a starting point each year to manage time better, eat better, spend wiser, and this year more than ever be kinder and closer to those we love. Last year was a challenge. The onset of a new world and lifestyle set precedence for this year as well. I hope that today as you read this that no matter what month or time of year it is that you will use my passing as a starting point. More of Jesus—a life dependent on His love, affirmation, and listening ear. You see, son, I am hoping that you will be completely surrendered to Christ by now. It is important to have a mom in your life because most moms have deep unconditional love, and a “no matter what” devotion. However, we were never to replace God’s most sacrificial, unconditional love. His love has grace, mercy, and it is timeless. The Bible says His mercies are new every morning. He is described in the Bible as being filled with loving-kindness and is slow to anger. Carl, they say you can only take one thing with you when you go to heaven. You can take your loved ones, meaning you can share the Gospel, a relationship with Jesus. You will see them again in heaven by sharing, praying, and encouraging them to know Him while you are living. I accepted Him very late in life, but His call and availability were with me. He was knocking at the door of my heart. Son, answer His call. Speaking of knocking, thank you for placing the engraved door knocker on your gorgeous front door. I remember buying it for you when you bought your first home. Now if I can just get used to talking to that fancy, fandangle speaker that locks and unlocks by speaking to it. I don’t know, son. It’s a little scary how many things are run in your home by talking to them. I love you, son. Mom
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)
The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. (Psalm 145:8 ESV)
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20 ESV)
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N OT J U S T A C O I N C I D E N C E By Craig Ruhl
Karen and I rely on God’s faithfulness in providing us with opportunities to serve Him. Our prayers center on His will being done in our lives. We acknowledge that we are His servants, and it isn’t all about us. Our walk along this path became defined the year we first read Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life. We discussed what we learned about the meaning of life from the Creator’s perspective. It also became clear that our Christian walk of faith demanded not only that we associate with other Christians in mutual support, but also reach out to those who may be unsaved and searching for salvation. Karen discovered the Prayer of Jabez and has prayed it many times over the years, asking that our territory be expanded. “And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.” (1 Chronicles 4:10 NKJV)
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We often encounter situations that might seem on the surface to be random-chance but are truly God-inspired and willed. The same goes for many of the people we meet, in person and online. We refer to these events and relationships as God appointments or God Adventures. When we ask God to expand our territory, bring new people into our lives, and show us more ways to be of service, we have learned to stand back and buckle up. God will answer our request, and that may challenge us more than we expected. He has gifted each of us with the talents and abilities we need to serve His kingdom. In 2017, Karen and I created and published Faith On Every Corner magazine to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Immediately after making that decision, people appeared who wanted to contribute their writing and join in our mission. With a minimum of advertising, writers from around the world asked if they could submit articles, stories, and poetry for publication in the magazine. Authors who had already written books in the Christian genre asked if we would read their book and then publish a review. One writer after another passed the word to their friends and acquaintances, and then they followed us and contributed. The domino effect continues each month. Doors have opened that we didn’t know existed. We have also been steered away from places and people we should not be associated with. Our prayers always include requests for wisdom and discernment to follow the Holy Spirit’s guiding hand.
Along the way, we realized that our magazine was fulfilling several needs. First, each month we can tell the world, through many voices, of the joy of salvation found in Jesus Christ. Second, we learned that each of our contributors had a mission they were fulfilling through their writing. By publishing their words, we were a vital part of those missions. Perhaps the most exciting result of all these efforts is that Faith On Every Corner is now being read in over 73 countries, including ones where it is very dangerous for people to have or read Christian material. Our territory has increased many times over the past few years. We know that it hasn’t been just a coincidence or happenchance. God truly uses everyday people who believe in Him to fulfill His grand design. The next time you encounter a new contact or opportunity, smile, and know that it may just be a God appointment or adventure! “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NKJV)
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WHAT DOES TOMORROW HOLD? By Joseph Akinrinola
Do you know what tomorrow holds? You probably know little or nothing about what will happen tomorrow.
Most times God seems not to appear until we reach our wit’s end. Our question about tomorrow may be about our health, marriage, children, job, career, and finance. The fear and doubt about the future of our As we march into 2021, how much can you trust God finance is the reason some will not pay their tithe. To for your life and situation? With all the tumult and un- them, the entire income is not enough, let alone when certainty in the world today, what does the future hold you remove a tenth for God. (Proverb 3:5-7) for you? This is where your walk with God in the New Year becomes paramount. Well, I may not know what There are two yardsticks used to determine if you can the future holds, but I know Him who holds the future. trust a person. These are his integrity and testimonies I discovered through our years of walking with God, about him. Let me run through these determinants to we still doubt his capacity. We prefer obeying our five prove you can trust God for the New Year. senses to trusting God in the uncertainty. Since God is our Creator and Sustainer of everything What does it take to trust God? It means trusting he that existed, he cannot mismanage your little life. is in control when the surrounding situations indicate “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming otherwise. In that case, our feelings are inconsequen- down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who tial. God nowhere promised we shall feel his presence, does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17 but he assured us his abiding presence. At times NIV). To be certain you are secure; hear God’s word to walking with and trusting God takes time. Those long Abraham. God also bound himself with an oath, waiting times are needed to prove our sincerity. If we so that those who received the promise could be trust him long enough, he will manifest on our behalf perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. in a long and fruitful manner. (Hebrews 6: 13-20) God has no greater person other than himself. But note those vows and promises of God didn’t tell Abraham a specific place to go when God didn’t come cheap. It cost Abraham some things. he called him to leave his family. It took Abraham a He waited and made sacrifices. You only wait for three-days’ journey to get to where he must sacrifice someone whose words are dependable. And from the Isaac. He could have offered the boy in his backyard, little we know about God; his word is trustworthy. yet God had a specific place in mind. I guess the reason for that long distance to the mountains was to allow Abraham to reconsider his unreasonable decision to kill the promised child.
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The second assurances of a secured tomorrow are testimonies about God. What testimonies do we have about God? First, God testified about himself in Isaiah 44:6-8. Second, Nebuchadnezzar testified about God in Daniel 3, 4. Third, there is my testimony. According to the Bible, you need two or three people to confirm a matter. Thus, I will add my testimony. This is to confirm the God of the Bible has not changed over the ages. I almost turned down my first pastoral appointment. This was because that church was crisis-ridden and on the verge of collapse. The worst thing was I received no direction from God, despite the serious time of praying and fasting rather than obeying my leaders. Yet, I have trusted God with my future. Today, I look back to thank God for that experience and what God did during my stay in that church. In fact, one of my best friends now came from the assignment. I don’t know what fears and expectations you have for the New Year. You will do well to leave the uncertainty to God and act like Peter in his encounter with Jesus. (Luke 5:5) Is it about your health, finance, marriage, career, or education? He will not fail you if you will trust him.
