Changing Times Christmas 2021

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Your Guide to Living a Victorious Life Your Guide to Living a Victorious Life

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Volume 19, Number 6 www.changingtimes.info

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For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

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Christ Was The Star In The Apostles’ Eyes, Is He The Star In Yours?

Christ craved the sympathy and love of His friends at all times; but as the darkness deepened about Him, He turned to them with special yearning. He wanted to have them near Him. He wanted to lean upon them, and to receive strength and inspiration from them. Before He entered the awful experiences of the cross, He wanted to eat with them and by this close fellowship be made more ready to endure, and so He called them together to eat the first Lord's Supper.

There is in this, a wonderful revelation of the human-heartedness of Jesus We all turn instinctively to human friendship for help as we find ourselves in the midst of trials. We want someone near us when we have

to suffer. We clasp the hand of one we love, and feel upheld and strengthened by the warm, faithful clasp.

There is a wonderful mystery in this influence of life upon life.

Nothing in this world is as terrible as the desolation of loneliness, reaching out in the darkness and finding no human hand to touch or clasp. And there is no other earthly help so real, so true, as that which we get, in such hours, from the presence of friends.

How human it makes Christ seem to us, how near of kin to us, to see Him longing so for the strength He might get from a quiet hour with His disciples! But Christ was thinking of the disciples as well as of Himself. He wanted to comfort their hearts before He left them.

During three years He had been with them, He had drawn them to His bosom and held them close to His heart. He made them the sharers of all His life and they had learned to lean upon Him. All their hopes rested in Him. They could

From the Editor not live without Him. But now He was to leave them.

We can never altogether understand the trial through which the disciples had to pass when they saw their Master torn away from their head and led to his cross. It was more than any mere sorrow of human love when the dearest friend is taken away. Remember what a friend Jesus was: spotless, faultless and pure, rich to divine fullness in all tender affections. There never was such another friend. Then remember, too, that besides being their friend, He was their Savior.

All the hopes of their souls rested upon him, and they had not yet grasped the hope of His resurrection. His cross was the extinction of every light of joy and love to them.

Jesus understood all this. He saw them as they were about to enter its gloom. He yearned for them, and most intensely desired to eat this last Passover with them, that He might impart consolation and strength to their hearts and thus pre-

pare them for passing through the deep darkness.

This was the great desire of Christ as He gave His life in unselfish sacrifice. He poured out His own holy blood, that he might fill a cup of infinite blessing for sinners. But here is a blessing within a blessing. While preparing eternal salvation for His people, He sought to comfort His friends, during the few hours of a starless night which must hang over them before morning could break in full glory. He desired to strengthen them to endure the sorrows which He saw coming upon them.

We remember how He used that hour with the disciples. First, He ate the meal with them. Then He gave them the Lord's Supper, as a memorial. Then He opened His heart to them in the most wonderful farewell words that ever fell upon sorrowing spirits. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in See CHRIST on Page

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Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” – Mark 10:27

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT The Shadow Of God's Wings

"How priceless is Your unfailing love!

Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of Your wings!"

(Psalm 36:7) Is there a grief in your heart, which grows into a nagging pain? Is there a hint of a coming sorrow that you see looming over you?

Remember that it is the shadow of God's wings and so it is safe to receive. Crawl closer under them.

Earth has nothing so gentle as true mother-love; but God's wings that fold down over you, are gentler than even mother-love; and you can never get out from beneath them. They hold you close to the gentle heart of the divine Father. You need never be afraid while resting there. In the entire universe, there is no harm that can come near you. From your eternal refuge, you can look out with confidence on the fury of earth's storms and be at peace. The wildest of them cannot touch you in your refuge!

"Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in You my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed." (Psalm 57:1) "Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings" (Psalm 17:8) J. R. Miller

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Changing Times

CHRIST Continued from Page 3 Me. In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am.

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid!"(John 14:1-3, 27) Thus, He hung, as it were, a thousand stars in the sky for them, to shine down into their hearts while the awful night would wrap them around in its folds of gloom. The poor, weak disciples found the trial terrible enough, with all these sweet comforts in their hearts; but who can tell what it would have been for them, if He had not eaten this Passover with them, and spoken such words of strength and hope?

Who can tell if they might not all have sunk away in utter despair, had it not been for the help thus given them in advance? Amongst all the gloom, who knows how their hearts may have been kept from fainting by the memory of His sweet promises and counsels, and

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the visions of the Father's house and its many mansions, floating now in the night above them?

Jesus longed for the Passover to fortify His own soul for the conflict of Gethsemane and Calvary; but still more He longed for it, that He might tighten his frail disciples for their coming sorrow. Even now, in the gathering of the storm that was to burst over Him, He gave more thought to His disciples than to Himself.

Does not Jesus always foresee the coming trials of His disciples and make provision in advance to enable them to pass through in safety? Before the years of famine would come, He sends years of great plenty, that the storehouses may be filled to feed men's hunger.

While it is bright all around, He puts into our hearts the lamps of promise and of comfort, that when grief or trial comes, and the sun of earthly joy goes down, these hidden lights may shine down like stars when the day has gone. We are wise if we always take whatever lamp of gladness Christ puts into our hands.

We may not see its need at the time, but tomorrow it may be the only light to guide us in safety through ways of peril or death.

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FROM THE EDITOR

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The Family of God

The first chapter of the Bible contains a particularly confusing statement: “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness’” (Genesis 1:26).

Who is God talking to in this verse? In the very next sentence, we read that God “created man in His own image; in the image of God, He created him; male and female, He created them”.

This is perplexing. First God is talking to someone who shares His image, who also has the ability to create life—and in the very next verse, we see a singular God creating the human race. Every indica-

tion seems to suggest that God was talking to … another God? But that’s impossible. How often in the Bible does God remind us, “There is no other God besides Me” (Isaiah 45:21)? There must be another explanation. And yet, as we dig deeper into Scripture, we’ll discover the incredible truth: There is no other explanation. God was, quite literally, talking to another being whom He also called God. God, it turns out, is a family— and, most importantly, a family you have the opportunity to call your own.

• “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (John 1:1-3).

• We’re told later on that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), revealing that this Word—this being, who was with God and who was God— came to the earth as Jesus Christ.

• In time, Christ’s disciples came to understand that truth, acknowledging, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).

Slowly, a picture begins to

emerge. The Bible reveals two beings, both of them God. One of them carries the title of Father; the other carries the title of Son. Collectively, they form the God family and the deeper we search, the more we discover about that family.

• Paul tells us that he bows his knees “to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named” (Ephesians 3:14-15).

Paul’s remark about the “whole” family hints at one of the greatest truths of the entire Bible: The family of God is growing. It’s why you’re here. It’s why all of us are here. God is building a family, and He wants to make you part of it • John tells us, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:1-3)!

Those who faithfully follow and obey God are going to be like Him. The God family is a tightly knit group. Christ told us, “I and My Father are one” (John 10:30) and later prayed to God on behalf of all those who would one day come to believe in Him, “that they may be

one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one” (John 17:2223).

Those verses also tell us that becoming part of the God family requires the same thing from us, which doesn’t come naturally at all.

After all, “the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).

But that’s the thing: We don’t have to remain “natural men.” God gives us the opportunity to change and to grow. To receive His Spirit and begin the process of becoming something so much more than we could ever be on our own.

• The apostle Paul described the end of that process to his fellow believers, writing, “We shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. … For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:51-53).

God loves us. He wants the absoSee FAMILY OF GOD on Page 47

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Changing Times

Men The Best Of Intentions

By John d'Esterhazy

Anyone with a few years of driving experience has at one point or another hit what is known as “black ice.” You are driving down the road enjoying the drive when all of a sudden, without warning, you no longer have control of your vehicle. Steer right, you go left. Steer straight, you go right. It is a pretty scary thing; especially if you are going faster than you really should have been, or happen upon a curve in the road.

Now, if there was a sign posted that warned you to look out for black ice, then you could basically prepare yourself and adjust your driving accordingly. Essentially, a warning provides you with an opportunity, a chance if you will, to overcome an approaching obstacle.

However, without the warning, you face a greater difficulty in overcoming the obstacle. Unlike that red “check engine” light that we may ignore in our vehicles for long periods of time, most warnings in life, most especially those from the Lord, are not meant to be ignored.

Paul warns us in the book of Romans of an obstacle, or a common barrier present to all men desiring to live a life in obedience to God. “When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.” (Romans 8:21)

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Essentially, Paul is like the sign in the road, warning us that we need to be aware of the presence of evil each and every day. This “evil” can also be considered that potential to sin which exists in ALL of us.

EVERY time we have the best of intentions to be obedient, evil is right there pulling us in a different direction. Ask any man who has tried to live a life of obedience to God and he can share with you the draining process of being pulled away by sin while he struggles to reach towards Christ’s likeness. The best of intentions is often met with the best of adversaries. Like an offensive line vs. a defensive line in the muddy trenches, there is a war of wills to be won.

Remember however, that you are not alone. For the Lord reminds us, “I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20) I don’t know about you, but I certainly feel more at peace knowing that the

Almighty God has my back no matter what! Why? Because personally speaking, I am a knucklehead. So, knowing that the Lord is with me is quite reassuring! Like a fighter pilot with his wingman present, our Savior is watching our back.

So, let’s take a look at a few examples of evil showing its ugly mug, and calling you up to “chat.”

Think about how every April when you do your taxes, evil is right there telling you that you can add this or subtract that, in order to realize a greater return. Or remember how as you flip through the channels late at night looking for the day’s sports scores on Sports Center, how easily the television reminds you that there is flesh on practically every channel to be viewed if you so desire. Quick note - Flipping through the channels (especially if you have 200 of them) after midnight is just asking for trouble!! If you know what channel ESPN is on (which pretty much any guy does) just go directly to it! Better yet, it’s after midnight, just go to bed!

Keeping these things in mind, we need to be aware of the decisions we are making on a daily basis. Are the decisions we are making more in line with the good (God) or evil?

By aligning our daily decisions

with the direction that the Lord provides us in His Word, we can adjust our lives accordingly. Remember, the best part is – we are not alone!

So, we have been shown the warning sign, and we have the right intentions. Is that enough? Not a chance! Many have said that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Intentions without action are essentially a mere wishing.

They amount to nothing Just having intentions, hoping to be a “better person,” is like trying to catch the wind – it just won’t happen. God does not want an intention; he wants an action. The action of loving Him with your entire being and in utter obedience! “Do not merely listen to the word, do what it says.” (James 1:22) However, if we take a look at our lives – where we have been, the direction we are heading, the place we wish to be, then we stand a great opportunity to adjust our lives accordingly (like the car on black ice) and with a Strategy in hand, live in obedience to God. One final thing to keep in mind- As Winston Churchill stated, “However beautiful the Strategy, you should occasionally look at the results.” God is. ©2021 FaithWriters.com. All Rights Reserved >

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Cotton Candy Promises And Carousel Dreams

By Bob Valleau

Five-year-old Danny sees a commercial about a carnival in his town.

"Can we go to the carnival, daddy, can we?" he asks his single father who is buried under a pile of paperwork.

"Sure, Danny. sure. We can go, but not now. I've got to get this work done before tomorrow."

That night, while Danny's father tucks him into bed, Danny says, "Tell me about the carnival, daddy.

Is it fun? Does it have clowns?"

"It might have clowns, Danny.

But a carnival is like fun on wheels.

It has a ride called the carousel that goes around and around with makebelieve horses that go up and down.

Oh, and the best part of a carnival is eating cotton candy."

"What's that?"

"Cotton candy is fluffy, kind of like the stuffing in your teddy bear, only it's pink or blue and sweet.

And when you put it in your mouth, it melts. It's the greatest thing to eat.

Now let's say our prayers, and you go to sleep."

After they say their prayers, Danny's father says good night and leaves the room. Soon, Danny drifts off to sleep with visions of spinning horses and candy that tastes like his teddy bear. When he awakes the

next day, he asks his father if they are going to the carnival.

"We'll go, soon, champ. I promise. I have a lot of work to do, so I'll let you know."

Every morning, for a week, Danny pressed his dad to take him to the carnival. And every morning Danny's father reminded him of how much work he had to do. Yet, Danny clung to his father's promises that someday they would go.

Every night he dreamed of magical horses and colorful teddy bears made of sweet stuffing. Then one night, Danny mounted one of those horses while holding onto his bear.

He smiled and waved to no one there before he and his bear rode off into the sky . . . never to return.

The next morning, Danny's father entered Danny's room to help him out of bed and place him into his wheelchair. Immediately, he knew something was wrong. There was no, "Good morning, Dad," or Danny's question of the day, "Are we going to the carnival?"

The disease that plagued Danny, since he was born, finally took its toll . . . and Danny's father wept before he whispered, "I'm sorry, Danny, for not taking you to the carnival. But where you went is far better than anything this world has to offer. I'm glad you're with Jesus because He is sweeter than all the cotton candy, I could promise you, and you'll be able to ride His carousel of horses forever. I love you, champ."

Each of us faces demands that compete for our time and attention,

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Changing Times

Knowing Your Strengths

By Ken Coleman

And finding what you do well Did you enjoy doing something as a kid, but wrote it off as silly?

Were you discouraged from pursuing something you really enjoyed when you were younger? As a result, you might feel unsatisfied and frustrated with your direction in life.

Meaningful, fulfilling work happens when you use your talent (what you do best), to perform your passion (what you love to do most),

to achieve your mission (results that matter deeply to you). The more you understand yourself and what’s important to you, the more clarity you’ll have in your career— and the closer you’ll be to finding work you’re excited about.

Here are some questions to help you dig down and get specific: What kind of work comes easily to me?

Maybe it’s caring for your pets, or organizing your house. Maybe it’s fixing cars, or keeping a garden alive and thriving. Whatever it is, don’t judge the skill or underestimate its potential. You might think a particular skill isn’t a big deal, but you probably haven’t thought about all the ways that skill could transfer to the workplace.

What were my best subjects or activities in school?

Were you a piano prodigy? A great speller? Were you on the quiet

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side, but always ready to listen? All these are clues that can point you toward your natural talents.

What do people compliment me on?

Have you noticed any patterns in the comments or compliments you get from others? These could be simple or detailed, deep or surface level. I’m not talking about grandma saying you should be a model, or your dad saying you could be president one day. All that has value, but you should really pay attention to compliments from people who don’t already think you’re the greatest thing since sliced bread.

What are my strongest personality traits?

Don’t be humble with this question! Sometimes you have to give yourself a pat on the back, and be confident in the strengths you know you have.

Which skill set do I gravitate toward?

Are you better with people, manual labor, or data? Skill sets tend to fall into these three areas. Although, there are other areas, and it’s possible to be good at more than one Some people would rather talk to customers on the phone than make a spreadsheet. For others, picking up the phone is their worst nightmare. Some people like to make or fix things, while others are happiest crunching numbers at their desk. Take time to think about which of these categories, if any, resonates with you.

What’s usually my role when I’m part of a team project?

Group projects can tell you a lot about your strengths, and the kinds of roles you naturally fall into. Take stock of the last few team projects you’ve been part of, and see if a pattern starts to emerge.

What kind of training or experience do I already have?

Even if you don’t have a degree in a particular subject or haven’t had a certain kind of job, it doesn’t mean you don’t have experience in that area. Classes, certifications, trainings, internships, freelance work, or just doing something because you enjoy it counts as experience.

Maybe you’ve never had an education or paid work in event planning, but you’ve hosted plenty of dinners, been the best man or maid of honor for a couple of friends, or planned five years’ worth of birthday parties for your kids. That sounds like event planning experience to me!

You could take a few courses in event planning, and start building a portfolio from there.

Once you open up, dig deeper, and get to know yourself a little better, some of those career ideas you’ve had floating around in your head might not seem so farfetched after all!>

* Ken Coleman is the nationally syndicated radio host of The Ken Coleman Show and a #1 national best-selling author. He has been featured in Forbes, appeared on Fox News, Fox Business Network, and the Rachel Ray Show. Since 2014, he has served at Ramsey Solutions, where he offers expert advice to help thousands of people every day discover what they were meant to do and how to land their dream job. Follow Ken on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook , and YouTube or at kencoleman.com.

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Gratitude: The Attitude That Transforms

By Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

In her autobiography, Frances Jane Crosby wrote, “It seemed intended by the blessed Providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank Him for the dispensation.”

