Today's Christian Living January 2026

REIGNITE YOUR FAITH FOR THE NEW YEAR

Encourage • Equip • Engage

TRUST AND OBEY 2025 WRITING CONTEST WINNERS

Chaplain & Chief

HOPE AND HEALING FOR DISASTER RELIEF WORKERS AND VICTIMS

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On the Cover: Chaplain Victor Laveaga and Chief

Photo taken by Victor Laveaga. Used with permission.

JANUARY 2026

VOL. 64 NUMBER 1

Features 6 Hugs and Tail Wags

By Ken Walker

Chaplain Laveaga and Chief are crucial members of Los Angeles County’s firefighting team. Here’s why.

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First Place: The Return

By Jenny Browne

After earning his PhD, obedience took Abera back to the same trash heaps where he spent his childhood.

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An Enormous Leap of Faith

By Hannchen Gantenbein as told by Ruth Wood

6 Departments

God, in His providence, led Hannchen from everything familiar into the unknown; and she followed by faith.

20

A Million Stars

By Emily T. Wierenga

Trusting God with the obstacles on their foster care journey and enjoying the sweet moments along the way.

28 First Looks Resource Guide New books for the new year.

Columns

Sincere prayers, softly-spoken answers, and a successful book.

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The Good News

26 Kids of the Kingdom

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By Robbie Hift

The Fine Print

19 Quips and Quotes

24 Writer’s Resource Guide Resources to help writers succeed.

36 Dear God…

4

10

33

Laugh Lines

40

Quick Takes

Living in Wisdom Distractions

14 Devotional Eclipsed 22 Ask Dr. Walt Ignite 2026 27 Turning Point Daily Trusting God

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34

Dave Says Wise Investments

42

Family News Christ’s Body

46

Grace Notes Florida to the Indiana Boy

16 TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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THE FINE PRINT

Trust and Obey

W

e had an amazing response to this year’s writing contest. Over 100 people sent in their stories of God’s faithfulness when they obediently stepped into the unknown, trusting God with the outcome of their decision to follow Him. I took the opportunity to read all those articles, TRUST IN to peek into the lives of everyday believers who fought the spiritual battles, made the sacrifices, and waited for the Lord’s will to be accomplished in their unique circumstances. I was deeply encouraged and challenged by their unwavering trust in God’s goodness, both in the big things and the little things.

I only regret that we can’t publish more than three of them. Thank you to all who took the time to relay your stories.

In addition to sharing our contest-winning articles with you, this issue features a different kind of hero; Chief, the therapy dog and his handler, Victor. And we’ll hear the voices of others who have relied on God through challenging times.

You’ll also notice we’ve replaced “The Persecution Report” with a new column: “Family News: Reports from the Global Church.” You’ll still hear from Will Morris from time to time, but also from others who are witnessing the Spirit on the move throughout the nations, all the trials and triumphs of living out sincere faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

GOD’S

ABUNDANT

GOODNESS

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.

— Psalm 27:13-14 In Christ, Michelle Adserias, Editor

*Correction: We featured Candace Cameron Bure in the December 2025 issue. There was a small error in the link to her website. You will find it at candacecbure.com (rather than candacebure.com).

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TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

JANUARY 2026

Vol. 64

No. 1

President/Publisher Diana Jones dianaj@jpmediallc.com Editor Michelle Adserias michellea@jpmediallc.com Contributing Editors Walt Larimore, M.D. Dave Ramsey Jerry Rose Shirley Rose Sales Account Executive Jill Maggio jillm@jpmediallc.com 800-397-8161 ext. 5 Bulk Circulation Angela Gauerke angelag@jpmediallc.com 800-397-8161 ext. 2 Founder Kenneth N. Taylor 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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Chaplain Victor Laveaga and Chief with firefighters from Los Angeles County Firehouse 191.

Photos taken by and used with permission from Victor Laveanga.

Hugs and Tail Wags

Therapy Dogs Gain Acceptance in First Responder World

I

By Ken Walker

t’s been a year since Pasadena Fire Department Chaplain Victor Laveaga and his therapy dog, Jack, became minor celebrities through an appearance on “Good Morning America.”

The ABC Television program featured the duo’s work during its January 2025 coverage of the Los Angeles-area wildfires.

Multiple fires destroyed thousands of residences and caused damage exceeding $250 billion.

Sadly, about three months later, 12-year-old Jack breathed his last. Laveaga had to put him to sleep after a mass on his spleen proved malignant.

“Oh, my gosh, I miss him,” Victor reflected recently. “He was like family.”

Jack had offered solace to fire victims for about two years.

His missions of mercy attracted considerable attention last January when LA’s enormous destruction became a national news story.

Joining two other department chaplains, Laveaga reported to a base camp established in response to multiple blazes. One touching story involved a firefighter who came to the camp after 30 consecutive hours on duty.

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TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

JANUARY 2026

“He was beat up,” said Laveaga, who retired from active duty with Pasadena’s department in 2010. “You could see it in his face. This guy came over and petted Jack and walked away, then came back. The third time he came up, he hugged Jack’s neck, petted him, and started talking.

“When a therapy dog comes alongside and a person starts petting him, it brings ‘feel good’ hormones, like endorphins and dopamine. Their heart rate comes down, and they feel calm and peaceful.”

Finding a Replacement

There’s a silver lining in this cloud. Soon after burying his beloved golden retriever, Victor found a dog of the same breed.

It was an answer to this prayer: “I want a two-year-old dog that is already trained. Chief would be a great name for a therapy dog.”

Soon after, a friend told him about a breeder in the San Diego area who had a two-year-old dog named Chief. But when Lavega went to the kennel, another dog named Timber caught his eye.

When he asked about Timber, the owner explained the dog was forced into retirement because of a small cataract. Though

POPULAR BREED

Chief takes a well-deserved break.

it didn’t affect the show dog’s eyesight, they couldn’t breed Timber or enter him in competitions.

“I never looked at the other dog,” said Victor, who changed Timber’s name to Chief. “I fell in love with this guy.”

Chief knew so many commands and was so responsive, Victor didn’t enroll him in obedience school. Instead, Laveaga conducted training sessions before taking Chief for the American Kennel Club’s 10-point examination.

Known as the Canine Good Citizen Test, it gauges a dog’s obedience to commands and the handler’s control. In midSeptember, Chief passed with flying colors.

Next, Laveaga took him through the certification process of First Responder Therapy Dogs (FRTD), the organization that oversaw Jack’s admission to the field.

FRTD’s screening included a visit to a Los Angeles County fire station. Chief had to remain calm during honking horns, sirens going off, and firefighters rushing by. In mid-October, Laveaga learned that Chief could wear FRTD’s colorful vest and on November 4, he became Pasadena Fire Department’s official therapy dog.

While Chief hadn’t been on any responses by early November, after seeing flare-ups last summer, Laveaga thinks fires represent a year-round possibility in Southern California.

That’s why he calls Chief’s arrival a good thing. Laveaga knows of firefighters who were so overwhelmed a year ago, they delayed returning to duty.

While on his chaplaincy rotations in October, Laveaga chatted with one firefighter who had responded to a house fire a month earlier. The first responder was struggling with the death of a resident he had tried to save.

“Imagine reliving that incident over and over,” the chaplain said. “We talked for a long time. After I got home, I let the fire chief know that Chief could be a therapy dog for debriefing sessions to allow firefighters to decompress and let go of emotions.

“A lot of things can happen with fire and police department personnel. They’re laying it on the line for people.”

Like his predecessor, Jack, therapy dog Chief is also a golden retriever. Handler Victor Laveaga says one reason this breed is a popular choice for therapy duty is their character and reliability.

“Golden retrievers just want to please,” the volunteer chaplain said. “Once they understand what you want them to do, they just want to please you. When you pat them on the head, that’s their reward.”

Retrievers are also a good size, Laveaga said.

Although some handlers use smaller dogs, Victor thinks they stand too close to the ground. The chaplain said a retriever’s soft hair, which makes it easier to pet, is another advantage.

“And their temperament,” Laveaga said. “Now, not all dogs are suited to be therapy dogs, even golden retrievers. Some make good search-and-rescue dogs. When they get their reward, they’ll know they were successful.”

While therapy dogs have long been used in schools, hospitals, and other settings, they are relatively new in the first responder world. But acceptance is growing, according to Laveaga.

In the fall of 2024, an official with the California Highway Patrol conducting training on various kinds of therapy asked FRTD to have someone explain the use of dogs. Victor took Jack to that session. Still, the January 2025 LA-area wildfires marked the first time emergency responders called for help from chaplains and therapy dogs.

“The whole thing about therapy dogs and peer support groups is brand new,” the chaplain said. “When they had a debriefing for firefighters on the Eden fire (one of five major blazes) chaplains were there. It was the first time we had been invited.”

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The chaplain and Chief are always ready to serve others.

Miracle Story

That the longtime Foursquare Church member was even an established chaplain during the catastrophe is a story in itself. Now in his late 60s, six years after retiring, Laveaga had a sudden thought about stepping into this volunteer position for the department.

He quickly dismissed the idea. Then, one night in a dream, Laveaga sensed God showing him he was going to be a chaplain. Again, he resisted until a series of events convinced him the Lord was calling him to serve.

“I started getting calls from the fire department asking if I would come and pray at different events, and miraculous dreams that verified God was in this,” Victor recalled. “Finally, the fire chief called me in for a meeting and said, ‘We want to ask if you will become a chaplain of the fire department.’”

That touched off a series of educational steps. To obtain a letter of endorsement from his denomination, Laveaga completed two years of training and was later ordained by his LA-area church.

However, once he had accepted the invitation, Victor expressed a misgiving about the assignment — it was too much work for one person.

The chief agreed to add two others. When Laveaga asked two retired firefighters to join him, both said God had also been speaking to them about becoming chaplains.

Dealing with Stress

Three years after Laveaga’s 2020 swearing-in, another change occurred. The department explored the use of therapy dogs to alleviate stress harming employees’ mental and physical health.

That opened the door for Jack, who Laveaga put through FRTD training. The program began with a single dog owned by founder and executive director Heidi Carman in 2021. Carman has a degree in psychology and had worked with American Guide Dogs for the Blind — taking her golden retriever, Kerith, 8

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

JANUARY 2026

to meet paramedics in San Rafael, just north of San Francisco.

Kerith got along so well, Carman started taking the dog to visit other first responders.

“A total of 11 FRTD teams served during the LA wildfires,” said Tracy Ryan, the group’s East Coast director of operations.

This Massachusetts high school guidance counselor, married to a firefighter/paramedic, had long been interested in training her dog for therapy.

An online search led her to FRTD. In August of 2022 Ryan and Sparkie, her five-year-old Australian Labradoodle, became the first to complete the group’s certification process. FRTD recently welcomed its 500th team.

Today, Carman is FRTD’s only full-time employee, with Ryan drawing a small stipend for coordinating teams in the eastern U.S. Its certification process is handled through local dog trainers.

While therapy dogs have long been a presence in American life (more than 50,000 are on duty nationally), Ryan says getting into the first responder community has taken longer because of the stigma about asking for help.

“My spouse is a first responder, so it’s helped me connect with departments in this area,” says Ryan, who lives in East Bridgewater, about 30 miles south of Boston. “But at first, when I called departments and said ‘therapy,’ there was a hesitation.”

