July 2021 Issue
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:2
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COVER PHOTO BY R AY M C C A N N My photography journey began with my father gifting me my late grandfather’s Praktika SLR camera, and learning how to use it with his many lenses was my goal. Once I got the hang of it, and felt comfortable operating outside of my make-shift studio, I then purchased my very own first SLR which was a Pentax. The first adventure I took the camera on was to the West Coast of Ireland and shot some images of Connemara and its serene beauty. Some more time passed by and I decided to upgrade to a DSLR and my passion exploded from there. Photography is a passion, a hobby, and a lifestyle for me and it was most exciting when a couple of locals who live by me asked if I would sell some of my photography so they could frame it and hang it in their homes. I didn’t quite understand why they would want to do this but when I heard them speak about my photography I understood that they could see the passion I have for photography, and the stories I give with my photography on my social media also gave them a love for the scene captured. Knowing that people in my community wanted to hang my photography in their homes has been a very proud moment for me.
Kind regards Ray Mc Cann
INSIDE COVER
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Note from the editor – July 2021 Happy July! It is so hard to believe that half of 2021 is behind us. I pray that the next half of this year is filled with love and blessings and the peace and comfort that comes from knowing our Savior, Christ Jesus. We have a few new writers in this issue and recommend you download it and take your time reading all the articles and stories. We feel so blessed to have so many writers contributing to the magazine to bring you great content. Please support us all by reading and sharing the magazine link.
Karen
and C
raig R
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We took a road trip in June that is highlighted in the Road Trippin’ article in this issue. During July and August, we will be doing a few day trips waiting out the heat of summer and for school to begin again. If you are a photographer and would like to be considered for the front page of our magazine. Please drop us a line at Team@FaithOnEveryCorner.com. If you want to include a photo or two, please do. We will get back to you quickly! During the next couple of months, Craig and I will work on Faith On Every Corner Magazine’s Young Writers Edition. See the ad on this page and share with the young writers you know. June tapped us in every way it could and kept us very busy with family matters. We pray over this magazine while we are working on it all month. And we pray over all who are involved in the writing and you the reader. Have a blessed summer—put aside time to read and relax. May God bless you. Enjoy this month’s issue! Karen
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Table of Contents COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: Ray Mc Cann Making My Vacation Not About Me ... by Gini Walker ... page 5 The Love Of God Takes A Vacation ... by Melissa Henderson ... page 7 Beyond The Rainbow ... Andrea Marino ... page 9 Serving As Unto The Lord ... by Dr. Kathleen Oden ... page 11 The Book ... by Pamela McCormick ... page 13 Vacation And Servanthood ... by Nicole Byrum ... page 15 Vacation And Service and 3 Poems ... by John Alexander ... page 17-18 Arming Ourselves ... by Gina Sewell ... page 19 Questions! ... by Karen Ruhl ... page 20 Opportunities to Reach People/Prayer For July ... by Tynea Lewis ... page 21 Finishing The Race ... by Ken Barnes ... page 22 Discerning Gifts ... by Craig Ruhl ... page 23 Take God On Vacation ... by Yvonne M. Morgan ... page 25-26 Dear Carl ... by Anna Friend ... page 27-28 Planting The Seeds ... by Christina Sinisi ... page 29-30 The Worth Of Your Words ... by Joseph Akinrinola ... page 31-32 Road Trippin’ - Lynchburg, VA ...by Karen Ruhl ... Page 33-36
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Trusting God In The Writing Process ... Chrissie Kenaston ... page 37-38 An Amazing Service Experience ... by Karen Ruhl ... page 39-40 Bookshelf ... Book Reviews ... page 41-44 What Will You Do On Your Summer Vacation? ... by Mike Buchanan ... page 45 Remember This Verse ... by Craig Ruhl ... page 46 Dear Lord / My Hiding Place ... By Esther Florence ... page 47-48 Serving While On Vacation Means “Go” ... by P. Diane Buie... page 49-50 Defining Moments ... by Wilbert Ratledge ... page 51 When I think Of All This ... by Gini Walker ... page 52 Serving With Compassion And Gratitude ... by Chad Thieman ... page 53-54 Serving The Lord Is A Wonderful Way To Go On Vacation
... by Cindy Oriol ... page 55
Fireworks ... Rhonda T. Pyle ... page 56 Five Things You Shouldn’t Throw Away ... by Michael Wells ... page 57-58 Serving While Vacationing ... by Sharon K. Connell ... page 59 Doing God’s Will ... by Brenda McDaniel ... page 60 Trust Issues ... by Hannarich Asiedu ... page 61-62 The Power Of Patient Perseverance ... by Gittel Fruma ... page 63-64 A Photo Tribute To Anne Spencer ... by Karen Ruhl ... page 65-66
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Making My Vacation Not About Me by Gini Walker Growing up, my get-away vacations were car trips on Route 66 from California to Arkansas, my family’s roots state. Mom was a schoolteacher and she definitely needed her family connections and time to unwind. During those years, although I was the last of four children, I shared the back seat with just one brother. My sister shared the front seat, wedged between mom and dad, helping them to drive the many miles. My oldest brother was grown and on his own. Those were the years of calling out “are we there yet?” I vaguely remember the never-ending state of Texas as I slept, woke, and saw the Texas state signs again and again. These vacations never held the question “Gini, what do you want to do?” Where my family went, I went. Then I grew up. In those early years of marriage, the catchphrase about vacations was “one week to get ready, two weeks to vacation, and finally a week to recover from the past three weeks”. Yet, as hectic as those days were, I needed time away. I, too, was a teacher. After a few travel-by-car-to-see-family summers, we discovered a new concept in vacations called “vacations with a purpose”. These were trips with groups to “help” people groups or ministries. They were exciting, stretching, meaningful, and memorable times. In our late 20s, 30s and a few early 40s years, my husband and I thrived on the serving aspects of these getaways. Then, we arrived in our “later years” of our 60s and now mid-70s. “Serving While On Vacation,” I thought. That time is over. We don’t go anywhere these days. Vacation? Some people 6PAGE | M5 AG A Z I N E N A M E 3
would say, “Gini, you are ALWAYS on vacation. You are always at home and not working. You don’t need a vacation”. So, I had to dig deep as I considered serving while on vacation. Does God have a place for me in this concept? Before I answer that question, I have a question. It is something men and women my age often ask ourselves, “What is my purpose now that my energy is mostly depleted and I’m feeling the need to have others serve and care for me?” My needs seem to outgrow my abilities. We, the older generation, often feel others see us as “taking up space”. This way of seeing us was a challenge I had difficulty overcoming. I had to fight depression. I had to fight to maintain any physical strength that remained. Then, God called me to meet Him in a place that has become a treasure to me. It is my “quiet place”. My husband knows where it is and he graciously honors this space. He knows what is happening here. It is “my Serving While On Vacation” spot. But it isn’t a two-week out-of-the-year place. I’d like to say it is a daily meeting place but I do sometimes miss my appointment (s) there. Although it isn’t in a closet as beautifully described in the movie “War Room” with Priscilla Shirer and Karen Abercrombie, it is a quiet and sacred place for me to serve in my vacation days of “old age”. What happens here? I have a little bag that holds my prayer requests. In this bag is a little black book. I wrote on the first page: “Abba Father, these are my prayer concerns to YOU through Jesus and the power of
your Holy Spirit. The list of concerns grows day by day and it overwhelms me–but not You.” Every time I hear of a need I write it here. The other item in my bag is a stack of 3 x 5 cards I have banded together. Each member of my immediate family has a card–my husband, my grown son, his wife, and my two grandchildren. Their names are at the top with their favorite Bible verse written out so I can read it. Written in little words below this are ALL the areas of their lives for me to pray about. Special in my requests is that he/ she would be a man/woman of God; Abba Father would shield him/her from the evil one and I pray for the armor of God to be on/over them and the fruit of His Spirit in them. It is such a joy and honor to serve my family this way. I can’t protect them, but I can trust them to God’s care. For my two grandchildren who are pre-teens, I pray for God to call them to Himself and for them to be obedient to His call. Finally, I have a 3 x 5 card with Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-19 NLT. It says it all: “When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” I may never again travel further than the quiet spot in my home, but I’m confident I’m serving others here with my prayers. This vacation never ends.
Although her parent and siblings were born in Arkansas, Gini was born and raised in California. She has been married to Charlie for more than 53 years. They live in Orange County, CA. Their son and daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and grandson live nearby. Gini was active in the education of elementary school-age children. Feeling a misfit in education, she turned to and became active in adult ministry at their church. Gini and Charlie have a joint ministry—12 years ago, Charlie designed and built a guest house on the back of their property. It is named Onesimus House, a gift from God of respite and renewal to missionaries from around the world. They call themselves God’s caretakers of this delightful place of rest and renewal. Gini’s hobbies are gardening, reading, and writing. Their 3-year-old dog, Jackson, is such a joy in their lives. Gini and Charlie are members of Trinity Presbyterian Church of Orange County.
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Ephesians 3:1
– Gini Walker
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The Love of God Takes A Vacation By Melissa Henderson Wait... what is the title? Am I suggesting that God needs a vacation? No way. God is with us always. Every day and night, God is present. The love of God is with us in every moment. When we are able to take a trip or vacation, the love of God doesn’t stay at home. The love and compassion that God wants us to share go with us to every place we visit. From the tall mountains to the ocean waves, to the rolling hills, and beyond, we find God. Vacation time can be wanted and needed. Time to rest our weary bodies and minds. Time to relax with family and friends. Think about vacations you and your family have enjoyed. Was there a time of laughter? A time of remembrance? A peaceful time of reflection? Were there funny and unexpected situations? Perhaps the vacation didn’t unfold as you wanted but turned out better than expected. While planning for vacations, I have created numerous lists. The seemingly unending list includes medicines, clothes for all temperatures, pajamas, extra snacks, bottled water, books to read, and more. Does that look familiar? Have you compiled lists for your vacation? One important part of vacation is knowing that wherever we go, whether far away or nearby, we have the opportunity to share God’s love. My husband and I have helped with mission projects that allowed us to visit other cities. While we did not consider those trips a vacation, we could enjoy sights and sounds from areas we had not visited in the past. We were able to learn about different communities and the people who live in those locations. 8PAGE | M7 AG A Z I N E N A M E 3
While on vacation, my husband and I often stay at a hotel. From the moment we arrive at the front desk, we greet everyone with a smile. This sets the tone for the stay. Whether we eat breakfast at the hotel or eat at a local restaurant, we greet everyone with smiles and a “hello”. This is a simple way to share the love of God. Another way to share God’s love is to leave a note and a tip for the housekeeper. We appreciate the way our room is cleaned and fresh towels provided each day. Asking for a “vacation day” at work doesn’t always mean we are taking a trip solely for pleasure. Sometimes our trips are focused on others and not ourselves. When the vacation includes a mission trip, the love of God is found in the people we help, the other volunteers we meet, and in the prayers and worship before, during, and after the mission. Helping build houses, cleaning buildings to prepare for specific ministries, ringing a bell, removing trash along highways, sharing conversation with youth, and various other opportunities provide ways to lead others to Christ. Yes, I enjoy relaxing vacations of tickling my toes in the ocean, viewing waterfalls, watching a car race, visiting family, and learning about the townspeople and the history of various locations. During each time of vacation, there are moments when the Bible can be read, a time of peace and quiet can bring renewal and relaxation, and the reminder that God never puts us aside so He can enjoy time away. God goes before us, behind us, and He is with us.
During your next vacation, remember to thank God for the special time. Whether you are helping others through hard labor, or sitting beside the pool, or listening to the ocean waves in the distance, or simply saying “hello”, know that God guides you and accompanies you on every vacation. Can you think of ways to share God’s love while you are on a vacation? Blessings, Melissa
Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers. Melissa is the author of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com
Click on the book covers to purchase Melissa’s books. We are proud owners of both books. Karen & Craig Ruhl
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Beyond the Rainbow By Andrea Marino
“Look, I have laid a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation.” (Isaiah 28:16 HCSB) When Jesus presented Himself alive to the disciples after His crucifixion, the church was set in motion to spread Good News across the globe. Indeed, from the days of John the Baptist, God’s Kingdom has been advancing; but it has also been met with fierce opposition–violent people, it says in Mathew 11:12. From those worshipping pagan gods to those clinging to laws, deception is the work of Lucifer, who first rebelled against The Creator of everything. There is only one God whose laws will never be done away with. How to be in right standing before Him is entirely up to each of us. God is holy and will not dwell with evil. (Psalm 5:4b) A world full of evil was the reason an entire generation of people were destroyed in a great flood. Except for Noah, who ‘walked with God’. Genesis 6 recounts the story of the Ark, which saved him, his family, and pairs of every living creature God had made. Noah made a choice who to listen to and who not to listen to. After many days, when the waters subsided, God blessed Noah and told him to be fruitful and to repopulate the earth. Then, placing a rainbow in the clouds, God made a covenant promise to Noah and all future generations that never again would life be destroyed in a flood. (Genesis 9:13) God was definitely not finished with man.
