March 2021
The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself. -Proverbs 11:25 NKJV
Visit Our Website at www.FaithOnEveryCorner.com for previous issues of our magazine.
COVER PHOTO BY WENDY KARSSEN
My name is Wendy Karssen and I’m a stay at home Christian, I love taking photos of our Lords beautiful creations. Feeling blessed and thankful of our world. I often wonder do they ever think about who created such beauty for our enjoyment. I live in the beautiful area of Lakes Entrance on the Gippsland Lakes in East Gippsland Victoria. Australia. I have been taking photos for 8 years since I moved to this amazing place. The beauty inspired me.
INSIDE COVER
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR The weather is starting to warm up, and yet, I know there will still be a cold snap before we can enjoy the warmth daily. I am looking forward to the Spring and Summer even more this year. Although Craig and I go out on photo drives, we have been very careful about being around family and friends. For me, it is taking a toll. I am one of those people who get energy off of being around others. So, I am praying that we get back to a “normal” routine quickly. I pray for you all as well. We have several new writers in this month’s magazine. It is so much fun to feature the articles, and we truly appreciate each and every writer we have. God has been expanding our territory and we feel very blessed. You may notice that we feature a photographer on the front cover each month. As a photographer, I appreciate that we can show off their works.
Karen
and C
raig R
uhl
Now Read In Over 78 Countries. Praise be to God.
Craig and I took a much needed vacation this month to celebrate Craig’s birthday. We stayed in New Bern, NC – a great historic town. We were less than an hour from the beach and took advantage of enjoying it while it was empty! You can find more on our road tripping pages. We would love to hear from you. It is how we grow. If you have an idea, an article, or would like to send us a review, we would be thankful! If you would like to talk to a Team Member, please drop an email to team@faithoneverycorner.com. Blessings, Karen
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Where The Waves Stop by Karen Ruhl
February 4th was Craig’s birthday; we took a fun trip to the beach. We love going during the winter when the beaches are completely empty except for the seagulls bathing in the sun. I love my time alone on the beach, looking in every direction, I do not see a soul. Craig sits up at the dunes, but I cannot see him from where I am alone to talk out loud to God.
from shore, the waves are 3-4 foot high and coming directly toward me. And just as they get within striking distance, they crash and are gone. I thought, look, the waves wanted to do damage, they wanted to come ashore and come much further in than they did, but they took God’s instructions seriously and stopped. Just like that, there was a beautiful quietly frothy wave in front of me.
I think about the word of God, the instructions He As I walk and talk, I thank Him for creating the has given us in the Bible and realize I can be just ocean and I am always in awe of the power of the like the waves. If I start to do something I don’t waves, and yet, they know just where to stop. God feel is in agreement with His will, I am going to gave them a boundary when he formed the earth. let the thought crash and become a quiet frothy wave! “When He assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters would not transgress His command, When I continued to read Proverb 8 and see where my He marked out the foundations of the earth.” thinking is doing God’s will: (Proverbs 8:29 NKJV) “Now therefore, listen to me, my children, I pick up shells and feel like a little girl putting For blessed are those who keep my ways. them in my pocket to fill up a jar as a reminder of Hear instruction and be wise, being at the ocean”s edge. And do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, Then, while standing at the edge of the sea, I Watching daily at my gates, realize that God gave it a command to stop and Waiting at the posts of my doors.” not disobey his command. Oh, how many times (Proverbs 8:32-34 NKJV) I have disobeyed God’s commands. At that moment, I looked up and asked God for forgiveness, I share this because I am a sinner and every day, I need to read God’s word to stay in His will. Every mercy, and grace for all my sins. I repent. day, I try to be righteous in His eyes. Open your I look at the ocean waves through different eyes. Bible and read how much He loves us. The sound of the waves is so loud as the water Blessings to your day. - Karen gets pushed toward the shore. Just a few feet 4PAGE | M3 AG A Z I N E N A M E
TABLE OF CONTENTS Article titles are all linked, click to go to that page.
Where The Waves Stop ... by Karen Ruhl ... page 3 Community Service ... by Paula Nelson ... page 5 Blessing Boxes In The Community ... by Melissa Henderson ... page 7 Faith In Action ... by Andrea Marino ... page 9 Start Simple and Stay Consistent ... by Dr. Kathleen Oden ... page 11 Planting Stakes ... by Pamela McCormick ... page 13 Coram Deo ... by Nicole Byrum ... page 15 Community / Not Alone / Pandemic / The Brave... John Alexander ... page 17 Be Angry And Do Not Sin ... by Gina Sewell ... page 19 Community Service ... by Karen Ruhl ... page 20 Prayer / Help Us Use Our Resources Wisely ... by Tynea Lewis ... page 21 The Penny And The Cross ... Cindy Oriol ... page 22 Get Involved ... by Scott Dunn ... page 23 In The Fellowship Of Love ... by Lynn Downham ... page 25 Dear Carl ... by Anna Friend ... page 27 For I Know The Thoughts I Have For You ... Lynn King ... page 29 God Is Still Looking For Disciples ... by Joseph Akinrinola ... page 31 Road Trippin’ Near New Bern, NC ... by Karen Ruhl ... pages 33-36 Missing Our Communities ... by Yvonne M. Morgan ... page 37 Seasons Of Life, Seasons Of Faith ... Nancy Bockstiegel ... page 39 Bookshelf ... Book Reviews ... page 41 Lord, We Need To See You ... by Krystle Nicole Martin ... page 42 Faith Over Fear, Love Over Legalism ... by Jerry Davidson ... page 43 Community Caring And Sharing ... Brenda McDaniel ... page 47 Unhindered ... P. Diane Buie .... page 48 Rainsboro United Methodist Church & Community ... Sharon Holbrook ... page 49 Just A Rock ... Gittel Fruma ... page 51 What Does It Mean To Be A Christian Woman ... Rolanda Pyle ... page 53 Finding Refuge In God’s Grace ... Joel Berry ... page 55 You Will Know Them By Their Fruits ... Maureen Kambarami ... page 57 Are You Doing What God Has Called You To Do ... Sharon Connell ... page 59
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Community Service By Paula Nelson Children’s and Family Ministry Director Hudson First Baptist Church, Hudson, NC
Education: A.A. Early Childhood Education, Caldwell Community College, 2005 Experience: 12 years Serving Hudson First since 2019
When you think of church, what do you think of? Do you think of a little white church sitting on a hill with small pews and red-backed hymnals where only old hymns are sung? Or maybe it’s the stately church with big columns and a huge steeple on the top where everyone is dressed in their Sunday’s best? How about the church down the street that just started up and you can wear jeans and come into worship with a full praise band? These are all descriptions of churches all over that look different on the outside and may seem a little different on the inside, but we share one thing in common and that’s sharing The Good News of Jesus. In the last year, we have learned more than ever that the church is so much more than a building. For most, our usual Sunday morning worship was turned upside down once the scare of COVID-19 hit. We went from church services in a building to watching services online from the comfort of our couch or, for some, in our cars in the church parking lots. The church we had known changed, literally overnight. In a time of such uncertainty, we asked ourselves, how can we be the church outside of our church box and witness to the lost world around us? That’s what inspired our local body of churches here in Caldwell County, NC to join together and be the hands and feet of Jesus in the community.
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Jeff Burkhimer, lead Pastor of Mountain Grove Church in Cajahs Mtn. NC, was the one that felt a calling to bring our local body of churches together to show unity not only for the lost but to inspire our own body of believers. Jeff said, “After I became a Christian, one of my main reasons for not wanting to join up was the lack of cooperation between believers and their churches. It struck me as odd that a belief system defined by love and mutual submission was rarely displayed individually and corporately among people who claimed to follow Jesus. I wanted to break this barrier and show the outside world we can be different, worship different, look different, and have some different views but we are still on the same team and that’s loving people and sharing the Good News of Jesus.” One of our first collaborations as a group of local churches set out to serve our community was a Book Bag Giveaway. We provided over 1,000 book bags filled with school supplies. We all came together, purchased the bags and items, packed them, and handed them out at a local Walmart to families in our community. This was a great first experience and display of showing unity in our community. Shortly afterward we came together and did The Great Candy Parade which was a drive-thru trick or treat for kids in our community. Next on our list was a Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway. Our youth groups came together and were able to provide 500 Thanksgiving meals to families in need in our community. The outpouring of appreciation from the families that received the meals was amazing.
Next on the list was a coat drive. Between all of our community churches, we were able to collect almost 4,000 coats. We delivered these coats to our local shelter homes for them to pass out to families in need of a winter coat to stay warm. Even some were placed on bridges and areas where we knew people would need one. While we were able to do all these amazing things in our community during the COVID-19 crisis, things took a turn in January. COVID-19 numbers spiked, and hospitals were filling up fast with patients in need of medical care. That’s when we got the news that Samaritan’s Purse was setting up a Field Hospital in our local hospital’s parking lot to help support the need for beds and medical care for the patients needing hospitalization for the virus. We came together in the parking lot of the hospital and prayed for the patients, the workers, and the families there. While we were there, we were able to tour the field hospital and pray over the beds that would have patients in them the next day. We prayed over the staff that not only would treat these patients but could share The Gospel with them as well. It was one of the most rewarding things we had done together so far. So, our community outreach continues thanks to all the church members of Mountain Gove, Hudson First, Waterlife, and The Life Center. We continue to bring the good news of Jesus. We continue to show unity in our community and show that the body of believers can come, serve, and love regardless of color, age, political views, or even denominations. We are one step closer to making people see we are of one people, and that’s God’s People.
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Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers. Melissa is the author of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com
Blessing Boxes in the Community By Melissa Henderson Have you heard about this great way to help people in need? I learned about the “Blessing Box” opportunity from an article in a local paper. I had noticed small boxes in various church parking lots and yards. Not knowing why the boxes were there, I guessed maybe each church was doing something different, because of the pandemic. The boxes are not large enough for clothing donations, and I soon learned what these “Blessing Boxes” were about and how they are helping the community. In the article, I learned that these “Blessing Boxes” are meant to help anyone who might need food. Most of the boxes I’ve seen are about four feet tall and two feet wide. Most have two or three shelves inside. Some are decorated with flower paintings on the outside. Others are plain wood or painted one color. There are boxes that have a window in the door to show what is inside. Each one is unique. On a few of the “Blessing Boxes,” there is a Bible verse painted on the side.
What a wonderful blessing to be able to share needed items. There is no judgment, no note saying the items need to be paid for, and no restrictions on what can be taken from the box. What a powerful act of faith. No need to worry if one person takes all the food. More items will be placed in the box when needed. The community has faith in God and knows more items will be provided so more people can be blessed. A simple act of the community coming together to bless people in need. Yes, I wish there wasn’t a need for these boxes. I wish everyone was able to have plenty of food to eat. I am thankful to God for whoever thought of this idea. God has commanded us to “Love one another.” One of the most special ways we can show His love is to share blessings of food with each other. “My command is this: love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12 NIV)
There are many opportunities to bless others by This idea is a wonderful way to bless others. A sharing His love. We often have to wear masks person in need can walk to the box, open the door, because of the pandemic and can’t see smiles, but take out what they need, and leave. I’ve seen peo- a wave hello is special. A phone call, a listening ear, ple stop by a box and place canned goods with laughing with each other, crying with each other, easy-open tabs inside. Bottled water, napkins, plas- and praying for each other are all ways to be a tic utensils, crackers, and other items are gently blessing. placed in the “Blessing Box.” I wonder if someone may place a Bible or devotional book inside, too.
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Due to the pandemic, our days and nights may be filled with extra stress. During this time and always, people need each other. We all need to know we are loved—loved by God and loved by each other. With job losses, evictions, stores closing, schools closing, illness, and many worries caused by the pandemic, there are many moments of uncertainty. Yet, in the worry, we can find ways to show kindness and to be a blessing to others. A community act of faith through “Blessing Boxes,” what a wonderful way to bring joy and share His love! Another act of community faith is found in the “Little Free Library.” These designated boxes and stands are popping up in many neighborhoods. Usually, a coordinator collects the donated books and stocks the “Little Free Library.” The books are borrowed and returned. This is another community act of faith. No payment is needed. Another way of showing love to each other and sharing the love of reading. Have you seen any “Blessing Boxes” in your neighborhood? Does your area have a “Little Free Library?” Have you asked about the boxes, how the idea started, how you can help? How can you be a blessing in your community?
