Today's Christian Living September 2024

God’s Amazing Deeds

My husband and I returned from a trip to the West Coast not long ago. I was invited to speak at the Cascade Christian Writers’ Conference (with thanks to those who made me feel welcome!) so we tacked on a couple of vacation days. We’d never been to the Pacific Coast before – or seen the giant redwoods, or volcanic mountains, or the Napa Valley vineyards. There seemed to be a photo opportunity around every bend in the road.

I couldn’t say what I liked best. Was it the rumble and spray of the waves crashing into Oregon’s rocky coast? Or the softness of the green sorrel carpet on the forest floor? Or the symmetry of endless fir trees on the mountainsides, like a company of soldiers standing at attention? Or the tart goodness of fresh-from-the-stalk thimbleberries? I’m not sure. I do know when we caught our first glimpse of the sky reflected in Crater Lake’s unmarred surface, it brought tears to my eyes. I was dumbstruck but my heart was singing God’s praises:

Praise to the Lord! THe Almighty, the King of creation!

O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!

All ye who hear,

Now to His temple draw near,

Join me in glad adoration!”

—Praise to the Lord, the Almighty by Joachim Neander

God has created amazing things, for His own pleasure and for ours. He does amazing deeds, for His own glory and for our good. God is faithful through the best and worst days of our life. If we can cling to that truth – even when Satan, the world and our flesh try to rip it from us – we will find reasons to sing God’s praise. In this issue, we’ll get to know Jeff Allen, the man behind the standup routine, a bit better. We’ll also get some pearls of wisdom about marriage from a couple with 70 years of experience, the Gauerke’s. And we’ll explore some ways to help our kids and grandkids discover the wonder of God’s amazing deeds with scientist and nature-lover, Annette Whipple.

Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation will praise Your works to another, And will declare Your mighty acts.

— Psalm 145:3-4

In Christ, Michelle Adserias, Editor

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Holy Humor

by Stephanie Rische

On any given evening, you’ll find Jeff Allen in front of a room full of people, making them laugh. In the span of a week, he’s likely zigzagging the US, doing shows in packed venues all over the country.

Comedy is his livelihood now, but it didn’t always seem like an asset. “The word obnoxious always came up at parent-teacher conferences,” Jeff says with a

(Photos courtesy of Jeff Allen Comedy)

Jeff grew up in a spiritually divided home. His father, the son of a pastor, wanted nothing to do with Christianity. “My father was an atheist, but he spent his whole life blaming God. He never saw the irony in that.” Jeff’s mother got saved at a Billy Graham revival. “She was the calm in the midst of the storm at our home.” Even so, Jeff’s faith didn’t become his own until later in life, when he hit bottom.

Stumbling into Stand-Up

Although humor was a consistent thread throughout Jeff’s life, his path to becoming a professional comedian wasn’t a linear one. “They didn’t exactly have tables set up for comedians on career day. It seemed more like a hobby, not something you get paid to do.”

Jeff went to college to play baseball, but the lure of party life was strong. “I started drinking at 13, and by the time I hit college, with more access to alcohol and drugs, I couldn’t manage to stick with baseball, let alone finish my degree. I didn’t realize you had to go to school to pass school!”

After dropping out, Jeff worked at a jewelry company. One night he went to see his brother’s band, and a comedian opened for them. “This was the late ’70s, before comedy clubs became popular. I was intrigued, but it took me three months to work up the courage to do a show myself.”

Jeff quickly realized there’s a difference between making your friends laugh and doing a stand-up routine. “My first time onstage was horrific. That was on a Thursday. I went back on Sunday, and they told me, ‘You need to make sense tonight!’”

One night Jeff saw a fellow comedian writing in a notebook. He said, “Oh you prepare in advance?” The guy replied, “Oh, you don’t? That explains everything.” This was a turning point for Jeff. “I didn’t know you were supposed to prepare material. I thought you just got up and talked about your day.”

In the 1980s, the country exploded with comedy clubs, and Jeff started traveling as an opening act, making a few hundred bucks a week. “I was bad, but they needed comedians. Eventually I worked on my material and made my way up to headlining.”

Not Smart Enough to Be an Atheist

While Jeff’s career in comedy was taking off, his personal life was falling apart.

chuckle. “When I was growing up, there was always conflict in my home, especially with my father. I used humor to diffuse the stress.”

As a child, Jeff snuck out of his bedroom at night to watch comedians on the Tonight show. But his most significant influences were closer to home. “My father was one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met — he could hold the attention of an entire room. My mother was quieter. She had a dry sense of humor, but she got her jabs in respectfully.”

He met Tami in Los Angeles and proposed to her at an airport baggage claim. “Before a red-eye flight, on impulse, I said, ‘Do you want to get married?’ There was a pause, so I said, ‘You and me,’ so she’d know who I was talking about. She said, ‘Yeah, I guess, if that’s what you want,’ like I’d asked if she wanted to go to McDonalds.”

Jeff quips she had no idea the baggage she brought home that day. “We were both wounded, broken people. Not long after I got married, I realized I couldn’t do both marriage and alcohol. I would have to choose.” Jeff got involved in Alcoholics Anonymous a year later. “We were losing everything. Tami was the bedrock of our family, taking care of the kids and trying to hold our life together.”

Jeff describes the first seven to eight years of recovery as incredibly painful. “I was going to therapy and reading all kinds of self-help books. I was a voracious reader—it’s amazing how much spare time you have when you’re not nursing a hangover. But it still wasn’t clicking. My life felt purposeless.”

While Jeff was on the road doing a comedy tour, he met a businessman-turned-comedian, and they hit it off on the golf course. “I asked my friend, ‘How do you accumulate wealth?’ I figured if I could make money, maybe I could save my marriage. He told me, ‘You don’t need more money; you can’t handle what little you have.’ He said the bigger problem was that I couldn’t appreciate creation until I appreciated the Creator.”

Jeff was surprised by what felt like a sharp turn in the conversation, but his friend kept bringing up the Bible. Jeff told him, “Stop it with the Bible—it’s too archaic. I’m an atheist.” His friend replied, “You’re not an atheist; you’re a moron. You’re discounting an omniscient God, and you’d have to be omniscient yourself to discount an omniscient God.” He went on, “I say this with love: You’re not smart enough to be an atheist.” Jeff laughs at the memory: “I wasn’t smart enough to know if that was a compliment or not.”

“Everything Is Meaningless”

Jeff’s comedian-friend went to Denton Bible Church in Texas, and they had a sermon tape ministry. “My friend sent me a Bible and the taped sermons. I didn’t open them for a year, but this guy kept showing up as my friend. He told me, ‘My wife and I pray for your marriage every night. We believe marriage is ordained by God, and we’re praying you’ll figure out what God’s purpose is for your marriage.’ I said, ‘Knock yourself out — I don’t care.’”

It wasn’t long before Jeff and Tami’s marriage hit a crisis point, and Tami took the kids for the summer, leaving Jeff at home. She told him, “You need to figure out what you’re going to do with your life.” One day during that summer, Jeff opened a sermon tape about Ecclesiastes. “One verse summed up my life over the past eight years: ‘Everything is meaningless.’ The pastor talked about how life without God is meaningless. It rang true to me, and I thought, There must be more in this book that’s true.”

Jeff listened to a year and a half of sermon tapes in just over a month. “Wherever I went, in the car or at home with my Walkman, I was listening to sermons. Solomon knew more about life today than all the self-help books combined.”

After spending a lot of time in Ecclesiastes, Jeff opened his Bible to the beginning. “I just broke when I got to Genesis 1:1. I felt a sense of holy fear run through me. I called my friend and cried out, ‘There’s a God!’ He told me, ‘Yeah, I’ve been trying to tell you that for a year and a half. Have you gotten to the part about Jesus? I don’t want to ruin the ending for you, but go to the book of John.’”

When Jeff read the parable of the prodigal son, he broke down. “I was overwhelmed, thinking of God’s grace and a loving Father I didn’t have. My earthly father was a hard man. I was picturing being covered in pig slop, and my Father run-

ning to greet me. That marked a new beginning for me and for my marriage.”

The Holy Side of Humor

When Jeff began following Christ at age 40, it changed not only his life but also his comedy. “Now I begin with prayer. I ask God to be my muse, to spark a thought, or even to send me a funny angel!” People sometimes question whether humor has a role in a serious matter like faith. But Jeff believes that God created us to laugh. “Laughter is too healing to not be by design. Laughter releases endorphins, the body’s natural morphine. My goal is to leave you stoned out of your gourd — legally!”

He goes on to say that humor disarms people. “If you make them laugh for 45 minutes, you’ve earned the right to share your faith. I’m not a theologian — I’m doing this because it keeps me centered and focused on what’s most important in my life. But I believe God put it in us to laugh and be full of joy.”

In his signature way of speaking the truth in humor, he says, “You’ve got the love of Christ in you—now tell your face!” 

Stephanie Rische edits and writes in the Chicago area, where she lives with her husband and two sons. When she isn’t chasing down commas or little boys, she blogs at stephanierische.com . Her memoir, I Was Blind (Dating), but Now I See , recounts how God surprised her with his grace and love.

ARE WE THERE YET?

In his recent book Are We There Yet? Jeff Allen weaves together his trademark humor with the inspirational story of how God transformed his life from messed up to meaningful. He recounts how God brought him out of hopelessness and substance abuse, saved his marriage and family, and gave him purpose and a calling.

For Jeff, the highlight of publishing his book has been the way people have passed it along to their unbelieving friends. “People are surprised at how relevant the Bible is for what they’re struggling with. The Bible sits there with dust on top of it, but all the answers are right there in that one book.”

One evening while on tour, Jeff was eating dinner before the show, and a man approached him. “He told me, ‘My wife and I have been struggling in our marriage. But we’re working through your book now, and we’re going to stick it out. We figure if you can get through it, we can too.’”

You can find out more about Jeff Allen and his tour schedule at his website, jeffallencomedy.com

The Life-Changing Pumpkin

ne autumn day, a kid asked his dad to help him carve a pumpkin. The dad agreed, then asked his son if he knew what a carved pumpkin represents. The child looked puzzled, so his dad

“The pumpkin represents us. “We all come in different shapes, sizes and colors. We grow in different places. However, we’re all humans at the core, just like all pumpkins are pumpkins at the core. We’re more alike than we are different. We all need a carver to reach our full potential.”

He then explained that every pumpkin is filled with “gunk” no matter its outward appearance. The same is true for us. Our “gunk” is sin — all the bad thoughts, words, and actions in our lives. Because the first humans sinned, everyone since has a sinful core, passed down through their seeds.

“This seems like a sad story,” the child responded. “Why are you telling me this, Dad?”

“This story has the happiest of endings, son. Jesus is the carver. He came to Earth and died on a cross. He rose from the grave three days later and is alive today. If we turn from our sins and

trust Him as our Lord and Savior, He promises to clean out all the “gunk” inside. He forgives all our sins.”

He explained how Jesus gradually carves out the pieces that don’t honor Him and shapes us into the person He’s calling us to be. Sometimes it’s painful to let go of those pieces. However, we can trust the Carver to mold us for our own good. Over time, we look more like Jesus.

Jesus also puts His Spirit within us, who brings light into our lives and shines bright to the world living in darkness, like a candle in a carved-out pumpkin. He gives us hope, strength, comfort, and confidence even in the darkest times.

“That is great news!” The child paused. “So, why are so many people not following Jesus?”

“Our mission is to share this truth with as many people as we can so they can experience the hope only found in Jesus.” Then they can also be carved into God’s image and let His light shine in and through them. 

Bradley is the Children & Family Pastor at FBC Portland in Portland, TN where he resides with his wife, Gracie, and daughter, Annalee. He has an MA in Theology from Liberty University. He is the author of No More Acceptance: Uncovering and Overcoming the Pattern of the World and maintains an active blog, at faithfamilyministry.com.

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.

By Jerry and Shirley Rose

Unlikely Mentors

As I think back over the years of people who have influenced my life, I’m deeply grateful for all the wonderful men and women who have helped shape the person I’ve become. I’ve been blessed with many. Among them, however, have been a few unlikely mentors who have also left a lasting impression on my life. I have discovered that God is not limited to those we believe qualified, but often uses people we least expect.