While we do read Old Testament accounts of God ‘deserting His people’, hiding His face from them in a ‘surge of anger’ (Isaiah 54:7,8), the promise He made He would keep. All of God’s promises are kept. Even though we live in the ‘evil days of Noah’, when we feel the disconnect in our world from all that is good and we witness the corruption of sin consuming the hearts of many, and even with overwhelming understanding that man has the capability of obliterating human life and our planet, we can be sure of God’s long-suffering faithfulness to us who walk with Him. The rainbow across the sky tells us so. Rainbows are God’s covenant sign. Webster’s dictionary defines ‘rainbow’ as an arc of concentric colored bands that develop when sunlight interacts with raindrops. Rainbows do not end. “Just as I swore in the time of Noah that I would never again let a flood cover the earth, so now I swear that I will never again be angry and punish you. For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken, says the Lord, who has mercy on you.” (Isaiah 54:9,10 NLT) We dare not miss the merciful grace of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We dare not miss what God has done that we cannot. Beyond the rainbow is Jesus. In the fullness of time, God sent forth His Son. (Galatians 4:4) “This is My blood which confirms the covenant between God
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and His people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of man.” (Mathew 26:28 HCSB) Jesus is our firm foundation, the precious Cornerstone. Here is everything pertaining to life eternal, which God has been building from the beginning of time. His Kingdom come; His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
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.
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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
Serving As Unto The Lord By Dr. Kathleen Oden Growing up as a military brat really broadened my intellect. But looking back on it, my life was also very sheltered. As a Christian, we are in the army of the Lord and should understand that the Lord gives us all different paths to walk. But everyone’s main path is to serve. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. (John 12:26 KJV) All of us are called to serve in some capacity after we give our lives to Christ. Back in 2011 after retiring from my job and looking forward to fulltime ministry work, a friend of mine said to me, “Now you have more time to spend with Jesus.” WOW! Why did that statement hit me like a ton of bricks? And why is it still ringing in my ears 10 years later? I was looking forward to working fulltime ministry, right? But how much time do we all really spend just with Jesus? If nothing else, Covid has shown us that most people that are called to serve, do it on duty and off duty no matter the occupation or situation. Have we not seen, police officers, doctors, nurses, teachers, mothers, Christians, and many others who should be resting are yet “serving while on vacation?”
One of the hardest-working people in my life is my Pastor. She calls up people to check on them every single day. “Serving while on vacation” is who she is more than what she does. She is a very serving person. No matter how tired she feels, no matter what else she has to take care of, nothing stops her from serving others. She constantly looks for ways to serve. To make a long story short… many years ago my mom was living in New York with my daughter and she wanted to move back to Jackson, Mississippi. My Pastor went with me all the way to New York by train. OMG! It took 3 or 4 days to get there! Then, we had to rent a U-Haul truck and drive my mom and all her stuff to Mississippi “nonstop”, through the dark of night! After that, we immediately, yep immediately, catch a bus from Jackson, back here to Houston Texas, WOW! Then, (yes there is more) we had to rush to get dressed to attend the first night of a three-day revival that our church was hosting. And guess who the first speaker was? Me! What a hair-raising trip that was! My Pastor has been such a true blessing in my life as well as an awesome role model of what it really means to serve as unto the Lord.
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Great tips and tricks by Dr. Kathleen B. Oden How to get your family to eat healthier… TIP#1 - NEVER EVER SAY TO YOUR FAMILY… “I want you to start eating healthy.” What they don’t know will help them… LOL TIP#2 - Purchase a large colorful bowl at the dollar store. Fill it full of fruit and put it on a table or kitchen counter. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24 AMP)
Whenever you serve food, it makes you feel good when you go that extra mile to make it look as good as it tastes! And that goes DOUBLE for healthy food! Most of us allow our “eyes” to tell us what tastes good. And, if you’re trying to get your family to “buy-in” to eating healthy, then you may have to use a little psychology to accomplish that goal. However, we all know that when kids see mom eating something, most of the time, they want it! There are tons of ways to “trick” your family into eating healthy. It just takes a little finesse! Here are six tips that will help you get started…
TIP#3 - SLOWLY start purchasing healthy items. Put them in the fridge. Watch which items disappear. uy more of those. TIP#4 - Search for recipes on how to make healthy homemade ice cream. Make it when NO ONE is at home. TIP#5 - Create a healthy snack tray that looks like you are planning a party. Watch which items disappear. Buy more of those. (works really well for picky eaters) TIP#6 - 3 or 4 days a week have a party meal with music, a festive tablecloth, healthy hors d’oeuvres, etc… You know what meals your family loves to eat. Make that same meal using healthy ingredients! (you get the picture)
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THE BOOK by Pamela McCormick
After my mother’s funeral, my sister boxed up many of our mother’s things and asked me to look through each box and see if there was anything that I wanted. I saw something that I had never seen in her room before, and yet, it definitely belonged to my mom. A friend had given it to her, probably when she needed it most. The title on the small paperback was The Bible Promise Book. I had been grieving the loss of my mother and needed something tangible to hold onto until I was okay. When do you stop missing your mom? I still miss her today, and yet I have the confidence that she is in Heaven, and I will see her again one day. I tucked the book inside my purse and waited as we cleared the apartment of her belongings, one by one. Ironically, I took many things from her apartment (clothes, other books, ornaments, etc), in some way hoping that by holding onto those things that belonged to her, I would have her with me always.
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I realized that the things I had taken were just that, things, and so I donated many items to a thrift store or gave them away. For some reason, the little paperback book had more value than all the other things I gathered, and I kept it in my purse, somehow thinking I had a pearl of great value, not realizing that I truly did. Some might say it was just a book, but to me, it was a book that I would one day pass down to my children, so that whenever they needed to remember God’s Promises to us, that they would have it to read or carry with them as well. Many years passed. I was so proud of my little book. Although I didn’t open it much, I still knew that God’s Promises were true, and I carried it more like a security blanket like Linus did in the Peanuts’ cartoon series. One day, I went to a convenience store to buy a lottery ticket. As I left the store and got back into my car, there was a tug on my heart that I could not explain, and yet I waited, got still, and listened. God wanted me to give my little book to the owners inside.
The argument began. I have to interject here that when there is a debate between me and God, He wins every time. It’s easier just to surrender to His plan, even when I don’t understand, but I had to get my point across too. So glad God loves me still. “God, this belonged to my mom. I could never give it up. Don’t You understand? It’s the one thing that she left me I hold on to because by holding onto it, I feel like I still have her with me. Please, God, no.” After pleading, I opened the front flap of the book and wrote on it the plan of salvation, Romans 10:13, that says, “Everyone who calls on The Name of The Lord will be saved.” I also included a brief note that God loved them and how precious this book was to me, but for God’s Glory, I would give it up, so they might know His Love too. My heart hurt, and yet, I wanted to stop arguing with God and just listen for a change. I knew Jesus. Was I going to hold on to that little book, or was I going to do what God wanted? Many months passed, and one day a friend told me about a “yard sale” going on inside an old Kmart building. I said I wasn’t going to go, and yet about 11:00, only God knew why, I was on my way to the store. Along the way, here I am questioning God again and saying, “God, what am I doing? I have other things that need tending to, and I don’t have time to go to this yard sale, plus I don’t need anything. The most precious thing about God is that He listens even when I’m complaining, and He loves me just the same. That’s how Great God is. So, I go inside and walk straight, still not knowing why I was drawn to a bookcase in the center of the room. For those who don’t know me well, I have never been an avid reader. I read, but just not as much as some others. So, why am I at a bookcase full of books, when there were plenty of other things I could have been looking at instead?
Don’t ever try to figure God out, because to this day, I cannot tell you how wonderfully perfect He was to me that day. There, mixed in with all the other books, was a brand new, never used copy of The Bible Promise Book, just waiting for a small price of fifty cents. Needless to say, I grabbed it and held it close to my heart, and praised God for sending me there and giving back to me something that He knew was precious to me. Right now, the book is beside my bed, and although I tend to forget to read God’s Promises to me daily, just having the book next to me is somehow enough. God knew what I needed more than I did. That’s the way it always is. God knows what everyone needs. We just have to wait on Him, and He knows, He loves, He pursues us too, and He lavishes wonderful gifts on His children because He loves us. As a footnote, the convenience store owners added some things to their store. Bracelets that say, “Saved by Grace” and crosses too. I don’t know if they know The Lord, but I know this. God is in control, and God had His reasons for me sharing the promise book that day. All I could do was obey, even when I didn’t understand. God would take care of the rest.
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 Maryland and her son, his wife and granddaughters, Merryn and Charlotte in Fuquay-Varina. You can contact her at pjmc411@gmail.com.
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Nicole is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 14 years of experience in community mental health. She is the author of Remade: Living Free a book written for women in recovery from substance abuse and unhealthy relationships. Nicole also maintains a blog at nicolebyrum.com as well as a podcast, 5 Minute Word. Both focus on topics related to faith and relationships. She lives in Northwest Ohio with her husband and two children. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, running, or cooking.
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VA C AT I O N A N D S E R VA N T H O O D by Nicole Byrum
As a follower of Christ, we are called to love and serve those around us, whether that be in our community, our country, or overseas. But more and more I have come to see that as a wife and mother my first line of service is to my family. In light of that statement, I’m about to share a really embarrassing story. And I don’t mean the “I fell on my face in front of the whole school” kind of embarrassing. I mean the regretful “I can’t believe I did that” kind of embarrassing. So without further ado here it goes. A few summers ago on a steamy July day, my husband, our two children, and I prepared to leave for a few days of camping. Now, when I say “prepared to leave” what I mean is the kids and I contributed to this process only by packing our bags and the snacks. But for those of you who have been camping before you know how involved packing can be— there are tents, all the gear, food, sleeping bags, and various recreational activities to consider. It’s quite an endeavor to live a simple life for a few days! Combine this with the weak excuse that packing, in general, isn’t my strong suit, and what you get is this: I chose to stay in our air-conditioned home scrolling through Facebook while my husband loaded our vehicle in the scorching sun.
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Before we departed, we had some discussion about this, as my husband expressed his frustration that we hadn’t even offered to help him. And he was right. I realized that not only was I not taking the opportunity to help him, but I was also setting a poor example for our kids in the process. By the time we pulled out of the driveway, we had moved on and were able to have a fun and relaxing trip. But that embarrassing memory serves as a permanent prompt to be a more intentional server of my spouse. Please don’t misunderstand—this is an ongoing work of sanctification in my life. My flesh is selfish and, at times, lazy. Serving others, including my spouse, does not come naturally to me, and it is something I have to work on continuously. I regularly pray for a servant’s heart, keeping in mind the command to “serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13, NLT). And while I am to serve those God places in my path, I must remember my first mission of service is to my spouse and my children. I thank God for both His Spirit who sanctifies and for the opportunities to serve the three people whom I love the most. For certainly these opportunities exist in abundance... even when on vacation.
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Poems by John Alexander
Covid Zone Through Covid, brave nurses and doctors served well. Each day in the trenches brought stories to tell. Each day they would wonder, “Whose life will we lose?” They fought and they battled, but they couldn’t choose. Some patients were sweet and so gentle and kind. John Alexander lives in Frisco, Texas with his beautiful wife and his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Vacation and Service
By John Alexander When I consider the theme of serving while on vacation, it brings to mind fond memories of times when my wife and I have been on vacation with saints of the Lord who gave of their time to serve us. We were blessed to spend a week in Pine Cove in east Texas with a small group of Christian friends as the late Howard Hendricks taught us, up close and personal, in his own special way. What a man of the Lord—we were truly blessed. We were also blessed a few years ago to go on a cruise to Alaska and enjoy the teaching of our pastor, Dr. Chuck Swindoll. It was much smaller than the large Sunday morning services at Stonebriar Community Church, so we enjoyed spending time with him and other Christians who were part of the cruise in such a beautiful setting. Chuck is a wonderful teacher, and it truly blessed us that he served the Word to us daily while he too was on vacation. Whether you are serving or being served, I pray you are able to take breaks from the normal routine to be blessed or to bless others. We can all be a blessing to others, but it is extra special during those times that are set apart. I pray these poems about service are a blessing to you.
