Today's Christian Living March 2026

THE UNIMAGINABLE POWER OF PRAYER

Encourage • Equip • Engage

DELIVERED FROM FEAR, FROM SIN, FROM PAST HURTS

Bonnie Keen

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On the Cover: Bonnie Keen

Photo taken by Jeremy Cowart.

MARCH 2026

VOL. 64 NUMBER 2

Features 6 The Music of Her Heart

By Stephanie Rische

Bonnie Keen talks about her unexpected career, the healing music brings, and the inspiration behind her newest album.

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A Town Called Liberty Brings Freedom in Christ

By Mira Gibson

Plagued by poor health, in bondage to sin, and tormented by evil, Mira finds deliverance through Christ.

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Prayer First

6 Departments

By B. J. Hansen

Through her partnership with Tim and Beth Heiney’s ministry, Brenda discovers the power of prioritizing prayer.

23 Easter Resource Guide Help make Christ’s resurrection the focus of the season with these books, Bibles, and more.

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The Fine Print

15 The Good News

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18

Kids of the Kingdom

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Quips and Quotes

38 Laugh Lines 42

Quick Takes

Columns 10

Living in Wisdom Facing Fear with Faith

14 Devotional Immeasurable Love 20

Ask Dr. Walt Eat Like a Greek

22 Turning Point When Prayer Reaches the Heavens

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Family News Suffering Saints

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Dave Says It’s About More than Money

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Grace Notes Tigers in the Basement

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THE FINE PRINT

Persecuted, Not Forsaken

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s I sit in the comfort of my office, enjoying a life filled with undeserved blessings, it’s hard to imagine the hardships 1 in 7 of all believers face almost daily. I endure little jabs, occasional rejection, or being labeled and misunderstood when I take a stand for Christ. In countries like Nigeria, India, North Korea and many more, Christians lose their livelihoods, their homes, their families and their lives.

In our last issue, we heard how Ahmed* and his Christian community in Pakistan have endured relentless attacks. I recently received news that 16 of those men were recently sent to prison and all were killed overnight. In light of rumors there will be further attacks, Ahmed has been advised to move his family to a government-protected Christian community near Lahore. He does not have the financial resources to make the move.

Please pray! We serve a big God with endless resources. Pray that God will provide the means for Ahmed and his family to move. Pray that an army of angels will protect him and others in the community from further attack. Pray that in all this God’s name will be glorified.

Our persecuted brothers and sisters show us what it looks like when Christ is our first love, when knowing and serving Him is more valuable than life itself.

They demonstrate unshakable hope in all God’s marvelous promises. And they are a stark reminder to us all that Christ has already won the battle, Satan has already been defeated, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church, Christ’s bride. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:7-10:

Vol. 64

Editor Michelle Adserias michellea@jpmediallc.com Contributing Editors Walt Larimore, M.D. Dave Ramsey Jerry Rose Shirley Rose Sales Account Executive Jill Maggio jillm@jpmediallc.com 800-397-8161 ext. 5 Bulk Circulation Angela Gauerke angelag@jpmediallc.com 800-397-8161 ext. 2 Founder Kenneth N. Taylor

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

Letters to the Editor: Write Today’s Christian Living, PO Box 5000, Iola, WI 54945. Or e-mail: editor@todayschristianliving.org Individual Subscriptions: Visit www.todayschristianliving.org/subscribe or call 800-223-3161.

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In Christ, (Photo credit: © [thodonall] / Adobe Stock)

Michelle Adserias, Editor

*Name changed.

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TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

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President/Publisher Diana Jones dianaj@jpmediallc.com

MARCH 2026

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BIBLICARDS IS A SET OF 100 ILLUSTRATED BIBLE STORY CARDS FOR KIDS.

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PARABLE OF THE SOWER

MATTHEW 13:1–23 | MARK 4:1–20 | LUKE 8:4–15

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Bonnie Keen’s Four Decades in Christian Music Photos taken by and used with permission from Jeremy Cowart

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By Stephanie Rische

f you’ve listened to Christian music for any length of time, you’ve no doubt heard the voice of Bonnie Keen.

A three-time Dove Award winner and Grammy nominee, she was also one of the founding members of the wellknown trio First Call. She has toured nationally and internationally, and she has appeared on platforms such as The Tonight Show and the Grammy awards.

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TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

She has toured with Amy Grant, Sandi Patty, Young Messiah, BeBe and CeCe Winans, and many others. In addition to being a recording artist, she is also an author, a speaker, an actor, and a podcast host.

But music isn’t just a job for Bonnie; it’s the very air she breathes. “The only way I can explain it is that God poured music into my heart. Even as young as four or five years old, I remember the Lord meeting

MARCH 2026

me through music.” Before Bonnie was in kindergarten, she was able to hear a melody and plunk it out at the piano.

“I grew up in a highly volatile, abusive environment. I was terrified of God, because what I learned about Him at home and at church was that He was harsh and punishing. I truly believe that God saved me through music.”

Even when her home life felt unstable and chaotic, Bonnie found solace while

BONNIE KEEN’S LATEST ALBUM

“I truly believe that God saved me through music.”

— Bonnie Keen

singing or at the piano. “God revealed His true character — His presence and His grace — to me through music.”

Bonnie started writing little songs at age eight or nine and began to study piano at thirteen. “Music showed me there is beauty in the world and there’s something bigger than me. I discovered that God is not only powerful but also that He loved me.”

When she was in middle school, Bonnie began writing longer pieces and doing musical theater. “I was focused on performance at the time — I started singing so I could be in school

plays, but I didn’t study voice until I was older.” In her late teens, Bonnie got a job at Opryland in Nashville, doing live shows for several years.

An Unexpected Road to Her Musical Career

“I never set out to be a recording artist. I just said, “Where’s the next job?” Bonnie became a backup singer with the band Nashville Rush Hour, and from there, the doors kept opening for her to sing and write. She played in clubs for five hours a night, mostly covering Top 40 hits. In her early

Bonnie’s most recent release is her self-titled album, produced by Larry Hall. “I’m very satisfied with how it turned out. It’s very eclectic — it represents my heart artistically. I’m thrilled people are listening to it and connecting with it.”

Bonnie was going through a difficult time when the idea for this album was sparked. “Larry approached me and said I should do a solo album. I was going through a divorce and grieving, and I’d been hearing messages that said, You’ll never be creative again. But this project gave me new direction and a place to focus positive hope.”

“I was encouraged to try things on this album I’d never done before.

I pulled out songs I’d written and wanted to record and reworked them, and I started writing again.” Bonnie says the album focuses on her love for Christ, but it also speaks to concerns about what’s happening in our culture. “Gethsemane Brave” is about being willing to suffer for our faith. “Cry Like a Bell” is a song to raise awareness about child trafficking. “Adeste Fideles” serves as a reminder that you can come to the Lord even if you’re too tired to come, even if you don’t know how to come. “God Will Love You” is a song for her grandchildren to hold on to their whole life.

“The biggest gift about writing about your faith is how God uses it in unexpected ways.”

“This album has been healing for me. I didn’t know if I would be useful to do anything for the Kingdom again.”

But just as God met Bonnie through music when she was a young girl, He continues to meet her there. “Music saved my life and led me to God. He continues to use it to save my life and give me purpose.”

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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Bonnie Keen and producer, Larry Hall.

twenties, she did studio work on jingles and commercials, and she sang backup on various albums. “Throughout my life, God has been gracious in opening musical avenues for me to explore.”

At the time, Bonnie didn’t know anyone in the contemporary Christian music industry. “God was taking care of me and guiding me when I didn’t even know what I was looking for. I met Melodie Tunney and Marty McCall (who later became the other founding members of First Call).” This was a radical turning point in Bonnie’s life, as it opened her eyes to a new genre of music.

“All at once I realized it’s possible to write songs about your faith.”

In this season, Bonnie toured and was mentored by various Christian artists.

“I knew nothing about Christian music.

I’d never heard of Amy Grant — the first Christian concert I attended was when I sang backup for Amy.” Bonnie also toured with Russ Taff for two years.

“These experiences stirred something inside me, and I discovered how wonderful it is to be able to sing about my faith.”

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When Melodie Tunney, Marty McCall, and Bonnie met in the 1980s, they weren’t intending to start a band.

They were background vocalists and commercial jingle singers who were the “first call” for studio producers in Nashville. “We all loved Christ and we pooled our resources to work together.

By the grace of God, we got a ton of work.”

First Call had no plans to go on the road, but Sandi Patti eventually talked them into traveling with her. “This opened a huge platform for us. We were named the new group of the year.” After First Call started winning awards, they realized they needed to take things more seriously. “We never saw this coming, but God had other ideas. We ended up producing fourteen albums and touring the country. I’m blown away by what God has done and allowed in my life.”

Learning Grace Notes Through Hardship

Bonnie grew up in a denomination that did not allow instrumental music.

“The church of my childhood was very

MARCH 2026

legalistic. It’s a wonder I ended where I am, using instruments to sing about God’s grace!” However, as she reflects on her upbringing, she is grateful for the hymns she learned. “I’m thankful for the theology of those hymn lyrics, which still deeply impact me today.

And singing harmony in church was great ear training for me. But I was taught it was wrong to sing on a church platform with musical instruments.”