Hal was abrasive and belligerent and was not well liked in the Dallas broadcasting market.

In fact, a local sportswriter, offended by one of Hal’s sports commentaries, actually physically assaulted him at a sports luncheon. I was not aware of his reputation when he hired me as a rookie radio announcer but it didn’t take long to find out. A mere mention of who I worked for usually got me an earful. Few people could get along with Hal but God gave me favor and he took time to mentor me in the radio business. Despite what others thought about Hal, I learned from him and enjoyed my time there.

One evening, in one of his frequent fits of anger, Hal walked into the control room and fired the host of the jazz show on the spot. After the show I asked him what he intended to do about the host position. He had no idea. Though I knew very little about jazz, I told him I believed I could produce a show that would attract an audience and asked if I could be a consideration. The next day I became the host of a late-night jazz show called “Just Gentle Jazz.” The show did well enough. Hal offered me a long-term contract. It was a wonderful opportunity for a young announcer but I knew it was not my future. God’s calling on my life was in Christian television and this job was just part of the journey. However, the successful program and the experience I gained gave me confidence enough to pursue my true calling and move on to greater things.

One event stands out from all the other memories of my time there. Hal approached me in one of his more gregarious moments. He put his arm around me, gave me a big hug, and said “Kid, I like you. You don’t have a lot of talent, but you’re a hard worker and I’m gonna make something outa ya.”

It took a minute to process it, but then I smiled. Hal had reached out to me as my mentor in the best way he knew how. At that moment, it was as if God

was speaking to me through Hal. I was just a young kid struggling with my identity and self-doubt. I was painfully aware of my personal limitations. But through Hal, God was telling me He knew everything about me, including my weaknesses. Even so, He had a plan for my life, and He would make up the difference. My responsibility was to trust Him, remain faithful, and keep showing up. Hal wasn’t “gonna make somethin’ outa me.” God was going to do it and had put Hal in my life as an unlikely mentor to help prepare me for my future. Hal didn’t realize how encouraging and powerful those words were. Many times during huge challenges in my ministry, I was painfully aware I didn’t have a lot of talent but I knew if I worked hard and trusted God, I would be a success.

Think about this. Jesus mentored an unlikely rag tag group of Jewish commoners who became the leaders of the early Church and took the Gospel to the world. These unlikely mentors traveled the known world, trained the early church and brought millions to Christ. They also wrote a big chunk of the New Testament. As you are faithful, God will place you in exactly the right place to have a meaningful influence on the life of others. Here are some important reminders about mentoring:

• Let everyone you meet add something to your life.

• Do your best to contribute wisdom, encouragement, and richness to every person you meet.

• You are never too old to be mentored.

• You are never too old (or too young) to mentor others.

The key is to be humble enough to learn from others, even if it seems they have little to offer. And be willing to share your life experience and the wisdom you have gained with someone God brings into your life—even at the risk of seeming proud or arrogant. You never know what your words will mean to that person’s future. 

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned.

— Titus 2:7

Make Love Your Aim

70 Years of Life and Ministry Together

By Michelle Adserias

G od moves in ways we do not understand. As we go about our daily lives, He is working out His divine plan — a plan we can typically only see when we look in the rearview mirror. Such is the case for Eugene and Elvira Gauerke.

(Photo

Eugene and Elvira Gauerke.

Wisconsin)

credit: Old Time Portraits, Baileys Harbor,

Eugene Gauerke —

Wisconsin Farm Boy

Born in 1931, Eugene spent most of his early years on the farm, first in Pella and later near Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He worked hard, alongside his family, making ends meet with little to spare. He sold eggs to the local hatchery, milked cows and worked at a pea vinery at harvest time. For a little extra money, he and his siblings trapped rodents for a bounty of 5-10 cents per head. Later, they graduated to muskrats and an occasional mink, which paid considerably better.

When he was in high school, Gene contracted rheumatic fever. He was confined to bed and missed his last two months of high school, though he was allowed to graduate with his class. The illness was a blessing in disguise. On one of several visits, his principal said he would help Gene get a scholarship to attend college – something Gene never planned to do.

He completed his first two years at Oshkosh State College (now University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh). During his sophomore year, he was invited to attend Church Leadership Training School through his local Lutheran church. “The week of Bible study and Christian fellowship gave me a new perspective on life,” Gene notes in his book, Make Love Your Aim.

In fact, it changed his life direction. Several people, including his pastor, encouraged him to become a minister. Gene knew his family could never afford private school tuition. But God provided a way when his pastor and his home church helped pay his tuition at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.

Elvira Mae Steinley — North Dakota Farm

Girl

Vi grew up in a small house on the North Dakota prairie, near the homestead her grandparents had established in 1907. Like Gene, she worked alongside her family to keep the farm running smoothly. Her family also boarded several school teachers since they lived near the school house. Vi remembers Miss Hanson, one of her teachers, treating her to a box of chocolate covered cherries — a rare treat that became a lifelong love — when she had a severe case of the whooping cough.

Vi looked forward to Sundays. They attended church regularly, though Vi and her siblings were excused from the German services held once a month. Her favorite annual church event was Mission Festival Sunday. There was a morning and evening service, each with a guest pastor. Between services, the guests would often have lunch with Vi’s family.

After high school graduation, in 1951, Vi began working at the county treasurer’s office. Her first investment was a shiny, black Plymouth; used but in excellent condition. The following summer, Vi attended the National Luther League Convention in Lansing, Michigan. The Holy Spirit was at work in the lives of the 12,000 youth in attendance as they were challenged to consider devoting their lives to full-time ministry. It changed Vi’s life direction. “I came away from the convention with a burning desire to do my part.” Vi wanted to

attend Wartburg College, though she had no idea how she was going to pay for it. In the end, she sold her car and left her job. With help from her family and church, she boarded the train for Iowa with nothing more than a suitcase and a bag lunch.

From One Date to Becoming One

The Wisconsin farm boy and the North Dakota farm girl caught each other’s eyes. So, when a high school student came to the men’s dorm at Wartburg, selling tickets for a production called “The Bishop’s Mantle,” Gene managed to pull together $4 for two tickets and asked Vi to go with him. She was thrilled “the cute guy from Oshkosh State” wanted to take her on a date. As they walked and talked, to and from the play, Gene thought, “Here’s a girl after my own heart.” Vi recalls, “I accepted his invite and the rest is history.”

Gene and Vi were married in North Dakota in 1954, then moved to Dubuque, Iowa so Gene could finish his studies at Wartburg Seminary. Vi worked to help Gene pay for his master’s degree. They lived on campus in a small trailer, eight feet wide by 24 feet long, and shared a bathhouse and laundry facilities with 35 other couples living in similar trailers. The cozy situation created a family-like environment for all the students and their spouses.

When spring internships were being assigned, Gene hoped to serve in a church on either the East or West coast. Instead, God sent him to Green Bay, Wisconsin, not far from where he was raised. His responsibilities included youth ministry and evangelism. He and Vi served the church and larger community well until 1962, when God opened the door for Gene to serve on the West Coast, as he had always wanted.

Gene and Vi moved to Chapel of Peace Lutheran Church in Inglewood, California. By now, they had two children and Vi was seven months pregnant. They feared child #3 was going to be born on the road, in Wyoming. But the pain and nausea turned out to be a false alarm. Their son arrived after they were settled into their new home.

Moving on to New Adventures

Pastoring in California was a new adventure for Gene and Vi. The church was thriving and the affiliated school was bustling with activity. God was growing their church family as their own family was growing.

The choir director at Chapel of Peace was also Lawrence Welk’s star accordion player, Myron Floren. Each year he hosted the Myron Floren review to raise funds for the church and school. Many of the cast members, including Mr. Welk himself, would take part in the shows. Gene and Vi developed a friendship with Mr. Floren that endured their move from California, to New Mexico, and back to Wisconsin, where Gene pastored at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca until he retired.

But their life together has entailed far more than ministry. Together they raised five children, all of whom are still strong in their faith. Gene gives Vi the credit for faithfully caring for and teaching their children when he was often busy with pastoral responsibilities. Vi gives Gene the credit. “I believe

Gene’s greatest sermon and example to me, and perhaps our children too, is his everyday attitude and approach to life.”

They also traveled together, learning and growing at every opportunity. “Walking with Gene has been a continuing education of enriching experiences through travel, retreats, seminars, Elderhostels, cruises, hikes up mountains and down canyons and canoeing in the Boundary Waters,” Vi said. In fact, they hiked to the bottom of the canyon (the Grand Canyon) once and spent the night in sleeping bags under a picnic table.

Thoughts on Marriage

Gene credits their long and happy marriage to this; they both try to practice biblical love.

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

— 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

MARRIAGE STATISTICS:

• The average length of a marriage is eight years.

• Half of all marriages don’t live up to the vows, “’till death us do part.”

• 41% make it to the silver anniversary; 25 years.

• 5% make it to golden; 50th.

• 2% reach 60, a testimony to long life and unwavering love.

• Only 1/10 of 1% of couples are blessed enough to celebrate 70 years together.

The key word is try. Gene and Vi are quick to say they have their share of squabbles. And there were nights they did let the sun set on their anger. But in the end, God’s love flowing through them won out. “Our secure anchor amid the vicissitudes of life has been our faith in God, our family and our friends in the church,” Gene said.

They took the vows made on that hot summer day seriously. They became one and will continue living as one “until death do us part.” Gene observed the hardest part of becoming one is figuring out which one you are going to become!

Gene firmly believes if a husband and wife move forward in the truth of their unity in Christ, it will eliminate much marital friction. Submission won’t be a burden when a man acts in his own best interest by treating his wife well. Gene once heard a Dakota rancher put it this way: “If a man has enough horse sense to treat his wife like a thoroughbred, she will never turn into an old nag!”

When asked what advice he’d offer other couples, he recommended three things:

• Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy. A time together for daily devotions and prayer is also important.

• Avoid the number one cause of divorce. Create a budget with a biblical tithe. Prioritize food, housing and other necessities over entertainment and nonnecessities.

• If you’re marriage isn’t all you think it should be, consult a pastor or professional counselor. Jesus promised, “Ask, and it will be given you, seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.”

God has been good to Mr. and Mrs. Gauerke. He has blessed them both with long and fruitful lives so they could grow old together. 70 years of life and ministry together. Such milestones in life are worth celebrating. Congratulations Gene and Vi! 

Quotes were taken from Make Love Your Aim , by Eugene and Elvira Gauerke.

The Gauerke’s celebrate their anniversary with their children and family. Top Left to Right: Nathan, Tom, Tim, and Dan Bottom Left to Right: Vi, Gene, and Cathy

Gene and Vi Gauerke’s wedding day. (Photos courtesy of Eugene and Elvira Gauerke)

1,464

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The NLT Courage For Life Study Bible is an extraordinary resource as you read and study God’s Word. With an insightful study on every page of New Living Translation text, the NLT Courage For Life Study Bible provides a discipleship pathway never before seen in a Bible. Equipped with the Filament Bible app.

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

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

He’s a former vice president and physician in residence at Focus on the Family, and the American Life League named him a “Rock-Solid Pro-Life” awardee. He’s also an award-winning medical journalist and the bestselling author of over 40 books. He and his wife of 50 years, Barb, have two adult children and reside in Colorado Springs. You can find his daily blog at www.DrWalt.com and follow him on Facebook at “DrWalt.com.” Have questions for Dr. Walt? Email them to editor@ todayschristianliving.org

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).

Understanding Your Health

Six Questions to Review with Your Family Physician

Maintaining good physical, emotional/ mental, social/family, and spiritual health can be a complex endeavor. Many factors in each of these four wheels of health influences not only how we feel and function daily, but how “smooth” a health ride we’ll have in life (quality), and how long of a life we may have (quantity of life). During their annual health maintenance visits with me, it’s not unusual for patients to ask questions regarding various aspects of their wellbeing about which they wonder or about which they are concerned. I have been asked many health questions over the last forty years. Here are some of the most common. Although I’ll give some brief, general answers below, you may wish to consider asking your physician for more detailed answers, tailored to you - as only your family physician can – to help you make informed decisions about your health.

