Today's Christian Living July 2025

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On the Cover: Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith

Photo provided by Dr. Dalton-Smith

JULY 2025

VOL. 63 NUMBER 4

Features 5 Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith

By Michelle Adserias

Is God calling you into something new and unknown? Being fully known by God can empower you to follow Him wherever He leads.

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Hope for Hurting Children

By Mike Lutz

How Mission Eurasia’s summer camps minister to broken children in Eastern Europe.

14 Meals with Jesus

10 Departments

By Krystal Johnson

Does Jesus feel distant? One creative reminder that He is always near.

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The Fine Print

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The Good News

17 2025 Writing Contest: Don’t Miss It! This year’s topic: Trust and Obey

21 Kids of the Kingdom

22 Spiritual Growth Resource Guide

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26 Your Will, Lord

38 Quick Takes

By Jeri Stockdale

Dark days test our acceptance of God’s sovereign will.

31 First Looks Resource Guide 34

Lessons in God’s Goodness

By Donna Wichelman

A bike accident becomes the catalyst for counting blessings.

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Grandpa’s Chairs

By Garyanna Stalick

Making forever memories can be as simple as a special chair.

45 Book Excerpt: The Supernatural Power of Prayer and Fasting

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Laugh Lines

47 Quips & Quotes

Columns 9

Living in Wisdom Owen Carr’s Faith

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Ask Dr. Walt Forgive to Live!

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Dave Says Setting Priorities

30 Turning Point The Garden that Grew More Than Vegetables 36 Devotional God’s Promises

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42

Persecution Report Messianic Jewish Families Under Fire

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Grace Notes Lessons from Mom

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THE FINE PRINT

Restored

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Vol. 63

Editor Michelle Adserias michellea@jpmediallc.com Contributing Editors Walt Larimore, M.D. Dave Ramsey Jerry Rose Shirley Rose William Morris

“The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior.

He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.”

— Zephaniah 3:17 In Christ, Michelle Adserias, Editor CORRECTION: The email provided for sending your contest entry was incomplete.

If you tried to send an article and the email wasn’t delivered, please try again: editor@todayschristianliving.org. Please include “Contest Submission” in the subject line.

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TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

JULY 2025

No. 4

President/Publisher Diana Jones dianaj@jpmediallc.com

(Photo credit: Michelle Adserias)

e recently visited Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio. At one time, the city was a booming cultural mecca. Broadway plays went directly from New York City to Cleveland’s grand playhouses.

And then things changed. Televisions became a household commodity. People stayed in and watched their favorite shows rather than going to the latest performances. Attendance declined, and with it the theatres. By the 1970s, there was talk of tearing the old buildings down.

But someone had a vision to restore them to their former glory, and many someones gave sacrificially to make it happen. The crumbling plaster was replicated and replaced. Identical new carpets took the place of old, worn ones. The dusty chandeliers were cleaned and rehung. And plays returned, breathing new life into the once dead theatres.

No matter how crumbled and worn our lives become, no matter the toll neglect and abuse may take, God has the power to restore us. When, by faith, we put our hope in Christ, the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit begins chipping away the crumbling façade of our dead, old selves and breathes new life into us as we are restored to the glory God intended when He created us for fellowship with Him. He breathes new life into us! “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 In this issue we will hear the stories of people who were once in danger of being worn down and destroyed by life but have since been restored by God, though still waiting for their final perfection. Their lives, your life, are of greater worth and far more beautiful than any historic building!

Sales Account Executive Jill Maggio jillm@jpmediallc.com 800-397-8161 ext. 5 Graphic Designer Sara Wait Bulk Circulation Angela Gauerke angelag@jpmediallc.com 800-397-8161 ext. 2 Founder Kenneth N. Taylor 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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Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith.

Photos provided by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith.

Something New Following God into the Unknown

By Michelle Adserias

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t’s difficult to let go of what’s certain, what’s familiar, and step into the unknown. And yet, God sometimes asks us to do just that — to leave the comfortable, familiar things behind and follow Him, by faith, into something new and strange, something we never imagined we would do.

That’s where Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith found herself in 2019. She had longed to be a medical doctor since she was a child. She worked hard to achieve that goal through her early adult years. And she devoted her work life to her patients, finding joy and fulfillment in caring for others. And then, something changed.

A Journey to Truth and Trust

Saundra faced her share of difficulties as a child. Her mother died in childbirth and her father wasn’t involved in her life.

Thankfully, her great-grandmother loved and cared for her.

This woman was a pillar of the church, there every time the doors were open with Saundra by her side. Saundra began resenting the church.

But when she was sixteen years old, she had a “come to Jesus” encounter with God. Her spiritual eyes were opened and she clearly saw who God was and who He wanted her to be. In that moment of conviction and repentance, Saundra surrendered her life to Christ and fell in love with her Savior.

As much as she loved Jesus, she felt a great deal of animosity toward her Heavenly Father. In her mind, they were not one and the same. When she was young, well-meaning people told Saundra her mother’s death was part of God’s plan. She reasoned he must be a mean, uncaring Father to take her mother away. How could she love someone like that? How could she ever trust Him? Dr. Saundra moved into her adult life believing she had to take care of herself. She found it impossible to rest. Her TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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underlying thought was, “If I rest, who’s going to take care of me?” She still believed God the Father and God the Son were completely different, and God the Father could not be trusted to care for her needs. “I was resting at the level of my trust.”

Little did she know, she was on a journey to learn the true nature of God the Father. He was about to show her she needed to trust Him with all aspects of her life.

A Change of Heart and Direction

In 2016, Dr. Saundra began to suffer burn-out. What once gave her energy suddenly left her exhausted. She was still “all in for Jesus” but missing a big part of who God the Father was. The more she understood the unshakable nature of her Heavenly Father, the more she was able to trust Him and rest in His care.

She let go of her misplaced anger and began seeking God’s direction in her life. Reconciliation between Father and child brought a new season of life, spiritually and professionally.

In 2016, Dr. Saundra sensed God was leading down a new path, outside of the medical profession. “All the grace of God on that season of my life was over,” Dr. Saundra said. She didn’t find joy in her work anymore. She was less patient, less content, and found less satisfaction in her daily duties.

During this difficult time, Dr. Saundra realized she needed to hit the pause button from time to time and get some rest. As someone who has always been driven to do, whose identity and confidence were closely tied to her accomplishments, she wasn’t sure what it looked like to be, to rest in God. She quickly discovered it was more than taking an occasional nap or relaxing for the afternoon.

God was asking her to put Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God,” into practice. For Dr. Saundra, that was (and still is) a tall order. To “cease striving,” as some versions of Scripture word it, seemed counterintuitive. But stopping and developing a heart-level knowledge of God was (and still is) necessary.

“Rest is the time I allow in my life to be still with the spiritual things I need… to go out and do in His power what I cannot do in my own power.”

This discovery inspired her first book, Sacred Rest, in 2017. In it, she opened up about her own struggles and threw a lifeline to others who were burdened by busy, rest-less lives. She was invited to speak at conferences and teach others about the seven types of rest her book explored. Still, she continued to practice medicine until December of 2019.

When she ended her practice, Dr. Saundra had no plan for the future. She didn’t know where God was taking her. From a human perspective, it was completely crazy to leave the known for the unknown!

Dr. Saundra had nothing tangible to cling to, no earthly promises to console her. There were times the words of her patients and others who questioned her decision made her wonder whether she was doing the right thing. She often reminded herself, “I know what I heard. I know what I felt. I have peace. If we follow peace, it will take us to where God is leading us.”

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TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

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BEING FULLY KNOWN Discover the joy of being who God has called you to be and put the busyness of doing in its proper place. In her book, Being Fully Known, Dr. Saundra offers her insights, based on her own spiritual journey, on learning to hear and follow God’s lead as you know Him better. She offers her practical Abide-Act framework for seeking God during a period of rest before beginning new ventures. The Abide-Act framework is particularly helpful for people with multiple talents and giftings who are unsure how and when God wants to use them for His service.

Well-suited for either individual or group study, reflection questions open the door for readers to do some soul-searching, with God’s help. There is also a guide for prayer and fasting, which believers through the centuries have practiced to limit worldly distractions and focus on their relationship with God. If you would like to know more about the many facets of Dr. Saundra’s ministry, please visit her website at drdaltonsmith.com.

Her husband, Bobby, had watched her battle for three years and was very supportive, confident God would guide her into the next season of her life.

As the world was moving into Covid shutdowns, complete with the financial hardships they brought on many people, Dr. Saundra was learning to abide and seek God’s direction, one short life chapter at a time. The first idea God prompted her to pursue was helping people earn a living through those difficult times.

As she was seeking God’s direction, He said, “Teach them to fish.”

“Teach them to fish what?”

“Teach them how to earn a living online.”

“I’m a doctor. This is not what I do!”

As we know from the Bible, God usually wins these types of arguments. Dr. Saundra surrendered to God’s plan but still had some questions.

“How much should I charge for this, Lord?”

“Whatever they want to pay.”

“This is the dumbest idea in my life.”

Dr. Saundra developed a one-month, four-session course.

Despite her misgivings, she only suggested the value of the

Dr. Dalton-Smith teaches her Seven Types of Rest to Michigan Realtors.

course and allowed each person to decide how much they would pay. She was utterly amazed by what God did next. “A ridiculous number of people signed up for the course.” Some people paid five dollars. Some paid the suggested cost. At the end of the month, Dr. Saundra’s income from teaching four hours matched her monthly income as a physician.

In the midst of the Covid turmoil, large companies and media outlets were looking for ways to help their employees through huge societal shifts. When they discovered Dr. Saundra’s TEDx talk on the seven types of rest, Fortune 100 organizations invited her to speak and consult with them on preventing burnout. Secular media outlets, like CNN Health, ran articles featuring her insights along with links to her very Christ-based book.

Dr. Saundra could not have anticipated what God would do.

His plan was so much bigger, so much grander, than anything she could have imagined. And it was only the beginning. Each month she sought new opportunities where God was supernaturally opening doors.

“Do not call to mind the former things or ponder things of the past.

“Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it?

I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:18-19

Beholding, Becoming and Belonging

In her latest book, Being Fully Known, Dr. Saundra uses her own experiences and discoveries to encourage others to live a life fully surrendered to a caring Heavenly Father. Following God into the unknown is scary. Dr. Saundra, knowing this first-hand, honestly addresses the obstacles along the way.

If we are willing to abandon our own agenda and plans to God, however, He will strengthen us for the task ahead. He will help us overcome our fear of the unknown and the objections of others as we learn to rest in Christ, our cornerstone and only sure foundation.

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 Our confidence comes from resting in, abiding in, and communing with God through time in His word, time in prayer, and time in worship. The longer, the more intently, we cast our gaze on our Savior, the more like Him we become. We find new freedom to step into the places where we belong, though we may be surprised where those places are.

God equips us to demonstrate His character to those we encounter on our new assignment, each in our own unique way. As Christ’s ambassadors, we lead people to the only One worth beholding. We invite them to behold God in all His glory, to become more like Him, and to join His family.

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“I feel like God is constantly trying to surprise me with just how good He is.”