“First responders’ mental health has gotten more publicity over the last three to five years. But there’s still a lot of work to be done for first responders to get the help they need for depression, anxiety, and PTSD.”

Helping Residents

First responders aren’t the only people whose lives are touched by therapy dogs. When Victor and Jack visited various evacuation centers during the wildfires, numerous residents flocked to the dog’s side to pet and hug him.

At one center, Laveaga snapped a photo of a group of children from half a dozen ethnicities, all hugging Jack while parents stood in the background, tears rolling down their faces.

“You can imagine the turmoil these folks were in,” the chaplain said. “They had just lost their school and the apartments they were living in had burned down. That was an amazing thing to see. It was a team effort with the other chaplains and Jack, and the Holy Spirit guiding us.”

In addition to comforting firefighters and citizens, the LA wildfires helped reveal what will benefit Pasadena’s chaplains in the future. Whether at a huge disaster or in quieter settings, Laveaga plans to continue serving God by serving others. That will often mean taking Chief along.

One of the best tools for relieving stress and anxiety caused by the grueling encounters first responders face is to open up and tell their story; Laveaga said that is an emotionally-charged experience for many.

The chaplain said that often-reticent firefighters opening up is the opposite of what the devil wants: for personnel to bottle up their emotions, which can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts.

“That’s what therapy dogs do and the presence of chaplains too,” Victor said. “That’s why chaplaincy is called a ministry of presence. The phrase we use with Firefighters for Christ International is: ‘Just show up.’ All we have to do is show up and God will work.

Chief and the chaplain find joy in their work.

“We pray every day before we go out and ask God to give us the words to open doors of opportunity. We must trust God and His Holy Spirit when He comes. We trust God for His promises. He answers prayer.”  Ken Walker is a freelance writer from Huntington, West Virginia and a past contributor to Today’s Christian Living. He has written thousands of magazine, newspaper and website articles during his career — many award winning. He has also co-authored or contributed to dozens of books and devotionals.

THE GOOD NEWS

W

(Photo credit: © [Jim] / Adobe Stock)

inter is a cold, dark place in the Upper Midwest. And quiet; so quiet you can almost hear your thoughts bouncing off the naked trees. Once the sun sets, which is quite early, it’s downright tomblike.

A typical northern winter night is an excellent picture of life apart from Christ. Those who do not walk in the light stumble along a dark path without the warmth of God’s love to ward off the cold. They hear only their own thoughts resonating in the vast emptiness. There is no reassuring voice of the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, or remind them they are safe and secure in the hands of a kind Father.

If you are stumbling along a dark and cold path, look to Jesus — the light of the world. His compassion sent Him to the cross to pay the penalty for your sins. He didn’t have to die. He was sinless and free from the wages of sin; death. He chose to take your place so your sins could be forgiven, your debt could be paid, and you could be washed clean in Christ’s shed blood — worthy to stand before a holy God. When you confess to God you have done what is evil in His sight, ask His forgiveness, and begin to follow Him, the Light of the World (Jesus) walks with you. He sheds light on the path ahead. He warms you with His presence. And you begin to hear His still, small voice leading you along the path He has chosen for you. Why not begin walking with Jesus today? Here’s what He says about His followers: But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

— 1 Peter 2:9-10

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LIVING IN WISDOM

By Jerry and Shirley Rose

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

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

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

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M

y wife came to me today with a look of horror on her face. “What’s wrong?” I asked.

She replied, “I just saw a notice on my iPad that I spent 4 hours and 37 minutes today on that device.

That just can’t be right! I thought I got a lot of things done today.”

Most of us probably don’t realize how much of our time is stolen by “screens.” It is sobering to think of those hours and minutes slipping away as we pursue trivial activities. Not to say it is wrong to spend leisure time with social media or mind-stimulating games. It goes without saying that we have access to more knowledge, at our fingertips, than any previous generation. And that can certainly be a good thing.

God intends for us to rest and relax. However, we all should remember that time is a valuable commodity that once lost, can never be reclaimed.

Today, there are more ways than ever to occupy our time. Sadly, much of this time is not only unproductive, but can be mentally unhealthy and spiritually damaging. One of the most significant factors in this trend is the consumption of online content.

Recent studies indicate that Americans spend over seven hours each day engaged with online material, leading to what many call a widespread addiction.

The phenomenon has even earned the label “Brain Rot,” describing the mental fog resulting from countless hours of mindless scrolling through social media and other online platforms.

The American Psychiatric Association warns that compulsive use of social media can have serious consequences. It can disrupt daily functions and realworld relationships. Yes, these habits can negatively affect a person’s mental health.

Unfortunately, Christians are not immune to these realities. As followers of Christ, our first priority should be our relationship with Him. Any distraction that hurts that relationship should be avoided.

In Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus identifies the most important commandment: to love God with all our heart, mind, and soul. While the obsession with online content is a dangerous distraction, any activity — whether work, recreation, family, church, or even ministry — that distracts us from Christ is problematic. While they are important, they must not be our first priority. Our relationship with Christ is the foundation upon which all other activities find their proper place.

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

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This issue is not limited to laypeople. Spiritual leaders — pastors, teachers, popular authors, and Christian media personalities — are particularly vulnerable to destructive distractions. They can succumb to ego and the pursuit of popularity and material things. Here again, social media, the internet, and television constantly bombard us with ads and the perceived need for more things.

Spiritual maturity cannot be gained with talent or natural abilities alone, even if they come with a sincere desire to put Christ first. We must rely on the Holy Spirt and God’s word. Jesus Himself, when tempted, responded by standing on Scripture, saying, “It is written…”

The Apostle Paul recognized that his strength did not come from his theological background or intellect, but from his walk in the Spirit. In Galatians 5:16 he wrote, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

Are you feeling frustrated and defeated that though you have a desire to serve Christ, your life is out of order? This article is not meant to bring guilt or more frustration, but to help you get back on course.

Perhaps, due to an obsession or addiction, you are missing out on God’s best plan for you.

You can change that, beginning now. Start by re-committing yourself to the Lord. Confess any failures and ask God to give you strength to remove destructive behaviors that hold you back. Ask Him to help you develop balance in your life. Set aside undisturbed time each day for prayer, meditation and Bible study. You needn’t begin with an excessive amount of time, but whatever time you set aside, discipline yourself to stick with it. Take your time in prayer and in the Word and take notes of any insights you discover. Then, in every prayer time, stop and listen for God’s voice. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak words of encouragement or guidance to you. Ask God to help you identify activities that are a hinderance to your spiritual life and either limit them or avoid them altogether. Discipline yourself in online use. Look for things that are consistent with your spiritual growth and avoid random scrolling through the piles of internet garbage that can lead to sinful addictions.

When we are in right relationship with Christ, striving to live holy, prayerful, and consistent spiritual lives, we become better parents, church members, workers, friends, and ministers. True fulfillment and peace are found in this completeness with God. 

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2025 TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING WRITER’S CONTEST WINNER The huge trash heap many living in poverty call home.

(Photos taken by and used with permission from Jenny Browne.)

The

Return

By Jenny Browne

The Ashes

Abera’s father had no fingers, no feet, no sight. Leprosy, long left untreated, had slowly devoured his limbs and independence. By age five, Abera became his father’s only way to navigate the world, pushing his wheelchair through the rugged streets of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Together, they sat at corners and stoplights and malls, Abera with an outstretched hand.

While others his age learned to read, he trained in the quiet art of begging, just enough to make it through another day.

They lived in Korah, a sprawling slum pressed against the largest trash dump in Addis Ababa. From a distance, the dump resembles a mountain. But as you draw near, it becomes clear that it is layers on layers of waste. Draw nearer and you see men crawl through it searching for scraps to recycle. Women, babies strapped to their backs, hunt for food. Children, many the same age as Abera, sift through it instead of attending school.

The stench is overwhelming. The birds circle overhead. The poverty is relentless.

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From the Trash Heaps to a PhD and Back Again

Abera lived in a one-room shelter stitched together with tarps, sharing the dirt floor with hunger. During the rainy season, the floods often swept away homes like his. Trash heaps collapsed into their shelter. Pain was familiar. So was survival.

And yet, through it all, a thread of grace would be sewn.

The God Who Sees

One ordinary Saturday, Abera wandered into a children’s program in his neighborhood. Just a flicker in a long, hard week — but heaven often hides in the ordinary. There, he was introduced to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Not a distant deity, but a Savior who drew near to the poor and the outcast. He learned of a God who turned shepherds into kings, orphans into queens, and beggars into beloved sons.

In a life where most avoided his gaze, Abera felt seen. There, he surrendered his life to the God of the underdogs.

In that same Saturday program, someone noticed Abera’s hunger to learn. A sponsor stepped in, opening the door to education. By day, Abera studied. By night, he continued to care for his parents. Rung by rung, he climbed an impossible

“TRUST & OBEY” ladder, until the day he walked across a stage in a cap and gown, earning a PhD. For anyone else, it was an amazing achievement. For a man who learned to beg before he learned to read, it was a resurrection.

Abera’s achievements opened doors. He began teaching Amharic to foreigners, eventually landing a coveted job at one of Ethiopia’s prestigious international schools. It was a world away from Korah – one of status, connection, and security. He had a salary, a family of four kids, and a future.

The birds no longer circled overhead. The stench was neighborhoods away. He had arrived.

But the God who had helped Abera climb the ladder had not forgotten those at the bottom of it. Korah was not finished with Abera. The faces, the streets, the memories-they echoed in his heart like a song that wouldn’t fade. Though he had left the slum, the slum had followed him. And in that sacred tension, Abera heard the quiet call Return.

And so, he did.

Not for a visit.

Not for a photo op.

Not to volunteer on Saturdays.

Abera moved back.

The Replanting

Abera returned to Korah, not out of guilt or nostalgia but out of obedience. He replanted his life and his family in the soil of suffering, choosing proximity over comfort. Well-meaning voices, including friends and family, urged him to protect what he had earned. But Abera wasn’t living to be understood by onlookers; he was living to be obedient.

First, he launched a sponsorship program, echoing the one that had once changed his own life. Then, he opened a school for children who had never set foot in a classroom. Next, he expanded his ministry to care for expectant mothers and their children. His work nurtures the whole person, providing food,

education and, above all, introducing those he serves to the God of the overlooked, the same God who rescued him years ago.

But faithfulness and fruitfulness did not shield Abera from hardship. His ministry was frequently passed between organizations, shaped by foreign oversight and entangled in the politics of fundraising. Abera, however, had been long trained in the soft discipline of humility. When resources ran low, he quietly paid the bills himself. As a steady light in his neighborhood, his door was constantly knocked on by others in need.

In a culture that often overlooks the role of fathers, Abera, who had barely been fathered himself, stepped into the gap to raise a new generation.

Hundreds of children have since passed through Abera’s arms; children who sleep on trash heaps, who spend their days raising younger siblings, or who have watched parents die before their eyes. And with the Lord, Abera began the long, hallowed work of restoring what poverty had stolen; their dignity, their joy, and their right to be known. Through complexity and cost, the same thread of grace that God wove into his story, he weaves into the lives of others.

I met Abera after my own family relocated to Ethiopia. My husband came to serve in business as mission and I came to work with women and children in Korah. We sold most of what we owned and arrived from “the American dream” we had curated with our young family. I felt disoriented and overwhelmed. The thick inconvenience of transition had me whining to God, pointing at my sacrifice, expecting His blessing.