The doctor who destroyed her sight in her infancy never forgave himself, but there was no room in Fanny’s heart for resentment. “If I could meet him now,” she wrote, “I would say ‘Thank you, thank you’—over and over again—for making me blind.”

Crosby accepted her blindness as a gift from God with a special purpose. “I could not have written thousands of hymns,” she said, “if I had been hindered by the distractions of seeing all the interesting

and beautiful objects that would have been presented to my notice.”

For over a century, the church has reaped the benefits of one woman’s thankful heart as we sing “To God Be the Glory,” “Blessed Assurance,” “All the Way My Savior Leads Me,” and countless other songs that Fanny Crosby wrote in her lifetime.

The Choice That Lies Before Us Fanny Crosby’s example reminds me of a truth I have learned over the years. In every circumstance that comes my way, I can choose to respond in one of two ways: I can worship, or I can whine! You have the same choice before you.

When we choose the pathway of giving thanks, especially in the midst of difficult circumstances, a radiance issues forth from our lives to bless the Lord and others. On the other hand, when we give in to whining, murmuring, and complaining, we end up on a destructive slide that leads to bitterness and broken relationships.

Oh, what a price we pay for our

personal and collective ingratitude!

After more than two decades of ministry to hurting people, I have come to believe that a failure to give thanks is at the heart of much, if not most, of the gloom, despair, and despondency that are so pervasive even among believers today. I have also come to believe that many of the sins devastating our society can be traced to the root of unthankfulness.

Sadly, our modern culture is experiencing an epidemic of ingratitude. Like a poisonous vapor, this subtle sin is polluting our lives, our homes, our churches, and our society. But that means a grateful woman will be like fresh air in a world contaminated by bitterness and discontentment.

It all comes down to the choice we make about our attitude.

Gratitude Versus Ingratitude Consider with me some of the contrasts between a grateful heart and an ungrateful heart.

• Grateful people are humble; ungrateful people are proud.

• A thankful person is conscious of God and others; an unthankful person is self- conscious and selfcentered.

• A grateful heart is a full heart; an ungrateful heart is an empty one.

• People with thankful hearts are easily contented; unthankful people are subject to bitterness and discontent.

• A grateful heart will be revealed and expressed by thankful words; an ungrateful heart will manifest itself in murmuring and complaining.

•Thankful people are refreshing, life-giving springs; unthankful people pull others down with them into the stagnant pools of their selfish, demanding ways.

With contrasts like these, is not the better attitude plainly evident?

We are called to be thankful people, to recognize and express appreciation for the benefits we have received from God and others.

See GRATITUDE on Page 11

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Christmas 2021 9

WOMEN

Changing Times

What Your Hubby Wishes He Knew About Being His Wife

By Mary Ann Lepine

When my husband and I were married over 30 years ago, I didn't know what I didn't know about marriage, men, or relationships. I knew that I loved Bob and that I wanted to be with him until “death do us part,” and I thought that was enough. Love and commitment are a good starting place, but there's so much more to becoming one flesh.

I had no concept of what a godly marriage was like--no understanding of the sacrifices required or the pain that two people who dearly

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love each other can inflict. I also couldn't imagine the joy and blessing of being married to your BFF. Over the years I've read many books about marriage and I've come to realize that I will never be the perfect wife. I will never have it all together when it comes to “wifing.”

I’m still learning things about myself and about Bob . . . we change, we stumble, we grow and we move forward. But along the way, I have learned some practical, biblical principles about marriage that are timeless.

At the True Woman ’10 conference in Chattanooga, I sat on the front row in a large room with hundreds of women who had come to hear my husband speak on “What Your Husband Wishes You Knew About Being His Wife.” Ouch! He has a lot to say, and isn't shy about expressing it. His words were helpful, but very convicting for so many of the women in the room–including his wife!

Not that he and I haven’t talked about many of these things before; we have. But I need to hear them again. And again. I forget what I know. I start loving me more than he . . .

One observation Bob made during his message was that a husband needs his wife’s perspective. In our marriage, Bob has sought my input and counsel on issues. He has valued my thinking. He knows that there is wisdom in talking through situations and issues together.

Although we are a team, we see things differently. And that's okay.

What's not okay is for me to express my thoughts strongly, dogmatically, and definitively in a way that chafes against his leadership. If I say by my tone, “How could you think that?”, if I'm demeaning, harsh, rolling-my-eyes . . . that kind of attitude drives us apart and brings pain and isolation, rather than resolution.

I've learned (and continue to learn) that I must offer my thoughts with humility, grace, and deference.

I must show respect and be kind. I don't want to shut down my husband; I don't want to demoralize

him.

Bob, in his message at TW, also brought out the importance of giving grace and showing love to your husband when he sins or does something foolish. When I sin or mess up, does God give grace? Yes. Does He still love me? Yes, of course He does. And I'm thankful that His mercies are new every morning. But do I extend that same kind of grace to my husband when he fails? Or am I harsh, critical, judgmental? Am I prideful, thinking that I certainly would never do something like that?

But when I, as his wife, respond in grace to his failure, he sees Christ in me, is drawn to the beauty of Christ, and longs to become more Christlike himself. That's a blessing for both of us.

Ladies, not every sin and failure need to be brought up--sometimes we need to, in love, overlook. But, if an issue must be addressed, do so with gentleness and humility.

(Proverbs 19:11) says, “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”

One of the final issues Bob addressed in his message was the issue of . . . Intimacy. It's important. Very important. More important to our husbands than I think most of us as wives ever realize.

The “coming together” of husband and wife expresses love and acceptance to her man in a way that is difficult for a woman to comprehend. Take my word for it, or better yet, ask your husband. And go over to Reviveourhearts.com to listen to my husband talk about how marital intimacy brings encouragement and affirmation to a man.

I’m grateful for God’s mercy and grace in my life as I continue in this journey with my husband. I’m still

Scrupulous people are often laughed at.

"Why be so particular?

Why be so conscientious about mere trifles?

Why be so exacting and punctual in doing small duties?"

The answer is that in the matter of right and wrong, nothing is little; certainly nothing is insignificant. Duty is duty, whether it be the smallest, or the greatest task. You are on the highway to nobility of character, if you learn to be scrupulous concerning the smallest things. He, who is careful in little things, rises a step higher every day. He, who is faithful in little things, is then entrusted with larger responsibilities.

It is the small segments in life which are most important.

Look after the little things, and the greater aggregates will be right.

Make the minutes beautiful and the hours and days will be radiant.

"Well done, good servant, because you have been faithful in a very little thing" (Luke 19:17) "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:23) J.R. Miller

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learning. And even though he cohosts a radio program about marriage and speaks to couples all over the world, he’s still learning too.

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WOMEN

www.changingtimes.info

Listening To God

By Renee Swope

He can do only what He sees the Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son does also.

(John 5:19) I want to be a woman who listens to God. But, sometimes I'm not sure if it's God talking or just me thinking. And if I'm really honest, when I do sense Him whispering to my heart, I'm not always crazy about what I sense He's telling me to do.

Like the time I knew without a doubt God was calling me to share my testimony publicly. I pretty much ran from that assignment for a decade.

Yet, I've learned over the past twenty years that when I listen to God, I discover His best for me.

And, I grow my trust in Him. I've seen again and again that His ways lead to His goodness. And when I

follow Him, His mercy follows me.

At the end of my ten-year spiritual sprint away from what scared me most — sharing the story of my brokenness with others — I surrendered to what God was calling me to do. I started listening closely to Him and trusting completely in Him, so that I could experience a day-by-day abiding in His presence and promises. From there, His plans unfolded day-by-day.

Honestly, I thought I had been listening to Him all that time. But one day while I was praying about God's direction in some decisions, the Holy Spirit showed me that I had a habit of asking God what He wanted me to do and where He wanted me to invest my time. Then I went about doing that, without depending on Him for direction each step of the way.

Oftentimes, I would seek God for the larger plans in life, convinced that if I figured out what He wanted me to do then I could become the person He created me to be and fulfill the calling He had for me.

Have you ever thought: "If only God would show me what job to take; what man to marry; what church to attend, what ministry to

GRATITUDE Continued from Page 9 Paying Off Your Thankfulness Debt From time to time, I find it helpful to take stock of my “gratitude accounts.” I ask myself, is there any circumstance in my life for which I have never given thanks? Is there some blessing I have received for which I have not expressed gratitude? Often, I find that I owe a debt of thanks to at least one person.

Now, how about you? Is there an individual—a family member, a friend, an acquaintance, an associate, a teacher, a pastor—who has in some way touched or benefited your life and yet to whom you have not yet paid your debt by saying, “Thank you”?

Embrace the attitude of grati-

tude. Make a lifetime habit of giving thanks. You’ll discover that the world looks different when you learn to see it through the eyes of thankfulness.

Making it personal What outstanding debts do you have in your “gratitude accounts”?

At the first opportunity, offer warm thanks to those in your life who have been a blessing to you.

Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth © Revive Our Hearts. Used with permission. www.ReviveOurHearts.com.

serve in - then my life would be complete and I could trust Him with my whole heart"?

The problem is that sometimes we get a glimpse of where He wants us to go and then assume, we know how to get there. Or we get a peak at what He wants us to do and think we know how He wants us to get it done. How many times have I made that mistake and then wondered why I wasn't getting anywhere?

Over time, God has taught me that He wants my spiritual ears more than my spiritual efforts. He wants daily dependence, interaction and intimacy with me. And He is more concerned with my character than my calendar.

You know, Jesus depended on the Father for the large and fine print written in His life plan. He listened closely and obeyed quickly. In today's key verse, (John 5:19), we see His absolute dependence: "The Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees the Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son does also."

Like Jesus, we will discover

God's purpose for our lives through dependent hearts that seek to listen to His — day by day, moment by moment. Let's position our hearts, minds and souls to hear Him speak to us today.

Dear Lord, I want to become a woman who listens to You. I come to You today with a seeking heart, asking not only for direction but for discernment, humility and dependence on You -- each step of the way. In Jesus' Name, Amen.> Proverbs 31 Ministries

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Christmas 2021 11

Changing Times

Teens A High Integrity

Everything that is beautiful in life should be most earnestly coveted by every young person. Youth is the time for the building of character. What we expect to be when we are out in the world in mid-life, we must begin to be when we are in school. If we would have a good name at forty, we must do only

worthy and honorable things through the years that lead to forty.

Nothing is too small to take into the account in the making up of one’s life. We may say that there is no harm in this, that this little thing is not wrong, and that we would be foolish to care for such little things as preachers insist upon. But "trifles make perfection." It is often times, the little blemishes that mar the beauty of the character; and the little "no harms" that dim the luster of the character.

There are many little things which seem not to be sinful, not distinctly immoral, which yet indicate a low moral tone. It is very easy to grow lenient with one's self, to relax the severe demands of one's conscience, and to drop into little self-indulgences, which not many years past, one

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could not have been induced to admit into one's life. Many men find themselves doing things in their mid-years, which in their young manhood they could not have consented to do. There is need, therefore, for the cultivation among young people of a higher sense of honor, and the maintenance of a lofty standard of life and conduct.

There are many temptations to things which are not altogether honorable. Every such temptation should be met with unyielding firmness. Only the sternest and most rigorous self-discipline, will keep one's life up to a high standard in this regard. It is easy to think that what is conventional in conduct, is good enough, being as good as other people are. But we must take no lower standard than absolute perfection. We must set our watches by God's Word, not by any other person's watch. A high level of integrity would make it impossible for one to do anything petty or small, to speak unkindly of a friend, or to repeat a confidential conversation or anything told in confidence.

This law of integrity applies to all that one may learn of a family in which one has been a guest. There may have been little occurrences in the household life, which it would be easy to gossip about outside.

Sometimes even in excellent homes, there are small conversations at the dinner table, discussions which grow warm, differences of opinion about this or that. There may be family peculiarities, or little habits which seem strange. No one can be a guest for a few days in any home, without seeing or hearing something which it would be easy to talk about and criticize. But this is a case in which a sense of honor forbids any mention outside of what one may have heard or seen. A guest in a home is received in confidence; and the acceptance of the

See INTEGRITY on Page 47

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hospitality seals one's lips and forbids any comment or criticism, or the rehearsal of anything that would in the slightest way reflect badly on the character of the home or the home-life.

There are many other applications of this principle. Too often there is a lack of highest honor in friendship. There are many who are not careful in speaking of their friends in their absence, which joins too readily in criticism of them, when a fine sense of integrity would lead them to speak words of defense.

There is no truer test of friendship, than the way one speaks of another behind the other's back.

Another mark of integrity in friendship is loyalty when it costs something to be loyal. Our friend is in need of help, which we can give, but only at much personal sacrifice.

True love always serves. God so loved, that he gave. Love always gives, and the giving is the measure of the loving. Christ loved and served unto the uttermost. What we will do or suffer for one we love is the measure of our loving. Too many friendships are found lacking, when there is need for deed, as well as word.

A word may be said about integrity in money matters. There are some good people who are very negligent in paying their debts. The borrowing propensity is too much indulged. They are always getting loans of little amounts from friends and neighbors. They need the money only until tomorrow; but they forget, or at least fail, to return it. Young people should resolutely determine that in all such matters, they will maintain the highest integrity. As far as possible, they should "owe no man anything," keeping out of debt absolutely. And if they have occasion to ask a favor, they

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TEENS

www.changingtimes.info

How Your Teen Can Earn Money For College Next Summer

By Anthony ONeal

Okay, I get it. The last thing your teen probably wants to think about this summer is saving money for college. But let’s be real.

There’s no better time. They’re free from their normal responsibilities with classes and homework. And, after spending a ton of time at home lately, they may want to do something (anything) that gets them focused on the future, instead of the crazy, uncertain times we’re in right now.

Here are three things you can encourage your teen to do this summer that will help them add to their college fund:

Apply for scholarships One of the absolute best ways to get money for college is by filling out those scholarship applications like it’s a job. I usually recommend teens spend at least an hour per day on the scholarship application process, whether that means finding the ones they want to apply for, organizing them by deadline, writing essays, etc. That’s time they would have spent on social media anyway!

You can help by pointing them toward a good online scholarship search tool. And if they already have their high school diploma, remind them to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to see if they qualify for any government-funded scholarships or grants.

Make a budget This one is huge. Your teen needs to know how to make their money work for them, instead of the other way around. Sticking to a monthly budget is the way to do that. This is important no matter how old they are, and it’s a skill they’ll need for

the rest of their lives.

When your teen gets intentional about tracking their expenses, and looking for ways to cut back and save, they’ll be surprised by how much extra money they have to put toward college.

Your teen can use an easy, free budgeting app like EveryDollar to keep track of their income, purchases, and savings goals.

Start a business Speaking of an income, does your teen know it’s their most powerful wealth-building tool? Job opportunities look a little different now than they have in past summers, so they may need to get creative. There are still plenty of delivery services, restaurants, and grocery stores hiring right now.

Or, they may want to think about starting their own businesses.

Encourage them to brainstorm ways they can use their skills to provide services people need, whether it’s lawn care, dog walking, nannying, online or in-person tutoring, or sewing masks. Here’s some ideas to help them get started.

Whatever money-making route your teen decides to take this summer, remind them to take time to

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Christmas 2021 13

Changing Times

The Most Important Words To Say To Your Kids

By Erik Raymond

Parenting, like marriage, is usually not characterized by substantial events but hundreds of smaller things that accumulate and shape the relationships between parents and their children.

Personally, it’s hard for me to believe that my wife and I have been parents now for nearly 25 years. We began as non-Christians, were graciously saved, and then began learning the Bible. This had a substantial effect on our parenting.

Soon we started getting a better grasp on the gospel and its implica-

tions. We learned that the gospel isn’t only what saves us but also what shapes us as Christians.

Now, after seeing two kids grow to be adults and move out on their own and with another four still in the home, I understand even more the importance of a simple phrase we’ve tried to communicate to our kids. And even more than saying it, we’ve been attempting to model its truthfulness and power.

I commend it to you as the most important words I think you can consistently say to your kids.

Here it is: No matter what you do, I will never love you any less.

This summarizes our relationship. We are a family. And this relationship is not defined by what we do—either by doing good or bad. The kids did not earn their way in and they cannot do anything to change their status. They are fixed.

