Today's Christian Living March 2022

Trans World Radio • Easter Resource Guide • The Life I Now Live

Encourage • Equip • Engage

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ANNUAL WRITING CONTEST

LOVE NEVER FAILS

OPENS

Stacey Morgan

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“Papa Joe” Bradford shares the love of Jesus in Nashville

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An astronaut’s wife on staying grounded while shooting for the stars

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The door is always open.

For Dr. Alfred Muli, Corporate Director of Spiritual Life for Acts Retirement-Life Communities, loving kindness is more than just words, it’s a mission and a calling. It’s a dedication to being there for residents, staff, and family whenever they need support, spiritual guidance, or just someone to listen. That’s what makes Acts different. The values we share. The faith in God’s grace. The peace of mind that comes with belonging to a community built on great love and good works. Find out how retirement can lift your spirit.

Come home to an Acts Retirement-Life Community today.

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On the Cover: Stacey Morgan, wife of astronaut Drew Morgan. Photo courtesy of Glenna Harding Photography, copyright © 2020. All rights reserved.

MARCH 2022

VOL. 60 NUMBER 2

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Features 5

10th Annual Writing Contest Opens All Christians have stories to tell about God’s faithfulness. Enter one of yours in our 10th annual writing contest for a chance to win a prize and have your story published in our November writers issue.

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The Astronaut’s Wife: How an Ordinary Family Navigates an Extraordinary Life

by Stephanie Rische Stacey Morgan and her family are ordinary Christians who have learned how to balance the humdrum of life with the exciting, out-ofthis-world adventures of an astronaut.

12 Trans World Radio (TWR): Hope Knows No Barriers

by Dan Brownell Trans World Radio has been broadcasting the gospel and discipling listeners around the globe for nearly 75 years. Now, with a world that’s growing darker by the day, its mission is more urgent than ever.

18 Love Never Fails!

by Papa Joe Bradford God used Joe Bradford’s hardships in early life to mold such a deep compassion for those in need — especially children — that he earned the nickname “Papa Joe” and had a movie made about his life.

23 The Life I Now Live

by Mike Lutz Mike Lutz is a multitalented Christian whose credentials include being a golf pro, head chef, senior pastor, and author. But the theme that runs through every aspect of his life is his love for His Savior.

29 Easter Resource Guide Jesus’ resurrection proves He is God and that His words are true. He has given us His word in written form to provide a light to guide our path. In this guide, you’ll find a wide range of Bibles and other resources for young and old.

Columns

Departments

10 Living in Wisdom The Miracle of Transformation

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16 Ask Dr. Walt The Pros and Cons of Probiotics

21 Quips & Quotes

22 Dave Says Don’t Become an Enabler 26 Live Right Now The Importance of Honest Communication

The Fine Print

15 Daily Bible Connection 39 Laugh Lines 40 Quick Takes 44 Kids of the Kingdom

28 Turning Point Don’t Look Back 42 Persecution Report Persecution in Sudan Increases After October Coup 46 Grace Notes Tearing Down Idols

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THE FINE PRINT

A Sphere of Influence

G

od has given each Christian gifts, talents, and opportunities to fulfill a specific calling and develop a unique sphere of influence. In other words, the Lord puts us right where He wants us to reach people that others can’t. This issue is great example of the amazing breadth of influence of Jesus’ followers. It includes stories from all walks of life, including: • An astronaut’s wife • The president and CEO of a global radio ministry • A man whose inner-city ministry is the inspiration for the movie Unconditional • An author whose life experiences include being a golf pro, chef, and pastor • Our columnists, who share their expertise and wisdom in their respective fields From outer space to the inner city, and from media experts to office and service professionals, they — like us — cross paths daily with hurting people who are desperately searching for hope.

I can vouch for that personally, because 40 years ago, I was one of those people.

But God put Christian after Christian in my path to plant the seeds of the gospel — the Good News that Jesus can set us free from the penalty and power of sin. It took a long time for those seeds to germinate, but they eventually did, and I put my trust in Jesus.

Each of those Christians in my circle of connections was willing to exercise his or her gifts in presenting the truths of Scripture to me. I needed to hear the same message from different people in different ways for it finally to sink in.

Their faithfulness to be used by God in their special way paid off, and I will forever be grateful to them.

Every issue of Today’s Christian Living seeks to use our sphere of influence as a publication to pass on that legacy to the next generation. We would love to have you join us in the mission of sowing the seeds of the gospel in your sphere of influence by passing copies on to others or by leaving them in coffee shops, airport lounges, doctors’ and dentists’ waiting rooms, laundromats, etc. You just might be the one to plant a seed that leads the next Billy Graham to Jesus!

In Christ, Dan Brownell, Editor

Vol. 60

No. 2

President/Publisher Diana Jones dianaj@jpmediallc.com Editor Dan Brownell danb@jpmediallc.com Contributing Editors Dr. Sabrina Black Walt Larimore, M.D. Dave Ramsey Jerry Rose Shirley Rose Jeff Sellers Sales Account Executive Jill Maggio jillm@jpmediallc.com 800-397-8161 ext. 5 Senior Graphic Designers Bill Kuffel Beth Krogwold Editorial Director Rocky Landsverk Bulk Circulation Nancy Plaski 800-397-8161 ext. 2 Founder Kenneth N. Taylor Letters to the Editor: Write Today’s Christian Living, PO Box 282, Iola, WI 54945. Or e-mail: editor@todayschristianliving.org Individual Subscriptions: Visit www.todayschristianliving.org/subscribe or call 800-223-3161.

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P.O. Box 282 Iola, WI 54945 Phone: (800) 223-3161 www.todayschristianliving.org Copyright 2022

The Good News

A man accused of murder was brought before a judge. The man admitted to the crime, the guilty verdict was read, and the death penalty pronounced. Even though the guilty man was his own son, the judge could not dismiss the verdict or he would be a corrupt, unjust judge. So great was the judge’s love for his son that he decided to pay the debt for him. The judge stepped down from the bench, removed his robe, traded places with him, and was executed in his place.

This is what Jesus has done for us. Jesus was sinless, but paid the penalty for our sin, dying on the cross in our place. This is called substitutionary atonement, but the atonement only takes effect if we are willing to accept this incredible gift; God won’t force His love on us. To receive this forgiveness, we must admit our guilt and sins and repent of them. If you have never done this, you can do it now. Tell God that you are sorry for your sins and want to turn away from them. If you truly repent, He will wash your sins away and give you a new life. He will send the Holy Spirit to live inside you and to change you from the inside out.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

(2 Cor. 5:17 ESV)

Presents

10th Annual Writing Contest

Submit your story about everyday people who are making a difference for Jesus.

Keep it between 800 and 1,200 words. Visit todayschristianliving.org for more details and tips on submitting a winning entry.

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Submissions must be received by June 6, 2022.

Email submissions to danb@jpmediallc.com.

Include Contest Submission in the Subject line.

All submissions must be previously unpublished both in print and digitally and your own work. If you enter, you are granting us permission to publish your story if you win. All winning submissions become the property of Today’s Christian Living and may be edited for length and to fit the style of the publication.

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The Astronaut’s Wife How an Ordinary Family Navigates an Extraordinary Life

By Stephanie Rische

I

n July 2019, Stacey Morgan found herself in a spaceport in southern Kazakhstan with her four children, watching her husband, Drew, launch into space. While Drew spent the next nine months orbiting the earth, going on spacewalks, and making repairs at the space station, Stacey was at the helm at home, doing laundry, helping her kids with their schoolwork, and trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for her family.

“Sometimes people assume we eat a lot of freeze-dried ice cream or walk around the house in space suits,” Stacey said with a laugh. In reality, a day in the life of an astronaut’s wife is made of mundane activities, occasionally punctuated by surreal moments. “Not many people get to watch their loved one launch into outer space on a rocket,” she said. “At the same time, we’re an ordinary family.”