Click this link to purchase Melissa’s books. We are proud owners of both books. Karen & Craig Ruhl
Have a wonderful day, Melissa Henderson
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Faith in Action By Andrea Marino I believe God’s people are not to be submissive in the face of evil. In righteous anger, Jesus overturned tables in front of the Synagogue, confronting those who were robbing people not only of money but of the truth as to who His Father is. We are to be a people of prayer, first and foremost, but that does not release us from taking a stand against the reality of evil attempting to overtake the very teachings of God. As natural as it comes to do things our way when in battle, we do best to go by the Lord’s commands, remembering all battles belong to Him. Still, God works through His people to accomplish great things–even to use a mere slingshot and stone. Too often I hear good Christian people urging others to just ‘move on’ when life does not go the way it should, when it really appears the evil has won. I can’t accept the wrongdoings that are in fact horrors being committed on human beings, lives that God created. I don’t agree with ‘chalking up’ these horrors to “politics as usual” and I believe there are actions we can take to fight the good fight against the Luciferian spirit operating in our world. (2 Corinthians 4:4) There is an occasion for every activity under heaven, a time for peace, and a time for war (Ecclesiastes 3:8). The Israelites journeyed to the Promised Land through many battles. God gave His people “rules” for war, which included a
peaceful invitation to join this nation of people. (Deuteronomy 20) Strategies were also given, such as marching around a city for six days, on the seventh, blasting a ram’s-horn for walls to come tumbling down. The victory followed obedience. Joshua, Chapter 7, describes the initial defeat of the land of Ai for not doing as He commanded. Apart from God, man can do virtually nothing worthwhile. (John 15:5) This is one fact all Christians must come to embrace. Although King Saul was hunting down David to take his life, David did not seek revenge and did not kill Saul when the opportunity arose. Instead, David cut off a piece of Saul’s robe. In a second chance to kill Saul, who had fallen into a deep sleep along with his army, (a slumber, orchestrated by the Lord), again, David did not kill Saul, taking only the sword by Saul’s head. What I find intriguing is, the first time Saul realized David had spared his life, he wept aloud, admitting to David that he was more righteous than himself. The second time David spared Saul’s life, Saul confessed sin in an understanding that his life was precious. (1 Samuel 24:11,16-18, 26:21) Doesn’t God want all people to know that He values them and that their life possesses worth? It is amazing how miracles happen through our acts of obedience to the Lord, how combined with the mercy and love of God, first shown to us, there is a real catalyst for changing the heart.
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So, how are the people of God to respond to evil, when the devil parades around in plain sight these days? While we all play a part in God’s story, we should ask Him to reveal our gifts and talents and how to use them. Everything we do should be for His glory. Maintaining peace when in battle displays faith. I think the words spoken by David to Saul are inspiring when in the throes of all we cannot control. “May the Lord judge between you and me and may the Lord take vengeance on you for me, but my hand will never be against you.” (1 Samuel 24:12 HCSB) Reading David’s interactions with Saul led me to confess my attitude regarding flesh and blood enemies. I struggle with those in power, running roughshod over people of faith and godly values. I struggle with the injustice of deception even the lost are living under. Since its beginning, the Kingdom of God has suffered violence and men have taken it by force. (Matthew 11:12) How to love the sinner and hate the sin is the question. Anger has such potential to root bitterness in a heart. Bitterness only grows into hate, which always destroys, robbing us of joy. Ephesians 4:26 (NIV) says, “In your anger do not sin.” There is such a thing as righteous anger. Proverbs 8:13 (CSB) states, “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.” So, we are to hate evil, as God defines evil.
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.
These battles we face today are more connected to our total trust in God to work out everything for good to those who love Him and are called to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) The lost need to see more than what is meeting their eyes. These have never been nearer to the wrath of God coming upon the whole earth as they are now. The Gospel is the power to set all men free. (Romans 1:16) The final battle will be fought by none other than the King of kings and the Lord of lords. “Then I (John) saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and He judges and makes war in righteousness…… He wore a robe stained with blood and His name is the Word of God…. A sharp sword came from His mouth, so that He might strike the nations with it.” (Revelation 19:11-17 HCSB)
Click on the photo of the book to purchase from Amazon.
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Start Simple and Be Consistent By Dr. Kathleen Oden
Simple easy changes, like having a fruit and veggie smoothie every day is an excellent way to start improving our health. Choosing something that you really enjoy makes it easier for you to stick with it. Start simple and be consistent. This is the best way to stop bad eating habits and adopt a healthy living lifestyle. Some people do not know how fast eating healthy can improve their health. One of the fundamental things I learned about eating healthy is that being consistent pays off. Many people have had poor health for so long and been in pain so long that they dive into a strict regimen that they cannot stick with and soon give up. We must realize that we are only human and not beat ourselves up when we “jump off” the healthy eating wagon. Just jump right back on and keep moving forward! You will soon have more healthy eating days (per week) than bad eating days. And when you continue to be consistent, you will have more healthy eating days (per month) than bad eating days! The Bible says…
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:41 KJV)
The Holy Spirit knew I would be tempted to eat bad foods and jump off the wagon occasionally, therefore He gave me something to help remind me to be strong during those times of weakness so that jumping back on the wagon would be easier for me… “Do not give the flesh what it wants, But give the body what it needs!” This has been on my wall in my bedroom since 2015. My flesh had its way for over 60 years. But at some point in our life, we need to learn to give our body what it needs to have good health. Having a fruit and veggie smoothie every day can give our body the vitamins, minerals, and nutrition it needs, plus more energy! And it is a great way to lose weight without counting calories! Unfortunately, battling our flesh is not always easy. We have to practice giving the body what it needs, instead of giving the flesh what it wants! Do you think craving sweets and salty foods are bad? Nope, it is a natural process that the Lord has put in us. The problem is, we have been eating BAD sweets and salty foods. Therefore, the body continues to crave bad foods.
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In August 2015, after traveling to Ghana West Africa with my Pastor, my body started craving salad. I was like, OMG! This is awesome! My body had turned around and stopped going in destruct mode and was now going in healing mode! This was an exciting discovery!
Great tips and tricks by Dr. Kathleen B. Odean
This trip interrupted my normal healthy eating routine. However, because of eating healthy for the 8 months before the trip, my body was looking for the salt in the salad I had been consistently consuming. Not just any salt. Healthy salt! When the body craves sweets, we need to eat more fruit and when the body craves salt, we need to eat more veggies. Cravings are a natural body function!
When we give the body what it needs… RAW fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, and grains, the body will be satisfied and it will stop bugging you with cravings for bad foods.
The Lord put Adam and Eve in a garden. This is the foundation that God gave to man from the beginning of time. They were not allowed to eat God’s little animals. They only ate RAW fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, and grains. Learning to eat healthily can be a lot easier when we start simple and stay consistent!
1 cup - chopped kale 1 cup - chopped spinach 1 large - apple (or 2 small) 1 large - pear (or 2 small) 1 16oz - bottle of water
Try this simple fruit and veggie smoothie…
Use the PUREE setting on your blender. (If you are diabetic, try this)
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
1 cups - chopped kale 2 cups - chopped spinach 1 small - apple 2 small - carrots 1 16oz - bottle of water Use the PUREE setting on your blender.
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P L A N T I N G S TA K E S by Pamela McCormick
Pam McCormick is an aspiring writer who recently retired from teaching in the public school and community college setting and still enjoys tutoring Algebra at the local library. Pam had a story, “The End,” published in Isothermal’s magazine, The Mentor, in December, 2014. Pam was also published in December 2016 in collaboration with eight other authors to write a devotional book, Ancient Stones Timeless Encouragement. Pam is a member of the Encouragers’ Christian Writers’ Group that meets monthly. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and tent camping with her husband, watching old time westerns, doing crossword puzzles and spending time with her daughter in Kentucky and her son, his wife and granddaughters, Merryn and Charlotte in Fuquay-Varina. Every other Sunday, she visits a nursing home and teaches a Bible study, feeling very blessed by God for this divine opportunity to share her love for her Savior. Pam has recently chosen to work on being more health conscious by eating a better diet and exercising more. Although tough times have come along her journey with God, she finds solace in the Truth that God is always there, just a prayer away, ready to help her get back up on her feet and start afresh. You can contact her at pjmc411@gmail.com.
I went to talk with my pastor. I was discouraged and just needed a booster shot of faith to keep going. He prayed with me and then; he told me to plant some stakes. I didn’t understand, but I went home and googled why you plant stakes around tomatoes to get a good crop. Well, I’ve never been fond of eating tomatoes on or in anything, but my tastes have changed recently. I saw them as slimy and yuck. That was my perspective. Stinking thinking, for sure. I had to develop a taste for them. I read that when you grow tomatoes, the vine can get twisted and all out of whack if there were no stakes in the ground to hold them up. Yep, that was me all over. I had twisted thinking, and I was all out of whack. Do you know why you plant stakes for tomatoes? Because if you don’t, the tomatoes will fall to the ground and rot.
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I had let some stinking thinking and poor attitudes stink up what is the truth about myself and my walk with my God and Savior, Jesus Christ. I then googled God and His attributes. Now, I was moving in a much better direction. When you start with God, you can’t help but hear the right stuff. Not that I go to God first thing in the morning always, but here is what I learned when I sought the Savior of my soul. God is Sovereign. God is good all the time. God’s love never fails for me. God will never leave me or forsake me. God is with me always. See, my thoughts were not lining up with who God was and is. I was imagining a God who was standing up in Heaven saying, “Okay, she messed up again. What am I going to do with her?”
But my pastor told me that’s not how God thinks of me at all. He’s loving and kind and always there for me, whether I’m crying, whether I feel alone, whether I can’t feel Him near, He is there. When no one else is there, God is. A friend told me once that when you rely on your feelings, they will always land you in a hole somewhere. But when you rely on what God says about you, that you are His beloved and will never leave you, even in your worst moments, then you see the depth of His grace and love. It’s no longer you trying to be just right for God. It’s knowing that you are because of the blood of Jesus alone. And you worship the God of your salvation and bow to the One who gave you eyes to see.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in Heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1Peter 1:3-7 NIV) “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through Him, the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV)
Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. ~Isaiah 48:17 NKJV
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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.
CORAM DEO by Nicole Byrum
About a month ago, on an ordinary weekday night, I was struck with one seemingly random thought: God sees me peeling these potatoes right now. I have no idea what else was running through my mind at the time, but that single, powerful thought has stuck with me ever since. Because here’s the truth–sometimes we question whether or not God really sees us. We wonder if He is really watching over us, observing all the mundane tasks of our daily lives; if He actually sees each tear and is acquainted with our every sorrow. We wonder if, in fact, we are visible to Him. I can’t fully explain it, but I felt comfort knowing that God saw me standing at the kitchen sink peeling those russet potatoes. There was a strange peace in knowing my heavenly Father bore witness to the ordinary undertaking of preparing a simple meal for my family. There was a joy that came from being seen and known. It reminded me in that moment of the Latin phrase Coram Deo, which means for something to take place in the presence of, or before the face of God. This idea is founded in Scripture as we learn God is omnipresent, seeing all things at all times. For as God’s Word teaches, our entire lives are laid bare before our Creator, and nothing is hidden from His face. Consider these verses: 16 | M AG AEVERY Z I N E N ACORNER ME FAITH ON PAGE 3 15
“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7 ESV) “For he looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens,” (Job 28:24 ESV) “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account,” (Hebrews 4:13 ESV) Truly, everything we do is done before the God of heaven and earth. And while this may be an intimidating thought–for yes, He does see our sin–how reassuring it is to know He also sees every act of love and service. He sees every dish washed, every load of laundry folded, every kind word of encouragement spoken to a friend. He sees our tears and knows our every frustration. He sees us. As a child of God and follower of Christ, the above words cause my soul to rejoice, for I know I am deeply loved. I only pray that my response to the eyes of God upon my life will be to live a life worthy of His calling.
The great pastor and theologian R. C. Sproul once said, “To live Coram Deo is to live one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God.” What a beautiful reminder that all of life is about serving our mighty God to the glory of His name. As the Psalmist exclaimed, “Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness,” (Psalm 115:1 NIV) I praise God for the gift of my potato moment, for the awareness of God’s eyes upon me; for I know that He who created me and redeemed me is the One who sees me. Dear friends, we are known by Him. And we are loved by Him. May we, therefore, be moved to live Coram Deo Soli Deo Gloria–before the face of God for the glory of God alone.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. ~Ephesians2:10 NKJV
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John Alexander lives in Frisco, Texas with his beautiful wife and his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Visit Quiet Time Rhymes
The Brave By John Alexander I pray for those who risk their lives, And those behind them, husbands, wives. I pray they know the work they do Instills new pride, red, white, and blue.
Community
Thank God for those who tend the land. We give you thanks, for you we stand.