Then I met Abera. He had no safety net, no fallback plan, no applause. He walked away from his own comfort, not for a season or a story, but because God called him to return.

While the world runs toward comfort, Abera sacrifices to be the comforter. While I wondered if we should’ve followed more blessing, he simply followed God’s voice.

Abera teaching students, giving them hope for a brighter future.

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Students and staff at Glimmer for All International Ministry.

These students are attending school for the first time.

It wasn’t a phase.

It wasn’t “let’s see how it goes.”

It wasn’t “look at me.”

It was worship.

It was obedience with a cost.

In his obedience, I saw something more than a good deed. I saw the gospel, not just taught or tweeted, but lived.

even self-congratulatory — begins to soften. My obedience, too often cautious or performative, is slowly being reshaped by the awareness of the Spirit. I realize I tended to label comfort as God’s favor, mistaken ease as His goodness. In doing so, I missed out on His greater; a peace not tied to the fragility of circumstance but forged through surrender, anchored in trust, alive in purpose.

Now, I teach on Saturdays in Korah. The children are not unlike Abera once was, children he has gathered as a father to the community. I sit among hungry eyes and small hands, and I remember. Heaven still hides in the ordinary. Grace still peaks through trash. Glory is not afraid of dirt. And as we feed, teach and clothe, we pray that, just like King David the shepherd and Queen Esther the orphan, the Master Weaver would again choose the humble and that Kingdom would come — one incredible return to Him at a time. 

The Return

When I think of “trust and obey,” I see Abera.

His faith isn’t loud, but it’s steady.

His yes isn’t dramatic, but it’s unwavering.

Beside him, my own faith — often anxious, self-conscious,

Jenny Browne is a wife, mom of six, and nurse living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She serves women and children that live near the city’s trash dump while her husband works in business-as-mission. She enjoys the beautiful chaos of a full house and the wonder of seeing what God can do. She would love to connect. You can reach her at jennybrowne2@ gmail.com or on Instagram at @upside_browne.

DEVOTIONAL

W (Photo credit: © [YFS] / Adobe Stock)

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hen I first stepped outside, the moon shone brilliantly, casting tree shadows on the fresh snow. It was like a cosmic floodlight, making my porch light superfluous.

An hour later the moon glowed burnt umber with a sliver of brightness peeking out on one edge. I braved the cold long enough to watch the sliver disappear behind the earth’s shadow. Then I rushed back to my warm blanket.

Eclipse: “an obscuring of the light from one celestial body by the passage of another between it and the observer or between it and its source of illumination.”

During the lunar eclipse, the earth passed between the moon and the source of its illumination, the sun.

Earth’s shadow darkened the moon, deprived it of its light source. The transformation was slow, as was the moon’s return to its former glory.

As I watched the moon gradually darken, I thought of my own soul. Just as the moon reflects

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

JANUARY 2026

the sun’s glory, my celestial calling is to reflect the Son’s glory. But sometimes my earthly being gets in the way. I find myself pursuing earthly things.

My sinful choices cast a dark shadow over all God has called me to be, obscuring the light of my Celestial King.

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

— Matthew 5:16 My sinful nature will be with me until God calls me home, so I can’t fully overcome it. But I can rely on God for the strength to choose what glorifies Him. When I choose obedience, my light (an imperfect reflection of God’s light) illuminates the pathway to God for others.

I find it easy to allow my earthiness to eclipse God’s glory. It happens gradually, almost imperceptibly.

Likewise, it takes time to be restored. When I repent, God’s forgiveness is immediate but it takes time to escape the dark shadows of sin’s consequences.

Tomorrow the moon will once again illuminate the night sky. The shadows will be gone — for now. 

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significantliving.org Significant Living 11

2ND PLACE 2025 TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING WRITER’S CONTEST Hannchen Gantenbein now (96 years old).

An Enormous

Leap of Faith

By Hannchen Gantenbein as told to Ruth Hanna Wood

I Hannchen on the ship, coming to America.

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never dreamed that I would live in America someday.

When World War II ended, I was a newly-orphaned, sixteen-year-old living on a farm in East Germany. Later as a refugee in West Germany, I supported myself as a housekeeper and cook. Eventually, I found employment in Switzerland.

I loved the new life I built there and wanted to stay in my adopted homeland forever.

When I turned twenty-five, I began thinking seriously about my future. Desperate for guidance, I prayed, “Lord, I’m considering a three-year nursing school. However, if you want me to get married instead, then you need to send the right man before I enter the program.”

“TRUST & OBEY”

God Answers

There were certainly no husband prospects in any of my circles, but soon after I prayed, a girlfriend sent me a letter.

She explained that her cousin, Florian, who had immigrated to America, was returning home to visit. He was looking for a wife and wanted to meet me.

She wrote, “I’d like to introduce you. Could we set a time to get together?”

I stared at the letter. No! I don’t do blind dates. How awkward!

How unromantic!

Then I remembered my prayer. I’d asked for guidance: Was I willing to consider God’s answer? At the very least, I needed to meet this potential suitor. But Lord, I love it here! Please, I don’t want to leave my friends, my church, the mountains . . .

We agreed to meet at a train station. When I arrived, I walked quickly, my heart beating so fast I could hardly breathe. And there he was, a slightly balding man standing shyly beside my friend. Leave everything I love and go to a foreign country with this man? No, never. I don’t like him. He’s not my type.

But as we spent time together, I changed my mind. Serious about his faith and recently baptized, he was very involved with his church. This impressed me. Also, I liked how he respected my freedom. When I expressed hesitancy at leaving everything I loved behind, he met me with understanding. And he was upfront about how life would be different in America.

After six weeks, Florian’s return to the States drew near. He showed me pictures of America, and I noticed a photo of him with a cigarette dangling from his mouth.

“Do you smoke?” I asked.

“Yes, once in a while.”

“Would you be willing to stop for me?”

He thought for a moment. “I think I could do that. Actually, I’ve wanted to quit for some time, and this gives me a good reason.”

To prove his intentions, he gave me his cigarette lighter. And then came the feared question. Would I be his wife? Oh, I still didn’t know!

So, I said, “Let’s pray together.” We did, and suddenly I was confident that this was the man God had chosen for me.

Therefore, wouldn’t God also give me the deep, enduring love a lifetime commitment required?

We got engaged. After Florian left, I began the process of immigration, but oh, how badly I wanted to stay in Switzerland, despite God’s leading. Having lost everything after World War II, I did not want to start over again in yet another country.

God’s Providential Hand

Immigration authorities required a physical and an X-ray.

When the results came back, the doctor said, “Sorry, Fräulein, you can’t go. Your lungs show a tuberculosis scar. The wait is two years unless, by chance, you have an earlier X-ray. In that case we could submit both images to prove the scar has healed.”

Florian and Hannchen’s engagement.

As unlikely as it seemed, I had the film. They’d taken an X-ray when I entered Switzerland on a work visa several years before. I marveled at the Lord’s foresight.

Next, I needed to apply for a passport. I wrote to my sister, who still lived in my hometown, and asked if it was possible to obtain my birth certificate. She sent it saying, “You’re in luck.

During the war the Poles destroyed all birth records except for the year you were born.” Once again, I was astonished by God’s provision.

Nearly a year passed before I was ready to book a ship reservation. Then I learned that September berths had already sold out. This was a problem because I wasn’t about to travel in winter, nor was I about to wait another six months for a spring voyage. I told the Lord, “If I can’t go in September, the trip is off.”

A week later, imagine my surprise when I received a call from the ship’s office to inform me that a berth in a four-person cabin had become available. Green light again!

I had six weeks to pack before the Italia sailed. But now I faced the biggest challenge of all. My itinerary was for the night train from Basel to Paris, but the idea of traveling alone as a woman on this train, where assaults had occurred, terrified me.

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I asked, “Is this your suitcase?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Then you are one of my roommates on the Italia! Do you by chance speak French?”

She did! Oh, how glad we were to find each other. She, too, had worried about taking the night train. I was thunderstruck by how the Lord had orchestrated help at the precise moment needed. That day I learned that when we obey, what seems impossible to us is always possible with God — but we may have to take a few blind steps of faith before He sends help!

Marta, my new French-speaking friend, and I navigated Paris easily. She truly was my “translator angel.” On our sevenday voyage across the Atlantic, she and I spent many happy hours strolling the promenade deck or relaxing outside on lounge chairs. We are still friends today.

The morning of our scheduled arrival, we went on deck early and watched as our ship approached land. A blood-red sun rose through the fog. All kinds of large and small boats rocked in the water around us. Soon the New York skyline and the Statue of Liberty emerged, though still somewhat shrouded in mist, a moving sight for those of us immigrating. Here and there people wiped tears from their eyes.

I gazed across the water at this new land. “Thank you, Lord, for bringing me safely to America, a country where there’s freedom and where there will be no war.”

God’s Blessings

Florian and Hannchen on their wedding day.

Also, I didn’t speak French and few French people spoke German then. Navigating Paris required hailing a taxi, checking in at the ship’s office, and boarding the right train to get to my ship. My future mother-in-law offered to pay for someone to accompany me, but we couldn’t find anyone.

Overwhelmed, I prayed and prayed. Should I go or not?

But then I started thinking about how God had miraculously removed every obstacle so far. Perhaps I could trust Him to provide what I needed even if I couldn’t see how He’d help me ahead of time. I reasoned that if the Lord wanted me in America, He would take care of me.

The day of my departure finally arrived. My train was scheduled to leave at 11:30 that night. As soon as I arrived at the station, I wanted to turn around and go back. I felt terribly vulnerable and alone.

As I walked along the tracks, I noticed a suitcase sitting on the platform with the same tags as my ship. Curious, I turned them over. To my great surprise, the cabin number was the same as mine! At that moment a young woman walked towards me.

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Florian and I were married about a month later. At first, not being able to speak English, I felt very alone and isolated. But here, God drew near. Here, I needed to rely on Him as never before.

I grew to love America and became a naturalized citizen in 1973. God blessed Florian and me with three children, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. We were happily married for sixty-two (and it must be noted) smoke-free years before the Lord took him home.

I am ninety-six years old now. Sometimes it’s still difficult to trust the Lord with uncertainties ahead, but then I remember God’s faithfulness in the past. I remember how, with Him, you can cross an ocean and do things you never thought possible.

And I am comforted. Especially as I face the last journey home.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

— Proverbs 3:5-6  Ruth Hanna Wood has been published with Proverbs 31 Woman, Eternal Perspectives Magazine, and several online publications. She writes at EspressoForTheHeart.org, encouraging Christian women in the fall and winter seasons of life.

QUIPS & QUOTES

This day’s bustle and hurly-burly would too often and too soon call us away from Jesus’ feet. These distractions must be immediately dismissed, or we shall know only the “barrenness of busyness.”

— A.W. Tozer

The peace of God is that eternal calm which lies far too deep down to be reached by any external trouble or disturbance.

— Arthur T. Pierson

Inner stillness is an absolute necessity to truly knowing God. — Hannah Whitall Smith

(Photo credit: Utah Waterfall. Photo taken by and used with permission from Michael Shoemaker.)