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My wife and I love them, no matter what.

To look into one of our kid’s teary eyes or upon their guiltgripped posture and say, no matter what you do, I will never love you any less, is powerful. And it’s reflective of God’s love for His children.

If you’re a Christian, then I’m sure it’s transparent to you where this comes from. God’s love for His children through Christ is not based upon our merits. We didn’t love ourselves into Christ, and we can’t sin ourselves out of Him. Love begins with God and extends out to helpless and hopeless rebels (Rom. 5:6-11; Eph. 2:1-10).

Our standing in God is based upon our union with Christ. We are “in Christ” (Eph. 1). Therefore, God’s love for us is fixed.

Indeed because of Christ, the Father says, no matter what you do, I will never love you any less.

Because of the gracious plan of the Father, the work of the Son, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, being in God’s family is a fixed status and His love. This is good news, indeed.

Therefore, as a parent seeking to reflect the gospel and instruct our

children, it is good to remind them and ourselves of this truth regularly.

No matter what you do, I will never love you any less. As you can imagine, these words are so appropriate and life-giving amid times pain, confusion, hurt, sadness, and disappointment.

To look into one of our kid’s teary eyes or upon their guiltgripped posture and say, no matter what you do, I will never love you any less is powerful. It’s meaningful. It’s sincere. It’s love from another world. It’s reflective of God’s love for His children.

This phrase will not save you from the pain and disappointment that is common in this world. But the sentiments behind it will provide a framework and a power for properly dealing with it.

I’ve never regretted saying this. I only wish I could travel back in time and say it more often.

Copyright © 2021 The Gospel Coalition, INC. All Rights Reserved> Erik Raymond

www.changingtimes.info

Beginning A Christian Life

By J R Miller

Every young person should be a Christian. All the heart's truest instincts would lead the soul to God. Christ alone can answer our cravings and satisfy our longings. In Him alone, can anyone reach the things that are true and right and lovely.

How may one begin to be a Christian? The hunger is in the heart, the desire to take Christ as Savior and Master; but many a young person passes through a long experience of painful anxiety and perplexity, in finding the way into the light of faith and peace. This is a common experience. Young people long to have someone to speak to them about Christ, so that they can voice their heart's yearnings, and come out in joyful acceptance and confession of Christ. They love Christ, and want to speak of their love; but they need the touch of human love to help them.

Happy are the young people who at this critical point in their spiritual history — have wise, gentle, patient guidance.

To begin to be a Christian is to commit your life to Him — and that you may without fear, doubt, or reserve, trust Him. It is not by our love for Christ that we are saved — but by Christ's love for us. Faith in Christ is simply the acceptance of divine friendship. You need not trouble yourself about the smallness of your love, or the feebleness of your faith; your hope and your security are not measured either by your love or by your faith — but by the infinite love and strength in which you are trusting.

The first thing, is to get your relation with Christ clearly established. He loves you, and you receive His love. He would take your life as it is, with all its sins, faults, and shortcomings — as you put it into His hands. You need not understand it all; there is no reason why you should.

You believe that Christ has all power, all wisdom, and all love. His hands are safe hands, skillful hands, gentle hands, hands of love. He can

take your soul, which sin has hurt and stained no matter how sorely — and restore it to beauty. Faith is the committing of the life to Him for salvation, for guidance, for care and keeping, for time and eternity.

You must receive Christ as your Savior and Lord. A Christian is one who follows Christ. This means the surrender of the whole life to Him. The heart must be given up. There can be no Christian life, without love to Jesus. Jesus demands the first place in the affections of His followers. If anyone loves father or mother, brother or sister, wife or child, more than Him — he is not worthy of Jesus, and cannot be His disciple.

Soldiers may obey implicitly without love; but the most perfect obedience, if the heart is not in it, would not make one a Christian.

We might devote our life and strength to Christian work, toiling unwearied in the service of the

church, giving our money lavishly for the advancement of Christianity or for the relief of suffering — and yet not be Christians. Love for Christ must be the motive at the heart of all our work for Christ. "Do you love Me?" is the test.

But the heart draws the whole life after it. If we love Jesus — we will obey Jesus "If you love Me — keep My commandments." "You are My friends — if you do whatever I command you." We cannot accept Christ as our Savior, and not at the same time accept Him as our Lord and Master. We must begin at once to obey Him; and our obedience must be without reserve, without condition, without question.

It must also be cheerful and gladhearted — not compulsory, reluctant, or constrained. Christians are See BEGINNING on Page 46

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Christmas 2021 15

Changing Times

Is Eternity an Eternity Away?

By Paul Tripp

When was the last time you thought about your place in heaven?

For some of us, eternity might seem like an eternity away. For others, depending on our age or any current health complications, heaven might feel closer and more real.

Either way, for sinners living in a broken world with fickle hearts,

getting an accurate perception of Forever will be difficult. In one way or another, today will appear big and significant, and the hereafter distant and ethereal. It will be a constant struggle to look at our present life through the lens of eternity and not give it more weight than it actually has.

That’s why I love and need the reminding words of the Apostle Paul in (2 Corinthians 4:16–18): “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary afflic-

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tion is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Notice that Paul does not deny the existence or minimize the importance of today. But he does so with proper perception in light of heaven.

Compared to the eternal glory of living with God in a fully restored world, the troubles, tasks, pleasures, and celebrations of the here and now are light and momentary.

(Psalm 73:20) characterizes this present life as “a dream when one awakes.” In the moment, a dream can seem more real than your actual life. But when you wake up, it disappears like steam. The dramatic moment of the dream can’t be compared to the many, many years that make up your real life.

Heaven tells us that our existence in the here and now will only be a minute part of our total existence.

Since we will live forever, when we add our years in this broken world to the sum total of our existence, they will only make up a microscopic fraction of our lives.

Don’t allow your heart and mind to be dominated by the struggles and pleasures of today because Scripture reminds us that everything that makes up your physical existence in the here and now is passing away.

When you see things around you as permanent, they take on too much importance and increase your sense of loss when they are taken away. If you mistakenly think that this life is only about who has the most gigantic pile of possessions and pleasures in the here and now, then your priorities will become unbiblical. Simultaneously, the loss of those possessions and pleasures become all the more painful and

seem all the more unfair.

If you are God’s child, today is not your final destination but a preparation for your final destination.

Sadly, many of us cause our own trouble with eternity amnesia. We forget who we are and what we have been given for today—and perhaps most importantly, what is promised tomorrow.

Don’t look at this moment as if it is all there is and all you have.

Heaven guarantees that all of this is temporary. Eternity tells every child of God that the bulk of our existence will be lived in a place of eternal peace, rest, and joy. Eternity not only provides us with future hope but with living hope in the here and now.

God bless, Paul David Tripp REFLECTION QUESTIONS 1. What in your life today is looming large and consuming your attention and energy?

2. In what ways is this matter biblically important? How does the gospel provide practical help and hope and not minimize its present significance?

3. Are you potentially giving this matter too much time and attention? Has it become proportionally bigger than what it should be in light of eternity?

4. How should the future guarantee of eternity alter the way you spend your time, pursue priorities, and organize your calendar? Be specific.

5. How should the future guarantee of eternity alter the way you interact with relationships? Be specific.> Paul Tripp Ministries, Inc. 7214 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19135

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Little Girl Arise

By Cheryl Brooks

She got down on her knees to pray as she had always done so many times before, but this was one of those occasions that she had planned to stay there until she was at peace in her spirit that the Lord had truly felt the concern in her heart.

“Lord” she said “I want to thank you for keeping me all of my life.

Thank you for teaching me that as long as I obeyed you, I’d have the power through your blood to move mountains. Lord let me make it clear that I don’t doubt you even now but I had to touch base with you on this matter.”

“You see Lord my granddaughter is special to me because I helped nurture her with your guidance. Her parents have done a great job raising her and have they abided by Your word. She learned and accepted Your word as her own. Lord I know that she loved you because she always talked about you which made my heart glad.”

Life Lessons

Change is a natural part of life.

As we grow up, our parents see the changes that come with our maturing. Then, there comes a time when we see changes in ourselvefi, and we begin to want change--socially, emotionally, and intellectually. Change comes again when we seek a life partner, worthy enough to leave parents and home, and establish our own lives. Later are the changes we see in the mirror, or in our health, or in our memory, when we forget more and more where we put something that we never had to give thought to!

Time changes, seasons change, and the world, from one generation

But Lord as the years have passed, she began to slip away from you and as she got older the lust of the world took over. She started hanging with those that either had no clue about you or just didn’t care. Lord I could talk about the many ways that the world has her hung but I know that you already know. She makes excuses for why she missed church or she displays the faced that everything is fine among other Christians.

Lord, it is the desire of my heart that you touch her the same way that you touched me when I was in those dark days and didn’t realize it. Remember Lord when you told my parents that I was sleeping?

Call on her like you called me. I can still hear your voice when you said tenderly but with great command “LITTLE GIRL ARISE” "I will feed with you My word and give you living water for your thirst."

"Lord those words saved my life that day and you have continuously blessed me since you revived me from spiritual death. All because I accepted you and those three little words……….."

“LITTLE GIRL ARISE” ©2021 FaithWriters.com. All Rights Reserved >

to the next, changes. We ourselves change our minds, our habits, our lifestyles, and even our looks. Everything changes--except God. He is the One unalterable fact of all life, and His word will never pass away. He is "the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) Because of that fact, His eternal love for His creation is something we can count on, and His forgiveness is guaranteed through His Son Who was sent "to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10) His arms are always open to us, and in knowing Him personally, we are always changed for the better!

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But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:57

Christmas 2021 17

Changing Times

Telomeres: What You Need To Know To Slow The Aging Of Your Cells

Have you heard of telomeres?

While they are not a part of most everyday conversations, they are at the heart of a subject that often is: health and aging. Telomeres are vital to healthy aging, the aging of your cells, and disease prevention.

Yet, they are damaged and shortened in your body every day. Is there anything you can do to save your telomeres and slow the aging

of your cells?

WHAT ARE TELOMERES? Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. Chromosomes are the structures that hold your DNA within the nuclei of every cell in your body.

When the cells in your body divide, the chromosomes replicate, and the telomeres become slightly damaged and shorter. This is a part of the normal living and aging process.

However, some things in our modern environment may be speeding up the shortening of telomeres and thereby speeding up the aging of your cells.

TELOMERES AND THE AGING OF YOUR CELLS

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Telomere length is literally regarded as a marker for the biological age of a person. This age is not directly correlated to their years of life or chronological age. Some people are much younger “chromosomally” than others. When compared, a person with the same chronological age as another but with shorter telomeres has an increased risk of developing agerelated diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer, and a shorter life expectancy.

In fact, one 2003 study found a connection between shorter telomeres and increased risk of death from infectious disease and heart disease.

Other studies and analyses have found a link between shorter telomeres and coronary heart disease, cancer, brain health, and mortality.

WHAT ACCELERATES TELOMERE AGING? If we want to know how to save our telomeres and slow expedited damage and aging of our cells, we must first know what speeds it up.

Genetics and an unhealthy lifestyle are important contributors to telomere shortening. Chronic stress and stress hormones likely play a role. Additionally, many experts believe oxidative stress contributes to quickly shortened telomeres.

Oxidative stress is the accumulation of DNA-damaging free radicals in the body. Free radicals are produced with almost every natural biochemical reaction. This is a part of life. However, free radicals and oxidative stress are increased with environmental pollutants, smoking, UV damage, alcohol intake, and more.

On the other hand, a healthy diet loaded with antioxidants decreases free radicals.

Luckily, recent studies suggest that telomeres can change (for better or worse) faster than previously

thought. You may even be able to change the speed at which your telomeres shorten in just 1-6 months with a healthier lifestyle.

Telomere research, lengthening, and aging reversal (with telomere elongation) are all emerging parts of science. What’s more, researchers aren’t sure that telomere lengthening directly implies an improvement in overall health and aging trajectory… but it does make sense that it would, at least hypothetically.

HOW CAN YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR TELOMERES AND SLOW THE AGING OF YOUR CELLS? There are 3 lifestyle areas on which to focus for better telomere health: diet, exercise, and stress management.

In fact, one small study in 2013 studied the telomere length of 10 men with low-risk prostate cancer.

During the study, they make lifestyle changes and started: • Eating healthy • Exercising regularly • Managing stress through yoga and support groups They were then compared to 25 participants with low-risk prostate cancer who didn’t make these lifestyle changes. The 10 who made the changes had longer telomeres five years later. This was a very small study, only involving men, but a good start that shows more research is warranted.

Here are some details of the 3 keys areas: 1. DIET A diet that is focused on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods such as the Keto Zone Diet, may play a role in determining the length of your telomeres. By increasing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods like extra-virgin olive oil, See TELOMERES on Page 19

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TELOMERES Continued from Page 18 avocados, vegetables, fermented vegetable powders, and other healthy foods, it’s postulated that you can improve telomere health and the aging of your brain.

Next, a 2018 study found that eating more fiber was correlated with longer telomere lengths! It likely has to do with fiber’s role beyond digestion: improved blood glucose, cholesterol, hormone balance, immune support, and more.

This study involved 5000 adults.

2. EXERCISE Exercise can improve overall health, help you control weight, reduce inflammation, and reduce oxidative stress.

A 2017 study looked at the association between exercise and telomere length in thousands of men and women in the United States. Those who participated in high levels of activity had significantly longer telomeres than those who did no, low level, or medium levels of activity. Interestingly, the low and medium levels of activity were about the same in terms of telomere length.

Another study found that young adults who engage in high levels of aerobic activities and had more

muscle endurance had longer telomeres than those who didn’t.

3. STRESS MANAGEMENT Your stress hormones can actually increase oxidative stress. When this is a chronic issue, it can result in DNA-damage and possibly shorter telomeres.

One study of women who cared for a chronically ill-child found that they had shorter telomeres, reduced telomerase activity, and more oxidative stress than those caring for healthy children (8). The researchers categorized these women as having chronically high-stress levels. Another recent study found that men and women who were exposed to stressors AND responded with increased cortisol had more telomere shortening in the years that followed than those who didn’t.

One other study by the Resource Project evaluated telomere length, brain structure, and cerebral thickness in the brain. The researchers found that the aging of our cells and our biological age appears to change more quickly than previously thought. They can vary within just three months. What’s more, if the telomeres changed in length, this was associated with structural changes in the brain. If telomeres lengthened, the cerebral cortex

thickened; if they shortened, the brain’s gray matter was reduced in size. Therefore, short-term telomere changes can have effects on brain structure and reflect the fluctuations in the body’s health and aging status.

STRESS REDUCTION AND SLEEP So, how can you reduce stress within a stressful world? There are many ways! In this post, 9 Ways to Reduce Cortisol Naturally, we cover how you can incorporate simple lifestyle habits to reduce your cortisol stress reaction.

One of the most potent habits is sleep. One 2019 study of just over 400 people found that insufficient sleep was associated with premature telomere shortening.

While more research needs to be done, all signs point to a healthy lifestyle with a high-antioxidant diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep are important to slow the aging of our cells and support over-

all health.

BOTTOM LINE All this data is actually very good news. What you’re already doing in trying to improve your health with healthy eating, exercise, and stress management can actually slow the aging of your cells! So, don’t stop! Keep working toward a healthy lifestyle, and keep taking care of your one and only body. © 2021 Dr. Don Colbert, MD PA www.drcolbert.com >

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Christmas 2021 19

Changing Times

Marriage Why It’s Important To Respect Your Spouse

By Angie Lewis

As a husband your purpose in marriage is to respect your wife, even when you don’t feel like it.

When a man gets married, he takes on the added responsibilities of marriage, which include being respectful and caring. A husband is to love his wife as he would love himself.

In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church. (Ephesians 5:2829) He FEEDS and CARES for it just like Christ does the church?

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This scriptural analogy here is showing husbands “how to love their wives” – in the same way Christ would feed and care for his church. Wow! It is a big responsibility and sometimes a challenging one at that, but God designed husbands for this purpose in marriage.

If a husband is not respecting his wife in the way he should, then could it be because he is not respecting himself? Usually this means a husband is mistreating himself somehow with too much work, or too much womanizing, or too much pornography, or too much drugs, or too much alcohol, or too much resentment, too much selfishness, too much control over his wife, or too much bitterness from within.