At the age of nineteen, Bonnie was studying the Bible and journaling when she felt God speak to her. “I began to realize that what I was reading in the Word of God didn’t align with what I’d been taught in church.” That began an awakening about God’s grace and the freedom He brings.

“I’ve gone through some hard things in my life — divorce, clinical depression, single parenting — but through it all, I haven’t been angry with God or blamed Him. Christ has been my lifeline. He has saved me over and over, and the Spirit has taught me through the pain.” Bonnie says her appetite for the Word has increased over the

Know, Grow, and Go

Looking More like God Read Genesis 1:26–2:23.

From stars and mountains to manta rays and giraffes, God created everything!

But only people are created in his image.

Only we are made to look like him—bu t not in the color of our hair or how tall we stand. Rather, it’s in the thoughts we think, the words we say, and the things we do. And the more you pray, read the Bible, and help others, the more you’ll think, speak, and act like him. Pay attention to positive things other people do, too, and tell them you appreciate them!

The GO Bible has over 600 features to help kids know God’s Word and grow in his love so they can go share it with the world!

Know, Grow, and Go

NEW Read Genesis 3:1-19.

CHOOSE TO CHANGE the forbidden fruit to eat. the woman who gave him a classroom party?

The man blamed God for making cookies meant for eating caught got you if What would you do them. reach can you putting cookies where A. Tell the teacher to stop the cookies.

B. Apologize and stop eating the cookies too yummy.

C. Yell at the baker for making

Choose to Change

the truth and take respon

sibility

Stephanie Rische edits and writes in the Chicago area, where she lives with her husband and two sons. When she isn’t chasing down commas or little boys, she blogs at stephanierische.com.

Her memoir, I Was Blind (Dating), but Now I See, recounts how God surprised her with his grace and love.

Let’s GO Explore God’s Word!

to tell Answer: B, because it’s best when you do something wrong.

years. One of the verses that has been especially meaningful is Isaiah 41:10 (AMP): “Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].” Through the worst parts of her divorce, when she didn’t know how she’d get through the day, she’d repeat these words to herself: Fear not, for I am with you.“ When we go through something very painful, God surrounds us with armor to get us through the flames.

He holds us up and keeps us from collapsing.”

The hardships Bonnie has experienced give her empathy for others who are facing challenging situations.

“If you’re going through something hard right now, my heart goes out to you, no matter what kind of loss or grief you’re facing. It can be especially hard to walk through something when you see everyone around you celebrating. If that’s where you are right now, I want to remind you that there’s a God who loves you beyond your wildest imagination. He doesn’t look at you with disgust — He wants to hold you.”

Bonnie sees it as part of her life’s calling to encourage people to dare to believe in a God whose love is bigger than what they’re facing. “God loved you so much that He punched a hole in His creation and sent His Son into it. Jesus was a suffering Savior — He wept a lot, and that means He understands the pain you’re facing. He loves you right where you are. That’s grace: It meets you where you are but never leaves you where it found you.” 

Abraham and Sarah IN A SNAPSHOT • Lived as foreigners in Egypt • Waited twenty-five years for a son • Ancestors of the people of Israel • Remembered for their faith

GLOW IN THE DARK FEATURES

Big Promises: God called Abraham and Sarah—originally named Abram and Sarai—to leave their country and family and go to an unknown land. How would you feel if God asked you to move away from everything you knew? God promised they would become a great nation, possess a lot of land, and have more people in their family than they could count! There was one big problem though: they were way past the age when people can usually have babies. But they believed God could do what he said.

after twenty-five years, their promised son was born! It was so incredible, they laughed with joy. They even named their son Isaac, which means “laughter.”

True Tales of Transformed People Abraham and Sarah’s descendants became the people of Israel. Eventually, Jesus was born into Abraham’s family too. Abraham had doubts and made mistakes, but God transformed his heart and life. Abraham trusted God, and God kept his promise.

Bad Decisions: Abram and Sarai’s lives were like a roller coaster—up with hope, down with doubt. While they lived in Egypt, Abram pretended Sarai was his sister, not his wife, because he thought the lie would make things easier for them. Then Sarai got tired of waiting for a son, so she came up with an idea: get Abram to marry their servant Hagar and have a child with her instead. They couldn’t understand how God was going to do something they’d never seen before.

Impossible to Incredible: God gave the couple new names to prepare for their great blessing: Abraham and Sarah.

These names were a sign of how God was doing something new through them. Finally,

PASS THE TESTS

Think of the last test or quiz you took.

Abraham faced a number of tests in his life, but they were a lot different from the tests you take in school. He was far

from perfect, but he trusted God, even when God tested him.

Can you remember a time when it was hard for you to have faith in God? Today, pray that God would strengthen your faith and remind you how trustworthy he is.

Also available in Spanish, NTV

KidsGoBible.com New Living Translation, NLT, the New Living Translation logo, NTV, Nueva Traducción Viviente, the GO Bible logo, the Biblia GO logo, and LeatherLike are registered and/or common law trademarks of Tyndale House Ministries in the USA and various other jurisdictions around the world. All rights reserved. See tyndale.com for a full list of trademarks owned by Tyndale House Ministries.

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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LIVING IN WISDOM

By Jerry and Shirley Rose

Facing Fear with Faith Jerry Rose is an internationally known Christian broadcaster and is former president/ CEO of the Total Living Network. He currently serves as TLN’s chairman of the board and hosts the Emmy awardwinning program Significant Living. Jerry is an ordained minister and the author of five books, including Deep Faith for Dark Valleys and Significant Living, coauthored with his wife, Shirley. He is the past president of the National Religious Broadcasters and currently serves on its board of directors. Jerry is an avid golfer, equestrian, photographer, and grandfather of 20.

Shirley Rose has been in ministry with her husband, Jerry, for more than 30 years.

Her career in Christian television focused on hosting several programs, including the Emmy Award-winning women’s program Aspiring Women. She has authored five books, including The Eve Factor, A Wise Woman Once Said…, and Significant Living, and has contributed to numerous anthologies and periodicals. She is actively pursuing her calling to help other women through writing, speaking, and hosting women’s groups in her home. Her favorite pastimes are country line dancing, travel, and spending time with her 20 grandchildren.

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A

s a child, I struggled with an unusual fear of heights. It was so pronounced that I avoided using the suspended stairs at our library. Instead, my mother retrieved my books from the second floor, sparing me the embarrassment of crawling up the steps. While this fear lessened significantly later in life, it was still lurking just beneath the surface. In my senior year of high school, three of us decided to paint “Seniors of 60” on the town tower the night before our final football game. However, by the time I reached the tower platform, my friends had already finished painting and were anxious to get down. Unfortunately for them, my descent was about as slow as my ascent had been.

Years later, after marrying and having children, our two-story home needed painting. To save money, I chose to do the work myself. However, the thought of climbing a ladder to the second level with a paint brush and bucket stopped me cold.

The choice was simple, though. Climb the ladder or hire professionals.

During this period, I happened to be studying 1 Kings 17, 18, and 19 — the story of Elijah. In this narrative, Elijah experienced a series of extraordinary miracles. He risked his life by calling out wicked King Ahab for Israel’s sins and prophesying a devastating drought, which occurred just as predicted. Elijah also saved the life of a widow and her son by providing enough food for them throughout the drought. Later, when the widow’s son died, Elijah prayed and the boy was raised from the dead! Then, finally, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Jezebel’s prophets offered sacrifices for days with pleading and wild incantations, but to no avail. However, as Elijah offered his sacrifice, God answered immediately by consuming it with fire. This miracle caused Israel to return to God. Queen Jezebel was outraged when Elijah had the false prophets killed and sent him this message, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like one of them.”

1 Kings 19:3 reveals Elijah’s stunning response.

“Elijah was afraid and ran for his life...He came to a broom brush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die.” Elijah, the fearless giant of faith

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

MARCH 2026

who experienced astounding miracles, cowered in terror at Jezebel’s threats. I marveled that, evil and powerful as she was, Elijah was so terrified of her. Then I sensed the Lord speaking, so clearly it seemed audible.

“Why do you not understand? You have trusted me with bold steps of faith over the years, but now you can’t trust me on a ladder?” It was a watershed moment. I had accepted leadership of a television station that did not exist, at the invitation of men who knew nothing about television. I was told the venture could be bankrupt in a month. It was a huge step of faith! But Shirley and I believed it was God’s will and moved forward, trusting God for the future. That miraculous future was more than we could have imagined.

Yet, despite many miracles, like Elijah, I had succumbed to a spirit of fear. But I was a child of God and could trust Him — including climbing a 10-foot ladder. A few days later the Rose house had a new coat of paint and I had a spiritual breakthrough. Mastering the fear that holds you back, however trivial it may seem to others, is vital to your spiritual growth and the life of freedom God has promised us.

Fear is a natural, God-given protective response and is appropriate at times. However, allowing unnatural fear to control your life is not of God. We live in a frightening, uncertain world and even if you don’t struggle with a phobia, as I did, fear can be a daily battle. We need to recognize when fear, and not faith, is the dominant condition of our lives. Occasionally, the enemy brings back fear to control my thoughts; so I determine with God’s help to change my way of thinking. I go to God’s word and pray and allow the Holy Spirit to give me peace. I encourage you to do the same.

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 “…Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 

A Town Called

Liberty

Brings

Freedom in Christ

Mira Gibson swings in Liberty, New York as a recently baptized Christian.