1. What are the key factors influencing my overall health?

Your overall health is influenced by a combination of genetics, lifestyle, environment, and healthcare. Genetics play a role in your susceptibility to certain conditions, but lifestyle choices such as diet, physical activity, alcohol, drugs, and smoking can have a much more significant impact on your health. A balanced “Mediterranean type” diet –rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains – coupled with regular exercise, can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes and even some forms of cancer. Environmental factors, including exposure to pollutants or hazardous substances, also contribute to your health. Working on reducing stress, anxiety, and depression (the “SAD” disorders), improving relationships with your family, friends, and health community, and working on your spiritual health and applying spiritual disciplines to your life can all improve your overall health. Regular check-ups and screenings with your dental and medical professionals as well as your pastor or a spiritual mentor can be crucial, as these folks can help detect potential issues early and manage existing conditions effectively. By addressing these factors,

you can improve your overall health and reduce the risk of developing serious health problems.

2. How often should I get routine screenings and vaccinations?

Routine screenings and vaccinations are vital for early detection and prevention of diseases. The frequency of these depends on factors like age, gender, and personal health history. Generally, adults should have a yearly physical exam to monitor their health. Screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol (a lipid profile), and diabetes (a fasting blood sugar and/or A1C test) should be performed regularly, typically every 1-5 years, depending on your risk factors. Cancer screenings like mammograms, Pap smears, and colonoscopies have specific guidelines based on age and risk. Vaccinations should be updated according to recommended schedules; for instance, the flu vaccine is recommended annually, while other vaccines might be required every few years or as per specific guidelines. Discuss with your physician to determine the appropriate schedule based on your individual health profile. You can also find a “OnePage Adult Preventive Health Care Schedule: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations at a Glance” at tinyurl.com/3shetbhj.

3. What should I do if I’m experiencing persistent fatigue or stress?

Persistent fatigue and/or stress can be caused by various factors, ranging from lifestyle, mental or emotional or spiritual issues, to underlying medical conditions. The most common causes are lifestyle issues including abuse of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs, non-restful or inadequate sleep and rest, high anxiety or stress levels, poor nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, poor relationships, or ignoring spiritual disciplines. However, continuous tiredness or stress could also indicate more serious conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, depression, thyroid or other hormone disorders, anemia, or chronic fatigue syndrome or post-COVID syndrome (long COVID). To address this, start by evaluating your sleep

patterns and stress levels. Ensuring you get enough quality sleep and managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling can be beneficial. A balanced diet and regular physical activity play a major role in combating fatigue. If fatigue persists despite these changes, it is wise to consult your family physician for a comprehensive evaluation. They might recommend blood tests or other diagnostic procedures to identify any underlying health issues. I have a complementary and somewhat comprehensive health-screening questionnaire you can find at DrWalt.com. Scroll to the bottom of the page and download and print off the “Adult 4-Wheel Diagram.” Then download and print off the “Assess Your Health - Adult Christian (English)” questionnaire.

4. How can I manage stress effectively?

Managing stress is crucial for maintaining mental, relational, spiritual, and physical health. Effective stress management strategies include a combination of lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, social clubs, worship and church activities, and sometimes professional support from a counselor. Again, incorporating regular physical exercise and a healthy diet into your routine can help reduce stress by releasing several healthy hormones that can improve overall mood. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, Bible study and scripture memory, prayer time, quiet times, and deep-breathing exercises, can also be effective in managing stress. Additionally, engaging in hobbies and social and church activities that you enjoy can provide a mental break from stressors. For some, talking to a pastoral professional or a Christian mental health professional or counselor can be beneficial, especially if stress is overwhelming or persistent. Your family physician or pastor can offer guidance on stress management techniques and refer you to specialists if needed.

5. What is the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, and how can I achieve it?

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall health and well-being. Being overweight or underweight can increase the risk of various health conditions, including arthritis, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some cancers. A healthy weight supports optimal bodily functions, improves energy levels and sleep patterns, and enhances quality of life. To find out if your weight is healthy, the National Institutes of Health has an online tool to help you “Calculate Your Body Mass Index,” at tinyurl.com/2dd449nz. To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, focus on a balanced Mediterranean type of diet and regular physical activity. Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods while avoiding excessive consumption of sugars and unhealthy fats is important. Incorporating regular exercise, such as brisk walking, jogging, or strength training, helps to burn calories and build muscle. Setting realistic goals and making gradual changes to your lifestyle can lead to sustainable weight management. Consulting with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist or a fitness expert may provide additional personalized strategies for achieving your weight goals.

6. How can I improve my sleep quality?

Good sleep quality is essential for overall health and wellbeing. Poor sleep can lead to a range of issues, including impaired cognitive function, weakened immune response, and increased risk of chronic conditions. To improve sleep quality, establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Create a sleep-friendly environment by ensuring your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Avoid stimulants like caffeine or chocolate, alcohol, and electronic screens before bedtime, since these can interfere with your ability to fall asleep or obtain a deep, restful sleep. Engaging in relaxing activities, such as reading, prayer, meditation, scripture reading or memorization, or taking a warm bath, can help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. If sleep issues persist, consult your family physician to rule out sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea, which may require specific treatments.

Conclusion

By addressing these fundamental questions with your physician, you can gain valuable insights into maintaining and improving your health. Remember that open communication with your healthcare professional(s) is key to understanding and managing your health effectively. 

HELPFUL RESOURCES

I’ve written several books, all recommended by the Christian Medical and Dental Associations (CMDA) as being “medically reliable” and biblically sound, to help you improve your health:

• 10 Essentials of Happy, Healthy People: Becoming and Staying Highly Healthy has not been recently updated, but almost all the information in it is still accurate.

• Fit over 50: Make Simple Choices for a Healthier, Happier You. Despite the title, this will be helpful for all adults, even young adults.

• The Natural Medicines Handbook: The Truth about the Most Effective Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements for Common Conditions can be useful if you’re interested in these products.

• Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook can help those seeking information on common alternative approaches to traditional medicine.

Joel Penton is probably best known for his performances on the football field. As a defensive tackle for the Ohio Buckeyes for five years, he was a member of three Big Ten championship teams, a member of the National Championship team, and a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection.

Football wasn’t his whole world, however. He was already doing some public speaking when he went into college and was considering whether he should become a pastor. So, Joel studied strategic communications. He was actively involved in a variety of local and national outreaches and summer mission trips – to places as far from home as East Asia.

As impressive as his football career was, Joel’s most notable achievement during his college years was receiving the Wuerffel Trophy, also known as the Humanitarian Heisman, in his senior year. This award is presented to the one college football player in the nation who best exemplifies a heart for community service while excelling academically and on the field.

After he graduated from Ohio State University, he faced a choice. He could pursue an opportunity to play in the NFL or he could expand the public speaking ministry he was already establishing. He weighed his options and decided the eternal impact he could have on students was of greater value than the money he could potentially make as a professional football player.

Stand for Truth and LifeWise Academy

Joel quickly established Stand for Truth and dove into fulltime public speaking. He focuses on bringing the gospel to teenagers in public schools through outreach events and school assemblies. During the assemblies, he encourages students to make good life choices and develop positive character traits. He then invites them to a follow-up event, off school grounds, where he can tell them more about his faith. Over the years, Joel has spoken to over one million students.

In 2018, inspired by a group of parents from his hometown of Van Wert, Ohio, Joel launched LifeWise Academy. The parents in Van Wert had discovered a little-known Supreme Court ruling from 1952 that allowed released time religious instruction for public school students. Students could legally be released from school to receive Bible instruction under three conditions. 1. Classes must be held off school property. 2. Students must have their parents’ permission to participate. 3. The program must be privately funded.

What began as a small offshoot of Joel’s teaching ministry has grown into a thriving opportunity to bring the gospel to public school students of all ages. While Joel’s assemblies are geared toward older kids, LifeWise Academy is focused on building a biblical foundation for children from first grade up. The curriculum takes students from Genesis to Revelation, beginning with basic principles and truths and introducing more in-depth teachings as the children mature and grow - always sticking to core Christian essentials to avoid division over denominational distinctives.

Joel Penton, founder of LifeWise Academy.

Lifewise Academy students learning about godly character.

(Photos courtesy of LifeWise Academy)

During the 2023-2024 school year, LifeWise Academy was active in 331 school districts. For the 2024-25 academic year, LifeWise Academy will serve 558 public schools across 28 states. At this rate, they will outpace their short-term goal of serving 1,000 school buildings by 2026. The ministry’s ultimate goal is to make Bible teaching available in all 13,000 public school districts and all 90,000 buildings within those districts – reaching 50 million public school students.

Opposition to the Gospel

No one will be surprised to learn this educational opportunity has faced opposition along the way. “There are some parents and families who don’t like the Bible, oppose scripture and don’t want kids studying it.” According to Joel, they spread misinformation, argue that it shouldn’t be legal and object to this option being available to other families – even though participation is voluntary.

Some parents express understandable concerns about the negative impact they fear LifeWise Academy could have on their child’s academic performance. However, LifeWise Academy works with the local school to schedule classes during non-core curriculum hours to make sure no one’s education is interrupted. It’s offered as an elective, like music or art, at the same point in the schedule other electives are offered.

NBC Nightly News even took a shot at LifeWise Academy. Their attempt to call the ministry into question and tear it down backfired. It brought Joel’s work to the attention of many people who wanted to support and promote his ministry.

Far from detracting from academics, LifeWay Academy is having a positive influence on the students who attend. “We hear stories every day about kids being transformed and families being reconnected to churches,” Joel said. He also noted that schools working with LifeWise Academy report attendance is going up, disciplinary issues are going down, and fewer detentions are being doled out. These are all measurable results. But God is also at work in greater ways – ways we cannot see — in the hearts and lives of students. The ministry stands confident

LEARN MORE

If you would like to know more about the why and how behind Joel Penton’s ministry, you may be interested in reading these books he wrote: During School Hours and Lies Almost Every Teen Believes.

in the legality of what they are doing and in the power of God’s word to change lives.

LifeWise Academy in Your Community

Joel Penton grew up in a Christian home. He was always involved in church and came to faith in Christ as a high school freshman when he heard the gospel presented at a Bible study he was attending. His life changed forever. In the years that followed, God sent a string of excellent teachers to lead Joel and help him mature in his faith. Learning about the gospel, and all the other teachings in Scripture, became essentials in his life and guided his decisions. Joel is grateful for this opportunity to step into that essential teaching role and help lead others to life and maturity in Christ.

LifeWise Academy has expanded Joel’s reach beyond the students he can speak to personally. Through teachers, volunteers, a dedicated community and a well-established curriculum, the gospel is going out to public school children throughout the nation.

If you’d like to explore the possibility of starting LifeWise Academy at your local school, you’ll find all the information you need at www.lifewise.org. LifeWise provides all the systems and processes a local team will need to build their program; from staff training and curriculum to permission slip templates and promotional materials. One of the ministry’s goals is to take the burden and guesswork out of launching an academy.

Although LifeWise Academy students pay nothing to attend classes, there are costs involved. Each academy is responsible for finding an off-school location to hold classes, a director, teachers and volunteers, and funding to keep their academy open. LifeWise suggests fund-raising strategies that have succeeded in the past. Many communities garner the necessary support from businesses, churches and individuals.

Let’s go back to Van Wert, Ohio for a moment. This small community has a 90% student participation rate in their LifeWise Academy, even though most of the young people don’t attend church regularly. The average participation rate, throughout the program, is closer to 50%.

The first thing Joel recommends to anyone interested in launching LifeWise Academy in their community is prayer. Pray God will make the way clear. Pray for protection against opposition. Pray for support and financial contributions from the community. Pray for the right facility to host classes. Pray for a director, teachers and volunteers. Pray for the students who will attend. Then trust God to provide what you need. As God opens doors, the ministry will be there to help advance the work He has started.

Can you support this ministry even if you aren’t able to start an academy in your community? Yes! Visit www.lifewise.org and find out how to sponsor a student or give to the ministry as a whole. 

But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

— Matthew 19:14

Ask the Animals

Q&A with Annette Whipple

How did you develop an interest in exploring nature and understanding wild things?

I spent a good bit of time outdoors as a child, especially at the backyard creek (we called it a “crick”) with my older sister. But my pursuit of nature—the wild world—really began with my job as an environmental educator. Five days a week, I took school groups hiking and taught science and nature-themed workshops. As I fed and celebrated my students’ curiosity, as well as my own, I learned a lot about plants and animals as well as their importance.