Therefore, taking an adventure with God in the New Year will open you to an amazing experience that will be better exploited than imagined.
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.
Let me close with this experience during our annual fasting and praying last year. On my way to work, I desired (not a prayer) to have yam and egg to break the fast. While closing for the day, my boss gave me a tuber of yam. That means God granted my desire. As I was thanking God in my spirit, I heard Him say I should give the yam to another pastor on my way home. Though I struggled a while with that voice, yet I obeyed because I knew I heard God correctly. By 8:00 pm in the night, a call came in from a woman asking my wife to see her the following day. Beloved, my wife returned with six tubers of yam and some money as a gift. He proved He has more than enough if I can trust Him enough.
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Reflecting On Our Road Trips by Karen Ruhl Each month as I design and format the magazine, I come to our Road Trippin’ page. It usually isn’t hard to pick one of our road trips for the month, but like everyone else, this has been a tough year. We are used to getting up early and loading the car with camera gear and a cooler with sodas. Somewhere along the drive, we stop for breakfast and snacks, and bathroom breaks. But this year has made it harder and harder to find the places to stop for breaks. We still took drives and took photos like the one at the bottom of Lake James. We drive up and down roads in hopes of a new view we have not seen and on this trip we were rewarded with this beautiful view of the lake and the mountains.
We have plans to travel a bit this year - God willing and we stay healthy. As we do, we will continue to share the photos and stories with you. We hope you have enjoyed our Road Trips this year. Oh, I forgot to mention to look closely at the lighthouse at the bottom by the fence. While I was taking photos, a group of deer came out for their candid shots. It is my hope that you and your family get out and take some drives. Take photos - use your cell phone, and enjoy God’s beautiful creation.
We long for a trip to the ocean. The lighthouse on the left reminds me that we need to let God guide our paths and enjoy what He puts in front of us. There is beauty surrounding us, whehter at the Cape Hatteras Light Station on the Outer Banks in North Carolina, or a tiny colorful town in Mexico. One thing is certain, God is with us on each of our trips. We pray often on our trips and thank him continually.
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Birthday Tears By Pamela Walck
My birthday is on Halloween. Over the last few years, my friends would organize birthday parties for each other, usually at a restaurant, sometimes at a house. This past year, because of COVID-19 and my 92-year-old mother having multiple health issues, I didn’t want to risk a get-together at a restaurant. “How about sharing the Gospel at Niagara Falls?” I asked my friend Ana. “Sure, that’s a great idea,” she said. A day or so later, I got the impression the Factory Outlet Mall in Niagara Falls would be better—partially because of the weather getting colder, plus conversations might be easier indoors. I sent Ana a text a week later about wanting to change where we meet. She replied, “Pam, that’s got to be God. I had a dream that we should go to the mall instead!” I agreed. On my birthday, we were to meet at the food court. I got there first, and saw four young men, probably in their late teens, leaning against the counter talking. Why not? I thought and then I asked, “Hey, would you guys like to take a personality test?” “Sure,” they said. I handed each one of them a tract. Inside the front flap of the tracts, the heading is titled, “Personality Analysis.” The pamphlet asks questions on morality, followed by the Gospel presentation. “So, are you guys from this area?” I curiously asked. Many that frequent the mall in Niagara Falls are from different states or Canada. “All of us, but me,” one guy said, “I’m from Detroit. I’ll be staying for a while now because of the travel ban.” 36 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 35
“I see,” I said. “Well, I hope you enjoy your time here. So, if you were to die today, do you know where you would go?” (I probably shouldn’t have started sharing the Gospel that way considering I just met them, but I did). They all looked at me intensely after saying that, seeming surprised I would ask such a question. “Because that’s what the wallet looking pamphlet I gave you is about—eternity.” At that point, my friend Ana showed up. We all introduced ourselves. She could see that each of them held tracts in their hands. I told her briefly what we were discussing. “Today’s Pam’s birthday,” Ana said, “and she wanted to come here and share the Gospel! I don’t know anyone who would want to do that. Not one of my Christian friends would think like that. She really loves the Lord.” I smiled then went through some of the Commandments with the guys. “Have you ever lied, dishonored your parents, looked at a woman you are not married to with lust in your eyes?” Yes,” they said. “Then we all are all in the same boat—sinners. We have disobeyed God’s law—the Ten Commandments. I might have committed a million or billion sins in my life. One day when we die, we will stand before God and because He is just, we will have to be punished for those sins. We deserve hell. But the great news, the Good News, is Jesus sent His Son to die on a cross, a blood sacrifice. If you repent, turn from your sins and disbelief and trust in Him alone as your Savior, He will forgive you.”
I continued, “Did you know that before Jesus came as God/man to this earth when a person sinned, they would kill their best lamb and offer it to God in faith, asking for forgiveness?” A few of them shook their heads no. “Now, because of Jesus dying on a cross as a blood sacrifice, I don’t have to go to a supermarket or a farm to get a lamb to offer to the Lord. Jesus is the lamb of God. The Bible says that He was the perfect lamb without blemish or defect. He was the blood sacrifice for all who trust in Him as their Savior.”
When Ana and I went to the mall and shared the Gospel, we didn’t know what would happen. We did pray for people to become believers. Sometimes a Christ-follower might have ideas or intentions to share the Gospel but change their mind out of fear or apathy. Every soul matters to the Lord because He loves them. Your plans might just work out for someone to become a believer or seeds are planted. Don’t let the devil or yourself discourage you from the things of God. It’s our responsibility to share the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20), but only the Lord provides the increase, which may not always happen in our timing. Keep your zeal for Jesus, He has it for you!
I remembered from recently watching an evangelism video from EvanTell Ministries, to end the conversation wisely asking, “Does anyone here want Over the years, I’ve enjoyed celebrating my physical to pray to trust in Jesus today?” birthday at dinner and parties. But the events always centered on me, with cake and presents. This Two of the four guys raised their hands. “Wow, that’s year the party focused on Jesus. The Bible says that awesome!” My eyes filled with large tears. “OK, let’s when one sinner repents, there are angels in Heavpray.” en rejoicing (Luke 15:10). Seeing Jayden and Lamar become born again believers, having spiritual birthAna and I joined the two men, Jayden and Lamar, as days, is definitely the best birthday present ever. I’m they prayed to repent of their sins and disbelief and eternally thankful! receive Jesus as their Savior. Afterward, I dropped my bag full of tracts all over the floor. I think I was so nervous and grateful that they had trusted in Jesus. Ana and I gave them Pocket Testaments of John, and I put my phone number inside the back cover in case they wanted to get ahold of me. I encouraged them to read from the Book of John or Pam loves to write and inspire others to walk in faith and share the Gospel. She has been a follower a Bible every day and find a good Bible-believing of Jesus for over twenty years. She works as a physchurch to attend. ical therapist, takes care of her sweet ninety-twoTwo days later, I received a text from Jayden. “Hi, year-old mom, and loves going to the gym. this is Jayden from the mall how are you doing. The A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, Pam man who accepted Jesus Christ. Thanks for everyhas taught many Bible studies, been on mission thing yesterday. Tell your friend too.” trips, volunteered in pastoral care, and helps with a ministry to children in Zambia. “I will,” I told Jayden. Jayden and I continue to text regularly. He told me he has been reading the Book of John. I continue to encourage him to attend a church once they are open again due to restrictions from COVID-19 and to watch services online until then.