Launching Into a Life She Didn’t Expect

This wasn’t the life Stacey imagined. Drew was a physician with the Army, and their family was preparing to move to Germany for his next assignment. “The military life we’d chosen was very demanding, emotionally and physically. We were all in.” Then one day Drew came home and announced that NASA was opening enrollment for a new class of astronauts. “I didn’t know why he was so excited — this seemed like a random piece of information. I thought, Are we just sharing fun tidbits we learned on the radio? Then he said, ‘I’m telling you because I want to apply.’”

Even after Drew applied to NASA, it didn’t seem like something that would actually happen. “Drew’s brother applied to the same class, and my sister-in-law and I used to joke, Stacey and family backlit by the rocket launch. Photo courtesy of Stacey Morgan

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‘Well, they’ll always be NASA applicants.’ We thought it was funny — they’d both get rejected and it would be a family joke.”

Drew, meanwhile, assured Stacey that his chances of being selected were slim. “NASA has never selected an Army doctor before,” he told her. But with each round, Drew kept making the cut, until he was chosen for NASA’s 21st group of astronauts. “When Drew proposed to me, he said something like ‘I promise you a life of adventure,’” Stacey said. “At the time it was funny. Now whenever a crazy idea comes up, he reminds me of this!”

Making Space to Thrive

Although Stacey read books and talked to other astronauts’ wives before the launch, there was no way to fully prepare for having her husband hundreds of miles above the earth’s surface. “I thought it would be like his military deployments.”

Stacey was no stranger to having her husband away from home in dangerous situations. “But this time, we had the added stress of witnessing the most dangerous part of the mission in a public way.”

“With a space launch, you’re watching in real time, along with thousands of people across the globe,” she said. The three riskiest parts of space exploration are the launch, the landing, and space walking — all which Stacey witnessed alongside her children and the media.

“If something goes sideways, you experience it with the rest of the world.

There’s no delay; you don’t get a private moment to take it in first. That part was more stressful than I anticipated.”

Of course, Stacey’s fears weren’t quelled completely after the rocket made a successful launch.

“The constant worry was that something would happen,” she said. “There were the big things, of course, like a spacecraft disaster, but there was also the concern that something would happen on the home front. What if someone got sick or injured, or even died, and Drew wouldn’t be able to come home?” Stacey faced other, less tangible concerns too.

“What does it do to a relationship when you’re living a very different life for almost a year? We had two teenagers and two tweens, and we felt the weight of that separation in our kids’ lives.”

Stacey was grateful to have regular communication with Drew during his mission, but with the time difference and their commitments, both in space and on earth, it wasn’t always easy to connect. “Drew and I didn’t have hours to deep-dive on parenting issues. We also didn’t want him to be an orbiting parent whose primary role was giving the kids lectures about poor choices.” One of their goals was for their family to not just endure this experience for the sake of science but to benefit from it in some way. “As with any opportunity, it can’t be 100% positive.

But on the balance, I would say that we all thrived.”

Above: Stacey’s family gives Drew a final goodbye before he heads to the rocket, Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, July 20, 2019.

Left: Stacey’s final goodbye before Drew’s launch. Photos courtesy of Stacey Morgan

Finding Her Crew at Home

While her husband was in space, Stacey leaned on two critical sources for support: her faith and her community.

“I grew up in a Christian household, and I was very involved in Christian organizations and clubs all the way through high school and college. I don’t have a dramatic story of coming to Christ, but my faith has always been a pillar in my life.”

Stacey knows her faith has been tested in a way that it might not have been if Drew had a lower-risk career. “It’s easy to say I trust that God’s got this when the stakes are low. But when you realize, I may be a widow at the end of the day, you’re forced to ask yourself, Where do I find my hope?” Stacey has made an intentional choice to say, “OK, my hope is in Jesus” — a decision that affects everything from what message is on repeat in her head to her posture with her children when they talk about Drew’s job or why they’re moving again.

Stacey believes community is a critical part of thriving during challenging seasons. “When we’re in tough times, we need people next to us who will encourage us. If we isolate ourselves, our own voice becomes loud in our head. And under stress, we don’t give ourselves the best advice. We need friends who will say, ‘Let me help you find truth again. Let me help you reorient yourself to what you know.’ Then when crazy things happen — when someone you love is getting into a rocket! — you can say, ‘OK, let me ground myself in what I know to be true.’”

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For Such a Time as This

Stacey finds kinship with other astronaut spouses — both her contemporaries and those who have gone before her. “Even as far back as the Apollo era, we’ve had similar experiences.

We’ve all learned to balance the uniqueness of the opportunities that come our way with the regular tension of putting out the trash on Wednesday and getting the kids to school on time.” As intriguing as Drew’s job is, he and Stacey wanted to be intentional about not letting his job define their identity.

As Stacey reflects on the unique calling she’s been given, she resonates with the story of Esther. “I have Esther 4:14 tattooed on my wrist. I love the idea that she was called ‘for such a time as this.’” Esther was an ordinary person who was placed in an extraordinary situation — and who was asked to make an extraordinary choice. “I can relate to her because she doesn’t say yes immediately. She hesitates; she looks for other options. Ultimately, she asks for help, centers herself, and jumps. When I’m faced with a challenge, I have a choice about how I will respond — if I will stay in the comfortable status quo or to take a risk.”

Maybe there’s a reason God has placed you at this certain place, at this certain time. He won’t love you less if you’re afraid or if you say no and walk away. But He’s extending a constant invitation to be part of what He’s doing. “I’ve always tried to say yes when God calls,” Stacey said. “Even if I hesitate, I want to come to a brave decision and get involved. I don’t want to let my fear of the unknown prevent me from taking advantage of the opportunities God has given me.”

Above: Stacey and her children greet Drew at his return to Texas, April 18, 2020. Photo courtesy of NASA

The next time a divine opportunity comes your way, whether it’s something as extraordinary as launching into outer space or something a bit more terrestrial, don’t ask, “Why me?” Instead, like Esther and Stacey, ask “Why not me?”  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.

Looking Down on Earth: An Astronaut’s Perspective Stacey and Drew have talked a lot about the astronaut’s unique perspective — being able to look down on our planet. “I thought about that a lot as I stood in my front yard at night, watching the path of his spaceship. About once a month, on cloudless nights, I might be able to see his spacecraft go by overhead. I’d think, What is this life God invited me into?”

But as grateful as they are for this opportunity, Stacey and Drew would encourage you not to wait for something extraordinary to give you a new perspective on God. “Yes, it was amazing and meaningful to have this view,” Stacey said. “Drew felt privileged to be one of the few people in history to be able to look down on earth, and I felt privileged to have experienced Stacey watches ISS hatch opening from it vicariously through him.” But while what they knew of God became real a building at the Baikonur Cosmodrome and more tangible, it didn’t shift their axis. “The astronaut life didn’t change the day after launch. Photo courtesy of anything in terms of our direction. It only validated what we knew of God.” Stacey Morgan Sometimes people say, “Well, God, if you do this incredible thing, I’ll believe in you.” But Stacey believes that God is always at work, even in the mundane aspects of life. “If you’re looking for something life-changing to spark your faith, you’re wasting your time,” Stacey said. “God is inviting you into a relationship with Him, no matter what season you’re in right now. If you’re waiting for a trip to outer space to experience a deeper level of knowing Him, you’ll be waiting a long time.”

You can find more of Stacey’s story in her book, The Astronaut’s Wife (Tyndale House Publishers, 2021).

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significantliving.org Significant Living 9 11 TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

LIVING IN WISDOM

By Jerry and Shirley Rose

The Miracle of Transformation 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, co-authored with his wife Shirley. He is the past president of the National Religious Broadcasters and currently serves on its board of directors. Jerry is an avid golfer, equestrian, photographer, and grandfather of 20.

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

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

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A

few years ago, Shirley and I purchased two beautiful, preowned leather chairs at a consignment store. Though needing some TLC, they were excellent quality, perfect for our family room, and the price was right. I loaded them in my pickup thinking I had secured them sufficiently, and we headed home excited about our purchase. However, about halfway home, a car pulled up beside us on the freeway with the passenger waving wildly and pointing to the back of my pickup. Glancing back, to my horror, I saw that one of the chairs was gone. With my imagination running wild, I quickly circled back to find it lying on the shoulder of the freeway. Fortunately, it had not caused the carnage we had feared, but as for the chair, it was a wreck.