Something New

Dr. Saundra has encountered some of Satan’s many ploys on her journey, attempts to trip her up and keep her from finishing God’s work for her. By fixing her eyes on the Author and Perfector of her faith, she found the courage to follow her Father into a new season — a season filled with joy unspeakable, despite the difficulties she encountered along the way. Dr. Saundra’s life is a testament to God’s goodness.

That small child who was afraid of a “mean” God has been divinely transformed into a godly woman who now honors and respects God. “I have a reverential, jaw-dropping, awestruck fear of the Lord where I am just like, ‘You are who you say you are. You can do what you say you can do. You can change what you say you can change. You can redeem what you say you can redeem.’ I feel like God is constantly trying to surprise me with just how good He is.” 

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Dr. Saundra speaking at the 2023 Women of Joy Conference.

man was accused of murder and brought before a judge. The man admitted his guilt, the jury found him guilty, and the judge pronounced his sentence with deep sorrow: the death penalty.

The guilty man was his own son.

Despite the judge’s deep love for him, he could not dismiss the charges or avert the penalty. He must uphold the law or be a corrupt, unjust judge.

He was caught in a heart-wrenching dilemma. Then he thought of a solution.

The judge stepped down, removed his robe, and exchanged places with his son.

He was executed in his son’s place.

That’s what Jesus, in His grace and mercy, did for us when he died on the cross. He was not guilty but paid the penalty for our guilt; he was sinless but paid the price for our sin.

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TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

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God’s forgiveness is available to anyone who will own, ask forgiveness for, and turn away from their sin (repent) and put their hope, faith, and trust in Christ alone. Only His blood, shed on the cross, can wash away the guilt of our sin so we can forever enjoy God’s forgiveness and fellowship.

The question is, will you accept God’s free gift? It’s only a sincere prayer away. If you’d like to find new life in Christ, tell God you are sorry for your past wrongs and want Him to be your Lord and Savior. He’ll send the Holy Spirit to live in you, guide you, and change you from the inside out.

“It is by grace you have been saved through faith — and this is not through yourselves, it is the gift of God — not of works, so that no one can boast” —Ephesians 2:8-9.

LIVING IN WISDOM

By Jerry and Shirley Rose

Owen Carr’s 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.

O

wen Carr, the founder of Christian Television in Chicago, would never be considered a “flashy” Christian, seeking attention. However, he is the strongest and most courageous man of faith I’ve ever known.

He was pastoring the historic Stone Church in the south suburbs when God gave him a vision for reaching the vast metroplex of Chicago. He was praying and weeping, asking God how he could possibly reach all the millions of souls with the gospel, people who were isolated behind locked doors in high rise apartments. During that prayer he heard God say, “Television could help.”

This humble pastor from Kansas never aspired to television. He admitted he barely knew how to change his own TV channels. Yet he knew he had heard God’s voice.

From that moment, the idea stayed with him.

Within a year, Owen formed a board, found an available channel, and negotiated the price with the Chicago Federation of Labor from five million down to one million dollars. It was the most audacious act of faith I’d ever seen.

For me, it started with a phone call from Owen.

I was recommended by several people as a possible manager of the new station. But I had just taken a position with CBN in Virginia, and I made it clear I was not the least bit interested. However, God finally showed Shirley and me that His plan was for us to move to the frozen tundra of Chicago and take our own step of faith. When I called to tell Owen he simply said, “I’ve been waiting for your call.” So, I was hired to manage a Christian channel that did not yet exist, by a pastor and a board who had no money or employees, and who knew nothing about television. But we knew it was God, and we left the rest up to Him. It took weeks of negotiations, Chicago politics, and prayer, but we were finally one day away from closing the deal with the CFL. That’s when we received a devastating call from our banker. They were not able to lend the money they had promised—the $600,000 we needed to finalize the purchase. They said we only had a construction permit, and the contract called for a license. We tried to explain it was just terminology, that the permit led to the license and without the money there would be no license. But to no avail.

Here is where Owen’s absolute, unwavering faith held fast. I still remember the moment.

“Gentlemen,” he said. “For all practical purposes the vision has died. But this is God’s vision, and He will resurrect it. We will be at the meeting on time tomorrow and trust God with the outcome.”

There were only two possible outcomes. The money would suddenly appear, or we would be the biggest fools in Chicago. We needed a miracle.

Owen’s faith was contagious, and every board member showed up the next morning. We were escorted to a small meeting room and a few minutes later, our attorney arrived with a huge stack of closing papers. He was not a spiritual man. When Owen explained our situation, the blood drained from his face, and he developed a facial tic. I’m sure he thought he was in the midst of nutcases who had no idea what they were doing. I think he may have been correct.

Thirty tension-filled minutes later our banker walked in. “Gentlemen,” he said with a smile. “We have been on the phone with the FCC for two hours and they have given us their complete assurance you will receive your license. Here is your check.”

Words can’t express the feeling of the moment.

First profound relief, then the realization of the magnitude of the miracle we had just witnessed.

The vision had been resurrected. If Owen’s faith had faltered and we had not shown up, there would have been no Christian television in Chicago. But as he had often said, “I didn’t volunteer for this job. I was drafted and there is no way to go but forward.”

I retired two years ago after 45 years as president of Owen’s faith venture. During those years, multiplied thousands have come to Christ and found their way into local churches. Millions of hours of Christian content have permeated Chicago, the surrounding Midwest states, and later a large chunk of the globe. All this was because a man of great faith heard from God and refused to give up — even when the vision had died.

Warren Wiersbe wrote, “Faith is not believing in spite of evidence, faith is obeying in spite of consequences.”

Owen Carr is still alive and well. He recently turned 102 years old and celebrated his birthday by preaching at his former pastorate, the Stone Church.  TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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Campers enjoying some quiet time in God’s Word.

Photos courtesy of Mission Eurasia.

Hope for

Hurting Children

Mission Eurasia’s Camps for Kids

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By Mike Lutz

dark side of war are the innocent civilians that suffer needlessly, and children are often the greatest casualties of any war. What could be more heartbreaking than women and children being forced to leave their homes while husbands and fathers stay behind to fight? The current situation in the Ukraine and surrounding areas makes this an all-too-common occurrence. But out of war-torn ashes can come beauty, and such is the case with the work that Mission Eurasia is doing with refugees coming out of the devastated areas in Eurasia.

Sharing the Love of Jesus at Summer Bible Camp

For millions of children in the countries of Eurasia, daily life is full of tragedies — hunger, violence, abuse, poverty, broken families. If not for Mission Eurasia’s summer Bible camp ministry many children living in rural, isolated, or secularized communities are unlikely to ever hear the gospel message or be introduced to the love of Christ in a practical way.

For the past five years, Don Parsons and his wife, Esther, have been playing a key role in Mission Eurasia’s desire to share the love of Jesus through their summer camps ministry.

Don says, “We want to see these children’s lives transformed 10

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by the gospel and we are doing that by coming alongside the Ukrainian children that are suffering from the war. We seek to give them refreshment, restore their hope, and impart joy into their lives. We know that the decisions these children make during these early formative years can determine their entire future, so it is vitally important that they hear the gospel at this critical stage of life.”

Since its inception Mission Eurasia has always made children’s ministry a priority. And one of the best ways they have found to reach these precious children is by inviting them to a summer Bible camp where they can enjoy the beauty and peace of God’s creation, where they can have fun with other kids in a safe atmosphere of love and support, and where they can learn about the God who loves them.

With a ministry spread out across fourteen countries how does Mission Eurasia reach all these children?

Don answered, “At the heart of our ministry is our partnership with local churches in various parts of Eurasia. We work with these local churches to equip their teams to host their own camps. We hold trainings session instructing them on how to run a camp, we give them bible-based curriculum, we

Don Parsons organizing camp activities.

are there with them through the entire process and we even send short term mission teams to assist them when and where that is feasible.”

What does summer camp look like for refugees?

Don explained that a typical day at camp for refugees doesn’t look too much different from a typical day at camp in America.

In the morning, campers gather for a series of invigorating exercises often centered on worship songs with hand motions.

The morning calisthenics are designed to wake the children up and prepare them for the day ahead. After breakfast, they attend a structured Bible study, followed by group Bible time.

Group discussions allow campers to dive deeper into biblical concepts, ask questions, and share their personal insights as trained counselors facilitate discussion and prayer.

Afternoons are packed with a variety of activities aimed at fostering teamwork and creativity. In most of the refugee summer camps, soccer is the favorite game. There are also opportunities for the kids to engage in arts and crafts.

In the evening, the camp comes alive with performances and presentations. Campers showcase their skills through skits and dramatic reenactments of Bible stories. Worship sessions bring everyone together in a shared spiritual experience as campers listen to relatable and applicable Scripture messages that that resonate with the campers. Every camp experience includes a presentation of the gospel message so campers can respond to the voice of God. The camp’s schedule is structured to provide a balanced mix of physical activity, spiritual growth, mental engagement, and creative expression, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching camp experience designed to share the love of Jesus.

ABOUT MISSION EURASIA Mission Eurasia was founded in 1991, just after the collapse of the Soviet Union, to react quickly and decisively to new opportunities for evangelism and church-planting in this former communist empire. Today, Mission Eurasia works in 14 countries to evangelize, train, equip, and mobilize the next

generation to lead the church in transforming their nations for Christ through church-planting, holistic ministries, and church growth by developing creative and strategic ministries and by facilitating partnerships between nationals and Western Christians.

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How are lives changed through Mission Eurasia’s Bible camp ministry?

“To begin with, one of the most common challenges we face in the refugee camps are kids acting out. They do this largely because their fathers are not present. You see, the men are not allowed to leave the Ukraine, so that male figure is absent in most of these children’s lives. The result is that the children vent their emotions through actions rather than words.”

Don continued, “During one of the camps, I was leading a group of five boys. During the rest time they were acting up.

So, I went to check in on them and when I approached them I found that they were exploring mysticism.

Fast forward to the last day of camp. The topic was forgiveness. While we were in small group discussion one of the five boys asked, ‘How does God forgive us?’

Seeing a huge open door I asked, ‘Do you want to hear what Gods word says about forgiveness?’ To my surprise all five boys said yes and after I presented them with the gospel I asked if

Campers in Ukraine worshipping God together.

anyone wanted to receive God’s forgiveness. All five boys said yes! What a miraculous turn around and such a special opportunity to lead these boys in a prayer to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. And even though I have not been able to stay in touch with all five boys, I have been in touch with several of them and to this day they are still walking with the Lord.”

What opportunities are there for someone to get involved with or support Mission Eurasia?

It’s crafts time at camp.

GIFT OF HOPE BOX Through Mission Eurasia’s Gift of Hope Christmas outreach, the Christian leaders trained and equipped by Mission Eurasia partner with local churches and pastors to distribute thousands of beautiful Christmas gift boxes filled with toys, candy, necessities and a children’s Bible or Christian storybook to children in need in schools, hospitals, orphanages, and neighborhoods.

Every Gift of Hope box placed in a child’s hands is a powerful introduction to the love of Jesus, providing an opportunity to share the Good News with children, their families, neighbors, caregivers, teachers, and more. More information about this ministry is available at www.MissionEurasia.org.