By John Alexander When COVID-19 began spreading throughout the world, I saw acts of love and kindness emerge that touched my heart. I experienced simple acts of kindness in our neighborhood. Remember the toilet paper shortage? I was running a little low and as a senior citizen I was not getting out much. I texted a few neighbors to ask them if they would mind getting me some the next time they went to the store. Two minutes later I received a text telling me to open the garage to collect the large package of TP. Another neighbor went shopping for us and brought a whole box full of groceries. I remember the special event to write messages of love and encouragement on the sidewalks throughout the neighborhood. I didn’t have chalk and was still staying inside as much as possible, but I shared a short poem on the neighborhood social media site. On the day of the event, I found my poem beautifully chalked on my front sidewalk. I’ve been writing and continue to write poems during my quiet time each morning during this pandemic. I’d like to share a few of them that especially pertain to the brave men and women who have responded to the crisis.
For many jobs, not just a few, We’ll need the bold with courage, too. I pray as they go back to work, The owner, builder, server, clerk, We let them know they make us proud, Express our thanks, say it out loud. The virus tried to make us sink. Instead, it gave us pause to think, Appreciate the ones we’re near, Restore the values we hold dear. We’ll always mourn the ones we’ve lost, Can’t be replaced at any cost. I have no doubt that we’ll restore The loss we suffered, rise once more.
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Not Alone By John Alexander
Pandemic By John Alexander
Lord, walk with me as days grow dark; An empty street, a childless park.
Disease can spread through vast terrains Like storms at night, torrential rains.
Keep doctors, nurses brave and strong. They fight the virus all day long.
Pandemic congers fear and dread. Will I survive? Will I be dead?
Lord, help me share your words of old That give them comfort, soothe their soul.
“Corona” whispered late at night, Lest children hear and cry in fright.
Lord, you’re my strength, in You I trust, I know someday I’ll turn to dust.
Uncertain times cause some to fight; The brave reach out, say “Let’s unite.”
Then take me to a place on high Beyond the hills, beyond the sky.
If each one lends a helping hand, We’ll spread new hope throughout the land.
Until that day help me to know The words to write, Your love to show.
We’ll pull together as a team. It’s not as hard as it may seem.
I pray for mercy, heal our land, As we Your people take Your hand.
Don’t let the fear or dread take hold, Protect the sick, the frail, the old.
We humbly bow before your throne. We know in You we’re not alone.
Let kindness and goodwill increase. The clouds will part, the rain will cease.
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Be Angry and Do Not Sin 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
I don’t know about you, but I have been known to lose my temper from time to time. I feel bad about it, ask for forgiveness, and attempt to move on from it, but what does God really think about this type of behavior? Is it sinful to get angry with someone? After all, we are called to love others as they are our brothers and sisters in Christ, right? Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV) says, “Be angry and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger and give no opportunity to the devil.” I believe what God is telling us in these scriptures is that it is not so much whether we get mad at someone, it’s how we handle that anger, because dwelling on anger will bring about sin. Proverbs 19:11 (ESV) tells us, “good sense makes one slow to anger,” and Proverbs 15:18 (ESV) says “ A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, while he who is slow to anger quiets contention.” I think it is human nature to get mad. We all have had someone do things that upset us or that we do not agree with. Even Jesus got angry in Matthew, Chapter 21, when he entered the temple courts, drove everyone out, and overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the benches of those selling doves. He was angry for what was being done inside the temple.
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Although it is natural to find yourself angry at times, staying in that anger is dangerous. When we don’t resolve an issue quickly, it will begin to eat us up inside, stress us out, and grow into something that the devil will use to his advantage. I know that I have allowed my anger and my emotions to take control of in my life. Therefore, we must learn to resolve issues before they become a field day for Satan. “My dear brothers and sisters take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20 NIV) Father God, please help me control my anger. I ask that the Holy Spirit help heal my heart and guide me in the right decisions and emotions so that I give no opportunity to the devil. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Community Service by Karen Ruhl
As we thought about our themes for this year, we wanted to highlight the way churches are serving their communities. We wanted to give you ideas on how your church, big or small, can impact the community around you. Craig and I have lived in many states over our lifetime, and as a couple we have experienced great community services from each of the churches we attended. Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Tustin was our church when we lived in Tustin, California. They were always helping in the community. The men’s group volunteered to go out and fix houses, paint, and serve with their hands and feet. They also have a food pantry and a medical equipment closet to help those who need equipment they may not be able to afford. When we moved to Ohio, we found Rainsboro Methodist Church. Read the article about them in this issue and see how a small church hugely serves the community. This was the smallest church we had ever belonged to and still feel connected to this loving congregation.
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
1 Corinthians 12:27
In North Carolina, we went to First United Methodist Church in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. They have a food pantry, assist with financial help where they can, and have an enormous group of volunteers that go out once a year to help fix up houses, clean up, sit with the elderly, and so much more. We now belong to Hudson First Baptist Church. Please read the article about them in the front of the magazine. Besides all the things they listed in the article, this church always looks for new ways to serve in the community. If you would like to submit what your church is doing in the community, please send us an email at Team@FaithOnEveryCorner.com Blessings, Karen & Craig Ruhl
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Help Us Use Our Resources Wisely By Tynea Lewis
Lord, help us use our resources wisely. You have graciously blessed each of us with many things. We ask that we use our time, money, and gifts to help the people around us instead of being selfish with them. Lord, nothing that we have is ours to keep. It all belongs to you. We are simply stewards of it. Help us use everything in a way that glorifies you.
A Prayer for March 2021
Even when it feels like we do not have enough, remind us that we all have something to offer those around us. This month, we pray for opportunities to be a blessing. We ask that you use your Spirit to nudge each of us to do something that serves someone else. Place something on our hearts that shows you to the community around us.
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).
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Lord, we can choose to sow sparingly or bountifully. Help us to sow bountifully so that the harvest is great. We do not want to bury what you have entrusted to us. Instead, please give us the courage and wisdom to know how and when to use our resources. You can multiply whatever we give to you, and we ask that you take everything we have and multiply it so that people can be reached for your glory. As long as we have breath, let us serve you, Lord. Let us be a light that points others to you. Show us how to love those in our community. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The Penny And The Cross By Cindy Oriol
One by one they came in asking for their penny and prayers. They were all very excited to receive it and to know that through the Holy Spirit I had prayed for them. I made sure that I told them I give the Lord, all the glory, honor, and praise.
At the top of every chapter in my book titled HAVING JOY IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM is a round penny with a cross cut out of the center. I wanted that added to my book because it holds a special place in my heart.
My surgeon came in; he had been delayed from another surgery. He apologized and began talking to me about how this port was going to be administered and how it would work. I gave him his penny and repeated what I had already said to the others. With tears trickling down his cheeks, he asked if he could possibly have another one. Of course, I gave him another coin. He said, “You do not know what this means to me.” He never explained, but he didn’t have to, Jesus knew. My husband, John, told me later that the atmosphere in the room changed abruptly. They were less agitated, and we just knew that the Holy Spirit was everywhere around us.
When I was diagnosed with cancer of the breast, while I was getting prepared for my chemotherapy, a friend of mine at church gave me a bag of pennies with a cross cut out of each one. He told me to take them to my doctor appointments and pass them out and say, “In Jesus’ name, I give you this penny,” and tell them I had already covered them in prayers. Those copper pennies created a connection between the Lord and all of us. I would like to share with you some of what I included in my book about when I passed them out to others.
Right before they wheeled me into surgery, I asked the staff if they had their pennies with them. They started patting their pockets and one by one they said, “I have mine.”
The day I had my port put in. A nurse came in to get my vital signs and I gave him the first penny. He was so surprised when I said, “I give you this penny in Jesus’s name.” He kept repeating these words, “Thank You.” When he stepped out of the room, I could hear him at the front desk that was close to my room, telling the other nurses and doctors about what had just happened. He was happily sharing it with the other staff members.
Cindy Oriol
Who would have ever thought a copper penny with a cutout cross would bring so many spiritual responses? It all goes to show us that a little bit of kindness can go along way. We are put here on this earth to love one another. In Christian love,
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Get Involved by Scott Dunn
This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. (Philippians 1:9 ESV) The ministry that Jesus built was a call to every person to reach out to someone hurting and broken (Matthew 5:1416)—to show them the gospel and bring them to God through Christ. We know He is the only way to Heaven. He is the keeper of the key that unlocks the bountiful blessings that God will lavish upon us by living in His will. We need to be involved in more than just Sunday service. Not because the church needs us (it does, it always needs good folks) but because our Savior, our God desires it! Why You Should Get Involved Aside from God’s wish that we connect to our family in Christ, we should want to for our own benefit and the chance to benefit others. When we get involved, we are being servants of God and showing our brotherly love for our community. We are taking a huge next step because now we are moving beyond being saved and attending church; to proactively showing and speaking our testimony. We become the army of Christ who helps people fight through troubled waters. Have you ever felt the reward of helping a friend through a rough patch? Amplify that a hundred times. When you speak life into someone who is spiritually dead, and they turn from a road to perdition and take the expressway to salvation. That is the amazing feeling of service through God’s will that we crave! How awesome of an award is that?! 24 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 23
How to Get Involved Getting involved in your church should not be hard. It should be easy because many offer programs like small groups where you can commune with other people whom you may not have met otherwise. Even in times like now, when we have a pandemic still ravaging the world, churches are connecting online, and small groups happen by Zoom. Stop by their guest services desk and ask them about a small group. Maybe your gift is your love for children; ask about volunteering to educate the smallest of the bunch and help raise them in God. For me, personally, this is huge. I cannot express how much I love hearing my kids talk about the Creator. Maybe you are not good with social functions, and that is okay. The church has something for everyone. How can we grow if there are no opportunities to do so? All it takes to get involved is the intentional action of asking how you can help and a willingness to do God’s work in whatever form He has gifted you to excel in. Sometimes those gifts do not even present themselves until you are on the path of something you think you would have never done. Before the pandemic, my wife was going to go on a mission trip to Peru. I never expected her to tell me she wanted to go, but I was all for it.
That is the beauty of getting involved in God’s work. He may ask you to do something you would never imagine doing, only to show you how He will equip you to join him on this journey. It is not just an act of faith that God will do as He says. Faith requires no evidence for belief or practice. It also is an act of trust. You have seen God do great things. Maybe He has not done something directly in your life, but that is okay. You have faith that the path God put you on will lead to success because you trust in the things you have already seen. We often use them the same, but the reality is faith comes before trust, and evidence that produces trust deepens your faith. It is an amazing relationship that God invites you into because He loves you. Final Thoughts Loving people means you help when you can and where you can. You support them in the same way. Do you know how Jesus showed us love? He shared the Gospel with us. He walks with us as we realize salvation, and then we receive that Gospel into our darkest places. Then He died for us because He knew that His sacrifice could get rid of every wrong man had or would commit. To put it in a rather geeky sense, the needs of the many outweighed the needs of the few or the one. He knew that His destiny was death for our sins. Yet, He persevered and put aside any doubt and fear to still being betrayed, as man has done repeatedly. He was arrested and accused of being false, again as man has done before, and then He was slain just like man has done ever since the beginning.
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.
We should get involved and let the world know the history of their Savior. If only for that, we should speak life and we should do our best to show love. Jesus did, and He paid the ultimate penalty for us. Click on logo to visit
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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.”
I N T H E F E L LO W S H I P O F LO V E By Lynn Downham As I stated in my last article, “The Support System Gift,” people are for people. We are meant and designed by God to live in community with other people. The word “community” derived from the Latin, “communitas,” is defined by Webster’s 2nd definition as “a social group or class having common interests.” As Christians, this means to us the church or the body of Christ, but if you follow the word origination back further to “common” you will find over four inches of text giving differing shades of meaning to this word, many of them derogatory. However, the first explanation of common is noteworthy, “Belonging equally to two or more; shared by all alike.” Now that is exciting if you apply it to the Word of God and the Bible. It means the Word of God belongs to each of us, no matter how rich or poor, no matter our background, ethnicity, where we live, what job we hold, what gifts we possess–EQUALLY. What you do with it is your call. Read it, believe it, reject it, live by it, hide it in your heart, share it, teach it to your kids and/or others, treasure it, lean on its understanding, it is an equal opportunity for all. If you decide to treasure it and live by its words and reach the point where you believe with your 26 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 25
heart and confess Jesus Christ your savior, then you become a part of, equally, the greatest community in the world, the community of saints, the children of God, and those who are called by His name. Once in this community, you are a member of the body of Christ, the church, and not only learn what your own special gift or gifts are, but you learn to use them for the common good, for the saints, and others. It is not about being successful, but virtuous. It is about imitating Christ and learning to be as virtuous as He was and is. I heard recently that the best man, or any person, is the one whose good spreads and becomes the good of those around him. Therefore, use your gifts, for it is no good to simply possess them. The good from them cannot spread if you simply possess them. The Lord has a purpose for them, and our job is to work at their “increase” instead of “burying them” as the parable of the talents teaches us.