Pam’s blog is found at https://joyluke157.wordpress.com/
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Faith On Every Corner Bookshelf Our bookshelf is growing each month.
Sixteen Letters by Aradhana Thakor Reviewed By Craig and Karen Ruhl We had no clue what this book was about by the cover and was pleasantly surprised to read letters written to all of us in the same tone that Paul wrote his to the letters to the church. Each letter offers words of encouragement based on scripture verses followed by a beautiful poem written by the author. We thought we would read a chapter a night but quickly realized we were half way through the book and finished reading it in one sitting. This book is a well-written book that we believe all adults will enjoy.
Glorified Un-Expectations: Trusting God for His Unfailing Faith, Hope, and Love by Kerri Gene Daniels
Reviewed by Craig and Karen Ruhl This is the story of a wife and mother’s journey through life’s most painful and trying times and events. Kerri is a devoted Christian woman who called on the strength and protection of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, over and over as she and her husband, Rick, navigated physical, emotional, and spiritual trials over many years. This is a beautifully written book in the memoir tradition. After telling her story, Kerri shares her actual journal entries from a 30-day period when circumstances were extremely challenging but also revealed the faithfulness of the Lord. Throughout her book, Kerri has included Bible verses which provided her with added strength and increased her faith in the Lord. We felt the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit as we read Kerri’s words and believe her book will equally bless you. 38 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 37
Faith On Every Corner Bookshelf If you have a Christian Book you would like us to review, email us at Team@FaithOnEveryCorner.com for guidelines.
Burning Passion for Lost Souls By Aradhana Thakor Reviewed by Craig and Karen Ruhl This book is a wonderful story of a man’s passion for ministry to a segment of the world’s population that is most often lost and forgotten. Written by his daughter, the book is a beautiful memoir of her father, who was driven to reach those in prison across his native India. More than a biography, this work is filled with insights and emotions that can only come from a loving daughter. Interspersed within the story, the author has provided her heartfelt and meaningful poetry. Firsthand testimonies are included from those whose hearts and souls were touched and changed by a pastor called and anointed to serve. Reading this book reveals what it looks like being a faithful servant of God. This is a great read and a true blessing. The staff at Faith On Every Corner have placed a copy of Burning Passion for Lost Souls on our Bookshelf and recommend that our readers will enjoy and learn from it as well.
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Embracing Adventure When You Want Life To Get Back To Normal By Juliana Gordon
Juliana Gordon is a pastor’s wife and a Moms in Prayer area coordinator in Southern California. You can find her at www.julianagordon.com or on Instagram at @julianagordonwriter. When I put it that way, it saddens me. It’s okay to be a person who loves routine, but not above all else. It’s okay to want a hard situation to be easier, but it’s not okay to pout and wallow when it doesn’t change overnight. It’s okay to want life to go back to normal, but if “normal” has become an idol in my heart, I don’t want to go back to normal.
Back in the 1980s, Coca-Cola came out with a new formula. The “New Coke” was supposed to be an improved and superior product, but many people, including pre-teen-aged me, did not like it. Within months the original formulation returned, and our soda-drinking lives returned to normal. I was relieved when I could once again choose my “Classic Coke.” While a soda reformulation does not seem like it is worth getting your nose bent out of shape, maybe there is some other life-altering adjustment with which you can identify. The pandemic in 2020 brought many challenges, and one of those was change. I live in a populous state greatly affected by the virus, so that means adjusting, even now—how I work, shop, go to church, and spend time with friends. Add to that the changes that God allows in our lives, common and uncommon, and it seems like we will never get back to “normal.” I love normal. I turn to it like a plant seeking the sun. It is reassuring and comfortable. My first reaction to change is to reject it, mostly because I don’t know what to do with it. You wouldn’t easily accuse me of being a flexible person. Normal holds a special place in my heart. 40 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 39
As I’ve pondered 2021, I want to embrace it for the journey God wants me to have, whether nothing changes or everything changes. I want to trust in Him and live out my faith, even when change makes it feel difficult. I want to shed familiar habits that aren’t serving me well anymore. I want to face it with a sense of adventure and an open heart. God uses His Word to remind us to have this attitude. There are many accounts in the Bible of people–Sarah, Jonah, Joseph, son of Jacob, to name a few who thought life would go one way. But God sent them in a different direction than they expected. I can learn from their mistakes and their successes to have the faith to follow where God wants me to go. Also, Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) tells us that “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” While I may make preparations and have ideas about how life will go, I desire to surrender to God my steps. I want to let Him chart a way that may not even be on my map.
God, My heart struggles with the love of the familiar, even when it is not the choice You want me to make. Help me cling to Your Word and hold loosely to my plans. May my faith and trust in You grow through uncertain times. May I run to You for comfort instead of my sense of normal or familiar circumstances. Thank You for ordering my steps. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Companions for the Journey: The Necessity of Friendship
feel welcomed. They taught me lessons by example in serving, loving people, and being bold to share the Gospel. My adventures in Spain included sharing the Gospel, but also totally unexpected experiences such as recording an album of songs, riding horses and four-wheelers, climbing a mountain, disciplining a group of teen girls, helping in the kitchen at a retreat ministry there–and much more. It was truly life changing. I was blown away by the opportunities God allowed me to experience in my relatively short two-month stay. I wept as my plane took off to fly back to the States. I was glad to go home and see my family and friends, but a piece of my heart was left behind in the rugged mountains and pastures of Northern Spain.