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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3RD PLACE 2025 TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING WRITER’S CONTEST

A Million

Stars

By Emily T. Wierenga

It slips into our camping trailer one night. It slips amongst the rattle of teacups, banter around a game of cards, and rain on the roof like muffled army boots. It slips into my soul, this tiny, three-letter word. “Mom.” He says it, shy — not like my other kids, who’ve been laughing and talking and calling me Mom as they always do.

To him, until now, I’ve just been Auntie. It’s been five months of mothering him, my sister’s oldest boy, who at 13 found himself in drugs and gang life in the midst of his parents’ divorce.

When he came with his mom and siblings to visit at Christmas, we saw he couldn’t go back. He came broken like a radio that keeps playing after it’s been unplugged, the winding down of a song that is slowly dying. He was that song. This beautiful Mulatto boy.

And God had already made room for him.

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Prepared to Obey

Months earlier we’d begun to excavate our hearts. We’d known someone was coming, much like the rumblings amongst the Jews about a Messiah. We just hadn’t understood.

We’d read Scriptures not knowing he was amongst us. We didn’t recognize him, this one whose song was fading, and here we were, applying instead to local agencies to provide foster care to strangers.

He was no stranger, this boy, though he lived hours away.

When he came at Christmas and we heard his sad laugh, I woke up to my husband cleaning out the storage room downstairs, removing cast-off items, empty bottles, ski equipment. He put in an old bed and a dresser, I mopped and made things shiny, and there it was. A bedroom.

My sister hugged him and me, put her Isaac on the altar, and left with her four other kids in tow. And he moved in.

“TRUST & OBEY” The Wierenga family on a camping adventure.

(Photo provided by and used with permission from Emily Wierenga.)

He started school down the street at the public Christian school where my husband teaches and our children attend. He started sports, coached by my husband, and the sixth chair at our table was finally filled. He started to sleep again and to play again and to live again.

And I fed him. It was my mission to feed him, and I kept hearing Christ say, “Lavish. Lavish love.” So I did. His favorite meals and snacks, and his cheeks began to fill, and he started to smile. Joy Harjo says, “The spirit is vulnerable and needs to be fed with tenderness and songs.” It also needs food.

And then I left. It was the hardest thing, but I’d had a trip to India planned for months, and my husband said, Go, and my mother-in-law stepped in to help, and a few days later, my nephew’s dad forced him home.

Prepared to Trust

I was in India, trying to focus on my mission, surrounded by chai wallahs and sacred cows and Dalit women sweeping streets, and all I could see was this boy.

I saw him alone, on his bed in his mother’s house. His mom had asked him what he wanted, and all he wanted was to come back. So, he waited for the lawyers and the mediation. He waited for justice, school and sports and life passing him by.

I found myself in the Mother House in Kolkata on Preparation Day, the nuns meditating on the mystery of Christ presented to the temple, and I wept. I wept for the Isaacs of the world, presented on the altar. I wept for the ones on the cusp of manhood who are kept at home instead of being presented in the temple.

I returned home and we all but lost hope, our prayers limp and wrinkled, like the colorful laundry at the House for the Dying in Kalighat — row upon row of empty saris.

But there were the heralds.

There was the owl. It arrived one night, soft and plump and grey, and sat on our fence post. We stared at it, and it stared back, slow and wise, like a silent messenger of things to come.

We followed it as it moved from fence post to telephone wire, and then it disappeared.

And there was the vision. I was kneeling, praying, when suddenly I saw my nephew on the front lawn throwing a ball.

He was laughing, but in the vision it was loud and long with all the force of an electric current. And I watched as he went to the garden and he ate from the garden. He was strong and happy and free.

God Knows

A few days later, after the owl and the vision, there was the ram. The legal mediation which had been expected to

do nothing, did everything. It was over quickly. The father consented. Our Isaac returned.

And love was lavished. More feeding, more filling, until Malachi 4:2 unfolded before our eyes. “The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.”

Four months after his return to us, just a week before the night in the trailer and the slip of that beautiful word like a hand into a pocket, I saw it again. This time in real life.

I was doing dishes. I looked out the kitchen window, and there it was.

The vision, enfleshed. My nephew picked up a football, threw it to my oldest son, and then my nephew laughed. He threw back his head, the music living and loud. They headed to the garden and my husband gave him a haskap berry. He was strong and happy and free.

God had known. He is all-knowing. And He offers us glimpses.

Ours is but to trust and obey.

But our nephew would be leaving again in one month, forced to return at the end of the school year. And it didn’t seem to matter that he’d thrived, that he’d earned a Merit award for his academic work, that he’d won outstanding defensive player for football or three gold medals for track and field. None of it seemed to matter, because he’d only been allowed to come if he would consent to return home for good after school ended.

And I wondered if I could somehow be the sacrifice this time. No doubt Abraham wanted to climb onto that altar and take his son’s place, for how can a million promised stars stand up to a living boy?

“Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing…” — Romans 4:18 So, we hoped and believed and silently pleaded, like the intercession of saints in the book of Revelation for the ones awaiting justice.

And I dreadlocked this boy’s hair. I locked and I prayed. I prayed over this precious head and the hairs God had counted.

For each star is known by God, bears the face of a child God loves, testifies to the Word that breathes.

“In the beginning was the Word…” – John 1:1 In the end, all we have is that Word. A three-letter Word that slips into the night of our souls and cleanses our hearts to make room for a miracle. A Word that adopts us and calls us sons.

It’s God.  Emily T. Wierenga is a wife, mother, author of eight books and founder of The Lulu Tree, a nonprofit serving vulnerable families around the world. She has a new devotional, Commune with Me, releasing June 30, 2026. Her latest memoir, God Who Became Bread, was nominated for an ECPA Christian Book Award. For more info, visit emilytwierenga.com.

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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ASK DR. WALT

By Walt Larimore, MD

Ignite 2026

Resolutions to Set Your Faith Ablaze

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 has 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 childhood sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Barb, have two adult children and reside in Colorado Springs. You can find Doctor Walt’s health blog at www.DrWalt.com and follow him on Facebook at “DrWalt.com”. Have questions for Dr. Walt?

Email them to editor@ todayschristianliving.org.

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

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very December and January, patients ask me the same question. “Dr. Walt, what resolutions do you recommend for the New Year?”

Many expect me to encourage healthier eating, better sleep, routine exercise, or timely medical checkups. Certainly, these are wise habits I support. But year after year, I find myself giving a very different set of recommendations, ones not originating from me as a family physician, but ones established in Scripture from the Great Physician.

Why? Because our most complete wellness — spiritual, emotional, relational, and yes, even physical — begins not with our bodies, but with our soul, heart, and mind. The Hebrew word shalom describes wholeness, harmony, and flourishing — health and life as God intends it. When the Holy Spirit fills us, He brings shalom to our hearts, relationships, and communities.

1 Timothy 4:8 also teaches that “physical training is of some value, but godliness has value in all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” Scripture gives us a clear, transformational path for entering any new year with purpose, joy, and holy resolve.

So here are the resolutions from the Great Physician that I most often encourage. These biblical commitments shape everything else:

Love God with All Your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength

Jesus called this the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” These words, found in Matthew 22:37, are the foundation of all healthy life. But how do we live it?

By yielding ourselves daily to the control and empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

When the Spirit empowers us, He produces His fruit in us (Galatians 5:22–23). Notice that the list begins with love and the remaining qualities flow naturally from it.

• • • •

“Joy” is love singing.

“Peace” is love resting.

“Patience” is love enduring.

“Kindness” is love’s thoughtfulness.

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• • • •

“Goodness” is love’s character.

“Faithfulness” is love’s habit.

“Gentleness” is love’s true touch.

“Self-control” is love holding the reins.

A resolution to love God fully is really a resolution to surrender fully — to let God the Father form Christ in us day by day by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Follow God’s Will for Your Life

Once our hearts are aligned with God’s, the next step is obedience. Ephesians 2:10 tells us we are created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared in advance for us to do. His will is not hidden; it is revealed in His Word (Romans 12:2, John 6:40, 1 Peter 2:15) and confirmed by His Spirit (Rom 8:16, John 16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:12).

God’s will for believers shines clearly through Scripture: • Rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) • Live wisely by understanding His desires (Ephesians 5:17) • Make disciples (Matthew 28:20) • Pursue peace with all people and holiness (Hebrews 12:14) • Pursue sanctification by abstaining from sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3) • Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33) Following God’s will may also involve seeking reconciliation, practicing forgiveness, honoring your spouse (if married) and your parents, raising children in the faith, stewarding finances wisely, deepening prayer life, and stepping out in ministry or service.

God’s will is not merely about what career to pursue or which decisions to make — it’s about becoming who He has called us to be.

Start by asking God each morning: “What would You have me do today?” Then do it.

Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

Jesus called this, found in Matthew 22:39, the second greatest commandment — and it cannot

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

“God doesn’t give us more to increase our standard of living, but to increase our standard of giving.”

be separated from the first. If we love The heartbeat of the gospel is loving God, we will love His people and our generosity: “For God so loved the world neighbors. that He gave…” God-like love always The Bible defines “neighbor” as gives as God gives, humbly and sacrifianyone God brings into our life in need, cially. As His children, we are called to as Jesus illustrated in the parable of the give as He gives.

Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. The —Randy Alcorn Randy Alcorn reminds us, “God Golden Rule, in Matthew 7:12, summadoesn’t give us more to increase our stanrizes this beautifully: “In everything, do dard of living, but to increase our stanto others what you would have them do to you.”

In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus paints a vivid picture in the dard of giving.” That simple truth can reorient an entire life. parable of the sheep and goats, where acts of compassion — Begin by asking the Lord, “What time, talent, or treasure feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, welcoming the stranger have you given me in my temple (myself) beyond my basic — are seen as acts done to Christ Himself. needs? Who needs what I have? How can I bless them in your What would happen in our churches, communities, and name? country if every believer lived this out? Loving others is not If we prayed that prayer earnestly, imagine how God might optional; it is a distinguishing mark of those of us who belong use us in the new year. to Him.

Steward God’s Gifts: The Four Ts God has entrusted each believer with what I call the Four Ts: • Talent: The gifts and abilities He uniquely designed for us (Ephesians 2:10) • Treasure: The financial and material blessings He provides (Haggai 2:8) • Time: The 24 hours of each day we are told to redeem wisely (Ephesians 5:16) • Temple: Our bodies, where the Holy Spirit dwells (1 Corinthians 6:19) These resources are not ours to hoard; they are entrustments.

And 2 Corinthians 9:8 promises that as we give, God supplies abundantly: “God will generously provide all you need… and plenty left over to share with others.”

The world says, “If I give, I will have less.” But Jesus says in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you…”

True joy is not found in accumulating but in releasing.

A Lifestyle of Generous Giving

A blessed and healthful life begins with recognizing that all we have belongs to God. We were created not to be reservoirs but rivers through which God’s love and resources flow to others.

Jesus urged believers, in Matthew 5:16, to “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” When we invest our lives in others, God receives the glory and we receive untold blessings in this life and the next.

The Healing Power of Giving Modern research repeatedly demonstrates what Scripture has always taught: giving heals. It strengthens relationships, reduces stress, increases emotional well-being, combats loneliness, and even supports physical health. But the deepest benefits, the eternal ones, are often hidden from us.