So many shared worries they had on their mind. Each a room with a number, can’t call them by name. They’re all treated equally, each just the same. One day they seem strong, that they’re over the peak. The next day they’re suffering, fragile and weak. Each day brings new heartache, a nurse says goodbye, In place of a loved one, hold hands as they die. The rooms hold the thanks for the ones who survived, And the prayers of the staffers who mourned those who died. They’re out of the war zone with time to reflect. The memories linger with lasting effect.
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Nourishment
Stay True
What’s so enticing that lures me toward bad? What I know is just empty and lonely and sad?
Is my service to God based on blessings received?
So many temptations to lead me astray. I make a wrong turn and can soon lose my way.
Am I fully committed to give God my praise,
Daily time with the Lord is a critical need To keep myself focused in word and in deed, To talk with Him openly, take time to hear, To listen intently, but not with my ear. I must hear with my heart what His Spirit reveals. His Word’s more important than my daily meals.
By Satan’s temptations, could I be deceived?
The One who gives life and who numbers my days? If I only serve for the blessings I gain, Then my motives are flawed, and I serve Him in vain. I pray that my service and motives stay pure, No matter what comes that my faith may endure. I pray I can always stay true to the Lord, All mighty Creator whose grandeur’s adored.
As my body needs nourishment, food to survive, My spirit needs feeding to live and to thrive.
May I trust Him to give me the strength for each day,
I cherish these moments that I spend in prayer. The Lord always listens, with love and with care.
It’s not about me or what things I have done.
His love is amazing, not what I deserve. I can’t earn His love, but I can try to serve.
I pray I remember that God’s love is true.
No matter what trouble and pain comes my way.
I don’t deserve blessings, not even just one.
It cannot be earned by the things that I do.
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Keeping Our Focus 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
The Lord woke me last night with a very powerful word. I scrambled in my sleepiness to reach the nightstand for my phone so that I could jot it on the notepad. I was sure that if I did not do so, I would forget it by morning. But I didn’t forget. That word stuck with me. The Lord said, “Anxiety is Satan’s leverage over your life.” Whoa. I have battled anxiety my entire life. As a child, I didn’t know what was wrong with me and no one else seemed to know either. The dread of going to school was so bad that I would get physically ill. This was on a daily basis. Over the years I have gone from just feelings of nervousness to being absolutely paralyzed with fear over things. But God tells us to cast our anxiety on him. He loves us and provides for us. But even knowing that, we are gripped with fear so often in our lives, living in this world. We must arm ourselves with scripture and meditate on it daily. This is how we fight. Arming ourselves with scripture is our best defense against Satan’s ploys to take our focus away from Jesus. I like to choose a scripture in the mornings while doing my Bible study and meditate on it throughout the day.
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Here are just a few of the scriptures that I use to arm myself when anxiety strikes.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present or the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 NIV) The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17 NIV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV) When I’m afraid, I put my trust in you. (Psalm 56:3 NIV) Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22 NKJV) I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NIV)
Questions! by Karen Ruhl
I know some of you are smiling or even laughing at the title on this article. Those of you who know me know that I ask questions. I am energized being around people and love to get to know about each person I meet. How do I do that if I don’t ask questions? I wondered if there was anything in the Bible about asking questions. Jesus asked questions, here are a few: 1. Who do you say I am? 2. Do you want to get well? 3. Could you not keep watch for one hour? 4. Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 5. Do you love me? It struck me that Jesus did not seem to ask questions that can be answered with a yes or no. He wanted people to talk to Him. When I pray, I talk to God like I would talk to you. I ask Him questions too. They may sound like this: Heavenly Father, would you guide my steps and show me the path you want me on? Lord God, what can I offer for what you have done for me? How can I serve?
When our son was in school, he would bring his friends home. He did everything he could to get them to hurry toward his room. He would tell them, don’t stop, my mom will want to get to know you and will start asking questions. To his dismay, many of his friends loved to come to the house and talk with me. I think we all like to feel that someone is listening to us and that we mean something to others. Here is a fun thing to do. Find a quiet place where you are alone. Take out a piece of paper and write this question on the top of the page. “Questions I would like to ask God.” Write all questions that come to your mind. You might start out slow, but the questions will come to you. Next, pray over your questions. Let God know what is on your heart. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions, God can handle your questions. Keep this paper and pray over it often. When you get an answer to one of the questions, write it by the question. Grow your faith through questions. I love this question in Luke:
God, what should I be focusing on today?
When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? (Luke 18:8)
God wants a relationship with us. He has questions for us; we need to be still and listen for His voice.
I pray He finds many of us with strong faith. Will you be one of the faithful He finds? I am praying for you.
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July Prayer Opportunities to Reach People By Tynea Lewis
Dear Heavenly Father, 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).
We pray for opportunities to reach people. So many people are searching for what only you can provide. They are broken and far from you. We ask that you help us reach the people right in front of us, no matter where that is. Give us your eyes to see people the way you see them. Give us your heart to love people the way you do. Give us your generosity to give selflessly to those in need. You have an entire mission field for us. Help us to see it and not overlook how we can be used. So often, we think of missionaries as people who go overseas to spread the Gospel. But Lord, we can be missionaries right where you have placed us. There are hurting and lost people in our own backyards. Help us reach them. Give us the courage to step out, even when we are afraid of what might happen. Give us the strength to keep going when things get tough. And give us the words when we don’t know what to say. Help us to live our lives in a way that truly reflects you. Even the smallest acts can point people to you. Help us to live wisely and focus on your kingdom instead of ourselves. Thank you for using us in even the simplest of ways. May our lives bring glory to your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
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Finishing The Race by Ken Barnes
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith; (2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV) We all want to finish the race well, yet some will and some will not. The Apostle Paul lived well, and therefore, he finished well. Cliff Young, a sixty-one-year-old farmer from Australia, entered the 544-mile inaugural Sydney to Melbourne Ultramarathon Race in 1983. He showed up for the race wearing overalls, a white t-shirt, and work boots, while the other runners were wearing promotional running attire. The other runners laughed and made fun of him. He runs at a deliberate pace, and at the end of the first day, he was well behind the pack. He did not know that the other runners stopped at the end of the first day and slept for six hours. Young kept right on running. At the end of the race on the fifth day, no one was laughing. Young won the race with a ten-hour lead. When asked how he trained for the race, he said that he had once run for two to three days straight, chasing and herding his sheep. The other runners were younger and faster than Young but lacked one thing that Young had—determination. The key to Cliff Young’s success was that he didn’t know when the other runners stopped to rest. There is much Christians can learn from the life of Cliff Young. He did not just show up one day and win the race. His whole life was a preparation for this race. As Christians, we will not finish the race if not prepared for it. Early every day when others are asleep, do we arise to feast on God’s Word and bask in his presence? Is our mindset one of a soldier or a tourist? Paul instructed his young disciple Timothy; No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier (2 Timothy 2:4). God has called us to a battle and not a picnic. Do we put on the amor of God as anyone who understands we conflict with the enemy of our souls? When others are distracted by the cares of this world, are we on our face praying for a sick and dying world? God’s army is the only fighting force in the history of the world that has won the battle on its knees.
Cliff Young One final thing that we can learn from Cliff Young is why we run the race. The 10,000-dollar prize money for winning the race, Young divided with others who had finished the race. He kept nothing for himself. Young ran for the pure pleasure of running. We must run our race for the sheer joy of serving the Master, the Lord Jesus, and blessing others. When others quit, we must keep running. At times the race does seem to be long and hard. On those occasions, we must keep our eyes on the prize. The Lord Jesus is just across the finish line. Like Theresa of Avila once said, “When Jesus plants that first kiss on the back of your neck, all your trials will seem like one night in a bad hotel.” My prayer for you, my dear brothers and sisters, and myself is that we will be able to say at the end of our journey, we have fought the good fight, and have finished the race, and kept the faith. Ken worked for seventeen years with Youth With A Mission, primarily involved in discipleship training and evangelism. He is the author of The Chicken Farm and Other Sacred Places, published in 2011 by YWAM Publishing and Broken Vessels in 2021 through Kindle Direct Publishing. He holds a Masters Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Curriculum and Instruction. He currently is a freelance writer. He lives with his wife Sharon in Mechanicsville, VA. They have two daughters and six grandchildren.
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Discerning Gifts By Craig Ruhl
Craig Ruhl is the Managing Editor of Faith On Every Corner, he is also a writer and handles the business side of Faith On Every Corner, LLC.
When I was in high school, one of my complaints was–what in the world would I ever do with much of the education I was receiving? Seriously, I had no intention of ever being a chemist, poet, economist, or world history professor. I certainly would not need to speak and write in fluent French. But, to pass grade levels, graduate, and then attend college, the education system deemed these classes necessary. I just wanted to gain a liberal arts education and get on with life. My parents, particularly my dad, saw things differently. I would be the third generation of engineers, come hell, high water, and regardless of my aptitude and attitude on the matter. I did graduate high school and studied engineering in college. An average grade point and being a fairly talented football player helped. After two years at college, my grades and student behavior caught up with me. The dean of men and I had a heart-to-heart talk, and shortly thereafter, I enlisted in the Navy. My rebellion against being told what to study and how I was to make a life for myself, post formal education, caught up with me. I was literally adrift—a young man, a high school graduate, with two years of college, and not a plan for my future.
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It was during my time at sea that I gained some clarity on the direction I wanted my life to follow. I started to seriously consider what God had in store for me, and I sought His guidance in the matter. For me, wisdom and discernment didn’t come easy, mostly because I was not very good at listening for His voice. Even with sufficient time and an often-serene environment, my focus just wasn’t where it needed to be—on God’s voice. During this time, along with two shipmates, I started reading the Bible, seeking guidance. In our studies, the subject of spiritual gifts came up. Our discussion led us to think back to when we were young. What was there about us that was unique? In what aspects of our lives were we most comfortable? This introspection unearthed a different way of looking at myself. I wondered, could this be the way God sees me? I wanted to know more. On a sheet of paper, in one column, I started listing what I perceived as my skills. In another space, I wrote out my interests—those things that really turned me on and brought me the most satisfaction. In a third area, I tried to look at myself as God would and marked down what I felt he was telling me were the gifts he had granted me. Contemplating the completed chart, I determined what I considered the major gifts God granted me. It was a revealing process, one I repeated frequently over a period of almost two years. Unfortunately, I lost those papers, journals, and study notes in a home fire a few years later. I would love to review them now—almost fifty years later. But, today, my memory will have to suffice.
I found it interesting the connection between the class subjects I had studied in school had limited correlation with what I wrote on that piece of paper, with just a few exceptions—reading, writing, and social studies. I actively used these in pursuit of what I most enjoyed doing. Please don’t misunderstand, throughout my lifetime, my knowledge of many other subjects enabled me to have fruitful employment, manage a household, and generally be a productive and responsible citizen. I am thankful for a well-rounded education, but I realize those few areas where my strength and passion lie. It is exhilarating to glimpse what God intended for you, and yet it is so difficult to stay centered and avoid being drawn off course. After working for many years in a variety of positions in several industries, using the gifts granted me from God, I can now concentrate on continuing using those gifts and the talents gained during my lifetime to fulfill the mission I feel God has set me on. Karen and I publish Faith On Every Corner Magazine. I edit and write content for the magazine, edit and proofread manuscripts for authors, and write reviews of the many books I read each month. The gift of encouragement is especially clear in what I do–inspiring and helping other writers and readers to use their gifts and talents. I recently found an old tri-fold paper report card from when I was in first grade. The school was Belinder Elementary School in Prairie Village, Kansas. My teacher was Mrs. Lilly. The completed report card for the 1953-1954 year shows C to B grades and Satisfactory Work Habits, and Personal and Social Development. Mrs. Lilly hand-entered each grade and check mark with a fountain pen in blue/ black ink. My mom signed an acknowledgment for each quarter. What immediately caught my attention was the introduction on the report card titled Our Philosophy:
Our philosophy of education emphasizes a clear understanding of the interests, characteristics, abilities, and needs of the individual, the way he learns and the kind of society in which he lives. The function of the school is to encourage and assist each child in developing his individual talents. The school should provide opportunities for each child to grow in social usefulness to the end that he will become a responsible participating member of the society in which he lives. The child moves toward this goal by living through experiences which provide for growth in: • Proficiency in the use of tools and resources of learning. • Ability to do critical thinking. • Responsibility as a member of a democratic society. • Mental and physical health. • Appreciation for aesthetic contribution toward the enrichment of life. • Sensitivity to ethical and spiritual values. • An understanding of the community in which he lives. That is a pretty good place to start formal education. Coupled with the firm foundation of biblical teaching, I later in life discerned my gifts from God and developed the talents that have served me well, and others, over my lifetime. “For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.” (1Corinthians 7:7 NKJV) “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:6-8 NKJV) Note: Background photo from 1953-54, Craig is in the center at the top, next to the red line!