In 2005 I had a dream that I was one of 4, or so, artists collaborating on a church project that seemed to consist of multiple large vertical format windows and one panoramic window. Just before the dream, a young woman who reminded me of a minister I had met at a Full Gospel conference, came to get me and was walking me across a field or meadow and explaining that she had something for me to do and was explaining my role in this project. We ended up in this sunny building with lots of light and she laid out some colored partial drawings that she had done that had a wonderful abstract pattern to them and one of these was trifold. The colors were beautiful, and the drawings appeared to be done in bold black ink with connected thick lines. They would remind you of stained glass windows and just like in a good painting they had a beautifully connected dark shape, (what we would call “shadow linkage”). In the drawings appeared lots of people shapes standing in front of a church and all the way down the steps. Other artists showed up, and the dream continued. I sketched one of the images in my dream and recorded it as I do all dreams like this one.
I sketched one of the images in my dream and recorded it as I do all dreams like this one. See Below
Shortly after the dream, I was asked to do a poster for our church as we were hosting an event and this dream played a part in the poster I rendered. Although simply done, I have always liked it. My parents both did stained glass and I might one day, but I do already use stained glass paint which is loads of fun and I hope to do a similar design in this medium. In our current world, there is a critical need for Christ and more saints. The fellowship of the saints gives great comfort and accomplishes much for the kingdom. Join the community, use your gifts, and be blessed as you do. Then you will grow a faith that blesses you and everyone around you. Soli Deo Gloria! The last verse from the Parables of the Tares “Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 13:43 NKJV)
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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, Life has settled into a new norm here in your grand home. I am thinking of how long I waited to move in, and how unfortunate to have wasted the opportunity to be around you and my grands. However, I will not live in the land of regret. Today I savor “us.” (You reading this means there is no longer an “us” here on earth, but you have memories. This day I want to convey my gratitude to you for being a blessing.) My mind went on a journey today to a time in your childhood. Your dad and I were den leaders for your local scouting program. We loved the opportunity to instill the value of care for your community and environment. You were about 7 years old when we took you and a few boys to a senior care home. We did some grounds clean-up and planted spring flowers. You didn’t like dirt! You were a strong boy, in good health, and did your share of rough play, but getting your hands dirty was not cool with you. You were fine loading up bags of leaves in the truck trailer. You tried to rake the most leaves between all the boys before loading them. Bagging them up; well, Dad intercepted that duty for you. You worked hard, and you were happy to see the residents exclaim their joy as you watered the already planted color spots. You grew up to be quite the intellect and thankfully chose a career that kept your hands thick, strong, and able with no dirt under your nails. Life does not always give us choices to avoid what annoys us, instills fear, or makes us uncomfortable. Now, I see you rolling up your sleeves and assisting the needy and frail as you volunteer, tending to their needs. When you came home this evening, you had that look. You were pale with a tinge of green. Into the shower, you went. I knew someone must of “tossed their cookies” on you. God sure grows our faith and gives us the strength to do what we once thought was impossible. Dad would be so proud of your kindness. I was somewhat lonely today. I am looking forward to when I can participate in events and activities around this lovely town. Donna left early this morning for her nail appointment and then to get a massage. She said it helps her with anxious feelings. I would be anxious allowing someone to touch my hands and body! I was able to speak to the mailman, though. He dropped off the pipsqueak dog’s monthly box of goodies. He left it at the door, but I was able to say thank you as he was leaving. He stopped and spoke a few words. He is a young guy. Must have been taught some manners because he was respectful—too respectful. I joked about his pretty long hair covering his eyes and he said, “sorry.” Poor kid didn’t know I was serious about liking his gold locks. After he left and I scooted the box in, I shut my finger in the door. That’s what this old lady gets for flirting with the post-boy. Pipsqueak looked at me when I said a bad word after hurting my finger. I asked him, “Did Jesus hire you as my judge?” Son, even the best of Christians does life imperfectly. Even if it is just the dog hearing, I must be mindful of my words. My heart is for God. Son, God knows we will make mistakes, fall into old habits, and make unwise choices. He gives us new mercies every morning—enough to give us sufficient grace. We just need to repent and press on. The winning prize for life’s run is heaven. By now, I am walking on those streets of gold and thanking Jesus for giving me a wonderful son like you. Love, 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. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24 ESV)
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FOR I KNOW THE THOUGHTS I H AV E F O R YO U By Lynn King
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give to you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV) In the fall of 1997, I began an exciting next step on my journey of faith. Still a young Christian (only 6 years since salvation), I followed what I believed to be God’s plan for my life. My oldest daughter began high school and my youngest began kindergarten. After five years of being a stay-at-home Mom, it was time for me to go back to college. I thought my plan was to ease into college, take two years to take my core classes, then enter a two-year medical program and get an associate’s degree. During my second semester, God showed me that plans can change. While visiting the emergency room for an unrelated and resolvable problem, they noticed a lot of my bloodwork was abnormal and suggested I follow up with my family doctor. Multiple doctor visits and blood tests later, we still had no answers. I look back and now I can see how the Lord’s hand was so clearly moving. 30 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 29
My family doctor at the time was a young physician’s assistant named Greg. The dear man was so perplexed he spent a lot of time after hours researching and trying to treat me. I was on steroids and anything else they could think of, and they were performing test after test. No matter what they did, my blood work and my condition worsened. While sitting in the doctor’s office one evening awaiting test results, I remember praying, “Lord, thy will be done, just please let me know what thy will is.” It was very unusual for me to be there alone, but I had finally convinced my husband it was right for him to travel with the men from our family and church to a Promise Keeper’s meeting. I told him I’d rather have him there, lifting me up to the Lord for answers. I saw the look of concern on Greg’s face as he listened to the lab results over the phone. My counts had again worsened. I asked, “Where do we go now? What do you believe it is, honestly?” Time seemed to stop as he answered. “I’m sending you to an oncologist, I only see 2 possibilities; I believe it is either leukemia or bone cancer.” I left the office and drove a couple of blocks to a little store where there was a payphone. I called my husband’s rented cell phone number. My main memory of that phone call was continuing to try to smile as if he could see me. He was on a chartered bus, full of praying men, awaiting my call. I know my husband and had I repeated the words I was still trying to absorb, he would have hijacked that bus and been home immediately! I had no clue what I should say as I spoke, “It’s just a virus of some kind, keep me in your prayers and go praise God for me!”
When the men of our family traveled like this, the women and children usually took a trip as well. This year we had decided to just get hotel rooms in the neighboring town and relax, let the kids swim in the indoor pool, and do some shopping. As I drove the hour from my appointment to meet my family, I remember the peace that I felt. I told my mother, my mother-in-law, and my sister-in-law what Greg, the physician’s assistant, had told me. I had to finally say the words out loud. As much as I had believed that smiling would help over the phone with my husband, I believed my job for the weekend was to be brave, eat lots, and smile—that way no one would worry.
In the first picture, drawn by my almost 7-year-old daughter, I see crosses and hearts, like most of her drawings. I see the word Jesus and silently thank Him that this too was frequently part of her artwork. But the * marks, those were new. Never before this or after this did I see her use this design. Then, I looked at the drawings made by Dr. Perdum. The * are the cells in the liver that blood must flow through. With cirrhosis, as in parts of the liver, the blood cannot flow. I placed the pictures side by side. Dr. Perdum’s picture is described at the bottom with the word cirrhosis. My daughter’s picture, of liver cells covered by the cross, is summed up in the word Jesus.
My memory is a blur until the day of my oncologist appointment. My husband and I hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep for days and walked like zombies into the office. They drew yet more blood and told us the doctor would be in when he had the results—to wait. We held hands and cried out to the Lord as one. The next thing I knew, I was awakened to the sound of my husband’s very loud snores. I know it was the comfort of our Lord and Savior holding us in His hands that gave us pure peace as we waited for those results. Our joy continued as the oncologist told us, “No cancer, no lupus.” Then reality set in as we once again were without a diagnosis. Greg immediately began calling colleagues everywhere and within a few weeks, he did it. We had a diagnosis: Hepatitis C. We had such triumphant feelings finally having a diagnosis!
Dr. Perdum discussed my prognosis; from a medical point of view I probably had 10 years, but, being a Godly man, he agreed that God was the one in control. Being so involved with research on this disease, he assured me that by the time I needed it there would be new medications. In the meantime, I needed to start on the only available treatment—interferon. God had carried us through, carried us to a diagnosis, and carried me to an amazing Christian doctor, specializing in my disease. Little did I know, the journey was only just beginning, and God was about to move like I could have never dreamed.
The interferon treatment (a form of chemo) was going to be very involved and very expensive. I would be giving myself 3 injections per week, having Then, we researched Hepatitis C. The more we weekly blood work at my local doctor’s office, and learned, the less we rejoiced. Through a dear little visiting Dr. Perdum monthly. Because I did not have man in the senior choir, my mother-in-law directed, insurance at the time I was diagnosed, our insurance the Lord directed me to a doctor in Charlotte. He was denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions. one of five Hepatologists in the state of North CarThe medication alone had a price tag of $1,200 per olina, head of the liver transplant team at Carolinas week. Weekly blood tests would be between $125Medical Center, and was leading a study on Hepatitis 250 and $75 for my visit with Dr. Perdum (whom C. At our initial appointment, Dr. Perdum decided we I was making payments to for previous visits and needed to begin by doing a liver biopsy to see exbiopsy). actly what we were dealing with. As we were leaving to go get my biopsy results, my youngest daughI have a relative who founded the Epilepsy Foundater handed me a picture she had drawn for me for tion at Baptist Hospital and had a lot of connections. good luck. I thanked her and put the picture in my I called Pat and told her my story. She calmly anpocketbook. Dr. Perdum, as he explained my results, swered that we just needed people to pledge to send reached up and took napkins from the wall dispenser me money every month to pay for my treatment; she and used simple illustrations to show me the damage would make some calls. During the next few days, in my liver from this virus. (Continued on page 44)
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God Is Still Looking For Disciples By Joseph Akinrinola
The church needs more disciples now than ever. God needs people who will go all out for the sake of the master. Even if you are a pastor or church founder, are you a disciple? God is still looking for disciples. We may all be Christians, but we are not all disciples. In the kingdom program, the disciples are the stakeholders. Today, God is still looking for disciples. Jesus said you are my disciple if you do whatever I tell you. (John 8:31) But who are these disciples God is still looking for? Who is a disciple? A disciple is a learner. He is someone who is learning to be like his master. Such a person is keyed into the principle of his master, but not his idea or ideology.
The commitment of the three mighty men of David and the early apostles is a mark of a true disciple. (Acts 5:29, 2 Samuel 23:14-17) 1. They stood out among the crowd.
Check anytime Jesus reveals a striking secret about the kingdom, it is always to the disciples and not the crowd. These people are committed to Him. Though the Bible mentioned thirty mighty men of David, these three stood out. God needed committed Christians in Why did Jesus recruit disciples? this end time that will not maintain the status quo, but 1. For companionship–Jesus desired human fellowship those who can think out of the box. The devil and his cohorts are devising new means to capture more peothe way God created man for fellowship. That was ple into their kingdom. In the same way, God expected what you see when he invited the disciples to come kingdom people to rethink how they do evangelism, and pray with Him in the garden of Gethsemane. discipleship, caring, and message delivery. 2. That He may reproduce Himself in the disciples. That was why He trained them for those few years. He 2. Ready to come to the level of the master. imparted them with all they will need for the coming Discipleship is not for the proud and self-sufficient assignment. people. You will not be Christ’s disciple if you are not prepared to bow to your leader, thinking you are more 3. For the continuation of His purpose of coming to educated, richer, or stronger than he is. The three of the world-salvation of mankind. the mighty men of David, despite their level, still come Are today’s believers committed to these three ideals to their master in the cave. Often a true disciple will of Jesus? Do we have our churches filled with disciples identify with the strength and weakness of his leader. or mere believers? Don’t we have more people in the This type of believer does not preach their message in the absence of their principal. They come with a genchurch who are more interested in what the church can do for them rather than what they can do to serve uine reason their principal could not attend a meeting to speak. their redeemer and the perishing world?
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3. The welfare of their leader is paramount.
5. They walk with like minds.
Though David did not mention any person for his thirst, three soldiers identify the needs of their master. Unlike others who believed anybody’s job is nobody’s job, the three soldiers personified the desire of their master as theirs. That was the attitude of Aaron and Hur. Moses didn’t complain his hands were weak. Those two disciples saw the need and stepped in to arrest the situation. (Exodus 17:11-13)
Some people cannot go far in life and ministry because of the people they move with. Strife grows where backbiting, jealousy, murmuring, and lack of forgiveness thrive. Wise Christians separate themselves from people who will pollute them. They will not allow discouragement from those who have nowhere to go. The committed disciple would not wait for people’s approval before they do the right thing. If you wait for the majority before serving God or your leader, then you have not started your journey to pleasing God.