The legs were broken and the leather, shredded.

I rarely see my wife cry but there she was, standing beside a busy freeway, sobbing. Then she dried her tears and said, “We’re going to rescue this chair.” I thought it was beyond repair and ready for the dump, but Shirley was insistent that we couldn’t give up on it. We found a leather restoration company and, soon after, the “unredeemable” leather chair was almost as good as new. It joined its twin in our family room and that’s where it has been for years. Both chairs have a few scars that only add to their character.

This is a metaphor for how God can redeem what appears to be unredeemable. I think of Zacchaeus in Luke 19, a Jew who served as a tax collector for the Romans. He was considered a traitor and despised for his ill-gained wealth at the expense of his fellow Jews. But when he met Jesus in Jericho, he was transformed and gave half his wealth to those he had cheated. The Jews may never have forgiven him, but Jesus did and joined him at his home for dinner.

Then there was Saul of Tarsus, a zealous Pharisee who imprisoned Christians and had them executed.

But on the road to Damascus, he experienced a dramatic encounter with Jesus. He became the Apostle Paul who wrote most of the New Testament and spread the gospel throughout the Roman Empire.

A modern-day transformation story is that of Charles Watson, Jr. — a Texan who grew up in church, was captain of the football team, an honor student, and later attended the University of North Texas. But in the early ’70s, he became one of the most hated men in America and remains so today.

How could a person change so tragically? Incredu-

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lously, Watson left it all behind to travel to California to join the hippie movement and descended into the drug culture with its marijuana, LSD, and more. It was then Watson became known as “Tex Watson,” and as a member of the Manson clan, led a murderous rampage killing seven people. He was given the death sentence, but after the California Supreme Court overturned capital punishment in 1972, it was reduced to life in prison.

In 1975, Tex Watson’s life was transformed by God’s grace. On the verge of insanity over the guilt of his crimes, he found Christ and forgiveness for his heinous sins. In 1981, Watson became an ordained minister and has established Abounding Love Ministries, an outreach to prisoners.

There are many who believe Tex Watson’s sins were too great for God’s grace, that he doesn’t deserve forgiveness. In 1982, a petition with 80,000 signatures was submitted opposing Watson’s parole. It has since grown to 2 million signatures.

His parole requests have been rejected 18 times, and the chances of his ever being released are slim.

However, Suzan LaBerge, a Christian whose parents were among those murdered by the Manson Clan, has met with Watson on numerous occasions and has forgiven him.

There are two important elements to grace that are revealed in John 8:36: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (NIV). In Greek, the word “free” refers to being liberated or exempt from liability.

First, in 1 John 1:9, we’re told that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (NIV). God forgives our sins regardless of what they are. Even murderers are liberated.

Second, in Romans 8:1 we read, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (NIV). God doesn’t hold our past sins against us. We’re not exempt from earthly consequences, but God cancels our spiritual liability. We must also seek to be free of our own self-condemnation.

The late Billy Graham said, “Often we feel guilty simply because we refuse to believe what Christ has already done for us…Fill your mind and heart with God’s promises of forgiveness.”

Transformation is a miracle we struggle to accept or understand, but it is possible through Christ, and it’s the only path to complete freedom. 

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TWR

TWR’s broadcasts cross borders into hard-to-reach areas like North Korea and reach men and women like this with the gospel.

Photos courtesy of TWR.

Trans World Radio

HOPE KNOWS NO BARRIERS

By Dan Brownell

T

rans World Radio is a global radio and digital media ministry that presents the gospel and Bible teaching to more than 80% of the world’s population. It reaches 190 countries in more than 300 languages, with a potential audience of 4 billion people. Worldwide, TWR offers 9,195 hours of programming per week and 1,058 unique programs on TWR platforms.

TWR President and CEO, Lauren Libby, is passionate about the ministry. “The thing I find most exciting is that God has provided a platform to talk to the world,” he said. When I come to work every day, I’m so pumped, it’s unbelievable. We talk to 190 countries every day in over 300 languages, and I don’t know of a bigger outlet globally than that, and to be able to do that in Jesus’ name is a great privilege.”

TWR has no shortage of opportunities. In fact, Lauren said TWR’s biggest challenge is deciding how to prioritize them.

“It’s just amazing the opportunities we have,” he said. “Last year we had about 36 million responses globally. And it grew by about 5 million last year, and I’m not sure what it’s going to be this year, but I’ll tell you this — with the pandemic, I know it’s going to be up.”

TWR’s History

TWR founder Dr. Paul Freed had no interest in radio when he set out for Europe in 1948 to attend an International Youth for Christ Conference in Switzerland. Arriving in Barcelona, Spain, on his way to the conference, the 30-year-old YFC staff 12

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member had a negative impression of the country. But two Spanish men he met at the conference presented the desperate need for a gospel witness to the 30 million spiritually hungry people of the nation, who were suffering under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. With that conversation, God changed Freed’s heart, and he began one of the largest and most impactful Christian ministries the world has ever known.

It all began with an outreach to Spain. Radio was the perfect vehicle to overcome obstacles that prevented face-to-face contact with the Spanish people. There were two major problems.

First, Spain’s government had outlawed Protestant worship and preaching, and second, the mountainous terrain hindered travel among the many isolated and hard-to-reach communities. The article “The TWR Story,” found on the TWR website (twr.org/ our-history), explains how Freed’s calling to radio came about: “There was only one answer in my mind to the problem. Radio,” Freed said. “Like nothing else, radio could blanket the nation from peak to valley, from inland Madrid to coastal Cadiz.

I did not have a dime of support. I did not know what steps to take. But one thing of which I was sure — the Lord had unquestionably linked my heart to the heart of Spain.”

With a radio station available in Tangier, Morocco, just 26 miles from Spain, Freed opened the groundbreaking ministry in 1954, realizing the incredible opportunity it presented.

“It seemed that radio could move across all boundaries, over the walls, through the ‘curtains,’ like nothing else,” Freed said.

“I thought of the world’s masses of people as ‘one world,’ with the same basic needs of the heart.”

While the original name of the ministry was Trans World Radio — and many people still affectionately call it that — it officially changed its name to TWR in 2010 to reflect that it now encompasses a much broader reach than just radio, and includes the internet, video, texts, and other media.

The Power of Radio and Digital Media

Freed leveraged radio’s incredible impact, but newer digital media have proven effective as well and have been incorporated into TWR strategies. These media overcome isolation, geographical barriers, religious and government restrictions, and illiteracy and poverty. They also promote community and provide a cost-effective way to reach huge numbers of people. Radio and digital ministry are much cheaper than other forms of communication such as print. In addition, radio opens doors for the 700 million people around the world who can’t read. It’s also very appealing to those in areas that have little or no other entertainment. For many in remote or very poor areas, radio is essentially their only contact with the outside world.

“That’s how it is for the nomadic shepherds in the high mountain pastures of Central Asia,” the TWR website explains. “They live in a remote area tending their flocks, but they have plenty of time to read literature and listen to radio programs. When a TWR team distributed spiritual literature and pre-downloaded MP3 players, these families were happy to receive the devices with the gospel radio programs on them.

‘Is it not great to have such a thing when we are up in the mountains with animals all day long?’ they said. ‘In our areas, there is no entertainment besides listening to the radio.’

“The good news is able to reach their hearts because media overcame the limited access of these nomadic shepherds. The joy of salvation and eternal life is now available to them because hope knows no barriers” (twr.org/why-media).

TWR President Lauren Libby has served at the ministry’s helm since 2008.

TWR’s Content Development

TWR places a heavy emphasis on cooperating with other media ministries to distribute their content around the world. But much of it needs to be translated into the heart language of the listeners and adapted to account for cultural differences. The translation and adaptation are carried out largely by indigenous producers. This repurposed content accounts for about 61% of TWR’s global content. TWR also creates original content in cooperation with in-country partner organizations. This accounts for 28% of programming. Around 10% comes from programming funded and developed with other mission organizations.