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Take God On Vacation by Yvonne M. Morgan
What happens to our faith when we go on vacation? Do we still go to church, pray, or read our Bibles? I know I let some of my faith life fall by the wayside as I wind down on holidays. And, as COVID restrictions ease and people receive their vaccinations, I think this summer season will take many people away from home for a break. Will we neglect God so we can enjoy this time off? Could you imagine what would happen to our world if God took a few days off? Thankfully, God does not abandon us at any point in our lives. He goes with us and protects us even when we forget to include Him in our plans. We see how God remains near us in this passage from Psalm 137: 7-10 (NIV) below: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” So, how can we incorporate Jesus into our vacations? Let’s look at some ideas to help us stay connected. In Planning Pray for God’s guidance on the plans for the trip. Ask God for His protection throughout the journey. And look to Christ for areas of life that need relaxation and refreshment. 26 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 25
In Reading Many people like to pick up new books for summer reading. Instead of the usual beach read, why not pick up a faith-based book. There are many excellent Christian fiction writers. Pick up a fun, light-hearted read that still has Christ at the center of the story. These stories will keep us connected to God. In Nature Plan to spend time in nature. Take a hike, climb a mountain, or swim in the ocean. Let God speak to you through His creations. Enjoy the bounty He provided for our enjoyment. And praise Him for the gift of time to refresh our souls. In Interactions When you go to restaurants or tourist locations, go out of your way to treat the workers with kindness. We can shine the light of Christ on all those we encounter. A warm smile and a kind word can open the doors to conversations and new friendships. In Service We can use our vacation time in service to others. Mission trips offer great ways to connect service and vacation. But maybe an entire week of service feels overwhelming, so plan a single day of helping others. A little research reveals many places that accept this kind of short-term help. Or make a special donation in honor of the gifts God provides. Be Open Vacation offers us a chance to break out of the mundane patterns of life and see God anew. We can hear Him through refreshed ears. God wants to reveal Himself to us and wants to draw us closer to Himself, even on vacation. Are you open to an encounter with God on your next holiday?
Verses to Encourage 1 Corinthians 3:16; “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (NKJV) 2 Thessalonians 3:16; “Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!” (NASB) Ecclesiastes 3:13; “Also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.” (ESV) Matthew 11:28; “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (ESV)
Daily Bible Study
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Myanmar Orphanage
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)
The situation in the town surrounding our orphanage is dire. The military controls the town and has shut down all the schools and hospitals. And, the COVID cases are climbing. Please consider helping us as we provide for theses children. Donate at https://www.paypal.me/oreinc Yvonne M Morgan, Christian author and speaker https://yvonne-morgan.com
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DEAR CARL By Anna Friend
Hello, Dear Carl fans, I am thankful for your support of Carl’s mom. She has made a fresh start in the new year. In her mid80s, continuing to thrive for quality of life and establishing a legacy of family love. Carl’s mom had lived in North Carolina for most of her life. She was a southern transplant and had enjoyed the culture, hospitality, and high regard for kin—family closeness. She became a widow in her early 40s and has only one son. Carl was just entering college when his dad died. Carl married a beautiful woman (Donna) with ties in Arizona. He moved and established his home in Arizona soon after college. Carl has 2 sons and is a grandfather of 3 children. Carl’s mom had friends and community work she enjoyed in North Carolina that kept her from moving to Arizona upon her husband’s death. She had lived in the home where she and her husband shared most of their married lives. She eventually moved into a senior living cottage, where every week she sat at her dining table and wrote her son a handwritten letter, though he called her almost every Sunday. Near her ending years, she moved to Arizona to live with her son and his wife in Arizona. She continues to write her son letters to put away for him to read after her passing for comfort and encouragement. This letter is one he would read after her death. She writes in the present tense because she is alive while writing them. I hope you enjoy. — Anna
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Dear Carl By Anna Friend My Dearest Carl, Today, we are on vacation! You and Donna have carefully planted me in the shade, poolside, at this opulent hotel in Vegas! Haven’t you heard this is “sin city”? I love it! I am sitting here in my Audrey Hepburn sunglasses with a wide brim hat, in this ridiculously bright swimsuit that Donna squeezed me into. If sitting here feeling the hot desert air warming my bones, while I sip ginger ale, is a sin, then God forgive me. However, I know better, son. Preacher Larry used to say our lives need margin for rest. You worked hard to retire, and you continue to work in your community. God wants you to enjoy the blessing of your labor. Thank you for sharing with me. I am observing guests here as they walk with poise and postures of confidence. Truthfully, they are arrogant. Since when do swimsuits come with fancy kimonos, scarves, and as Shirley used to say, “Bling, fabulous bling.” These aren’t young girls at this pool. It’s too early for any young people. I find myself looking at their suits, their tainted libations, and their finessed manicures and pedicures. The men carry themselves the same as the women. They reek of strong cologne and gold-rimmed sunglasses. Their hair in ridiculous come-overs. It is a fashion show! I am not complaining. It’s quite entertaining. Sad, however, is their speech. Not much profanity but they are commanding with demeaning statures and words. Pool staff hurry to their requests for fresh towels the minute a drop of water hits them. They critique drinks for being too warm or too iced. I want to get up and help the staff gather towels, collect glasses, and respond to the ridiculous requests. Some woman sharply told a young man that the water was too warm as she sat in 100+ degree weather with only her toes in the water. What was the kid to do? Add ice to the pool? Goodness! Donna gave me strict orders to relax, and only wade in the shallow parts of the pool. She said to leave the brooms and work to the staff because they could get in trouble if guests helped. So, while you two are enjoying your spa treatments, I sit here and pray. I pray for those I critique, for the staff, for my heart to soften, and for the pool to miraculously cool down for those seeking refreshing cool water. Serving God never goes on vacation. I can pray. I can speak life into the staff with compliments, tip them well, and clean up after myself. I can use manners like “please” and “thank you”. I can display the standard of dignity and love we are to give to others to see Jesus in us. I don’t think we have to sit with our Bibles and piously posture our Christianity but, rather, live it out. I have sat here for over an hour now. A petite girl with hair down below her bottom approached me and said I reminded her of her grandmother. Don’t you love that? I guess this swimsuit didn’t camouflage my age. She said her grandmother used to write letters all the time. She said sometimes to strangers at random addresses, writing things like “I drove by your house today, and I love your flower garden. God has blessed you with His beautiful creation.” Wow, Carl, I was so touched. It wasn’t how I looked, but that I reminded her of her grandmother’s kindness. I choose to serve here by the poolside. I have asked the Lord to send me someone to share His love with. Now as for the broom perched beside my umbrella, I don’t know how it got there but it is begging me to sweep the chips and popcorn pieces a wee one left under her little cot. These staff kids are working hard to keep things pristine. Surely, they won’t mind if this “grandmother” gives them a little help. I know you are remembering these vacation days with me, your mom. Let your heart rejoice, son. I am on an eternal vacation, where serving our Creator is a joy and happiness is everywhere. Love, Mom All you who fear God, how blessed you are! how happily you walk on his smooth straight road! You worked hard and deserve all you’ve got coming. Enjoy the blessing! Soak in the goodness! (Psalm 128 1-2 The Message)
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Christina Sinisi writes stories about families, both the broken and blessed. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, her works include a semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest and the American Title IV Contest in which she appeared in the top ten in the Romantic Times magazine. Her published books include The Christmas Confusion and Sweet Summer, the first two books in the Summer Creek Series, and Christmas On Ocracoke. By day, she is a psychology professor and lives in the Lowcountry of South Carolina with her husband and two children, and cat, Chessie Mae.
PLANTING THE SEEDS… By Christina Sinisi I am blessed to have been a professor at a small Baptist-affiliated university, Charleston Southern University, for 27 years! The faculty and staff are all professing Christians, but the students come from all walks of life. The majority are Christian, but there are those who attend because the school is military-friendly or because we have much better parking than the other Charleston, South Carolina schools. Students identify as Wiccans, Muslims, and agnostic/atheistic as well. This atmosphere has been especially interesting in the context of my teaching a class titled, “Psychology of Religious Experience.” There is a controversy in that psychology, as a field, for decades dismissed religion as superstition or worse, as Freud put it, a double illusion. Religion, on the other hand, grew tired of being mocked by this social science and viewed psychology with suspicion. So, between the years of 1920 and 1970, the field was, for all intents and purposes, dead. Now, in opposition to Freud’s dismissing and derisive words, contemporary psychology and therapy embraces the positive outcomes associated with being involved in a church family and having faith—perhaps too late for some whom science drove away from God, but clear and definitive in their results (e.g., thousands of studies demonstrate that regular church attendance is associated with a decrease in depression).
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Fast forward to this class I teach. Over the last two decades, I have taught about research in many areas where faith and psychology intersect. I also require reactions to prompts about students’ own faith stories and their experiences. I once had a student from Turkey share with me that a Christian faith sounded so good to her, but fear of reprisals when she returned home made her hesitate. Atheist students once became so angry when Christian classmates argued their case that the former shut down in-class discussion and gave me scathing teaching evaluations. Last spring, a student wrote that the class wasn’t interesting and all this writing was excessive. The fact is, much like the sower in the parable, I don’t know whether the seeds I planted took root. “And he spoke many things to them in parables, saying, ‘Behold, the sower went out to sow, and as he sowed, some seeds fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate them up. Others fell on the rocky places, where they did not have much soil; and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of soil. But when the sun had risen, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them out. And others fell on the good soil and yielded a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.’” (Matthew 13:3-8 NASB)
I do know that there are students who write, “I have learned more about God in this class than in my religion classes,” and “As a student at a Christian university, I would love to have had more opportunities to take classes that were blended… this class was phenomenal from a psychological and spiritual standpoint,” and “I feel closer to God as a result of this class.” So, the bottom line for me is—bloom where I am planted. Not all professors undermine students’ faith and I know that God waters seeds that I have even forgotten. Praise His Holy name. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 11:19 KJV)
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The Worth Of Your Words By Joseph Akinrinola
Your word is you, and you are your word. The worth of a thing is its value and its effect. In essence, the worth of your word is its effect on you and the world around you. How valuable and efficient a person’s word is the respect it commands. See it this way. The president doesn’t need to be present before his directive has an impact.
The difference between Joshua and Caleb, among the twelve spies sent by Moses to spy on the Promised Land, was their statement. (Hebrews13:25-33, 14:1-10) Unfortunately, the word of an individual can determine the fate of an entire family, community, nation, or the world. The pronouncement of the ten spies destroys the entire generation, except Joshua and Caleb in the wilderness. Your word can save you In this short piece, I want to establish the two ways or destroy you. That was what happened with the two your words can show their worth. I will share two robbers crucified with Jesus. Ideally, two of them were instances to drive home my point. The tongue has the physically and spiritually condemned. But, one used power of life and death; those who love it will eat its his word wisely by admitting his sin and soliciting for fruit. (Proverbs 18:21) Jesus’ mercy. (Luke 23:39-43) Let us look at God, the creator of the word himself. (Genesis 1:1-31, Psalms 33:1) He spoke the world into existence. God confirms this at creation, his promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We saw a similar issue concerning the servitude of the Jews in Egypt and Babylon as God delivered them according to his promise. God fulfilled his redemptive promise in Genesis centuries later in Jesus. Since you and I carry the gene of God, our word would be creative like God. We can see how this played out in the life of Joshua. (1 Kings 16:34) He made some pronouncements after the defeat of Jericho and left. Those words came to pass after several decades. The man who became the object of that fulfillment might have initially thought it was a mere coincidence, but later realized the statement of a man was the reason for his calamity.