Looking back, I sometimes marvel at how God by Ruth Black made it all happen. How he took me, a disorganized, anxious college student, and gave me the courage to take one step at a time toward that I’ll never forget my Junior year of college. I was a grand adventure. And I could never have made it mission major at a small Christian college, and I was without the commiseration and support of my dear preparing for the mission trip overseas that I was friends. required to go on that summer. It was quite a project. Excitement and nerves battled within me as I Sometimes, I still feel fearful and overwhelmed attempted to raise funds, handle a myriad of travel when I gaze into the future. It is in those moments plans and other details. I was thrilled to be heading that remembering how God guided me in the past to the beautiful country of Spain for a two-month is especially helpful. And I think of how necessary stay that summer with veteran missionaries. But good friends are in this journey of life, whether I’m in the meantime, I still had classes to attend and on my way to a foreign country or simply trying to homework to do, not to mention work and church navigate the daily adventure of parenting. Good responsibilities. I was seriously overwhelmed. friends are priceless gifts from a good God. But in the midst of it all, I had two friends who were in the same boat as me. One friend was headed to Bolivia for the summer. The other friend was preparing to go to Thailand. All of us felt way over our heads and out of our league. We were all shy young women. I remember meeting with my two friends to pray, pleading with God to help us and be with us as we prepared to go to the mission field. Having the support and camaraderie of those two friends was crucial at that time in my life. I’m happy to say that all three of us survived our fundraising and planning, and all of us ended up having wonderful experiences on our respective mission trips. My time in Spain was absolutely amazing. From the moment I stepped off the plane after my long flight, my missionary hosts made me
Ruth Black has worked in various jobs throughout the years but is currently blessed to work as a stay-at-home mom. She is married to her husband, Matt. Together they are raising a sweet, but ornery, three-year-old son, James. Besides writing, Ruth enjoys playing piano, reading (mainly historical fiction and cozy mysteries), baking, and exploring the trails that surround the Bible college campus where she and her family serve in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. Ruth occasionally blogs at https://littlemoments-bigdreams.blogspot.com/?m=1. She loves writing about motherhood, trusting God in the seasons of life, and the importance of digging into the Scriptures as a wife and mom. Most of all, Ruth desires to see Christ glorified through her life and her writing.
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John Alexander lives in Frisco, Texas with his beautiful wife and his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. In 2010, while still working, he began writing fiction in his spare time and published The Enclave, a mystery/suspense novel. He now spends full time pursuing his writing passion. John writes children’s books to capture their imagination and help them discover the love of reading early in life. He especially loves writing books that help elementary school children discover that reading is a fun adventure. The chapter books in the Amber-Autumn mystery series, including Christmas Garden, Grandfather’s Blessing, Golden Campout, and The Secret Room appeal to elementary school children. His first picture book, Words That Soar, won first place at the 2019 North Texas Book Festival. The Christmas Gift, published by Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. came out in 2019 and was a finalist in the 2020 North Texas Book Festival. His latest children’s book, The Young Artist, An Unpicture Book, was just released in November 2020.
Divine Appointment by John Alexander
I don’t need a schedule to meet with the Lord, No payment arrangements, “What can I afford?” No menus to navigate, waiting in queue, No need to dress up or to sit in a pew. His line’s never busy whenever I call. He’s always available. No wait at all. He is willing to listen, He’s not in a rush. He already knows me, so no need to blush. We are blessed with unending appointments divine, No need to rehearse, our plain words are just fine. No matter how long we have waited to start, He is eager to hear as we share from the heart. His Spirit inside us can give us insight, Can lead us and guide us to walk in the Light. He has given his Word we can read as we pray, A standing appointment we have every day. 42 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 41
Backroads of Life By John Alexander
Do you long for some days on your back in the sun, To rest and relax, when you’re not on the run, A time to reflect and release any worry, A time to recharge when you’re not in a hurry? The memories of childhood, the sun on my face, Saw shapes in the clouds as I stared into space. Appointments and schedules, our cell phone and text Demand our attention, control what comes next. Sometimes a vacation is more of the same So many activities listed by name. I’ve lived in the fast lane but now I’ve slowed down. I cherish the backroads of life that I’ve found. The sun on my cheeks and wind on my face, Reflections of glory I see at this pace, A peaceful serenity, time with the Lord, Infused with His Spirit, refreshed and restored.
God Ordained By John Alexander
Most days are ordinary days, More of the same in many ways. A day that leaves no special mark, Another day of light and dark. Life rolls along, no change of pace, We deal with challenges we face. We chart our course. We have a plan. We navigate as best we can. For some a sudden change, a turn They may not see but later learn That through events they cannot name, Their life will never be the same. A turning point, that they now see Has changed their life, their destiny. It’s not a hill they chose to climb, But at the top, the view’s sublime. They know those days were God ordained. Now flowers bloom where once it rained.
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The God Adventure By P. Diane Buie Christian singer and songwriter, Steven Curtis Chapman has many amazing songs that reach into our hearts and souls to leave us with a fantastic impression of who God is. One such song, The Great Adventure, was quite popular when I was in college around 1992. I can still recall how that song made me feel as a believer in Jesus Christ. Steven’s song propelled me into a joyous relationship with God that helped me continue to study in college and then into graduate school. His lyrics were fun to sing yet, they held a truth that still comes back to me today—many, many years later. That song gave me such a feeling of hope that my future with God could be as incredible as Steven sang it would be; if I kept up my faith walk. Steven’s imagery in his song is helpful too when I reflect on how to describe the many adventures I have had with God over the years. Steven uses word pictures of cowboys (or cowgirls) riding off towards the west where the glorious unknown awaits. Can’t you sense the anticipation of God and what He wants to do in your life when you sing along with Steven? I can! When I think about my own spiritual journey with God, I equate it to a roller coaster ride in a theme park. The tracks on the ride go up, down, sideways, under and over, with fast speeds that make you scream, and then, some speeds are like a merry-go-round where you can actually catch your breath before the ride makes another crazy turn. The funny thing is; I don’t even ride roller coasters! (You are laughing aren’t you?) The screams of people and the speed of those rides are enough to make me keep my feet on the ground. Yet, that is one analogy of my life of faith with God. 44 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 43
I decided to become a Christian at age 16 during a youth retreat in the Tennessee hills and mountains where my family and I resided at the time. I had felt convicted to make a decision about whom God and Jesus were going to be in my life in days before this. I could see the difference Jesus made in the lives of those around me–parents, friends at school, Sunday School teachers, and many more. Yet, making that one simple decision decided the way my life would go from that point on. I would live a life that honored and reflected God and His Word. This decision to be like Christ became the essence of whom I would become in my future and it would guide my choice of colleges, friends, jobs, and opportunities to travel on mission trips as these become available to me. It is tremendous how one choice makes your whole life change and gives you purpose and joy for living. God is like that though—when we choose Him, He gives us the ride of our lives! Since that day I became a Christian, my life has held many adventures with God. There are so many, I could probably write a book! Seriously though, I could cite examples where adventures with God changed my life as well as others. One God adventure helped me overcome my fear of heights as I rode in an airplane for the first time to visit Africa and its people on a mission trip while in seminary. Did I mention this was an international flight that would take us over the ocean and into England before we landed in Kenya? God has a sense of humor, right?