Programming is primarily designed for listeners outside the United States, where more people have never had a chance to hear the gospel. Content created by ministry partners in English is available through those host sources such as their websites and on American radio stations. A number of English language radio stations are also available through the links listed on TWR360 at twr360.org/music-and-radio/stations/all.

TWR’S MISSION

TWR’s mission is “to assist the church in fulfilling the command of Jesus Christ to make disciples of ALL peoples, and to do so by using and making available mass media to: • Proclaim the gospel of salvation to as many people as possible.

• Instruct believers in biblical doctrine and daily ChristTwo riggers climbing one of like living.

TWR’s towers on the island of Guam. TWR airs programming • Model our message through our corporate and coopvia high-powered shortwave erative relationships.” to China and beyond.

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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PANI Broadcasts (Pakistan, Afghanistan, and North India)

TWR’s broadcast facility in Eswati, Africa.

TWR’S RELATED MINISTRIES

• TWR360 (twr360.org) TWR360 uses web and mobile applications to support the task of fulfilling the Great Commission. The media focus helps break down language and accessibility barriers so Christians can download, stream, and read abundant media resources to help them grow in their walk with Christ.

• TWR Motion (twrmotion.org) TWR Motion creates custom gospel-centered videos to enhance the local mission of church planters and other ministries.

• Women of Hope (twrwomenofhope.org) Through broadcast, print, and digital media, Women of Hope helps women around the world and across generations live lives rooted in Jesus. The ministry also fosters prayer groups and provides leadership development as it educates, encourages, and equips women to build stronger families and communities.

• Men’s Ministry (everymanawarrior.com) TWR partners with Every Man a Warrior, a global ministry that helps men succeed in life through training, discipleship, and accountability.

• Prayer Wall (twr360.org/prayers) TWR’s prayer wall is available to all to submit requests and to pray for others. Those submitting requests can remain anonymous or use their first name or alias name. Under each prayer request is a button marked “I prayed for this.”

The button counts each prayer marked, so the submitter knows how many times their request has been prayed for.

• Ministry Partnerships (twr360.org/ministries)

TWR works with dozens of ministries, including: • Back to the Bible • Billy Graham Evangelistic Association • CRU • Ethnos360 • Family Life • Focus on the Family • Insight for Living • In Touch Ministries • Joni and Friends • Keys for Kids Ministries • Leading the Way • Love Worth Finding

• • • • • •

Luis Palau Association Moody Broadcasting Pacific Garden Mission RBC Ministries Revive Our Hearts Ron Hutchcraft Ministries • The Bible Project • Thru the Bible • Tony Evans Urban Alternative • Turning Point …and many more

Follow TWR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and LinkedIn. 14

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MARCH 2022

TWR is making a concerted effort to broadcast into the countries considered the most dangerous for Christians. These areas were already hostile to the gospel, but with the recent fall of Afghanistan, the situation is much worse. “That’s why TWR’s broadcasts into Pakistan, Afghanistan, and North India are more vital than ever. Transmitting safely from an undisclosed location outside the country, our PANI broadcasts provide Afghan listeners the opportunity to hear biblical messages of comfort and hope in their respective heart languages,” TWR says on its website.

“In many cases, the station is one of the few opportunities listeners have to hear and understand the gospel. And they can do so privately to avoid retaliation by family members, neighbors, or authorities.

“TWR’s PANI programs teach Scripture, encourage healthy family relationships, share testimonies of new believers, and explain how to start a home church.”

“We have a half-million-watt AM station that covers Afghanistan at night and that part of the world,” Lauren said.

“Our listenership went up dramatically when the U.S. left.

One of the first things the Taliban did was take over the big radio stations inside the country. They realize that media sets the agenda.”

“TWR got started back in the Cold War years broadcasting into Eastern Europe, so the idea of broadcasting into closed countries is nothing new for us. We broadcast into North Korea every night. We’re in China, in India, and we broadcast in Russia. In terms of our digital, TWR360 is our primary platform, and you would be surprised how many people — about 60% — are from the Middle East consuming Arabic programming.

“The Spirit of God is moving in the Islamic world, and we’ve sensed that and that’s one of our priority areas. The wonderful thing about broadcasting is that it’s private. If you’re on the internet in a closed country, that’s traceable, whereas you can listen to broadcasts, and it’s not traceable.”

Stories of God at Work

With TWR reaching so many people for more than 65 years, there are countless stories of God transforming lives, and some are told on its website. For example, “Carlos Found a Father,” recounts the story of Carlos, a Colombian man who had left his poverty-stricken home as a child and entered the drug trade, where he eventually rose to a powerful position as a top drug dealer with 30 bodyguards.

One day, Carlos severely injured himself while cutting wood.

With no help nearby, he crawled to a worker’s house, and trying to distract himself from the agonizing pain, he turned on a radio and heard the gospel on a TWR station. He immediately trusted Jesus, who drastically changed his life, and he found the heavenly father to be the father he didn’t have as a child. Now Carlos helps drug addicts and tells them about Jesus. Find more stories and news about TWR’s work at twr.org/news-stories. 

DAILY BIBLE CONNECTION

Developed by R. M. M’Cheyne and D. A. Carson

If you follow this reading calendar, you will read through the Old Testament in two years and the Psalms and New Testament in a year.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

MARCH 6

Exodus 17; Luke 20

13

Exodus 24; John 3

20

Exodus 31; John 10

27

7

Exodus 18; Luke 21

14

Exodus 25; John 4

21

Exodus 32; John 11

28

TUESDAY

1

Exodus 12:22; Luke 15

8

Exodus 19; Luke 22

15

Exodus 26; John 5

22

Exodus 33; John 12

29

WEDNESDAY

2

Exodus 13; Luke 16

9

Exodus 20; Luke 23

16

Exodus 27; John 6

23

Exodus 34; John 13

30

THURSDAY

3

Exodus 14; Luke 17

10

Exodus 21; Luke 24

17

Exodus 28; John 7

24

Exodus 35; John 14

Exodus 39; John 18

Exodus 40; John 19

Leviticus 1; John 20

Leviticus 2-3; John 21

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

3

Leviticus 6; Psalms 5-6

10

Leviticus 14; Psalm 17

17

Leviticus 21; Psalms 26-27

24

Numbers 1; Psalm 35

4

Leviticus 7; Psalms 7-8

11

Leviticus 15; Psalm 18

18

Leviticus 22; Psalms 28-29

25

Numbers 2; Psalm 36

4

Exodus 15; Luke 18

11

Exodus 22; John 1

18

Exodus 29; John 8

25

12

Leviticus 16; Psalm 19

19

Leviticus 23; Psalm 30

26

Numbers 3; Psalm 37

6

Leviticus 9; Psalm 10

13

Leviticus 17; Psalms 20-21

20

Leviticus 24; Psalm 31

27

Numbers 4; Psalm 38

12

Exodus 23; John 2

19

Exodus 30; John 9

26

Exodus 37; John 16

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1

5

5

Exodus 16; Luke 19

Exodus 36; John 15

Leviticus 4; Psalms 1-2

Leviticus 8; Psalm 9

SATURDAY

31

Exodus 38; John 17

APRIL

FRIDAY

7

Leviticus 10; Psalms 11-12

14

Leviticus 18; Psalm 22

21

Leviticus 25; Psalm 32

28

Numbers 5; Psalm 39

8

Leviticus 11-12; Psalms 13-14

15

Leviticus 19; Psalms 23-24

22

Leviticus 26; Psalm 33

29

Numbers 6; Psalms 40-41

2

Leviticus 5; Psalms 3-4

9

Leviticus 13; Psalms 15-16

16

Leviticus 20; Psalm 25

23

Leviticus 27; Psalm 34

30

Numbers 7; Psalms 42-43

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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ASK DR. WALT

Walt Larimore, MD, has been called one of America’s best-known family physicians and has been named in “The Best Doctors in America” and “Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare.” He’s also an award-winning medical journalist and the bestselling author of 30 books. You can find Dr. Walt’s health blog and free daily devotional at www.DrWalt.com.