Photo taken by and used with permission from Kara Gibson.)

I

By Mira Gibson

didn’t know it at the time, but I was being poisoned.

I had been living in Los Angeles for years, pursuing a writing career that refused to stabilize. I talked the talk and walked the walk. I leapt at every opportunity but never quite landed one.

I drank to write. I chain-smoked to write. I even severely isolated myself to write, my fingers clacking away at the

keyboard as I forced story after story out of my head, working long hours in the cheapest apartment I could find.

One afternoon, I stood in my kitchen, momentarily stunned that I had no idea what year it was. Alarmed, I racked my brain and felt vaguely certain I was late to turn in my senior thesis…

Senior thesis? At thirty-five years old!

I had graduated from college more than a decade ago.

I snapped out of it, remembered the year, laughed at myself, and got on with my day.

That’s how it started.

Little episodes.

What year was it? Was I in Brooklyn or Burbank? What did I do yesterday?

What did I do this morning?

The symptoms got worse and worse.

In rare moments of clarity, I would panic and frantically research “early TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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onset dementia” on the internet to try and make sense of why my brain wasn’t functioning. But as soon as I felt I was getting somewhere, I would sink into a heavy fog and lose all sense of time, place, and identity.

Looking back, I know God was trying to get my attention.

Though I lived alone, I somehow mustered the wherewithal to see a doctor. I saw several different doctors before I was properly diagnosed with chronic brain inflammation.

The cause?

My environment.

It hadn’t been the lifestyle I had been leading or the extreme selfishness or the constant overindulging in alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine in my desperate attempt to churn out the next great American novel, though I was sure those habits didn’t help.

Rather, my apartment had been poisoning me.

Toxic black mold was growing in the walls. Despite never seeing mold or mildew anywhere in my home, the air was thick with Stachybotrys chartarum mold spores that were causing my brain to swell in my skull.

Unable to work or properly care for myself, I flew home to New York to live with my mother, just until I got back on my feet.

Growing up, I had been raised in the New Age with meditation, crystals, and

Loomis Sanatorium in the late 1800s, later converted into apartments where Mira Gibson lived from 2018-2020.

(Photo courtesy of Harvard Library’s archives.)

the occult. Though I had traded in that life long ago to become a writer, when I reconnected with my mom, I found myself right back in the thick of it.

I felt trapped. Recovering was a struggle. Regaining my ability to write wasn’t easy, but eventually the swelling in my brain went down and I received a clean bill of health.

“I’m going to move upstate,” I told my mom one evening after a suffocating argument that was probably my fault.

“Where?”

“Liberty.”

When she screwed her face up, unfamiliar with the town and concerned that my brain still wasn’t working, I shrugged and added, “I like the name.”

I needed liberty, so why not move there?

The only apartment I could find was the ground floor unit of an old building

that had originally been a tuberculosis sanatorium in the late 1800s.

I didn’t know it was swamped with dark spirits and shadowy demons that, at one point in history, had been fed with the fears of dying patients as they coughed up blood and gasped for air.

All I knew was what my heart was telling me.

Move to Liberty and be free.

On New Year’s Day, I officially moved in.

There was nothing in the apartment except one small Bible, which was resting on the windowsill in the bedroom.

I picked it up, stared at it, and turned it over in my hands.

I wasn’t a Christian. I had no use for a Bible, and the thing looked beat up and tattered.

But I didn’t have the heart to throw it out.

After returning it to the windowsill, I went about my business, unloading my belongings and getting settled while the winds howled outside.

Looking back, I know that God placed that Bible in my bedroom. I believe God led me into the wilderness of Liberty, New York, with the plan that I would encounter Him on my darkest night.

There I was, healthy and alive after years of sickness, living with the Bible that would soon save me.

Mira Gibson enjoying a sunny winter day in the Catskill Mountains.

(Photo taken by and used with permission from Kara Gibson.)

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TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

MARCH 2026

One evening after a long day of writing, I felt drained, cold in my bones, and on edge, though I couldn’t put my finger on why I felt like anxiety had been nipping at my heels since breakfast.

I showered and tucked myself into bed.

Moonlight cut through the window, bathing the room in a silver glow that I hoped wouldn’t keep me up.

Just as I was debating whether or not to climb out of bed and shut the curtains, I was suddenly filled with terror so petrifying, I couldn’t move.

Never in my life had I felt fear grip me like that.

I sensed with certainty that I wasn’t alone.

A dark entity gathered on the other side of the room, shadowy and terrifying. Whatever it was, it had the power to paralyze me.

It caused fear, but it also was fear — evil personified — and I knew that it wanted my soul.

Though my body was paralyzed, my mind worked, and I was able to clearly understand that I was defenseless. I also understood that this evil thing had access to me because of what I had done and how I had chosen to live my life.

In that moment, my eyes were opened and the greatest miracle of my life happened next.

Despite what my brain and mind and memory had gone through, having been inflamed by toxic mold poisoning one year ago, I knew what I had to do to get the evil spirit to leave.

Jesus!

In my mind, I screamed again and again, Jesus, help me!

I didn’t know where the information was coming from, but at that moment I knew that all demons are subject to Jesus Christ and must obey Him. Jesus!

Finally, the fear paralysis that had petrified me loosened and I was able to speak.

“Jesus, save me!” I groaned.

As soon as I did, the darkness, the fear, and all evil vanished, causing my bedroom to brighten.

I turned my head on the pillow and

saw the Bible that had been waiting for me for months. I grabbed it from the window-sill and held it tightly as I fell asleep, overcome with relief and the undeniable feeling that I was truly safe now.

My soul wasn’t up for grabs any longer.

Jesus had placed me in His hand.

And no one in heaven or on earth would ever have the authority to take me away from Him. For an adult woman who had been raised in the New Age and had drunk her adult years away chasing dreams of becoming a great writer, I couldn’t explain how I had any knowledge of Jesus Christ or His immediate, unbreakable power.

But somehow I suddenly knew: God is real. He sent His only Son. And who the Son sets free is free indeed.

The next morning when I woke up, I was not the same person.

In the days, weeks, and months that followed, I read the Bible that had been waiting for me on the windowsill. I found a Methodist church that was

less than a mile from the old tuberculosis sanatorium I had been living in.

I started attending Bible studies and Sunday services. I learned how to pray and how to live. I stopped drinking and started really writing.

Just before the Christmas of 2018, I was baptized, shared the Gospel with my sister, and was blown away as I witnessed her own conversion to Christianity.

Today, I write Christian fiction, and even though I don’t live in Liberty anymore, I’m still enjoying the freedom that I found in Christ.  Mira Gibson is a NY-based author, playwright, and screenwriter.

Thanks to becoming a Christian in 2018, she now writes Christian cozy mysteries under the name Catherine Gibson, and occasionally pens articles for magazines when she isn’t at church or ballet class. Visit www.

MysteryRoyalty.com to learn more about Mira.

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

13

DEVOTIONAL

(Photo provided by and used with permission from Michelle Adserias.)

Immeasurable Love

By Michelle Adserias

Several years ago, I stood on the south rim of the Grand Canyon for the first time, trying to grasp the vastness of it. It sprawled beneath a cool blue sky, dappled with clouds. At the very bottom of the yawning walls, the Colorado River snaked through, a cerulean strip so far off, the sound of the whitewater was lost within the gaping canyon, painted subtle reds and warm umbers with splashes of dark sage.

I soaked in the view and listened to the ravens drifting overhead and wondered at how different the recent rain smelled than a rain at home.

Once my scattered thoughts settled down, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Ephesians 3:17-19: “So that Christ may 14

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” I looked at the breadth and length and height and depth of the Grand Canyon and could scarcely comprehend it. How could I ever understand the immeasurable love of God? If you poured it into that great expanse, crafted by God’s own hand, it would spill over the edges, flood the earth, then pile up in the heavens.

Then this occurred to me: Even if we can’t fully comprehend God’s incredible

MARCH 2026

love, we experience it first hand every day. We know it. When we reach heaven, our eyes will be opened and we will fully comprehend its unlimited nature.

I’ve known about the Grand Canyon my whole life. I’ve seen photos and heard stories. But until that moment, I didn’t really know it. Until I stood on the edge and gazed across the horizon, it was onedimensional and abstract. Knowing God’s love is much the same. We can hear stories about God’s love, even believe them to be true, but until we stand by faith in the reality of God’s love, we can never know it.

“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God.” — I John 3:1 

THE GOOD NEWS

“Christ is risen!”

“He is risen indeed!”

This refrain has rung through churches worldwide for generations and, if the Lord tarries, will continue ringing for generations to come.

Why is this such an important message?

It’s more than a church tradition or a catchy phrase we revive on Easter Sunday.

It is the Good News.

Each of us inherited a sinful nature from our first parents, Adam and Eve. We are born rebellious, resisting God and His goodness. Romans 3:10-11 makes this clear: “There is none righteous, not even one; There is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God.” God is holy, pure. Because we are unholy and impure, we must be cleansed, purified before we can stand in God’s presence. And the only thing that can wash away our sin is the blood Christ shed on the cross. He paid the penalty for our sin, which is death, so we could be made holy and stand in our Heavenly Father’s presence. 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us:

6 $19

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” But Jesus didn’t just pay sin’s penalty. He conquered it! He defeated death when He walked out of the tomb three days after His crucifixion. Luke 24 recounts the story of several women going to Jesus’ tomb. They didn’t find a dead body. They found angels who asked them, “Why do you seek the living One among the dead?” then proclaimed, “He is not here, but He has risen.”