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“First and foremost, Mission Eurasia could do nothing if not for the grace and provision of God. God has been faithful to lead us and guide every step of the way. That said, the first and best thing someone can do is pray. According to James 5:16, ‘The fervent effective prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.’ When you pray for our Bible camps, pray that the hearts of the children would be receptive to the gospel and that they would leave knowing how much God loves them.

Of course, we need prayers for the volunteers that work these camps, for provision, protection, and wisdom as there are so many unique issues that these churches face living so close to a warzone,” Don said.

Another practical way a person can help is by sponsoring a child so he or she can go to camp. For a one-time gift of only $30, a child will get the opportunity to experience the love of God in a safe and encouraging environment.

There are many other opportunities to serve and support Mission Eurasia. The best place to begin is by visiting www.MissionEurasia.org. Maybe you would like to consider helping a child go to camp. Your donation has the potential to both change a child’s earthly life and secure their eternal life.  Mike Lutz is the author of the award-winning Jesus Speaking devotional series, based on the words of Jesus. Mike is also the author of such books as God Every Day, Discovering God’s Will for Your Life and the end times thriller The Armageddon Initiative. For more information about Mike visit www.MikeLutz.org

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

Meals with

Jesus

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By Krystal Johnson

s I was driving home in the dark after work one night, I was hangry. I made one last attempt to reach out to Jesus for some connection, but hopelessness continued to plague me. Not a good combo. Feeling hopeless and hangry, I parked my car, walked into my house, and started making dinner. In my dejected state, I was suddenly reminded of a sermon about how Jesus was closer than a brother and we can treat Him like a best friend. A light bulb lit up in my head.

What if I envisioned Jesus physically here having dinner with me? Would it help create the intimacy I was desperately needing?

“Why not try? Something has to work, so here goes nothing.

If Jesus were physically sitting at my dinner table right now, what would I naturally do? What would I say?”

At first, this felt pretty awkward. I set the table for two, placing the silverware and plates across from each other.

I went back to the cupboard to get a glass, and to make this more dramatic and real, I pulled out another glass. “What glass would you like to drink from?” I asked Him out loud. Whoa!

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Acknowledging Jesus aloud took this experience to a whole new level. Now Jesus didn’t answer me audibly, although that would have been epic, but I began “feeling” His presence. This experiential therapy moment was beginning to work. He is so good! I began to feel joy and that child-like wonder of a kid serving the Royal King at her tea party. Butterflies were fluttering around in my stomach as I sat down to dine with the King of Kings. I couldn’t stop smiling!

It was time to eat. I pushed in my chair and looked up. The empty brown chair and yellow painted wall transformed into a beautiful picture of Jesus who was smiling like crazy. It was as if He had planned this encounter all along and could finally express His excitement! I looked down at my food and reached out as Jesus gently grasped my hands. “Time to pray.” I was so captivated that a traditional “Dear Jesus” prayer just wouldn’t do. I sat there speechless. I had been transported to the heavenly banquet table in the throne room of the Most High. I finally said, “Hello Jesus”– the kind of “Hello” you say when it’s been a while since you’ve seen your best friend.

“Hello beautiful.”

With my mouth halfway open in awe, I gazed into his eyes while drops of joy trickled down my cheeks. It was so sweet.

The room was filled with awe and reverence. Jesus then said, “I love you and I am so proud of you.” I dropped my head in doubt, but only for a second while he rubbed my shaky, somewhat sweaty hands. Even though there was a twinge of doubt, when Jesus is rubbing your hands, you snap out of it quickly. Love and gentleness overwhelmed me. All I could do, all I wanted to do was gaze into His beautiful eyes and soak up the truths He was lavishing on my parched and weary soul.

A beautiful hymn I grew up singing came alive to me at this moment. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” Turning my eyes upon Jesus sure did make earthly things grow dim, to the point I forgot I was hangry. In fact, my once growling stomach was completely quiet, except for those butterflies. I was filled up with Him! As I took another look at the delicious meal I had prepared, John 6:35 popped into my mind. “Jesus told them,‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never become hungry, and whoever believes in me will never become thirsty.’”

Not only was Jesus becoming more real to me, but the scriptures were too. What an epic dinner this was! I had fallen madly in love with my best friend. I couldn’t stop thanking Him for showing up, for coming to have dinner with me. The peace I felt was complete.

As I was finally eating my meal, I kept looking at the water I poured for Jesus. It would be so cool if Jesus actually drank His

water, I thought. So out loud I said with a giggle, “You know it would be really cool if you drank your water.” I could sense He was giggling with me. He didn’t drink the water, but He didn’t have to. He showed up in so many other ways, for which I am forever grateful.

How are you doing my friend? Are you in a dry season? Do you want deeper intimacy? Maybe it’s time to get creative.

Maybe having a meal is not how you would form a deeper connection with Jesus. I am so glad you recognize that!

Being creative isn’t copying someone else’s experience. Creativity is expressing yourself out of the uniqueness of who you are, your specific personality, and your unique quirks, the way God created you to authentically be. Psalm 139:13-14 says, “For you created my inmost being you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” As Max Lucado pointed out in his book The Christmas Candle, you weren’t accidents, or mass-produced assembly line products.

You were planned, gifted, and appointed your place in life by the Master Craftsman. You are special. How you choose to connect with Jesus is perfect. It’s enough. It’s beautiful. It’s you. God designed you to flourish in who you are, not wish, or hope to be someone else. What freedom this has brought to me! My prayer is the same for you.

You know, He never really is a million miles away. He is only an invitation away. All we need to do is open our spiritual eyes and realize He is already there waiting to enjoy our company.

Since my experimental encounter with Jesus, I leave His plate and glass on the table, reminding me He is always ready

“Do you want deeper intimacy? Maybe it’s time to get creative.”

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

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(Photo credit: © [Pixel-Shot] / Adobe Stock)

to dine with me. People come over for dinner and ask, “Who else is coming?” When I say, “Jesus,” It takes them a second, but they start interacting with Him too. I am grateful I get to share this experience with others.

I also envision Jesus going with me to other places. If I am on a walk and don’t feel Him near, I reach out my hand and He grabs mine as we stroll in the park. I rest my head on his shoulder while we sit on the park bench. I invite Him into my car. I find Him everywhere I choose to invite Him. You may be asking “Why would Jesus, the creator of the universe, desire to spend time with me? Well in Zephaniah 3:17 Jesus says, “I take great delight in you, I rejoice over you with singing.” He delights in you! He wants you to hear the song He is singing over you and give you soul-filling, satisfying moments of His presence.

So, next time you are feeling distant from your Savior, you may want to try setting an extra place for at the table.

He is your best friend and there is no other place He would rather be.  Krystal Johnson is an author, worship leader and inspirational speaker who encourages others to thrive in who God created them to be. Her first book, You Were Made to Thrive: Spiritual Breakthroughs for Every Season will soon be available on Amazon. Krystal finds joy in breathing beach air, swing dancing, time with friends and family, and laughter.

FROM THE EDITOR OF TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING COMES A 52-WEEK DEVOTIONAL

UNTIL THEN

By Michelle Adserias [Today’s Christian Living] Until Then: Journeying Between the Now and the Not Yet is a 52-week devotional. Each weekly entry includes a short devotional, prayer, memory verse, additional Scripture reading and a suggested activity — all intended to encourage readers to live each day with eternity in sight.

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Writing Contest (Photo credit: © [Insta_photos.] / Adobe Stock)

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ASK DR. WALT

By Walt Larimore, MD

Forgive to Live!

To err is human, but to forgive is not just divine, it’s life saving!

QUESTION: In the sermon at church this week, our pastor actually quoted you and said that forgiveness had many physical health benefits. Being a reader of this column, I decided to write and ask you to explain.

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,” “The Best Doctors in America,” “Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare,” and “Who’s Who in America.”

He’s a former vice president and physician in residence at Focus on the Family, and the American Life League named him a “Rock-Solid Pro-Life” awardee. He’s also an award-winning medical journalist and the bestselling author of over 40 books. He and his wife of 52 years, Barb, have two adult children and reside in Colorado Springs. You can find his daily blog at www.DrWalt.com and follow him on Facebook at “DrWalt.com.” Have questions for Dr. Walt?

Email them to editor@ todayschristianliving.org.

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All of us have been wronged — have experienced unjust wounds. Unfortunately, some of us allow these hurts to grow into chronic anger, hostility, bitterness, grudges, cynicism, contempt, resentment, hatred, or victimhood we can’t, or won’t, leave behind. We are either unwilling or unable to get beyond our pain. We don’t understand that our unforgiveness is a slow, lethal toxin poisoning us from the inside out.

It’s not a small problem. According to one survey, 62% of American adults say they need more for-

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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).

ANSWER: Your pastor is spot on. In my book Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices for a Healthier, Happier You (https://amzn.to/3BhYO2r), my co-author, Dr. Phil Bishop, and I list “forgiveness” as the third of ten essentials for folks to be highly healthy.

The following excerpt has been updated with the most recent information:

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giveness in their personal lives. For anyone who has suffered because of another’s actions, we have this prescription: Make peace with your past. You must undertake the daunting task of learning to accept what you cannot change and let go of your pain and anger arising from the ways you have been hurt. In fact, the quality and quantity of your life may depend on it.

“There is an enormous physical burden to being hurt and disappointed,” says Karen Swartz, MD, from Johns Hopkins. “Chronic

anger puts you into a fight-or-flight mode, which results in numerous changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and immune response. Those changes, then, increase the risk of depression, heart disease, and diabetes, among other conditions.

Forgiveness, however, calms stress levels, leading to improved health.” On the other side of the coin, she points out that forgiving others “can reap huge rewards for your health, lowering the risk of heart attack; improving cholesterol levels and sleep; and reducing pain, blood pressure, and levels of anxiety, depression and stress.” Simply put, “Research points to an increase in the forgiveness-health connection.”

In addition, harboring anger, hurt, unforgiveness, or resentment gnaws away at a person’s happiness and health. One researcher concluded, “Failing to forgive, or unforgiveness, is the practice of engaging in ruminative thoughts of anger, vengeance, hate, and resentment that have unproductive outcomes for the ruminator, such as increased anxiety, depression, elevated blood pressure, vascular resistance, decreased immune response, and worse outcomes in coronary artery disease.” A review article suggested, “It can sometimes seem like forgiveness is a concept from biblical times. But scientific studies suggest we should apply the act to our daily lives because it holds myriad health benefits.”

Mayo Clinic advises that forgiveness “brings with it plenty of health benefits, including improved relationships, decreased anxiety and stress, lower blood pressure, a lowered risk of depression, and stronger immune and heart health. Letting go of negative emotions can often have a remarkable impact on the body,” while the American Psychological Association reports, “Forgiveness can improve mental and physical health.”

Dr. J. Nick Pitts at Dallas Baptist University wrote, “When we fail to free others from the pain they caused us, we continue to hold ourselves captive to the pain that hurts us.”

And he added, “As many have said before, holding a grudge is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies. A grudge offers us the chance at vindication, but it overpromises and under delivers. In the biblical narrative, we read how bitterness takes root (Hebrews 12:15). Instead of letting it take root, don’t let the sun go down on the wrong (Ephesians 4:26).”