You can also watch him on Liftable TV at Liftable TV.com/ DoctorWalt. Have questions for Dr. Walt?

Email them to editor@ todayschristianliving.org.

16

By Walt Larimore, MD

Prebiotics Versus Probiotics

Probiotics for General Health

Dear Dr. Walt,

Dear Dr. Walt,

What are prebiotics? Are they different from probiotics?

—Health Food Aficionado in Arizona

I’ve read on the internet that probiotics are great for general health. That makes sense to me. Would you agree?

Dear Healthful Diner, It’s been estimated that 100 trillion microorganisms representing more than 500 different species of bacteria and yeasts inhabit every normal, healthy bowel. These gut-dwelling microflorae can keep pathogens (harmful microorganisms) in check, aid digestion and nutrient absorption, while contributing to immune function, energy, and metabolism.

Prebiotics are naturally occurring, non-digestible food components that promote the growth of helpful microbes in your intestines. The best way to increase prebiotics in your body is by eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Probiotics (from “pro” and “biota,” meaning “for life” or “pro-life”) are substances that contain live “good” microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) and can be found in fermented dairy foods such as yogurt, kefir products, and aged cheeses, that contain cultures of “good bacteria” such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli or a “good yeast” like Saccharomyces boulardii. Probiotics are also found in fermented, non-dairy foods including some kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh, and cultured non-dairy yogurts.

The takeaway is that prebiotics, or “good” microflorae promoters, and probiotics, the “good” microorganisms themselves, work together. In other words, prebiotics are breakfast, lunch, and dinner for probiotics. Products that combine these together are called “synbiotics.”

Finally, in addition to foods traditionally prepared with live cultures of “good” microorganisms, consumers are increasingly purchasing probiotic capsules and pills, fruit juices, cereals, sausages, cookies, candy, granola bars, and other foods. Believe it or not, the popularity of probiotics has grown so much in recent years that manufacturers have even added the microflora to cosmetics and mattresses. According to the most recent NIH survey, the number of adults in the U.S. taking prebiotics or probiotics has more than quadrupled to nearly four million.

Dear Virginia, It’s easier to find Santa than accurate information about health products on the internet. Researchers tell us that most decisions to purchase over-the-counter health products, natural medicines (herbs, vitamins, supplements), and “medical foods,” are largely guided by information collected on the internet. Unfortunately, the internet is not a good place to look for trustworthy, evidence-based information when it comes to probiotics.

A Scientific American report on probiotics said, “A closer look at the science underlying microbebased treatments shows that most of the health claims for probiotics are pure hype.”1 A 2020 study reported, “Most websites that provide information about probiotics are unreliable and often tout unproven health benefits,” and that most probiotic websites are actually commercial sites, “hoping to sell a product.” The researchers concluded, “Commercial websites on average provide the least reliable information and significant numbers of claimed benefits of probiotics are not supported by scientific evidence.”2 Furthermore, only one in four of the websites mentioned any potential side effects from taking probiotics.

Scientific American advised, “The majority of studies to date have failed to reveal any benefits [for probiotics] in individuals who are already healthy.

The bacteria seem to help only those people suffering from a few specific intestinal disorders.”3 An expert in the study of the healthy human gut microbiota, both in disease and in health, Professor Emma Allen-Vercoe, Ph.D., said, “For the most part, the claims that are made [about probiotics] are enormously inflated.”4 Matthew A. Ciorba, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Washington University in St. Louis, agreed, saying, “There is no evidence to suggest that people with normal gastrointestinal tracts can benefit from taking probiotics. If you’re not in any distress, I would not recommend them.”5

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

MARCH 2022

—Seeking Veracity in Virginia

Probiotics for Particular Disorders

• To treat some of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ★★★★: Align®, Bifantis®, Bioflor®, Duolac Care, Visbiome®, VSL#3® ★★★: Lacteol® Forte : Cultura®, Culturelle®, ProVia®, Lactobacillus,

Saccharomyces boulardii

Dear Dr. Walt,

The more I read about probiotics, the more confused I become. What, if anything, do they help?

—Ill-informed in Illinois Dear Confused, You’re not alone. In fact, I find that many of the health professionals with whom I work are uninformed and uneducated about probiotics. First, it’s critical to understand that not all probiotics have the same effects. Different strains of “good” bacteria or yeast have completely different effects. In other words, if you just go to the store and buy any probiotic, there’s no guarantee that the types of microflorae listed on a label are useful for the condition you want to take them for. Think of it this way: For a health professional to tell you to take “a probiotic” for any particular condition is equivalent to them telling you to take “an antibiotic” for an infection. That’s preposterous! Only certain antibiotics work for certain diseases. The same is true for probiotics.

Second, probiotics for various conditions are “strain specific,” meaning that you don’t want to just look for a particular species of bacteria or yeast, but you want to find the specific strain that has been shown to work for your problem. For instance, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, in combination with Lactobacillus reuteri RC-1461, has shown benefit for urinary tract and vaginal infections. On the other hand, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (which is different than GR-1) has value in treating diarrhea from various causes, atopic disease, and upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). And Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (which differs from RC-1461) has shown benefit for constipation and diarrhea. But purchasing a product with Lactobacillus will not work. You need the specific strain of Lactobacillus that has been shown to be safe and effective.

Third, to make a complicated purchasing decision even more convoluted, not only do different species/strains seem to have different effects, there is evidence that different combinations of various strains of probiotics work differently than single strains. In some disorders (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, for instance), certain combinations seem to work better than single species/strains. But for other conditions (antibioticassociated diarrhea, for example), a single strain may work as well as a combination of strains.

Fourth, equally effective probiotics can have significantly different prices. Below you’ll see that to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, I gave a four-star rating to Culturelle® (Lactobacillus GG) and FloraStor® (Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM 1-745). I was able to find Culturelle® with 10 billion cells per capsule for 30 cents, Culturelle® with 15 billion cells for 67 cents per capsule, and Florastor® at $1.22 per two capsules.

Finally, as I’ve mentioned before, you want to purchase natural medicines (herbs, vitamins, or supplements) that have been tested and approved by an independent testing lab such as ConsumerLab.com, LabDoor.com, or U.S. Pharmacopeia.

Here are some recommendations of tested probiotics from my book The Natural Medicines Handbook:

• To prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea ★★★★: Culturelle®, Florastor® ★★★: Actimel®, BioGaia®, Bio-K+ CI1285®, Culturelle®, Danactive®, Florajen®, ProViva®, Lactobacillus, and Saccharomyces boulardii : AB Yogurt®, Ecologic AAC ®, Lactinex®, yogurt • To prevent traveler’s diarrhea ★★★★: Culturelle®, Lactobacillus GG. ★★★: Florastor®, Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces boulardii. : Bacillus coagulans, yogurt Symbol Key: ★★★★ = I recommend in many to most cases (likely effective and likely safe) ★★★ = I recommend in some cases (possibly effective and possibly safe)  = I recommend against using

(insufficient evidence, possibly ineffective, or possibly unsafe) To sum up, there’s much more hype than hope for most probiotics. Furthermore, most commercially available probiotics are not helpful for any indication, while others may be harmful. If you’re considering a probiotic, I recommend you consult a health professional familiar with probiotics or use a trusted website such as the subscription websites ConsumerLab.com or NaturalMedicines.TherapeuticResearch.com to investigate your safest and most effective options. In addition, I provide more specific advice on products, costs, dosing, and potential side effects in my Natural Medicines Handbook.

Adapted from The Natural Medicines Handbook: The Truth about the Most Effective Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements for Common Conditions by Walt Larimore, M.D., published

by Baker Publishing Group, Ada, Michigan, 49301. bakerpublishinggroup.com. Used by permission.

Sign up for Dr. Walt’s daily health blog at DrWalt.com.

1.

tinyurl.com/yx7st8to

2.

tinyurl.com/tny4n8m

3.

tinyurl.com/ybflykut

4.

tinyurl.com/ybflykut

5.

tinyurl.com/ybflykut TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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Love Never Fails!