When we put our faith in Christ alone, confessing our sin and our need for a Savior, we are forgiven and purified by Christ’s shed blood. We are also adopted into God’s family and given an eternal inheritance. When these mortal bodies give out, we will find ourselves in God’s presence, enjoying all the wonderful things He has stored up for us in heaven.

As Jesus promised in John 6:40: “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”

Is there any better news than this? 

Filled with articles and columns that encourage, equip and engage Christians of all ages!

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15

Tim Heiney, left, shares a Bible storybook with Maninka children.

Beth Heiney, right, surrounded by Maninka children.

(Photos provided by and used with permission from Tim and Beth Heiney.)

Prayer W

By B. J. Hansen

First

hat compels a couple to pack up their family and venture into the primitive villages of Ghana and Guinea, West Africa? Why would they face danger, disease, and possibly death from a dozen different sources? For missionaries Tim and Beth Heiney, it’s the deep conviction that sharing about Jesus’ death and resurrection will lead these souls to heaven.

That’s why they do it, but how do they do it? They would be the first ones to tell you — through prayer.

Prioritizing Prayer

My husband Dan and I met Tim and Beth 30 years ago when they visited our little Lutheran mission church in Waupaca, Wisconsin. At the time, they were there to share some of their adventures and to seek assistance in their endeavors in Ghana, West Africa. But surprisingly, what they wanted more than financial aid, was prayer support. I was so moved by Tim’s message that I volunteered to be a prayer partner for him. Little did I know what I was getting myself into.

The first thing Tim told me was that this would be no ordinary prayer partnership. It wasn’t something I could do a few minutes once a week. Instead, it would require some serious, down-on-your-knees kind of praying. Then he asked me if I 16

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

MARCH 2026

had ever read Warfare Prayer by C. Peter Wagner. I had not. He told me I should read it before I made a commitment to pray for their ministry — and so I did.

Wow! What a revelation that turned out to be. It was a little scary at first but I still felt God pressing me to sign up. I’ve been a prayer partner ever since. And it’s a good thing I took that challenge because I was also facing another life challenge at the time. That’s the same year I began volunteer work for a Christian pregnancy resource center in my hometown.

Within a year, my volunteer work led to becoming the executive director of that same center and I would face some fierce spiritual warfare of my own.

I followed Tim and Beth’s example and began my tenure by recruiting my own prayer warriors. Next, I required any staff or volunteers to do likewise. We knew this was necessary because we were fighting for the very lives and souls of women and children in trouble. That prayer base began with about two dozen prayer partners when I first started and reached over 200 by the time I left nine years later. Through it all, Tim and Beth have been as much an encouragement for me as I hope I have been for them. I’m sure I would not have accomplished all I did in that ministry without their prayer covering. In fact, I probably would not have lasted more than a year or two. We

encountered everything from women in abusive situations, to clients threatening suicide, to one mom caught up in a witch’s coven.

Before that, the Heineys spent almost a decade in Ghana, then in Cote’ Ivoire, where they have faced searing African summers where temperatures hit 120 degrees during the Partners in Prayer day and cooled to 90 degrees at night. They’ve Beth oversees the monthly prayer newsletter caught and killed spitting cobras, bats, rats, and the daily calendar, giving prayer partners and a deadly viper in and around their home. specific prayer requests for the ministry and And God has graciously spared their lives their family. However, one of the coolest things in the midst of wars, political coups, and about being a prayer partner for Tim these attempted robberies. days is our “Maninka Wednesday” prayer time.

One of their most harrowing adventures Now situated in Guinea, West Africa, every included the dramatic birth of their oldest Wednesday at noon (Central Time), Tim climbs daughter, Katie. Beth was dodging soldiers, up the hill near their home in Siguiri to pray angry mobs, and tear gas in the streets of over the city and for the Maninka people living Tim and Beth Heiney Lome. Thankfully, she managed to make a there. He invites his prayer partners to join him daring escape from Togo, climbing onto roofwherever they might be. It all started out simply enough, but a tops and hiding in alleys until the troublemakers were routed few years ago something weird and wonderful happened. by the military.

As Tim began his trek up the hill, a couple of kids started folTim’s remarkable tales include how he and his family manlowing him. He was, at first, a little annoyed, as he considered aged not only to survive but thrive in the midst of tribal wars, this more a private time and didn’t need kids hanging around an invasion of army ants, native medicine men’s voodoo, and making noise. Tim and Beth were used to being followed and bouts of malaria, hepatitis and strange skin rashes — among gawked at, listening to “Toubabu, toubabu” (white man, white other things — in order to win souls for Christ. man) incessantly wherever they went, but Tim didn’t want Tim also talks about the mission’s latest endeavors: an outthis spoiling his prayer time. Then he noticed at the end that reach to the Muslim population and establishing a medical the kids had their hands out in prayer position! The second ministry. In order to do that, they’ve started using resources time this happened he heard some of the children calling some from the Disciple Making Movement, which include estabothers to follow them and heard someone say, “Allah matara” lishing Discovery Bible Studies in villages and cities across the (praying to God). Up the hill they all went. continent. In part, the program encourages missionaries to One day, Tim wasn’t feeling all that great. He’d been sick recruit a number of ardent prayer warriors willing to commit with malaria and had a bit of trouble running as he did before. to fasting and praying for the ministry on a regular basis. And So, his climb up the hill that day was at a walking pace. Soon yes, I’ve volunteered for that as well. Now, in order to develop a he noticed that kids were following and more were gathering deeper relationship with his prayer partners, Tim calls once a as they climbed — children from about age 12 down to just month to hear my prayer requests and pray for me. I’ve found wee little ones, one girl carrying a child on her back. When this to be a wonderful time of renewal and look forward to our they got to the top, Tim turned to the children and asked in prayer time together each month.

Maninka, “OK, what do we do now?” They spread their hands I’ve been able to apply what I learned from my prayer time and replied, “Allah matara.” Tim’s been praying with the chilwith Tim and Beth to every ministry I’ve participated in since dren like this ever since. These days, though, he prays much then. So, it feels as though I am the one who has been blessed more specifically and now has the next generation right there by this partnership. I’m deeply indebted to Tim and Beth for praying with him! everything they’ve done in my own life — for helping me grow I had goosebumps when I read that story in his monthly in my own faith and in the ministries God has assigned to me. newsletter. Had he been in tip-top shape, he probably would My husband and I are privileged to be a part of their service have sprinted up that hill, leaving many behind. He told his and look forward to being prayer partners in their future venprayer team that on the way back down, his legs suddenly tures, as well. weren’t shaky anymore and he felt more normal. He could only To learn more about the Heineys and their ministry, visit: conclude that God would like His little ones to learn they can https://guineamission.com  talk to Him in Jesus’ name!

The Heineys’ Current Ministry

These days, the Heineys ask us to pray for the people of Guinea — one of the least-evangelized countries in West Africa. Tim and Beth have worked steadfastly over the past 28 years with the natives of Guinea and refugees from neighboring countries, like Liberia and Sierra Leone, to spread the word of God’s love for all people.

Brenda Hansen is a freelance writer and inspirational speaker. She is the published author of numerous articles and stories and is currently writing a memoir of her experiences as the former executive director of a Christian pregnancy resource center. You can reach her at brendahansen@frontiernet.net.

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

17

KIDS OF THE KINGDOM

Editor’s Pick for Kids

That Holy Week So Long Ago

By Matthew Boswell, Illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia [Crossway]

While telling children the Easter story, it’s easy to rush from Good Friday’s pain to the empty tomb’s victory. But each day leading up to Jesus’s resurrection holds special meaning. On the road to the cross, the Savior taught, prayed, and fulfilled many Old Testament promises. Retelling these stories through 10 beautiful poems, Matthew Boswell displays the beauty of Holy Week.

Written for kids ages 5-10, this illustrated book includes short, memorable rhymes about Holy Week, with poems dedicated to Palm Sunday, Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Spy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday. Each retelling helps kids picture the timeline of the Easter story.

“… Amen. Oh, and say ‘Hello’ to your Mom and Dad.”

T

he new librarian decided that instead of checking out children’s books by writing the names of borrowers on the book cards herself, she would have the youngsters sign their own names. She would then tell them they were signing a “contract” for returning the books on time.

Her first customer was a second grader, who looked surprised to see a new librarian. He brought four books to the desk and shoved them across to the librarian, giving her his name as he did so.

The librarian pushed the books back and told him to sign them out. The boy laboriously printed his name on each book card and then handed them to her with a look of utter disgust.

Before the librarian could even start her speech he said, scornfully, “That other librarian we had could write.”

—From Mikey’s Funnies www.mikeysfunnies.com

“EVER SINCE THEY TOLD HIM ABOUT ADAM AND EVE AT SUNDAY SCHOOL, I CAN’T GET HIM TO EAT AN APPLE.” 18

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

MARCH 2026

If you have a joke or funny story you’d like to share, email editor@todayschristianliving.org. If we print your joke, we’ll pay you $25.

QUIPS & QUOTES

If something is big enough to worry about, it’s big enough to pray about.

— Unknown

Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you.

— Thomas Aquinas

My Lord, God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end.

Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.