It’s as if all the research and all the experts are all saying, “Forgive to live!” If you’re one of the many who believe the adage, “To err is human, to forgive divine,” take note that medical science is establishing that “To err is human, to forgive highly healthy.”

Unforgiveness (and its toxic ABCs: anger, bitterness, and cynicism) are among the negative moods that can be lethal. According to ScienceAlert, “Researchers found that people’s negative moods…were associated with higher levels of inflammation — the body’s natural immune response to injury and infection, but which is also a common hallmark of ill health and chronic disease.”

Even though 95% of Americans believe forgiveness is good, only 48% admit they usually try to forgive. But if you want to be highly healthy, you must acknowledge it’s not healthy or wise to foster anger, bitterness, shame, or regrets, and to withhold your forgiveness. Admitting you were wrong to hold on to these emotions is a form of confession. In the Bible, to confess is simply to agree with God that certain attitudes, emotions, or actions are wrong. We can begin to find healing when we simply agree we missed the mark, that we fell short. The Bible

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teaches, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Knowing that the Creator of the universe, who designed each of us, is willing and able to completely forgive all our past wrongs models for us how we can and should begin forgiving others who have wronged us. Jesus made this clear when He taught, “If you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins” (Mark 11:15). He modeled this by asking God the Father to forgive those who were sneering at Him and mocking Him — even His executioners (Luke 23:34).

If you need to confess any wrong to God, do so, knowing that with this confession comes forgiveness and cleansing.

Afterward, thank God that He has forgiven your wrongdoing. You exhale (confess) the bad and then inhale the good (the forgiveness of God and your purification from all unrighteousness). It’s a form of spiritual breathing. Then, if someone has wronged you and you’ve never forgiven them, make the conscious decision to forgive them.

You may even want to consider visiting or calling them to confess the anger or bitterness that has been in your heart and tell them you’ve forgiven them. They may not choose to receive the forgiveness, but if you’re giving it sincerely and with a pure heart, it will improve your health and set you free.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24). Even if the fault is with the other person, for us followers of Jesus, it is our responsibility to attempt to heal the relationship.

I hope you are beginning to see that unforgiveness is lethal.

On the one hand, you may be harboring resentment for a wrong done to you, but on the other hand, you may fail at asking forgiveness from others whom you have wronged. In that case, it’s your responsibility to go to them (or contact them if you can’t go in person) to admit your wrong and ask for forgiveness. I encourage people to ask, “Will you forgive me?” This requires a definitive yes or no answer and leaves no wiggle room for later doubt, especially when the reply is, “Yes, I forgive you.”

Of course, sometimes reconciliation, resolution, or restitution is impossible due to ongoing abuse or violence. In cases like these, you can pray for the people from whom you’re estranged and then leave the rest to God. Fix whatever is wrong if you can. However, if you are at fault, apologize. Accept any consequences that may result. Make restitution. Be an agent and ambassador of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19-20).

The bottom line is this: To the extent it is possible on your part, banish grudges and resentments — to let them go so you

can be set free. Make the conscious choice to forgive, even knowing that you may have to practice forgiveness over and over. Promise to forgive those who hurt you. Understand, though, that it may be difficult to forgive and forget. Rarely can one completely forget what happened. Prayerfully, over time, you’ll perhaps less often recall and brood over the injustice and hurt.

According to the researchers at Berkeley, “Forgiveness is the act of consciously deciding to let go of resentment or vengeance toward another entity who has harmed you in some way, whether or not they’re deserving of that forgiveness.” They add, “It does not mean having to forget or condone the wrongdoing committed against you.” Forgiving is a decision, an act of your will. Restoration of trust, by contrast, is conditional and takes time.

The two are not the same.

It’s worth repeating one more time: Forgiving someone for something they have done against you, or to you, does not condone or sanction their behavior. It does not excuse them from their actions or even the consequences of their wrongs.

It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be cautious when interacting with this person. This complex process of forgiving may be less daunting with the help of a licensed counselor or therapist. As has been wisely said, “The first to apologize is the bravest, the first to forgive is the strongest, the first to forget is the happiest.”

Making forgiveness a habit takes practice. In my experience, the emotional and spiritual healing that comes from forgiveness can only begin after someone makes the decision to forgive and follows through with that decision. Once the healing process begins, you’ll notice changes. Researchers tell us the changes forgivers experience filter into their beliefs, behaviors, and body and brain biochemistry. Even their facial expressions, posture, and body language can change. Their blood pressure and heart function improve. In other words, forgiveness can heal both the person who is forgiven and the person who forgives.

To become a highly healthy person physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually, you must practice forgiving. It has been said that justice is giving what is deserved, mercy is not giving what is deserved, and grace is giving what is not deserved. Highly healthy people are liberal dispensers of mercy and grace and let God be God as the judge and vindicator. By becoming a forgiver, your body, mind, heart, spirit, and soul will be healthier. 

“Prayerfully, over time, you’ll perhaps less often recall and brood over the injustice and hurt.”

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This article is excerpted from Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices for a Healthier, Happier You authored by Dr. Walt and Dr. Phil Bishop, published by Harvest House, © 2019, used with permission.

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5th and 6th Grade Science Test Answers: PART 1 •

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Your Will, Lord

“Y

By Jeri Stockdale

our son has a brain tumor.” Six simple words with the power to stop time, freeze my faith, and forever alter my world. I was a church-going Christian but even faith-filled people lead busy lives, full of work deadlines, calendar commitments, and family demands.

Without realizing it, my faith had slipped into a complacent routine to accompany my booked schedule. I wasn’t prepared for this.

The anxious months of watching our twelve-year-old slow down and become sick with headaches and nausea fell into place, like incompatible chords becoming a dirge. Shock ran through my body, stripping my breath, my strength. I lagged behind the neurologist and my husband, Jeff, willing my leaden legs to carry me as we walked toward our waiting son to deliver the devastating news.

Justin cried. He looked so scared, and the pain in his soft brown eyes hurt my heart. His faith was as young and small as he was. We had no words to console, only to reassure him that we would stay with him. Jesus, help me, help Justin. Lord Jesus, Your will, not mine.

The ride from Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma by aid car, emergency lights flashing, to Seattle Children’s Hospital, was unbearable, uncomfortable, surreal. Jeff and I cast glances at each other. We tried to keep Justin calm. Night had come and darkness threatened to consume me.

We left home without anticipating a terrible diagnosis.

Now we made arrangements by phone. My sister, my mom, my friends. All stepped in to care for our other two children; James, age fourteen and Joy, age eight. We called our pastor, desperate for prayers for Justin and our family. Our focus and energy were on our son and what was happening at that moment. We didn’t know the future, but my mind absolutely shut out the possibility he might not make it. Jesus, help Justin.

Lord God, Your will, not mine.

Doctors and nurses surrounded Justin. His eyes rolled back in his head and they worked on him with urgency. The seizure caught us by surprise and the worried looks on the doctors’ 26

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Keeping the Faith in Dark Times

faces scared me. Fluid had built up in his brain, causing the seizure. The tumor was blocking his brain’s ventricles. I turned away and looked out the window, silently crying. One nurse noticed and held me, her touch comforting.

The activity around Justin was controlled but urgent. He required immediate surgery to relieve the pressure, and to take a biopsy of the tumor. We waited. We prayed. Lord, Your will, not mine.

After many tense hours, Justin came through the surgery, with his head wrapped with bandages, tubes attached, machine monitors beeping. His small frame seemed to disappear beneath the equipment that was sustaining his life. His pale, quiet appearance shocked me. The nauseating smell of antiseptic and latex permeated the room.

We awaited the biopsy results with an uncertain future hanging over our heads. Finally, a large group of doctors filed in. They were smiling. I couldn’t reconcile what we’d been through in the last 24 hours with the genuine relief we saw on the doctors’ faces. I held my breath.

“We’ll just get to the point,” the neurosurgeon said. “If Justin had to have a brain tumor, this is one of the best kinds he could have. It’s called a germinoma. It’s rare, but treatable.

He doesn’t need further surgery because it responds well to radiation.”

Thank you, Lord.

I could breathe again. We were relieved, but exhausted.

Even with hopeful news from the doctors, there were no guarantees. The surgeons had inserted a shunt and cord to drain fluid from his brain. He would most likely always have this mechanical device to assist him.

Recovering from surgery, Justin was fragile physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I had to be strong for him. I didn’t dare cry in front of him, and yet, I needed release and time before the Lord. I asked for a Bible. They couldn’t find one for two days. I went to the hospital chapel, but it felt cold and empty.

I talked with the hospital chaplain, but I felt no connection.

In the middle of the frenetic activity of surgeries, blood draws, MRIs, diagnoses, and recovery from surgery, our

friends, family, and pastors came to the hospital, bringing clothes, my much-needed Bible, and other items. Family members brought our other two children to visit. It was difficult for them to see their active, athletic brother lying in a hospital bed so visibly sick. Even with a more positive diagnosis, they were afraid he wouldn’t live. Words were difficult because words were inadequate.

My release time, my time with God, came as I took a shower each evening. The running water drowned out my cries and my tears freely flowed in the privacy the shower provided. In my weakness I could barely stand, but I cried, God, help me. Be my strength. I can’t do this without you.

From the beginning, I prayed for God to spare my son, but I did not beg or try to negotiate with Him. I could do nothing but submit myself wholly to Him and His will for our lives. I sang songs while weeping. I desperately needed to focus on God and not on myself. I was not strong enough to endure this unchosen journey. Each evening in the shower, I met with God. I praised Him in spite of the weight of my fears for all that lay ahead.

As God gave me strength, I in turn, could give it to my son.

He looked to me and his father for our responses to what was happening to him. If I had faith, he could have faith. If I had hope, he could have hope. This is what I shared with him each day. We found Bible passages and Justin drew strength from them as we read together and prayed.

Justin began to see God as his help, as the sustainer of his life. He had been raised in church, but up to this point, he hadn’t fully committed his life to Christ. He made a decision to live. He gave his life wholeheartedly to Jesus. His fear was replaced with peace and his faith was real and strong. He began to see purpose, and shared Jesus with others including the nurses, doctors, and technicians. I saw visible evidence as his caregivers responded with soft hearts to the message. This was for God’s glory. I took heart. Thank you, Jesus.

Besides the radiation treatments, The University of Washington Medical Center also recommended chemotherapy, which would reduce the amount of radiation he needed, meaning less brain trauma. Instead, he would have to endure levels of chemo higher than those given to adults.

We prepared ourselves for the nausea, weight loss, and the risk of secondary cancers.

Our church family and many others prayed throughout our ten-day hospital stay, and in the years ahead. We were surrounded, protected by their prayers. Our care group and friends cleaned our home, weeded our garden, and built a tree house for Justin. Cheerful, comforting ladies from church brought meals through our many weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Thank you, Jesus.

Justin’s Sunday School teacher, Tim, visited. With tears in his eyes, he said, “When Pastor Gordy shared that Justin was at Seattle Children’s with a brain tumor, there was a loud gasp throughout the congregation.”

They understood. The united gasp said it all.