All of these things would keep a husband from truly respecting and caring for his wife properly. If we don’t love ourselves, how can we love another?

Respect is a principle that supports and sustains many aspects of marriage. If a husband respects and regards his wife with high esteem it will make her feel good about her role as a woman and of being his wife. Marriage will undoubtedly have its troubles, but if you remember the principle “to treat your wife the way you would like to be treated” then most marriage problems can be resolved amicably before they get out of hand.

If a husband totally disregards

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his purpose to love his wife because he disrespects himself then he will need inner healing before he can learn to love and respect his wife properly – the way God intended for a man to love his wife. Respect is an important component of marriage, which keeps it flourishing with abundance no matter what issues, may arise.

When a woman gets married, she now has a new responsibility, to love and respect her husband, even when she doesn’t feel like it.

Your whole purpose as a wife is to be the loving woman to your man that God wants you to be. Marriage is not just about a wife’s feelings and what she wants and needs, but what both husband and wife want and need as a whole and together in the marriage!

The principle I am just about to tell you should be posted on every mirror and refrigerator in a married couple’s home so they don’t forget it. Here is a great and awesome principle for your marriage.

If you study it, remember it, and apply it into your marriage, you will understand and regard the principle of respect with more importance.

“Marriage is not about two sep-

arate individuals doing their own thing, but about two intertwined individuals working together to be one whole. A wife is her husband’s other half and a husband is his wife’s other half. Together a husband and a wife create “one flesh” in the marriage.”

For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become “one flesh”. (Genesis 2:24) A wife should respect the leadership position of her husband, encouraging him to become all that he can be for the marriage and to God. A husband should love and care for his wife in the same way he would care for himself, encouraging her to become all that she can be for the marriage and to God. God wants us to live righteously by having a right relationship with Him first, so we can have a right relationship with the person we married.

Angie has written two wisdom filled books regarding this subject.

Love the Woman You Married and Love the Man You Married. © 2002-2021 Heaven Ministries.

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MARRIAGE

How A Christian Wife Is To Be A Helpmeet To Her Husband

I Do.

By Angie Lewis

As Christians we are not only accountable to our spouse but to God first and foremost. Christ should be the driving force in the Christ follower’s life. If this one important facet is written upon a woman’s heart, mind and soul, she will not have a problem adhering to her obligations as a Christian wife.

And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helpmeet for him.

(Genesis 2:18) Scripture shows a woman how to be a good helpmeet to her husband.

Even when she doesn’t feel like being very helpful or loving she tries to do the best she can because she knows it is what God wants her to do. The reality is Christian women have bad days too, but are blessed with God’s presence (Holy Spirit) within them for comfort.

God created Eve for Adam’s companionship, helper, support and encouragement. It is not good that man should be alone. There are many ways that a wife can bring the assets of helper and that of companionship to her husband. A Christian wife “who fears the Lord” is an asset to her husband in many ways.

In what ways can a Christian wife be a good helpmeet to her husband?

She is called to be a companion to her husband in all areas of the marriage, which include emotionally, mentally, spiritually and sensually.

A Wife’s Emotional Support Emotionally she encourages her husband to be the man of God that was meant for him to be. She is an asset to her husband when she supports him in his callings and endeavors in life and praises his continual efforts in the Lord. She should refrain from trying to control, browbeat or boss her husband around because that is not what God has called her to do.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. (Proverbs 31:11) A nagging wife is worse than a dripping faucet. If a wife cannot find anything uplifting to say to her hus-

band or about her husband, she shouldn’t say anything at all. A husband needs an emotionally supportive wife and vice versa, otherwise how is the oneness in marriage met?

It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman. (Proverbs 21:19) A Wife’s Spiritual Support Spiritually a Christian wife connects with her Christian husband because they share in the same values and principles in life. And together they raise Godly children and have many fruits of the spirit within their marriage and family.

Together they create abundance and prosperity for their lives and they realize and praise God because they know it all belongs to Him. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. (Proverbs 31:12) She submits to her husband’s spiritual leadership. A helpmeet does not argue and fuss with her husband; instead, she works with Him. Most husbands will eagerly listen to the opinion of their wives when the wife does not demean him. Marriage is a partnership and a team effort that takes considerable compassion and compromise from both the husband and wife.

Submission should always be voluntary; otherwise, how would it be submission any other way?

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. (Proverbs 31:23) A Wife’s Intimacy Support Intimately she is there for her husband when he wants to be close.

Both husband and wife have emotional, spiritual and sensual needs that should be met only through each other. God created them male and female for this reason. Eve was made from Adams flesh and bones, which symbolically make them one flesh. When a husband and wife encourage one another in their roles and positions of marriage the sensual and emotional intimacy between them will be a healthy and productive part of the marriage.

The goal for marriage should be of maintaining the oneness that united them. Sensual intimacy between a husband and wife is the kind of companionship that brings them closer together so they will not want outside of the marriage parameters.

They should never reject one another unless of a woman’s menstruation or if either one of them is sick.

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She looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27) On another note, women who are loved in the Lord are more apt to be respectful and devoted wives. A woman who is truly loved by her husband will utilize all of her creative talents and God given abilities that she has been blessed with; her husband will never be in need of anything.

Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised. (Proverbs 31:31) © 2002-2021 Heaven Ministries.

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Changing Times

Education Christianity 101

By Paul Tripp

(First Corinthians 15) is one of the most foundational chapters in all of the New Testament; it could be called a “Christianity 101” passage.

(For now, please grab a Bible and read verses 12-19. However, I would encourage you to find a Bible commentary and spend ample time unpacking this chapter later.)

Paul’s argument in the passage is simple and clear: without eternity, Christianity makes no sense.

If all that sin has broken won’t be fixed forever, then there is no hope

now and no hope in the hereafter.

Without a guaranteed eternity, our faith in Christ is robbed of its meaning and power: “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.”

As Christians, we have staked our entire life on the promise of a radical and complete renewal, accomplished by the resurrection of Jesus. That eternal renewal is coming, and in the meantime, there are some specific ways that the resurrection of Christ and the hope of heaven make a difference in how we live today.

1. The resurrection of Christ and the hope of heaven clarify what is truly important in this life.

Yes, all of our relational, situational, and physical struggles are important in some way, but they must not be viewed as the essence of what life is about. God has not promised to deliver “the good life” of predictable

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health, an easy marriage, compliant children, and a satisfying job.

The most important thing in life is that we have help with and victory over our biggest and most abiding problem: sin. God promises to work on us; he is with you, in you, and for you. The resurrection guarantees the progressive defeat of sin in the here and now and the final deliverance from it in eternity.

2. The resurrection of Christ and the hope of heaven will radically change the way you approach the responsibilities, difficulties, and opportunities of your daily life.

Eternity takes the vanity out of your living in the here and now.

Instead of getting disappointed and discouraged because our efforts aren’t bringing us momentary pleasure or because others are not affirming us, eternity gives us bigpicture motivation.

We have the motivation to stay focused on doing what is good, right, and true because our living in the here and now fits with the big plan of what God is doing and where he is taking us. In the face of hassles, we tell ourselves that this is not our final destination.

3. The resurrection of Christ and the hope of heaven teach you delayed gratification.

Western culture is an instant culture, but the hope of heaven calls us to a different worldview. In God’s plan, waiting is not an interruption or obstruction of the plan; waiting is part of the plan. As we are waiting for the eternity that is the promise of God’s grace, we are not just passing the time: waiting is about becoming. Every moment of waiting is a divine tool for personal restoration and preparation.

(Isaiah 61:3) beautifully captures this process, “that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” Oak trees don’t sprout

up and mature overnight. It takes scores of years to bring a mighty oak to maturity, but when it is mature, it lives with a strength and splendor that few plants in God’s creation have.

Through His resurrection, Jesus has purchased for us not only the guarantee of life after death but also the reality of life before death.

By grace, may you and I be as strong and as durable through the seasons and storms of life as the mighty oak tree is!

God bless, Paul David Tripp REFLECTION QUESTIONS 1. What is the most encouraging part of First Corinthians 15 for you today? Why specifically does it bring comfort?

2. What is the most challenging part of First Corinthians 15 for you today? What specifically does it confront?

3. What situations, locations, or relationships have risen to a level of importance way beyond their actual importance? How has this exercised more control over you than it should?

4. What is threatening to sidetrack or distract you from God’s big-picture vision? Where do you need to focus on the eternal Kingdom of heaven in your daily schedule? Be specific.

5. Is God calling you to wait for something in your life that you want instantly? Why is this frustrating, discouraging, or frightening?> Paul Tripp Ministries, Inc. 7214 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19135

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EDUCATION

Today Is The Day To Trust God

By Dr. David Jeremiah

Do you stockpile food and water?

Do you own a solar-powered generator? Do you have a hard copy of your contact list in case your electronic connections fail? What about a first aid kit and toolbox?

Lots of people are thinking about preparing for the “what if” in life.

The Atlantic carried an article about a growing number of survivalists and “preppers” who use Internet sites to swap ideas on storing food, stockpiling supplies, cleaning weapons, and providing emergency medical care in the absence of doctors. Some people take it further.

The Daily Mail reported on a Colorado family who spent vast amounts

of money and time preparing for a day when “suddenly, and completely without warning” the world will experience “a total blackout—no electricity, no mobile phones, no banks, no Internet, no TV, no emergency services. Nothing.” The stockpile included drums of food and gallons of water, a solar oven, a generator, a propane burner, a water filtration device, surgical masks, grills, backpacks, solar panels, and more.

According to the news source, it’s all in preparation for a day when the economy fails, the world loses power and energy, communications go dark, and society collapses in chaos with mass riots and warfare.

Understandable Anxiety I can understand the alarm. Both Christians and non-Christians are preoccupied with the end of the world today. Our world is shuddering with conflicts in the Middle East, pandemics, cyber warfare, and the proliferation of destructive chemical and biological weapons.

The global economy is hanging by a thread, and the foundations of

morality are collapsing like a suspension bridge. We are living in the Last Days against the buildup of the Rapture of the Church and the backdrop of the Great Tribulation.

But there’s a balance. It’s easy to look at today’s world and feel troubled. Many Christians are plagued with worry, fear, and doubt. There’s a natural sense of fatalism and defeat as we look at the turbulent times around us. But remember, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

The Bible says, “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25).

Our Lord doesn’t want us to be anxious. Instead, take a moment to remember Who is in charge! Today is the day to trust God. Undergirding Confidence This is the central message of (Psalm 11), which begins with King David affirming his confidence in God: “In the Lord I put my trust; how can you say to my soul, ‘Flee as a bird to your mountain?’” Someone in David’s life was telling him to flee. (Psalm 11) was David’s response. Perhaps I can best convey the meaning of (Psalm 11:1-4) by rephrasing it into my own words.

I have put my trust in the Lord, so how can you advise me to flee like a bird to my mountain? How can you tell me the wicked will kill me with their bows and arrows?

How can you suggest the foundations are destroyed and there is nothing the righteous can do? Don’t you know who is in charge? The Lord is still in His holy temple. The Lord is on His heavenly throne. His eyes miss nothing.

This is the message we need to embrace today. The foundations

may seem to be crumbling, the wicked may be stringing their bows, the times may be chaotic, but if our faith is in the Lord, there is no need to panic. Trust Him who is in His holy temple. He is still on His heavenly throne, and the Lord yet reigns.

He surrounds us with His grace; and in His timing He’ll take us to be with Himself. Until then we trust Him and His sovereignty. Otherwise, we’ll live in defeat, worry every morning, fret every night, and be haunted by each headline.

How much better it is to remember Who is in control of politics, plagues, and the princes of the earth!

It is good to be prepared. We should take every sensible precaution for unexpected events in our lives. But it is important to remember that God is in control, and nothing will happen without His permission.

Today is the day to trust God.> Turning Point Dr. David Jeremiah David Jeremiah is the senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California, and the founder and host of Turning Point for God. For more information about David Jeremiah visit www.DavidJeremiah.org.

“We wish you a Christmas filled with the wonder of the birth of Christ”

As a Chaplain in America’s Navy, you’ll find limitless ways to employ your faith as you help guide the thousands of dedicated men and women who serve our nation. Think of it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be true to your God, your nation, and your beliefs.

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And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19

Christmas 2021 23

Changing Times

Health

conditions, the immune system suffers.

When they proliferate, the immune system improves.

To boost immunity with Keto Zone, eat fermented foods that can improve your gut bacteria. These include: • Plain yogurt • Kimchi • Sauerkraut • Kefir PROOF SHEET • Kombucha • Tempeh • Fermented vegetable powders, like Fermented Green Supreme food The principles of Keto Zone eatAttached is a proof of your ad that will run in the October/November issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. run as is foods, unless welike Living Chia with Probiotics ing improve overall health, gutThis ad• willLiving • Probiotic supplements receive changes by Wednesday (09.14.2018) at 5:00 PM. Please make any changes or approve via email. health, brain health, and immune Do fermented foods really help the bacteria in the gut? function.

Studies show that people who eat yogurt regularly have more lactobaTop 5 Ways To Boost Immunity cilli (healthy bacteria) and less Enterobacteriaceae (inflammatory bacteWith Keto Zone ria) in their intestines.

1. BOOST IMMUNITY WITH What’s more, probiotic supplements contain live, viable probiotic bacKETO HEALTHY GUT BACteria in pill or powder form. These supplements are especially beneficial TERIA Healthy gut bacteria have a direct to humans who have digestion issues, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Looking for ways to avoid getting frequent loose stools, constipation, and more. Typically, probiotics supplesick in the upcoming months? You impact on the whole body’s immune ments don’t provide a permanent cure to digestion issues, nor do they can boost immunity with Keto Zone! function. When they are diminished colonize in the gut permanently. from illness, antibiotics, or other However, both anecdotal reports and studies show they help acute digestion symptoms. They EAST ST. TAMMANY’S can also produce beneficial effects on the bacteZERO COPAY FLU FAVORITE FAMILY ria in the gut.

SHOTS ON INSURANCE 2. REDUCE INFLAMMATION WITH PHARMACY AS VOTED Immunizations / Vaccinations OMEGA-3S, SPICES, AND LOW-CARB ON BY EDGE MAGAZINE walk-ins welcome KETO ZONE EATING READERS. THANK YOU! Did you know that inflammation is an abnormal immune response that affects the health of the digestive tract (which affects immune funcFREE tion) and whole-body health.

Our bodies react with inflammatory responses DELIVERY! or anti-inflammatory responses based largely on our health and our diet.

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Fourth, use Keto Zone guidelines to reduce processed foods. Processed foods are often laden with high-omega-6 oils, like soybean oil.

These ingredients and oils fight omega-3s and increase inflammation.

As you follow these guidelines, you can reduce inflammation, improve immune function, and even reduce the risk of seasonal depression.

3. EAT LESS SUGAR AND CARBS FOR BETTER SLEEP EDGE OF THE LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE 985 733 4670 There are many advantages to reducing sugars and carbohydrates in the diet. Two are better sleep and better metabolic responses.

When dinners are high in sugary and refined carbs, our bodies have to deal with blood glucose and insulin spikes at a time of day they are not meant to deal with it.

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See IMMUNITY on Page 24 Christmas 2021

25

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IMMUNITY Continued from Page 24 carb0hydrate eating during the evening and night are associated with altered metabolism, increased incidence of diabetes, and weight gain.

When you don’t eat as much as night, especially carbohydrates and sugars, you can allow your digestive tract to “rest,” and sleep better.

The science is clear: Adequate, high-quality sleep is crucial for immune function, fighting chronic disease, and brain health.

4. FOCUS ON KETO-FRIENDLY VITAMIN D Vitamin D plays an important role in immune function. During months when most people don’t receive enough direct sunlight (autumn and winter), it’s time to make sure our diets and supplements are high in vitamin D. In fact, a 2017 analysis of 11,321 participants in the British Medical Journal found that those with vitamin D levels of <10 ng/mL had a higher risk of respiratory infections compared to those at 10 ng/mL or greater.

To improve vitamin D levels, make sure you’re: • Getting outside for direct sunlight exposure to start. Try exposing skin for just 10-15 minutes per day.

• Eating wild fish such as her-

HEALTH ring, wild salmon (try this Keto Zone chowder recipe), and tuna.

Cage-free eggs and cheese also supply small amounts.