Another God adventure would be one where I sat in a doctor’s office and cried over a health diagnosis that I did not want to deal with. Yes, I call that day an adventure because I was reminded of God’s Word that promises His presence and His provision each day. Even if the day is a tough one that ends or starts with tears. That is part of the ride with God too. Other adventures with God might include having a few dreams of mine become a reality. I had a desire to write to encourage others to keep faith in God and in His Word. The past two years have provided that opportunity with not only Faith on Every Corner but with Union Gospel Press, and I even self-published a book about a chronic illness. So yes, God has opened a door for me to write to help others in their faith journey. Through it all, God is good. Taking this journey with Him into the unknown of faith is one of the best decisions of my life. How about you? Have you decided to be a follower of Christ and of His Word, The Holy Bible? If not then, what are you waiting for? If you have then, praise God and keep on keeping on with faith in Christ. What is your choice today? Don’t miss the God adventure.
Diane has a Master’s degree in Divinity and a Bachelors in Early Childhood Edcuation & Child/Family Studies. She resides in Greer, SC near her parents and adult siblings. When she is not writing or reading, you can find her being crafty, gardening, and hanging out with friends and family.
Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill And to Your tabernacle. ~Psalm 43:3 NKJV
She is currently, self publishing a couple of children’s books for preschoolers. She also has a novel for YA, a non fiction, autobiographical story about dealing with chronic illnesses. You can find her books on Lulu.com You can find more info about her from the following social media sites: buierocks2002@wordpress.com DianeBuie@WritingWordsThatMatter (FB/ author page) PDBuie@pd_bee (Twitter)
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A Gypsy For God by Yvonne Morgan
Do you keep up with high school or college friends? Several years back, we switched churches and reconnected with college buddies. One Sunday, one of them commented about how much we changed since the good old days. As I thought about my life, I realized that being a gypsy for God had really changed my life for the better. You might wonder what that even means. So, let me tell you about my adventures with my Heavenly Father.
The adventures allowed God to show me the inside of closed countries, the majesty of snow-covered peaks, stunning landmarks, and animals of every shape and size. Beyond the touristy sites, God showed me His people. The poor, the hungry, the forgotten, and the lost of the world became those I wanted to serve. They did not differ from me except for the circumstances they were born in.
The 25th chapter of Matthew holds a wealth of After the death of our son, I wanted to do somewisdom. And, as I visit and work with the people thing in memory of him. The opportunity came up of God; these words resonate within my soul: “For for me to go on a mission trip to Haiti. I had done I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, nothing like this before but felt really called, so I I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, said a quick “yes” before I could change my mind. I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed That one little “yes” changed my life and began an clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you adventure that I could never imagine. looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:35,36 NIV) “The King will reA gypsy is defined as a person who wanders or ply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the roams from place to place. I always loved to travel, least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did so saying yes to a trip with a Godly purpose seemed for me.’” (Matthew 25:40 NIV) The real adventure like a natural extension of who I was already. Now, is serving the brothers and sisters of Christ in their over twenty years later, I can hardly believe all the times of need. places God took me or the things He let me take part in. I went to Haiti to help those in need. I did not expect to become a wanderer spreading the Gospel near and far. But saying “yes” to go will change you.
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When I talk with people about mission work, they love to hear the stories of the places I visited. Many want to see the pictures of the sights and hear the descriptions of the areas. But what excites my soul the most is when my Facebook Messenger pings with a message from a faraway land. The connection with Godly people around the world remains my greatest reward for this adventure. To pray with them for a sick child or talk with them about our life in Christ are my greatest gifts.
A note from the Editor In Chief:
Saying “yes” to one godly calling can open so many other doors as well. I never dreamed of writing, but the years of wandering lead to a book about those adventures. Then came another book, and another. My third one is in the final edits. And I have two children’s books due out next year. God keeps on giving. God gave me the chance to speak at two women’s conferences in a country that is hostile towards Christianity. I am blessed beyond words.
Karen Ruhl Publisher
There are many needs in our country. You might not feel the thrill of traveling to distant lands. But, if you want to experience a life of Godly adventure, it won’t start until you say “yes” to God’s call on your life. The journey might all be local, but still just as thrilling. You just need to take the first step. Then, someday, you can look back over your life and realize what an incredible journey it has been. Live a life worth sharing with others. Once you say “yes,” remember to hold on tight because you don’t know where the road ahead will take you. Thanks and God Bless
Last month, I had the priveledge of interviewing Yvonne and hearing about the work she and her husband are doing for children around the world. I decided to keep this donation request in this issue. Please prayerfully consider donating to their efforts. Thank you and God Bless.
I have included links so you can find our more about Orphan Relief Effort. Help Yvonne and her husband provide homes and a childhood to children at risk from human trafficking in Myanmar and Nepal. They provide hope through Christ and a chance at childhood for these orphans. Click on the links below to learn more and to donate to this great charity. https://www.facebook.com/OREInc/ https://twitter.com/orphanreffort?lang=en&fbclid=IwAR3IqvEmnzqsHqwlCxs9PEOjuBHGoN67aEUFmcu7LoJ6_HkDYAhXr0qPyzg https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/oreinc?locale.x=en_US&fbclid=IwAR3FG3hGB18Jq607Iweb8dDRsG_cvN28yDHCSw9RzC6y4wZyH20nB6m9M98
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I Am Not Enough by Amy Davidson
In a world so concerned about protecting other’s feelings, as Christians, we do a disservice to others if we preach the “You are enough!” message and stop there. Truth is, you are enough only because Christ paid your penalty. It’s nothing you did, it’s who Christ is. You are only enough because God deemed it to be enough for you to come to him as you are, broken and messy, and lay at his feet.
I am not enough without Christ. I am not enough as a wife without Christ. I am not enough as a friend without Christ. I am not enough as a daughter without Christ. I am not enough as an aunt without Christ. I am not enough as an employee without Christ.
I firmly believe we are living in a society of people so terrified of offending others that we will say whatAs a woman in recovery, I’ve heard therapists, peers, ever we need to and twist whatever truth to make and the recovery community tell me over and over those around us feel good. I’d say this especially for years now that “I am enough just as I am.” The happens within certain kinds of churches. Pastors problem with that is when the message doesn’t have stand at the pulpit and preach a “feel good” mesa semicolon. I was born a sinner, and no work I do sage so you will come back the next week, inspired. can change that fact or remedy it. I am not enough, Partial truth is being taught. I don’t know about you, simple as that. I am not enough to save myself. I am but I was raised to believe that if it isn’t the whole not enough as a wife, as a friend, as a daughter, as truth, then it is lies and deceit. an aunt, or as any other title, I might be given. Hear me out. These aren’t a pile of negative words I have We don’t need more “feel good” messages coming thrown together to discourage you. I want to add a from the pulpit. We need conviction and the whole prepositional phrase to these statements. gospel, the gospel that tells me I am a desperate and undeserving sinner who needs mercy from a just and righteous King.