I felt God’s comfort. I will be forever grateful for our family, our friends, our church body. We needed them. No one camped on our doorstep or constantly called. We did not have extra energy for outside relationships, which they understood and respected. We received notes of encouragement and prayers on our behalf. Our church family was emotionally invested in us. We saw Jesus in their faces, their words, their actions.

Many prayers were answered over the course of time, including Justin’s heartfelt prayer to live without the assistance of the brain shunt.

At age sixteen, Justin’s shunt cord pain resulted in testing at Seattle Children’s, and a visiting surgeon determined Justin to be a good candidate for a rare procedure to bypass the injured site.

The surgery was successful, his brain fluid could flow on its own again, and we all rejoiced.

It has been twenty years since Justin was rushed to the hospital in his struggle for life. He is now thirty-three years old, has a job, and enjoys his family, friends, and church. He still has challenges, but he’s learned to lean on God as the source of his strength and has used his experience to share Christ with others.

I’m thankful to be Justin’s mom. I realized through this journey that I could give in to my fears and look only at the dismal circumstances, or I could choose to keep my eyes and mind focused on Jesus and His Word, and stand firm in my faith. Life-giving, sustaining faith. Complacent no more.

Thank you, Jesus. Your will, Lord.

“Many prayers were answered over the course of time”

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.”

Hebrews 10:23-24  Jeri Stockdale is a Cascade Award-winning author of inspirational contemporary and historical romances, including the Love’s Promises series. She has also written several short stories, touching readers with her heartfelt storytelling. Jeri lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her family and pets.

When she’s not writing, you can find her gardening, exploring nature, or delving into family history research. Visit Jeri online at www.jeristockdale.com TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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DAVE SAYS

By Dave Ramsey

Setting Priorities 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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Dear Dave,

Dear Dave,

How do you feel about moving credit card balances to other companies to get lower rates when you’re trying to get out of debt? I just paid off my first credit card, and a friend suggested this idea for paying off the others faster.

My husband and I live in India. I’m from the States, and he was born here. When it comes to our finances, I manage our American investments, and he manages our Indian investments. Every month, we sit down with spreadsheets and go over our finances. I trust him completely, but I’d like to better understand our investments here and how they work. Should I just defer to his judgment, or should I learn to understand things a little better?

— Von Dear Von, Lots of people think they’ve done something big to solve their debt problems when they do this.

And I’m sure your friend is trying to help with this suggestion, but you’ve got to remember that getting out of debt, and gaining control of your finances, is all about changing the habits of the person you see in the mirror every day. You’ve got to make a commitment to a lifestyle change that includes getting out of debt, staying out of debt, and sticking to a written, monthly budget.

That includes keeping track of every single dollar, giving it a job to do and living on less than you make.

Now, your friend’s idea might help speed up the process a tiny bit. But the habits that got you into debt in the first place won’t change just because you’ve switched credit card companies. What you’re talking about is an easy way to lower the interest rates—temporarily, in most cases—but it doesn’t change your everyday behavior with money.

When people have problems with debt, it’s often the result of living above their means. I’ve run into so many folks who got into trouble with money just because they wanted to impress other people. But guess what? When you change, interest rates don’t matter nearly as much. And when you shift your mindset about money, it will make a huge difference in a way that changing credit card companies and chasing lower interest rates can’t.

I hope this helps, Von. And take a look at my Baby Steps plan while you’re at it. I promise, if you follow those steps, it will help you move forward, get ahead and put you on the road to a debt-free life and financial peace!

— Dave

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JULY 2025

— Anna Dear Anna, I always tell folks to make sure they completely understand their investments and how they work. So, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with learning more about the side of your investments he manages.

I learned a long time ago that when you’re married and it comes to making decisions, you should use all of your brain. That means both of you. Two heads are better than one, right? Back when I made all my mistakes with money and we went broke, I didn’t listen to anyone about anything. I thought I knew it all. We had investments and owned pieces of property my wife never knew about.

When it came to our finances, she always trusted me and told me to do what I thought was best. Well, it turns out, I was an idiot. If I’d had an ounce of sense or humility back then, I’d have gone to her with my all my bright ideas. Knowing her thoughts or hearing her say, “I don’t know about that, honey. I’ve got a bad feeling about it” might’ve saved us a lot of pain and heartache — if I’d listened. But now, I understand like never before the meaning of Proverbs 31:10-12. “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain” (NKJV).

I’m sure your husband is lot smarter about things than I was. And he’s obviously open to talking with you about all this and showing you things. That’s a really good sign. But if I were him, and something were to happen, I’d want you

Then, go back and pick up where you left off when things are better, and finish knocking out your other debt by restarting your debt snowball. I’ve got a feeling you’ll have the motivation to fully fund your emergency fund in Baby Step 3 all the way up to three to six months of expenses.

God bless you, friend. Keep your head up, and take good care of yourself while you’re recovering. You can do this!

— Dave

Dear Dave,

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

to understand everything. I’d want you to know exactly what you have going on and how it all works.

Great question, Anna!

— Dave

Dear Dave, I recently experienced a medical emergency and unexpected hospital stay. I’m about halfway through Baby Step 2, and I’m paying off my debts using the debt snowball system. I have good insurance, but should I put Baby Step 2 on hold for now due to all the hospital bills?

— Gerard Dear Gerard, That’s exactly what you should do. I’m sorry to hear about your health issues, but at the same time, I hope you’ll make sure you’re only pressing the pause button on Baby Step 2.

I’m talking about temporarily stopping the debt snowball and making only minimum payments on all non-mortgage debt for now. Can you manage that?

Things like this can be expensive, but they’re part of life.

At the same time, taking care of these kinds of issues doesn’t have to mean giving up on gaining control of your finances.

Emergency issues, especially medical emergencies, come first.

My wife has run her own small business for the last three years. I try to be positive, and help whenever I can, but the truth is things aren’t going very well. In fact, the business has never really shown signs of getting off the ground.

Over the last several months, we’ve been putting part of what I make at my job into the business to help keep it open. We’ve also taken money out of savings to bolster things, and now our savings account is pretty low. I want to support her, because she loves what she’s doing. But we have three kids, and I make about $60,000 a year.

Things have been pretty tight financially for a while. What do you think we should do?

— Isaac Dear Isaac, I’m an entrepreneur and business owner. So, trust me, I totally understand the excitement and allure that goes along with having your own business. But your own household and its immediate financial responsibilities should come first.

Here’s the thing. If you’re putting other money into a business account, that’s a decent sign you’re not making money in the business. The only money that should go into the business account is income the business creates. So, at this point, I think you and your wife need to sit down together, and have a serious, but gentle, talk about things.

Set aside time—together—and complete a written profit and loss statement on her business. While you’re at it, you also need to make a written household budget. The numbers won’t lie, and it’s going to be your job to be loving and understanding during all this. But the main thing you folks need is to get on the same page financially before the situation gets any worse.

Again, when it comes to the business, put all her expenses on the profit and loss statement in detail. Then, write out what it would take for her to break even each month. I hate that things have turned out this way, Isaac. But with everything that’s been going on in your finances, if she’s not, at a bare minimum, breaking even at this point, then I’m afraid it’s time for her to do something else.

— Dave  TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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TURNING POINT

By Charlene Trino

The Garden that Grew More Than Vegetables Charlene Trino is a freelance writer and active member of her local church in Portland, Oregon. She writes about faith, community, and the power of everyday kindness.

Her work has appeared in various Christian publications and she leads workshops on creative writing as ministry.

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.

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When my husband, Mike, lost his job during the economic downturn, our family of five faced the most challenging season of our lives. Bills mounted, and our savings dwindled faster than autumn leaves in a windstorm. While Mike searched for new employment, I struggled with anxiety about our future. But God planted seeds of hope in our crisis, though I wouldn’t recognize them until months later.

It started with our youngest, Sophie, who came home from Sunday school clutching a paper cup containing a single bean seed nestled in damp soil.

“Mom, can we plant a garden?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “Mrs. Thompson says we can grow our own food just like the disciples did!”

I almost dismissed the idea. After all, we lived in suburban Michigan, where our backyard had never seen anything more ambitious than a few wilting tomato plants. But something in Sophie’s expectant face made me pause. Perhaps it was divine inspiration or desperate circumstances, but I heard myself say, “Why not?”

That weekend, instead of worrying about our shrinking bank account, we cleared a patch of land behind our garage. Our neighbors, the Hendersons, noticed and offered us their unused gardening tools.

Mrs. Henderson, an experienced gardener, shared tips over the fence, teaching us about soil preparation and planting seasons.

What started as Sophie’s tiny bean seed soon expanded into an ambitious family project. The children researched vegetable growing patterns.

Mike, between job interviews, built raised beds from discarded pallets. Even our teenage son Tyler, usually glued to his phone, started spending evenings helping us plan crop rotations.

The garden became our family’s daily bread — literally and spiritually. As we watched our first seedlings push through the soil, I was reminded of Jesus’s parable of the mustard seed. Our faith, though tested, was growing just like those tiny seeds. Each morning, I found myself on my knees, not just pulling weeds but praying with a new perspective.

Our neighbors noticed more than our growing vegetables. They saw our family working together, laughing, and persevering despite our circumstances.

Soon, other families began stopping by, curious about our garden. We shared our abundance of zucchini (who knew they’d grow so prolifically?), and

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in return, people shared their stories, struggles, and encouragement.

The garden became a ministry we never planned.

When the Wilsons across the street lost their mother to cancer, we brought them fresh vegetables and spent time listening to their grief. When new neighbors moved in, their children joined ours in harvesting cherry tomatoes, forming friendships over dirty hands and sun-warmed fruit.

Six months into our gardening adventure, Mike received two job offers. The position he accepted paid less than his previous job, but by then, our perspectives had shifted. Our garden was supplying much of our produce, and we’d learned valuable lessons about living simply and trusting God’s provision.

More importantly, we’d grown in ways no paycheck could measure. Our children had learned the value of hard work and patience. Our family bonds had strengthened through working together. Our faith had deepened as we witnessed God’s faithfulness in unexpected ways. What started as a child’s bean seed had blossomed into a testimony of God’s grace.

Today, three years later, our garden still flourishes.

We’ve added fruit trees and berry bushes, and we regularly share our harvest with local food banks.

Every season brings new lessons about growth, both in nature and in faith. When I see Sophie teaching younger children how to plant seeds, or Tyler leading the youth group’s community garden project, I’m reminded that God’s grace often shows up in dirtcovered hands and tiny seeds of faith.

The garden taught us that spiritual growth, like plant growth, requires patience, nurturing, and trust in the Master Gardener’s timing. Sometimes the sweetest fruit comes from seasons of drought, and the strongest faith grows in soil fertilized by challenges.

As I write this, sitting on our back porch watching butterflies dance among our thriving vegetables, I’m grateful for that season of unemployment that felt like winter but led to such abundant spring. Our garden grows more than vegetables – it grows faith, community, and daily reminders of God’s grace.

Just as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” our family’s weakness became the fertile ground where God’s grace took root and flourished, producing a harvest more bountiful than we could have imagined. 

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TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

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Donna Wichelman enjoying a field of poppies.

Photos provided by Donna Wichelman.