What determines our words is the state of our mind. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (Luke 6:45 NIV) You can’t be greater than your thoughts. Therefore, what you think is what you will say and become. The scripture says let the weak say I am strong. (Joel 3:10) Though our physical condition may dictate otherwise, we must confess what we believe and where we want to be. Notwithstanding, positive confession will only come from a refined mind. Positive confession during the storm of life is one mark of a reformed mind. That you can or cannot are two possibilities. Either way, you will be right. Let me give these two instances to prove the worth of your word. (continued on next page)
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A pregnant woman in public service made a statement about her maternal leave. She said she would apply for sick leave after delivery, so she can stay longer at home to rest and take care of her baby. Soon after her delivery, she felt sick. This took her through the official maternity leave. Afterward, they gave her sick leave. But because she was not yet physically okay, the organization extended her sick leave. Though she had some of the best and finest medical attention, she never got better. Curiously, she suspected a spiritual dimension to the sickness. However, prayers had been going on for her, but this new knowledge made her add intensity to the prayer. One day, while agonizing in pain, prayer, and weeping, she heard a question from the Holy Spirit. God asked if she was tired of enjoying the sick leave she desired to get after her delivery. Like a thunderbolt, the worth of her words dawned on her. It was now she pleaded for mercy. She told God in her prayers she was only joking. You can see how powerful our words can be. Shortly after that, she recovered from her sickness. Let me round off with my experience. One day, not long after our marriage, I was sharing a moment of fun with my wife when I made a statement. I said we would celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary in our own house. At that time, we were living in a single room and sharing the kitchen and other conveniences with the other seven tenants. Beloved, it came to pass the way I said. Well, I did not remember saying such a thing until the Holy Spirit reminded me while praying. In disbelief and joy, I wanted to thank God, but I was weeping. This was because I cannot believe what I said casually could come to pass. It was a miracle because my qualifications and income were not near anything that could change my fortune that soon.
I am Joseph, an author, blogger, and content writer from Nigeria. In the field of writing, I deliver unique, grammatically correct, and plagiarism-free content. Currently, I work with three online firms specializing in motivation, human capacity development, lifestyle, relationship, and spiritual writings. You can find Joseph on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/2228667160717043
Beloved, what happened to you is not as important as your reactions to it. The worth of your word has an immediate and future value—more than you think. Remember what God told the children of Israel in the wilderness. I will do to you according to your confession. Therefore, speak pleasant words to your life and others. Soon you will reap an excellent result. (1 Peter 3:10)
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Road Trippin’ In Lynchburg, VA by Karen Ruhl
Lynchburg, VA was a wonderful trip. There is plenty to explore along the downtown riverfront, or drive across the bridge and take skyline photos from the park. Can you say TRAINS!?! Craig and I were tickled when we took a turn in downtown Lynchburg that ended up in a train yard with trains moving in and out and all about! I had already photographed the two abandoned train stations (photos) along the river when we found this fun place. We watched as the Engineer skillfully backed his big engine up and then dislodged a car, then he was redirected to another track where he picked up a line of cars. Later while down the road a bit, the same train passed us and the Engineer smiled and waved - what a treat! If you like trains, you must visit Lynchburg. There are so many abandoned buildings and factories in Lynchburg. The city is doing an amazing job rebuilding downtown. I don’t like to see buildings falling apart - but I have to admit, I do like having the opportunity to photograph them! More on next page.
All photos by Karen Ruhl - copyrighted 2021
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All photos by Karen Ruhl - copyrighted 2021
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Sites around town
James River Trestle
There is so much history to see in Lynchburg, VA. Load up the family and spend a few days in this historic and beautiful area.
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Trusting God in the Writing Process By Chrissie Kenaston
Have you ever dreamt of doing something that seemed impossible? Too far-fetched to become a reality? I certainly did! More than once! Here’s how I learned to trust His plan even when it didn’t line up with mine.
Almost 15 years after giving up my dream of becoming a ballerina, I decided it was time to dream big again. It was time to write my book! I was now a mom of 3 and my youngest was 2 years old, so I felt like I could finally make it happen.
As a child, I wanted nothing more than to become the prima ballerina of the New York City Ballet. I spent all my time, energy, and parents’ money on this dream. I danced 5-6 days a week, many hours a day. I did nothing else!
For years, I’d wanted to take part in National Novel Writing Month, (NaNoWriMo), which takes place every November. That year, it seemed like the perfect way to get my book done! I’d write it in 30 days, which is the challenge of NaNoWriMo, and then see what God did with it.
But the reality of ballet is this—if you aren’t born with certain physical gifts, you’ll never become a prima ballerina. It doesn’t matter how hard you work; it just isn’t possible. And by the time I was 19 years old, I realized this dream would never come true. It wasn’t part of God’s plan for my life, and I had to accept that. But I had another big dream—to become a published author. A dream I never expected to come true. In my mind, becoming a published author seemed as realistic as becoming a rock star. So I ignored the dream and pursued more practical goals in college and afterward.
Sitting down on November 1st, I started writing. I knew I didn’t have a novel in me, but more of a memoir that would help bring people to Jesus in the chaos of our daily lives. I’d seen the massive transformation in my life and my family as we’d all drawn closer to Jesus over the last few years, and I felt as if God wanted me to share that with as many people as possible. So, the writing process began. I planned to write one chapter each day until the book was done, and I knew exactly how to begin—in the middle of the mess. I quickly wrote the first 3 chapters, and then I stopped. I did not know what to write next! I went to bed that night and woke up the next morning with the next chapter’s topic ready to go! I wrote that chapter and once again did not know what would come next.
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I went to bed again and woke up the next morning with the next chapter’s topic ready to go again! And that’s how it went for the rest of the book. It was my personal “manna from heaven” moment. God gave me one chapter each day, and I had to trust that I’d wake up each morning with another chapter in mind. I also had to trust God’s plan when He told me the book was finished. The goal of NaNoWriMo is to write 50,000 words. When I reached about 40,000 words, I realized God was telling me it was done. And I knew His plan was much more important than a 50,000-word goal! The book was complete. And again, I did not know what to do next. It actually sat on my desktop for the next two and half years! I wasn’t sure anything would ever happen with it. But I trusted that God would help me bring it to the world eventually.
My hope and prayer are that this book will help women in the chaos of marriage and motherhood find their way back to Jesus, (or for the first time!), and remember how we can trade all our guilt for his amazing grace. No matter what season we’re in, we can always draw closer to Christ and invite His peace into our busy lives.
Chrissie Kenaston is an author and copywriter who believes in the amazing power of God’s saving grace to get us through the ups and downs of marriage, motherhood, and, well, life. Her first book on the subject, What If I Name Her Grace? was published in June 2021. You can read more about her journey as a Christian mama at chrissiekenaston.com.
Finally, after those two years had passed, God brought someone into my life who was connected to a publishing company. She gave them my book proposal, and they gave me a book deal! Now here I am, three and half years after I wrote the book, finally seeing it come to life! Did I hope it would happen sooner? Yes. Did I try to make it happen myself? No! And I’m so grateful that I trusted God’s plan with my book. Who knows what would have happened if I’d tried to take matters into my own hands? Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. (Psalm 37:5-6 NIV) My book is titled What If I Name Her Grace? You can find it wherever books are sold starting June 29, 2021. You can preorder it before then and be one of the first to get a copy when it ships at the end of the month!
Click on book cover to see book on Amazon.
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An Amazing Service Experience By Karen Ruhl
When I moved to California, all of the homeless people surprised and discouraged me. I don’t remember seeing homeless people when I was growing up. And, I remember clearly the first time I saw the growing problem in our country. I was visiting Washington, D.C. in the ’70s, walking across the street from the Watergate Hotel heading back to my room. As I walked further, I saw a movement under a stack of newspapers that were over a sidewalk grate. All of a sudden, I saw a man sit up. He looked so old, his clothes were tattered and torn, and filthy. He had stuffed newspapers in his clothes for warmth and was lying on the grate for the heat. I started to cry and hurried my pace to get to my hotel. I didn’t have a clue what to do. My heart hurt so badly, and to this day, I can still see this man. I asked someone at the hotel about the man and they told me to stay away from any homeless person in the city. They told me that many kind people are robbed, and even hurt physically by the homeless population. All I could think of was this poor man, cold, probably hungry, and needing help. I was not anywhere near where I am now in my faith; I didn’t even think about praying for this man.
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When we were in California, Craig and I would shop at a dollar store and get everything from gloves, scarves, hats, and some food items, like crackers or tins of tuna, and we made up packages to keep in the van. We would take days where we would drive through the areas where we knew the homeless lived or stayed during the daylight hours. We would pull up and find one person to give a bag to. We learned quickly that as soon as someone saw us handing out our bags, many more in need would surround us. I forgot to mention that we also put a track in each bag, and I was always willing to pray with anyone. While driving around, I saw an older man sitting on a garden wall. He reminded me so much of the man in Washington, D.C. and I asked Craig to stop. On this particular trip out, I had found socks at one of the dollar stores and we added them to our bags. As I got out of the van, Craig told me to be careful approaching the man. I looked at him and he had his shoe off. His foot was bleeding, and he was so tired. I asked him if I could give him a bag with a hat, scarf, gloves, and some food. He was so very grateful. But I continued to look at his feet and asked him if I could put new socks on his feet. I would say that I don’t know why I offered, but I do know. God had directed us to this man to let me help him. He knew this man needed someone to help him put new socks on those damaged feet. I held back my tears until I got in the van. But they came, and they still come when I think of these two men.
Try not to judge those who are homeless, or those who need a hand-up. The Bible tells us in Matthew 7:1-3 KJV: “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” This is not easy. We have almost been trained to look down on others by watching television programs, listening to the news media, and watching our neighbors and friends. Below is a woman I met on Hollywood Blvd. She wanted something to eat. I bought her a meal at McDonald’s. She is someone’s daughter, possibly someone’s mother, or friend. I prayed with her. It is my hope that she was able to find a place to live and is doing well today. I asked if I could take her photo and post it, she said, yes, please do.
For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’ Deuteronomy 15:11 NKJV
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Faith On Every Corner Bookshelf Christmas On Ocracoke By Christina Sinisi Reviewed by Karen Ruhl
This book should be made into a movie, it has everything that makes us want to watch with surprises along the way. Annie has a young son and is making a big change in her life. I always hesitate about what to write so I don’t give anything away! She inherits a cottage on Ocracoke Island and heads there to make a new start after a failed marriage. She is braver than most but still has to worry about how she will manage with her young son. Why would someone leave her a cottage? Well, you will just have to read to find out.
Click on book cover to purchase this book. Available on www.scribblersweb.com/store.html or on Amazon.com
Hurricane Dorian had recently hit Ocracoke Island and left a huge amount of damage. Is her cottage still standing? Will she be able to move in like she planned? Did she make a big mistake bringing her son all of this way without knowing the future. I could not put this book down and read it through in two sittings, putting it down only because I had work to do and sleep was calling me! I highly recommend this well-written, enchanting, surprise-filled book by Christina. I will be looking for more of her books.
If you would like us to review your book, please contact us at Team@FaithOnEveryCorner.com
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Faith On Every Corner Bookshelf Sisterhood of Faith By Shirley Brosius
Reviewed by Karen Ruhl Sisterhood of Faith is a daily devotion book that is quite different from others I have read. It features stories of women who have made a difference by trusting God. Each day you will read a verse and then read about the woman’s act of service, her message, and her story. There is a place to write your response on each page, making this book a treasure you will keep forever. The idea for this book began in the mid-1990s when the author was invited to instruct a seminary course on women in ministry. I decided to keep a journal of my answers and to have this book to read again each year. I highly recommend it for your daily reading. Click on book cover to purchase this book from Amazon.com.
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Faith On Every Corner Bookshelf
Click on book covers to purchase these books on Amazon.com.
The Sad Little Wildflower by Yvonne M. Morgan Reviewed by Karen Ruhl
ABCs from the Bible by Yvonne M. Morgan Reviewed by Karen Ruhl
In this book, the little wildflower struggles with self-worth until Jesus tells her that she has worth.