Did anyone in particular inspire your passion for science and nature?

I’m forever grateful to the late Professor Patrick Duddy of Kutztown University, and his hands-on course for teaching science to elementary students, for opening my eyes to the excitement of science. My passion developed as I spent more and more time in nature.

What

is your favorite creature and why?

Naming a favorite is hard for me! I’ll share two.

To this day, owls still remind me of my grandmother because she collected prints and trinkets of owls. As a young adult, I appreciated learning more about them as I explored their mysterious ways. I even held a huge Eurasian Eagle Owl while I was researching owls for a writing project.

Fireflies are another favorite. I have fond memories of catching them as a child with my siblings and still catch them to this day with my own children. I love how each species has a unique flashing pattern.

You’ve already met some interesting creatures. Which creature would you like to meet next and why?

Just one creature? That’s hard because I want to meet—and understand—all of them! However, the little bit I know about

octopuses makes me want to meet some up close and learn more about them. Their intelligence fascinates me.

How and when did you begin understanding the connection between creation and the Creator?

I already appreciated the outdoors, but my first teaching job at a nature center changed me. Hiking in the woods, exploring streams, and teaching science workshops daily helped me to focus on creation. In turn, I also focused on the Creator. I wanted to know more about the world He created and haven’t stopped learning.

What is the most memorable thing God has helped you understand through your studies?

I’ve learned God always has a purpose in nature. The stolen bird’s egg is nourishment for another animal. The fallen tree decomposes to provide nutrients to the soil. Even forest fires are needed for certain seeds to germinate. It’s important to remember God always has a purpose in our lives, too.

What is your favorite nature-based object lesson in Scripture?

Matthew 6:26 reminds us we are valuable to God. The birds don’t need to sow, reap, or gather, yet our Heavenly Father cares for all of their needs. We’re even more important to God than they are. He always cares for and loves us.

Why is it important for children to see and understand the link between God and all He’s made?

As we live in wonder of creation, we draw closer to God. I think it’s easy for many of us to look at a sunset, the Grand Canyon, or a Siberian tiger and recognize God’s creativity. However, it’s also important for us to understand God created and uses less-celebrated animals like turkey vultures, minnows,

(Photograph courtesy of Annette Whipple) Used with permission.

and black widow spiders. We can learn from all of these critters. Job 12:7 says, “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you.” As children learn more about God and all He has made, they want to know more about Him and His Son, Jesus.

How can parents and grandparents encourage their children and grandchildren to explore creation?

As with most things, parents, grandparents, and caregivers encourage children to explore creation best when they model it. Live in wonder. Wonder aloud and ask questions. Not all questions need to be answered, but maybe some will lead to an online search, an aquarium visit, or a book as you celebrate curiosity. An ordinary day becomes an adventure when we live in wonder. Share the wonder together.

What inspired you to write this devotional?

With children of my own, I wanted more books exploring science topics with a Christian worldview. It wasn’t long before I realized others might have the same need, and I might be the one to write them. My initial idea was to highlight amazing insects while sharing faith connections. Over time my idea expanded to include additional animals, along with interactive components for curious kids and animal lovers.

Tell our readers a little about Quirky Critter Devotions.

I wrote Quirky Critter Devotions: 52 Wild Wonders for Kids to celebrate familiar animals and introduce lesser-known species to children while connecting them to our magnificent Creator. I loved the writing and research, though it was hard to limit myself to just 52 animals. The book is divided into categories including mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, fish, insects, and spiders.

Readers meet each creature with a large photograph and fast facts, like its diet and size. Several paragraphs focus on animal facts and then conclude with a faith connection. Next, the reader turns the page and reads a Bible verse and prayer. A journal prompt encourages readers to consider real-life applications. Each animal also has a new fact featured as a “Wild Wonder.” A “Creature Connection” activity includes a wide variety of crafts, games, snacks, experiments, and more.

Each devotion is four pages long. With so much to discover about animals while focusing on faith, some readers prefer to spend a week with each devotion while others complete a devotion daily.

EXPLORE NATURE TOGETHER

Exploring nature doesn’t need to be a lesson. Simply watching for and recognizing the beauty in the world is a fabulous beginning. However, as a child shows interest, you can encourage them to learn the names of different plants, animals, rocks, cloud formations — whatever captures their attention. There are numerous field guides, apps, and online videos that will help you explore the new world you’ve discovered. Here are just a few activities to celebrate curiosity together:

• Watch for ordinary wonders. Talk about the flower growing in a sidewalk crack, the first spring sighting of the American robin, or the spider building an orb web.

• Learn to identify trees together. Notice the differences among similar trees (such as sugar maples and red maples).

• Take wonder walks. Watch for changes during the different seasons of the year. Encourage your child to take photographs or draw pictures.

• Explore your neighborhood in a variety of weather conditions and times of day. Together, learn to identify a plant or animal.

• Learn to identify a local bird’s call. Can you see the bird, too? Add a new bird call each week or month.

• Learn even more about our world through museums, gardens, webcams, videos, and fact-filled books.

KNOW NATURE WITH APPS

iNaturalist: Get identifications of plants and animals from experts.

Merlin Bird ID App: Learn to identify birds you hear by their calls and more.

Picture This: A plant identification app (for a fee). Seek by iNaturalist: Get quick identification of plants and animals and more in this kid-friendly app.

Have you written other children’s books our readers might find interesting?

I think facts are fun, so I write science and history books for children. For fans of American history and the Little House books, there’s The Laura Ingalls Wilder Companion: A Chapterby-Chapter Guide which provides additional information, context, and discussion ideas in addition to 75 kid-friendly activities to help readers live like Laura and Almanzo.

The Truth About animal series features seven books including: Woof! The Truth about Dogs; Flick! The Truth about Lizards; Scurry! The Truth about Spiders and Whooo Knew? The Truth About Owls. Chomp! The Truth About Sharks is coming soon. These books feature a question-and-answer format with details curious children appreciate, while bold photographs and humorous illustrations capture their attention even more.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

Jeremiah 29:11 has been my long-time favorite Bible verse as it reminds me of God’s purpose and plans for me. Then verses 12 and 13 help me to remember God’s desire for all of us to seek him.

With some recent life challenges, I’ve held Romans 12:12 close to my heart. It tells us , “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers?

Continue to celebrate curiosity and live in wonder. For more ideas and inspiration, I have free printables on my website. Adults can explore my teacher/family guides which pair with my animal books or print Quirky Critter Question Cards to celebrate curiosity even more. They’re at AnnetteWhipple.com I also love to connect with curious people through my monthly newsletter, social media, and events like school visits.

Get outside and enjoy a wild wonder today! 

Annette Whipple celebrates curiosity and inspires others through her words. She is a speaker and children’s author of a dozen books. However, the people who know Annette best think of her as a wife and mom, former teacher, nature lover, chocolate chip cookie baker (and sometimes burner), peopleloving introvert who lives in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Tyndale and Tyndale’s quill logo

registered trademarks of Tyndale House Ministries.

Editor’s Pick for Kids

What Color is God’s Love?

By Xochitl Dixon (author) and Darshika Varma (illustrator) [Waterbrook Multnomah]

This playful rhyming picture book invites young readers to discover all the ways God’s love can be displayed through a rainbow of colors—from the author of Wonderfully, Marvelously Brown and Different Like Me. God made all the colors displayed in this world—every glorious, fabulous, beautiful shade— to show how good He is and will always be. But what is the color of love? Come and see!

In each and every color, we can discover how great God’s love is for us and how we can let His love shine to others! With each page turn, the focus shifts to a specific color—orange, yellow, blue, green, pink, black, white, gray, brown, red, purple—and explores a different attribute and expression of love through its many shades.

Iwas not quite sure how the word “disputing” got changed in my four-yearold grandson’s mind but when he quoted his memory verse, Philippians 2:24, it came out; “Do all things without murmurings and salami.”

Submitted by Margaret Peterson

Ayoung boy in church for the first time listened to the congregation sing a hymn. When they started on a second hymn he turned to his father and asked loudly, “Daddy, is this soul music?

Submitted by David F. Crosby

Little Tony was so happy to see his grandmother that he ran up and gave her a big hug.

“I’m so happy to see you, grandma. Now daddy will have to do that trick he’s been promising to do!”

His grandmother was curious. “What trick is that, sweetie?”

The little guy smiled at her, “I heard daddy tell mommy he would climb the walls if you came to visit us again!”

From Mikey’s Funnies www.mikeysfunnies.com

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.

Our culture is continually stepping further away from traditional Judeo-Christian values. Living by a standard of ultimate truths is viewed as rather narrow-minded and outdated. Things the culture-at-large once agreed were evil are now embraced. God issues a strong warning to those who reject His commands;

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

— Isaiah 5:20

By Rev. Chris Lee [Tyndale House Publishers]

In Know You Are Beloved, popular Instagram influencer and English priest, Rev. Chris Lee, helps you escape the chaos and focus on who you are before God. You can find it at https://www.tyndale.com/p/know-you-are-beloved/ 9781496474643

and mistreat the people who desire to keep them; He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.

— Proverbs 17:15

We are inundated with anti-Christ messages that fly in the face of God’s truth, messages that are infiltrating our churches and weakening our resolve to stand firm in our faith in the face of opposition. These resources are intended to help you continue growing in Christ until you see Him face to face.

“Serendipity”

[N. Chandler – WisKnol, LLC]

WisKnol is a unique card game of fun, fellowship and learning. Full of relevant facts about the Christian life from creation to the current cosmos – 7 categories. Sound biblical, evangelical truths, history and fascinating facts. Stimulating & encouraging as you increase your knowledge! No trivia – every question counts! Ages: 13-99 yrs. You can find it at www.wisknol.com The

Fantastic Faith

By Kevin Dzuban [Fantastic Faith Comics]

Faith Carpenter is a little girl with a big imagination. Sometimes too big, like when she turns into super heroine Fantastic Faith! Subscribe for FREE, to get her action-packed, biblically based comics delivered straight to your email inbox every month! You can find it at https://fantasticfaith.substack.com/

Praying

Through Your Pregnancy: A Week-by-Week Devotional for Expecting Moms

By Jennifer Polimino and Carolyn Warren

[Revell,

a Division of Baker Publishing Group]

Discover how to reduce stress by placing your confidence in God for the healthy development of your baby. Journaling space and a guide to your baby’s development helps you remember how God was at work each week. Each chapter also contains Scripture verses and a devotional to guide further prayer. You can find it at BakerBookHouse.com

Tracing His Promise: Understanding the Bigger Story of Jesus and What That Means for Us

By Donna Amidon [Kregel]

Bible teacher Donna Amidon walks readers through the Old Testament with engaging explorations starting in Genesis with 25 events, prophecies, and people pointing to Jesus’ coming. What if Jesus is even greater than we imagined? What if there’s more to His story and connection to our lives than we dreamed? You can find it at https://www.donnaamidon.org/

The Fight for Female

Lisa Bevere

[Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group]

New York Times bestselling author Lisa Bevere delivers an urgent, power-filled call to women to understand their enemy, to reclaim their value as females created on purpose, and take their place in the spiritual battleground. You can find it at LisaBevere.com

Set Your Eyes Higher: A 40-Day Reset to Slow Your Anxiety and Fix Your Focus on God

By Whitney Lowe [Zondervan]

Are you overwhelmed and need a break? You're invited to a 40-day reset to help you let go of what's not serving you, honor your limitations, and turn your gaze toward a God who loves you. Set Your Eyes Higher is a life-changing devotional journey from anxiety to peace. You can find it at bit.ly/SetYourEyesHigher

In Our Suffering, Lord Be Near

By Ben Locke [Zondervan]

When author Ben Locke was in his darkest valleys, he was determined to tell God exactly what he thought. He discovered in those moments that God can handle it. And the prayers that poured out offer a road map for you to take your sorrows, grief, and troubles to God. You can find it at https://faithgateway.com/products/in-oursuffering-lord-be-near-prayers-of-hope-for-the-hurting?