But I believe that my desire to please you does, in fact, please you. And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing.

And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it.

Therefore, I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.

I will not fear, for you are ever present with me and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

— Thomas Merton

(Photo taken by and used with permission from Michelle Adserias.)

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

19

ASK DR. WALT

By Walt Larimore, MD

Eat Like a Greek QUESTION: What’s the best overall diet for

Walt Larimore, MD, has been called one of America’s best known family physicians and has been named in the “Guide to America’s Top Family Doctors” and “The Best Doctors in America.”

He’s a former Vice President at Focus on the Family and an American Life League “Rock-Solid Pro-Life” awardee.

He’s an award-winning, best-selling author of over 40 books who is currently working on a devotional book based upon the Nicene Creed.

He and his childhood sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Barb, have two adult children and reside in Colorado Springs.

You can find him at www.DrWalt.com and enjoy several of his devotionals in the free YouVersion Bible app.

Just type “Larimore” into the “Discover” or search icon. Have questions for Dr. Walt?

Email them to editor@ todayschristianliving.org.

This column is for informational purposes only, does not constitute health or medical advice, and is not intended to substitute for the diagnosis or recommendation(s) of your healthcare professional(s).

20

overall good health, weight loss, and preventing heart disease, diabetes, or inflammation like arthritis?

:

ANSWER After more than four decades practicing family medicine, I’ve learned that most people are not asking for a perfect diet. They’re asking for relief — less fatigue, less joint pain, fewer medications, and the strength to keep loving and serving God and others well.

Many are struggling.

Over 40 percent of American adults are obese.

More than 38 million live with type 2 diabetes, and nearly 98 million are prediabetic. Heart disease remains our nation’s leading cause of death.

In my exam room, these statistics become personal: faithful parents, worn-down caregivers, and grandparents who want more healthy years with the people they love.

Much of this suffering flows directly from what — and how — we eat.

The good news is that small, faithful changes can bring meaningful healing — often within days to weeks.

The Problem: Ultra-Processed Food

Medical research has become unmistakably clear about a major driver of chronic disease: ultraprocessed foods. These are not simply cooked, frozen, or canned foods — processing itself is not the problem.

Ultra-processed foods are industrial creations made largely from refined starches, added sugars, seed oils, flavor enhancers, emulsifiers, dyes, and preservatives. They are designed to be cheap, shelfstable, irresistibly tasty, and easy to overconsume.

Most bear little resemblance to anything God created in a field, orchard, or pasture.

A major Lancet series published in 2025, reviewing more than 100 studies, linked diets high in ultra-processed foods to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression, and premature death.

In controlled studies, people eating ultraprocessed diets consumed 500 to 1,000 more calories per day. These foods bypass natural appetite controls, leaving people hungry sooner and less satisfied.

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

MARCH 2026

Nutrition experts note that many products marketed as “healthy” — protein bars, plant-based meat alternatives, certain flavored yogurts — are actually ultra-processed.

Despite appealing labels promising added protein or low calories, they often contain industrial additives, refined oils, and modified starches that contribute to overeating, blood sugar spikes, and long-term health risks.

THE MOST HARMFUL ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS In everyday practice, I see particular damage from these common categories: • Sugary drinks (soda, sweet tea, sports and energy drinks, fruit drinks) may be the single most damaging products in our food supply, strongly linked to diabetes, fatty liver disease, cancer, and premature death.

• Packaged snacks and desserts (chips, cookies, pastries) are engineered to drive overeating and blood sugar spikes.

• Ultra-processed breakfast foods (sweetened cereals, toaster pastries) are digested more like sugar than grain.

• Processed meats (hot dogs, bacon, deli meats) increase risks of heart disease, cancer, and inflammation.

• Fast food meals are typically high in refined carbs, unhealthy fats, and sodium while low in fiber and nutrients.

• “Health” bars and shakes that often turn out to be candy bars with better marketing.

The Better Way: Whole Foods and the Mediterranean Pattern

Whole foods still resemble what God created — plants, grains, dairy, eggs, fish, and meats that may be cooked or preserved but are not broken down and rebuilt in a factory.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, released by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, represent a major update to federal nutrition policy.

Described by experts as the most significant reset in decades, these guidelines emphasize a return to whole, nutrient-dense real foods while dramati-

cally reducing ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates.

Which eating pattern best puts this into practice?

According to the U.S. News & World Report in their January 2025 Best Diets edition, the Mediterranean diet was rated first in 12 categories total. It earned the top spot for Best Overall Diet (for the eighth consecutive year), plus 11 additional categories including easiestto-follow, gut health, weight loss, and mental health.

This gracious way of eating — rooted in Greece, Italy, and Spain — is different in every Mediterranean region, but almost all emphasize fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, extra-virgin olive oil, fish and seafood, with moderate dairy, eggs, and poultry.

Red meat, sweets, and ultra-processed foods are occasional.

As a physician, I appreciate how well this pattern aligns with human physiology. It lowers inflammation, stabilizes blood sugar, improves cholesterol, nourishes the gut microbiome, and promotes natural fullness.

Large studies show reductions of up to 30 percent in heart attacks and strokes, along with lower diabetes risk, less arthritis pain, better brain health, improved mood, and longer life expectancy and increased life quality.

As a Christian, I appreciate something else.

• The Mediterranean approach mirrors Scripture’s food patterns laid out in Genesis 1:29; 9:3 — grains, fruits, vegetables, oils, and the bounty of the sea.

• In Deuteronomy 8:8, the Promised Land itself was described as flowing with milk and honey, abundant in wheat, barley, grapes, figs, and olive oil.

• And the Bible’s grand story concludes, in Revelation 19:9, not with a fast but with a feast — the marriage supper of the Lamb.

• Biblically, food is celebrated and enjoyed as a gift, not feared as an enemy.

DR. WALT’S TOP 10 WHOLE FOODS • Leafy greens • Colorful vegetables • Fresh fruit • Beans and lentils • Whole grains (oats, barley, brown rice) • Extra-virgin olive oil • Nuts and seeds • Fish and seafood • Eggs • Plain yogurt or kefir Build meals around these foods most of the time, and your body will respond.

What Should We Actually Do?

The answer is not complicated, even if our modern food environment makes it difficult.

Cook more meals at home using whole ingredients. Get restful, uninterrupted sleep. And most importantly, limit sugary drinks and packaged snack foods — if you do only one thing, cut these, and your health would almost certainly improve.

THE WALKING PRESCRIPTION Even modest daily movement produces major metabolic benefits. Consistency matters more than intensity.

• Walking before meals can reduce appetite.

• Walking after meals improves blood sugar, reduces inflammation, and boosts energy.

• Gardening or light strength training improves insulin sensitivity.

A Biblical Perspective

Scripture reminds us that food is meant to sustain faithful living.

• Psalm 111:5 proclaims, “He provides food for those who fear Him.”

• Paul urged, in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” • Proverbs 25:16 offers gentle wisdom: “If you find honey, eat just enough.”

The Mediterranean way of eating also reflects Scripture’s vision of meals as sacred gatherings. Jesus broke bread with His disciples. In the book of Acts, the early church devoted themselves to fellowship and “the breaking of bread.”

And Jesus gave us the Lord’s Supper — the most sacred meal of all — a shared, simple meal of remembrance and fellowship that binds us to Christ and to one another.

Meals were never merely about nutrition. They were acts of thanksgiving, communion, and love. When we slow down, gather with family, friends, or our faith community, and receive food as a gift rather than a problem to solve, we honor this biblical pattern.

Caring for our bodies is not vanity. It is stewardship.

Good health equips us to love God with all our strength, serve others with endurance, and let our light shine before others. As 1 Corinthians 6:9-20 reminds us, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

TRUSTWORTHY RESOURCES • RealFood.gov – The U.S. Government’s 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines • OldWaysPT.org – Mediterranean diet resources and recipes • Heart.org – American Heart Association healthy eating guidance • EatRight.org – Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics May the Lord bless your table, renew your strength, and grant you many healthy years to serve Him and others.  TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

21

TURNING POINT

By Nataliya Trushina

When Prayer Reaches the Heavens

D Nataliya Trushina is a language instructor with a lifelong passion for creative writing and imaginative thinking. She dreamed of becoming a writer since childhood and now inspires students to find their own voices through language.

She blends teaching with storytelling to create engaging, thoughtprovoking learning experiences that spark curiosity and self-expression. God bless you all!

If you have a turning point in your life you would like to share, email your story to editor@ todayschristianliving.org.

All submissions must be under 800 words. If we print your story, we will pay you $75. We reserve the right to edit for length and content.

All submissions become the property of Today’s Christian Living.

22

r. Marcus was not just any doctor — he was one of the world’s leading oncologic surgeons. His name was spoken with reverence in hospitals and whispered with hope in desperate households. Patients from across the globe sought him, trusting in the precision of his scalpel and the power of his knowledge. But Dr. Marcus believed only in science. He had no room for what he called “superstition.” He had built his reputation on reason, data, and discipline — not faith.

One crisp autumn morning, Marcus was on route to a prestigious medical conference where he was to present breakthrough findings that could redefine cancer treatment. His speech had been anticipated for months. Scholars, students, and fellow physicians were gathering to hear him speak.

But God had other plans.

Mid-flight, a sudden storm descended from the mountains — a violent mix of wind, snow, and ice.