S

By Papa Joe Bradford

ome people can point to a moment in time that announces the purpose for their lives to impact thousands with the love of Christ. The Lord can use experiential knowledge to train you in a way that no other lesson can equal. My experience began unfolding in 1997, when, at age 35, I lost both kidneys and was placed on a dialysis machine for nine hours a day. Though I received a kidney transplant in 1999, my ability to work was hampered by my physical condition. As a result, my income was restricted to what I was awarded through federal disability. This, coupled with having yet another child (one that the doctors said we would never have), forced me to move into a low-income, innercity community in Nashville, Tennessee, with my growing family of five.

My wife, Denise, and I had trained choirs in churches for 12 years. While living in the inner city, God gave us access to buses from a friend’s bus company. Each weekend, our ministry team would pick up children from up to seven low-income-housing communities. The experience of hearing the purity of the children’s hearts proclaim worship and praise each week was so captivating. If the kingdom of heaven is truly inhabited by those with a childlike spirit, could the melodious sound of these children be a glimpse of heaven itself? I never ceased to wonder how such an exhilarating atmosphere could be created by children whose daily lives were inundated by drug users, violence, criticism, and fear.

One Saturday, a 12-year-old arrived late for rehearsal. Her face was swollen with painful bruises, which we learned had been inf licted by an angry relative. On the outside, I hugged and comforted the girl. On the inside, the old warrior in me was demanding physical justice. Suddenly, my past invaded my mind.

Years before, in the ’80s, I had been an honor student majoring in engineering and computer science at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. By day I was the model student as a tutor versed in several computer languages. By night I was one of the original computer hackers of the era. Knowing this, a friend dared me to hack into a bank’s computer system. Taking him up on his dare, I secured an-

Joe Bradford found his calling when God brought him to an inner-city Nashville neighborhood, where kids were looking for a surrogate dad. Joe eagerly responded to the need, and that’s how he got the nickname “Papa Joe.” 18

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

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other friend’s ATM code to prove my computer prowess. As I swaggered to the ATM to make a transaction, I was blinded by pride, but the hidden camera on the machine was not blind at all. It recorded my “small” crime and gave authorities the proof they needed to award my dangerous mental agility with an 18-month prison sentence. Prison presented tough problems, but my extensive background in martial arts helped me “solve” my toughest conflict by almost killing one man to protect another. For that, I got 40 days in solitary confinement. I broke down in despair, fearing that with the direction my life was taking, I would end up dying in jail. I realized that the only escape from this nightmare was by surrendering my life to God. I said, “Whatever you want of me, Lord, it’s yours.” I didn’t have anything, but the nothing I had I gave to Him. God was faithful. He drastically changed my life and, when I was released, I was determined to serve God with my whole heart. God moved me into that impoverished Nashville neighborhood to share the love He had lavished on me.

Snapping out of the memories of my jail time and the consequences of the fights I had participated in, my inner warrior quieted down and my attention refocused on the situation taking place in front of me with the injured little girl. I remembered that fighting back with my fists was not an option here, where we were trying to teach discipline and respect to innercity kids. During lunch that day, the abused child’s younger sister walked over to my left side, looked me sincerely in the eyes, and simply asked, “Will you be my daddy?”

I was stunned! Obviously that little girl didn’t know that my own dad had abandoned me from the womb. She didn’t ask for my fathering qualifications, nor did she require a background check. Her innocent heart sought only one answer.

Next, as if they had rehearsed this, the little sister’s best friend came to my right side and asked the same question. This sparked a chain reaction, and suddenly I was surrounded by 30 to 40 children all asking the same question: “Will you be my daddy?”

I was undone. In college and prison, I was known as “Tiger Joe” for far less self-sacrificing reasons. But that day, in my heart, I became “Papa Joe.”

Above from top: Michael Ealy (left) played Papa Joe in Unconditional, a 2012 movie about Joe’s life. • A scene from the movie Unconditional. • A scene from Unconditional that recounts Joe’s devastating loss of both kidneys.

Left: Papa Joe and his wife, Denise, founded Elijah’s Heart, which is a door-to-door hunger-relief program in Nashville that provides food to hundreds of families. Here Joe and Denise are surrounded by their children and grandchildren. All photos courtesy Joe Bradford Family Archives TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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God used that moment to birth in me an unquenchable fire for the welfare of children. It served as a foundation for everything that God would do later.

At each choir rehearsal, before the children began to sing, my team attended to the practical need of providing lunch because many of the kids hadn’t eaten all day. Though the parents loved their kids, they were simply unable to provide a daily supply of food at home. (Many people don’t know it, but food stamps don’t typically cover a month’s worth of groceries, and they can’t be used to purchase toilet paper, soap, or other personal-hygiene items.) Our hearts melted as we watched some of the smallest children gobble down multiple hot dogs in a matter of minutes, as if someone would cruelly take the food away if they didn’t eat it right then and there. We had momentarily rescued the children from conditions of poverty, distress, and for some, abandonment. But Denise and I knew that something more had to be done!

While living in the inner-city community ourselves, we formed Elijah’s Heart, a nonprofit to serve the poor and oppressed. The name “Elijah’s Heart” was gleaned from the last two verses of the Old Testament, where the Lord prophesied that He would send the spirit of Elijah and turn the hearts of the fathers to their estranged children and the hearts of the children back to the fathers. Elijah’s Heart represents surrogate parenthood to the many children in Nashville who need supplemental help. Within Elijah’s Heart, we developed the Walk of Love Hunger Relief Program. It has grown since its inception to become one of the city’s largest door-to-door food giveaway programs, serving entire communities of 350 to 800 families within hours.

LOVE OR WAR: CHOOSE LOVE

After three decades of various forms of ministry to serve others through music, hunger relief, literacy training, public speaking, and biblical teaching, I realized that I had to express the topic of Christ’s love in a simple and practical way. This led me to pen my recently published book, Love or War? Choose Love.

Growing up, my favorite TV game show was Let’s Make a Deal. Behind door number 1 might be a new car. Behind door number 2 might be a goat with a saddle on it. And who knew what door number 3 might be hiding? I loved to guess which door the contestant should choose. But unlike Let’s Make a Deal, knowing how to love should not be a guessing game. Love is the one thing that God said would not fail, so in the book, I use seven “door” analogies to present a comprehensive view of love and to guide all of us in shutting the door on the sins that war against our soul. The testimony of our lives has led to this book and workbook for individuals and groups to learn practical steps to a Christ-centered “attitude makeover.”

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A Walk of Love event hosted by Elijah’s Heart. Elijah’s Heart does far more than just provide food. It’s a tangible demonstration of the love of God, pointing to His grace and provision.

In 2010, an executive producer sat with me at a greasy hamburger joint and informed me that he wanted to produce a movie inspired by my story. When he told me, I almost forgot to swallow a bite of my hamburger. This was certainly a rare honor and a rare opportunity.

The movie Unconditional was produced, and Michael Ealy, one of Hollywood’s most handsome and talented actors, portrayed me. I must admit, Michael looks exactly – NOT – like me, but his portrayal of me was probably better than me being me in real life!

The movie was released in 2012 and became available on DVD and movie apps by 2013, reaching viewers in 121 countries. Even now, people’s lives are being impacted by Unconditional, which can also be found on YouTube (search “Papa Joe, Unconditional”).

The Lord has given Denise and me eight loving children and nine grandchildren, as well as an extended family through ministry who have shown me directly what it means to be showered with the love of God. I pray that others experience this love that Jesus has purposed for each of them. If Christ’s love can transform a man like me — a prisoner who was quick to fight — into a “Papa”’ with a heart for serving kids in need, He can transform anyone into a servant of love in their family, their community, and the world.  “Papa Joe” Bradford is an international father figure of love as seen in Unconditional, the movie inspired by his life. The film has carried Papa Joe’s practical message of Christ’s love to countries around the world. Through decades of Bible study, years of service, the development of Nashville’s largest doorto-door hunger relief program, nationwide travel engagements to serve the most vulnerable inner-city communities in the United States, and teaching life-transforming Bible classes to young and old, Papa Joe has become an indisputable authority on the power of love. Learn more about him and his new book, Love or War? Choose Love at papajoe.org and follow him on Facebook @papajoebradford and @elijahsheart, and on Instagram @papajoe.bradford and @elijahsheartnashville.