This Is Not Forever: Hopeful Reminders That God Has Abundantly More in Store

By Sarah Grace Hallas [Zondervan]

Rediscover hope in the hardest seasons and embrace abundant life today in this 90-day devotional from Sarah Grace Hallas. In This Is Not Forever, encounter God's promises and His presence—even when life doesn't go the way you planned—and journey with Him to a richer, more lasting, faith. You can find it at zondervan.com/p/ this-is-not-forever/

The Secret to Complete Contentment

By Jack Countryman [Thomas Nelson]

Wishing for “more” in life usually leaves us feeling unfulfilled and anxious — especially when we realize that more will never be enough. In The Secret to Complete Contentment, find Bible verses and 60 reflections that reveal why living in the love of Jesus is the only way to true, lasting contentment. You can find it at https://faithgateway.com/products/the-secret-to-completecontentment-how-a-life-with-jesus-brings-ultimate-peace?

Rooted: The NIV Bible for Men

Flourish: The NIV Bible for Women

[Zondervan]

The NIV Bible for Men helps you connect with your identity in Christ as it highlights timeless virtues that are still valued today. It is designed to speak to Christian men honestly and straightforwardly about their role as Christians in the face of cultural pressures and a changing society. You can find it at amazon.com/flourishandrooted

Life in Christ Bible (NKJV)

[Thomas Nelson]

Knowing God’s purpose for your life starts with knowing what God says about you. The Life in Christ Bible helps you discover your value as a person made in God’s image, explore your identity as a new creation in Christ, and live as the person God says you are. You can find it at LifeinChristBible.com

[Zondervan]

Flourish: The NIV Bible for Women is about becoming who you are in Christ through your relationship with H im. Drawing on the truths of Scripture, the features in this Bible will strengthen you with insights and encouragement for the issues you face. You can find it at amazon.com/flourishandrooted

Collector’s Edition

By Hank Hanegraaff [Thomas Nelson]

We all have questions about the Bible — whether we are a seeker or a seasoned Christian. Join the more than half a million people who have looked to The Complete Bible Answer Book for answers about the Bible, Christian beliefs, life problems, and what God’s Word says about current issues. You can find it at http://www.thecompletebibleanswerbook.com The Complete Bible Answer Book:

By Ashley Lande [Lexham Press]

The Thing That Would Make Everything Okay Forever tells Lande’s story of psychedelic devastation and spiritual rescue. It chronicles her trajectory from acid enthusiast to soul-weary druggie to psychedelic refugee. She finally found The Thing That Would Make Everything Okay Forever—in the last place she thought to look. You can find it at https://lexhampress.com/product/299483/ the-thing-that-would-make-everything-okay-forever-transcendence-psychedelics-and-jesus-christ?

Grace From Heaven: Prayers of the Reformation

By Robert Elmer [Lexham Press]

Grace from Heaven collects prayers from influential Protestant voices of the Reformation that express deep longings, theological richness, and a burning desire for God’s grace. By praying along with Martin Luther, John Calvin, Marguerite de Navarre, and many others, we join the chorus of Reformation believers in prayer and contemplation. You can find it at https://lexhampress.com/product/260144/grace-fromheaven-prayers-of-the-reformation?

God’s

Alternative

Education

By Doc Arnett

Inever intended to teach at an alternative high school.

I taught seven years of public high school, did my doctoral work and taught college for seven years. I then opted for a one-year, post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Kentucky. What a wonderful year!

I set my own schedule, did my own thing, and was able to combine my love of photography, poetry, and the outdoors, into a single multi-media project. I didn’t even have to attend classes unless I wanted to! Randa and I loved living in Lexington and hiking the Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge. She even got a job that surpassed her wildest dreams: working on a thoroughbred farm!

Toward the end of the post-doc, I sent out fifteen job applications to different colleges. Most were for positions basically identical to the one I’d had for the previous seven years.

A student enjoys a scenic break from hiking at Cumberland Falls, Kentucky.

(Photos courtesy of Doc Arnett)

I didn’t hear a thing from any of them. Not an interview. Not even a phone call. Nada. I had exceptionally high student reviews and a fairly extensive publishing record, so I was dumbfounded. “Do you people have any idea what an outstanding professor you would be hiring?” Obviously not.

The horse farm job lost its luster when the owners were no longer able to pay her, so Randa gave that up. During the ensuing summer, we leaned on my carpentry and construction background and began contract re-modeling and repair with Handyman, Inc. They handled phone calls and liability insurance; I did quotes and the work. Then we split the check down the middle and each paid our own taxes.

For the first few weeks, it was mostly quotes and no work. Desperate for grocery money, we started selling our own blood plasma. That was also when we started tithing.

Although I’d drop some money into the collection plate at church from my own earnings, even when I was in high school, I’d never actually practiced tithing. Randa and I started giving from the money we made selling blood plasma.

Strangely enough, contracts started picking up. Soon, we were booked over a month in advance and were making pretty good money. God blesses obedient faith.

Toward summer’s end, I began to worry about what would happen toward the end of October. We’d found a good niche in the Lexington area building decks, but I knew that would taper off. I didn’t want to spend three days a week at the Blood Plasma Center and end up looking like a self-propelled pin cushion. Then a phone call changed my life.

Kathleen Morrissey identified herself as the principal of a new alternative school in Georgetown, fifteen miles away. She wanted me to come up and interview for a teaching position. “How did you get my name?” I asked, profoundly puzzled and nearly in shock.

“Leslie Flanders is a friend of mine. She was in a class you were in at UK (the University of Kentucky) and she told me you would be perfect for the alternative school.”

Reluctantly, I agreed to the interview. Even though the idea of going to work with troubled and troubling adolescents put a knot in my gut, I knew this was God’s finger pointing north to Scott County. I never intended to work at an alternative high school. But then, I never intended to sell blood plasma, either.

Out of the blue, God provided a job that gave me a regular paycheck and would develop me spiritually to a degree I never thought possible and in ways I never would have chosen.

It didn’t take long to see it was going to be a very long year.

Addressing a group of twenty-five freshmen, most of whom should have been sophomores, gave me a very quick reality check. Nobody was going to tell these kids what to do or make them do it, either. Some ignored me, some glared at me, some whispered to their friends, none of them looked like they cared the least about what I had to say.

In less than four weeks, I was cussed at more than in the previous forty years. I dealt with more discipline issues than in fourteen years of teaching and broke up more arguments/ fights than in a full hockey season. And in the process, lost ten pounds I didn’t need to lose. I couldn’t eat. My intestinal track was so discombobulated I thought my food might even be functioning as a diuretic!

But I dug in and held on. I was too stubborn to let a bunch of wanna-be thugs run me off. Besides, I needed the money. And in addition to that, several of the students displayed almost human qualities at times. In fact, almost frequently. They only erupted about ten percent of the time. Trouble is, with 25, ten percent means that on any given day, the odds are two-and-a-half to one against you! I learned not to fight with them.

You can’t compete with aggravated adolescents when it comes to being a pain in the patootie; there are more of them and they’re better at it.

Beyond that, I had a higher cause. For reasons He didn’t explain and I couldn’t understand, God had placed me here. It was a mission field and spiritual training ground. He had taken a forty-year-old man who’d grown up self-righteous, intolerant, and rebellious, and placed him smack dab in the middle of a school populated by intolerant and rebellious teenagers. It was a place where I would learn far more than I taught and would find His grace at every step of my walk. And needed every bit of it.

Dealing day-in-and-day-out with kids conditioned to aversion by years of academic difficulty, and the resulting misbehavior, makes episodes of disrespect and disobedience inevitable. It goes with the territory.

Probably because I got a jump on it when they were too little to figure me out, I hadn’t dealt with any real rebellion from my own children. But God provided a training program.

As a fringe benefit in a re-marriage packet, I acquired a fourteen-year-old stepdaughter who introduced me to the

Two students read to elementary pupils.

phenomenon of “oppositional defiant.” She had good reason; she was a teenage girl and I was a stepdad. Reason enough, I’d say. Her outbursts of anger, defiance, deviousness, and verbal onslaught served as an introduction to my later life of teaching in an alternative school. It was a good introduction even if not adequate preparation.

There are two ways to survive, whether you deal with one or with fifty: you can be mean and nasty and forge each episode of abuse/disrespect/disobedience into a red-hot poker of anger, sarcasm, and retribution. Or… you can forgive.

The first method will help you feed the monster that lurks inside us and also quench the Spirit that lives within. Choosing to forgive let me forego the buildup of crud that encrusts the heart and mind and chokes out the pleasure of life long before it chokes out life itself. Choosing to forgive let me remain free to perceive the positive in a person.

Even though they’d wrapped themselves in a few layers of barbed wire, there was good and lovable in all of the students I worked with. Choosing to forgive let me start each day new with each student and let them start new with me. It let me love the hard to love. Choosing to forgive does one other thing, too; it allows me to emulate Christ.

The author (middle) joins a guest banjo player and a teacher (right) in performing bluegrass music for students.

On the cross, Jesus forgave those who didn’t even ask for it, proving again that He models his own teachings. He also said, “Unless you forgive, everyone his brother from the heart, God will not forgive you.”  Forgiving not only freed me emotionally in the ways I’ve described above, it let me walk in the perpetual cleansing of the blood of the Lamb. All the way through that first, incredibly trying and developing year.

Just a week before school started up the second year, I got a call from the superintendent. “Kathleen is having to resign because of health issues. We’d like for you to take over as principal.”

Overnight, my salary nearly doubled. Of course, my responsibilities quadrupled! But that was okay; I knew the One who’d brought me here would continue supplying everything I needed — and more. 

Doc Arnett spent forty years in public education, originally as a high school teacher and later a college professor, then administrator. Also, since 1975, he has served as a preacher and pastor. His writings have appeared in multiple devotionals, literary magazines, consumer periodicals, scholarly journals, and newspapers.

Solomon was right. There is nothing new under the sun. Generation after generation faces the same questions, the same struggles, and the same sin bents. Those issues are just framed differently by the culture in which we live and, in our day and age, by rapidly-changing technology.

Because nothing remains static, new voices are always bringing a fresh perspective to those age-old questions, struggles and sin-bents – voices that speak

By T.I. Lowe [Tyndale House Publishers]

Lowcountry Lost is a Southern second-chance story of loss and abandonment, forgiveness, and the beauty of undying love. Perfect for book club discussion. “This is sure to tug on the heartstrings.” —Publishers Weekly You can find it at https://www.tyndale.com/p/lowcountrylost/9781496465658

to our generation with its unique cultural trappings. The writers have followed God’s lead to offer encouraging, instructive words. Perhaps you will find the message He has for you in one of these new books.

“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

— 2 Timothy 2:2

The Most Miraculous Messiah

[Harvest House Publishers]

Children will love this colorful board book about the many amazing miracles of Jesus. From the masterminds behind the Bible Infographics for Kids series comes this fun and fact-filled exploration of the wondrous things Christ did during his earthly ministry. This is a most miraculous look at our awesome Savior! You can find it at https://bibleinfographics.com/miracles

Lowcountry Lost

Revive: Declarations of God's Truth

to Renew Your

Spirit

[Thomas Nelson]

Do you feel weary? Discouraged? Does life sometimes seem out of control? Amid these moments, it can be difficult to embrace the fullness of life God promises in Him. In Revive, author, speaker, and podcast host Cleere Cherry Reaves helps you reclaim God's unchanging truth for your life. You can find it at bit.ly/ReviveBook

Their Finest Hour

By R.T. Kendall [Thomas Nelson]

A powerful collection of 30 Bible stories about people whose faith in God brought them their finest hour. You’ll learn the importance of sticking to your convictions, letting God be in control, and trusting His plan for your life through stories of biblical figures like Leah, Rahab, and Abraham. You can find it at bit.ly/their-finest-hour

Revering God

By Thaddeus J. Williams [Zondervan Reflective]

Revering God combines profound theological insight with daily devotions to showcase God’s attributes, encouraging you to center your own life around God’s. If you want to move beyond mere belief in God and start living out His attributes in your day-to-day life, this book is for you. You can find it at bit.ly/revering-god

By Becky Shannon [Zondervan]

God’s goodness and grace abounds whether your heart is full or your needs are many. Discover how a spirit of gratitude brings peace and hope to your days in I Will Give Thanks, a 90-day devotional by author and illustrator Becky Shannon, full of thoughtful reflections and beautiful original artwork. You can find it at www.iwillgivethanks.com

Majoring in Motherhood

By Emily Schuch [Cruciform Press]

Moms of little ones ... feeling a little overwhelmed? Join Emily, a Christian mom of six, to find the joy, humor, and rock-solid encouraging truth you need. Delightful, guilt-free, and fun, this book also runs deep. Eight brief chapters offer honest reflections on everyday Mom life, then serve up sound biblical truth to strengthen you. You can find it at Amzn.to/3xQ4ZwS

Who Is Our King?