Lessons in God’s Goodness

T

By Donna Wichelman

he four of us rode our electric bikes half a mile downhill in the misty rain, from the Hotel de Bordeaux through narrow streets of centuries-old buildings and limestone residences to the Dordogne riverfront and quay in Bergerac, France. As I was picking up speed, I saw it. There was a traffic circle full of cars at the bottom of the hill. I lost control of the bike and I knew I was going down.

“Dear God,” I pled under my breath as I slid on the wet street and took a terrible tumble in front of a small sedan. The shock left me briefly immobile, my body sprawled over the e-bike on my right side. The next thing I knew, three men — the car’s driver, a runner, and my husband — clustered around me to see how badly I was injured and extract me from the bike. I hurt from the fall and knew I had bruises. But more than that, 34

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I shook in terror. I’d fallen in the middle of the road and the car behind me could have killed me!

Despite the language barrier and broken English, the driver and runner confirmed I could walk before they left the scene. My husband and friends helped me get my bike to the quay, where I gathered my wits. Still, the incident rocked my confidence.

My husband and I enjoyed riding our road bikes on local trails in Colorado and Rails to Trails across the United States – some of which we biked with our friends who were in France with us. We were excited to start our first of five days, biking through the lush, green hillsides of the Dordogne River valley and the Perigord with its 1,001 fortified castles. Many of them were World Heritage Sites. How could we not be excited about getting underway? After six months of planning, we were finally there. Even the drizzle could not douse our spirits.

Still, I had never been on an e-bike, and this rented e-bike was Some trials are mere hassles, like arriving at the grocery store different. It had a mind of its own. I wish I’d spent more time and realizing, at the checkout counter, our wallet is at home. getting used to how the bike worked — the weight and balance, Other adversities can leave psychological scars haunting our the reaction time when starting and stopping the bike, and the days, such as being bullied in elementary school. Many are lifeturning radius of the front wheel. Could I master the monster? threatening, as when a terminal illness or debilitating accident “Are you okay to ride?” my overturns what we expect from life. friend leaned in and asked, We can prevent trials, at times, wearing a worried expression. I if we take proactive measures. But could tell the incident had scared often they are unavoidable. We may her, too. deny how they’ve affected us but we “I think so. I’m just shaken.” I must inevitably deal with them — did my best to assure her, though or live in a bubble and never come I couldn’t stop quivering and out. Is that how we want to live? wondered in my heart of hearts The question I was forced to if I could carry on. Give me a few answer that day was not whether minutes.”

I could avoid every adversity “Take all the time you need.” that came my way but, instead, She directed compassionate eyes how would I respond when at me. “We don’t even have to do one appeared out of nowhere? I this today if you don’t want to.” searched my heart.

In those few minutes, I took I could be mad at God for stock of the situation. This allowing another casualty during wasn’t the first time I had a trauyet one more vacation. But this matic experience on a trip. Why attitude could lead to bitterness and couldn’t I get through a vacation sarcasm that would affect everyone without a mishap? Why had God around me. No. I didn’t want to be a allowed me to fall at the begin- Donna and her husband, Jim, by the Dordogne River. bothersome, old curmudgeon and ning of the ride? How could I be hurt those I care about. so inept?

Or I could view the incident as a way God was using to develop We’d anticipated this trip for months, paid good money to my trust in His goodness and sovereignty, to provide peace and the company that planned our route, and trained in Colorado. a way through the trial. God preserved my life, despite toppling What choice did I have? Could I give up now, when we’d only into the middle of the road. just begun? Besides, my husband had found the ride in our book, My fall was no surprise to my Lord and Savior. He knew and Fifty Places to Bike Before You Die. How could I disappoint him was present through it all, orchestrating the right man in the and everyone else, including myself? I had to get back up on that car behind me, who would take great care through the traffic bike. circle and come to my rescue when I fell. Rather than despair, I “I’m ready.” I put on my helmet, got on my bike, and rode the rejoiced in still being alive. Though I had been knocked down, rest of the way through town to the bike trail. bruising my body and my pride, I rose up and continued on our adventure.

God’s Goodness in Trials

During the next several hours, we rode along the river through forests of leafed-out trees and charming villages. My mood improved, despite the moisture throughout the day. I found myself singing an inspirational song, “The Goodness of God” by Bethel Music. A peace came over me as we left the trail to ride on the shoulder of a rural road through beautiful countryside dotted with castles, vineyards, and quaint medieval villages. I reflected on my fall as the occasional car whizzed past us.

Trials and afflictions come to us every day. In John 16:33, Jesus tells us, “In this world you will have trouble.” In 1 Peter 4:12, the Apostle Peter exhorts Christians, “Do not be surprised by the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you…” And in James 1:2, the book’s author encourages believers to “Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds…”

God’s Continuous Care

My deliberations didn’t stop at the current distress. I recounted all the ways God had saved me throughout my life — not just the vacation calamities but all the times when His mercies had safeguarded my way. Moreover, He had blessed me abundantly in every aspect of my life. We have traveled quite extensively. God has given me a small but beautiful family – including a godly and loving husband. I also remembered the dear friends who had come to France with us.

Tears stung my eyes. I wiped them away before they obscured my vision and caused another misfortune.

A while later, the sun peeked through the clouds on our approach to Les Eyzies, our first stop. We saw the blackened and tawny dwellings inhabited by troglodytes, or cliff dwellers. I gazed at our surroundings, one last time, as we pulled into our hotel for the night.

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A

By Michelle Adserias

God’s Promises

blanket of gray-blue clouds slowly rolled east while the sun sank on the western horizon. We drove toward the rain and watched the intermingling water and light paint a rainbow in the evening sky. It began as only a partial arch, but gradually grew into a complete rainbow, a celestial overpass spanning the highway ahead.

I wonder how Noah reacted when he saw that very first rainbow. It’s a treat I have enjoyed throughout my life. Noah was about 600 years old before he saw his first one. It must have been quite an amazing sight! Noah didn’t have modern science to explain that God assigned different colors to each wave lengths of light. He only saw something beautiful and miraculous in the heavens.

And it was a beautiful, miraculous sign from God. The meaning of the rainbow has been hi-jacked in recent years, but in Genesis 9, God proclaimed it a sign of His promise to never flood the entire earth again.

“And it shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow will be seen in the cloud, and I will remember My covenant which is between Me, and you, and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh.”

— Genesis 9:14-15

I always thought the rainbow appeared to remind us of God’s promise. God said it is a reminder to Him. Surely God could never forget His promises! He’s the only one we can always count on. Maybe when His patience with human shenanigans is wearing thin, He considers raining down judgment — literally! Then He remembers the rainbow and holds back.

But God will not be patient forever. He made another promise, one we don’t talk about as much. He’s promised to return and judge all mankind and this earth.

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and it works will be burned up.”

— II Peter 3:10 God never breaks a promise.

Pretty sobering, right? The story doesn’t end there. All who love and follow God look forward to the new heaven and the new earth God will create — an eternal home free from sin and its trappings. You can read about it in Revelation 21:1-4.

Now that’s good news!  Image licensed by Ingram Image

Throughout the day, we experienced the most spectacular countryside and enjoyed camaraderie with one another.

Now we admired the tremendous feat of building a castle on the cliffside and I remembered Jesus’ comforting words in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that you might have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!”

An abundance of blessings blossomed in my heart, filling me with overwhelming joy. How could I not rejoice in God’s goodness and sovereignty in every circumstance of my life — in the trials as well as the pleasures? It had been a very good day. I looked forward to the blessings the following day would bring.  Weaving history and faith into stories of intrigue and redemption grew out of Donna’s love of travel, history, and literature as a young adult while attending college in Wales. Donna was a corporate communications professional before writing full-time. Her short stories and articles have appeared in inspirational publications. She has published three novels Light Out of Darkness and Undaunted Valor in her Waldensian Series and a Gilded Age romance, A Song of Deliverance. Donna and her husband of forty years participate in ministry at their local church in Colorado. They love spending time with their grandchildren and bike, kayak and travel whenever possible.

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Donna on the trail to Cale.

LAUGH LINES

Perks of Being 50 or Older 01. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.

02. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.

03. No one expects you to run...anywhere.

04. People call at 9 pm and ask, did I wake you?

05. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.

06. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.

07. Things you buy now won’t wear out.

08. You can eat supper at 4 pm.

09. You can live without sex but not your glasses.

10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.

11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.

12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.

13. You sing along with elevator music.

14. Your eyes won’t get much worse.

15. Your investment in health insurance is finally paying off.

16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the National Weather Service.

17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can’t remember them either.

—From Mikey’s Funnies www.mikeysfunnies.com

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QUICK TAKES

From the Valley We Rise

The Only Way Forward is Back

By Elizabeth Musser [BethanyHouse] In the heart of war-torn France, Isabelle Seauve’s resolve is tested after her father sacrifices his life to protect her involvement in the French Resistance. Heartbroken, Isabelle becomes more dedicated to hiding Jewish children in and near Sisteron, despite the growing danger, when she discovers a traitor in the ranks.

As betrayal looms, Isabelle encounters US Army Chaplain Peter Christensen, who carries emotional scars from his service in Kentucky and North Africa. Together, they face the brutal reality of war as the second D-Day, the Allied invasion of Provence, unfolds.

Fifteen-year-old René narrowly escapes a German attack that claims his mother and their fellow Maquis fighters. With a Jewish orphan girl at his side, René seeks out his cousin, Isabelle, for refuge.

When the bombs of Operation Dragoon begin to fall, these unlikely heroes must find freedom in their souls before they can rebuild what has been destroyed.

By Jackson TerKeurst [David C Cook] The son of a town chief. The grandson of a witch doctor. An orphan, a war statistic, a nameless boy trying to survive gunfire and starvation during the Liberian Civil War. Jackson TerKeurst once found his identity in scarcity and trauma.

Today he finds it in knowing he is God’s child.

Jackson came to America as a teenager with little education, was adopted by a Christian family, graduated from college, and started a business. His incredible story was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Network and the Today Show. Now, Jackson shares his spiritual journey against the backdrop of his biography as he calls us to see how God can redeem our pain.

This riveting account of perseverance, sacrificial love, and transformative grace invites us to view our own stories through the lens of an orphan who learned to hold fast to his identity as God’s beloved child.

Katharine Barnwell

My Two Elaines

By Jordon Monson [B&H Publishing] Meet Katharine (Katy) Barnwell, a legend in the Bible translation world.

From hiding during Nazi bombings as a child, fleeing civil wars, and remaining calm under attack, to revolutionizing every field she touched, Barnwell’s life proves the missionary hall of fame is still open to new inductees. God is still raising up “greats” who are willing to face danger, go the distance, lift up God’s Word, and see the lost turn to Christ.

Millions of believers worldwide read and hear Scripture in their own language because of Barnwell’s work. By some estimates, about 3,000 completed or in-process Bible translations swim downstream of her dedication. Since her input on The Jesus Film project, more than 300 million viewers have followed Christ.

Those who know Barnwell are captivated by how warm, endearing, and feisty she is. Her African colleagues fittingly call her Mama Katy. She is the mother of modern Bible translation.

By Martin J. Schreiber with Cathy Breitenbucher [Harper Horizon] Author Marty Schreiber, former governor of Wisconsin, watches his beloved wife, Elaine, gradually transform from his high school sweetheart to the woman who supported his political career, to the Elaine who knows she is declining, and finally to the Elaine who no longer recognizes Marty or their children.