When we give our time, talent, treasure, and temple to care for others, we may see immediate fruit: a comforted heart, a grateful smile, a need met, a burden lifted. In heaven, we will learn how those small acts multiplied in ways only God could orchestrate.

We never know the full impact of a meal delivered, a bill paid, a prayer lifted, a hand extended, or an hour spent listening. But God knows. And He promises that none of it is wasted.

Resolutions That Change Everything So, what do I recommend?

• Resolve to love God more deeply.

• Resolve to obey Him more faithfully.

• Resolve to love others more sacrificially.

• Resolve to steward His gifts more generously.

If you commit to these four things — daily, quietly, humbly — you will experience the life God intended: abundant, joyful, fruitful, and eternally meaningful.

And that is a resolution worth keeping.  TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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Special Advertising Section

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undreds of Christian books cross my desk each year. Fiction and non-fiction books, books for kids and young adults, Bible studies and devotionals, memoirs and biographies — books that encourage, entertain, teach, or address issues we, as individuals and the church at large, face as we walk through life. The pooled knowledge and experiences of so many people, who truly desire to know God, is nothing short of amazing.

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TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

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It pleases God when we tell our story to others, when we take the life experiences and good gifts He has given us and share them with others. Here are some resources that can help you improve your writing skills and add your story to the annals of the ages.

“Through Him then, let’s continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips praising His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

— Hebrews 13:15-16

(Photo credit: © [taramara78] / Adobe Stock)

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This invaluable resource will help you become more effective in your writing and communication.

Visit FACE.net/1828 or call 800-352-3223 to learn more and to order.

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KIDS OF THE KINGDOM

“They’re on a conference call.”

“No, I’m not interested in your list of endangered vegetables — just eat your supper.”

Editor’s Pick for Kids

Teach Me to Pray

By Kristen Wetherell [Crossway] Prayer is a beautiful way to tell God about everything we’re going through. But when emotions run high or life gets overwhelming, it can be tough to find the right words. Teach Me to Pray offers children a rich collection of prayers to help them better understand the world, express their feelings to God, and use their Bible in prayer.

Organized alphabetically, this book guides children through key topics from a biblical perspective — including anger, confession, envy, friendship, gossip, healing, identity, justice, and more. Perfect for individual, family, and church contexts, each engaging reading features a memory verse, a short devotion, relevant follow-up verses, and a heartfelt prayer.

This alphabetical collection of beautiful prayers is ideal for kids ages 8-12.

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Amazing Plays Preschoolers Sarah and Jonathan were pretending to be superheroes who had high-pitched, screeching voices.

Hero #1:

You saved a wretch like me! I once was lost.

Hero #2: But now you’re found!

Hero #1:

I was blind.

Hero #2: Yeah, but now you see!

Don’t ever think they aren’t listening.

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

TURNING POINT

By Helen Roseveare

Daily Trusting God Peace Olaleye (P.K.A PeaceTheScribe) is a young Christian writer, author and editor. She was born and lives in Nigeria.

Her sole pursuit in life is to please God and do His will, which shines through her writing profession and ministry. She writes with a purpose to communicate the heart of the Father through books, articles, and other forms of content.

Her email newsletter “Heart Notes” reaches out to young people, to keep them spiritually alert and nourished every week. She authored “Journeying with Books” and others, to be published in the coming years.

She yearns to hear one statement at the end of her sojourn on earth, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”.

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.

I

t is easy for us to say we love God, we trust Him I pondered on that for a while. That scenario and other sweet things we confess to Him. We revealed how we have faith in mortal men more can easily get stirred in our spirit when we than God. We might say we trust God with our pray and study the Bible. And at that moment, we lips, but our actions reveal that we don’t believe feel we are excellent at pleasing God, and if God what we say. We pray with many options in mind were to mark our script, it in case one doesn’t work would be a distinction. But out. The other options, believing is not proven only most of the time, are to by words but also by actions. resort to the help of men The situations we face test in case God delays in “Immediately , whether we truly believe answering. what we confess or not.

This lack of complete I got prick ed in I was in line at the bus trust is expressed in our station one hot afternoon, daily lives; how we call waiting for the next bus people relentlessly to my heart ” to come. Before long, an remind them of their empty bus drove in and promise to us but hardly we were checked in, one speak to God in prayer after the other. In less than and recall His promises. ten minutes, the bus was filled and we started It also reminded me of the days before, when I our journey. As I was caught up in my random began to doubt if the words He has spoken to me thoughts, it occurred to me that I hadn’t seen the would ever come to pass. driver all along. In fact, I didn’t even pay attention Truly, our trust in God is tested by how we to the driver’s corner. But that didn’t mean much respond to situations. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust because, of course, whoever was responsible for in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on moving the bus would take me to my destination. your own understanding.” Trusting in God must A message was already forming in my heart. involve the totality of our hearts. We must come Then out of curiosity, I leaned forward and to a point where we fully trust God whether we looked towards the driver’s corner in an attempt see the signs of answers or not, whether it all to at least have a glimpse of who was behind the makes sense or not. wheel, but I couldn’t see him from where I was, so That single experience came with silence but I relaxed back in my seat. great impartation of understanding. Nobody on Immediately, I got pricked in my heart: I had the bus knew all what was going on, but right such trust and confidence in a man, whom I there, a whole mind shift was happening. God could not even see, to safely drive me home. I did opened my eyes to see what trust truly means. not question whether he was a competent driver From that moment, I began to repent of my unbeor not. I didn’t bother to check his license or ask lief and express my trust in God better. about his history of being a driver. I just had full If you can trust a human driver to drive you faith that he would do his job. home safely, how much more can you trust God, Then this question popped up in my heart: who created you? Humans can fail but God “Why do you trust a man to drive you safely to cannot. God can be trusted! your destination but doubt Me to lead your life and bring to pass all that I have promised you?”

They who trust in the Lord are as Mount Zion, It was God asking. I felt so convicted. This was a Which cannot be moved, but abides forever. stranger whom I did not even see, a human like As the mountains surround Jerusalem, me. Sometimes I question God and doubt his So the Lord surrounds His people Word. I don’t trust Him enough. That’s why I From this time forth and forever. choose other options.

– Psalm 125:1,2  TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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T

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Children’s Mental Health Resources for the Church

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LAUGH LINES

(Credit: Scott Maeser)

Words You Won’t Find in the Dictionary Arachnoleptic Seizure (n.) Frantic dance performed after one walks through a spider web.

Grantartica (n.) Cold, isolated place where art companies dwell without funding.

Beelzebug (n.) Satan in mosquito form buzzing in your ear at 3:00 a.m. and cannot be cast out.

Hemaglobe (n.) The bloody state of the world.

Bozone (n.) Substance known to stop bright ideas from penetrating, as in “the bozone layer.”

Caterpallor (n.) The color one turns after finding half a grub in the fruit being consumed.

Decaflon (n.) Grueling event of getting through the day consuming only healthy foods.

Dopelar effect (n.) Tendency of bad ideas to seem smarter when one comes at them rapidly.

Intaxication (n.) Tax refund euphoria, which lasts until one realizes it was their money to start with.

Kinstirpation (n.) Painful inability to move relatives who come to visit.

Lullabuoy (n.) An idea that keeps floating into your head and prevents you from drifting off to sleep.

— From Mikey’s Funnies www.MikeysFunnies.com

Extraterrestaurant (n.) Ethereal dining establishment also known as an E.T.-ry.

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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DAVE SAYS

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

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.

By Dave Ramsey

Wise Investments Dear Dave, My husband wants to leave his job next year. He wants to go back to school full-time and finish his degree. It wouldn’t take him long to complete his studies, and we’ve both agreed it’s the best thing for our family. The only drawback is once he begins school, our yearly income will fall from $100,000 to about $50,000. The good news is we’ll have his veteran’s stipend and tuition assistance from my job to help pay for things. During all this, once we complete Baby Step 3, should we move on to Baby Step 4, or keep saving?

— Courtney Dear Courtney, As long as you two are completely in agreement about this plan, and you’re willing to save

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like crazy for the next year and beyond, I think it makes sense. But listen carefully to this next part. You’re going to have some unexpected things pop up along the way. That’s just how life works.

I’m not trying to discourage you, but I want you to understand that even with your husband’s stipend, and help from your employer, you’ll have to stick to a budget and be smart with your money, now more than ever before.

Later, once you complete Baby Step 3 — which is having three to six months of expenses set aside as an emergency fund — Baby Step 4 is usually starting to invest 15 percent of your income for retirement. In your case, however, you’re not investing directly for retirement at that point.

Instead, you will be investing in your husband and your future together as a family. And it’s a great investment if he’s studying something that has practical marketplace application. Because that means you’re setting the stage to make back the money you put into his degree and have a bigger income for years into the future.

Again, as long as he’s not off taking stupid courses like left-handed puppetry or pursuing a

Ph.D. in the history of German polka, you two are making a great investment for the future. Do everything you can to save and pile up money. That includes him doing something to bring in a little cash on weekends when he’s not in class so you two can pay the bills, he can get through school and, together, you can make this dream come true.

— Dave

Dear Dave, I’m just starting to dip my toe into investing, and I was wondering what you think about bonds. I would appreciate any other advice you have on investing too.

— Joseph Dear Joseph, For starters, I don’t buy bonds. Bonds are frequently pitched in the financial world as being much safer than the stock market, but actual data shows they’re not that much safer. The bond market, in general, is almost as volatile as the stock market because of the way bond values respond to shifting interest rates. And on top of all that, the returns aren’t nearly as good.

I’ve got millions of dollars in the market, and I don’t own a single bond. Not one. I also don’t own any single stocks, because I don’t like the risk involved. Instead, I own mutual funds. A mutual fund contains anywhere from 90-200 different stocks. Even my HSA (Health Savings Account) is invested in mutual funds. I bought an HSA right after they became available, and I’ve maxed out the contribution limit every year ever since. Now, I’ve been fortunate enough to not have to touch my HSA for a major medical event. We’ve always just paid out of pocket for those kinds of things. As a result, my HSA has basically become another retirement account that grows tax-free.

All that to say, I love mutual funds. Love them! Let’s say I put $100,000 into the market. Nothing in bonds, nothing in single stocks. All of it goes straight into a good, growth stock mutual fund. Again, we’re talking about 90-200 of some of the best companies in the world. At this point, the only real risk you’re riding is the overall, general risk of the stock market as a whole. You’re not betting the farm on one company based on your golfing buddy’s “hunch” — which is how way too many people play single stocks.

I also don’t trade stocks or mutual funds on a daily basis.

I have a long-term, buy-and-hold mentality when it comes to investing. Do you remember the old story “The Tortoise and the Hare?” I’m perfectly fine to be the tortoise in my investing approach. Why? Because even though it’s not flashy or exciting, the tortoise wins every time.

Keep this in the back of your mind, Joseph. If all your

broke friends are impressed with your investing, chances are you’re doing it wrong. Or at the very least, you could be doing a whole lot better.

— Dave

Dear Dave, My wife and I have worked hard for many years. We’ve tried to be smart with our money, and follow your principles of saving, spending and giving. Our financial situation is pretty good now. We are debt-free, we’re both close to retirement, and we have a net worth of around $2.7 million. We would like to start giving back at this point in our lives. There are several organizations we’re interested in helping, but how can we know for sure which ones we can trust to use our money wisely?