By Todd Hains [Lexham Press]

Who is this baby? Who is this boy? Who is our king? Simple words and fun illustrations in this board book invite toddlers to meet King Jesus. Boys and girls can follow Jesus from his birth to his resurrection and praise He who made us and saved us. You can find it at https://lexhampress.com/product/299484/who-is-our-king?

The Gospel of God, Vol. 1 (Women's Bible Study on Romans)

By Keri Folmar [Cruciform Press]

This study of Romans 1-8 offers wise and helpful questions to guide you deep into the text. Ideal for small groups or individuals. Space for journaling, spiral-bound for easy writing. “It's hard to imagine a better approach to inductive Bible Study.” — Diane Schreiner, women’s Bible Study leader for 20+ years. You can find it at bit.ly/Romans-Vol1

A Bit of Earth: A Year in the Garden with God

By Andrea G. Burke [Lexham Press]

Prayers, poetry, and Scripture for a life in the garden. In A Bit of Earth, Andrea G. Burke looks at the seasonal practice and common grace of gardening through a devotional lens. You can find it at https:// lexhampress.com/product/268726/a-bit-of-earth-a-yearin-the-garden-with-god?

Audrey Polichnia sees her life as episodical adventures all revealing God’s truths. She loves sunsets, caramels, her husband of more than 40 years, and cats — but not necessarily in that order! They have two children, four grandchildren and right now, just one cat.

* Name has been changed.

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

By Audrey

When You Stand Praying

Though I’ve been born-again for decades and am well-grounded in God’s truth, I forfeited many days where I dared not call myself a Christian. I lost sleep. I had stomach aches. I had headaches. I dripped on my husband every offense and “insight” into someone I slowly allowed myself to love hating. I never believed I could hate any person — I hate only evil! Becoming agitated and upset by someone? Yes, of course, but I could never harbor hate. And yet I had. For many years I secretly held onto deep disdain for someone God called me to love.

I believed if I avoided Jess * it would restore my peace. So, I ceased visiting and bowed out from gatherings at which I suspected Jess would be present. I knew Jess was not born again, so I continued praying for a heart to open to Christ’s love. Years of distance did not reduce my anger, not one smidgen.

Christ to erase each offense from my memory. Just to be certain none would be left out, I recited them verbatim. Was I granted forgetfulness? No. Each injury was only etched deeper in me.

I falsely comforted myself knowing at least I was meek. If I were not, this person would have known every mean thought in my head. So why was I feeling angry rather than blessed? (Doesn’t that just beg for further investigation?)

“Had I not taken off the garments of my old man, my natural self, as Paul described in Ephesians 4:5?”

The mere mention of Jess’ name raised my blood pressure. But hoping Jess would finally talk to and treat me differently, I re-engaged. There was no change. I left feeling intimidated, deflated, and insulted.

Now, I believed (and still believe) every word in the Holy Scriptures and knew within them lay the solution to my problem. As Proverbs advises, I sought counsel from praying friends. “Witness and share Christ’s love and allow the Holy Spirit to convict Jess,” they all said. I did — both boldly and gently. And I was astounded by Jess’ ability to detect the slightest conversational curvature and to authoritatively steer back to meaningless chatter.

Per Hebrews 12:15, I looked for a root of bitterness growing in me. But no, I would never allow a bruise to set and solidify in my heart, like a stone in mortar!

Since God instructed the Hebrews to not dwell on the past (Isaiah 43:18), I prayed to forget the hurtful incidents and innuendos. Surely, He would help me! And since Christians are to pray in general and in specifics, I spent a season asking

Forgiveness brings peace. I knew this. I taught this to Sunday school children and younger women. I practiced it with my problem person. “Forgive Jess’ mean words and actions, Jesus. Forgive Jess’ judgments against me. Jess doesn’t know I’m hurt.” I was sincere. What could be more Christ-like than personalizing the words He said on the cross? But joy never flooded over me. No, the supposed weight of the world was not lifted from my soul.

My undies had been in a bundle for many years. Had I not taken off the garments of my old man, my natural self, as Paul described in Ephesians 4:5? I had not! Despite maturing in Christ, I still childishly “wore” my right to be offended, which morphed into loving to hate! In that horrid eye-opening moment, I confessed to loving anger and hatred and not desiring to forgive the offender. And I wept for grieving my Savior.

The errors of my ways through this needless and voluntary ordeal are now so obvious and embarrassing. Chief among them is that though I asked Christ to forgive the individual, I had not forgiven. Mark 11:25 (NIV) says, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” I cherished my hurt feelings more than obeying my Lord.

I have forgiven Jess. I can now testify to this:

The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down.

— Ps 146:8 (NIV) 

“So, after years of denial, I finally learned to pray.”

(Photos

ThePrayer-holic Father

When I was younger, say twelve or thirteen, I asked my preacher dad: How does God sound when He speaks to a mortal man like you? Why do you pray so much?

My father was a prayer-holic. Is that how you describe a man who prays about everything? When I have a headache, he lays his hand on my head and prays before giving me the pills. He prays for a good planting season. Prays for our domestic animals to birth healthy babies. Prays for peace. Prays for anything that falls under the blurry radar of humanity.

I didn’t get the answers to my questions until I grew older and faced an apocalyptic future inside this republic of dystopia.

As a youngster, I thought prayer was for the weak. I thought my father was weak. I thought he was the weakest of men because he prays too much. I thought prayer was for the needy, the destitute of the earth.

I used to follow him around like his second shadow, back then, and watch him pray his way through his daily tasks. I saw him wrestle through life and fight for his family’s survival. Losing meant his family could starve. And this is Nigeria. The government didn’t care if your family lived or died. You wouldn’t want to imagine the hardship and frustration people endured and wore like a Jewish robe.

My father isn’t a Jew, but he believes in and worships one Jewish man who died and rose again on the third day. As a

gered species, that can only be saved by continually knocking on their closed doors and saying “Jesus loves you” — again and again.

As I grew older, I became more nervous. The future doesn’t look like “Jesus loves you,” like there’s hope. At first, I didn’t pray, I turned to motivational videos. I turned to songs. Oh, songs — blues, rocks, metallic, ballads, whatever. But these didn’t do much. Rock ’n roll can’t cure this kind of sorrow I’m speaking of. Despair. Despair. Every day greeted me with “Good morning, Hope. Welcome to depression!”

Growing up in the, undoubtedly, most religious country in the world has done a number on me and, surely, everyone else around here, too. I’ve attended many churches. Sometimes I’m lucky to find myself in a good one that preaches love and prays too. At other times, I’m unfortunate and go back home with a terrible ache in my heart.

However, being religious or living in a religious neighborhood doesn’t mean you’d love to pray automatically. My father could spend the whole night praying while I dozed off in the next room. Maybe one of the many reasons he prays a lot is that he’s the head of our local church, Airforce Bible Ministry. The name sounds as though it’s affiliated with the military but it’s not — at least not with any on earth. And every night he has to pray for the souls of his flock. Sorry! Christ’s flock.

courtesy of Joseph Hope)

I listen to songs to escape, understand, and conquer reality. But some realities can’t be escaped no matter how fast you run or how hard you try to hide behind magical/fiery lyrics. Music is good but some troubles don’t obey lyrics. They obey prayers. Fervent prayers!

So, after years of denial, I finally learned to pray. I learned to depend on a higher power. I would pray on my knees. I would pray walking. I would whisper a prayer between conversations. Before and after meals. During my meditation stroll around the gloomy streets.

I no longer have the terrible ego that I had inside me as a teenager. My old man doesn’t appear weak to me anymore. I have managed to overcome my despair. I mean to say, my nervous system is no longer nervous about the present or the future — because I pray for everything now: unanswered emails to editors, parents’ health, a better life, a good spouse, a happy home, good fortunes…

I have come to see prayer as the most important conversation anyone could look forward to having every day. And I have those conversations every time I get the chance.

I used to be a confused youth, full of despair and paranoia. I was always skeptical about the future. But I prayed and prayed until that changed!

As for the voice of God: As clear as mystery, His voice is the loudest silence you can ever hear.

If today is yesterday’s future, then I’m in the future now — and it’s not as bad as I had feared. Though our troubles here are

multiplied by infinity, I have turned out better than expected. I may not be rich in money, but I’m rich in peace, good health, good friends, and love.

Like my father, I have learned God will light my path through this murky and trying time through prayer. I have learned to depend on the Lord of Prayers. I have learned to pray and hope. 

Joseph Hope is an essayist, and poet. He writes from Nigeria, West Africa. His works are forthcoming or already published in Notre Dame, CSM, Augur, Stormbird, A long house, Mukoli, SolarPunk, Riddlebird, Reckoning , The Sunlight Press and more. He is a Best of the Net & Pushcart Prize nominee, and a joint winner for SEVHAGE/Agema Founder’s Prize for Creative Non-Fiction . He is also a reader for Reckoning Press .

www.facebook.com/tclmagazine

Joseph with Stella (mum), Winner (nephew) and Pastor Joseph Okoliead (dad).

Restoring Joy Excerpt from Restored:

ICindy Brinker Simmons is an author, businesswoman, and philanthropist who cares deeply about helping people in the middle of life’s challenges. She is a living, breathing champion of joy. Her passion is anchored in two organizations near her home in Dallas, Texas: Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer, which she founded in 1980, and the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation, which she oversees as president. Net proceeds from Restored will be donated to these two worthy nonprofits. Cindy has received numerous leadership and faithbased awards. Cindy’s victory in overcoming the sorrow of multiple personal losses provides comfort and hope to those struggling through life’s most difficult trials. Cindy lost her beloved husband, Bob, to cancer in 2005. She has an adult son, William.

By Cindy Brinker Simmons

Reconnecting Life’s Broken Pieces

n 1986, a tragic story was highlighted in our local Dallas newspaper. A mother and father, Laurie and Ed Bolden, were faced with a heartbreak that reached nightmarish proportions. Their gifted and talented seventeen-year-old son, Allen, a nationally ranked swimmer, worked the summer before entering college as a lifeguard at a local public pool. One night after work, he was kidnapped, robbed, and murdered. For two days, his parents only knew Allen was missing but did not know where he was or if he was alive. His body was found forty-eight hours later. The Boldens were faced with the sudden and harsh reality that their new normal was life without Allen. Oh, the grief of the unexpected! With a slew of media following his every move, Mr. Bolden said something that has resonated with me to this day. He said, “Pain is mandatory. Suffering is optional.” What? Pain is mandatory. Suffering is optional. He was acknowledging that pain is part of life.

Your life might not have the immense and cataclysmic horror of such a violent personal loss, but it may be something else that just sucks the very breath out of you. Grief comes in all shapes and sizes and is a natural response to life’s painful episodes. Suffering can be endured through lingering and prolonged situations, or it can render you shellshocked through sudden, unexpected disasters or heartbreaks.

The point that Mr. Bolden was making is that how you respond to that pain will dictate whether you live victoriously or remain defeated. It is your choice. Many times, you cannot control your circumstances, but you can control your responses to your circumstances.

You can choose joy.

Life is filled with decisions. Every day, you make dozens of them. Maybe even hundreds.

Some decisions are easy, and some are hard. Some are even downright paralyzing. You can get stuck at the crossroads where faith meets reality. Where belief intersects with doubt. Where confidence collides with mistrust. That is a painful place when your hope is overwhelmed by suffering, suspicion, and skepticism. But the decisions you make and the choices that you embrace will forever impact your attitudes and behavior.