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We don’t need more books and podcasts with messages about “women’s empowerment” and “creating yourself” and “being badass.” We need older women teaching younger women and older men teaching younger men about whom Christ says they are and how they are absolutely nothing without Him. (Check out Titus 2 for reference) 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 says, “Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; but our sufficiency is from God.” (ESV) It’s easier to skip to the parts of Scripture that talk about how fearfully and wonderfully made we are. But I don’t want to walk in a “I am enough, and God is good,” mindset. I want to surrender myself to the “I am not enough, but God is good,” way of life. As Isaiah cries out in Isaiah 6:5, “And I said: ‘Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!’” (ESV) I cannot possibly be enough without Christ. Yet as dirty as I am, as broken and messy as my life may look - God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV) The Apostle Paul boasted in his weakness because through it, Christ was glorified. My story isn’t complete without Christ. I am open about my recovery journey because there is no way I would near three years sober if it weren’t through Christ’s strength and power in me. My weakness has allowed Christ to move in and be glorified. I am not enough to stay sober. But with Christ, only with Christ, I am. My heart aches now when I see the “You are enough” message. I know there are good intentions behind it. For years that message encouraged me. I didn’t have to prove myself to anyone. I was enough as I was without having to put on a mask (literally and figuratively ya’ll) and that my personality, my thoughts, my feelings–they were all valid. And please don’t get me wrong, I’m not disputing the truth in that. But I won’t say that you are enough because you aren’t. You aren’t enough as you are because you need Christ. We all do.
Times are changing, and while my writing in the past has always included mention of my faith, I never want to miss an opportunity to share the convicting truths of the Gospel. While Salvation will make us “white as snow” and we are promised that the Lord “blots out all our transgressions”—It is important to emphasize the fact that you’ll never stop needing Christ. It isn’t a “pray the prayer and you’re good” gospel. We are told to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, relying fully on the grace of God. We are given the sweet honey of Scripture that instructs us on how to practice Gospel living. You will never stop needing His grace because you will always be human, at the mercy of a holy and just God. You are not the exception to God’s grace and mercy, and that’s the beauty of this all. You aren’t enough, and there is nothing you can do to earn His love and forgiveness. No human act can earn the mercy of God. He pours it out freely despite all of your habits, hang-ups, and mess. I can rest in the assurance that my value doesn’t fluctuate. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)
Amy Davidson is a blogger and writer at graceandrecovery.com. Her mission is to communicate the reality of life and grace in Christ to those trapped in their habits, addictions, and mental illnesses.
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When God Chooses You By Maureen Kambarami
A God adventure is an instant trip or opportunity that God gives us at any point in our lives. There is often no warning before-hand since God expects us to trust Him completely, since He has our best interests at heart, for He knows the plans that He has for each one of us (Jeremiah 29:11). However, our participation is entirely voluntary, we can choose to either accept or reject the offer and if we choose the latter, God will still find someone else to carry out the mission. This reminds me of the story of Esther in the Bible when Mordecai asked her to plead to the King on behalf of the Jewish people. Esther naturally hesitated, for who in his right mind would knowingly approach the lion’s den? However, Esther’s hesitation so infuriated Mordecai that he sent her this harsh message, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish” (Esther 4:14, NIV) This clearly shows that even if we turn a God adventure down, God will still find someone else to carry out that mission. However, His choice of a person is based on our life experiences. It is those same experiences that qualify us for the job because God is the one “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (2 Cor 1:4, NIV). This qualification, therefore, makes us confident of taking any adventure, knowing that God never makes mistakes in His choices.
I had my first God adventure when I was still a teenager, and when it happened, it wasn’t expected at all. I was 16 years old when I finished high school and was at a crossroads in my life. Unlike my peers, who knew precisely what they wanted to study in college, I was caught between two choices: nursing or teaching. No matter how hard I tried to make a choice, I just could not convince myself that it was the right one. It is at this point that my mother advised me to take a gap year, hoping the time out will clear my foggy mind. My pastor then came to my rescue and advised me to join a group of other teens who were going away on a 12 months’ missionary experience at a remote mission hospital. That is how I found myself packing my few worldly possessions and bidding my teary-eyed mother and sibling’s farewell. To be honest, I had not the faintest inkling of what I was getting myself into, but I was just glad that I was going to work at the mission hospital for nursing was my first love. Upon arrival at the mission hospital, I was assigned to the male ward where I was supervised by a registered nurse. The latter was a highly sociable person and a good teacher; her only weakness was her perennial late coming. As a result, I had to man the ward by myself most of the time as she either came to work late or extended her tea and lunch breaks. It was during one lunch break that an unusual incident happened. The previous day we had admitted a male who came in with 60% burn wounds inflicted by his wife with
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boiling water after an argument. The man was in in clear agony, and everyone who looked at him could not help but sympathize with him. I was chatting with one patient when the man’s wife came to visit him that afternoon, and all eyes in the ward were on her. The judgemental stares that followed her around were enough to cause tension in the small ward. I was also affected, for I could not comprehend why such a beautiful young woman would hurt her own husband in such a painful manner. I could feel the tension building up in me as I looked at this woman, and when I could not control myself any longer, I called her aside and asked why she was not in police custody for the heinous crime she had committed. Instead of responding, the woman broke down and started sobbing uncontrollably. It took some time and effort to calm her down, and by that time I was reeling in guilt and silently admonishing myself for being so forward. She then narrated how she was trapped in an abusive marriage and had no escape route since her parents always sent her back to her abusive husband, stating that he had paid her bride price so she could not leave him. Divorcing her husband meant returning the bride price, an action that her poor parents could not afford. When she showed me the scars she had accumulated over the years on her body, my heart bled. The walk I had taken in her shoes made me abandon my judgemental attitude right away. After our chat, I released her to go back to her husband’s side while I went outside to compose myself. A few minutes later, one of the cleaners came to tell me that the matron (director of nursing) wanted to see me at my workstation with immediate effect. I rushed back inside only to be greeted by commotion when I got to my station; there was an uproar in the ward. Everyone had ganged up on that poor woman, led by her husband’s relatives who had just arrived for the afternoon visiting hour. “Maureen, what’s going on here? Please control your ward!” The matron’s voice brought me back to reality. I was tongue-tied for a moment. All these fighting people were older than me, and I was just a child in their eyes. However, I could not ignore the matron’s orders and in the absence of my supervisor, I was in charge.