• If overweight, using Keto Zone guidelines to lose weight.

Supplementing vitamin D3 as needed. Just 1000-2000 IU per day in the winter can raise insufficient levels, and up to 4000 IU per day can be used to correct a deficiency.

Retest to monitor.

5. USE SUPREMEFOODS TO BOOST IMMUNITY AND HEALTHY BACTERIA Fermented vegetables, grasses, and fruits are full of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that boost immune function.

When eating low carb, it can be difficult to find ways to include enough. A great way to consume them, and stay in the Keto Zone, is with Divine Health Fermented Green Supreme food and Organic Red Supreme food.

Supreme foods powders contain amazing ingredients such as: • Spirulina: Spirulina has been found to improve immune functions and anemia status.

• Beets: Beets contain betanins that contribute to three main disease-fighting actions: fighting free radicals, reducing inflammation, and supporting cellular detoxi-

fication.

• Fermented Wheatgrass: Proteins found in wheatgrass are known to prevent many diseases, oxidative stress, primary metabolism, storage, and energy-related mechanisms.

More Ways to Stay Healthy: • Hydrate Every Day. Your body needs water to function its best.

Dehydration will affect your energy, immune and lymph systems, and overall health. Drink water, unsweetened teas, and other fluids throughout the day especially during dry winter months.

• Get outside. When you spend time outside, bundled if needed, you can get a boost in vitamin D, and get away from all the germs that circulate indoors. In fact, just exposing your hands and face to sunlight allows your body to synthesize vitamin D. Make it a priority this winter.

• Wash your hands and avoid touching your face. You get sick for one reason (and one reason only): germs. Bacteria and viruses make you ill by finding a way into your

body through physical contact. Once this happens, it’s important having a strong immune system as discussed above. Since most of your contact with the world happens through your hands, washing them often is one key to not getting sick.

BOTTOM LINE You can boost immunity with Keto Zone. Keto Zone encourages whole-food, anti-inflammatory, high-antioxidant, low-carb eating.

Its recommendations are meant to boost whole-body health, and it can help keep you healthy year-round.> © All rights reserved 2021 Dr. Don Colbert, MD PA www.drcolbert.com

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If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. – Romans 10:9

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Christmas 2021 25

HEALTH

Changing Times

Winter Aches & Pains? Try These 8 Effective Natural Pain Relievers Today medicine for centuries. It’s known to aid many ailments from joint pain to nausea and motion sickness to bacterial infections.

Study after study has validated it as a natural pain reliever.

One such study from 2014 found that ginger effectively relieved pain from osteoarthritis within 24 weeks.

Another concluded that topical ginger ointments and creams reduced If you have achy joints, bones, or pain in joints. What’s more, studies muscles, winter can mean more confirm that gingerols are strong antipain. It can be easy to become inflammatory and analgesic agents. dependent on daily pain-killers to For a wonderful ginger dip, try find comfort. But, there are effecour Keto Zone Spicy Ginger Dip. tive natural pain relievers available.

Or, add a 1/2 teaspoon of ground And most are extremely affordable. ginger to Turmeric Tea Recipe listed The best part… below.

2. TURMERIC C u r cumins are turmeric’s s e c r e t weapon.

And while it’s difficult for researchers to fully understand how curcumins work to decrease joint pain, t h e i r works conclude that it is effective.

F o r example, a recent meta-analysis found that the curcumins in turmeric extract are effective Medical research hasn’t in treating always seen you. arthritis.

To start your journey, go to Participant.JoinAllofUs.org and: Addition1 Create an account We’re changing that. ally, ani2 Give your consent The more researchers know about what 3 Agree to share your electronic health records mal studmakes each of us unique, the more tailored 4 Complete the Consent to Get DNA Results ies show our health care can become.

5 Answer health surveys that cur6 Have your measurements taken (height, weight, blood Join a research effort with one million cumins pressure, etc.) and give blood and urine samples, if asked or more people nationwide to create a actually After completing these steps, you’ll receive $25. healthier future for all of us. protect cartilage.

Another To learn more and to enroll, contact us at: study of 50 allofus@wave.tulane.edu | (504) 988-0650 | JoinAllofUs.org/Tulane arthritis A Member of All of Us Southern Network sufferers showed a Not only do these natural pain relievers reduce pain, but they also promote whole-body health. Instead of just numbing the pain, they can promote strong joints, ligament, tendons, bones, and bodies.

Here are our 8 effective natural pain relievers for winter aches and pains.

8 EFFECTIVE NATURAL PAIN RELIEVERS 1. GINGER What’s ginger got that other spices don’t? Gingerols and shogaols, these active medicinal components are potent phytochemicals with pain-reducing qualities. In fact, ginger has been used as one of many natural pain relievers in eastern

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26 Christmas 2021

58% reduction in stiffness and pain with curcumin treatment in 90 days.

What’s more, curcumin effectively reduced inflammation in the participants: C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation, decrease by 16-fold!

Want a great winter recipe to increase your turmeric intake? Try Keto Zone Turmeric Tea. If you suffer from pain, also add Dr. Colbert’s High Potency Turmeric Supplements each day.

3. BLACK PEPPER Black pepper also contains a secret weapon: Piperine. And piperine is a strong anti-arthritis nutrient.

Many studies have supported it as a compound that reduces pain, increases healing and decreases pathology in arthritic animals and humans.

As a bonus, piperine increases the absorption of curcumins by up to 10 times. It stimulates “transporters” in our intestines to increase absorption, so take them together by simply adding freshly ground pepper to anything that contains turmeric (Dr. Colbert’s High Potency Turmeric Supplements contain both).

4. LEMONGRASS ESSENTIAL OIL While essential oils are a confusing area of natural pain relievers for many, lemongrass essential oil is effective, safe, and easy to use when applied correctly.

As a simple explanation, plants manufacture chemical compounds (essential oils) to protect themselves, heal themselves, and even repel disease and animals that may hurt them. Some of the chemical compounds are at a molecular size that can be absorbed through human skin and/or respiration.

Lemongrass essential oil (Cymbopogon citratus) is one such compound. Many animal studies have shown it to reduce pain, inflammation, arthritic symptoms, and depressed serotonin in animals.

However, care must be taken when using it.

First, make sure to use it in a diluted form. To do so, simply mix 10 drops “100% pure lemongrass essential oil” with no less than 1 tablespoon carrier oil. A carrier oil is simply an oil used to dilute essential oils. Examples include fractionated coconut oil, castor oil, argan oil, and/or olive oil.

Second, try using the diluted lemSee PAIN RELIEVERS on Page 27

HEALTH

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PAIN RELIEVERS Continued from Page 26 ongrass oil in just a small amount on a small area of the body. Wait at least 3 days to make sure you don’t have a reaction. Then, apply it up to twice per day on painful areas. If applying by hand (rather than will a rollerbottle) make sure to wash hands and not get the oil in your eyes.

Third, realize that essential oils aren’t regulated by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so it’s important to only use brands you trust and oils that are 100% pure.

You can look for oils manufactured by a brand that’s a member of the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy. While essential oils have the potential to be amazing health aides, they are potent and should be used with care.

5. COMPRESSION While many mistakenly believe that compression apparel only provides external support to joints (like a brace), they actually do much more internally than externally. In fact, most compression sleeves are slender and minimal, allowing the joint to flex and extend freely without structurally supporting it. So how do they help pain?

Compression apparel are natural pain relievers since they:

• Modulates spinal cord excitability for many pathways and muscle groups • Significantly improve accuracy in movements • Increase the sensitivity around the joint in which the sleeve is applied This means that the compression sleeve can help the mind-nervebody pathways filter out irrelevant information and increase sensitivity to task-related sensory information and enhance movement.

When movements are performed precisely and biomechanics improve with compression, pain and soreness decreases.

6. COLLAGEN We’ve discussed collagen’s benefits at length for joints, ligaments and tendons, skin, digestion, and overall health.

When it comes to pain, the best type of collagen is “type II collagen” derived from chickens. It specifically contains hyaluronic acid, glucosamine sulfate, and chondroitin sulfate to support healthy cartilage and joints.

In fact, one 2008 study found that athletes who took hydrolyzed collagen had less joint pain at rest and when active. Another found that type II specifically reduced knee pain in those with osteoarthritis. Yet

another 6-month study showed that it can improve lower back joint pain.

The best option for collagen is none other than Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen and Marine Powder. It includes all 3 types of important collagens, so you get every type you need in one powder.

What’s more, the addition of probiotics makes it even better digested and absorbed, and a whole-body pain reliever.

7. WEIGHT LOSS If you are currently overweight, one of the best things you can do for joint and bone pain is to lose weight. If you don’t know where to start, you’re in luck, because we have the resources you need.

Not only will you lose diseasepromoting abdominal weight, but you’ll also lose it safely and efficiently while improving wholebody health and reducing joint pain.

8. OPTIMISM AND PRAYER Believe it or not, optimism can reduce pain. And, yes, it’s all in your head.

Our brains are incredibly powerful. And our thoughts can translate into real pain or pain relief.

In fact, there’s a growing body of evidence that optimism plays a protective role in acute and chronic pain. In fact, a recent medical review found that optimism is associated

with less acute and chronic pain.

And what’s more, those who consistently practice prayer are often more optimistic and hopeful about the future. When you take your burden to God, you release them and can reduce stress and negative thoughts.

This all translates to more pain relief (physically and mentally).

BOTTOM LINE Looking for natural pain relievers? Of course, there are many options. We’ve provided 8 that are effective, can be initiated easily at home, and are affordable. Massage, cold-therapy, and others are effective as well.

But to start, find relief using natural foods, plant compounds, compression, prayer and optimism, and weight loss today! © All rights reserved 2021 Dr. Don Colbert, MD PA www.drcolbert.com >

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Qualified participants: · are 60 years of age and older and in otherwise good health · meet other study criteria Qualified participants will receive: · all study-related medical care and lab tests at no cost · investigational vaccine or placebo Compensation is available for time & travel. Insurance is not required. Refer-A-Friend for this study to receive $100.00.*

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Christmas 2021 27

Changing Times

Financial

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Keeping Your Information Secure remotely transit so it is more difficult to obtain Be aware of old-school scams For those merchants that do • Smishing- trying to get not: your information by SMS • Use signature transactions text messaging; i.e. “Your for safety – especially at account has been fuel pump compromised, please provide your card number • Near interstates go into gas and PIN number by station; or check the pump calling…”

• Online, use tokenized • Phishing – trying to get payment methods like your information by email Google Pay or iPay that links that spoof real sites keep your card information asking for information in a tokenized/encrypted updates or tell you your vault account has been locked or • Check gas pumps for cut or compromised with a “click stretched stickers here” to verify…

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Password Security • Password Change • Deposits over $ XX • Never save passwords in browser • Withdrawals over $ XX • Don’t use the same • Balance below $ XX password for all Phone Security • Change passwords and • Password/PIN/Touch ID security questions for access to device periodically • Don’t dismiss updates; • Dashlane – Free App for those ensure security saving passwords • Don’t use public Wi-Fi for Use Biometric Logins If payments or internet Available banking access • Face ID • Don’t use jailbroken • Touch ID devices if using your device for payments or Don’t Share Too Much On internet banking Social Media •

Quizzes on favorites and firsts a data mines for hackers

Set up text or email alerts in internet banking and pay attention to them

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FINANCIAL

How To Teach Your Kids About Money

By Anthony ONeal

If you guys have been hearing the term “financial literacy” a lot, there’s a good reason—it’s one of the most important money-related topics! And that’s why April has been named Financial Literacy Month.

I’m a huge believer in financial literacy for everyone, but this stuff is especially important if you have kids who are in middle school, high school or college. Getting the right education about money is a game changer in their future success.

Here’s what you need to know about financial literacy.

What’s financial literacy?

Being financially literate means understanding basic money concepts, like budgeting, saving, investing, and beyond. And it’s not just about knowing all the facts when it comes to money. Learning the right behavior is even more important than having the head knowledge.

Why is financial literacy so important?

When you’re financially literate, you know how to avoid the financial problems that way too many people face, like student loans and credit card debt. You know how to budget, understand investing and insurance, and have an emergency fund to cover life’s curveballs. And when students learn how to do all those things before, they have a chance to make mistakes with money, they can head into the realworld way ahead of the game. Nice.

How can I help my kids become financially literate?

As a parent, you’re a huge influence in your kids’ lives when it comes to money topics. These questions will help you figure out your own level of financial literacy so that you can better help your kids: • Do you have an emergency fund of at least $1,000?

• Do you make and stick to a zero-based budget every month?

• Are you debt-free (or getting there)?

• Do you understand how

compound interest works?

• Do you know what types of insurance you need?

If you answered yes to most of those questions, your financial literacy is on point! But if you didn’t, don’t stress. Following the Ramsey Baby Steps is a great way to get your finances under control.

You can help with your kids’ financial literacy by showing them how to open a savings account and set money-saving goals. Even with younger kids, include them in your family’s financial conversations and help them divide any money they get into giving, saving and spending categories.

You can also encourage your kids to take a personal finance class if their school offers it. Our Ramsey research team found that students who take a personal finance class are 23% less likely to use loans to pay for college. And 87% of them feel confident about their ability to invest for the future.

Bottom line: Parents and teachers are the first line of defense when it comes to helping young people avoid major money mistakes. But the good news is, you don’t have to have a perfect track record to teach your kids about money. For more tips on helping your kids become financially literate, check out this article!> Anthony ONeal Anthony ONeal is a #1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of the popular online series “The Table” on his YouTube channel. He has appeared on Good Morning America, The Tamron Hall Show, The Tom Joyner Show and Rachael Ray, among others. Since 2015, Anthony has served at Ramsey Solutions, where he teaches young adults how to budget, live without debt, avoid student loans, and build real wealth for their future. Follow Anthony on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube or online at anthonyoneal.com.

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Christmas 2021 29

Changing Times

FINANCIAL

Four Steps To Setting Goals In The New Year

By Christy Wright

I love this time of year. The holidays are my absolute favorite, but not just because of the lights and food and family time. I also love that we have the opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been and decide where we want to go. And if we’re being honest, we all need a fresh start after the craziness of 2021.

Progress isn’t going to appear out of thin air, which is why I love teaching people the habit and skill of setting goals. Here are four steps that will help you make real lifechange in 2022: Decide what you want Before you make your workout plans or sign up for that conference, the most important thing for you to do is answer one simple question: What do you want in 2022? (Notice I said simple—not easy. In fact, this is one of the hardest questions we’ll ever answer.)

You have to decide what you want, because if you never define your finish line, you’ll never cross it. Or worse, you’ll chase someone else’s version of success. This isn’t about what your mom wants you to do or what those influencers on Instagram tell you to do. This is about you deciding what you want to do this year.

Set goals around what you want Once you know what you want, you can set goals in the areas where you want to grow—whether that’s your marriage, kids, fitness, health, business, career, faith or community. Your goals should be specific, measurable and have a time limit for example, if you want to become a long-distance runner this year, you might set a goal to run a half marathon (specific and measurable) by the end of the year (December 31, 2022).

Create a plan Once you’ve set your goals, break them down into weekly steps. As you do this, you’ll begin to create a path to get to where you want to be.

Let’s say you want a better marriage. A specific action you can take is to have date night every week or plan a weekend away every few

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months. If you want to take on more responsibility at work, ask someone in your field to mentor you or sign up for a class or conference that will help you sharpen your skills. Give yourself specific actions to take and deadlines to back them up!

Put it on the calendar Now that you’ve set your goals and created your plan, you have to put it all on the calendar. You and I both know that if something isn’t on the calendar, it’s not going to happen.

If you put your goals on paper, on purpose, as a priority, you’re much more likely to achieve them.

Remember, you’re looking at a fresh start and a clean slate. You can make 2022 anything you want it to be!> About Christy Wright

Christy Wright is a #1 national best-selling author, personal development expert, and host of The Christy Wright Show.

She’s been featured on Today Show and Fox News, and in Entrepreneur and Woman’s Day Magazines. Since 2009, Christy has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she

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What Exactly Does The Bible Say About Not Bearing Fruit?

By Chip Ingram

In this article, Chip Ingram dispels a popular myth about bearing fruit and shows us a clear picture of what it means to abide in Christ.