After getting life settled following a crisis, do you decide to choose joy or bitterness and anger? Bitterness is like a cancer, seeking to destroy its host. As the Scripture says, “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” —Hebrews 12:15. Bitterness can produce envy, hatred, arrogance, and other attributes that are harmful to those around you. It can destroy relationships. Conversely, joy produces peace, contentment, and confidence that radiate from within, and they are great sources of stability, courage, and healing.

No matter the circumstances surrounding any tragedy, God requests you to make the decision to choose joy even if the grief of the unexpected just flattens you. Given appropriate time and grace to recover, God wants you to move forward in victory with joy even if your heart still really hurts. Your heart can, and probably will, ache for a lifetime.

However, you cannot become a martyr or fall victim to the grief. Hope, faith, and joy will be the balm to soothe and heal the brokenness you feel. Laurie and Ed Bolden are ambassadors of that everlasting truth.

How Do I Do That?

Since God calls you to be joyful, He puts the burden of that mandate on His back by asking you to trust Him. No matter the circumstances or the grief or the chaos — just trust Him!

The prophet Isaiah speaks of peace and serenity for those who trust God. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” —Isaiah 26:3 

You can read more in Cindy Brinker Simmons’ book Restored: Reconnecting Life’s Broken Pieces. ©Cindy Brinker Simmons. 2024. Used with Permission.  Restored:Reconnecting Life’sBrokenPieces.  https://brinkersimmons.com/

“I decided to not let anything else be taken away from me,” Laurie Bolden shared with me in the fall of 2019, thirty-four years after the tragedy. “Staying in that grief could have ruined my relationship with my husband and younger son. I looked for where God showed up with His daily mercies. I chose to love God more than anything to keep moving forward.”

Ayoung lady and her husband went to a local café to meet some friends for lunch.

When they approached the café, she noticed a rather large sign which read, “No pets, Service Dogs Allowed.”

As she pointed out the sign to the hostess, she sighed, “I don’t believe I’ll be able to bring my husband in. You see, he’s my pet!”

Submitted

by Michele Bouchard

Reverend Johnson’s church was hosting a potluck, and everyone brought their best dishes. But Sister Sarah’s “miracle casserole” was the star.

When asked what made it miraculous, she said, “Well, last time I made it, even the picky eaters said, ‘Amen!’ and asked for seconds!”

Submitted

by Ronald Moore

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.

Tech support people like me spend our days on the phone with customers. Many like to chat while waiting for their computers to reboot. One man told me he’d been a long-haul truck driver.

“I’d love to drive a big rig,” I said, “but I’d worry about falling asleep at the wheel.”

“Here’s a tip to stay awake,” he offered. “Put a $100 bill in your left hand and hold it out the window.”

—From Mikey’s Funnies www.mikeysfunnies.com

Between You and Us

By Kendra Broekhuis [Waterbrook]

When a grieving woman unexpectedly steps into a different version of her life, she must choose between the husband she loves and the daughter she lost in this brave, gripping novel.

Two possible lives to live. One impossible choice to make.

When Leona Warlon heads across the city to meet her husband, David, for a rare dinner out, she hopes they can share a moment of relief after their year of loss. But Leona quickly realizes this is no ordinary date night. She hasn’t just stepped into an upscale ristorante; she’s stepped into a different version of her life - one where her marriage is no longer tender, she is pressured by her powerful in-laws, and her baby girl lived.

Now Leona must weigh the bitter and sweet of both trajectories, facing an unimaginable choice: Stay in a loveless world without tragedy or return to a world of struggle and sorrow but also enduring love?

Favorite Thoughts for Your Christian Walk

By Greg Potzer [Self-Published]

Favorite Thoughts for your Christian Walk is a compilation of daily posts from Greg Potzer’s “This Day’s Thought” website. It includes quotes, thoughts and prayers from respected Christian leaders throughout church history, from Francis of Assisi to Warren Wiersbe and beyond. This collection is intended to offer peace and comfort, wisdom and guidance, encouragement and inspiration. It gives readers access to the insights and lessons gained by those who have gone before us and are walking alongside us – insights and lessons we can incorporate into our own daily lives.

Hard copies of this valuable resource are not available. However, you can download a free copy by visiting https://thisdaysthought.org/books-resources/ Choose the “Books & Resources” tab at the top of the page. Under the book’s title, choose “Digital Version (FREE Downloadable PDF) and add it to your collection as a digital book.

Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart

By Lisa TerKeurst [Thomas Nelson]

What lies heaviest on your heart as you lay your head on your pillow? Are paralyzing fear and anxiety stealing tomorrow’s peace? Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV). Rest won’t come from escapism, vacations, or stuffing our feelings. Jesus alone provides rest to our weary souls. While He may not always fix everything right away, we can fix our thoughts on His Word. In doing this, we can sleep peacefully knowing God has it all under control.

Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart will be equipped to:

• Quiet fearful and anxious thoughts by incorporating the Bible into your nightly routine

• Find relief from the stress of daily obligations and pressures through 50 encouraging devotions

• Release the heaviness you feel about hard situations in your life

Let this devotional help you fall asleep with a clear mind and a peaceful heart.

Becoming Homeschoolers

By Monica Swanson [Zondervan Books]

If you’ve ever wondered whether you have what it takes to homeschool your children, look no further. Parenting author, podcaster, and homeschool mom Monica Swanson is here to tell you: you can do it. In fact, it can be the most fun, family-unifying, character-building, life-equipping experience you and your children will ever have.

Becoming Homeschoolers addresses legitimate doubts, fears and questions about homeschooling like: Where do I start? How do I choose a curriculum? How can I teach what I’m not good at and prepare my kids for college? With humor and encouragement, Monica weaves her own homeschooling story with practical advice on about assessing whether home education is right for your family, establishing a faith foundation in your routine, finding opportunities for your kids to socialize and caring for yourself and your marriage.

Tackle the practical side of homeschooling. Trade fear for empowerment and insecurity for confidence as you live out your own story of becoming homeschoolers..

The Opt-Out Family

By Erin Loechner [Zondervan]

The mind-boggling statistics don’t lie; our obsession with smartphones and social media is slowly eroding the very essence of our homes and families. We see it. We feel it. We know it.

So what do we do about it?

The Opt-Out Family is packed with eye-opening research and startling insights, as well as practical encouragement and creative ideas to transform your family’s relationship with today’s technology. As a result, you will:

• Have more quality time with your children that doesn’t involve screens

• Create healthy family habits to set your children up for success in the future

• Discover what your kids need from you, and learn to engage them better than a device can

• Establish true and lasting influence within your own four walls--and far beyond

Unlock a world where genuine connections flourish and technology takes a backseat. It’s time to reclaim your home and build a tech-free family culture that’s stronger than your Wi-Fi signal.

Unity

By Conrad Mbewe [Crossway]

Christians serve others and advance God’s kingdom best when they live in biblical unity. Unfortunately, modern Christians seem divided on issues related to ministry, culture, the church, and even unity itself. Some prioritize organizational unity over truth, while others only seek unity with those who share their doctrinal beliefs.

In this short guide, author Conrad Mbewe explores unity as a fruit of the gospel. Biblical unity is only achieved after understanding what God has done through Christ and how it is continuously executed by the Holy Spirit. Readers are encouraged to heed Paul’s apostolic plea, “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27). Unity is a God-given blessing.

Explore unity as a fruit of the gospel. Learn to stand firm in the spirit, in unity with others.

(Part of the Growing Gospel Integrity Series, created in partnership with Union School of Theology.)

The Watchman

By Jim Grassi [Self-Published]

As you watch the daily news or consider the state of our nation, you’ve probably found yourself saying, “I never thought I’d see the day…” As wickedness continues to grow in our world, it’s easy to feel helpless. What can we do? How are we supposed to combat the evil encroaching on every front?

Just as God spoke to Ezekial during a spiritual crisis in Israel, Dr. Jim Grassi believes God is once again speaking to the men of our time, calling them to be watchmen and warn His people about sin and its consequences. If ever we needed bold men to step up and help draw our country out of collapse, led by God’s powerful hand, it’s now. He has taken his keen insights of current events, biblical prophecy, and biblical manhood to develop a clarion call to godly men to stand up and be counted for the cause of Christ and their families.

Whatever Happens

By Robert Morgan [W Publishing Group]

Life is unpredictable, and the world is unstable. People are confounded, sensing our culture, economy, and geopolitical systems are spiraling downward. Even our personal lives hold unexpected turns — which is why God gave Philippians, which can teach us to live overflowing lives in an overwhelming world.

Philippians is one of the most practical books in the Bible. Its theme can be summed up in this verse: “Whatever happens, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (1:27). Readers will learn to:

• Use prayer to energize their life

• Make today about others

• Stay as cheerful as possible in all circumstances

• Let others lean on their strength

• Start everything with praise and end everything with prayer

As the apostle Paul wrote this letter from a prison cell, he faced dire circumstances and an unsettled future. But he knew one thing; whatever happened, he would stand firm in his faith. We can do the same.

The Christian Response to Terrorism

By Mike Lutz

Bombings. Beheadings. Mass shootings. Kidnappings. Rocket attacks. Suicide blasts. Has terrorism become the new normal in the world? For some countries, incidents like these have been the norm for far too long.

According to the Global Terrorism Index, attacks have become more deadly with the lethality rising by 26%. The tenth annual edition of the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) reveals attacks are more deadly with 26% more people dying in each incident — the first rise in lethality in five years. We know, all too well, that the US is no longer a stranger to these modern acts of terror, from Manhattan to Boston, Oklahoma City to Sandy Hook, the list goes on and on. And sadly, with the current attacks in Israel, the world is on edge yet again.

The current global situation can leave you asking, “What should the Christian response to terrorism be?”

First let me say, this is in no way the be all and end all to the Christian response. It is a place to start and sometimes a place to start is all we can handle in these distressing moments.

Pray

Here is one way you can pray for any enemy: “Father, grant that my enemy would come under the saving power of the Gospel and that you would make my enemy part of your family. Grant, Father, that my enemy would love to do your will on Earth as it is done in heaven with the purest of motives and greatest joy. And forgive my enemy his sins, as you bring him to repentance, and protect him from the destructive power of evil.”

“The Christian faith isn’t pie in the sky wishful thinking. It is a boots on the ground faith. ”

It seems like an obvious place to start but it is not the simplest place to start. Yes, we pray. In this case we pray for Israel, for the victims, their families, and the nation. We pray for healing and help, for protection and provision. But we also pray for Palestine. This is where prayer can get difficult but it is also where it gets uniquely Christian. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” He also said, “Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” in Luke 6:27–28. But how? How do I pray for my enemy when, if I am honest with myself, all I want is payback, revenge, and an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

This is not easy to pray and it is even harder to sincerely mean, but it is how Jesus prayed when He said “Father forgive them for they do not know what they do.” Part of praying for our enemies with sincerity is to pray for ourselves and for our own hearts. Our own hearts need to be more like Jesus’ heart if there is going to be any chance for healing, hope and loving our enemies.

Love

Love is a choice we make. Sure, sometimes love comes with that special “feeling” in our hearts but biblical love is defined by the choices we make, because love is more than a feeling. True love is backed up by action. Whether it is Israel or some other place where terrorism strikes, our loving response often begins by practicing Romans 12:15 — weeping with those who weep — sharing in their grief as we seek to support them in their sorrow. By coming alongside them, we share the power of Christ within us to help with their healing.

Trust

Our trust must be in God and it must remain there. We cannot allow evil to push us off our foundation of faith. Evil is a reality. It has existed from the beginning of creation and it will continue to be a reality until God completely eradicates it with

a new heaven and a new earth. Until then, we trust in God’s sovereignty. We trust God is still good and will always remain good, despite the bad life circumstances we may experience. Trust like this means our confidence in God is not shaken even though evil abounds. Trust like this means leaning on the absolute reliability and infallibility of God’s Word. Trust like this means maintaining a proximity to God’s presence because apart from a close relationship with God, none of this is possible.

Serve

Let’s get practical for a moment shall we. The Christian faith isn’t pie in the sky wishful thinking. It is a boots on the ground faith. We are to be the hands and feet of Jesus and that means rolling up our sleeves and doing what needs to be done. Donate blood, buy some needed supplies for victims, help at hospitals, give generously, make food for rescue workers, support other volunteers, donate your time, energy, and resources in whatever ways are possible for you. Christians need to be doers instead of viewers.

Fear Not!