QUIPS & QUOTES

God only promises to bless the nation that recognizes His authority.

God isn’t a talent scout looking for someone who is “good enough” or “strong enough.” He is looking for someone with a heart set on Him, and He will do the rest.

—Tony Evans

—Vance Havner

Anything, and I mean anything, becomes a blessing if it drives us to The root of all sin is the prayer. suspicion that God is not good.

—Jim Cymbala

—David Jeremiah

—Oswald Chambers

God’s law has been written on all of our consciences, but only in Christ is it written on our hearts.

—Alistair Begg

God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him.

—Jim Elliot

If you are a Christian, your search for approval should be over.

God’s viewpoint is sometimes different from ours — so different that we could not even guess at it unless He had given us a Book which tells us such things.

—Corrie Ten Boom TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

21

DAVE SAYS

By Dave Ramsey

Bless Them, Don’t Enable Them

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.

22

Dear Dave, My husband and I are both teachers, and we’re on Baby Step 7. We’re struggling with things where our wills are concerned. Three of our four adult children aren’t being wise with their money, and my husband and I disagree on how to talk to them about it and how it may affect us restructuring our wills.

We don’t want to be judgmental, but at the same time we agree something needs to be said or done.

—Danielle Dear Danielle, Let’s say someone is working at my company and taking my money in the form of a paycheck.

Let’s also say this person isn’t doing a good job. If I don’t talk to them about their performance because I don’t want to be seen as judgmental, I’m not doing my job. I owe them the feedback necessary for them to become a good team member. Otherwise, they could just get fired one day without really knowing what happened because I refused to “judge” them.

You’re supposed to judge people. The idea that you’re not supposed to is ridiculous. But you don’t have to be a jerk about it. There’s a big difference between judging people and being judgmental. But it’s unkind not to share insights or suggestions for a better way of life with those you love most. Holding back and telling yourself the way someone behaves is just the way they’re made is wrong in most instances. Overspending and not saving money aren’t character traits — they’re decisions.

They’re adults now, and they’re going to do what they want. They don’t have to understand or support your ways of handling money, but you and your husband have every right to tell them they have to start behaving in certain ways if they expect to receive your money when the time comes. If they’re misbehaving, and you give them money, you’re funding that bad behavior. That’s not love, that’s enabling. And a big pile of money isn’t going to heal the bad things — it’s only going to magnify them.

Sit down with your kids, and have a loving, clear discussion about the situation. Remind them that they’re adults, and you and your husband are no longer able to tell them how they have to live. But let them know in no uncertain terms, gently but

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

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firmly, they will not receive your money if they continue to behave in ways you both consider foolish or unreasonable. Let them know they’ll always have your love, just not your money, unless they begin behaving more intelligently and maturely with their finances.

You can’t make them do anything, Danielle. But you can ensure they understand you two won’t be sharing your wealth with people who can’t handle it and use it wisely.

—Dave

Before or After?

Dear Dave, When it comes to paying off credit cards and getting out of debt, I’ve heard you talk about cutting up the cards and closing the accounts. Should I pay off the balances before or after I close the accounts?

—Adrian Dear Adrian, I like the idea of cutting up the cards and closing the accounts first. Sometimes credit card companies will respond to this by jacking up the interest rates, or doing other shady things, but the point is to get them out of your life as quickly as possible and stop using the stupid things. Personal finance is 80% behavior. Ridding yourself of credit cards, and getting credit card debt out of your life for good, is a great first step in learning to behave with your money.

You don’t build wealth or save money by using credit cards, no matter what anyone says. If you’re naïve enough to think you’re going to play around with a multi-billion-dollar industry and beat them at their own game, you’re sadly mistaken.

The only way to win against credit card companies is by refusing to play their game!

— Dave

THE I NOW “The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20 NIV).

I

By Mike Lutz

must have been in a hurry to start living.

Born at seven months, I would never know my heroin-addicted mother or the man who was my biological father, but the people I consider my real mother and father were there at the hospital the day I was born. They were the ones who saved me from the abortionist’s forceps. This would be the first of two salvations in my life.

Ann and Chuck (mom and dad, as I call them) took home a 3-pound baby boy from Rochester General Hospital. Yes, that’s the same hospital thought to be the setting for the soap opera with the same name. My parents gave me a loving home, where I was encouraged to be whatever I wanted to be and to live and love respectfully and responsibly. Something I have always strived to do.

Thanks, Mom and Dad! For the first 24 years of my life, everything I did pointed toward a career as an FBI agent, a bit like Clarise Starling in Silence of the Lambs, without the fava beans. I was so focused on that career path that I overlooked the opportunity I had to take my golf career to the next level. I was no Tiger Woods, but having worked at a golf course from the age of 15, I had become a decent golfer with more potential than passion for the game, and I eventually Mike Lutz has a diverse background as assistant golf pro, chef, pastor, and writer, which illustrates how God uses all kinds of life experiences, gifts, and talents for His purposes.

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became an assistant golf pro. After attending college at the University of Houston, I decided to leave the golfing world, one of the only regrets in my life, and I began working in another area that I had both natural ability and passion — cooking.

I paid my kitchen dues in the restaurant business and worked my way up through the culinary ranks. I spent nearly 12 years as a head chef, was featured on the Los Angeles news, and catered for several A-list celebrities. On my way to becoming the next Iron Chef (OK probably not, but a chef can dream), something else or, more accurately, someone else interrupted my life. One night after a light conversation with a friend (insert sarcasm here) about the predestination of God and the free will of man, I found a Bible and opened it for the first time in my life. I had no idea where to turn or what I was looking for, but clearly God knew what I needed because He led me to two passages, one in Romans and one in Ephesians: • Romans 8:29–30: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (NIV).

• Ephesians 1:11: “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will” (NIV).

Perhaps I could dismiss one passage as a random coincidence but turning to two passages about the very subject my friend and I had just talked about was clearly God trying to get my attention.

It worked. He had my attention.

As I began reading the Bible every day, I felt an increasing need to decide whether Jesus was who He said He was. Either Jesus was God, or He wasn’t. And if Jesus was God, and if what He said was true, then I needed to do something about it. So, at 24, I decided Jesus was who He said He was and put my trust in Him, and this time I was saved from the devil’s forceps.

I must have been in a hurry to start living for God, because even though I didn’t know much about following God, I began telling everyone about Jesus. Family, friends, coworkers — everyone was in my spiritual crosshairs. Sometimes my zeal to share Jesus outweighed my sensitivity in doing so, a common rookie Christian mistake.

After settling into a Bible-teaching church, I soon began to realize that I wanted to give something more back to God. I didn’t know exactly what “more” meant, but after all God had done for me, the least I could do was give my life back to Him. Serving in the church seemed like the place to start. While I was sharing my faith with those at work and leading a Bible study with some friends, I also began working with the youth at my church. Volunteering turned into becoming the assistant youth pastor, which led to sensing a call into full-time ministry, which I pursued.

Over the course of my pastoral ministry, I’ve served God in a variety of capacities. I was an assistant pastor, teaching pastor, executive pastor, and senior pastor. In that time, I discovered

WISDOM GAINED OVER A LIFETIME I’ve learned a great deal as a Christian and a pastor about effectively sharing our faith. One of the best ways to start is to listen to people. Ask questions about their experiences and opinions and let them share their thoughts and build a conversation from there. It’s true that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar, and it’s always a good idea to use wisdom and discernment while sharing God’s truth. That doesn’t mean sharing Jesus won’t offend people because it often will, but we shouldn’t go out of our way to be confrontational with the gospel. Rather, we should seek to speak the truth lovingly yet uncompromisingly.

Jesus modeled building bridges and finding common ground with His one-on-one encounters with individuals, like with the woman at the well in John 4:7–30. Also, there was the way Philip shared with the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:30. God wants to use you, your life, your experiences, and your personality to reach the people He has placed around you.