You children will want to turn the pages to find out what each letter stands for in this delightful book. Yvonne Morgan writes wonderful meanings for each letter of the alphabet. At the end of the alphabet, there is a section on Teaching Children about our Faith.
This book is written so that a young child will understand it. I believe it will help any child who may be struggling with their identity and help them find it by getting to know Jesus and how He works. I always looked for books like this when my son was young. I highly recommend you have one in your home library for young ones who may visit and purchase some for your young children or grandchildren.
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Jeanne Conway beautifully illustrated this book. I recommend buying a few books and donating some to the local church libraries and your favorite kindergarten, or early elementary teacher. What a treat!
Faith On Every Corner Bookshelf The Words of My Father by Mark Nemetz Reviewed by Craig Ruhl This endearing book is a must-have for parents and grandparents with young people in their lives. The story involves a father who uses the Lord’s Prayer to teach his son about faith, family, gratitude, and fatherhood. At bedtime each night, a portion of the prayer are discussed as the son asks the meaning of the words and his father provides explanation though sharing his personal stories and life experiences that the young boy can understand. The son is encouraged to ask questions, express his feelings about the words in the prayer, and share his own life experiences. The mother is brought in to provide insight as only she can. Together the father and son develop a deeper, fuller relationship.
Click on book cover to purchase this book from Amazon.com.
The Words of My Father is a fabulous book that brings peace, understanding, and comfort to parents and children and will be wellread through the generations. It is a wonderful addition to nightly prayer time.
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Mike Buchanan is a Christian writer and the author of the book Mountains of Hope Surrounding the Valley of Cancer. He uses his writing talents to further Jesus’ Gospel.
What Will You Do On Your Summer Vacation? by Mike Buchanan
“Did you have a chance to share the Gospel on the trip with the children or anyone else?” I remember one of my least favorite assignments in school was the dreaded annual “What did you do on summer vacation?” essays our English teachers had us do. Back in the day, math was more my forte, and I spent my better summers as a benchwarmer for a couple of League baseball teams. This wasn’t the stuff to write home about, let alone write an essay for a class project. Those days are decades past. If you wrote about your summer vacation or Spring Break, Christmas Break (not going to call it a Winter Break), what would it be about? More importantly, what COULD it be about? I had the opportunity to sit down recently and talk to someone who gave up some of their work vacation time to go down to Mexico to work at a children’s orphanage. They were gracious enough to allow me to share their thoughts on it. I’ll call her Marie. Here is some of my conversation with her: “Thanks for taking the time to share about your experiences, Marie. What made you decide to go to the orphanage in Mexico?” Marie: “I felt like the Lord was leading me to do something for others. When someone stood up and shared the need in my Sunday school class, it felt like the right time to go.” “What was the thing you remember most about the work you did?” Marie: “The smiles on the children’s faces. You could see they appreciated us being there. “What was the hardest part of the trip?” Marie: “The environment wasn’t comfortable.” 46 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 45
Marie: “Not really, not with words. I shared my love and hoped it would share Christ. We took Bibles, but we didn’t have an organized time where we personally shared the Gospel.” “You made a sacrifice of time and money to go help those children. Did you ever consider what you might have been able to do for yourself with those resources instead?” Marie: “I have had plenty of opportunities to do for myself. It was time for me to think of somebody else.” “What would you say to those on the fence about where or how they can get involved in local or distance ministry opportunities while on vacation?” Marie: “Ask your local church, your small group leader, or your pastor about what opportunities are available. There are plenty if you look for them. You will find the time and money spent on such an endeavor far more satisfying than anything you can do for yourself.” “Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and experience.” Marie: “You’re welcome.” You may think, I can’t go anywhere, Mike. Do you go to church? Do they have a Vacation Bible School? I know traditionally it’s done in the Spring or Summer, but what if you volunteered to help run one in the fall or winter break? Maybe you can lead an ongoing Bible study at an assisted living facility. Your city has homeless people in it. Take a few weekends and work with a shelter to find ways to set up ongoing ways of meeting their needs. You can serve on vacations if you have that luxury. You DON’T have to wait on a vacation, however. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray the Father would send laborers into the harvest… then BE one of the laborers.
Remember This Verse By Craig Ruhl
Craig Ruhl is the Managing Editor of Faith On Every Corner, he is also a writer and handles the business side of Faith On Every Corner, LLC.
Last month, I started a new habit. I want to intentionally focus on the words written in red in the Bible, the words universally accepted as spoken by Jesus Christ. My New King James Version of the Holy Bible contains the New Testament which includes this red lettering. A new journal, The Daily Kairos Journal, prompted my decision. The format of the journal recommends I choose a specific Bible verse each week and then commit that verse to memory. On the daily pages, there is space provided to write out the verse, making it a repetitive task each day. The memorization part takes more effort than merely writing the words. I chose to write and memorize a new red-letter verse each week to get an even deeper understanding of the messages Christ asked us to understand and absorb into our hearts and minds. The act of writing the verse on my journal pages each day emphasizes the scripture and helps me commit it to memory. As a backup, I also write the verse several times a day on a piece of paper. Writing and memorizing a scripture verse is fine, but it is also important to gain insight into the context in which our Savior spoke the words. To do this, it is helpful that I also read the entire chapter in which the verse appears. In conversation and writings, we often take Bible verses out of context. I want to avoid doing that. In my effort to memorize key verses, I also want to be on a firm footing with the meaning of each verse. The aid of an excellent study Bible is almost essential in accomplishing this. It is also interesting to read the different Gospel accounts of the words of Christ, especially how consistently they were recorded. Memorization was never a strong skill for me while in school. However, this new discipline is enjoyable, and I am sure it will bear fruit for years to come. “Then He said to them, ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.’” (Luke 24:44 NKJV) Note: Karen and I will offer a review of the Daily Kairos Journal later in the year after we have used it for an appropriate time.
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I am Esther Florence, from Chennai, India. I love the Lord Jesus, His Word, and His people and am keen to spread the Gospel in whatever way I can. I am a content writer and editor by profession and can be reached on Facebook as Esther Florence.
Poems By Esther Florence
Dear Lord I see an empty canvas, only botches of sorrow and pain, I see sickness and death, anguish and suffering, People in loneliness, in depression, sinking into depths of self-pity, Broken homes, lost jobs, and helpless children, Everything seems black, everything seems dark. Panic has gripped us and is almost governing our lives, A virus has masked us and is causing us to hide, Could you please paint our world again? I also see your beautiful universe, the blue sky, the beautiful ocean, The white lilies of the field, the gorgeous red roses in the valley, The planets, the galaxies, and the heavenly bodies, The greenery all around, the chirping birds, and the dancing peacocks, Perfect imagery of an amazing canvas of life and brightness and color, Lord, if only we invited you earlier into our world, If only we asked the God of the universe to take control of our world, If only we didn’t keep you out of our lives, Our homes, our schools, our churches, If we didn’t leave you there knocking at the door, Our canvas would also have been perfect, dear Lord, definitely perfect! Forgive us Lord and visit us, we pray, Could you please paint our world again?
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My Hiding Place The dense fiery storm stared into my eyes, The wind, the turbulence, the dark, scary clouds, The roaring waves, the furious sea, The dreadful, gloomy, windy night, Yet dear Lord, was I not afraid, For I hid myself under your feathers, I took refuge in the shadow of your wings. The roaring lion, the deceptive serpent, the ferocious wolves, Tried to frighten me with their snares and traps, The arrows, the bullets, and the darts of evil, Were hurled at me with tremendous aim, Yet dear Lord, was I not afraid, For I hid myself under your feathers, I took refuge in the shadow of your wings. The scorching sun, bleak and unsmiling, Endless stretch of sand with no sense of direction, Treeless, hideous expanse with no oasis in sight, The hot dry winds in this lonely, barren wilderness, Yet dear Lord, was I not afraid, For I hid myself under your feathers, I took refuge in the shadow of your wings. The beautiful blue sky, the soft breeze, The chirping birds, the clear sparkling brook, The pleasant raindrops, the dancing peacock, The magical sunset, the serene mystic beaches, Even in these precious seasons of life, I will feel secure, dear Lord, under your feathers, And will take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
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Serving While On Vacation Means “Go” By P. Diane Buie
Thinking about how to share my faith and how to serve others, as a Christian, while on vacation reminds me of the wise words of a pastor-friend from many, many days gone by. Almost 20 years ago, I was graduating from seminary at Campbell University Divinity School and was being ordained as a minister in the Baptist faith. I had my eyes set on being an international missionary and was ready to conquer the world, so to speak, in those last few days of graduate school. As I write these words, I look back at a younger me and smile. Such dreams and hopes I had for myself! What courage I had as well. How did I have so much energy? Fast forward almost twenty years and although life did not turn out as I had envisioned, I still have God’s joy, purpose, and peace in my life. I was not able to serve as a missionary internationally, nor did I continue serving a church in the traditional role as a staff minister. Despite these changes, I can still recall words from my pastor-friend in NC who reminded me of The Truth of scripture found in Matthew 28: 19-20. (We will call him “G” since I cannot ask his permission to use his real name here).
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To any believer of Christ, these verses are familiar and ones you have probably memorized. They are so common to us we can read them with ease; sometimes, we can forget their meanings. Jesus gave all followers of His a mission in life no matter where we live or what we do for a living. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..” is just part of this profound challenge. During those last few days of seminary, my friend, “G”, told me that no matter where God led my life after school, God’s purpose for me was still the same; “Go… to all nations.” “We go to all kinds of places every day of our lives”, he said. “We go to the store. We go to school. We go to work. We go to soccer practice. We go to church... We go in our cars…” You get the picture right? His point is as clear as water in a crystal glass. Being a Christian who serves others daily means taking my every day, taking my walking-around life, taking my driving around life, and giving it as an offering to God so others can see Him in me. So, it is on any day of the year; even on vacation days, I must strive to be an example of Jesus to others. I think about this friend of mine from years ago and I know he is right. I have often thought of this scripture in various seasons of my life and I have found them to be renewing to my spirit. I think about this verse as I write these words and I know I must strive to be more intentional in sharing my faith with others daily. I know God can help me show others who He is. I thank my friend, “G”, who years ago gave me such a profound and prophetic word in my life. I did not know then that today I would need these same words! I am grateful for godly friends like “G.”
I pray God helps us all to enhance His kingdom through our efforts of “go-ing” into all the world this summer! May God help us to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NASB) Wouldn’t it be great to write a story for autumn’s issue (Faith on Every Corner) where we share how God used our lives this summer to better His kingdom? That would be a story worth reading and worth sharing! God bless you and yours this season of summer. I pray it is refreshing to your soul and to the souls of others!
Diane Buie has always had a desire for teaching the lives of young children (and their families hoping to lead their faith to one that embraces God and His son, Jesus. Diane has taught preschoolers, been a church staff minister for children, a “lunch lady,” and bus aide with Special Needs Children. The education, nurture, and care for preschoolers and children has been at the heart of Diane’s work. She writes occasionally with Union Gospel Press and is self-publishing children’s books for preschoolers. She also has authored a novel for young adults, What If Birds Could Talk, an autobiographical story about dealing with chronic illnesses. You can find her books on Lulu.com and Amazon.com. Diane has a Master’s degree in Divinity and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education & Child/Family Studies. She lives in Greer, SC near her parents and adult siblings. When she is not writing or reading, you can find her being crafty, gardening, and hanging out with friends and family. You can find more info about her from the following social media sites: buierocks2002@wordpress.com PDBuie@pd_bee (Twitter)
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Defining Moments By Dr. Wilbert Ratledge
I am convinced that for each human being there are moments of insight that change the direction of our lives. They come in a flash, with no forewarning, no drums or trumpets. Looking back, we see them as lampposts on our path, still illuminating the way we have come. This morning I want to share with you one of the most important defining moments from my life. It came in 1986, the worst year in my life except for the year that my wife had cancer surgery. The college where I taught had closed its doors in December 1985, the victim of a series of misguided decisions by the board of directors. I was unemployed for seven months, and the offer of a position at another college fell through. I was very frustrated. As I drove somewhere in Dallas, I remember telling the Lord, “What am I going to do? I have given my life to serve You.” As clear as could be, a voice said in my spirit, “What I want to do in you is more important than what you want to do for me.” That moment has illuminated the rest of my life. The Lord is more interested in what we are becoming than what we want to do for His glory. He wants us to become like Christ in our attitudes as well as our actions. What we do comes out of who we are becoming. May we consider these defining moments of insights from the Spirit of God, who guides us into all truth at key points in our lives. By Dr. Wilbert Ratledge, who eventually went on the become the retired Professor of Humanities Emeritus at Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota.