When we see the horrific images on TV, it is easy to become overwhelmed with fear, but we cannot allow fear to rule our lives. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Simply put, fear does not come from God. The enemy wants us to be afraid and to live in fear, but God wants His peace to

guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). We should take precautions, be mindful of our surroundings, evaluate situations, and respond appropriately, but we must not let fear keep us from living our lives.

When terrorism hits, like it has in Israel, we are angered at evil. Anger is a natural and acceptable reaction towards evil but we must remember that God calls us not to sin in our anger (Ephesians 4:26). These acts of terror are devastating and painful, to be sure, but the Christian response must be one that seeks to bring help and bring hope. The Christian response must include forgiveness, compassion, and continued grace. The Christian response to terrorism is one that reflects the nature of God. It remembers that we, too, were enemies with God before our salvation. Our response must follow the example of Jesus, and it must search the scriptures for instruction, direction, and wisdom. 

Mike Lutz is an award-winning author who loves writing inspirational and encouraging words. Mike’s latest release is Jesus Speaking Devotional Prayers which is the third book in his award-winning Jesus Speaking devotional series. Mike is also the author of such books as God Every Day, Discovering God’s Will for Your Life and the end times thriller The Armageddon Initiative. For more information about Mike visit www.MikeLutz.org

QUIPS & QUOTES

“Fight all error but do it with good humor, patience, kindness and love. Harshness will damage your own soul and spoil the best cause.”

— John Cantius

“Look

for strengths in people, not weaknesses; for good, not evil. Most of us find what we search for.”

— J. Wilbur Chapman

“If God took time to create beauty, how can we be too busy to appreciate it?”

— Thomas Manton

“Purity of God means to love God above all things and, at the same time, to see Him everywhere in all things.”

— Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

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

Dear Dave,

My husband and I both work outside the home, and he has come up with an idea for our fun money. He wants us to set up an account where we both put 5% of our earnings for discretionary spending. The issue in my mind is that he would have a lot more to spend, because he makes much more money than I do. He says he feels he should be able to spend more since he makes more. I’m not a greedy person, and I don’t spend money on a lot of frivolous things, but I do think things should be even. I feel we should each put in the same dollar amount — one that’s fair to both of us — if we’re going to do this. What do you think?

— Val

Dear Val,

This isn’t a good plan. I’m sure your husband means well, and that he’s really a good guy overall, but it sounds to me like he probably hasn’t thought this whole thing through. As they stand now, the details of his idea play out as pretty immature and selfish. And something tells me you wouldn’t marry a man like that.

Think about it this way. There are plenty of families out there where only one person works outside the home and generates an actual income. Would it be fair to say that whoever brings home the paycheck is the only one who can have fun spending once in a while?

Of course, not! In most cases, spouses who don’t work outside the home take on tons of responsibility and accomplish several things every single day — especially if the couple has kids. If you put a monetary amount on all that, it’d wind up being a pretty nice income dollars-wise. Remember back when you two got married? If it was anything close to a traditional ceremony, I’ll bet the preacher pronounced you two “as one.” As in, every thing and every way. That means you have one income, a combined income, and it’s our income. If you own a home, it’s our home. It’s not more his home just because he makes more money than you. Our kids, our marriage our everything. Get the picture? Marriage is not a me proposition. It should always be a we thing. Your husband needs to be reminded of that.

Dear Dave,

I’m 32 and debt-free, except for my house. My grandmother passed away a couple of months ago, and her will has caused problems for my family. I was her only relative living in the same town as she got older, so I looked in on her and helped take care of her because she didn’t want to go into a care facility. In her will, she left everything — her house and property, along with about $300,000 — to me. Some of my relatives said they deserve something. Two have even accused me of wanting everything she had and turning

my grandmother against them. I don’t like what’s happening, but I’m not sure what to do. I never asked her for anything.

— Jeffrey

Dear Jeffrey,

I hate it when things get ugly between family members, especially at a time when everyone should be pulling together and supporting each other. I’m sorry you’re going through all this.

Let me ask you a question. Did you love your grandmother? It sounds to me like you did. A lot! It takes a special person to step in and help the way you did. I think it’s pretty obvious she loved you, too.

When a person dies, they can give their belongings to anyone they choose. It was your grandmother’s stuff, so it was her decision. Period. She could’ve spread it around among you and the rest of your family, but she didn’t do that. She had her reasons, and her final wishes were just that — her final wishes. No one in your family, even you, deserved anything from her.

I know this is a hard position for you to be in, Jeffrey. This has probably crossed your mind, so I’ll go ahead and say it. Generally speaking, it’s possible to transfer part of your inheritance to someone else even if it’s not specified in the will or trust. Keep in mind, you might need to seek court approval for such a transfer, depending on the jurisdiction and specific family circumstances.

Or, you can let anyone who has a problem with your grandmother’s decision contest the will. Of course, one possible outcome of that is you might have to spend the money she left fighting them in court. The lady left what she left. There’s no more. It was her house, her property and her money. The others aren’t entitled to what she had just because they’re relatives or they want it.

If you go to church, I’d advise you spend some time talking to your pastor about the situation. You’ve got a lot of folks mad at you right now, and I think you might benefit from a few kind words and an objective point of view. I’d also recommend sitting down with a good financial planner — someone with the heart of a teacher — and talk about how to best handle your newfound inheritance. Regardless of your decision, it’s always best to have a plan and be prepared. In the meantime, don’t beat yourself up over this, son. You haven’t done anything wrong.

God bless you.

— Dave

Dear Dave,

I’m beginning to feel some bitterness and resentment towards my parents for their recent decisions and financial irresponsibility. Fifteen years ago, while I was still in school, they left goodpaying jobs to enter the ministry. They both took pay cuts when they made this decision, and they’ve been regularly asking for money for living expenses from my husband and I ever since. Sometimes, they even try to make us feel guilty if we can’t give them the amount they ask for. My mom, especially, constantly brings up their call to the ministry, adding that we should want to help them. We believe in their calling, but we also feel they knew they would have to live on less money and they’re being irresponsible with the money they make. What should we do?

— Abigail

Dear Abigail,

What I’m hearing is giving money to your parents isn’t necessarily a financial hardship for you and your husband, but that by consistently giving or loaning your parents money you’re losing respect for them. This is not a healthy situation. Your relationship has become strained, and that’s a tough thing for anyone to deal with — especially in a parent-child scenario.

Make no mistake, going into the ministry with the right heart is an admirable thing. However, in the Bible, Paul made tents while he conducted his ministry. I’m paraphrasing, of course, but his line was to the effect of, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat.” He had a job. So, I don’t think suggesting your folks think about working outside the ministry, while trying to do God’s work, is unfair in a situation like this.

I’m sure your mom is a good person, but no one should do this to their child. On top of it all, she sounds like a travel agent for guilt trips — like she’s working you over while implying it’s all really for God. That’s not only toxic, it’s just plain wrong.

It’s going to be hard to unravel it all and turn this into a respectable situation where they’re not constantly asking for money and you’re not falling victim to the guilty feelings that enable this behavior. I hope all of you will consider sitting down with a reasonable, objective third party and talking things through. I also hope you’ll take some time to read a book called Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud. It will open your eyes to a few things.

God bless you and your family, Abigail.

— Dave 

Stand Firm

By Michelle Adserias

Seeing the coastal redwood trees, the tallest trees in the world, was on my bucket list. I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to California, but God opened the door and we (my husband and I) stepped through it.

As we all know, even the most remarkable photo is no substitute for seeing something in person. I stood at the base of a giant and looked up to its crown, highlighted against a cloud-dappled sky by a shaft of golden sunlight. I marveled at its girth. I noted its charred bark, evidence of its resilience through fiery trials. Despite life’s hardships, it stood straight, tall and unyielding.

Then I listened.

I grew up near the paper mill’s red pine plantations. I know (and relish) the eerie, hollow voice of the wind sifted through evergreen needles. This was different. It was a distant whisper, as though the tree raised a reverent prayer to its Creator and didn’t want me eavesdropping.

That redwood tree will, undoubtedly, outlive me. If the Lord tarries, it will be standing straight, tall and unyielding for my grandchildren and great grandchildren to wonder over. I can only hope my life will, in a much smaller way, mimic the tree I admired – in more ways than just my girth.

I want to keep my gaze fixed on heaven, whispering prayers to my Creator as the Spirit moves through me. I want to bask in the light and warmth of His glory, though I see only dimly right now. Though the fiery trials of my earthly days will leave me scarred, I pray God’s power within me will make me resilient. I hope to leave my children, grandchildren and the generations to follow a legacy of unwavering faith, standing firm and immovable, even when life’s storms assault me.

Every believer has a remarkable calling “to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” As we seek God, day to day, He reveals Himself to us through His Word, through prayer, through fellowship with other believers, and through the incredible world He entrusted to us. Nothing brings us more joy, contentment and peace than sinking our roots deep into the truth of who our Lord and Savior is and growing there.

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing tha t your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”

— 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

(Photo credit: Michelle Adserias)

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Drexel Rankin served the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as an ordained minister for more than 35 years with full-time pastorates in Indiana, Alabama, and Kentucky. He and his wife Patty live in Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Rankin has been published in more than thirty different periodicals.

By Drexel Rankin

Finding Peace

It was a blue Monday and a black Friday crammed together to produce a restless Wednesday. I felt like a punching bag with all of the stuffing knocked out. I was tired, and I desperately longed for some peace and quiet – by which I meant the lack of hassle and conflict.

Then, in the quiet of the next day’s devotions, I realized it was not just events or other people that had caused my mood. It was that, somehow, I had forgotten God throughout my rotten day. I dwelt so much on the bad assumptions of what was happening, I failed to consider God’s possibilities. I forgot God wanted so much more for me.

It’s hard to be serene and rejoice when the roadmap to peace seems torn apart, when my world seems a constant struggle.

How can I rejoice, give thanks, and find peace when the medical report is the news I did not want to hear, when the job I seek keeps evading me? How “in everything” can I go to prayer and make my petition to God in gratitude and joy for all that happens to me? I realized the peace God wants for me is so much more than the absence of conflict.

When I again turned to God, I realized the foundation of my joy and excitement of life is this truth: I am part of God’s good creation. I am no accident. I am an intentional creation. I am made for the purpose of glorifying and enjoying God and God’s design.

The same emotional channels that can transmit discouragement and despair can also carry rejoicing and praise. When I am in a particularly difficult time, I can dare to believe God will use it for His ultimate good. If I do, I find my attention shifts away from all of my bad assumptions to God’s possibilities.

I am sure of – and must always be sure of –this: God is faithful. Nothing is ever so bad God cannot bring good out of it. I must agree with Albert Einstein who said, “I shall never believe that God plays dice with the world.”

Two artists were commissioned to paint their concept of peace. Each went into his studio and worked for the allotted time. The day came when the paintings were to be viewed. The veiled canvases were placed on easels in the gallery.

The first artist removed the veil from his painting. Everyone smiled and took a deep breath. The tranquil pastoral scene exuded the delightful scent of suppertime, hot biscuits, freshly mowed hay, and contented animals in the barn.

The critics, each lost in a desire to pull up a chair to the family table laden with good food, reluctantly turned to view the other canvas depicting peace. They were jolted out of their reveries by the scene of a raging waterfall cascading, exploding, crashing on the rocks. A gnarled tree clung to a craggy opening in the rocks. Through the foam and the mist, a bird’s nest clutched the end of a limb outstretched over the falls. In the midst of the crashing, thundering torrent, a mother bird was on the nest, singing.

The Hebrew word for peace is shalom, which means reconciliation with God and with each other. Shalom also means being at peace with myself, finding contentment, experiencing tranquility. In other words, God wants wholeness for me.

When I place God at the center of life, I find the ability to weave together all the bits and pieces of my life that often seem fragmented. The stilling of my soul is only achievable as I rest in Him and He in me. Such peace – perfect peace - comes only as Christ remains a reality in me. Such peace is only obtained through my complete surrender to Christ as Lord and Savior.

The peace that causes rejoicing doesn’t depend on government or finances or anything outward. This peace depends on the relationship I have with God in all circumstances. It is inmost. It transcends human understanding. It is the peace I am promised. 

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

— Philippians 4:8-9