The turbulence grew dangerous, and the pilot made the decision to land at a small, regional airport far from the conference city. Frustrated but practical, Marcus arranged for a rental car. The drive would take a few hours, which he preferred over waiting endlessly at an airport.

As he drove, the storm followed him. Rain turned to sleet, then snow. The GPS lost its signal. Signs became unreadable, roads disappeared beneath white. His confident sense of direction failed him.

After hours of driving in circles, he realized he was completely lost.

Night was falling when he entered a small, forgotten village nestled between hills. There was no hotel, no gas station, no sign of modern life. Cold, hungry, and running on little more than coffee and anxiety, he saw a light glowing from a modest wooden house and knocked, desperate for help.

A woman answered the door. She was perhaps in her thirties, dressed simply, her beautiful face was tired but kind.

“I’m sorry to trouble you,” Marcus said. “I got lost in the storm. Do you have a phone I could use?”

She hesitated, then gently replied, “I’m afraid we don’t have one. But please, come in. It’s cold, and you look exhausted. Let me give you some food and tea.”

Too tired to argue, he stepped inside.

The home was small and plainly furnished. A single wood stove provided warmth. In one corner of the room, a child lay under several worn blankets — pale, still, and too quiet.

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

MARCH 2026

As the woman poured hot tea and ladled soup into a bowl, she glanced at the child and whispered, “Would you mind if I say a prayer before we eat?”

“I’m not the praying kind,” Marcus said shortly. “I trust medicine, not miracles. And I do not believe in God!” She didn’t argue. Instead, she walked over to the child and knelt beside the bed. Her hands trembled as she clasped them, and tears welled in her eyes as she whispered her prayer: “Lord, I don’t have gold. I don’t have connections.

I only have faith. Please, send us Dr. Marcus. He’s the only one who can save my son.”

The name hit Marcus like a bolt of lightning. He blinked in disbelief.

“I’m sorry… What did you say?”

The woman looked up, embarrassed, but repeated softly, “Dr. Marcus. I’ve read about him. He’s the only doctor who can treat this kind of cancer. I’ve been praying every day for God to bring him to us. We can’t afford to travel, and we have no way of contacting him.”

Marcus stared at her, stunned. He stood, walked slowly toward the child, and knelt beside the bed.

“I am Dr. Marcus,” he said, voice cracking.

For a moment, the woman didn’t speak. Her lips parted, but no words came. Then she began to weep — not from sadness, but from the overwhelming power of grace.

That night, Dr. Marcus didn’t sleep. He examined the boy, took notes, and gave the mother clear instructions. The next morning, he arranged for the child to be transferred to a major hospital — under his personal care and at his own expense.

When he eventually made it to the conference, he was late. His lecture was postponed. But for the first time in his life, he stood before an audience not only as a man of science, but as a man transformed.

He shared his data, his research — and then he shared the story. “…And that,” he concluded, “is how I came to believe that faith and science are not enemies. Logic can guide our hands, but sometimes, only faith can guide our steps.”

From that day forward, Dr. Marcus never again claimed that God did not exist. Because on a stormy night, lost in a village he could never find on a map again, he didn’t find faith — faith found him. God works in mysterious ways for everyone. 

I

Easter

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Christ is risen from the dead!

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Not only did our Savior die for us, He conquered death and the grave. He was resurrected and restored us to eternal fellowship with His Heavenly Father and, in so doing, made it possible for us to conquer death.

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But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

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The Action Bible Easter

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Morning in the Barnyard

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The Sower’s Secret

A King Washes Feet: How to Love and Forgive Your Friends and Enemies

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LAUGH LINES

A

s a young minister, I was assigned a one-year chaplaincy in a nursing home. Eager to serve, I had my first sermon polished to the max! I was really going to inspire the old folks.

As I began to preach, a little lady in the back began to weep. The longer I preached, the more the tears fell. I was really proud of myself and my inspirational message!

After the service, I was leaving through the chaplain’s door when a nurse stopped me. She explained the little old lady who wept wanted to counsel with me. I thought I was so good she must have been giving me a hefty donation to go on the road. I knelt down compassionately and asked how I could help.

She said with alligator tears, “I lost my candy bar when you started preaching and I still can’t find it!”

My preaching ego shrunk three sizes that day.

—Submitted by Pastor Christopher Berry, M.Th. If you have a joke or funny story you’d like to share, email editor@ todayschristianliving.org. If we print your joke, we’ll pay you $25.

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FAMILY NEWS: REPORTS FROM THE GLOBAL CHURCH

Suffering Saints T

By Will Morris

hey always come out of the woodwork — the naysayers.

Almost as soon as anyone reports the persecution of Christians somewhere in the world, there are people who rise up to minimize attacks or to deny that persecution even takes place.

I expect denials and misinformation from the governments and miscreant groups responsible for persecution, but I am nevertheless amazed by the people who needlessly enter the public fray with high-sounding rhetoric, attempting to downplay the persecution of believers. And while the motivation of the perpetrators of the violence and repression is obvious, the source of the self-righteous indignation of the ill-informed parties baffles me.

Perhaps the spirit that demands the persecution of Christians is the same that demands its denial.

Unchecked Persecution in Nigeria

This year, Open Doors (OD), in its press release for the 2026 edition of its annual report known as the World Watchlist, finally addressed the elephant in the room — denials by media personalities and news commentators that persecution in Nigeria takes place. Or the claim that because Muslims have been killed by militant groups, there is no concerted effort to wipe out the Christian population in Nigeria.

“The conflict in Nigeria is complex; many Muslims and adherents of other religious traditions have been killed as well as Christians,” according to a statement issued by OD with the report. “However, the data recorded in this year’s reporting period show that, in most northern states, Christians have clearly been disproportionately targeted.”

This past year, the denials started following statements about persecution in Nigeria by U.S. President Donald Trump in which he brought up the possibility of taking military action against the Islamic militant groups raiding, slaughtering and even enslaving members of Nigeria’s Christian community.

Almost immediately, members of the media and NGOs (nongovernmental organizations), hereto unheard of when it came to persecution, suddenly became experts on the inter-religious relations of Nigeria.

Suddenly, persecution was no longer the result of years of radicalization of Nigeria’s Islamic population, resulting in groups such as Boko Haram, but instead the outcome of tribal wars fought over reduced resources caused by global climate change. While no reputable expert on the situation inside Nigeria would claim climate change hasn’t had a deleterious effect on the country, persecution would still exist there whether climate change did or not.

The Numbers are Alarming

Last year, 4,849 Christians were murdered worldwide because of their faith, during Open Doors 2026 reporting period. Of 40

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those, 3,490, or a whopping 72 percent, were killed in Nigeria alone. Seventy-two percent of the Christians killed across the world are killed in one country. That is a telling number.

Even a cursory investigation of the data provided about the killings in Nigeria’s Northern states shows the lopsided nature of the killings.

Last year; in Benue State, 1,310 Christians were killed compared with 29 Muslims. In Plateau State, 546 Christians were killed compared with 48 Muslims. In Taraba State, 73 Christians were killed compared with 12 Muslims. Using abductions as a measure of persecution, in Kaduna State 1,116 Christians were abducted in 2025, compared to 101 Muslims. Additionally, Christians are driven from their land and livelihoods, their homes and churches are destroyed, and they become displaced, fearful of returning to their communities or with nothing to return to.

Henrietta Blyth, CEO of Open Doors UK and Ireland said, “This latest research surely leaves us in no doubt that this is more than a simple two-sided conflict over land. And it follows eyewitness reports of the attackers shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ and ‘We will destroy all Christians.’ The Christians of these regions know they are being targeted for their faith and they tell us so. It’s time that we take them seriously.”

Open Doors 2026 World Watch List

Every year Open Doors, an international organization that advocates for freedom of religion and against the persecution of Christians, issues its World Watch List, a report of the 50 worst countries for Christians to live.

According to OD, 388 million, or 1 in 7 Christians face high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith.

North Korea Not surprisingly, North Korea retained its spot in the survey this year as the worst country in the world for Christians to live.

“North Korea remains the most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian,” the report states. “… There is zero freedom of religion or belief. To avoid torture, execution or incarceration in labor camps, Christians have been driven underground.”

In North Korea, all areas of life are dominated by propaganda and absolute government control. Worshiping anything other than the “Supreme Leader” Kim Jong Un is strictly forbidden.

Because public worship is impossible, believers meet in secret in very small groups — sometimes only within a family. Even owning a Bible could result in death. Those brave and lucky enough to own one will often bury it underground and take it out occasionally “so that people can read and memorize portions before it is hidden again,” the report states.

China In the Peoples Republic of China, ranked 17th in the study, believers have increasingly been forced underground. Worse still,

(Photo credit: © [Pimrawee] / Adobe Stock)

“Churches have been posted with leaflets demanding conversion or payment of the jizya — a tax on non-Muslims to purchase their safety.”

2026 OPEN DOORS WORLD WATCH LIST

TOP 10 WORST COUNTRIES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

NORTH KOREA SOMALIA YEMEN SUDAN ERITREA SYRIA NIGERIA PAKISTAN LIBYA IRAN

the Chinese government has been aggressively enforcing laws prohibiting minors, roughly 224 million people, from participating in Christian activities.

Even at the so-called Three-Self churches, the government has shut down Sunday school classes for children who also are now banned from entering most church premises.