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When I Think Of All This... By Gini Walker
My favorite prayer in scripture begins with “When I think of all this”... and when I read those six words I need to pause and ponder about “all” what? This prayer is Ephesians 3:14-19 NLT. I have to go to chapter two of Ephesians to discover the fullness of “all” and what caused Paul to say that he “falls to his knees.” Me? I weep. The division in our world today caused by hate is reconciled in chapter two’s words: “He (Jesus) made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups.” And what does this have to do with me–(Gini)? I went to Proverbs 21:30 for my answer: “No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD.” In Jesus, there is unity and no plan to divide can stand against it. Jews and Gentiles represent ALL of humanity. Paul was given the responsibility of bringing the Gospel to Gentiles, I being one of them. Every word I read in scripture written by Paul is to me and any non-Jew on planet earth. I love the red ribbon of Christ’s redemptive blood that runs its true and final course through God’s Story—Genesis through Revelation. God the Father is the creator of everything in heaven and on earth. Through His Spirit and Christ, my roots can grow down into God’s love and keep me strong. As I understand and experience this awesome love, I can be complete with the fullness of life and power from God. This is the promise of this magnificent prayer in God’s Word. And hopefully, as I live out this promise I will be a part of bringing peace to others with Christ beside me, over me, behind me, and in front of me. This GREAT news is the absolute best for my hurting and dying world. The daily push by the evil one to divide can be pushed back and away by HIS unifying redemptive love. All praise and glory to HIM.
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Serving with Compassion and Gratitude! By Chad Thieman
Sustainable and continual success always has and always will require serving others and hard work. This is true on earth, and this is true in the Kingdom of Heaven as well. Christ was and is our greatest example of a leader who served and worked on behalf of the Kingdom of God. His is the ultimate success story, and genuine success is only found in Him and through Him! Therefore, our success story must be written through our personal ministry in Christ. The primary way that we fulfill our personal ministry is through planned service towards others. Even though it is ideal to plan how we serve and work on behalf of the Church and those we are witnessing to, sometimes circumstances can alter our plans, as a greater opportunity to serve becomes apparent, or perhaps even necessary. We should always view these unplanned circumstances as “investment opportunities” in the Kingdom of Heaven and serve others with compassion and gratitude. Christ taught us that the greatest leaders in the Kingdom of God are likewise the greatest servants working for the Body of Christ and on behalf of all humanity. If you want to be great in the Kingdom of God, then you must serve continually in some form or another; if you want greater reward and treasure in heaven, then be compassionate and grateful in your service towards others.
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There are several ways in which we can serve and work on behalf of the Lord through our personal ministry. We can contribute with charitable giving, we can share our resources and access with others, we can use our talents to bring blessings to those in need of them, we can mentor others in the Gospel through discipleship, or we can simply come alongside other believers and assist them in their ministry for the Lord. The greatest leaders in the Kingdom of God will put all of these concepts into practice and do so daily with kindness and joy. The two greatest qualities of a leader are being servant-minded and having a good work ethic. The more we serve others and are productive in the work that we do, the more we learn how to avoid failure and achieve true success in Christ both on earth and in Heaven. All of our life experiences can be used to benefit our personal growth and maturity in Christ, and to help us develop our leadership skills for the benefit of His Kingdom. We must put in the time and the effort, but this does not mean that we have to labor hard for the rest of our lives. Our Lord told us that His yoke is easy. He will carry the weight of our burdens and take care of everything around us, as long as we continue to focus on investing in our ministry in Christ.
Click on book cover to buy Chad’s book on Amazon.
To be a successful servant-leader, one must invest their time, talent, and treasure into others daily, and if they do so wisely, they will see a glorious return from the Lord. Of these three, the time investment is perhaps the most important of all. Time investment has three options and three outcomes: positive, negative, and stagnant. Whichever you invest, you will ultimately receive the same back, and you might see an increase. Some serving opportunities require greater amounts of time investment than others. We can greatly reduce our time investment through networking and partnerships, as well as through the wise application of time, talent, and treasure. Investing our time in other people through mentorship is one of the most important and influential things that we can do. As the old saying goes: “It is better to teach a man to fish than to give a man a fish.” In the Church, believers typically refer to mentorship as discipleship. Christ commanded all His disciples to become “Fishers of Men,” and to go and make disciples of all nations. This is how we serve and work on behalf of the Kingdom of God, and this is how we partake in the greatest success story of all, that of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (John 13:1–17)
Chad writes Christ-centered and faith-filled poetry, parables, proverbs, devotions, and inspirational short stories. He and his wife, Tina, live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They both enjoy walking in nature, inspiring others, and living out their faith in the local community. Chad’s books are available on all major online book retailers.
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Serving The Lord Is A Wonderful Way To Go On A Vacation By Cindy Oriol One night after I had returned from my mission trip to Ukraine, Cissy called to ask me if I wanted to go on a mission trip with her to Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, a poor coal mining area to help renovate dilapidated homes because the coal mines had been closed for many years. I told her I would have to pray about it because a lot of my funds had recently been used from going to Ukraine. But I knew if the Lord wanted me to go, He’d make a way and He did. So, in October 2004, our team loaded their vehicles with all the materials we would need to work on the projects that were given to us, repairing houses that required our attention. Our first evening was spent getting to know one another. Our leader asked if there were any of us that wanted to share their testimony. I spoke up and shared a song that with the help of the Holy Spirit, I wrote for Jesus while going through some really painful storms. It is to the tune from Love Story, a movie that came out several years ago. After I had finished, I glanced around the room and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room, including mine. The team came up and hugged me and thanked me for sharing some of the hardest storms I endured. One member, John, shook my hand and said he was really touched by the words. Our Lord works in mysterious ways and at times answers our prayers quickly. The moment I held John’s hand I knew he was special, but little did I know until the Holy Spirit spoke to me, later, that John was the Christian man I had been praying for and he would be my husband one day.
The first job I was assigned to had been switched. At the last minute, they sent me to a lady’s house to help clean it up and to remove the boxes that were trapping her wheelchair from going anywhere. She was in a wheelchair because she had multiple sclerosis for several years. Her health continued to make her so weak, to where she could not walk anymore. After I finished cleaning everything, I went to her and saw that she was crying. On our first night there, a friend gave each of us a wooden cross necklace. She told us to give it to the person whom we thought might need it the most. As I was wiping away her tears, she asked me, ‘Cindy, what would you do if your children left you?” As I was removing the cross from my neck and putting it around hers, I said, “Hold tight to Jesus and He will get you through it.” I had just recently gone through storms myself, so this was a reminder that the Lord will never leave us. He is with us, no matter what trials we may go through. I don’t know if you have ever had the ladies of your church cook you a home-cooked meal. If not, you are truly missing out on the most delicious meal your taste buds have ever had the pleasure to taste. After a hard but productive and enjoyable day, we would all go to this beautiful old church for our meal. As we entered through the metal doors, we could smell fried chicken and all the fixings and the sweet aroma of all the delicious-looking pies. There were so many different kinds to choose from: lemon, apple, cherry, rhubarb, and peanut butter chocolate. It was hard to choose which one to eat first.
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On the second day, after a wonderful sleep, they sent some of us women to a house in the country to help a lady who could no longer do any of her chores. She had emphysema and was on oxygen 24/7. The men were working on her roof, installing new windows and supporting the beams of her front porch, while we women cleaned her bedrooms and put her things in containers, so she could reach them easier. We were going to paint her kitchen, but after we began washing down her walls, we could see that they didn’t need it. The kitchen was cleaned and now it was time to wash the floor. By the time we were finished, the entire place looked refreshed and new. The woman began to cry and told us, “I have been praying for the Lord to send me some angels, and here you are.” We, through the Holy Spirit, had made her house into a beautiful home. On the last day of our adventure, both the men and women worked on a home owned by a very sweet lady that lived out in the country. She needed her windows and siding repaired. The men attended to that while we ladies were given the opportunity to paint her veranda that stretched halfway around her home. After we were finished and had added her last colorful flamingo plate with matching placemats on her patio table, she began to cry and said, “You are the angels I have been praying for that would come and help me. The words Thank You are just not enough.”
Fireworks
Rolanda T. Pyle While sitting here looking up in to the sky It causes me to reflect and wonder why Do we love fireworks in all their splendor and array? But don’t always appreciate differences in life in the same way. Part of the beauty in fireworks are the different colors bursting on display Each shape, size and sound project in its own unique way. We love this in fireworks, but often miss the beauty of this in life Where differences seem to cause division, prejudice, or even hatred and strife. But once we realize that it’s the differences that make us human. Whether race, nationality, gender, size or for what we stand We will love and appreciate each other right from birth And enjoy and celebrate our differences just like fireworks!
To renovate old houses and put a smile on the faces of others that wanted to give up because they thought no one cared for them—now that’s a vacation! We were so blessed to be able to serve the Lord in this way. The next time someone mentions the word vacation to me, I am going to sit back and remember this trip. Vacation is having fun while serving the Lord and putting smiles on their faces. As for John and me becoming man and wife, or not, before our second trip back down here, you will have to just wait for that story.
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Five Things You Shouldn’t Throw Away By Michael Wells
#1 FRIENDS “God has given gifts to women and men but none so precious as the ones you call friend.” Something I wrote years ago. Truth be told, life can be very lonely. It is only by the communion of the One we can’t see and the fellowship of those we can see that make life bearable and even enjoyable. I’ve seen some dismiss a friend for pettiness, never to have them back again though they may try.
Life is filled with tragedy and strife. Objects are touchstones for memories. We keep the good and release the bad. This is not to deny the bad but to cherish the good. As we grow older, we may need to relive some of those good times and events of our past. Open that box in the closet. Fill your rooms with wonderful memories because they are some of the things you should not throw away.
Friendships take effort to maintain, but they are invaluable when needed. May we show mercy to them in their failings as we often do to ourselves. Yes, friends are a gift. Ones we walk beside, at times hold up and others hold us tight. Something so hard to find should not be thrown away so easily.
#3 YOUR LIFE When we were young, we thought ourselves invincible. Looking back, many of us can say, “I could have died doing that.” Time, relationships, and achievements have taught us to be more cautious. But still, some, in the midst of gathering all this world has to offer, have by neglect thrown away what is of most importance.
#2 MEMORIES For many, these are all they have left. Life moves by so fast we barely have time to juggle the events of the day, much less catalog and archive them, but one day we will need to remember. We collect mementos along the way in life, from travels and events. We display them, we appreciate them and then we pack them away. At some point, we consider discarding them but that would be a mistake.
It is your life in Christ. As Paul writes, we only get one life, and then we are to be judged. It would be foolish to gather all things here and give no thought for there. It is never too late to redeem the time and your life. You have but one life to live for God, live it well. To do otherwise would be to throw it away.
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Click on book to order. #4 THE MOMENT It usually comes at the most inconvenient of times. A split-second decision we will make. Many times we will say next time, wait a minute or not now, but that moment will never come again though we may yearn for it. Granted we cannot fulfill all requests in our time and that’s why we need discernment. Some moments are needful and can be life-changing for someone else. But there are other moments needful only to us. How often do we ignore the tug at our spirit to take a break with the Lord, to turn aside from the crowds, to walk up to the water’s edge? To steal away to the hillside or close the door in our upper room. Moments with God are often spontaneous and no two alike. They are a refreshing breeze to the spirit for those who will stop and turn, face the wind, and hear what the Spirit is saying in the moment. #5 YOUR FAITH Faith is a journey of the soul that grants encounters of the God kind. We read many times in scripture where faith was needed to make that connection to the supernatural. We are told we need it for all aspects of our relationship with God. Much is written of faith in God. Though it is tangible, it ebbs and flows. Life’s events and circumstances play havoc with our faith. Some have simply discarded theirs depending on self only.