Real disciples don’t wait for people to tell, encourage, manipulate, or force them to take the necessary steps. In fact, kingdom disciples look for opportunities to serve. Notice David was not aware of the intentions of those three brave soldiers. If you were a disciple, you would not sound bells because you want to do something for the brethren or in the kingdom. True disciples do not do things for men’s praise. Rather, they prefer to be anonymous. 4. They are risk-takers. Jesus rightly said those who want to save their life would lose it. God is still looking for disciples who can risk their necks for God and His kingdom. It has not ceased to amaze me the guts of the three Hebrew boys answering king Nebuchadnezzar. From history, no one has been rescued from a fiery furnace or the king, yet these youths trusted God enough for their deliverance. Their statement revealed they weren’t serving God for the benefit they will get from him. (Daniel 3:16-18) This is the spirit of a true disciple.
It is time to redefine your commitment as you walk with God this year. Look closely, and you will discover the church has more consumers than producers. If we ever hope to turn the table around, we must turn from being a believer to being a disciple. Because the harvest is plentiful, God is still looking for disciples. (Matthew 9:36-38) Will you fit into the equation? 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.
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Earl’s Girl / Oriental, North Carolina We took a turn to see what we could find and cound not be happier that we found this beautiful vessel. My dad’s name is Earl and he had three girls, my older sister Sandy, me, and my younger sister Jeryl.. Earl sure loved his girls and we loved him. Sandy also married an Earl - she is an Earl’s girl for sure.
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Road Tripin’ near New Bern, NC by Karen Ruhl
Put us by the water and we will relax immediately. I believe I read that we are drawn to water because we are made up of 60% water. My heart sings as we get close to a creek, river, pond, and of course the ocean.
We visited New Bern, NC and immediatey starting learning the history. New Bern was originally settled in 1710 by Swiss and German immigrants who named it after Bern, the capital of Switzerland. You will find painted bears all over town including hanging above the door of city hall. New Bern is only 45 minutes to Oriental, NC. Oriental is a tiny little town on the sound but has a beautiful harbor hosting many big fishing ships. Morehead City is 50 minutes from New Bern making it a great city to stay in and be able to explore the sound, the ocean, and the history of North Carolina. Did you know North Carolina was First In Freedom, First In Flight, and, North Carolina was the first to push for religious freedom? We have loved every state we have lived in and love our home states, but North Carolina is now home and we City Hall, New Bern above, Oriental Harbor below. are blessed.
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Morehead City Great city right on the coast!
Love his dive mask!
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Love the reflections
You can see more of Karen’s Photos at www.karen-ruhl.pixels.com
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Missing Our Communities by Yvonne M. Morgan
Jesus Set The Example Let’s dig a little deeper into how Jesus and the disciples lived together. First, Jesus taught them obedience to His Father’s will in all circumstances. Next, Jesus modeled the importance of an active prayer life. Also, they shared their lives together, including meals and money. And, finally, Jesus showed them how to love like Him. This model became the basis for the church to follow in the early days of Christianity. How do our Christian communities measure up today? Are you feeling isolated from your communities because of the pandemic? COVID-19 forced the closures of so many places that it has affected our ability to stay within our established associations. Much of our lives exists only in the virtual world of Zoom or other online activities. At times, I feel lost and alone, locked away for my safety and the safety of others. We Were Made As Social beings Why do we struggle with our lack of socialization during this time? From early in the Bible, we see how God created us to be together, in fellowship with others. After God created Adam, He realized it was not suitable for him to be alone, so God made Adam a companion. “Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’” (Genesis 2:18 ESV) We also witness how Jesus and His disciples lived together in a community of faith. From the beginning to the end of the Bible, we find such examples.
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Our Churches Today As I reflect on the days of Jesus, I wonder how we differ. In Christian churches, Jesus is still the center of worship and prayer. I think one big difference appears when we evaluate our dedication to our Christian community. Many attend an hour-long service so they can check it off the list of good deeds. The church is no longer the center of our lives. We rush in and rush out, moving on to the next event of our day. We dread the times when the service lasts longer than we expect. We worship God on our time schedule, fitting Him into the space we created for Him. Churches In Other Countries When we visit churches in other countries during a mission trip, we find a very different experience. Usually, the church sits within a compound that remains open continuously. People drop by to chat with one another. We might find someone who has prepared tea to serve to those who show up. Other people stop by to drop off extra food for those without. The scene more closely resembles what I think God intended His church to look like in the world. The church stands at the center of their lives instead of something to do on a Sunday.
What Should We Do? As our faith communities begin to reopen, should they look different? Although we don’t know what the future holds, I think now is an excellent time to re-evaluate our communities. And, if we can’t change them, can we change our attitude towards them? I don’t have the answers, but as church attendance shrinks in America, I think we need to ask the questions. And, considering the closures from the pandemic, now seems to be the time. Bible Verses As we ponder these weighty questions, let’s look to the Bible for some guidance. Here are some verses to remind us how and why God lives in Godly communities: • Acts 2:42-47 (ESV) “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” • Hebrews 10:24 (ESV) “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” • Galatians 6:2 (ESV) “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (ESV) “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” • Matthew 18:20 (ESV) “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” May the Lord bless you and guide you always. Yvonne
Click on book cover to purchase.
Blog at Turningmountainsintomolehills.org Twitter: @ymmauthor Website: Yvonne-Morgan.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YMMauthor/ Books: Turning Mountains into Molehills (2017) Rest in God Prayer Journal (9-2020) Faith, Hope, and Love in a Broken World (12-2020) M AG A Z I N E N A M E &O R PAGE URL |
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Seasons of Life, Seasons of Faith By Nancy Bockstiegel
As the mother of two young men, born 20 months apart, I have learned that there are seasons of life. Some seasons seemed to last longer than others. Like changing diapers. Sometimes, those days dragged on like the unending heat of summer in the south. Other seasons were gone in the blink of an eye, like a South Carolina snowfall that sticks around for just a day or two before the sunshine melts it away. Each stage of raising two boys has had its own unique challenges–potty-training, homework, the world of video games and cell phones, driving, dating, first jobs, school sports. Sometimes I thought they, or I, would not live to see the next stage of life. But the season that we are in now, the transition from a high school “kid” to an adult navigating all that the world throws at them, is perhaps the most challenging. I have realized that I am no longer in control of their choices, their future. Truthfully, I probably never was, but when they were little, at least I felt like I was in control. Now, they are making their own choices about church, college, life, and how they want to live it. My job now, more than ever, is to pray. It is through these times of prayer that I have seen God’s faithfulness at work.
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My oldest has always loved cars—fast cars. So, I pray for God’s protection over him when he is driving. Last April, he called and said, “Mom, I’ve been in a wreck. I need you to help me.” There are so many things that could have happened, and as a master of “what-ifs,” I played out every scenario in my mind. I prayed all the way there that he was not seriously hurt. Though I had talked to him, I do not think it prepared me for what we saw when we arrived at the scene. It had been raining. He hydroplaned, lost control, and landed upside down about 12 inches from someone’s house, destroying a fence that was in his path. But God had protected him. He walked away with a minor scratch. My first words to him were, “God is not finished with you.” God heard my prayers to protect him and He answered in a big way. My youngest son is in the Marine Corps. We have known since he was little that he would join the military, but I didn’t expect him to choose the Marines. Two weeks after graduating from high school last May, he left to quarantine and then start boot camp. That was one of the hardest days of my life because I knew that for the next 13 weeks, my only communication would be through letters. And he had already said that we should not expect him to write often. So, I wrote to him, nearly every day. I prayed for him every day and based on that week’s training; I prayed specific prayers that God would give him the strength to make it through the toughest 13 weeks of his life. Once again, God answered. My son graduated on time with no injuries. The best part was the extra blessing of letters from him almost every week.
The list of answered prayers could go on and on. From visits to the doctor for unexplained illnesses to trips to the emergency room for broken bones, God has been there with us. Sometimes He answered prayers I had not even thought to pray yet. Other times He answered in a way I didn’t expect. But He has been faithful. Just like I know the mild days of spring will eventually give way to the heat of summer, I know God will always be there. Though our seasons change, God does not. We can rest assured that He will answer our prayers and see us through whatever our season of life brings.
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Nancy Bockstiegel is a wife and mom who was encouraged to attend a writing conference by a close friend. She entered a contest at the conference and her story was selected for inclusion in the book Blessings in Disguise. Since then, she has written mainly for her own enjoyment, but feels God pulling her toward sharing her writing. She enjoys spending time with family, reading, and cooking.
From the Publisher Please thank your son for his service to our country.
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Faith On Every Corner Bookshelf
Our bookshelf is growing each month. We have exciting news coming for January - be sure to stay tuned! Click On Book Cover to review the books on Amazon.com
Rich Beasts & Poore Mansions By Jerry A. Davidson Reviewed by Craig and Karen Ruhl This novella differs from most stories—excellently. Jerry Davidson has written a unique murder mystery told from the perspectives of the seven characters, devoting a chapter to each. The story is told using an “Old English” style of dialog mixed with more modern terminology. As each chapter flows into the next, the first-person perspective smoothly shifts from one character’s point of view to another’s. The author provides thought-provoking aspects to the unique personalities involved, comparing the values, and ethics, and morals of each. Interestingly, as the author set the story in a period mansion complete with a butler and many rooms, it reminds of the board game, Clue. This is a splendid book to curl up with in front of the fireplace. We have added a copy of this book to the Faith On Every Corner Bookshelf and recommend it to our subscribers.
I Touched The Hem Of His Garment By Vini Tejas Pandya Reviewed by Craig and Karen Ruhl I Touched The Hem Of His Garment is a wonderful collection of devotional poems that bring the reader into a closer relationship with God. Each chapter contains relevant Bible verses followed by the author’s original poetry. The poems and songs perfectly suit the Bible verses. When read as a devotional, the poetry and song encourage reflection and meditation on our relationship with the Lord. We particularly like the way the book interweaves Scripture and poetry through thirty-seven easy-to-read chapters. The last two chapters offer the author’s testimony and her thoughts on her faith. I Touched The Hem Of His Garment makes an impressive addition to our study and devotion materials. We are pleased to add a copy to the Faith On Every Corner Bookshelf. 42 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 41
Lord, We Need To See You By Krystle Nicole Martin Open our hearts, Open our minds, Open our ears, Lord, we need to see You! Peel back the curtains, Peel back the veil, Peel back the hidden parts, Lord, we need to see You! Tear down our walls, Tear down our kingdoms, Tear down our houses of hate, Lord, we need to see You! Break forth, Break out, Break down, Break us all free, Lord, we need to see You! Be who You are in heaven! Be who You are in my heart, Be who You are in my mind, Be who You are in heaven, be that here on earth! Our hearts bleed, Our hearts cry out, Our hearts break, Our hearts grieve, Our hearts need to mend, Lord, we need to see You! It is You and only You that can open our hearts, our minds, and our ears to Your truth, Lord! We need You and only You!
I live in Oklahoma. I am a poet. I love being an encouragement to other people. I don’t want to write just to write. I want to write with purpose. I want my words to help someone else in need. I want to be intentional with what I am given. I want to be a blessing to others.
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Faith Over Fear, Love Over Legalism By Jerry A. Davidson Jerry A. Davidson lives in Alexander, AR with his wife, Amy. He is a hymn writer, vocal coach at Davidson Vocal Coaching, author, as well as worship leader at CrossPoint Church in Bryant, AR. His desire is to write stories and songs that bring glory to God through a deep understanding of His Word and design for the world.
I am called to submit to authority, not only in action but in spirit. I long to understand biblical submission better. There are so many areas in which I must submit to differing authorities, and I am learning how to do so even when I disagree. The highest biblical authority to which we are commanded to be in submission is God himself. In this, I have failed daily, in both spirit and action. Yet I do not want to resort to legalism or moralism, which truly is not a heart of submission. God controls life and death. (1 Samuel 2:6) God places ecclesiastical and legal authorities over us to which we are to submit. (1 Peter 2:13-3:7) In all cases, we submit in spirit and deed, not grumbling. There is no “but” to this command. We submit to God ultimately. This said, in my opinion, wearing a face mask demonstrates a lack of submission to and faith in the authority of God over life and death and is a practice in arbitrary legalism. Despite any data on either side of the matter, time after time in history and Scripture, we see God having full command over life, death, disease, wars, and all other things. (Numbers 16:43-50)
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In the God-given authority to ecclesiastical leaders, there is no authority given to overrule the conscience of another believer unless that person is directly contradicting a scriptural command. In fact, God instructs believers to respect each other’s differences of belief in all matters (Romans 14:112). It is divisive and not submissive to God and His redeeming work in others to enforce an unsinful, arbitrary rule viewed by only one faction of believers, regardless of whether a minority or majority of the congregation pressure their view to be implemented. God must be the one to judge between sheep and sheep. (Ezekiel 24:20-22) Which is more unifying: asking all to comply with a rule that has no Scriptural basis for being a sin or not, or allowing each individual to practice discernment and good conscience on such matters and teaching each believer to respect the other? If Romans 14:1-12 was not written for a situation such as that which we are currently in regarding face masks, for what situation might it have been written? For what modern-day matter might this have been written if not for the practice of personal faith, sanctification, and each believer’s personal walk with the Spirit? I’m asking for you to not ask or force me to choose between submitting to my elders and God. Romans 14 was directed at those who are fully convinced on one side of an issue to respect those who are fully convinced on the opposite side of the issue. I do not doubt that you personally believe that you are honoring God and loving others by wearing a face mask. I likewise believe that I am honoring God and loving others equally by not doing so.