“Because of these targeted restrictions,” the report states.

“Christian parents and youth workers face the risk of being reprimanded, interrogated, fined or arrested as they inform, influence and raise children and youth in the Christian faith.”

Syria Across the Middle East, hopes for a more open region following the end of the Syrian Civil War were dashed in 2025. Statements made by former Islamic militant Ahmed Hussein Al-Sharaa, who assumed the Syrian presidency and promised an end to sectarianism, proved hollow. In March, the interim constitution established Islamic jurisprudence as the main source of legislation. Violence against Christians, including two deadly attacks on churches, one in Hama and a suicide bombing in Damascus, claimed dozens of lives and forced many churches to restrict their activities. In Damascus and Aleppo, Christians are under constant surveillance.

“Loudspeaker-equipped vehicles roam the Christians neighborhoods of Damascus, exhorting residents to convert to Islam,” the report states.

Algeria In Algeria, ranked 20th, the pressure has “reached alarming levels.” Most churches have been shut down in a wave of closings that started in 2018.

In April, police illegally raided one of the last Protestant churches left open. The congregants were gathered by officials, phones confiscated, and they were all questioned without warrant. Authorities sealed the church building shut the same day.

Officials commonly use Ordinance No. 06-03 to harass Christians and force their leaders into court. At press time, more than 40 churches affiliated with the Protestant Church of Algeria have been closed and 54 leaders from the church have been dragged into court.  Will Morris is the Middle East Correspondent for Morning Star News and one of its founding writers. He is an award-winning journalist and photographer whose byline has appeared in numerous domestic and international publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post and even Stars and Stripes.

Mr. Morris has spent roughly a decade covering the Persecuted Church and conducting research about freedom of religion — mostly in the Muslim-majority countries in which he lived. He also covers national security and environmental issues.

Will Morris holds a degree in International Studies from the Ohio State University where his coursework focused on the Middle East and Development. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, where he served in the infantry.

You can contact Mr. Morris at veritas@witnessmedia.org

PRAYER POINTS: PRAY that God will in these last days, as stated in Scripture, “pour out my Spirit on all people” especially to those imprisoned for their faith.

PRAY that the body of Christ will take the current persecution of Christians as a clarion call to repentance and sanctification. Let every believer examine their heart and be reconciled with God through Christ.

PRAY that all those suffering in any way for Christ will be able to “stand” through it and glorify God before the unsaved.

PRAY that the lost in the world will be moved by God to accept God’s love through Jesus Christ.

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QUICK TAKES

Last to Fall

Does Science Make God Irrelevant?

By Hans Madueme [Crossway] Faith and science can coexist to glorify our Creator.

Questions surrounding the origins of the universe and the accuracy of biblical accounts place science at the forefront of discussions between atheists and Christians. Believers often criticize the natural sciences as an enemy of faith, while atheists reprimand Christians for denying empirical natural facts. Is it possible to rightly love both God and science?

In this concise book, Hans Madueme offers a biblically informed perspective on science, helping readers embrace both faith and science in a responsible, God-glorifying way. He addresses misconceptions, explains how Christian assumptions make science possible, clarifies the tension between science and miracles, and illustrates ways faith and science can coexist as allies. In turn, readers will see how good science glorifies God and helps us praise our Creator.

Part of the TGC Hard Questions Series which equips readers to answer difficult questions facing today’s church.

By Lynn H. Blackburn [Revell] Bronwyn Pierce has poured everything into The Haven, her family’s exclusive mountain resort in Gossamer Falls. But when financial discrepancies surface, suggesting something far darker than mismanagement, she’s forced to seek out Mo Quinn, a former Army intelligence officer, her first love, and the last person she ever wanted to trust again.

Mo has spent years avoiding the woman he once loved and the secrets that tore them apart. But when Bronwyn calls, he can’t walk away, especially when it’s clear someone wants her gone for good. As they dig deeper into the treacherous motives behind a blackmail scheme, their proximity reignites longburied feelings.

With danger closing in, they must risk everything to uncover who’s trying to destroy The Haven and expose the truth before it’s too late.

This finale to Blackburn’s Gossamer Falls series is an exhilarating romantic suspense novel packed with tension.

The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery

The Love Language That Matters Most

By W. Lee Warren, MD [Tyndale House] What if you could make structural changes to your own brain so it’s healthier and less prone to depression, anxiety, grief, worry, and other issues that make you unhappy or keep you stuck?

In this neuroscience-based, faithinfused, and immensely practical guide, Dr. W. Lee Warren, a practicing neurosurgeon, trauma survivor, and award-winning writer, reveals how to take control of your own mental, emotional, and physical healing by reordering your mind, leading to a radically transformed life that is healthier, happier, and more hopeful.

Functional brain imaging, developed in the early 2000’s, proves our thoughts can direct structural changes in the brain as, or more, effectively than medication or surgery – and more quickly. That means, whether we know it or not, we’re all brain surgeons.

The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery can help you heal from trauma, overcome mental health struggles, break stubborn habits, and become an empowered, hopeful person – no matter your circumstances.

By Gary Chapman, Les and Leslie Parrott [Moody Publishers] Dr. Gary Chapman has helped more than 150 million people discover their love language. But discovering it is just the beginning.

Love isn’t one-size-fits-all. What says “I love you” to one person might not mean a thing to another.

Each love language has dialects — personal and powerful ways love is uniquely expressed and received. Miss them, and even the right language can fall flat.

In this long-awaited follow-up, Dr. Chapman and Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott take the world-changing concept of the 5 Love Languages® one step further. They reveal why love often gets lost in translation — and how learning to speak the right dialect at the right time is the key to deeper connection.

Whether you’re dating, decades into marriage, raising children, caring for aging parents, or deepening lifelong friendships, this book provides you with the tools to make love personal and truly felt.

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Saved to Sin No More

Sleep Habits Journal

By Brad Wetherell [Crossway] Many Christians know what it’s like to feel worn down in the fight against sin. Others quietly settle into apathy, growing comfortable with the patterns they once resisted. What will free us to live a life of heartfelt obedience to Jesus Christ, pursuing Him, and becoming more like Him? Scripture points us to a single, liberating hope with the power to free us for good.

Encouraging for new Christians and lifelong believers, this book explores how union with Christ offers lasting freedom and hope, both in this life and beyond the grave.

Brad Wetherell walks readers through key biblical passages, showing that in Christ we can marvel at the miracle of conversion, fight sin with greater confidence, and rest in the riches of God’s glorious grace. Feeling worn down by spiritual battle? Learn how our unbreakable union with Christ brings peace and renewal.

By Benjamin Long, MD [Ink & Willow] Sleep Habits is a bedside journal crafted by someone who understands your sleep frustrations and invites you on a journey toward better sleep and overall well-being. Board-certified sleep doctor, Benjamin Long, offers hope for anyone who needs help falling asleep or quieting the anxieties of the day while longing for rest. In addition to brief biblical devotions, this guided journal also features: • tips and simple exercises for getting a good night’s sleep • soothing and encouraging verses • prayers for sleep • habit trackers • questions and reflection prompts Organized according to the Sleepless Night Rules, Sleep Habits Journal will equip you with practical tools to improve your sleep quality. Whatever your nights look like, may this guided journal invite you to experience more peace, rest, and comfort.

This Little Fire of Mine

When God Seems Distant

By Kendall Mariah [Nelson Books] Find the fearless faith you long for. Let go of expectations and embrace your deepest convictions.

Kendall Mariah shows you how embracing the uncomfortable friction that comes with leaning into the big questions of faith is the pathway to a deeper relationship with God. You’ve followed the rules: go to church on Sundays, marry the right guy, seek the wisdom of God, keep everyone comfortable, and don’t voice questions that keep you up at night. But you find yourself wondering; Is this what being a Christian is all about? Is this what God has planned for me?

Kendall found herself asking those same questions. She felt the disconnect between her beliefs and her lived experiences, between her values and what she saw in church. It started her on a journey that completely reshaped her faith. In This Little Fire of Mine, Kendall shares her story of embracing holy discomfort.

By Kyle Strobel and John Coe [Baker Books] Most Christians experience zeal early in their Christian life but when a dry season strikes, it’s tempting to assume one of two things: We failed or God is absent. We throw ourselves into ministry and spiritual disciplines, striving to break through without realizing we cannot “fix” our spiritual lives or kick-start a new season of growth. We’ve missed the point of the wilderness.

Spiritual droughts are not evidence that we’re failing in our faith. They are part of God’s plan for us to grow deeper. With wisdom and compassion, the authors invite you to draw near to God in every season. The wilderness has a purpose in the story of God’s people. Learn how our spiritual lives can benefit from dry times.

If you find yourself in the desert, longing for those promised living waters, be assured God is not absent. In fact, you may be on the cusp of a deeper faith.

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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DAVE SAYS

By Dave Ramsey

It’s About More Than Money Dear Dave,

Dave Ramsey is a seven-time #1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week.

He has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more.

Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth, and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

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I went through a divorce earlier this year, and I was granted custody of our children. They’re 13 and 18. The house we live in is paid for and it’s worth about $450,000. I don’t have any other debt. My ex-husband has been very good about paying child support, and I have $175,000 in savings. Should I be investing at this point?

— Michele Dear Michele, I’m really sorry to hear about the divorce.