Michael E. Wells has a passion for writing letters of Christian encouragement. With poetic style and moving messages, the reader is often comforted and consoled, inspired, and refreshed. Since his retirement from Federal Service in 2006, most mornings are spent penning letters of the heart. Tucked away in the foothills of Pennsylvania, he leads an idyllic lifestyle in a pastoral setting. This backdrop helps to set both mood and message for his many writings. You can find his book, “Morning Coffee with Words For The Day” at Amazon.com.
A lonely and tiresome effort to be sure. What was once child-like has now become skeptical. Faith as well as hope and love are the foundations of this life. Together they are the cord of three strands mentioned in Ecclesiastes. Faith holds you when family turns away and friends walk out, when uncertainty creeps in and whispers doubt. Faith—not something you throw away, for it is more precious than gold.
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Click to order Sharon’s books.
Serving While Vacationing By Sharon K. Connell
Today, because we don’t take a normal vacation like everyone else, I make sure I have those gospel tracts with me to hand out wherever I happen to go, be it the doctor’s office or the grocery store. Service for our Lord doesn’t stop when you go on vacation as it does for your employer. And the benefits someday will be out of this world. It’s that time again for most people. Summer is approaching and vacations are being planned. That used to be the routine for me as well. However, becoming a full-time writer has changed things. Not to mention the past year of concern over Covid-19. Also, being retired makes vacation a little unnecessary for us. I guess you could say we’re on a permanent staycation. But we love our home, so that’s okay for us. When I used to plan a vacation, my service to our Lord was automatically planned into it. I packed gospel tracts to give out wherever I could to whoever would accept them. Will I ever know what good they did? Not until I get to my final home in heaven. I prayed over those tracts. And someday, someone may walk up to me on those streets of gold and say, “It was that tract you gave me that led me to The Throne of Grace. Thank you.” Oh, what a glorious thought that is to me. If only one of those tracts were used by God to lead someone to Him, it will be worth it all.
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So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11 King James 1611 Bible) 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.
Brenda McDaniel is the author of My Angel My Hero with two more books soon to be published. She is from Roanoke, VA. She has a B.S. degree in Psychology and a M.A. degree in Counseling. She has enjoyed writing poetry and short stories, even as a small child. Brenda says she is now living her dream come true! You can find her book by clicking on this link: My Angel My Hero.
Doing God’s Will By Brenda McDaniel
Finally vacation time after a long hard year. The Lord brought us through one, of many, darkest tunnels in our nation’s history. The extensive troubles our nation endured are the pandemic, police/racial violence, and the resulting demonstrations. We also experienced a very turbulent time in the government of our democracy. All is slowly getting better now, but much still needs to be done. Masks and distancing, (social restrictions), are being slowly removed. Except in large crowds for those who don’t have their shots yet. Pandemic deaths are going down. And police reforms are being passed in some states. So we saved our democracy once again, with the help of our police, military, health workers, and first responders who honorably served our nation. So the weather is warm and nature is blooming. People are going on vacations to different destinations and enjoying their freedoms once again. My family is not quite ready to go on vacation yet. Because just 50% or less of our people are vaccinated. But we are enjoying being together. And also peace of heart and mind is returning with hope for the future. We as Christians can reach out to others. And help them mentally, emotionally, and physically by giving of ourselves—our funds to help those in need as well as giving our of our time and effort. We can help or volunteer at social service organizations, food banks, and groups that serve others. My quest this summer will be to reach out to others in writing articles of hope for Faith on Every Corner and writing numerous content on all my social media sites to help encourage others to find peace, hope, faith, and love. I also am writing helpful articles for Writer’s Digest. Right now my articles are my author’s journey—to encourage and help other new authors or those who want to become an author, sharing the things I’ve learned and mistakes I’ve made. I hope my writing is a blessing to others, as it certainly has blessed me in so many ways as a person, Christian, and author.
O sing unto the Lord a new song. For he hath done marvelous things: his right hand and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. (Psalm 98:1KJV) Brenda E McDaniel is an author. Her book can be purchased on Amazon. Click on the book cover to purchase.
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Trust Issues
By Hannarich Asiedu
Are you having trust issues with God? You’re not alone. Earlier this year, I was expecting an all-important email. I had done what I felt was humanly required of me. Now it was God’s turn to do His part. On the day I was expecting the response, I refreshed my email almost every 30 minutes from morning to midnight and many days later. I trusted God so much for the answer I wanted. But it never came. I never got that email. Trusting God does not mean believing he will do what you want, but rather believing he will do everything He knows is good.” ~ Ken Sande Most of us have issues trusting God because He may have failed to answer our prayers from the past in the way we see fit. We don’t realize when God says in Romans 8:28 (NIV), “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” It does mean all things, including answered or unanswered prayers. We may have believed Him to heal our sicknesses or that of our family and friends, and He didn’t. We may have asked Him for a financial miracle that never happened. We may have trusted Him for new businesses, new jobs, overcome an addiction, etc., which all did not seem to happen. Because of past unanswered prayers, most of us end up finding it difficult to trust God. 62 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 61
When Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego were thrown into the fire. They had trust issues too. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t have used the phrase “EVEN IF” in Daniel 3:18 (NIV), “But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” By admitting “even if” shows they had some doubt that God may not deliver them. They had trust issues too. However, the difference with these three Hebrew men was that they had no plan B, C, or D. They only had a plan A—that God will deliver them. If He didn’t, so be it, they perish in the fire. When Queen Esther approached the King, though she had not been called, she was scared and had doubts too. Yet, she stuck to her plan A and trusted God. Then boldly declared with no plans B, C or D that- “if I perish I perish” (Esther 4:16) We make backup plans for ourselves, just in case God does not come through for us. As humans, we don’t want to be left hanging. So, we make plans A then B, C, and D. It is only rational and wise to do so. But trusting God is total surrender. We trust God in complete abandonment that He will come through, no matter what. We choose a plan A and stick to it to the very end, and we believe even when the physical evidence says otherwise. That is the premise of our faith in Heb 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Otherwise, our faith is pointless if it is only based on physical evidence without God’s supernatural workings.
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom Below are three principles to help us overcome our “trust issues” with God:
IN CONCLUSION Hebrews 11:16 (NIV) says, “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
1. ADMIT OUR DOUBT If we are to trust wholly, we must be honest with God. He sees our hearts and minds. To start on a process of trusting God, we need to come completely clean with Him. Confess our brokenness and hurt with Him. Admitting our hurt is the first step to trusting God again. 2. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS It is easier to remember the times God did not come through in our lives than to recognize the times He did. No wonder David said in Psalm 103:2 (KJV), “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:” We focus on those grand things God does and forget the “little” but vital things. We would not even be alive without these “little” miracles–waking us up every morning, taking us to and from work, school, etc. When our trust is wavering, let us make a conscious effort to remember the big things and the seemingly little things. Having a heart of gratitude is one of the ways we can trust God more. When we are grateful to God for His faithfulness in times past, we are more apt to believe He will come through again.
Hannarich Asiedu is an addicted lover of God. She is happily married, Mom to three little guys, and lives in Dallas with her family. Hannarich believes happiness is contagious and longs to see everyone she encounters enjoy a happy and fulfilling life. She is the author of the upcoming book “DECODING THE IN-LAW CODE.” She has a bachelor’s degree in English and French and has been in Management overseeing Corporate Relationships for almost a decade now. She has various non-fiction books in the works and is a public speaker and a Certified Life Coach. For more information on her book releases and other works, please visit her website on http://www.myhannarich.com
3. EXPOSE OURSELVES TO GODLY MATERIAL When we are having trust issues, we must continuously expose ourselves to godly material through sermons, songs, audio bible, books, etc. Presently we have access to the word of God in several forms. If any generation has no excuse for not finding God’s word, it is ours. We build our faith and trust by how much of God’s word we know. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:2 (NIV) to desire more of God’s word so that we can grow “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”
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Gittel Fruma came to believe in Jesus after growing up as an Orthodox Jew. Gittel lives with her husband and son in Clearwater, Florida. She is currently working on a book about her testimony and recording her first album. You can find her at her website GittelFruma.com or on Facebook at @GittelFrumaMusic.
T H E P O W E R O F PAT I E N T P E R S E V E R A N C E by Gittel Fruma Fear is a substance. It fills and spreads where it finds space. It suffocates and darkens any place it enters. Remember the last time you picked up the phone to receive bad news. Do you remember how fear gripped your heart and stole your breath from your lungs? That is the substance of fear.
Our faith is in Jesus Christ, in His birth through the Holy Spirit, His sinless life, His death for our sins, and His resurrection to eternal glory as the King and Coming Savior of our world. Our faith is in Christ, the Word of God, Who granted us “His precious and very great promises.” (2 Peter 1:4 ESV)
Now faith is an altogether different substance. Faith stills your mind on Christ and pours life into your veins. Faith stands you up and gives you the strength to go on. Faith says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear.” Faith is the substance we have access to as believers in Jesus.
It is these promises that carry us in our time of need. These promises are what we hold on to when fear tries to supplant faith.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 ESV) This word “assurance” in Greek refers to a foundation, a structure, a substance, a guaranteed reality. We are not assured in our ignorance of something imaginary. We are assured of our foundation, of a real substance that grounds and guides us in everything we do. Faith is the spiritual law of gravity. It needs no introduction or explanation. Spiritual beings see it and are aware of it. This is why we walk by faith. 64 | M AG A Z I N E N A M E PAGE 3 63
We all have the promise of salvation in Christ, the promise of citizenship in the Kingdom of God which cannot be shaken. We have the manifold promises in the Word of God to His people, to those Who love Him and serve Him. We may also have personal promises spoken to us by the Holy Spirit Himself or through His prophets. We have these promises, precious and very great. But these promises will get us nowhere if we let go of them. “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” (Hebrews 10:35-36 ESV)
Faith requires a promise, but the fulfillment of a promise requires patience. You can’t pull the promises of God out of a microwave or pay more money for express shipping. The promises of God often take time. And what a great pity it is when we lose opportunities given to us by God because we can’t wait on Him. When Jesus was brought to the Temple for the first time, He was greeted by two people. Simeon and Anna were both advanced in age and through their patience met the promised Messiah in person. Anna had spent many years in the temple, fasting and praying for the redemption of Israel. Simeon had held on to his promise that he would see the Christ before he died. Without patience, they would have not received their promises. We also need perseverance so that we can withstand the temptations and trials we will surely face along the way to our promise. Gehazi was Elisha’s servant and certainly stood to inherit the mantle of the prophet he served, as Elisha has inherited a double portion from Elijah when he was taken up to heaven. When Naaman was healed of leprosy and offered Elisha earthly treasures for his advice, Elisha refused the gifts. Gehazi, although he had seen the work of God through Elisha and knew how powerfully his master was in the Spirit, thought he could deceive him. Gehazi did not persevere through the temptation of wealth that Naaman presented, chased after him, and lied so Naaman would give him clothing and silver. Thus, Naaman lost his position and gained leprosy. We cannot give in to the lie, the fear, that what God has for us is less than what we can do for ourselves. We must hold on to the promises of God, have patience and persevere. You have need of endurance so you may receive what you were promised. We are all waiting for the fulfillment of our promised Messiah’s return. You may also be waiting on personal promises God has made to you. While you wait in the Lord, do not lose hope. Do not give in to fear. Hold on to your promise. Have patience as you wait in the Lord. Persevere when trials present themselves. Do the will of God and receive what He has promised you.
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A Photo Tribute To Anne Spencer While visiting Lynchburg, VA, we passed this house and wondered who Anne Spencer was. Should we have heard of her? We continued on to our next destination and didn’t think too much about her until I met someone and asked if there were places we should explore. If you like to go Road Trippin’ like we do, be sure to ask the locals for interesting places to visit. I am doing a photo tribute of her yard which the Master Gardeners in the area keep in great shape. Please click on this link to learn more about this remarkable woman. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/anne-spencer Anne Bethel Spencer was an American poet, teacher, civil rights activist, librarian, and gardener. While a librarian at the all-black Dunbar High School, a position she held for 20 years, she supplemented the original three books by bringing others from her own collection at home. All photos by Karen Ruhl - copyrighted 2021
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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 Managing Editor Craig Ruhl Photography: Karen Ruhl (unless otherwise credited) Staff Writers: Craig Ruhl Karen Ruhl
Submit Articles For Consideration to: Team@faithoneverycorner.com Phone: 828-305-8571 www.FaithOnEveryCorner.com
©Copyright: Faith On Every Corner 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
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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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