— Luis Dear Luis, I hate to say it, but it’s hard to be 100% sure about these kinds of things. I’m really proud of what you two have been able to accomplish together. I also love the fact that you both want to give and take the matter so seriously. But really, about the best you can do is to put in serious time digging beneath the surface of the organizations you have in mind. Devote lots of effort to researching them. Then, decide together which organizations are comfortable fits for you both.

My wife and I give most of our donations to Christian ministries. And it’s not unusual for us to take a tour of a place to see what it looks like up close and talk about the feeling we get while we’re there. If the staff or management aren’t open or forthcoming with anything we consider to be basic information, or if we see signs of financial mismanagement, it sends up a red flag.

Don’t get me wrong. People who work for charitable organizations have as much of a right to make a decent living as anyone else. But if they appear to be a little too well off, it could be a sign they’re not being responsible with their donations. Take a look at things like their administrative costs, what percentage of donations goes directly to the cause they represent, and anything else that would help you two make the right decision. You could even ask the leaders directly what they plan to do with the money from your donation.

You have a right to know this.

Giving is like anything else, Luis. It takes some time and hard work to do it intelligently and responsibly. And don’t forget to pray about it, too. Prayer should always be part of any big decision you make!

— Dave  TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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(Photo credit: © [Wirestock Creators] / Adobe Stock)

A surfer walking into the ocean in Jeffreys Bay in South Africa.

Dear God… From Rejection to Victory

J

By Robbie Hift

ust after John Steinbeck was awarded the Noble prize for literature in 1962, a very junior reporter interviewed him and asked this leading question: “Mr. Steinbeck, why would any sane man get up consistently at 3:30 a.m. just to write a story?”

The famous author thought for a moment, slowly chewed his pencil, then gave a brilliant smile and replied, “I think it is for that incredible joy of creation.” Yes indeed, that is what makes a true writer tick. It’s not for the money and not for the 36

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popularity. It is that incredible joy of creation that makes us come alive.

I remember my personal 3:30 a.m. back in the year 1999 so very well. It was as dark as the grave and dead quiet as I silently slipped through the slumbering household and made my way into my back garden. In my sorrow and pain, I built a huge, roaring bonfire behind my garage. Out of the eyes of the neighbors. My secret spot. My private place where my imagination can soar across the universe. As the flames roared hotly towards the sky, with just my faithful, black dog, Roamer, for

company at my feet, here I could cry out to the Lord. Here, I could voice my frustration.

“Dear God, for five years now, I have slaved away to write this book, The Legends of Jeffreys Bay. You have walked with me through all the interviews with the rich, the famous, the poor and the desperate. You have seen all the painstaking research that goes into the making of a good book. You have watched me collect the classic photos from ancient local farmers, the stories and precious gems of this little town — stories from 1850 till now. The hours spent on lonely sand dunes photographing the famous surfers of the world, capturing the moments as they explode on the 10-foot wave days at Super Tubes with the crowd of 50,000 spectators cheering on their feet from the mountain tops. All this to build this amazing book. And all for nothing!”

For over 40 years I had been a passionate surfer myself, and I had come to live in Jeffreys Bay, the mecca of surfers, to ride the fantastic waves that roll down that rocky point myself. My lifelong dream had been to write about this strange and interesting sport, and now this fresh catastrophe had befallen me.

So, as the flames roared and crackled into the dark night sky, I poured out my heart to the Lord. “Oh Lord, you saw the ugly, fat parcel with my priceless book that was returned from the publishers. You saw the polite note that said, “We thank you for your submission, however, at this time, we cannot publish your book as we do not believe there is a market for such a book. We wish you all the best.”

“Dear God! This will be my 27th rejection slip! 27 publishing companies that have said “no” to my wonderful book. Each time it is like someone taking a sharp knife and pushing it upwards between my ribs straight into my heart. It really hurts!”

Tears of sorrow fell down my face as I cried out, “Lord, where to next? I will never, never give up until my book gets published. But I am at my wit’s end, and I do not know where to turn next. Please help me! In your holy word you say, “With man it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible!”

Then came the miraculous moment when Almighty God stooped to man and, in His compassion, whispered a solution into my desperate ear: “Why don’t you publish your book yourself? Why don’t you ignore all the rejections of all the publishing companies, and start off by printing some copies of your precious book yourself?”

That was a key moment, 24 years ago. A crucial turning point in my life as a writer; to start self-publishing. It gave me great heart that Ernest Hemmingway too, had countless rejections before his book For Whom the Bell Tolls was published.

He then went on to become a Nobel Prize winning author.

So, I started my own publishing company and called it El Shaddai Publishing. This would make it easier to distribute my books, and later, to acquire sponsorship and advertising. El Shaddai is one of the Hebrew names of God and it means “God Almighty.” From these humble beginnings, I decided to invite God into my business and to name my publishing company with His name.

Soon after this, I went to a local printing company in Jeffreys Bay and paid them to print 1000 copies of my precious book.

Great! But the next big hurdle was distribution. How would I sell my books?

The next morning at 3:00 a.m. I again took my problem to the Lord. Again, I stumbled silently through the slumbering household and made my way to the waiting back garden.

My roaring fire came to life and I held my hands out to the

(Photo credit: © [Yuriy T] / Adobe Stock)

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

37

(Photo credit: © [fotoember.] / Adobe Stock)

Aerial view of Jeffreys bay.

flames. This time, I had my precious Bible with me. I encouraged myself with the immortal words of King David in Psalm 18:28-29.

For You will light my lamp; The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.

For by You, I can run against an army [of my doubts and uncertainties and fears regarding book distribution], By my God I can leap over a wall [the wall of my problems that I cannot climb by myself].

I raised my hands to the heavens and cried out, “Dear God, please help me with this problem, this problem of how to distribute books. I just don’t know how to get them out to the readers of the world.

Enlighten me in my darkness, please!”

Instantly, the little voice inside me that I have come to know and to love so well spoke to me and said very clearly: “Stop your weeping. Don’t be lazy.

Pick up your briefcase and hoof the beat!”

That very day, I packed my briefcase with samples of The Legends of Jeffreys Bay and I “hoofed the beat” to distribute my precious books with my own two hands.

Day after day, I hounded the managers of supermarkets and guesthouses, I drove to distant tourist cafés and reluctant bookshops, to suspicious managers of petrol stations and avaricious owners of coffee shops. I flooded the town with my books. And then I hoofed the beat to the lucrative city of Port 38

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

JANUARY 2026

Elizabeth and then to the picturesque little towns for hundreds of miles up and down the Eastern Cape. Some places bought copies and some agreed to sell on consignment and, through it all, that word from the Lord inspired me: “With God, all things are possible.”

Two months after dropping books off, I would follow in my same tracks and I found, to my great joy, that my books were selling really well from many places on my self-made distribution chain. Yet again, at 3:00 a.m., I stood by the burning fire of my initial inspiration, with my ecstatic hands raised to the heavens. This time, I gave a shout of victory: “Thank you, dear God, for making the impossible become truly possible!”

Nearly 30 years later, I look back in wonder, having written and published many coffee table books and over 200 short stories. With great joy, I realize just how successful and widely accepted the first book, The Legends of Jeffreys Bay, has become. And initially, 27 publishers shook their heads and told me “there is no market for a book like this.”

So, I just want to say, “Thank you, dear God.” Thank you for believing in me and inspiring me. May my experiences be an inspiration to many, many other struggling authors — to all those disappointed writers who know the soul-sapping frustration of not getting their books and stories published.

With you, dear God….all things are possible!  Robbie Hift has written 16 coffee table books and over 200 short stories. His El Shaddai Publishing Company is based in Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa. He is a compulsive surfer and admits that he has surfed over 50,000 waves in his lifetime! Jesus is the love of his life and most of his books are dedicated to Him.

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QUICK TAKES

100 Most Asked Questions about Heaven, Hell and the Afterlife

Choosing the Opposite

By S. Michael Houdmann [Bethany House Publishers] False teachings about heaven, hell, and what happens when we die abound; even in the church. For over two decades, more than 16 million visitors each month have trusted S. Michael Houdmann and GotQuestions.org to cut through the confusion, answering even the hardest questions with clarity, grace, and love.

This book answers one hundred of the most frequently asked questions on heaven, hell, and eternity in a compassionate, accessible, and straightforward manner, covering queries like: • What happens after you die?

• Do heaven and hell even exist?

• Why does a loving God send people to hell?

• Is Satan in charge of hell?

• What will I do in heaven for eternity? Won’t I get bored?

People have real questions. Here’s the biblical truth about heaven, hell, and the afterlife and how it impacts our lives right now.

By Tammy Melchien [NavPress] Are you fed up with the polarization, division, and tension everywhere you turn — in your country, your community, your church, and even in your own relationships?

Many of us wrestle with navigating disagreements, difficult personalities, and tense family dynamics with love and humility. We wonder if we have what it takes to be a peacemaker.

Choosing the Opposite invites you to explore a radically different approach to life and faith as modeled in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Examine how your choices may be fueling the chaos and learn how embracing Jesus’ countercultural teachings can lead to the restoration of relationships, peace of mind, and a powerful Christian witness in a fractured world.

Confront today’s culture wars and controversies head-on as you embrace true discipleship. Make the hard but rewarding choice to live as Jesus did, bringing hope, love, and reconciliation wherever you go.

Fake ID

God is Still For You

By Abdu Murray [David C Cook] This groundbreaking exposé of how artificial intelligence and gender ideology undermine our view of reality helps us cut through the chaos and find hope.

We hear that technology will set us free and that identity is whatever we choose. What we’re not being told is how these promises unravel reality itself, leaving us restless and confused in a world where we can no longer tell what is true.

Abdu Murray shows us how the timeless wisdom of Scripture anchors us to truth as we navigate today’s cultural tsunamis. This book empowers us to: • Think critically about AI and gender identity • Understand why we are neither biochemical machines nor gods of our own making • Discern what is real apart from cultural influence • Be who God calls us to be apart from cultural pressure • Clearly see what it means to be human, using a Biblebased lens

By Bob Page [Kregel Publications] When life turns upside down, the world’s cruelty can feel crippling.

Unexpected and devastating news can make God feel distant — or nonexistent.

It’s natural to wonder where God is and whether He cares at all. Those who face trials need a reminder that God is still for them.

Bob Page, retired Air Force brigadier general, offers 10 reasons to persevere in faith and move toward a life of renewed hope and purpose. God Is Still for You invites readers to sit with a battle-seasoned chaplain, who knows firsthand how painful life can be, and ask the hard questions. With decades of experience in active duty, Bob personally understands how dark it can feel to believe God is absent.

Each chapter highlights Scripture, contains real-life stories, and ends with a clear statement of why the reader can be sure that God is still for them.

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Spirit-Filled Singing

By Ryanne J. Molinari [Crossway] Music is a source of tension in many churches. Whether driven by preferences for specific styles, popular trends, or traditional practices, corporate worship can feel more divisive than unifying. How can we cultivate worship that honors God and strengthens His church?

Spirit-Filled Singing offers a biblical framework to help believers engage in musical worship with greater gospel-centered purpose. Explore how singing and spiritual fruit share a common purpose — to glorify God and edify His church. Through concise, thoughtful chapters that explore each fruit of the Spirit, readers are invited to examine their worship practices, assess the condition of their hearts, and grow in Christlikeness through song.