I know the whole situation, regardless of the financial aspect, is very hard on you and your kids. Do yourself, and them, a favor, okay? Make sure you spend a ton of quality time with them.

Hug on them a lot, pray, and let them know how much you love them every single day.

Now, let’s get to the nuts and bolts of your situation. Fortunately, it sounds like things are pretty good financially. At the very least, you’ve got a net worth of over $600,000. But here’s the thing.

I’m sure the trauma of having your life upended is still very painful. That being the case, I wouldn’t recommend making any big decisions now. It’s never a good idea to make important, long-range plans when your emotions are messed up.

When it comes to the money you have in savings, my advice is to just let it sit there a while.

I know it won’t make much money but you won’t lose anything, either. Then, in a few months when your emotions are settled, you can look into investing some of that into good growth stock mutual funds. Find a quality advisor, one with the heart of a teacher, who can walk you through the process and explain your options and investments in ways you’ll understand. Knowledge has a way of erasing fear and uncertainty.

Finally, at some point you’ll need to look down the road and decide what you want to do with the rest of your life. Do you want to go back to school? Maybe start your own business? Take a little time later to allow for thought, then decide what you want out of life now. But above all,

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Michele, please spend lots of time with your kids.

Also, if you’re not currently in a good church, I’d suggest finding one nearby. Those things will help so much with the healing process.

God bless you all.

— Dave

Dear Dave, I know a big part of your teaching centers around the importance of learning to delay gratification. You seem to believe reaching a level of maturity where you can do this is essential to attain the things in life that are really important. But this can be hard sometimes, no matter how old you are or how mature you happen to be. Do you have any suggestions for someone struggling to reach this point?

— Brent Dear Brent, You’re right, it is hard. Sometimes it’s very difficult to leave the dinner table when someone’s asking if you want another piece of pie. And harder still to go from there to taking a nice, long walk instead. But learning to delay pleasure is part of the process when it comes to growing up emotionally.

When you’ve practiced it long enough, I think your mind starts to make the connection. You begin to realize that what’s waiting down the road — if you’ll just apply some forethought and discipline — is way better than whatever happens to be sitting in front of you at the moment.

Here’s a quick personal example. The last thing I wanted to do today was get up really early and go for a long walk. But the thing is, I know that I feel so much better the entire day when I get in a little roadwork first thing in the morning. That’s why I made myself get out of bed before sunrise and just do it.

I think the whole process starts in the brain, then works its way to the heart, where it promotes understanding and mature actions. So, if you

think about it, it’s really an intellectual behavior that influences your will. You have to logically and intellectually grasp the concept, then think about where you’re going and where you’ll end up as a result of your actions.

It works for me, Brent. I hope it helps you, too!

— Dave

Dear Dave, I started following your plan at the first of the year. It was one of my New Year’s resolutions. I even budgeted for Christmas each month. I’ve gotten my holiday shopping done early but in the process, I went a little crazy and overspent.

Realistically, I know things will be okay. I stayed on track all year until now but I’m feeling ashamed about blowing my budget this month after doing so well the rest of the year. Do you have any suggestions for dealing with the guilt and getting motivated again?

— Madelyn Dear Madelyn, You decided to take control of your finances nearly a year ago. And up until just recently, it sounds like you were doing a great job. Lots of folks make mistakes in the first year. It’s

only natural when you’re trying on a completely new behavior, whether it’s with money or something else.

You’ve already made the decision to change your life and a few spending mistakes this month doesn’t change that. It also doesn’t wipe out nearly a year’s worth of discipline and hard work. So, I’m proud of you! And for what it’s worth, I give you permission to stop beating yourself up and start moving forward again.

Most people don’t take time to identify where they want to go in life, or how to get there. They just shuffle along. They blame situations, circumstances, and even other people, for where they are. Some even think it’s someone else’s job to take care of them. That’s called being a child. Children do what’s fun in the moment, and they don’t plan ahead. Adults devise a plan. They stick to it. And, they don’t let one little mistake ruin a whole year’s worth of work.

After I went broke years ago, I made plenty of mistakes in the process of learning a new, and better, way of handling money.

Do yourself a favor, okay? Think back to all those months when you were doing so well. You’ve already proven you can make this thing work. So please, don’t let one bad month overshadow a year’s worth of great work. Kicking a bad habit is hard. It’s tough. And no one — I repeat, no one — does it perfectly.

I want you to focus on the future, Madelyn. Clean up this one, little mess. Then put it behind you and promise yourself you’ll pay more attention to your spending going forward.

You can do it!

— Dave 

INDEX & WEB LISTING ACTS Retirement-Life Communities............................... 2

Harvest House Publishers......................................... 25, 27

B&H Publishing Group............................25, 28-29, 31, 37

Kregel Publications..........................................................27

Baker Books..............................................13, 28-29, 30, 34

Lee Ann Mancini.............................................................47

BibliCards..................................................................... 5, 26

Near the Danube Bridge..................................................33

David C Cook Publishing................................................24

Our Daily Bread....................................................27, 32-33

Eerdmans Publishing Company.....................................27

Total Living Network.......................................................48

Hachette Book Group................................................ 26, 36

Tyndale House Publishers....................9, 25-26, 28, 30, 33

HarperCollins Christian Publishing.... 1, 23, 31-32, 34-37

Who Told You that You Were Naked?............................... 5

www.actsretirement.org

www.bhpublishinggroup.com

www.bakerpublishinggroup.com www.biblicards.com

www.davidccook.org www.eerdmans.com

www.hachettebookgroup.com

www.harpercollinschristian.com

www.harvesthousepublishers.com www.kregel.com

raisingchristiankids.com

www.nearthedanubebridge.com/home www.odbm.org www.tln.com

www.tyndale.com

www.whotoldyou.net

Please note: The Advertisers’ Index is published as a convenience to our readers. While every effort is made to obtain accuracy and completeness, last minute changes may occasionally result in unavoidable omissions or errors.

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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GRACE NOTES

By Chuck Cleveland

Tigers in the Basement Chuck Cleveland lives in Newnan, GA, and he has contributed articles to four magazines. He’s been a Christian for over 50 years, and he’s been married to Barbara for 49 years.

I

t is commonly accepted in Christian circles that people tend to attribute the characteristics of their parents (especially fathers) to God, which is often a negative thing. In my case, the issue was more a matter of attributing an incorrect idea about my father to God, and that involved my having a tiger in the basement.

A tiger in the basement is a psychological term referring to repressed pain from childhood submerged deeply in one’s subconscious. These family-of-origin issues are typically addressed by bringing them into the open and removing their power to inflict pain and rob us of the wholeness God desires for His people. Unfortunately, I wandered through life for too many years not realizing one of those “tigers” was negatively affecting me in multiple ways. Thankfully, that’s behind me now.

Perhaps my experience will help others facing similar issues.

Where Healing Began

My dear wife Barbara, a family therapist at the time, suggested I would benefit from exploring my feelings about my childhood. Sadly, I had no memories from which to draw. As best I can recall, my dad was rather detached from me. For that matter, it’s hard to remember him being significantly involved in my life before he died when I was 23. However, sensing Barbara was correct about getting in touch with my childhood, I prayed for illumination. I asked God to help me see things clearly. Then I revisited my earliest childhood memory.

My parents had just concluded an angry argument in the kitchen and my mother retreated into their bedroom, crying. I joined her and attempted to provide comfort (at least as much as a child could for an adult). My father entered the room, made a few disparaging comments, and quickly departed.

The memory ended there, but the impact certainly did not. Given occasional reinforcement with other criticisms through the years, the message was indelibly stamped on my soul: My father is disappointed with me!

That’s not good, but it gets much worse. When I became a Christian at 24, I transferred that thought to the Heavenly Father, thinking He too was disappointed with me. Here’s how that worked.

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There was, I believed, a sliding scale for that nebulous spiritual status of a “mature Christian” and its attainment always involved a little more love and obedience than I was currently demonstrating. I functioned as if I were approved

by God on a probationary basis, with the probation lasting as long as I did. Keep in mind, I knew better from the Bible. In fact, I had made many lengthy presentations on a believer’s acceptance in Christ.

Nevertheless, what I knew in my head wasn’t getting to my heart.

Seeing Through New Eyes

So, I spent some time giving more thought to my father and his life. I realized he was a child during the depression and had endured a world war as an adult. I could understand why he might equate love with meeting material needs. Knowing now that his own family was shattered by divorce when he was a young man, I could also comprehend the idea that maintaining a stable family (which he had certainly done) was an expression of love, as he saw it.

I knew he had written me a letter before the operation that resulted in his death and I was anxious to see his last communication to me. I finally found it. He closed by writing, “If I don’t make it, I am proud to have you for a son. I have and do love you.”

I can’t adequately express what a relief that statement was. But I can say I was overjoyed the tiger of fatherly rejection would no longer plague me. Given a better understanding of my biological father, I was able to more fully grasp the scriptural teaching of my acceptance in Christ by the Heavenly Father.

This process brings to mind a lyric I wrote many years ago. Part of “Beauty for Ashes” goes like this: He binds up the brokenhearted, sets us free at last; the healing of His love overcomes our past.

Beauty for ashes is what He freely gives; be His new creation so you can finally live.

Finally, how is it with you? Are there emotional issues you need to confront so that your future will be one of freedom, not frustration? If so, be courageous. The healing of God’s love will surely help you overcome your painful past. 