God calls us to unity as a church. This call assumes that there will be tension, miscommunication, misunderstandings, and differences. To be unified then, we must approach each other with the assumption of the best, most loving, and faithful intentions of the other. Most of all, we must teach unity, love, grace, and understanding under the purview of God’s law and His Word only. I grow ever weary of this issue. Those who believe as I have felt a diminishing of love and understanding from our leaders. I have felt this. I have personally spoken to those who have received replies from their leaders dismissing their struggles with both this issue and the regulation implemented by their church leaders. Is this love? Is this grace and understanding? Shepherds are becoming known by their sheep to be shepherds who are led by the whims of the sheep themselves. The church is primed for the wolves to come if we do not find unity despite the differences. If we enforce one side of the difference on non-sin issues, there will be more division. Discipling and open conversation will heal those divisions, yet all I (and many others on this issue) have personally received is condemnation and demands to comply. Church leaders, please love and nurture your flock. They need you. They need to understand your thinking, and they need to know that they can come to you when they are struggling to understand. If one does not understand why another will not wear a face mask, let there be conversations of grace, not grumbling, complaints, and demands that others wear them. If one does not understand why others are wearing masks, let him come to the leaders knowing he will find love and understanding. Or better yet, encourage the two believers who differ on this to meet with you together and discuss openly.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 NKJV
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 ESV) There are many verses, technically an endless list, on God’s authority over life and judgment and man’s futility in trying to control his life, but these are Old Testament passages that have stood out to me: Amos 6:12-13 Ezekiel 36:22-38 Genesis 11:1-9 Jeremiah 51:58 Isaiah 63:6 Ecclesiastes 10:1
Amos 9:10 Daniel 5:23 Ezekiel 34:20-22 Lamentations 3:37-39 Jeremiah 23:16-17 Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Ecclesiastes 1
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FOR I KNOW THE THOUGHTS I H AV E F O R YO U
The next few years were very dark for me. The bright and shining hand of God that had been ever-present in my life was reduced to a single flame. Faint, but still present. It was during one of those dark days as I continued college, one class at a time, that I walked into John Saunders’ pottery class. I placed my hand in that first bag of clay and I knew I had found what I was supposed to do; I found my calling in my life. By His grace, pottery was born.
By Lynn King Continued from page 29 During the next few days, the cards and letters poured in. Pat faithfully sent $400 a month, every month. Some cards had hundreds of dollars, some had small monetary gifts, but all came with their prayers, their concern, and their love—for me—And it continued to rain money from Heaven, through so many dear people, that all of my treatments and doctor visits were paid in full. We clearly saw God providing the way for this treatment and were so grateful to Him. We were NOT, however, prepared for what interferon can do to your body. One week before reaching the one-month mark I weighed 87 pounds, my hair was falling out, my WBC and platelet count were reaching dangerously low levels and I felt with all that was left in me that one more shot would kill me. I was so confused. I had seen God’s hand move to bring me here and provide this treatment, but I knew my body just couldn’t take it. I quit the treatment. I had a daughter in high school and a second-grader. I had, by the grace of God, managed to continue one class at the college. I refused to quit living. I wanted to show my girls that you fight, and you crawl sometimes, but you don’t quit. I spent the next year eating healthy and exercising, building my body back up. Eventually, Dr. Perdum agreed to let me try the treatment again. This time I made it to six weeks. Again, I lost weight, down to 87 pounds. I was so weak I could barely walk more than a few steps. So again, I quit. 46 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 45
Rather than let this defeat me, I looked back at the last five or six years and had to just trust in Him and keep on. I believed that after all He had done for me, He wouldn’t quit now. And He didn’t. In May 2009, thirteen years after I started, I graduated with my AA degree. Only God himself could understand the pride and the gratitude I felt as I walked across that stage. Graduating didn’t quench my thirst for learning. I continued taking pottery and art classes at the college for the next three years. I supplemented my desire to learn more by taking pottery classes at a local studio, where I eventually began working as an assistant two or three days a week. My doctors continued to monitor my condition, which was worsening. Dr. Perdum offered us some hope when he informed us the FDA was doing trials on new Hep C meds. So far they were having a 90% SVR. In English, ninety percent cure rate, with minimal side effects. Back in 2000, Dr. Perdum had told me that by the time I needed additional treatment they would have new medicines, and that time was nearing, I was in end-stage liver disease. But, once again, God’s hand was about to move vividly in my life. Dr. Perdum shared the news that the new medication was due to be released by the FDA in the fall of 2013, and I was one of his first 10 patients he was ready to prescribe for; he gathered all the test results about six months before the release date. I was energized and beyond excited at the thought of a cure in my immediate future.
While praising God and waiting, His hand moved again. A local lady had, six months prior, rented a building and opened a pottery studio and art gallery featuring local artists. Then her husband was transferred to Montana. She was selling all her equipment and her established business with a transferrable lease on the building. Lots of prayer and accounting followed and concluded with me purchasing the business on August 8, 2013; with the FDA release date coming up in September. His timing was so perfect—I thought. Owning and running By His Grace Pottery Studio and Art Gallery far exceeded any dream I had ever had for my life. I had students who still to this day are dear friends. I had a waiting list of people wanting to study under me. My own work was flourishing and selling in my little gallery where I represented up to 30 local artists. But my body–it was failing. The news from my doctor was devastating. The FDA released a new Hepatitis C treatment, to be used in conjunction with interferon; and it was not for my genotype. The treatment for my genotype was coming, but not FDA approved yet. As heartbreaking as it was, I prayerfully decided I had to close my business. I stored everything from my business in my dear husband’s garage/office. I packed and stored my hopes and dreams into a building with no running water, no heat, air conditioning, or insulation. In a building that was full of “stuff” before I began. And I waited.
Again, I waited upon the Lord. I cleaned and rearranged in the garage, and by carrying bottles of water I managed to make 50 or 60 pieces of pottery a year—until 2020 came. Forced with the rest of the world by the COVID-19 pandemic to stay home, I made our garage my new project. I had replaced my old kiln and felt it was time to get back to my calling. If pottery was going to be my business, I had to work it like a business. I started working 4 or 5 hours a day, clearing, cleaning, and rearranging. My husband had a freeze-free water hose installed in front of the garage, and I had running water. I cleared more out and had room to run the woodstove for heat. More cleaning and packing and the office became my gallery. Once again, By HIS Grace Pottery Studio is up and running. The Lord has brought me through so much, and my joy and gratitude are never-ending. I have no clue what’s next for me and my pottery, but I know so well the One who does. I continue to trust in Him and wait. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give to you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV) Follow Lynn on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/byhisgracepotterystudio/
I waited until 2015. After a ton of paperwork, blood work, and tests I had in my hand a $90,000 bottle of little white pills, which, thanks be to God, only cost me $15. And they were going to cure me. Apprehensive after three rounds of interferon memories forever etched into my mind, (to this day the smell of alcohol wipes makes my stomach turn), I began my new treatment. Six weeks later, having only suffered a headache and extreme fatigue, God’s hand moved again and I got the call. It worked, and I was cured. It was over; the dragon was dead, and as always, my Lord and Savior had triumphed! My virus is gone, but I do still have to deal with the damage left behind. Cirrhosis is still there, chronic pancreatitis–still there, nerve damage from the interferon–still there, and reflux disease and damage–still there. But I serve a mighty God, and He isn’t finished with me yet.
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Community Sharing/Caring By Brenda McDaniel
March is a time of rebirth and conquering our fears of the past year. Political turmoil, racial protest, attack on our capital, and the pandemic. All these issues have been helped by our local, state, and federal leaders, and especially by our scientists, researchers, and health care workers. Thanks to God for the vaccine shots now available. In my community, in the last year and now, there are ministering angels. Those who felt an overwhelming need to reach out to others less fortunate. Like our local baby supply store, retailers, and Goodwill stores giving away diapers, etc. Or lowering costs of needed baby supplies for financially strapped mothers and fathers. Our local Feeding America, Salvation Army, churches, and community members who showed support of each other financially and through their service to each other. Also, retailers giving funds or food to help organizations that fed poor and needy people and families. Our community showed support to our frontline workers–doctors, nurses, police, and firefighters, etc. They put up thank you posters and signs at their work buildings, bought meals for our heroes, and they sewed face masks for others. The community’s special sharing/caring programs sent Valentine and Christmas cards and gifts to nursing homes and other organizations. 48 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 47
There were also special campaigns or drives to help Meals on Wheels, a local organization that brings hot meals to seniors who cannot cook or go out shopping. Also, retailers had special morning or evening hours for seniors only to shop so they could get needed supplies that others were hoarding. Worship in our churches changed during the pandemic. They had drive-in services, where people sat in cars listening to the service. Or they had virtual services. And now they’re allowed indoors but wear masks, social distance, and limit the number of worshipers. These are loving, caring, people, retailers, and organizations. They have shown us the best in our society and nation. We all should be proud of these special people, and particularly proud of our researchers, scientists, doctors, nurses, teachers, and all front-line workers. And we should especially love and praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For his caring, love, and saving grace that shined a bright light in our long dark tunnel!
Unhindered By P. Diane Buie
As I contemplated the theme for March, “Community Acts of Faith,” all I could think about were the varied and many acts those apostles of Christ did as they are told in the biblical Book of Acts. I pause to ask myself if my life shows evidence of God and His spirit as I live and work in my local community? Would others say they see Jesus in me?
The biblical Book of Acts is, to me, an incredible gospel that shows God moving in the lives of people and events in tremendous and unhindered ways. This book of Acts reveals the many ways in which God brought about a change in the daily lives of ordinary people. For instance, we see Phillip baptizing as he rides along with a friend who has questions about scripture (Acts, Chapter 8). In Chapter 2, we see God breathing His Holy Spirit into the lives of many believers so that there is no more language barrier between people groups. We can see how God provides for those who love Him when the disciples write that all believers gave and sold their possessions so that there were “no needy persons among them.” Further in the Book of Acts, God dramatically restored Sauls’ life so that not only his life but even his name changed (Chapters 7 and 8). Scripture tells us about more acts of the apostles and how God worked in their lives in bold ways—like Peter; he became an outspoken preacher for the Gospel of Christ. Check out Chapters 3 and 4 of the Book of Acts. From these verses we see hundreds deciding to believe in Christ as their Savior. Revival has come to Jerusalem and beyond! In Chapter 12, we find that “prayers of the righteous really do avail much” because Peter is miraculously released from prison and then he arrives at the very house where his friends are still up and praying for him. God and His Spirit flow without measure in the Book of Acts. It is incredible, exciting, and gives me hope as I reflect on God’s unlimited ways and means for making a difference in the world.
I recall various times in my life when I was a giver of God’s blessings and then times when I was a receiver of His blessings too. God always works through people to show His love for us. It took me a while to learn that valuable lesson as I had a shy, introverted, streak in my personality while growing up. Yes, my life has been blessed in many ways. Not everything in my life has been wonderfully blissful, but I can see God’s hand of provision and of protection; even in the suffering and in pain. My point in all of this is simply that, reading the Acts of the apostles in scripture, I am reminded that this is how God changes the world. He moves in our daily lives–invited, unhindered, wanted, loved, and willing to aid us, if we but ask Him to live like this in our relationships. I can only hope and pray that my own simple life has offered others a word of God’s hope and love so that they decide to follow Him into eternity. I do not know what God wants to do in my future. I am over fifty years old as I write this. Since I am still alive, I can assume He still has plans for me. What they are at this point, I have no clue. I can only hope to live more fully and closely in God’s grace and love in the years ahead. I like the way Acts 28 ends in verses 30 and 31. Paul is under house arrest but, despite that, scripture tells us he “welcomed all who came to see him” and “proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ - with all boldness and without hindrance.” (NIV) May we who are lovers of God and His son, Jesus, live to enjoy such a sentiment.
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Community Service By Sharon Holbrook
Rainsboro United Methodist Church
Churches have always played a vital role in community service. This article is about one of them; one where I am proud and blessed to be an active member.