• Draws insight from Ephesians 5, Galatians 5, and Colossians 3 • Ideal for seminar classes or small-group studies • Helpful for music students, church or staff study groups, and worship teams • Includes questions for personal reflection or group discussion

Mists Over the Channel Islands

By Sarah Sundin [Revell] The German invasion of the British Channel Islands shatters Dr. Ivy Picot’s peaceful world, forcing her to shoulder the weight of her father’s medical practice and hold together an unraveling family. As conditions worsen in Jersey with the arrival of thousands of forced laborers, Ivy’s quiet allegiance to the Allies compels her to risk everything by providing medical aid to escaped workers.

Dutch engineer and resistance member Gerrit van der Zee volunteers to build fortifications for the Germans so he can secretly send maps and diagrams to the Allies. He crosses paths with Ivy on the Channel Islands. She despises the uniform he wears. But as tensions mount and their missions grow more dangerous, Ivy and Gerrit must confront the cost of courage, the meaning of sacrifice, and whether love can survive in the shadow of war.

The Power of Generosity

By Boyd Bailey [BroadStreet Publishing] Our materialistic world says that amassing wealth leads to happiness.

But in God’s kingdom, true fulfillment and joy are found in selflessness; in dedicating your life to God and others. You don’t need earthly possessions to experience an abundant life.

Beyond charity, generous living is about cultivating a humble heart that seeks to serve and bless others with whatever resources you have. Through biblical principles and prayers, real-life stories of radical generosity, and a helpful discussion guide, Boyd Bailey takes you on a journey of cheerful surrender and creative giving. The Power of Generosity will equip you to • align your desires with the Lord’s, • trust God in poverty and prosperity, • reflect the Father’s love and forgiveness, • nurture your relationships, and • encounter God like never before.

God does not need your money. He wants you.

You Can Let Go

By Alexandra Hoover [Baker Books] Let’s face it: people are often disappointing. Sometimes they’re downright hurtful. It’s easy to feel wronged, offended, and weighed down when people trample our feelings. But living in hurt and resentment can steal our God-given joy. The good news? We have more control over how other people make us feel than we might think.

Alexandra Hoover dives deep into our willingness to be offended, uncovering our wounded pride, our insecurities, and our misplaced trust in the things (and people) of this world. With great compassion, she helps us • get to the root of why we feel offended • understand why certain offenses hit harder than others • find our identity in Christ, not in how others view us • handle offenses with confidence, grace, and acceptance We can live free from offense. Discover how to make peace with past happenings and learn to live unoffendable.

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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FAMILY NEWS: REPORTS FROM THE GLOBAL CHURCH

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

Christ ’s Body

Held Together by What Every Joint Supplies

I

By Christine Graef

t was 2 a.m. that 2024 December night when two cars drove into a small Christian neighborhood in northeast Pakistan.

Two men emerged, carrying guns. They pounded on doors, ransacking their way through the homes of eleven families.

The knock came to Ahmed’s* house, waking the young family. At gunpoint, the men bound his arms, legs, and mouth 42

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

JANUARY 2026

with duct tape as his wife and three children huddled in fear.

His five-year-old daughter began crying. One of the men told her to shut up. When she didn’t, he slapped her face.

“They took the propane cylinder, and the food and drinks from our refrigerator, our silverware, toothbrushes, the shoes the children wore, and pencils they use for school,” Ahmed said through an encrypted internet message to Dr. Michael

Landrun and his wife Kathy. “They also took the ATM card, check book and the money I had deposited.”

Ahmed said, “They left me nothing, but I trust in my God, my God will provide for me.”

“Ahmed has the only refrigerator in the community. When the food was stolen, everyone’s food was stolen,” Kathy said.

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

— 1 Corinthians 12:26

Making Connections

Five years before, Mike and Kathy were sitting in their living room in Maine, waiting for the Franklin Graham Easter telecast to begin. A prayer request from a young man in Pakistan caught Kathy’s attention.

“We first contacted him through Facebook,” said Michael.

The Landrum’s website, https://bridgethelight.org, describes “a ministry-vision born of a heart to be radically obedient to the One ‘who has called us out of darkness, into His marvelous light.’”

The Landrums sent Ahmed money for food. He sent photos of the money being used to buy food for his family and starving neighbors. More money was sent, followed by photos of more people being fed.

“In time, we videoed directly through an encrypted connection,” Michael said. “He would speak in broken English, through tears of thanks. We learned that he had a significant ministry outreach to a circle of Christian families.”

We will declare His glory among the nations.

— Isaiah 66:19 The Landrums organized a GoFundMe page and people contributed for Ahmed to build a small home for his wife and three children. Propane was acquired to heat their two-burner stove. A water filter was purchased so the community could have clean water for drinking, cooking and bathing. One couple donated a motorbike so Ahmed could minister to an expanding population.

“Since then, we have heard innumerable accounts of ministering through danger,” Michael said. “He is being mightily used in his region to spread the Gospel message of hope and salvation. Many people are having supernatural dreams and visions that encourage them to find this man.”

Life for Pakistani Believers

In 2018, ID cards in Pakistan were updated to include religion. The card states their first name, then their religion, then their surname, and then their religion once again. Not allowed full-time jobs, believers are under constant threat of being killed, imprisoned, or kidnapped, and are thrust into forced marriages.

“A Muslim buys a bag of rice for one price. A Christian buying that same bag pays ten times as much,” said Kathy.

“Ahmed is a victim of that.”

Of one incident in August 2023, Kathy said, “A Muslim used a loud speaker, urging people to capture Christians because two men were burning the Koran. They were not. They were burning the clothes of a person with an illness.”

The allegations of blasphemy led to a mob destroying churches and Christian houses in Jaranwala province. Ten Muslims, armed with swords and pipes, attacked twenty-four worshipers living in an old brick factory where Ahmed was teaching. Some were thrown into prison. Others fled. Ahmed was beaten unconscious.

“In addition to severe injuries, he was hung upside-down by a stake through his leg and reported dead,” Michael said. “… he recovered but with some lingering disability.” Ahmed was hospitalized for many weeks. His arm was broken near the elbow and he had injuries to his wrist bones. A bone spur went deep and affected his chest cavity.

“The others asked for prayers for jobs, food, and warm clothing, since they had to flee their homes with only what they were wearing,” Kathy reported. “They are having difficulty finding jobs because factory owners fear violence if they hire a Christian… Your blessings have brought this community to tears many times and they pray for all of you. They say they feel your love for them.”

A 12-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl were injured in the attack. The boy had a broken pelvis and the girl, a badly broken collarbone. Kathy wrote, “The attack was three weeks ago today and not sure the bones will even heal. Both of the children can have surgeries with the necessary medicines for just under $800. I can see if the doctor is willing to do the surgery for a deposit. If so, we will make that deposit.”

The post was followed by, “Thank you so much for providing much needed medical care and food for the families who do not have any source of income since the dads are still healing from their injuries.”

By 2023, Ahmed was ministering to more than 150 families.

He brings donations, encouragement, and the message of trusting the Lord to communities gathering in secret places.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

— 1 Corinthians 12:27

Joined and Held Together

“This direct video communication cemented our relationship with Ahmed,” Michael said. “As news of salvations and miracles began to be reported, our participation grew, with faith rising at the challenges he was enduring.”

“It isn’t that I feel the weight of their struggle — it’s that I feel yoked to them,” said Kathy.

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

43

In January 2025 Ahmed told of meeting with a pastor who has a TV station.

“I saw that he was taking pictures so that he could send them to people in your country,” he wrote. “Seeing all this, my heart became very disturbed and I was angry. This pastor had big cars, bodyguards and many other things, a big house and a lot of money. I was angry to see this because people in your country give money to this pastor to help the poor people, but he doesn’t help. Here in our country, no one is helping anyone.”

The pastor offered Ahmed $1,000 to work with him.

Ahmed refused, saying, “I am a true Christian and I walk honestly with my God. My God provides me with everything.

My faith is in my God.” At the time, he needed money to pay the electric bill. He went home and prayed. And at just that time, the Landrums sent money, unaware of the unpaid bill.

“This is a miracle from God in my life,” Ahmed said.

Despite hardships, Ahmed continues doing God’s work with support from Christ’s body.

Twelve families were forced out of their village in winter 2025, all of their belongings taken from them because they had come to faith. Hiding in the forest, they had not eaten in three days. Kathy reported that Ahmed raised money to

BIBLE STUDY

Mini Quiz What do these Bible verses teach us about obeying God?

James 1:22 John 14:23

Acts 5:29 Open your Bible to find the answers.

1 John 5:3b Deut. 5:33

44

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

JANUARY 2026

feed the many children and to move the families to a village 200 kilometers away, where they could work in a factory.

But this is, perhaps, Kathy’s favorite story. Ahmed was asked to pray with a family who desired to know about God. After Ahmed finished his Bible teaching, they began worshiping. There was a knock at the door. Their neighbors asked Ahmed to tell them about the One they were singing to. They repented and received salvation. The next day, one of the men returned to invite Ahmed to baptize them all.

“Sometimes we do not realize what ripples the simple act of singing about our first love can create,” Kathy said.

If you are interested in supporting this ministry through gifts or prayers, please visit the Landrum’s website at www.bridgethelight.org. *Name changed for the protection of this man and his family.

Christine Graef is a retired journalist living on the coast of Maine. She’s a contributor to Creation Illustrated and author of The Jewish Concern for the Church.

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

Near the Danube Bridge......................................... 31

B&H Publishing Group........................................... 30

Judson Press............................................................. 30

www.actsretirement.org

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BibliCards................................................................. 11 www.biblicards.com

David C Cook Publishing........................................ 29 www.davidccook.org

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Foundation for American Christian Education.... 25 www.face.net

HarperCollins Christian Publishing.............1, 28-29 www.harpercollinschristian.com

www.nearthedanubebridge.com/home www.judsonpress.com

Moody Publishers.................................................... 31 www.moodypublishers.com

Our Daily Bread....................................................... 32 www.odbm.org

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

Tyndale House Publishers................................ 29, 47 www.tyndale.com

Harvest House Publishers......................................... 5

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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.

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45

GRACE NOTES

By Kimberly Garcia

Florida to the Indiana Boy Kimberly Garcia is a Christian writer living in Goshen, Indiana, alongside her hilarious husband and their three energetic children.

Her mission is to share God’s goodness by uplifting and encouraging others through her writing. You can discover more of her inspiring content on her blog, Harvesting Hope.

Additionally, Kimberly is in the process of publishing her first devotional, illustrated by her daughter, Carmella.

46

“We’re going to Florida!” my husband and I announced to our three children. Everyone was excited as it would be our first family vacation outside the state. Well, everyone was excited except Alejandro. He is my anxious son who doesn’t like walking into a situation without knowing all the details. At the time, he was 10 years old. Although bravery was in his vocabulary, trust was another thing to him.

That night, I tucked Alejandro into bed; he had a million questions about Florida.

“What does Florida look like? Is it in America?

What if there’s a hurricane? What’s a palm tree?

What do you mean white sand that isn’t hot? What does flying in a plane feel like?”

Given his anxious thoughts, I knew I must be patient and take time to answer each question.

Some of his questions might seem silly, but we live in a small northern Indiana town where it’s cold half the year.