One part love story, one part practical advice, this compelling book includes excerpts from Elaine’s journal, recounting her thoughts, concerns, and frustrations as the disease progresses, a recurring “What I Wish I’d Known” feature, and a Q&A between Marty and neuropsychologist Dr. Michelle Braun, to equip caregivers with the right questions to ask and empower them to advocate for their loved ones.

Beyond sincere, practical advice, My Two Elaines gives the reader permission to feel the full spectrum of emotions, including humor, even in the face of this relentless illness. This book speaks to anyone touched by Alzheimer’s disease.

38

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

JULY 2025

The Reason for Church

By Brad Edwards [Zondervan Reflective] The evangelical church is hemorrhaging. Over 40 million Americans have dechurched in the last 25 years, and multiple generations believe they can follow God by following their hearts right out of the church, all while society is hitting record levels of loneliness, stress, and anxiety. In The Reason for Church, pastor Brad Edwards provides compelling reasons to come back to the refuge God intended the church to be.

Edwards addresses how individualistic beliefs prevent the church from being a spiritual greenhouse where soul-tired sojourners and lonely exiles are restored. He also tackles the consumeristic, marketplace approach to corporate worship, instuitional spirituality and therapy speak, social media’s distortion of truth, virtuous victimhood, the decline of trust, the rise of power, and more.

The church is flawed, but it’s the only way out of the trap we’ve fallen into, a compelling reason to fall back in love with Christ’s bride.

Making Marriage Easier

By Arlene Pellicane [Moody Publishers] Many people today are pessimistic about marriage. It’s hard. It will end in divorce. If you marry, you exchange romance for responsibility. Yet research tells us the happiest people on the planet are those in healthy marriages.

Can marriage be great for you?

After twenty-five years of marriage, Arlene Pellicane has real life stories that will make you laugh and biblical wisdom to share. Making Marriage Easier addresses common threats to our marriages; poor communication, tension over differences, lack of physical intimacy, parenting stress, and more.

Four key decisions will help you clarify your values and create a clear path forward. Each short chapter ends with life lessons, questions to ponder with your spouse or in a group, and prayers to strengthen and encourage. Marriage is part of God’s awesome, wonderful plan. It’s meant to be a celebration, not a life sentence.

Where is God in a World with So Much Evil?

By Collin Hanson [Crossway Publishing] Part of the TGC Hard Question Series.

In the face of evil and suffering, many people question God’s goodness. Even faithful Christians may struggle to see God’s justice when they experience the heartache, pain, and tragedies of our broken world. Why does God seem to remain silent when we need Him most?

Collin Hansen’s guide answers questions about God’s character by exploring the stories of Job, Jesus, and the Jewish people during the horrific events of the Holocaust. Ideal for both skeptics and Christians who want to help others in their pain, this booklet reminds us that God speaks through the cries of His people and offers us the gift of His Son, a suffering servant who makes all things new.

The short, accessible format combines anecdotes, a historical overview of moral revolution, testimonies from sufferers in the Bible, and literature to answer doubts about God’s goodness.

Widow’s Might

By Rachel Faulkner Brown [Broadstreet Publishing] Together we find strength.

Nothing prepares you for losing your husband. It shatters your world, forcing you to face an uncertain future. But you don’t have to face it alone.

Widow’s Might is a 365-day devotional offering powerful stories of women who have walked the path of widowhood and found solace, strength, and peace along the way. Each day provides comforting Bible verses and teachings to grow your confidence in God’s goodness, encouraging messages to support you on your hardest days, and uplifting prayers to renew your hope and grow closer to God. Join a community of widows whose wisdom will guide you on your healing journey, helping you surrender to Jesus and find refuge in His arms. Watch as God transforms your suffering into joy.

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

39

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

Grandpa’s Chair

G

By Garyanna Stalick

40

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

JULY 2025

foundation and the Boys and Girls Club that focused on children’s issues were important to him. He has been a school superintendent and the Deputy Superintendent of the Oregon Department of Education. His investment in children has extended far beyond the overstuffed chair.

As grandparents, we start to think over the years. The memories pile up and we ask ourselves what a legacy is made of. Is it words of wisdom, a life well lived, or time spent reading stories?

Proverbs 17:6 tells us; “Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly, and the pride of sons is their fathers.” The importance of grandparents in the Bible is clear. We have a Godgiven responsibility in the lives of those whom we love and it’s our job, with God’s help, to be up to the task.

The overstuffed chair is frayed around the edges. The upholstery is faded with time and wear. But it’s still sturdy enough to hold a grandpa hunched over a book.

That’s where I found him, after I hung up the phone.

“I have great news,” I announced.

“Our daughter just called to let us know Daniel and Sydney are expecting. You are going to be a great grandpa!”

“That is wonderful news,” he exclaimed.

There was a sparkle in those Grandpa eyes I hadn’t seen in a while. With a smile teasing the corner of his mouth, he looked over his shoulder at a particular stack of waiting books.

“Now where is that book about the little duck who was afraid of the water and the one about a pig who went for an adventure?” he asked. 

(Photo credit: Emily Gigoux)

rabbing a cup of tea, I entered the room to see the overstuffed chair at the cabin, filled with grandpa reading another bedtime story. The little ones crawled on his lap, or perched on the arms of the chair, while the older ones hung over his shoulder to hear the stories. And grandpa didn’t just read the stories. Each character had a different voice: the little reluctant duck quacked, the pig went oink and grumpy Farmer Brown shook his fist at the cows as they escaped the fence. Memories were created with every story.

At our yearly family vacation in the Black Butte Ranch cabin, the activities ranged from swimming to bike riding during the day. The evenings ended in competitive board games. Every night parents attempted to put over-tired kids into their bunks.

And every night a grandkid would grab a book and petition Grandpa to read bedtime stories.

But kids grow as they are prone to do. Then came the days of boyfriends and girlfriends joining us at the cabin. They spent less time with Grandpa, telling him their stories. However, as the older kids grew into teenagers, for a while at least, there were still younger ones waiting to gather around Grandpa’s chair and listen to his wonderful stories.

Vacations have come and gone. Those grandkids have grown into fine young adults. Analia, who cried when reading a story about the animals going to the barn for the night because she thought that meant she had to go to bed, is on her way to finishing her degree in nursing. Ellie’s favorite was a little fur ball family, and now she is applying to graduate school to become a lawyer. And Matthew, I think, just loved being part of the gang for story time. He is now a software developer. When he tells us about his work, we smile and nod a lot. We have no idea what he is talking about!

And over the years, Grandpa has contributed to many community organizations, making each better because of his involvement. Organizations such as the local public school

Garyanna Stalick, BA, MEd, is a two-time Oregon Christian Writer’s Cascade writing contest finalist for short stories. She is a retired educator who loves to travel with her husband and bake cookies for their fourteen grandchildren. She lives in the Pacific Northwest and enjoys sharing life reflections stories.

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41

PERSECUTION REPORT

By Will Morris

Messianic Jewish Families Under Fire

42

P

arents and educators of a primary school founded in the 80s to protect Messianic Jewish children from religiously motivated violence have issued an urgent plea for support and prayers after the Israeli government closed the school earlier this year for questionable reasons.

After a protracted, multi-year legal battle that cost the school hundreds of thousands of dollars, the Israeli Ministry of Education refused to license the Hebrew-language primary school, the only one in the area for Messianic Jews and Christians, because the school lacked enough pupils.

One supporter called the Ministry’s decision the “end of the road” for The Peniel School located in Tiberias and said they are now waiting for their “Red Sea” moment.

“We need the Lord to supernaturally open the bureaucratic sea for us to move forward,” she said.

According to Ministry rules, a school is required to have at least 22 students enrolled in two

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

consecutive grades (44 students total) to maintain licensure. School administrators say the Peniel School has an average annual enrollment of 45 students.

Although a judge instructed the Ministry to take into consideration that the Messianic were a small minority group, the Ministry has ignored the district court’s instruction. School administrators hope that prayer, along with a petition and letterwriting campaign, will get the attention of elected officials and lead them to reverse their decision.

“We are asking the State of Israel to recognize that we are a small, religious minority and respect our right, according to law, to educate our children according to our faith,” said Benjamin Mills, administrator of the Peniel School. “We want to be able to continue to educate our children in line with our belief in the Word of God and make the way possible for us to grow and develop.”

Image licensed by Ingram Image

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

JULY 2025

Image licensed by Ingram Image

Facing Another Battle

Victory for the Tiberias Messianic community may seem unlikely, but they are no strangers to impossible battles. During the mid-80s, self-appointed “anti-missionary” vigilante groups, most of them Ultra-Orthodox Jews, began attacking Messianic Jews across Israel to destroy, or force underground, the nation’s Messianic movement.

The Tiberias community faced harassment, physical assaults and other forms of persecution including an arson attack on one of their meeting halls. Worst of all, weaponized Jewish children heaped a steady stream of abuse, ridicule and humiliation on the community’s children for their faith in Jesus as the Messiah. In one instance, a group of children beat a Messianic girl with a rod.

In response to the attacks, Jewish believers in Tiberias pulled their children out of the public schools and began homeschooling them. From the start, the Ministry of Education wanted to force the children back into the public schools. Eventually, after a long legal battle, a judge issued an order allowing the Messianics of Tiberias to create The Peniel Learning Center, the first Messianic primary school in Israel where Hebrew was the language of instruction. In 1989, the school opened under the supervision and licensing of the Anglican School of Jerusalem.

For whatever reason, the Ministry has chosen to ignore the agreement they approved more than 30 years ago.

The Ministry’s actions seem less like indifferent rule enforcement than a finely targeted vendetta against Messianic Jews. There are hundreds of unlicensed Ultra-Orthodox primary schools operating across Israel. When confronted in court about this disparity, the Ministry responded that the Orthodox schools required “special exceptions.”

Currently, Peniel continues to operate but as a ghost of its former self. The Ministry of Education does not require a license for schools with less than 10 pupils. But in what appears

to be yet another attempt to strip Peniel of its final students, the Ministry has issued notices to the pupils’ parents threatening legal action if they don’t register their children in recognized, licensed schools.

The school is considering creating some type of homeschool co-op for the children. But a co-op presents its own dilemma.

It could not legally be the primary source of education and, for one reason or another, most of the parents at Peniel are not equipped to homeschool their children.

In a recent E-mail, Mills said the Ministry has essentially trapped them in a “chicken and the egg problem.”

“We can’t get a license because of our small numbers but because we have no license, our numbers remain small,” he said. “Over the past three and a half years we have been fighting this, our numbers have dwindled. With the constant threat of closure over our heads, there were parents who chose to enroll their children in the public school system rather than face the uncertainty.”

Unfortunately, harassment incidents against Messianic children who returned to the public schools have already occurred, according to those close to Peniel.

A New Chapter in an Old Story

The story of persecution against Messianic Jews in Israel goes back to the apostles shortly after the resurrection of Jesus.

According to Scripture, Jewish leaders of the time brutally repressed the burgeoning Church. The first martyr for Jesus was a Jew, Stephen, who was stoned to death for his faith.