Have you ever gotten caught up in the busyness of doing things for God? Serving and reading and praying and checking off all the boxes, and yet — if you were honest — those efforts weren’t exactly producing the free, Spirit-filled, faith you’d expected?

Or maybe you’re in that season right now.

I had a transformative experience in my life that cleared up confusion and discouragement regarding my faith and showed me how to live the fruitful life I’d dreamed of.

I want to share the experience with you and tell you how you, too, can experience a transformed and fruitful faith.

When I was in college, I came to faith in Christ. After growing up in a God-acknowledging but non-Christian home, my life was turned upside down in the best way possible. For the first time, I experienced Christ’s forgiveness and unconditional love, and I began a relationship with Him. Depleted Faith Old habits die hard, and before you know it, my overachieving nature crept right into my faith. I worked hard for the Kingdom, teaching and leading Bible studies along with work, school, coaching, and sports. It was exhausting, but I had my eye on a higher purpose.

Until one day, I was preparing for a Bible study, and I was utterly depleted. I had nothing to say or teach. My spiritual tank was empty.

How was this possible? I read my Bible daily and spent time in prayer. How could I feel so far from God? I felt a sense of betrayal since I’d been working so hard for Him— why didn’t I have anything of value to share, or any Biblical lessons to teach with sincerity?

And then I opened my Bible to (John 15:1-11): I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides

in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in Him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in My love.

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Suddenly, it was clear. Although I was heavily involved in good Christian-minded activities, I was “apart” from Him, which meant I could “do nothing.” That was certainly the case. I wasn’t experiencing fruitful Christian living.

I came to understand that it’s His desire to capture my heart, not my efforts. I needed to be connected to Him in such a way that my faith was a natural outcome of our relationship and not religious activities.

My efforts and good work needed to be a natural outcome of the FRUIT in my life. Did I not have fruit? What did that mean to my faith, and how could I get it?

I decided to dive into John 15 and explore what the Scriptures say about the concept of bearing fruit and what it means for Christians today.

Fruitful living includes applying Godly wisdom: 4 Clear Steps to Applying the Wisdom of God to Our Lives What does the Bible say about bearing fruit?

If you don’t bear fruit, He will lift you up.

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit He takes away.

Contrary to popular interpretations of this verse, the term “takes away” does not mean “gets rid of.” Rather, it means to lift up. God isn’t cutting you off and removing you from the body, but lifting you up to be grafted back into relationship with Him. Like the popular site, GotQuestions says: “When we neglect our spiritual life, ignore the Word of God, skimp on prayer, and withhold areas of our lives from the scrutiny of the Holy Spirit, we are like a branch broken off the vine” that has fallen into the dirt. So, what does a good farmer do? He lifts up that branch, dusts off the debris, and ties it back onto the source of life: the vine.

What Needs Dusting?

In the same way, if you are in the dirt and separated from the True Vine, He loves you enough to lift you up, dust you off, and keep you close. What does this look like?

Discipline The Bible teaches (Hebrews

5:5–11) that every genuine son will be disciplined. When you experience discipline, it’s one of the signs that you’re truly in God’s family.

God will lift you up if you know what is right and are not doing it.

He’ll send situations, people, and See BEARING FRUIT on Page 42

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Christmas 2021 31

Changing Times

The Christian Journey The Same Old Lie

By Bernard Capello therefore the god of my life”. The more she spoke the more intently to at least try and understand where this came from. I listened until (Psalm 14:1) came to mind; “The fool has said in his heart, “there is not God””.

After much thought, I came to the only conclusion I could muster. She wanted to believe that message due to preconceived thought or experience.

That physicist’s words only helped confirm her made up mind. After all “You see, I told you so”, she said, these thousands of years, man is not as she thumbed through the book. much different in the way in which “He is a brilliant mind; he is a physi- he can so easily be deceived. There cist of the greatest character”. “He are no new tricks, just new packages, states that God does not exist”. “I am ribbons and bows for the old ones.

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Since the day of man’s very first act toward deception, the issue has raged. While God knew exactly what would happen, still He continued in creating man. Would we ever understand that kind of love? He knew man would defy, disobey, worship other gods, and yet He continued.

So here we are. Thousands of years removed from the garden and the deception continues with feverish vengeance. Far too often the words of God are so twisted, so far out of context, to now some are left believing they are no more than a glandular being with spiritual tendencies. If emotions and heightened feelings are satisfied with a stamp of spiritual approval from someone, who is believed to represent the authority of God, whatever that may look like, then there we have it. All is good. Or is it?

Let’s go back to the Garden of Eden, shall we. The beginning of God’s crown creation was set, and specifically selected by God, as the place in which man would tend to. So incredibly filled with sound and visual beauty that I am certain any feeble attempt on the part of this writer to imagine and thus describe would prove woefully inadequate. Surrounded by rivers of cool life-giving water and buttressed with the vibrant sounds of creation singing praises to their Creator. It is there that man would walk with God. It was there in the midst of this garden that a symbol of conscience and obedience was placed.

What was it? A tree, whose produce was not necessarily for physical nourishment, but a symbol, or as it were a test. A test of trust or lack thereof toward their Creator. It was there in the midst of this garden, before the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, that man would fail. He would deny the command of God, break trust and allegiance with Him, and climb aboard the back of a lie mixed with a tonic of truth.

From generation to generation going forward, we too fell in that day. We too are still open to that same lie.

It is now, as it was then. We also

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listen and give credence to that same temptation. A lie always rides on the back of truth. How pleasurable and familiar this Garden was. How pleasurable and comfortable man felt with his Creator. In the world of today, given the right surrounding when the music is just right, when the words flow like honey, when the emotions are high, man will barely question what he is told.

What is at the root of this lie, this deception, in which Satan has utilized his masterful trickery? How is this deception powerful enough to have in the past and continue in the future, to drag multiplied millions away from their Creator? More dangerously and serious is that some are being dragged through the eternal gates of the damned. How does man fall for this? It could not have simply been that this was a one-time instance. Why was the first couple not alarmed at the approach of this serpent being? Is it likely they were approached before with “smooth words” just as many are today? We were created as inquisitive beings which in turn allows us to freely love God or deny Him. (Genesis 3:4-5) ”You will not surely die,” the serpent told her. For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Through masterful trickery, the twist of words brought to the first parents, rendered a reasoning that they could be “like God”. Nothing changed. Mankind continues the notion that they can be like God. Man did indeed engage the process of dying in the day he took that forbidden taste. He no longer could have full access to eat of the Tree of Life.

Man is still being fed the same old lie. Man is still being tempted and pulled by the same old serpent.

Sometimes the old lie does its work and convinces one that they can See SAME OLD LIE on Page 38

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Guiding Light

Some Encouraging Advice On How To Read The Bible

In whatever other ways we may study the Bible, there is a personal use of it in closet devotions which no Christian should fail to make. It will help us greatly in our devotional study, to have a clear conception of the help the Bible is designed to bring to us.

The Bible is our only infallible rule of faith and conduct. It teaches us, according to an honored formula, "what we are to believe concerning God — and what duty God requires of man."

We are to study the Bible, therefore, to learn about God. It reveals to us the character of God. It tells us what His perfections and attributes are. The Old Testament contains many such revelations in what prophets taught and singers sang.

Yet it is only in the New Testament 10/25/21, 5:20 PM

that we have the full revelation of God, when "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory."

Thus, in the Epistle to the Hebrews we read that "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe!"

(Hebrews 1:1-2) If we would know God's character and how He regards us, we must study the Scriptures.

Then we are to look into the Scriptures also to learn what our duty is — how we ought to live.

This is made very plain to us, not in any one chapter or section — but throughout the book.

However, the Bible does not merely give sets of rules to tell us what to do in such and such cases; it gives, rather, great principles which are to rule our life. For example, the sum of the commandments is, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with

all your soul, with your entire mind," and "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Always, love of God is to be first, and is to rule in every choice, in every decision.

Then love to our neighbor is to control us in all our human relationships.

In all our devotional reading, we should keep ever in mind what the Bible is intended to be to us, and should read it to learn what God's will for us is. This will give definiteness of purpose to the study of the Scriptures. We shall not then open the book at random and go over a few verses merely as a matter of duty.

This is the way some people always do with the Bible.

They have been taught that they should read it every day, and they would not dare to omit the duty.

But they have no conception of the reason why they do it. They do not know what they are expected to find in it.

Such use of the Bible will yield no blessing. It should be turned to with sincere reverence as containing the words of God for us. Then we should be intent to accept its teachings and take them into our life. If it reveals to us some fault in ourselves — we should be quick to get rid of the fault. If it shows us that something, we are doing is sinful, displeasing God and hurting our own souls — we should at once put away the offensive

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thing. If as we read the sacred words, we become aware that we have been failing in some duty of love to another, leaving undone something we ought to do — then we should begin immediately to do the neglected duty.

If we have in our morning lesson a vision of some loveliness of character not yet attained, we should not be disobedient unto the heavenly vision — but should earnestly strive to attain the lofty experience thus shown as possible to us. We may be discouraged when we open the book, and in the passage, we read See ADVICE on Page 44

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Christmas 2021 33

Changing Times

He Died For Everyone

By Andrew Murray

He died for sin, bearing its curse, and suffering death as God's righteous judgment on account of it. His death opened up the way to God for us. It did for us what we cannot and need not do; it wrought out a finished salvation, which we have but to accept and repose upon. According to the other aspect, He died to sin. His death was a proof of His resistance to sin and its temptation.

9

His readiness rather to give up life than yield to sin; a proof that there is no way of being entirely free form the flesh and its connection with sin, but by yielding the old life to death, in order to receive afresh and direct from God a life entirely new. The faith in the death for sin, must lead us into the death to sin. The one view is that of substitution: Christ doing what I cannot do. The other that of fellowship: Christ working in me what I see in Himself.

The former is a finished work, and gives me boldness at once and forever to trust God. The latter is the power of sanctification, as the death and the life of Christ work in me.

It is because of the suffering of death, that He has been crowned with glory and honor. "He was

nothing more to do with sin, need any longer fear, but may with boldness meet its God. The death of Christ has wrought with mighty power in heaven and earth and hell.

It has finished, and delighted God; it has conquered death and sin and hell; it has redeemed and delivered mankind. Let that death live in your heart; it will work there its mighty wonders too. And you shall find Jesus in your heart, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor. © 2021 oChristian.com. All Rights Reserved >

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made a little lower than the angels that He might taste death for everyman," might drink the cup of death, as the fruit of sin, for all. . . Jesus tasted its bitterness, as the curse of sin, in full measure . . . to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. All these expressions-suffering death, tasting death for all, bringing to nought the devil, making reconciliation for the sins of the people--refer to the finished work which Christ wrought, the sure and everlasting foundation on which our faith and hope can rest. Begin here and strike the roots of our faith deep in the work which Christ, as our Substitute, wrought on Calvary.

Let us study the words carefully, and remember them well, and believe them fully: Christ has tasted death for all, and emptied the cup; Christ has brought to naught the devil; Christ has made reconciliation for sin. Death and the devil and sin: these have been put away, have been brought to naught. a complete deliverance has been affected.

The sufferings and death of Christ have such an infinite worth and preciousness in God's sight that no soul, who is resolved to have

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Overcoming Overwhelming Fear

By Greg Laurie

Have you ever been so discouraged that you wanted to die?

That’s how the Israelites felt as they were poised to enter the Promised Land. They allowed their fear to overwhelm them.

Moses had sent out 12 men to go into the land of Canaan and see what lay ahead of them. And when they returned, the majority of the men gave this report: “We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country—a land flowing with milk and honey. . .. But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak!”

(Numbers 13:27–29).

Then the Bible tells us, “But

Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. ‘Let’s go at once to take the land,’ he said.

‘We can certainly conquer it!’”

So, 12 spies went in, and 10 of them came back with a discouraging report. But two of them, Joshua and Caleb, gave an encouraging report.

The problem with the 10 spies who gave the majority report was they didn’t see God for who He is.

They only saw problems. God had promised them a land flowing with milk and honey. God had promised He would give them the land.

However, they ignored what God said and put their eyes on their circumstances, on obstacles, on challenges, on giants, and ultimately on defeat. In their minds they had a small God. Therefore, they had big problems.

Obstacles are frightening things when we take our eyes off the objective. When we fix our attention on the obstacles rather than on the objective, fear always will eclipse our faith.

That’s what happened to the peo-

Victorious Living ple of Israel. (Numbers 14) tells us, “Then the whole community began weeping aloud, and they cried all night. Their voices rose in a great chorus of protest against Moses and Aaron. ‘If only we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!’ they complained”.

These people had lost perspective. They needed to take their eyes off the obstacles and put them on the opportunities.

That’s what Joshua and Caleb did. They saw the same obstacles and the same challenges. But they also saw opportunities and great victories waiting for them if they went into the land.

So, they reminded the people, “Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!”

We all face giants in our lives.

These giants, so to speak, are anyone or any things that seek to con-

trol us, hurt us, destroy us, or torment us in life.

But the first step to defeating our giants is bringing them into the open, into the light of day. Let’s recognize that we cannot defeat our giants in our own strength. Let’s call on God and pray for His power.

God doesn’t want us to run from our giants. He wants us to attack them.

That’s what David did. In the Valley of Elah, he went to meet Goliath armed with a sling and some stones. He said, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head”. (1 Samuel 17:45–46) And that’s exactly what happened. So, don’t just face your See FEAR on Page 36

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Christmas 2021 35

Changing Times

VICTORIOUS LIVING FEAR Continued from Page 35 giants; defeat your giants. For example, if your giant is alcohol, don’t put it in the back of the cabinet so you can go to it later. Pour it down the drain. Don’t leave any backup plan. Deal with your giants.

Don’t let them conquer you.

Writing about the Israelites in (1 Corinthians 10), the apostle Paul said, “These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us, who live at the end of the age”. By the way, I believe we are living in the last days. I believe that Jesus Christ is coming back and that Bible prophecies are being fulfilled before our very eyes.

Paul was using the Israelites’ wilderness wanderings as an allegory. They were delivered from the bondage of Pharaoh, and we are delivered from the bondage of sin. They wandered around in a We wish each of our Friends and Clients the peace, love and joy of Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

self-imposed wilderness for 40 years, and we do the same thing when we take our eyes off God and make the same mistakes again and again.

They had a choice to make, and you and I have a choice to make as well. So, let’s not take what God has done for us for granted, because the first step to going back is looking back. This is why Jesus said, “Remember Lot’s wife”. (Luke 17:32) She, along with her husband and family, were delivered from Sodom and Gomorrah as God was destroying it. The angel of the Lord specifically told them not to look back as they ran to safety.

But Lot’s wife ignored that warning and looked back. As a result, she turned into a pillar of salt.

Jesus also said, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God”. (Luke 9:62)

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So don’t look back. Look forward. Don’t look at your obstacles.

Look at your opportunities.

Someone has said that when you trust, you don’t worry, and when you worry, you don’t trust. That’s because faith and worry cannot coexist. When faith walks in, worry walks out. And when worry steps in, faith walks out. We want faith in our lives, not worry.

God is bigger than your giant.

God is bigger than your problem.

If you see God in His power, glory, and ability to help you, then you’ll see your problem with the right

perspective. God is bigger than what you’re facing. It all comes down to how you look at things.

Greg Laurie All Rights Reserved Harvest Ministries 2021>

FOOD FOR THOUGHT "It Makes No Difference What A Man Believes, Or What Doctrines He Holds. It Is Only His Conduct That Counts."

That is the way some people talk, as they sneer at Bible doctrines. But it does matter what one believes. Wrong believing leads to wrong living. The heathen worships a god conceived of as lustful, cruel, and unholy. The Christian worships a God, who is revealed as holy, righteous, pure, and good, and becomes holy, righteous, pure, and good.

Beliefs shape our lives. It is important, therefore, that we know the truths about the character and will of Christ, as our conception of Christ will imprint itself upon our life.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Colossians 3:16) "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." (Titus 1:9) "You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine." (Titus 2:1) J.R. Miller

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VICTORIOUS LIVING

The Root Of Our Holiness: Introducing the Fruit of the Spirit (Part 1 of 9)

By Alistair Begg

One of the greatest Reformationera rediscoveries is the astounding truth that sinful men and women can be justified—made right with God—on the basis of faith alone.

No merit of our own makes us acceptable to God. It is ever and only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that restores the broken relationship we have with our Creator.