Together, we went through Google photos of the ocean, the kind of plane we would fly in, a palm tree, and where we were staying. I skipped the hurricane question. I didn’t want to freak him out too much.

“You’re going to love it there,” I encouraged him while kissing him goodnight. I could tell he was trying to smile and be excited, but the unknown can fuel anxiety.

A few weeks later, it was time for us to experience paradise. We loaded our suitcases into the car and drove to the airport. Alejandro looked out the tiny plane window and, although he was scared to fly, he saw above the clouds. While we were in Florida, he felt the white, cool sand between his toes, tasted the salty ocean, and felt the hot southern sun.

He got to see lizards, palm trees, and remarkable sunsets. Those pictures and stories on the internet became reality. We were there. My son’s anxiety turned into amazement.

We often experience moments in our lives that can help us understand other things we will go through. A couple of years later, Alejandro was asking about Heaven. “What will it look like? Are the streets made out of gold? Who will be there?

How do we travel there?”

Instead of flipping through Google pictures, I opened the Bible and read:

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

JANUARY 2026

“The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones … The twelve gates were made of pearls — each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass. I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light.”

—Revelation 21:18-23, NLT Together, we talked about how amazing, unimaginable, and overwhelming Heaven sounds.

When I think about Heaven and how it is a real place, the paradise — with no sadness, no more hurt or sickness — I think about how lovely that sounds. But I also feel hesitant about leaving what I know for the unknown, just like Alejandro felt about Florida. Even though it’s Heaven, our future home, imagining what you’ve never seen is hard.

That’s what makes faith so amazing. You believe what you cannot see.

I reminded him of how anxious he was about Florida, but when we got there, everything was just as we said it would be.

“That’s what Heaven will be like times a million.

We can only imagine it; it will be beyond what we could imagine — pure joy. True peace. To look your creator in the eye,” I encouraged him. This time, I didn’t feel he needed much convincing because when we walk with Jesus, He will reveal Himself to us, whether in the Word, through miracles, or in different situations. Slowly, our hope in Him births faith and it strengthens the more we trust in Him. Heaven isn’t just in our imagination when we close our eyes; it’s a real place. It’s just as real as Florida is to the Indiana boy.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.

You believe in God; believe also in me.

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

— John 14:1-3 

FUN ACTIVITIES FOR BOYS & GIRLS AGES 7-12

FEBRUARY 2026

Inspire kids’ creativity, Bible reading, and love for God 258 |

Devotion

An Unusual Plan How many times did the Israelites walk around Jericho? a. six b. thirteen c. twenty The tall, strong walls of the city of Jericho loomed in front of the Israelites. The gates were tightly shut. Jericho was prepared for an attack, but not for what God had planned.

God told Israel’s army to walk around Jericho one time each day for six days. On the seventh day, they’d march around it seven times. The priests would blow their horns, and when Joshua gave the command, everyone would shout.

Joshua was a military leader, but this was not a strategy he’d used before. Joshua didn’t question God’s plan, he just put it into action. The people in Jericho must have wondered what was going on. They were prepared for a battle, yet their enemy just walked around the walls each day.

That changed on the seventh day. The Israelites marched around Jericho in silence until the horns gave one long blast.

Then they shouted, and the walls fell down. Did the walls fall because of a defect? Or did the Israelites knock them down? No. Hebrews 11:30 says, “It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down.”

God saw the Israelites’ faith, and he alone sent the walls crashing down. The Israelites took the city, sparing only Rahab and the people in her house.

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JOSHUA 5:8

1 SAMUEL 20:38

Promised Land. 8 After all the males had been circumcised, they rested in the camp until they were healed.

9 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the shame of your slavery in Egypt.” So that place has been called Gilgal* to this day.

10 While the Israelites were camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they celebrated Passover on the evening of the fourteenth day of the first month.* 11 The very next day they began to eat unleavened bread and roasted grain harvested from the land. 12 No manna appeared on the day they first ate from the crops of the land, and it was never seen again. So from that time on the Israelites ate from the crops of Canaan.

10 Then David asked, “How will I know whether or not your father is angry?”

11 “Come out to the field with me,” Jonathan replied. And they went out there together. 12 Then Jonathan told David, “I promise by the Lord, the God of Israel, that by this time tomorrow, or the next day at the latest, I will talk to my father and let you know at once how he feels about you. If he speaks favorably about you, I will let you know. 13 But if he is angry and wants you killed, may the Lord strike me and even kill me if I don’t warn you so you can escape and live. May the Lord be with you as he used to be with my father.

14 And may you treat me with the faithful love of the Lord as long as I live.

But if I die, 15 treat my family with this faithful love, even when the Lord destroys all your enemies from the face of the earth.”

16 So Jonathan made a solemn pact with David,* saying, “May the Lord destroy all your enemies!” 17 And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.

18 Then Jonathan said, “Tomorrow we celebrate the new moon festival.

You will be missed when your place at the table is empty. 19 The day after tomorrow, toward evening, go to the place where you hid before, and wait there by the stone pile.* 20 I will come out and shoot three arrows to the side of the stone pile as though I were shooting at a target. 21 Then I will send a boy to bring the arrows back. If you hear me tell him, ‘They’re on this side,’ then you will know, as surely as the Lord lives, that all is well, and there is no trouble. 22 But if I tell him, ‘Go farther—the arrows are still ahead of you,’ then it will mean that you must leave immediately, for the Lord is sending you away. 23 And may the Lord make us keep our promises to each other, for he has witnessed them.”

24 So David hid himself in the field, and when the new moon festival began, the king sat down to eat. 25 He sat at his usual place against the wall, with Jonathan sitting opposite him* and Abner beside him. But David’s place was empty. 26 Saul didn’t say anything about it that day, for he said to himself, “Something must have made David ceremonially unclean.” 27 But when David’s place was empty again the next day, Saul asked Jonathan, “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse been here for the meal either yesterday or today?”

28 Jonathan replied, “David earnestly asked me if he could go to Beth­ lehem. 29 He said, ‘Please let me go, for we are having a family sacrifice.

My brother demanded that I be there. So please let me get away to see my brothers.’ That’s why he isn’t here at the king’s table.”

30 Saul boiled with rage at Jonathan. “You stupid son of a whore!”* he swore at him. “Do you think I don’t know that you want him to be king in your place, shaming yourself and your mother? 31 As long as that son of Jesse is alive, you’ll never be king. Now go and get him so I can kill him!”

32 “But why should he be put to death?” Jonathan asked his father. “What has he done?” 33 Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan, intending to kill him. So at last Jonathan realized that his father was really determined to kill David.

34 Jonathan left the table in fierce anger and refused to eat on that second day of the festival, for he was crushed by his father’s shameful behavior toward David.

35 The next morning, as agreed, Jonathan went out into the field and took a young boy with him to gather his arrows. 36 “Start running,” he told the boy, “so you can find the arrows as I shoot them.” So the boy ran, and Jonathan shot an arrow beyond him. 37 When the boy had almost reached the arrow, Jonathan shouted, “The arrow is still ahead of you. 38 Hurry,

The Lord’s Commander Confronts Joshua 13 When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, “Are you friend or foe?”

14 “Neither one,” he replied. “I am the commander of the Lord’s army.”

At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. “I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?”

15 The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did as he was told.

The Fall of Jericho Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in. 2 But the Lord said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors. 3 You and your fighting men should march around the town once a day for six days. 4 Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram’s horn.

On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. 5 When you hear the priests give one long blast on the rams’ horns, have all the people shout as loud as they can. Then the walls of the town will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the town.”

6 So Joshua called together the priests and said, “Take up the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, and assign seven priests to walk in front of it, each carrying a ram’s horn.” 7 Then he gave orders to the people: “March around the town, and the armed men will lead the way in front of the Ark of the Lord.”

8 After Joshua spoke to the people, the seven priests with the rams’ horns started marching in the presence of the Lord, blowing the horns as they marched. And the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant followed behind them. 9 Some of the armed men marched in front of the priests with the horns and some behind the Ark, with the priests continually blowing the horns. 10 “Do not shout; do not even talk,” Joshua commanded. “Not a single word from any of you until I tell you to shout. Then shout!” 11 So the Ark of the Lord was carried around the town once that day, and then everyone returned to spend the night in the camp.

12 Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests again carried the Ark of the Lord. 13 The seven priests with the rams’ horns marched in front of the Ark of the Lord, blowing their horns. Again the armed men marched both in front of the priests with the horns and behind the Ark of the Lord.

All this time the priests were blowing their horns. 14 On the second day they again marched around the town once and returned to the camp. They followed this pattern for six days.

15 On the seventh day the Israelites got up at dawn and marched around the town as they had done before. But this time they went around the town seven times. 16 The seventh time around, as the priests sounded the long blast on their horns, Joshua commanded the people, “Shout! For the Lord

6

5:9 Gilgal sounds like the Hebrew word galal, meaning “to roll.” 5:10 This day in the ancient Hebrew lunar calendar occurred in late March, April, or early May.

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Jonathan is a great example of a good friend.

Who are your closest friends? How do they show their loyalty to you? How do you show your loyal friendship to others?

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20 For I will bring them into the land I swore to give their ancestors—a land flowing with milk and honey. There they will become prosperous, eat all the food they want, and become fat. But they will begin to worship other gods; they will despise me and break my covenant. 21 And when great disasters come down on them, this song will stand as evidence against them, for it will never be forgotten by their descendants. I know the intentions of these people, even now before they have entered the land I swore to give them.”

22 So that very day Moses wrote down the words of the song and taught it to the Israelites.

23 Then the Lord commissioned Joshua son of Nun with these words: “Be strong and courageous, for you must bring the people of Israel into the land I swore to give them. I will be with you.”

24 When Moses had finished writing this entire body of instruction in a book, 25 he gave this command to the Levites who carried the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant: 26 “Take this Book of Instruction and place it beside the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord your God, so it may remain there as a witness against the people of Israel. 27 For I know how rebellious and stubborn you are. Even now, while I am still alive and am here with you, you have rebelled against the Lord. How much more rebellious will you be after my death!

28 “Now summon all the elders and officials of your tribes, so that I can speak to them directly and call heaven and earth to witness against them.

29 I know that after my death you will become utterly corrupt and will turn from the way I have commanded you to follow. In the days to come, disaster will come down on you, for you will do what is evil in the Lord’s sight, making him very angry with your actions.”

The Song of Moses 30 So Moses recited this entire song publicly to the assembly of Israel:

32

1 “Listen, O heavens, and I will speak!

Hear, O earth, the words that I say!

2 Let my teaching fall on you like rain;

let my speech settle like dew.

Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants.

3 I will proclaim the name of the Lord;

how glorious is our God! 4 He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect.

Everything he does is just and fair.

He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!

5 “But they have acted corruptly toward him;

when they act so perversely, are they really his children?* They are a deceitful and twisted generation.

6 Is this the way you repay the Lord,

you foolish and senseless people?

Isn’t he your Father who created you?

Has he not made you and established you?

7 Remember the days of long ago;

think about the generations past.

Ask your father, and he will inform you.

Inquire of your elders, and they will tell you.

20:16 Hebrew with the house of David. 20:19 Hebrew the stone Ezel. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain. 20:25 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads with Jonathan standing. 20:30 Hebrew You son of a perverse and rebellious woman.

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32:5 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.

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