As the Church grew and spread, it began to lose its Jewish character as more Gentiles came to faith. Tragically, the heresy of antisemitism entered the Church and with it, unspeakable acts of brutality against the Jewish people.

The ultimate fulfillment of Judaism was seen by Jews as a separate faith altogether; one that, at times, was uniquely hostile to Jews.

The first Jewish believers in Israel were established shortly after 1818 and the first independent Messianic congregations appeared during the British Mandate from 1917 to 1948. After Israel gained its independence in 1948, Messianic Judaism wasn’t really a thing. But by the late 60s, the “Jesus Movement” emerged in Israel as part of the larger movement sweeping the world.

At first, Messianics in the State of Israel were seen either as deranged cult members or traitors. In my experience, most Israelis still see Messianics as members of a cult but also as curiosities protected in a democratic society.

It is worth noting that Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, the two workers at the Israeli embassy in Washington, DC who were shot to death this May, were both Messianic Jews. The couple was killed by a man shouting, “Free Palestine!”

“We can’t get a license because of our small numbers but because we have no license, our numbers remain small.”

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

43

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Some Israelis, Ultra-Orthodox Jews and groups like Yad L’achim, see all Messianics as enemies of the Jewish people.

The vigilantes are a comparatively small but dangerous group because of their outspoken nature, close connections with government authorities and willingness to break the law or use violence.

In the writings of the Tanakh, God makes it clear, he hates “a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” In context, he was referring to the Old Testament Jews. However, God is eternal. His words still apply to anyone who calls themselves a Jew. “As we see the darkness growing all around us, it is more important than ever that we can provide a safe haven for our children to learn and grow,” Mills said. “In addition, in these days when our country is fighting so much anti-Israel sentiment, this closure order is causing unnecessary damage to our image, especially among evangelical Christians abroad, as a country and society that protects the freedom of conscience and belief and respects the rights of the minorities that live in it. This is one public relations battle that shouldn’t need to be fought.” 

PRAY God will open the hearts of Jews living in Israel and they will investigate the historicity and evidence of Jesus’ life and who Scripture says He is. Make the debate in Israel about Jesus, not the brutality so-called Christians have inflicted on Jewish people throughout history.

PRAY There will be a massive outpouring of support for the Peniel School and their petition and letter writing campaign will be an overwhelming success.

GET INVOLVED If you would like to add your name to the petition of support for the Peniel School, please see the following link: https://bit.ly/4e4ZxYa

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44

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

JULY 2025

By Ronnie W. Floyd

Why Prayer and Fasting Matter Ronnie W. Floyd is a leader with a vision to change the world. As a pastor, speaker, author, and the former president of the National Day of Prayer Task Force and the Southern Baptist Convention, he has led across many denominations and ministries.

He has published several books and hosts the podcast “For Leaders with Ronnie Floyd.”

Copyright © 2025

by Ronnie Floyd.

Published by BroadStreet Publishing www.broadstreetpublishing.com

Used by Permission.

This information is not provided as medical advice. Please consult a physician before undertaking a fast.

The following is excerpted from Ronnie W. Floyd’s book, The Supernatural Power of Prayer and Fasting: 12 Ways God Will Change Your Life.

God Wants to Change You

God does not call every person to an extended season of fasting. Yet in Jesus’ mighty and wellknown Semon on the Mount, he instructs his followers about fasting. Jesus said: “When you give” (Matthew 6:2) “When you pray” (Matthew 6:5) “When you fast” (Matthew 6:17) Therefore, in Matthew 6:1-18, Jesus presses upon us the need to practice giving, praying and fasting. He clearly says there is a wrong way we can do these things and a proper way to practice these spiritual disciplines.

Furthermore, it is imperative to highlight and not diminish what Jesus did not say in this passage.

He did not say, “If you give, if you pray, and if you fast.” But he said, “When you give, when you pray, and when you fast.”

Since the Bible mentions fasting numerous times throughout, and Jesus himself practiced fasting and taught about it, we know that fasting should play some role in our spiritual development and maturity.

So, I encourage you to embrace prayer and fasting positively. This practice is about you and your walk with Christ. Since there will be moments when you pray and fast, we need to learn about it.

Not only biblically and spiritually but practically and personally. I pray God will use this book to help you in these ways.

For clarity, I have practiced various levels of prayer and fasting since my college days. At times, I have fasted from a meal a day to one full day, to three days, to seven days, to ten days, to twentyone days, to twenty-eight days, to forty days. While I have undertaken all levels of fasts and have done it multiple times through the years. I only fast when I am convinced that God is calling me aside to be with him in a special way. Then, when I know this is happening, I find a way to do it.

Therefore, I am appealing to you to implement prayer and fasting into your life. Practice it only

when you believe God is calling you to do it. It is not about the number of meals, days, or what kind of fast you will observe. In his time, God will make this clear to you; when he does, go and do it. With a pure heart and a clear focus, begin the journey and listen to what God ay want to say to you.

You will discover that God will use prayer and fasting to change you. This spiritual transformation will occur from the inside out. God will never do any more through you than he does in you.

Opening Your Heart to God

Our fallen nature and broken lives skew our view of God and limit our ability to believe God wants to use us. Therefore, we need supernatural and God-sized intervention. The supernatural power of prayer and fasting will open your heart to God in ways you have never experienced. Why do I believe this?

Fasting is abstinence from food with a spiritual goal in mind. It is when you abstain from one of the most natural thing your body desires, food, so you can pursue the God of heaven to do something supernatural in your life.

While prayer is a conversation with God, and fasting is abstinence from food with a spiritual goal in mind, prayer and fasting together lead to supernatural power within and through you. Therefore, be on the alert! Satan is your enemy, always trying to distort what God wants to do in your life. He knows hoe powerful prayer and fasting are. Satan will do all he can to distract you from practicing prayer and fasting. Then, when you still do it, He will try to appeal to your pride and twist the way you do it and even the reasons why you are doing it.

Prayer and fasting are not reduced to some formula you follow or a hoop you jump through to gain God’s attention. Nor are they tests in mental and physical discipline. God’s Word strongly rebukes those who fast with improper motives and selfish desires. God does not ever respond to prayer and fasting based on pretenses or impure motives. True prayer and fasting are attitudes of the heart and cries from your soul.  TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

45

GRACE NOTES (Photo credit: Malcolm Yawn)

Lessons from Mom

T Nicole Monroe carries a passion for God into all she writes. As a farm girl and the proud aunt of more nieces and nephews than she can count, her stories engage the senses and showcase God’s creation.

She’s written for numerous publications. You can find Nicole through social media @Nicole_ monroe_author.

he sun shone on the hard, dusty dirt. Bugs scurried around the shaking ground as weed after weed was pulled. The rippling sound of the creek and the crunching from my horse were distracting me from my job on this beautiful summer day. Weeding.

“I hate weeding.” I huffed, yanking another scraggly weed away from the green beans and throwing it into a pile.

My sister and brothers alternated between helping and playing as I grumpily yanked another weed and threw it into a pile.

“I don’t want to weed anymore, Mom. I want to go play. Weeding is boring.”

My mom knelt in the dirt and pulled another weed. “Do you know why we pull all these weeds?”

“Punishment,” I muttered.

“See these tiny pea shoots? They’re so little. They need water and sunlight to grow. See these weeds?

They’re called wisteria.”

I looked at the climbing vines and white flowers.

“That doesn’t look like a weed. It’s pretty.”

“It does look pretty. But this plant will grow long vines that strangle, crush, and ruin any other plant that tries to grow. It will destroy every pea plant in our garden, move on to the green beans, then turn the entire garden into nothing but weeds.”

I looked again at the wisteria. The plant didn’t look so pretty anymore.

“Jesus talked about weeds.” Another weed fell into the pile.

“Did Jesus hate weeds, too?”

My mom smiled. “Jesus talked about different people who hear about Him. Some ignore Him and let weeds take over their life. And some listen to Him and choose to love and follow Him. Those people pull out the weeds when they come up.”

A thistle landed in the growing pile of weeds. “It can be hard to find the weeds. But find them we must. And put them straight in the garbage.”

“So, the peas don’t die?”

“So, the peas don’t die.”

What Mom Taught Us

My mom knew she wasn’t perfect. She told her five kids to take the good and leave the bad. Take the good things she did as a parent and use those to become productive, healthy members of society.

Leave the bad things behind and learn from them.

46

By Nicole Monroe

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

JULY 2025

One way my mom did this was through stories.

She told us stories when we were working. Stories helped us understand why we needed to do something or how to spot right from wrong. Stories like weeds in a garden.

You can learn a lot from a parent; how to fold laundry, what kind of detergent to purchase, and how to cook eggs. You can also learn that it’s best not to microwave butter for two minutes – unless you enjoy cleaning up butter splatter from every microwave crevice.

Most parents try to pass along all good qualities and traits. Admirable, but unattainable. No one is perfect. There are serious negative attributes someone can pass along to their children. Anger.

Yelling. Fights. Lying. The list goes on. We are imperfect beings living in an imperfect world. As hard as we try to pass along only the good, children pick up on everything. We pass along habits and lessons without meaning to.

Our Great Teacher

Jesus was the greatest storyteller. He used stories to teach us to pray in Luke 11:4. Jesus told us, just as He told His disciples, that when asking God to “forgive us our sins” they should also “forgive everyone who sins against us.”

Unforgiveness. Talk about a weed that needed to be pulled from my garden!

Not forgiving those who hurt me was the wisteria in my garden. It didn’t appear as a weed. I relived those hurtful moments and let the anger fester, but I didn’t see the vines creeping around my soul.

Then I looked at my mom. None of her stories talked about forgiveness. But she forgave all the time. Every time someone hurt her, or said something cruel, or took their anger out on her, she forgave. No questions asked.

“Forgive everyone who sins against [you].” My mom’s life taught me that lesson every day. So, I listened, and I started to pull out the weeds of unforgiveness that were choking my garden.

My mom taught me a lot as I grew up. I took the good, and I hope I left the bad. I still have to root out the weeds of unforgiveness daily. But I’ll always have my garden and my mom’s stories to remind me. 

QUIPS & QUOTES

Before every great opportunity God gave me a great trial.

— Martin Luther

Faith makes, life proves, trials confirm, and death crowns the Christian.

— Johann Georg Christian Hopfner (Photo credit: Michelle Adserias)

Afflictions are the steps to heaven.

— Elizabeth Ann Seton

* This issue’s quotes taken from Favorite Thoughts for Your Christian Walk, compiled by Greg Potzer, www.thisdaysthought.org.

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

HarperCollins Christian Publishing.....1, 22-23, 33

www.actsretirement.org

www.harpercollinschristian.com

Baker Books................................................... 24, 32

Judson Press......................................................... 23

www.bakerpublishinggroup.com

B&H Publishing....................................................31 www.bhpublishinggroup.com

David C Cook..................................................13, 31 www.davidccook.org

Dewey Painter...................................................... 24 dpainter@gmx.com

www.judsonspress.com

KWME.................................................................. 13 www.ScottHogle.com

Moody Publishers................................................ 32 www.moodypublishers.com

Total Living Network........................................... 48 www.tln.com

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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