No merit of our own makes us acceptable to God It is ever and only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that restores the broken relationship we have with our Creator.

However, as the great Reformer Martin Luther was wont to point out, the faith that saves is never alone. In other words, genuine saving faith in Jesus Christ bears fruit for Jesus Christ. This is not merely a theological truism, of course, but is in keeping with the teaching of the whole of

the Bible. For example: The Psalter opens by telling us that the blessed person “is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season”.

Jesus says to His disciples, “I am the vine; you are the branches Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit” (John 15:5).

A few verses later, He even adds that His people “bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples”.

Paul tells us in his epistle to the Colossians that we are to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col. 1:10) So, practically speaking, what does it look like for us to be holy as God is holy? (See Lev. 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16.) What does it look like to “be conformed to the image of” Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29) and to “bear fruit in keeping with repentance”? (Matt. 3:8). The apostle Paul tells us precisely the fruit God expects of His people in (Galatians 5:22–24): The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, good-

ness, faithfulness, gentleness, selfcontrol; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

In future articles, we will examine each of these in more depth. But first, let’s think together about the nature of this fruit. What does it mean to bear the fruit of the Spirit?

Vine and Branches The first and most fundamental point is that bearing fruit in the Spirit is a natural consequence of our faith in Jesus Christ. All the way through his letter to the Galatians, Paul is making sure his readers understand the wonder of what it means to be in Christ. He addresses people who suggest that the work of Christ must be supplemented with external factors, such as the rite of circumcision. Paul clarifies that we, however, “know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ”. Faith is the fountain from which all good works spring, the root from which all fruit sprouts and grows.

The image of a vine and branches,

described so vividly in (John 15:1– 11), helps us understand how this is possible. Our bearing the marks of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in the eyes of those around us results from a vital connection to the vine, Jesus Christ; like branches from a vine, all our sustenance comes from Him. It is certainly possible for a person interested in religion or concerned about morality to construct an outward change in habits without ever having experienced an inward change in heart. But this kind of change always ends in frustration, because only when we are rooted in Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit can we sustain the fruit God so desires.

Nine Facets, One Fruit The second aspect of the fruit of the Spirit for us to consider is that “fruit” here is singular: it is one attribute that is evident among all who walk by the Spirit. This contrasts with spiritual gifts, which Paul tells us God apportions to See THE ROOT on Page 38

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Christmas 2021 37

VICTORIOUS LIVING THE ROOT Continued from Page 37 members of Christ’s body in various ways. No one person possesses every spiritual gift. (See 1 Cor. 12:28–31) But the (singular) fruit of the Spirit is different. These nine graces of Christian character, from love to self-control, together form one indivisible fruit of the Spirit.

The significance of the fruit’s unity becomes more apparent when we recall that some of us are, whether by temperament or disposition, able to identify more with certain facets of the fruit than others. Someone might genuinely be a nice person, and they’d exhibit a measure of kindness even if they were not a Christian. Another person might be more prone to demonstrate self-control. Thus, we could be tempted to think that, as with spiritual gifts, someone else in the body of Christ can make up for whatever we lack, whatever deficit we might have. I’ll work on joy, we might say to ourselves, and let someone else tackle faithfulness.

But the fact of the matter is that the Holy Spirit does not produce genuine love without patience, nor does He produce authentic joy without goodness, and so on. You can mix them up any way you

choose, but every facet of the fruit of the Spirit ought to increase in tandem. The work of the Spirit of God in the child of God is to create the full-orbed reality of Christlikeness.

Every facet of the fruit of the Spirit ought to increase in tandem.

The work of the Spirit of God in the child of God is to create the fullorbed reality of Christlikeness.

Growth in the Gospel Third and finally, we should keep in mind that any growth in fruitfulness is evidence of the transforming power of the Gospel. Paul says it this way in (Galatians 2:20): I have been crucified with Christ.

It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Each of us will face moments of conviction when we sense that we are not as fruitful as we ought to be.

These are the times when it is most vital to remember the Gospel soil out of which the fruit of the Spirit grows. On the one hand, we ought to examine and test ourselves to identify areas of weakness and concern (2 Cor. 13:5). On the other, we need also to recognize that in the same way God’s grace makes a way

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for our justification, so grace paves the path for our sanctification.

Again, it is the very life of Christ in us that produces the fruit of His Spirit. Yes, we act and live and do, but it is all by faith, and it is all in Christ, who indwells us by His Spirit.

Truth be told, the fruit of the Spirit presents to us a rather intimidating list. Who among us can measure up? The answer, of course, is a resounding no one—no one, that is, except our Lord Jesus Christ, who was and is perfectly loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. He is the one on whom we rely in order to bear His fruit. And He is the one who will be ever pleased to sanctify us when we come to Him in faith.> © 1994 - 2021 Truth For Life. All Rights Reserved.

Alistair Begg

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SAME OLD LIE Continued from Page 32 know as God knows, and base their goodness upon a baseline created by oneself. It is actually little different than the lady who said “there is no God”. It is not the measuring cup of Jesus but that of oneself.

This is humanism and it is against everything that is right toward God. The benefit given to us today is throwing ourselves at the feet of Jesus, (the true Tree of Life), repenting and believing He is Lord and Savior. If you compare your righteousness to the Lord’s instead of your man-made scale, I can promise you a simple truth. You will soon find your scales inadequate. You will soon find you need Him to provide your righteousness by His shed blood and through all aspects of His mercy and grace.> Bernard Capello

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Marks Of Maturity

By Adrian Rogers

May I ask you a question? Are you a growing Christian? Are you moving toward maturity? You can be young only once, but you can be immature for a long time. Many churches have people who’ve been born again but cease to grow.

I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong and the word of God abides in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. (1 John 2:13-14) John mentions children, young men, and fathers. He’s talking about coming from childhood to adulthood, growing into maturity.

What are the marks of maturity?

Not just spiritual health—a child can be spiritually healthy yet still be a child. Not giftedness. Samson was mightily gifted, but he was immature. Even the gifted Corinthian church, Paul had to confront: “So that ye come behind in no gift…” (1 Corinthians 1:7) but he said, “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1).

Your heart can be right with

God, filled with the Holy Spirit, but still immature.

Maturity is Christ-likeness. “Till we all come…unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). “…teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:28).

Perfect doesn’t mean sinless; it means mature.

Maturity is a lifelong process, not a hundred-yard dash No one is instantly mature. If you want to grow a squash, it will take you 40 days. An oak will take you 40 years.

Whatever your age, no one is saved full grown. Thank God for baby Christians, but baby Christians has to grow up. In one sense, a church is a maternity ward. But some stay in the maternity ward far too long.

Moving from milk bottles to mighty battles, baby Christians should become workers and warriors. “I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong and the word of God abides in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” When you begin to grow, you’re no longer being served but a servant, a worker, a warrior.

The Word of God has made you strong. Don’t let Satan have his way because he’s fighting an army of children. Is the devil afraid of you?

Young men are strong; they’ve overcome the wicked one. Are you a threat to Satan’s kingdom? Does the Word of God abide in you? From there you move into the wisdom of adulthood. “I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him

that is from the beginning.” An adult has come to mature wisdom; he knows, he understands. He’s been with the Lord so long; his life begins to manifest the likeness of God. If you’re a woman or a young person, this applies to you, too.

A father has children. Have you reproduced? Will you bring spiritual children to Jesus’ feet? A father imparts wisdom to his spiritual children to help them to grow in grace.

How do we grow from childhood to adolescence to maturity?

Growth requires time You will not instantly be mature.

There are no shortcuts. Remain steadfast, and you will grow.

Growth requires nourishment “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby;” (1 Peter 2:2). Feed daily on the Word of God. That’s where your strength lies. Saturate your heart and life with the Word.

Growth requires discipline and exercise “But strong meat belongs to them

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that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil,” (Hebrews 5:14). We have so many flabby Christians because Sunday after Sunday they sit, soak, and sour.

Find something in your church to do.

Help in a ball club, the dining hall, in a class, in the jail ministry. Don’t sit like a turtle on a log. Serve.

Are you a growing Christian?

There’s a battle to fight, work to be done. I want you to become a spiritual father, reminding others of God. I want you to grow so much with God that you begin to look like Him and act like Him. Did you find it helpful? © 2021 Love Worth Finding Ministries. All Rights Reserved>

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CHRISTIAN LIVING

"Christians" Followers of Jesus

Christians are Followers of Jesus and have been born again. They pattern their lives after Jesus, are filled with God's Holy Spirit, and will spend Eternity in Heaven.

The first Followers of Jesus were the twelve Disciples, handpicked

by Jesus when He began His ministry on earth.

The Twelve Disciples: • Simon whom Jesus renamed Peter • James, the son of Zebedee and his brother, • John, • Andrew • Philip • Bartholomew • Matthew • Thomas • James son of Alphaeus • Thaddaeus • Simon, the Zealot • Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus

"He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him," (John 1:10-11).

It is sad that Israel was the only nation expecting the Messiah, (Jesus), and yet rejected Him when He arrived: To be a Follower of Christ, One Must: • Believe in God. • Believe that Jesus is the Son of God • Believe that Jesus is the Savior who died for the sins of the world.

Those who follow the Christian Faith are to pattern their lives after Jesus. They are to be baptized and then love, serve and take the Gospel to the world. They must trust in God's promises, and prayerfully abide in Jesus.

Jesus Forewarns His followers: According to Jesus, His followers may face rejection and persecution for their faith in Him. If so, they are not to be discouraged.

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, it would

love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.

That is why the world hates you.

Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed My teaching, they will obey yours also" (John 16:18-21).

Persecution during Jesus Time: During Jesus life, the world showed its opposition in the form of harsh words, hostile plots, and violent torture. Many of the early Christians experienced rejection, exclusion, ridicule and even death.

Persecution Today: We must not make the mistake of thinking the hatred of the world toward the Followers of Christ has disappeared. Today there are Christians imprisoned in over 40 countries for practicing their Faith.

In America, Christians are often ridiculed and rejected. An example, in the movies it is not uncommon to see well-dressed cowboys riding expensive horses, alongside a poorly dressed preacher portrayed as an inept bungler, riding a mule or donkey.

In truth, our early preachers were intelligent, often well-educated, robust individuals who loved the Lord, and were fearless in their pursuit of spreading the Gospel.

The Holy Spirit; The good news is that God did not abandon the Followers of Jesus to struggle on their own The Child of God, living according to God's plan and guidance, can have the most fulfilling life there is.

After Jesus' death and resurrection, He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell, comfort and counsel each of His followers. The Holy Spirit brought them peace, joy, and hope, and enabled them to be strong and faithful, despite the world's hostility.

"And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him or knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you," (John 14:16-17) Hope and Joy for the Followers of Christ; Paul said, "Therefore we do not See CHRISTIANS on Page 47

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Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. – Hebrews 13:8

Christmas 2021 41

FEATURE ARTICLE BEARING FRUIT Continued from Page 31 difficulties into your life to brush the dust off your leaves. He’ll do it gently, tying you up in a position where you can get sunshine so you can start producing fruit.

When you’re disobeying, God will lift you up. He’ll send situations and people into your life to gently brush the dust off your leaves, and then He'll lift you to a position where you can get sunshine and start producing fruit.

This discipline is God’s mercy!

He uses these moments to get our attention, not because He wants to punish us, but because His PRIORITY is your heart.

Would you recognize God’s dusting off if it occurred in your life?

Wondering about purpose?

3 Steps to Confidently Discern God’s Calling on Your Life 2. If you bear some fruit, God will prune you to grow more fruit. …every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

God is eager to have your whole heart. When He sees fruit in your life, He will do the necessary work to ensure you’re prepared to grow the most amounts of fruit possible.

This is done through pruning.

• If discipline has to do with God

42 Christmas 2021

dealing with sin in your life, pruning has to do with God dealing with the SELF in your life.

• To prune, He probes your priorities and says, “Yes, there is a lot of fruit. But I’d like to see more fruit because I love you.”

When pruning occurs, significant portions of a plant are sacrificed to allow for more fruit to grow. In the same way, when He prunes your life, He wants to chop off significant obstacles that are stunting the growth of fruit.

Have you ever felt like you’re trying to juggle all these balls, managing family, church, work, marriage, and money, and your life is a whirlwind of activity?

God’s telling you to prune • Do you find time to regularly pour into important relationships, like scheduling coffee with friends?

• Are you participating in church activities and finding ways to use your gifts on a regular basis?

• Is there time within your day to hang out with your immediate family and be available for meaningful conversations?

If your answers are no, these are signs that your life needs pruning.

Once your life has been pruned, you’ll be able to have a single focus of bearing fruit for Him. Take inventory and determine if

Changing Times

obstacles are keeping you from living a fruitful faith. Broken relationships are obstacles: How to Resolve Conflict and Live Peacefully as a Follower of Jesus 3. When there is more fruit, He wants you to abide.

Abide in Me, and I in you. Abiding is the ultimate connection to the vine. In some translations, it says, “Remain in Me.” Once you’ve grown to recognize discipline, refinement, and pruning, God asks you to move to the next level. What does this look like?

Abiding, Remain in Him. Abiding looks different for everyone because we are all on different points along our faith journey. But I can tell you that abiding always looks like intimacy with the Father, and communing closely enough that you know His words and hear His leading in your life.

In other words, first things first Are you making time to read the Scriptures and meditate on God’s Word? Not because you “should,” but because your soul longs for that time with Him? After making this a norm in your life, the outcome is supernatural. You’d be amazed at the transformation in your everyday thoughts and decisions.

Bearing Fruit in All Seasons Bearing much fruit is the most

important thing you can do for yourself and your relationship with God. It’s the natural outcome of a heart that is tuned into the Father, abiding and remaining in Him. If there is no fruit, my hope is that you’ll recognize the discipline that God offers because He is a loving Father. Bearing fruit means that you’ll cooperate with God’s discipline, and then repent and obey.

If you’re producing fruit and He starts pruning, my prayer is that you will get rid of self-dependence and reliance on others, and realign your priorities.

And if you’re already bearing more fruit and want much fruit, it means you take it a step further.

Declare, “I’m going to make my connection with Christ, my time in the Word, and my prayer life the number one priority of my human experience on this planet.”

Then there will be a transformation in you, and then a transformation through you.> Copyright © Living on the Edge.

All rights reserved

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Christmas

Celebrating The Birth Of Christ

Heavenly Peace

By James Robison

By Charles F. Stanley

3 Ways to Focus on the Meaning of Christmas Although we usually associate Christmas with happy celebrations, it’s also an appropriate time for serious reflection about our eternal destiny. When people are strong and prosperous, they don’t give much thought to the day of their death because they can go where they choose and do what they want, but the day will come when we must each stand before God. The Bible clearly shows us the way to be ready for that day, and Christmas reminds us that the only person who can forgive our sins is Jesus Christ. He died in our place, and His resurrection proved that God accepted His sacrifice as full payment for our sins.

Because He’s alive, we can know we are forgiven. Even when our bodies are placed in the grave, we will immediately be present with the Lord in heaven. This is our living hope that can never die.

Because Jesus came to earth, we can think about Christmas in an entirely new way. The trees remind us of the cross where He died, the gifts of the eternal life

He offers us, and the lights of the Light of the World who now lives in our hearts.

Considering all that Christ has done for us, we should be filled with gratitude at Christmastime.

With all the distractions and traditions of Christmas, we need to be intentional about keeping Jesus the central focus. Here are a few suggestions that may help: Open a Bible to the first chapter of Luke and place it beside the gifts under the tree as a reminder to read the story of Jesus’ birth on Christmas morning.

Take a few moments to recall how God saved you. Share your testimony; then thank and praise the Lord for who He is and what He’s done. Remember that everything you have is from Him, even your next breath.

Praise Christ for what He’s done for you all year long and most of all, thank Him for saving you—not because He had to, but because He chose you.

When we take time for serious reflection concerning life, death, and eternity, Christmas becomes more meaningful. So, don’t let the world distract you from the greatest reason we have for hope. Do something different this year: give Christ the preeminence—and celebrate a truly joyful season. © 2021 oChristian.com. All Rights Reserved >

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Why were the tears suddenly filling my eyes until they began to stream down my cheeks? Just a few moments earlier, my hands were lifted to heaven in worshipful praise. I had noticed Betty’s hands also lifted, along with many others, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw my daughter Rhonda with hands lifted high, tears filling her eyes, as she, too, praised our Savior.