“My mothers and fathers, please listen to me…” I began, shakily at first. I don’t know where I found the words, but I just know that it was God who gave me those words. Everyone became silent as they listened to my speech. I narrated the woman’s story, the toxic marriage, and how one day she lost control and sought revenge the way she did. I clarified that I did not condone her actions but only wanted them to take a brief walk in her shoes to understand where she was coming from. My speech left everyone deep in thought. After visiting hour, the woman concerned came to thank me, but I was honest and told her to get out of that marriage as soon as possible before either of them lost their life. As I reflected on this incident later in my life, I realized God had chosen me for that mission because of my experiences. Having come from an abusive family myself and subsequently a broken home, I was the best person to advise that woman and her husband and to educate the others who were being judgemental without the right facts. This incident thus marked the beginning of my career as a Social Worker. In our lives, we will come across a lot of God adventures. Each adventure is different and so are the requirements, but the bottom line is that God is with us in each adventure. He knows what’s best for us and all we have to do is to trust Him completely and let Him lead us as we fulfil his mission on earth.
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.
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Burning Passion For Lost Souls By Aradhana Thakor In September 1981, after much travailing in prayer, the Spirit of God whispered, “They’re all concentrated in one place: the prisons. Go and visit them there.” Dad said, “during that time, God spoke to me definitely through Ezekiel 3:7–19, Isaiah 61:1–3, and 1 Chronicles 28:10.”
My dad was an ordinary man with an extraordinary vision from God. He was the founder of the Prison Fellowship of Maharashtra and gave his very heart and soul to his prison ministry of thirty-eight years in India. He labored on behalf of his Savior and only lived to carry out this task He gave him till the very end. A restless teenager who had given up on life, he was on the verge of committing suicide in 1973; the Lord went searching for that restless, lost sheep and brought him to His loving fold, for the Lord had a specific purpose for his life. As he grew in the Word, The Holy Spirit made him soft-hearted and sensitive to the needs of others. During 1980, he prayed, “Lord, you have done so much for me, what shall I do for thee?” He explained this stage in his life, “My heart used to burn within me when I read or heard accounts of various crimes. I used to think if that person knew the Gospel, he wouldn’t have committed such heinous crimes. Whenever I read about a murderer in the newspaper, I wanted so much to meet him and tell him about Jesus! I found myself praying for these criminals, “Lord, lead me please to these fallen people so I can tell them about your love. You are a Sovereign God; please put me in the place where I can contact such men.”
This was a brand new and exhilarating thought. It was like looking at lofty snow-clad mountain peaks. Their sinister icy cold grandeur was overwhelming, but at the same time, their glory crowned summits were beckoning him! After much prayers and confiding in God, he went to the nearest Yerwada Central Jail, which is the largest in the state, and asked to speak to the superintendent of the prison. “I was terrified,” he confessed. “But when I got to his door, I felt strangely at peace. The Spirit of God gave me boldness.” He told the Hindu superintendent, “God has given me the vision to speak about God’s love to the prisoners.” He boldly suggested that he’d like to hold a meeting and tell the prisoners what Jesus had done for him. The superintendent was impressed and said, “What you are doing is a very good thing! Even I believe in Jesus Christ!” He was asked to file a written application and to his great joy, permission was granted two days later. On September 8, 1981, the very first meeting of this kind took place in Yerwada Central Jail, Pune. “I was extremely excited the first time. It was the most thrilling experience of my life,” he said, “700 prisoners were sitting there!” He opened his message by asking them, “How many of you have heard of Jesus Christ?” Only 5 prisoners raised their hands. Unafraid and undaunted, he spoke of the unconditional love of God and how much God loved them, right then and there. He told them that God wanted to forgive them. Although He hates sin, He loves the sinner! He sent his only Son to die for our sins and that He came down as a token of God’s unconditional love for us. “It was the first time anyone had told them that,” he said. “About 50 prisoners came forward to accept Christ as soon as I gave an altar call. Some came forward and wept like a child. You could tell that God was speaking to them from that very first meeting.”
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During his second visit, he was permitted to go to the solitary confinement block. There was a prisoner there at the time who had received a 46-year sentence. He was not permitted to speak to him but instead quietly placed a Gideon’s New Testament at his cell. The superintendent described him as “One of the most troublesome in the prison.� He was prohibited from mingling with the other inmates. With multiple fights and escape attempts, there was little hope for him. Since there was nothing to do in solitary confinement, he began reading the New Testament like a storybook. For the first time, he realized what a sinner he was. When he read the Crucifixion story, he wept uncontrollably, realizing Jesus had died for his sins. He wrote his powerful testimony in Hindi and sent it to my dad and thereby started to grow in the Lord. From conducting regular Sunday service every week in Yerwada Central Jail, permission was granted to visit the whole State of Maharashtra: 48 jails! Of course, this came at a price. It took long travailing in prayers, midnight tears, and sacrifices on his part to obtain this permission from the Government. Over the years we have received countless letters from inmates all over Maharashtra. Some of these letters informed us about the transformation in their lives after hearing the Word of God for the first time, or how Jesus answered their prayers and how they are growing in faith. It is just heartwarming to read such letters. During this long journey, I have observed that prisoners are very hungry and receptive to the Word of God. They are often forgotten, despised, and abandoned by their kith and kin. They have to face numerous hardships during their sentence and are constantly overcome by guilt, hate, anger, and bitterness. In this state, when they hear about the love of Christ and His sacrifice for them, their hearts are flung wide open by the Holy Spirit; they repent and weep like a child. Jesus even died for the most notorious and deadly criminals. Oh, could we ever fathom the love of Christ! (Continued on next page)
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I used to be left speechless and in awe at my dad’s enthusiasm in which he served the Lord, especially in the years of his ailing health. He would go in his wheelchair to visit the prisons with the same enthusiasm and passion for souls he had in his younger days. How amazing our Lord truly is! When He tells you to do something for Him, He even provides the desire, power, and will to carry it out till the very end. The Lord kept this wonderful ministry afloat till today. What glorious grace! How beautiful His mercy! God gave my Dad a vision to proclaim His name to the prisoners crying alone in their dark cells, with no one to wipe their tears, and who are tormented by Satan. God turned this vision into a burden in his heart, and later He allowed this burden to ache so deep within him it became his only passion. He would never miss any chance to share the Gospel, and he took advantage of every single opportunity he got. The last and final gospel he shared was at the hospital in which he was admitted with tubes in his neck and nose. Such was my dad, Pastor Deepak Tribhuvan, “a man with a burning passion for lost souls.”