In 2021, an all-girl troop is scheduled to be formed. Both troops will have activities including camping, fishing, hiking, building, and lots of community service.
Rainsboro United Methodist Church sits between two lakes in the little community of Rainsboro, Ohio. This is a small church serving a farming community and is open to all who seek Jesus in a friendly, come as you are atmosphere. Being in a rural area, our pastor serves this church and another nearby church, Marshall United Methodist Church.
On Wednesday mornings, you can come to church for the best breakfast in town. A group of church volunteers serves coffee, juice, fresh fruit, biscuits and gravy, eggs, and bacon. This ministry started when the local restaurant closed down, leaving the community without a place to drink coffee and congregate. A church member, Ted Rhoads, who passed away in 2019, decided that the church could open its doors, kitchen, and fellowship room to the community and serve some coffee. Coffee Is On was born. Over the years, it has grown with leaps and bounds. Each week, we serve an average of 70 and sometimes as many as 109 people during the 3 hours we are open. That is a lot of eggs and coffee! The Coffee Is On volunteer crew take orders, cooks, serves at the tables, and cleans up. What a blessing to be able to provide this outreach. Saturday mornings the church is open and hosts groups of AA & ALA-NON. They are also served coffee, water, and donuts. This is a safe place and a common area for conversations. They take up a love offering to help offset the costs of letting them use the church. There are around 10-15 people who come every week.
Our church is open for in-person services but also offers streaming of our services on Facebook for those who cannot attend or prefer not during the COVID pandemic. Sunday morning worship is preceded by Sunday school classes, which include preschool, middlers, teens, and adults. To further serve the community, our Pastor, Jamie Darling, has started a Zoom Bible study which includes an interactive question and answer feature. Rainsboro UMC is very involved in scouting programs. A Cub Scout pack formed at the church 10 years ago with approximately 20 active members, including both girls and boys, in grades K-5th grade and two leaders over the age of 16. This outreach has become very popular in the community and has brought new families into the church. The Boy Scouts, which formed 3 years ago, meet on a separate night, and include boys in grades 6-12th. 50 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 49
At Christmas time, our church volunteers put together Blessing Bags. These bags contain items like shampoo, soap, deodorant, razors, Bible, paper, pens, tissues, toilet paper, snacks, water, and a clothing item. Volunteers distribute these bags in the immediate and surrounding communities. When someone is located who is in need, we have a bag to give them. In the area, some people stand at the stop signs asking for food, money, or whatever their need might be. It isn’t always comfortable to give them money. These bags contain some essential items which they can use, and they always include a blessing. This idea has led our church to put together COVID-19 blessing bags. The pastor and I have both had the virus and know how much certain items really help get us through the sick days. She and I, along with Dr. Julie, one of our church members, put together a list of items to ask to be donated so we can deliver this blessing to anybody who might come down with the virus or are just sick. The outpouring has been great. Rainsboro UMC might be small, but our congregation is ready and willing to move our hands and feet to put Jesus out into our community.
Thank you to troop 5316 of the Rainsboro United Methodist Church for washing my porch down. They did a terrific job. Also a big thank you to Sharon Holbrook. One of the leaders. -Marlene Cooper
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JUST A ROCK by Gittel Fruma The sun rose one morning and warmed by its rays A little rock greeted the dawning day
“But I’m just a stone. What use can I be? There is no purpose, no plans for me.”
It looked at the mountains, the skies, and the rivers And thought to itself, “How can I be bigger?”
The sun hit its zenith and in the heat of the day A man and his family set their tent up to stay.
“Look at those peaks, they reach to the stars! But I’m just a rock, not as big as they are.”
The little rock watched as he lifted his hands Shouted out praises and kissed the sand.
“The waters that flow from the stream to the sea Are greater than I am. They are better than me.”
Then, he stood up and looked at the ground, He found a large rock and then put it down.
“I’m just a pebble, what good am I? They are much better,” He said with a sigh.
Rock upon rock, stone upon stone, The man kept on stacking, all on his own.
He heard the birds singing and the buzzing bees. He thought, “What a song! They are better than me.”
After some hours, the sun had sunk low Setting the man’s pile of rocks aglow.
He looked at the grass, the flowers, and trees. Beholding their beauty, he grew more displeased.
The little rock wondered, what would come next? He wished and he prayed, hope swelled in his chest.
“I can do nothing out here on my own. They have each other. I am all alone.”
The man straightened up and looked all around. “Something is missing, yet one thing to be found.”
“God of the heavens, God of the hills, I am so sorry I have nothing to give.” I want to give glory and lift up your Name!” 52 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 51
His eyes caught the gleam of a small, shiny stone, Far from the others, all alone.
“I have a family! I have a home! I have a place here and I’m not alone!”
The little rock watched as the man came close He picked up the pebble, the last one he chose.
“I’ll bring you glory, I’ll sing your praise! I will be thankful til the end of my days!”
He held up the little rock and everyone cheered! “Our God is faithful! He has brought us here!”
“For though I am small and one and weak, You heard my cry and set me on my feet.”
The man placed the stone with the most tender care, Then bowed his head and whispered a prayer.
The other rocks heard him and stirred by his song, They lifted their voices and all sang along.
“God bless this altar, may we never forget That You are our Father and you haven’t failed yet!”
And so the man slept ‘neath the stars and the oaks To the song of the trees and the wind and the stones.
“You made me a promise and on it I’ll stand. May Your Name fill this family, this people, this land.” The sun had now set and the stars twinkled bright. The little rock cried out with all of its might. “Thank you, my God, for lifting me up! You gave me a purpose, you took me from dust!”
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.
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What Does It Mean To Be A Christian Woman? By Rolanda T. Pyle
There are so many aspects of Christian Womanhood. First, I think a Christian Woman should reflect Christ. The only way a Christian Woman can do that is to follow God’s directives. That involves reading, studying, and knowing the Word of God and then putting it into action in your life. For me, being a Christian Woman has also meant, like Hannah in the Bible, dealing with barrenness. Although physically barren, I have not been spiritually or emotionally barren. I never married nor do I have any children, but I have been blessed with nieces, nephews, cousins, and four godchildren. Years ago, I was a youth leader in two of the churches that I attended over the years. Through those experiences, I developed great nurturing relationships with many of the youth. Professionally, I’ve served as a mentor to many people. One mentee is currently the Director of a program where I was the Director. It makes me proud to know that she gained something from my guidance to take her into that position. I supervised and guided social work interns as a field advisor. To me, being a Christian Woman means giving of yourself for someone else and pouring that gift into their life.
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A Christian Woman must be able to trust God. Now this can be extremely hard, based on what life brings you. My life lesson in this was when my mother abandoned my family when I was a toddler. My father stepped up, and he and his mother raised me and my two siblings. It was a sad and questioning time for me growing up. I loved my grandmother, but I wanted a mother like everyone else. I became a Social Worker and eventually became the Director of the first Grandparent Resource Center in NYC, providing services to grandparents raising grandchildren. When I thought being left without a mother was the worst thing in my life, I did not know that the Lord was working “all things” out for my good, to benefit others. I had no clue that there was a plan being worked out for my life. I never dreamed that I would be interviewed on radio and television, have newspaper articles written about me, or that I would be given so many awards and accolades. It was not a desire of my heart, nor was it anything that I imagined. What I thought was the worst thing in my life, turned out to be a blessing, because, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 KJV) So, being a Christian Woman trusts that God will work all things out in your life for your good and His purpose, even (and especially) when you can’t see it. To me, to be a Christian Woman is being what God has ordained you to be.
Alone
By Rolanda Pyle During this pandemic, you may feel all alone It may be difficult for you to have to stay at home Because day after day, you know all you will hear… Is that stinging quiet that fills the air. It can be very hard when there’s no one to talk to And you just wish you had someone there with you. The silence speaks loudly, letting you know you are alone To drown it out, you put on the television, music or get on the phone. But here is a question, does alone have to mean lonely? And just because you are isolated at home, and it’s you only… Does it mean that you have to feel bad? Or get depressed, down, or even feel sad? Can we consider this time alone to be a good thing? Or look at it as a season or time that brings… An opportunity to work on things we always wanted to do Fulfilling our plans, dreams, and our goals too. We may also have to try to change our views Concentrate on good things and turn off the news! And be wise and use this “pause” as a time to get things in line While we believe this will all end in due time. Even so, we are human and will feel some kind of ways I know and can relate, I’ve experienced it also on some days But one thing I know is that God said He will never leave or forsake us So we just have to believe His word and in Him put our trust. We will get through this and come out on top We can’t give up and we can’t stop… Fulfilling our purpose, we will stand tall. Let’s keep on praying, God bless us all! Rolanda Pyle ©
ROLANDA T. PYLE is a licensed social worker and consultant. She is currently the part-time Community Outreach Specialist at Sunnyside Community Services - CARE NYC, where she was previously Assistant Director. CARE NYC provides support to caregivers of older adults living with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. The author has also been featured on various radio and television programs. Her many awards include the distinguished 2004 Sloan Public Service Award and HBO’s 2004 Beah Richards Spirit Award. In April 2004, New York’s Daily News named her one of the “100 Women Who Shape Our City.” Besides her social work and her writing, Rolanda volunteers with the NYC Meals on Wheels Senior Chat program through which she provides companionship through weekly phone conversations with isolated seniors. Rolanda’s creative writing has won poetry and short story writing awards, and her work has been published in religious and community newspapers. She also contributed to a publication entitled Your Dreams Can Come True: Stories of Hope, Perseverance and Triumph for youth who are in foster care and published by Rev. Alfonso Wyatt of the Fund for the City of New York. Rolanda is the author of the books Grandma’s Hands - a children’s storybook, and Finally - a collection of inspirational poems; and the compiler of and contributor to Beneath His Everlasting Wings, a collection of devotionals. Rolanda currently attends Times Square Church in Manhattan and is active in ministry. Additional information about Rolanda may be found on her website at http://www.rorosrainbowcommunications. com/about.html
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Finding Refuge in God’s Grace By Joel Berry As many months passed without success, I decided to search for a job. A licensed CPA, I expected to find something I could do; but employers expressed no interest in hiring a self-employed fifty-something-year-old who had spent the past fifteen years doing only one thing. Months turned to years as I desperately sought new opportunities. I pleaded with God to intervene, often reminding Him of my faithfulness to Him, as though that should merit His favor.
The Great Recession dealt a devastating blow to my business. Following a record-setting year, I looked forward to signing contracts with several major new clients. The addition of only one major client would allow me to retire early, still in my fifties. I never expected to retire early, but God blessed me with a business engagement that provided abundance, both for my family and my employees. I looked forward to financial security and freedom to play golf whenever I wanted. Then came the recession. By mid-2008, all of my prospects vanished as people lost their jobs and decision-makers imposed moratoriums on new contracts. As the year drew to a close, I reluctantly released all of my employees. My wife, Cheri, and I lived below our means, saving for emergencies. We knew from experience how to survive income gaps. We felt prepared to ride out the recession, even with both of our sons in college. Surely, the economy would turn around in a few months. We trusted God would provide the next opportunity as we recalled times over the past fifteen years that He had brought new clients, seemingly out of nowhere.
After three years of searching, I found a national company that expressed interest in signing a contract. I thought, “Praise God, He finally heard my call and answered my prayers!” But later that same week, just before Cheri and I left the house to attend a fundraising banquet, my contact called to tell me that their V.P. decided to cancel the project. We left for the banquet, discouraged and in no mood to listen to an appeal for donations. I later recorded in my journal:
The past few days I have struggled with the thought, “does God really even care?” I know, deep in my soul, that He does, but my anger and bitterness have clouded my vision. I have continued my daily Bible reading and have tried to pray, but I don’t have much to say to God. I don’t know what to say to God. This morning, before I started my search for new prospects, I surrendered to God’s will once again. I asked Him to fill me with His Spirit, then I recalled specific events in my life where I have clearly seen His provision. He assured me that He is faithful and that I need to persevere.
I quoted from 2 Corinthians 12:9–10: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (NIV) 56 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 55 3
Joel Berry is an aspiring writer, soon to graduate from Dallas Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies. A CPA by profession, Joel serves as a spiritual mentor for men in his local church, and leads an independent Bible study group for married couples. God used a difficult time to lead Joel to discover his love for A few weeks later, our pastor preached from the same passage I wrote in my journal, then shared a writing, and to pursue seminary education at video interview of a family in the church. The hus- DTS. Joel desires to encourage believers to grow band, a successful builder and developer, watched deep roots into Jesus Christ so they will remain helplessly as the recession devastated his business. steadfast in their faith. He and his wife lost everything. They went from Joel and his wife, Cheri, live in Roswell, GA and living in a beautiful home to moving in with his will soon celebrate their thirty-seventh anniverparents. They pleaded with God to restore their sary. They have two wonderful sons and daughfinances, but He had not. They could have turned ters-in-law. away from God in anger but instead sought refuge in Him. They did not know if God would ever restore their finances, but they trusted that God’s grace would sustain them. I wanted Paul’s words to ring true in my life. I had often experienced the sustenance of God’s grace, but my circumstances obscured my vision of Him. How could I find rest in His grace when it seemed I might never work again?