But now my head was nearly in my lap, and I was weeping.

We had been invited to simply gather with friends for a Christmas fellowship, and some of our family—including four grandchildren— also attended. We were blessed by two gifted musicians, Tim Sheppard and Brent Lamb, who had been asked to lead Christmas songs, worship and praise. I was moved from previous times of exultation to complete brokenness over the simple phrase from Away in a Manger, “the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.” So, help me, I could see the precious, beautiful, most-special baby boy.

In recent months, it has been as though this old Baptist preacher keeps seeing visions. I guess it just fulfills the prophecy that “old men shall see visions.” The “old” part is true, but our kids and grandkids keep telling me not to say it—I’m not old, they say. But the fact is, I am seeing visions, and I’m not hallucinating.

So, help me, I saw baby Jesus asleep on the hay, wrapped in rags. Somehow it just didn’t seem right for Him—the Messiah, the Promised One, the hope of all humanity—to be lying there in the straw. But I must tell you, He was altogether so amazingly beautiful, as the Christmas favorite Silent Night so clearly proclaims. There He was, sleeping

“in heavenly peace.”

I am telling you, I could see Him, and there I, too, along with the shepherds and wise men, worshiped the Promised One—the One who came to pay for and offer peace on earth. Peace to me, you and all who will receive it. Oh, how I long to see people receive the peace that only God can give. It is within and can overflow, inspiring everyone He contacts. This peace can only prevail on earth when it resides in us. It can only come when we yield our lives to the Prince of Peace—to Jesus, the holy child, the perfect demonstration of life and truth, the lamb that was slain, the reigning Lord of all and King of Kings.

As I glanced around the room, I saw many mothers, fathers, grandparents and young people who had come to Jesus as I shared the gospel over the past 50 years. I saw in their countenance the heavenly peace in which Jesus surely slept. Some of them have recently lost loved ones.

Others are battling cancer or other debilitating diseases. Some of them have had family members challenged by addictions or financial pressures. But through it all, there was Jesus, revealed so clearly. What a Savior! What a “friend we have in Jesus!”

Once again, that baby asleep on the hay reappeared in my mind’s eye, and I saw indescribable love, grace and forgiveness, “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” My mind was exploding with phrases from treasured Christmas carols, songs, hymns and Bible verses—all increasing my gratitude for the little baby lying in a manger but now living in my heart as the closest possible friend. He is the only one who knows me fully, understands me, and will never leave me nor forsake me.

Suddenly, I, too, felt the “peace that passes all understanding.”

This peace is available to everyone through the One whose birth I pray you openly and joyfully celebrate this Christmas.> © 2021 Life Outreach International. All rights reserved.

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Christmas 2021 43

Christmas Turtledoves

By David Wilkerson

God has kept me through my struggles by showing me King David's secret hope. David, lamenting and complaining, wondered why God was angry with him. He called on God to “put out your hand and destroy the enemy" (see Psalm 74:11). It seemed to David that the enemies of God were taking control

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and, in his despair, he prayed, "O, deliver not the soul of the turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked" (Psalm 74:19).

Like David, we began to see ourselves as little turtledoves, surrounded by the snares and traps of the wicked. It encouraged me, in my most trying times, to see myself as his lovebird, resting on his promise to keep me out of the snares of the wicked. Like a turtledove, we long for the presence of our beloved Savior.

I picture Christ coming to me in the form of a dove—his Holy Spirit—revealing to me his constant love and continual care. How unspeakable that such a great and majestic God would condescend to relate to

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my needs as a turtledove. Did he not descend on Christ at the baptismal waters as a dove?

Child of God, are you going through difficult times? Is there suffering in your home? Do you hurt? Are you confused at times because of the severity of it all? Remember, you are the Lord's little turtledove and he will never turn you over to the wicked one. He will deliver you from every snare of the enemy and show you how devoted he is to you in your hour of need. He is there beside you, at all times, as a dove, whispering, sharing his love with you.

Solomon, speaking of Christ, said, "His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, beautifully set" (Song of Solomon 5:12). And of the church, the Lord's ADVICE Continued from Page 33 there may be a word of hope, calling us to victorious living.

For the Bible, from first to last, is a book of cheer. It never tells us that it is our duty to be disheartened or to despair. Always it calls us to rise out of our fear and failure and begin again.

Always it assures us that there is no reason for despair, that we need never give up, that out of the greatest seeming failure we may become more than conquerors through Christ who loves us. When this is the lesson we find in our daily passage, we should at once lift up our heart and begin to rejoice.

Or we may be in sorrow, passing through bereavement or enduring a great loss. Then the message the Scripture has for us is one of comfort. It is not enough to read the promises or assurances which we find, paying no

Life Lessons

When we think about self-denial, most of us aren't too happy! It often implies going on a diet, restricting entertainment, or giving up dubious--and sometimes even Simple pleasures, like that extra piece of pie.

God has given us life to enjoy, so to deny ourselves basic needs is not God's will for our lives. But sometimes, self-denial has a cleansing purpose. For example, on Yom Kippur, Jewish people fast for 24 hours. That means no food or water, and praying to God to forgive sins committed during the past year. Now that's self-denial!

However, "self," as we all know, is often self-serving. Jesus urged His followers, "Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." (Mark 8:34) It's hard to deny our appetites, but it's harder to fight our emotions and harmful desires, like jealousy, lust, and greediness.

Hardest of all, I think, is the emotion of fear.

44 Christmas 2021

beloved, it is written, "My dove, my undefiled one is but one..." (Song of Solomon 6:9). We are one in Christ— his dove—a turtledove.

The sparrow falls to the ground, but not the turtledove. He is kept in the hollow of his hand, safe and secure in his love. Best of all, the Lord will deliver us out of our troubles and prove his everlasting faithfulness to us. We shall come through it all rejoicing and in full rest and trust in his power and love.

Copyright © 2021 by World Challenge, Inc., P.O. Box 260, Lindale, Texas 75771.> David Wilkerson

heed to them, not permitting them to influence us. Rather we should take them as indeed God's words to us and should let the truths they tell us into our heart, to help us in our sorrow.

For example, when we read the Master's "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you," we should instantly accept the gift He offers, allowing His peace to take possession of us and to fill our heart.

If we read the Bible in this way, in our devotional closet, it will become the guide of our life, the lamp for our feet, and the light for our path.

A single verse in the morning, if there is time for no more than a verse, will make us stronger for all the day's duties and struggles!

Save the Nations Ministries> We are hard-wired to fear evil, fire, danger, etc. But fear that replaces trust in God puts the devil in the charge of our feelings.

Remember, never give the devil a ride--he always wants to drive!

Jesus must have experienced fear as a human being. He asked, in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, that He be spared what was to come, if it were His Father's will. (Mark 14:36) But He surrendered Himself to God's purpose.

Again and again, God tells us, "Fear not!" fhe disciples in a storm at sea feared for their lives, even with Jesus sleeping in the ship. He calmed the sea and asked, "Why are ye so fearful? How is that ye have no faith?”

(Mark 4:40) Luke 12:32 says, "Fear not, little flock" and Il Timothy 1:7 says, “for God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

To trust God with all in our lives is to fear not, for when we are in His will, we are able to overcome our fears, and that kind of selfdenial brings us freedom and life!

www.changingtimes.info

Book Review

By the River and Beyond By the River and Beyond is a peculiar tale told within the backdrop of the fabled city of New Orleans.

The Author, Michael Joseph, a native of New Orleans, with a special affection for his hometown, uses the unique geography, sights and sounds, of the Crescent City to help frame his narrative. The book is published by Parables, earthly stories with a heavenly meaning, which gives us a clue as to its contents. By the River and Beyond presents the old gospel story of divine intervention radically transforming a human life. The clever use of local dialect among the characters, the intriguing language, and the flash-back chronology employed makes for an uncommon literary experience.

Our story is told by one Simeon Mangino, raised from boyhood amidst a loving extended family along with many close friends and multiple associates.

Simeon describes diverse events and pranks typical of a gang of boys becoming juveniles which could take place in any region of America. Yet our writer uses the singular geography, the peculiar ambience, architecture, and sounds of New Orleans to surround his players. Our protagonist melds all these elements in a creative flash-back series of events to develop his storyline.

Simeons childhood and into early manhood floats along on a series of memories beginning in early childhood until he reaches young adulthood and leaves his beloved city. At the age of six he recalls a profound moment in his parochial school when

his mind was directed to thoughts beyond everyday childish thinking.

That memory was filed away. A number of what we will call epiphanies occur during Simeons early years which begin to subtly guide our young man into his destined future.

These memories are mostly surrounded by any number of Simeons close friends who make up the social life of this growing boy.

A striking feature of our author’s narrative is a strong resemblance to a technique used by the great New Orleans area writer Walker Percy.

Percy employs the use of sensory triggers like sounds and smells to evoke scenes from a main character’s past.

These triggers use past events to bring meaning and clarity to the recollecting person. The remembrance of things past put a missing puzzle piece in place to propel the character forward and bring greater light to his path.

Simeon is deeply affected by the simple song of a mockingbird continually.

The common sound of the public belt railroad train, which is so common that it goes unnoticed, suddenly breaks into his consciousness! The three sharp whistles and the six bells sounding dramatically sharpen his mental focus. His heightened senses help him recall that twice in his early adulthood he has been rescued from being murdered! Simeon begins to sense a divine thread of guidance to his existence.

Simeon eventually joins the Navy in an attempt to stay close to his life-long best friend and then winds up in college where he has a profound spiritual conversion. The party-boy son of New Orleans becomes a serious follower of Jesus and begins to concern himself with the current state of the world. Of course, the book is published in 2021 so recent global events help shape Simeon’s spiritual outlook.

After 25 years of college campus ministry, Simeon returns to his native New Orleans.

Several mysteries carry the story along upon Simeon’s return to the Crescent City. A gentleman carrying a blue folder appears at various times in the narrative and the contents of the blue folder intrigue Simeon greatly. Simeon gets to hanging out at a New Orleans Wen-

dy’s restaurant where he encounters the shadowy gentleman carrying the folder. This man also leaves writing on yellow Wendy’s napkins, leaving cryptic messages behind.

Another important character in the book is a Giant man named Vincent who threatens Simeon with See BY THE RIVER on Page 47

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CHILDREN BEGINNING Continued from Page 15 soldiers of Christ — and the soldier's first duty is to obey. Whether the will of Christ is made known to us in His word, through our own conscience, or in providence — we should always promptly and cheerfully accept and obey. It may not be always easy — it may be very hard and costly; but when the will of our Master is made known, if we are His followers we can only obey, and our obedience should be sweet with love.

Consecration is nothing but being a Christian from the center of our

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Changing Times

heart to the tips of our fingers, and being a Christian always, wherever we go. "Whose I am, and whom I serve" was one great Christian's idea of the life we should live. A Christian belongs to Christ, and knows it and remembers it wherever they are.

Jesus spoke Mary's name — she did not recognize Him before, she supposed Him to be the gardener; but when He said "Mary!" she knew Him, and from her heart said, "Rabbi" It is always just that way. We love Him — because He first loved us; we know Him — because He first calls us. He speaks our name, and then we say "Rabbi, Master!" Christ is ours — and we are Christ's. That is becoming a Christian.

Then, being a Christian is living out that same life of love, obedience, surrender, and service, through all the days.

There is something else; he who loves Christ, loves his Christian brethren also. To begin to be a Christian is to remove from the arctic zone of cold selfishness — into the warm summer zone of Christian love. We cannot make too much of our relation to Christ — that is the beginning of it all; but we have relations to others as well. We are to live in the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not

envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails."

The Christian life that does not make us gentler, patient and unselfish, is not realizing its true meaning. A Christian life is a new Christlife lived out in this world — we are to be Christ to others.

When we love Christ, we will want our brother to love him too.

We will strive to bring others to Him to find the same joy we have found. We will seek to bring back the one who is wandering.

The heart of the Christian should be a well of living water, a fount of holy and blessed influences, whose streams flow in all directions, carrying comfort, cheer, encouragement, help, and gladness to every other life they reach. Mere orthodoxy of belief does not make one a Christian, nor does attention to ecclesiastical rites and rules. A Christian is one in whom the life of Christ pulses, and the love of Christ glows and burns.

When should a young person become a Christian? At once, is the

answer! Not an hour should be lost.

The whole life belongs to Christ, not the mature years alone — but the earliest days as well; not the ripe fruit merely — but the bud and the flower as well; not the mid-day only, with its heat and burden — but the morning, too, with its sweetness and freshness.

One cannot come too early to Christ. Listen to the first gentle voices in your heart. Yield to the first influences of the divine Spirit. Give Christ the beginnings of your life.

It is a serious mistake for young people to wait until they can begin with deep experiences and conspicuous activities; they should begin as little children. Christian life is a school; we are to enter the lowest grades and become learners, advancing day by day. "Come unto Me, and learn of Me," is the Master's invitation.

The best time to begin a Christian life is in childhood, when the heart is tender, when it is easy to learn.

GRACE GEMS! A Treasury of Ageless Sovereign Grace Devotional Writings Our Purpose To humble the pride of man, to exalt the grace of God in salvation and to promote real holiness in heart and life. ©GraceGems.org 2021 >

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BY THE RIVER Continued from Page 45 bodily harm if he doesn’t stop being what he considers a prophet of doom! Simeon’s message revolves around the second coming of Christ.

As a serious student of the Sacred writings, ie the Bible, Simeon sees world-wide happenings pointing to the imminent return of Jesus. This message so offends Vincent’s sensibilities that he breaks one of Simeon’s fingers! Simeon of course fears this man, Vincent, who eventually comes into possession of the blue folder and plans to see that Simeon never gets to read its contents. But the further development of the narrative reveals great changes in SimeCHRISTIANS Continued from Page 41

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COVID19 PARTNERS Office of Homeland COVID19 Governor’s PARTNERS Call (985) 634-7223 COVID19 PARTNERS Call (985) 634-7223

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to help all citizens with their (866)funded 310-7977 Reachout Crisis Counseling Program for Text individuals, families, and groups emotional well-being Child of God, and . Louisiana Spirit is a federally

lose heart Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

For, our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For, what is seen is temporary, but what unseen is eternal. (2 Cor. 4:16-18) Paul encouraged the Followers of Jesus not to lose heart or give up on their eternal reward. This world is not all there is; f you are a Chris-

tian, you are a will inherit eternal life!

Christians can confidently look beyond this brief life with the promise that because Jesus shed His blood on the cross, we will spend a glorious eternity with Him, in a place where there is unspeakable joy, no suffering, and no tears.> Samuel L. Mills © Copyright 2006-2021 Trustingin-Jesus.com. All Rights Reserved

INTEGRITY Continued from Page 12

FAMILY OF GOD Continued from Page 5

should repay it at the hour they promised to do it.

Thus, in every department of life, we should set as our standard the highest integrity in all our conduct, and in all our relations to others.

God desires truth in the inward parts, and that truth should show itself without blemish or spot in every word and act.

It was said of Sir Isaac Newton, by those who knew him most intimately, that he had the whitest soul they had ever known. His heart was set ever upon finding out and telling others the simple, honest, straightforward truth about any subject with which he had to do.

No selfish thought, no hidden motive, came in to lead him to vary in the smallest particular from the truth. Those who live like this will honor God, will win for themselves an honored reputation, and will bless the world.

Save the Nations Ministries>

lute best for us. His Son came and died for us so that we could have a place in His family. He is a merciful, all-knowing, all-powerful God with our best interests at heart, desiring to shepherd us through the confusing maze of life and into an incredible future.

But because He loves us, He’s not going to force that on us. He’s going to let us make our own decisions.

He’s going to let us reap the consequences of poor choices. The Bible—His Word, preserved for us—contains all the warnings and instructions we need to live the best possible life.

Building a relationship with God is a journey that lasts a lifetime.

Every day is an opportunity to know and be known by the God who loves you, who has a plan for you and who has the power and foresight to bring it all to pass.

We are talking family here!

Save The Nations Ministries>

to 741741information and affected by disasters.24-Hour LouisianaHotline Spirit provides emotional support, counseling, referrals for survivors impacted by recent disasters. It is funded under the Stafford Act by FEMA and is administered through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA).

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