My Savior’s Heart Oh! For Thy love that will not let me be still I come to thee to surrender all my will My broken heart I give thee Make me see what breaketh thee Thou showeth me Thy bleeding heart for the lost Oh Lord! I bow to thee no matter how great the cost In the early morning hours of August 26, 2019, it pleased His Dear Savior to call him unto Himself. The nudge of the Holy Spirit was too great, and my hands could not stop writing about this wonderful ministry of 38 years. I was led by the Lord to pen down a heartwarming memoir this year in which I have included life-changing testimonies of prisoners. I named it, “Burning Passion for Lost Souls.”
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Aradhana Thakor is from India and lives with her husband in Calgary, Canada. “Burning Passion for Lost Souls” is her debut non-fiction book. This book takes you on a thrilling and emotional journey of one man’s burning passion for lost souls behind bars. This beautiful journey is seen through the eyes of a daughter which she narrates in the form of poetry that uplifts and warms your soul. As you go on this journey, you will also experience the unfailing and everlasting love of Christ which is revealed in the life-changing testimonies of prisoners. May you be blessed as you journey on. She recently published a new book, “Sixteen Letters.” Sixteen Letters written intentionally for a weary traveler in Christ who is journeying towards the summit through its steep craggy slopes, lofty peaks, winding pathways, and deep valleys. Each letter contains heavenly, “manna,” which will nourish and rejuvenate your soul. At the end of each letter there is a beautiful poem written just for you. Upon completion of these sixteen letters, you will find yourself with a surprisingly beautiful assignment meant just for you.
You can connect with her on Facebook @ Aradhana2020 or email at aradhanathakor@gmail.com
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A Light at the End of the Tunnel By Brenda McDaniel
Brenda McDaniel is the author of My Angel My Hero with two more books soon to be published. She is from Roanoke, VA. She have 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!
A new year is here! This past year, our nation has again exercised our freedom and democracy through the election process. Although these have been and remain politically turbulent times, we have also shown kindness, caring, faith, hope, and love. Yes, we have seen division, hate, and bigotry while believing in lies instead of truth, doubting experts, scientists, and doctors instead of trusting in knowledge and truth. All while enduring one of the worse pandemics the world has seen. But the times, they are changing. Most people are and have been for the last year, fighting for each other’s lives, doing what the experts say is necessary to defeat this pandemic. And now, in the New Year, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel! Our hope relies on several drug companies developing a cure or shot for COVID-19. But this isn’t a cure-all. We still have to be diligent and
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mindful of others in everything we do in public. It will be a hard fight, but we will overcome. With the help of our angels here on the earth. The scientists, experts, and medical Angels, etc. We must also keep hope, faith, in ourselves and others, and our Savior Jesus Christ. And have love, which is the greatest of these. And with love, all of us can live a Life Worth Living!! Instead of an empty, worried, lonely life, and being a lost soul. Our Lord has given us forgiveness and genuine love. He soothes the broken heart, the depressed, and the lost. And He replaces all the pain and hurt with a peace that surpasses all human understanding. So, make this New Year’s resolution. To live a Life Worth Living! This can be done only with the help, love, and forgiveness of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the true Light of this sinful world and his love is the true Light at the End of the Tunnel. Reach out and be filled with the Light of our Savior Jesus Christ. For he is with us Even Into All Eternity!
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My Journey With Jesus in 2021 By Cindy Oriol
It is necessary to have a positive attitude, but first I must also have complete trust in Him, and I do. I can look back on 2020 and then strive to have a better year. Others have told me, “I don’t know how you have survived from one trial to another, barely being able to catch your breath through each one.” I tell them I could never have survived without my Lord. He is the rock that I cling to when Satan is trying to pull me down into the murky waters.
As the year 2020 comes winding to an end, I sit here and ponder about this coming new year of 2021, and I am reminded of the abiding love my Lord and Savior has for me. I am also looking forward to seeing how the Lord wants me to better serve Him and others. The past year really played havoc in my body with so many sleepless nights from the agonizing pain that radiates from my body, from the piriformis and sciatic syndrome and fibromyalgia. I was hospitalized three different times, once because I had to have a loop recorder placed under my skin so the doctors could monitor my heart more closely. At times, my heart rate drops in half, but the medication the doctor has prescribed for me is working. As I went up and down with my health issues, some days were worse than ever and my faith continued to be tested. No one asks for these storms to travel through their lives, but when they do come and they will, we must put on the full armor of God and face them together. I am determined to stay on the right path and walk alongside my Savior.
So in 2021, I will continue to love and serve Him as I have done in the past. My faith will continue to grow stronger each day as I walk hand in hand with my Jesus. I don’t know what is ahead for me, in this world, but I will always serve Him the best way I know how, by telling others about Him and sharing His glorious news. I want others to be able to see Jesus in me, through my actions and speech. I want to share the Holy Spirit with them and tell them you really can have a personal relationship with Him. Besides, I am not home yet, this world is not my home. As the song truthfully says to all believers. Blessed New Year to all!
Cindy’s latest book, Having Joy in the Midst of the Storm, which she and the Lord wrote together, will not only encourage and inspire you, but it will also show you how to face and deal with these storms while Jesus carries you through the raging waves. Cindy’s book is her living testimonial of the journey she is taking with the Lord. It will not only encourage and inspire you, but it will show you that during these trying times, we have hope and His name is Jesus, the one who suffered, bled, and died for us all.
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When You Can’t See the Whole Picture by Tynea Lewis Continued from page 22
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:20-21 NIV) Turn to someone who is rooted in the Bible, someone who is walking diligently with God. Follow God When we have that peace in our hearts about which direction to take, we must follow God. “It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.” (Deuteronomy 13:4 NIV) We must put into action what God tells us. We must obey, even when it’s scary. “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46 NIV)
Our fear keeps us stuck. It keeps us from fully serving God with everything we have. It keeps us from reaching the people God wants us to reach. You might not know what is going to come up around the next bend, but He does. He will continue to direct and lead as you submit to Him and ask for wisdom and direction. He will continue to show up in impossible situations. He will continue to be faithful. He will continue to be sovereign. He will continue to be God. Prayer: Lord, I’m facing a big decision, and you are stirring my heart to action. Honestly, I’m terrified of the unknown. I’m scared of what you’re calling me to do, but I know you give peace. You give wisdom to those who seek it. Lord, I desperately need your wisdom. Help me know what to do, and I ask that you bring people into my life who point me to your truth. Quiet the wrestling within me so I can hear your voice and faithfully walk on the path you have called me. Thank you for always being by my side and for making a way when it seems impossible. Never have you let me down, and never will you fail me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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