Their story both encouraged and humbled me. Though difficult, my circumstances paled compared to their loss. If they could seek refuge in God’s grace, I certainly could. We endured another year of unemployment before God brought a client, seemingly out of nowhere. The financial drought made a dent in our savings, but we lost nothing during those four years except the prospect of early retirement. God, in His infinite wisdom and by His grace, caused us to prosper ahead of the recession, not so I could retire early, but to provide for us through the drought. We found refuge in God’s grace.
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You Will Know Them By Their Fruits By Maureen Kambarami
The current pandemic has made community acts of faith especially important because of the closures of churches in a bid to slow down the spread of the virus. Even in countries where churches have been allowed to open, the limit on the number of attendees means that only a few people can be accommodated at a time, making virtual services the order of the day. The pandemic has also crippled the economies of many countries, leaving in its trail, loss of jobs and businesses, high unemployment rate, and poverty. This means that more people than ever are now reliant on charitable drives to secure at least one decent meal a day. However, because of lockdowns, most churches have closed their doors, temporarily halting various charitable drives like soup kitchen programs. Therefore, the onus is now on each one of us to be our neighbor’s keeper by checking up on them and lending a hand whenever possible. Now is the time to put our faith in action as expected—“for as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:8, NIV).
Recently, during our weekly Bible study, the facilitator posed the question, “Imagine you are on trial for being a Christian. Are your accusers going to find enough evidence to convict you?” If we want to be honest, many of us would be able to go scot-free because our faith only leads us to church every Sunday where we listen attentively and with conviction but as soon as we step out of church all is forgotten until the following Sunday comes knocking at our door. The same cycle continues each week, month, and year. It is not surprising that we have drawn no outsider into our circle because it is not words that matter most to non-believers, but our actions. Our lives therefore should be enough testimony to draw others to God. I remember during my early years in the social work profession, a young lady approached me one day. Her beaming face puzzled me, and I was still struggling to place her face in context when she came to my rescue. “I want to thank you for being such an inspiration in my life. I learned so much just by observing you at work, and I ended up getting drawn to the profession because of your influence. I then made the resolution that I also want to bring about change in my community and I hope to be the best just like you!”
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I do not want to lie. That compliment made my ears sing with joy until something else struck me, which made me uneasy. I realized I was a representative of my profession and whatever I did during the execution of my duties, could either elevate or break the profession. The scary part was that I never knew who was watching at any given time. The same is true of us as Christians, the way we live our lives can either point others to God or lead them astray. We can never be sure of who is watching us, that is why it is forever important to remain true to our calling all the time, no matter what circumstances we might face in our lives. It is quite easy to be a Christian when all is well in our lives and joy is abundant, but it is during trials and tribulations that our true identity is revealed.
I pray God will continue keeping us safe and that our world will return to normal as soon as possible. However, until that happens, let us take care of our neighbors. Remember, you might be the only Bible that some people will ever read.
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Are You Doing What God Called You to Do? By Author, Sharon K Connell
To be honest with you, I don’t know where I started after my distress prayer to God. I believe I contacted Alan and said I would give writing a try. He told me he’d proofread for me if I wanted him to. At that time, I wasn’t in a financial situation to afford an editor, so I called him my editor, and off we went. Believe me when I say prayer was a regular thing when it came to writing. I’d never taken any classes in the craft. But I trusted that God knew what He was doing.
It was years before I finally took what I thought was only an author friend’s advice and started writing. Now I look back and realize God was preparing me to be a writer and eventually a published author through so many ways. He used my author friend in England, Alan O’Reilly, to get me accustomed to the idea of writing. I’m not a stubborn person or any more rebellious than the rest of you. We all rebel against God’s will at one time or another. But in my case, I honestly didn’t realize God wanted me to write stories that gave the Gospel or examples of finding your way back to God when you’ve gone astray. It took spending the night alone through a hurricane with two dogs and a cat for company (I wasn’t married at that time). That was apparently the jolt I needed. When I heard the old words, “You should write that in a story, Sharon,” I laughed. But God wouldn’t let me forget those words this time. “Okay, Lord. What do you want me to write… and how do I go about it?” I had written company newsletters, prayer letters, and advertising pieces for years, but a book? Now it was really time to pray.
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Every day, I’d come home from my job as a transcriptionist in a medical office and take care of what needed doing. Then I’d hit the computer. No outline, no idea where the story was taking me. But the story flowed. I’d send a scene to Alan, and he’d send it back with corrections or suggestions. He was great and so patient, not to mention encouraging. Alan had read many Christian Romance Suspense books and said that my writing was as good if not better. Today, when writers talk about their characters running away with the story, I understand completely, because that’s how the first book was written. I’d let my mind wander, and those sneaky characters would take advantage. But they got the job done. When I was in grammar school, I was called a daydreamer. Now I know why. Another of God’s ways to tell me I would someday be a Christian fiction author. Besides the fact that I’m Irish, of course. We’re known for our fanciful tales. LOL Today, I pray before I start a story, pray every time I sit down to write, and pray through the scenes. Even though I’ve since taken writing classes, have learned so much by reading about the craft, and have a great support system of fellow writers, God is in charge of my career. He brings the ideas to my head and helps me think through the hard parts of the story.
How do I know I’m doing what God wants me to do? Peace of mind. In 2012, I retired from the 9 to 5 world and became a full-time writer. It was a scary thing to do, especially when you’re an independent author without a traditional publishing company backing you up, but my Lord worked everything out. I’ve always hated marketing, but He taught me to market on my own. Even planned it long before I became a writer by giving me jobs in marketing and advertising. After publishing my 7th book this past year, I can look back and see God’s hand in every one of them. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (KJV) I did. And He did.
Even in my painting mode, I’m often in prayer. Not the way most people think of prayer, down on your knees with head bowed, but the way God’s Word tells us to pray. “Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV) I take that to mean informal prayer or talking to God as if He was right there in the room with you. It’s the same thing I do so often while writing. In this case, though, it’s normally, “Lord. How am I going to make that look real?” Without fail, the solution presents itself. Or, I should say, God presents the solution to me. Another way I know I’m doing what God wants me to do is the joy I have in writing and painting. Creating a story or picture and making it the best I can through editing and style. God has led me to programs I now use to make my writing the best it can be even before I send it to my editor. She’s grateful that I spend the time to do that, and I’m grateful God guides me. Through the years, I’ve never had what so many call writers’ block. I don’t think it’s in God’s vocabulary. (hee hee)
Now, my constant prayer is this. “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 (KJV) When I need downtime from writing, I paint. Usually, when I’m waiting for my editor to do her magic with my finished story, I’ll pull out a canvas or canvas board and start creating a scene from my story. Some of these I give away at my launch parties. I also take a break from time to time and paint a landscape. God gave us a beautiful world. Right now, I have a collection of finished paintings I’ll have to sell to make room for more. LOL Most of them are shown on my website.
My last two books, published last year in July and November, were a full novel called Treasure in a Field and a collection of short stories. The collection was mostly written in writing classes, contests I’d entered through the years and sometimes won, and two that were included in multi-author anthologies. They simply had to be “dusted off and polished.” The novel, however, was a different kind of Christian Romance Suspense (my genre). And even though I’d written nothing like it before, the story flowed thanks to the habit of talking to my Lord as I work, asking for guidance along the way. My stories include real-life situations and sinful people I call the villains, as well as the heroes and heroines. The cases are the kind you might read about in the newspapers, but without the graphic details. I need my Lord’s guidance constantly for the words, the actions, what not to include, and the results to make the stories believable. But I also count on Him to tell me where to place the spiritual lessons. Yes, I’m doing what God wants me to do and loving every minute of it. Are you?
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Author, Sharon K Connell Author, Sharon K. Connell lives in Houston, Texas from where she writes Christian Romance Suspense, containing a bit of mystery and as much humor as she can get into a story. She’s also written many award-winning short stories in a variety of genres. Sharon attended college in Illinois, graduated from the Pensacola Bible Institute in Florida, and holds a certificate in fiction writing from the International Writing Program through the University of Iowa. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Scribes Critique Group, Houston Writers Guild, and CyFair Writers. She is also the founder of the global Facebook Christian Writers & Readers group forum. Her monthly newsletter, Novel Thoughts, goes out every month to its subscribers in all parts of the world. Treasure in a Field https://youtu.be/WFwFDANNs1Y A Very Present Help https://youtu.be/3a75HKgSkao Paths of Righteousness https://youtu.be/bBC25TioE9c There Abideth Hope https://youtu.be/bQ7FT6PPLrs His Perfect Love https://youtu.be/e3tRr6mLzZk Icicles to Moonbeams Novella https://youtu.be/-LBMY7Pe2vo Sharon’s Shorts~A Multi-Genre Collection of Short Stories https://youtu.be/s0HrpWm2qPM Website www.authorsharonkconnell.com
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A Beautiful Masterpiece by Krystal Nicole Martin There are times in our life when we meet someone we know is a God appointment. I met Krystle and she began writing poems for our magazine. After chatting with her for some time, she told me her story. It was easy for me to love her as an online friend and her story broke my heart. We hear about publishers abusing people in every way but especially in charging such high prices for editing and formatting a paperback that the author has no chance to recovery their investment. We helped Krystle to get A Beautiful Masterpiece published on Amazon. I encourage you to read this book, she describes what she hopes will happen on the back cover which I have placed below. Nicole, like many people, struggle. Let’s lift her up by purchasing her book on Amazon.com. Click on the book cover on the right to purchase from Amazon. Craig and I encourage you to talk to us before you choose a publisher. There are so many great ones out there. There are also pitfalls. Remember, there are also millions of books on the market. We all have a story in us so imagine how many people are now publishing their books. Marketing is key, you need to start prior to publishing to get a following. Join writers groups both in person and online. There are many great groups online. We pray for all who are writing their books and ask for wisdom and discernment as you choose someone to help you publish. Blessings, Karen & Craig Email us at Team@faithoneverycorner.com
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SUBMISSION POLICY
Magazine Submission Policy and Guidelines • Faith On Every Corner magazine is digitally published on a monthly basis by Faith On Every Corner, LLC • All submissions are subject to editorial review prior to acceptance and publication • Content: Focused on articles, stories, poems, and testimonies centered on acts of faith and service • Audience: Christian, family oriented • Rights: Contributing writers retain the rights to their work, granting Faith On Every Corner, LLC the right to publish, re-publish, share, archive, and for promotional use. • Word Count: Suggested length is 1,000 words. • Submission Format: Microsoft Word documents are preferred. • By-Line: By-line is included in publication, table of contents, and contributor highlights • Acceptance: All submissions will be promptly acknowledged, and the author will be advised via e-mail if their submission has been accepted, of any suggested edits, and which issue it is scheduled to be published in. • Distribution: Writers will be provided with a digital link to the publication in which their published work appears. The link is sharable through social media and is suitable for use on writer’s website or blog. The magazine is downloadable from the publisher’s website. • Compensation: Faith On Every Corner is a free digital magazine. Currently, we do not offer compensation for published content. • Faith On Every Corner reserves the right to change or modify these submission guidelines at any time without prior notice. Please contact us at team@faithoneverycorner.com for clarification or questions regarding these guidelines. Prior to submitting to Faith On Every Corner, we suggest that you review prior issues of the magazine at www.faithoneverycorner.com/magazine.html
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Faith On Every Corner Publisher & Editor in Chief: Karen Ruhl Senior Editor / General Manager: Craig Ruhl Photography: Karen Ruhl (unless otherwise credited) Staff Writers: Craig Ruhl Karen Ruhl
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Disclaimer and Copyright Notification The Information contained in the published works of Faith On Every Corner has been received from sources we believe to be reliable. However, neither Faith On Every Corner nor its authors, writers, editors, or publishers can guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information published. Faith On Every Corner, its authors, editors, and publishers are not responsible for any errors or omissions in our published works. The opinions and theology expressed by contributing writers are their own and not necessarily that of Faith On Every Corner, LLC., its owners or staff. All Faith On Every Corner, LLC publications, websites, blogs, and other media are copyrighted. All rights are reserved. Contents published in Faith On Every Corner Magazine may be reproduced, shared, copied, or transmitted as long as the published work is unaltered and contains proper attribution to Faith On Every Corner. Contributing writers to Faith On Every Corner retain full rights to their contributed content. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. ™ Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ® (ESV ®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) taken from the New King James Version ® (NKJV ®). Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission, all rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (CSB) taken from The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (KJV) taken from The King James Bible, public domain.
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