Something else I learned was that when it comes to serving God, God is more interested in why you serve Him than how you serve Him. He cares more about your motives than your methods. He would rather you be obedient than busy for Him. Serving God rightly will naturally flow from worshipping God rightly.

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one of my spiritual gifts was teaching, but what I wouldn’t learn until later was that God would use this gift more outside of a pulpit than from behind one.

After about eight years in full-time ministry, I felt led to write my first book. I had no intention of becoming an author or writing multiple books. I simply had a burden to write a book about God’s will. As a pastor, one of the most common questions I heard was, “How do I know what God wants me to do?” It was a question asked both about specific decisions in people’s lives, such as, “Should I take this job or that job?,” “Should I move here or there?,” and so on.

And there were questions about God’s purpose or calling on people’s lives. My first book, Discovering God’s Will for Your Life: Your Journey with God was born out of my desire to try and help answer those will-of-God questions in life.

During this time, my mother in-law had stage four breast cancer and, as we dealt with this, I decided to take a break from fulltime ministry to be there for my family. It was a tough time, but it wouldn’t be that last time to face cancer, as my wife is current-

ly battling stage three breast cancer. Closing the door on full-time ministry, at least for a season, God led me to continue writing.

I’ve had many different life experiences but, looking back, I can say for certain that through all these different experiences, God has given me a broad perspective from which to write. I don’t know what other interesting experiences God has in store for me, but two things I do know. First, God has confirmed to me that I’m to write for His glory all the rest of my days. Second, the life I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God, and forgetting those things which are behind, I press on towards the upward call of Christ.  Mike Lutz is a chef, writer, former assistant golf professional, and more. He resides in Southern California with his wife, Colette, where he works, writes, and co-hosts a podcast. In Mike’s spare time (what little there is of it), he enjoys reading, surfing, traveling, playing guitar, trying new food creations, and taking walks with his beagle, Cinnamon. You can find out more by visiting his website MikeLutz.org.

MIKE’S OTHER BOOKS

God Every Day: 365 Life Application Devotions takes readers through the Bible book by book, making life applications so people can see how to live out God’s Word in their lives.

Jesus Speaking, one of Mike’s favorite works, is a devotional that examines Jesus’ words. It reveals what it must have been like to follow Jesus and listen to His teachings.

The Armageddon Initiative is the first book in a three-book series that tells the story of Jack Bishop’s journey of faith in the era preceding the end times. This was Mike’s first novel, in which he was able to incorporate his passion for crime solving and intertwine it with his faith.

The Vatican Cypher, the second book in the Jack Bishop series, is one Mike is currently writing.

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LIVE RIGHT NOW

Dr. Sabrina Black is a professor, counselor, life coach, conference retreat speaker, and international humanitarian. She is the CEO of Abundant Life Counseling, founder of Global Projects for Hope, Help and Healing (GPH3), and author of Live Right Now. To contact Dr. Black or book her for a speaking engagement, visit www.drsabrinablack.com or call 313-201-6286.

Friend Ignoring God’s Protective Guidelines

Q. My friend is planning to move in with her soon-to-be fiancé. I was appalled to hear this. She’s a Christian and old enough to know better. She was married for 16 years before her husband died a year ago. She feels it’s acceptable since people already know she’s not a virgin because she was married. She no longer feels the need to abstain from sex or avoid the appearance of evil. She thinks I’m upset because I’m old and my views are outdated. (I’m 73, and she’s 63.) But I’m more concerned that she’s violating principles that could end up hurting both her and the man she’s with. How can I help her see the truth and change?

Signed: Worried for My Friend A. Dear Worried for My Friend, The desire for sex is natural but should be reserved for marriage. Living together without benefit of being in a covenant of marriage can create far more problems than it solves, which is why God is opposed to it. He’s not trying to keep us from happiness but rather from long-term harm in our relationships.

No doubt, she’s still going through the stages of grief, so dating and having sex may be more of a distraction from feeling the pain of loss. Grief can be overwhelming. As people try to manage their emotions, they may try to numb the pain. Sexual activity is a way to prove to themselves and others that they still have value and are worthy and capable of romance.

After being married for 16 years, people know she’s not a virgin, but they also know she’s a widow, and as someone who professes to represent Jesus,

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By Dr. Sabrina Black

she doesn’t have the freedom to ignore His principles. As a friend who is concerned about her, spend time listening to her instead of judging her.

The Holy Spirit will convict her regarding the sins in her life.

Scripture is reliable and authoritative and, therefore, relevant to life. It reminds us to follow God’s wisdom, not our own. On this issue, it says, “But to the unmarried people and to the widows, I declare that it is well (good, advantageous, expedient, and wholesome) for them to remain [single] even as I do. But if they have no self-control (restraint of their passions), they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame [with passion and tortured continually with ungratified desire]” (1 Cor. 7:8-9 AMPC). Widows who are young are encouraged to remarry, but even this takes time. Developing a relationship doesn’t include sleeping with your partner or moving in together. Living together isn’t the same as marriage.

You’re older and seem more mature and grounded in the truth of the Bible. Therefore, live in accordance with Titus 2:1–8 and encourage her to do likewise. “BUT [as for] you, teach what is fitting and becoming to sound (wholesome) doctrine (the character and right living that identify true Christians) (AMPC). Lovingly share with her the importance and value of being self-controlled, demonstrating self-respect, and modeling good deeds.

Communication Is Key

Q. My husband and I are having difficulties in communicating with each other. It seems I often say the wrong things to him. We do love each other. We have been married three years, and we have a 2-year-old son. I work and take care of my husband, our son, and the house. Sometimes I speak to him sharply, but I don’t have time to baby him. I need him to accept the fact that I love him and not overreact when I’m tired and can’t sit and listen to him the way I did before we had our son. I’m frustrated and wish he would grow up. What can I do to change things?

Signed: Just Grow Up A. Dear Just Grow Up, Even adults must slow down and listen if they want to understand others and be understood.

Communication is key to any relationship, especially the marriage relationship. Here are a few

Mental Health Issues — and Help — Are Increasing

Q. I’m very concerned about what I’ve been seeing in the news and online regarding the rise in mental health issues. Are they really getting worse? Or is that just a perception?

Signed: What’s Happening?

basic guidelines: Be intentional about spending time together even if it is just 30 minutes a day. Ask questions to avoid mindreading and making assumptions. Give compliments and positive feedback and listen without taking everything personally or being defensive.

Life can become overwhelming for a young bride when the responsibilities are more than she can handle alone. Your husband wants to sit and talk with you. So for the sake of your marriage, sit and talk, listen to his concerns, and tell him how you’re feeling as you try to cope with all the changes you are experiencing. You may find that he’s willing to provide the help you need in taking care of the house, the baby, and even himself. Your love for one another must be nourished and cared for. He probably accepts the fact that you love him but still needs to hear you say it and show it by giving him some of your time. The family you’re working so hard to establish needs a firm foundation built on an abundance of loving communication and the concern you show to one another. “Let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband” (Eph. 5:33 ESV).

A. Dear What’s Happening?, In one sense, yes, they are increasing, because there are more reports of people struggling with the challenges, uncertainties, and changes of life. People are overwhelmed, overworked, exhausted, and frustrated from dealing with the drama and trauma of life. However, much of this can be attributed to more awareness of mental illness. The stigma against mental health has started to subside. Seeking a counselor or therapist has become more acceptable. More people are realizing the benefit of getting help when they need it. People are also realizing the benefits of preventative therapy.

Mental health statistics have increased, but it’s not necessarily because more people are dealing with depression and stress, but that more are being documented and getting help is becoming more acceptable. More celebrities and everyday people are talking about the importance of mental health. People like to hear others say they had a problem, but they got help. That has made others more comfortable about seeking help too.

If you need help, get it. And if you know someone who needs help, encourage them to reach out for help. Not because everyone else is doing it, but because mental health matters. Don’t suffer in silence. Don’t wait. Get the help you need and share this with others so they can too. 

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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TURNING POINT

By Emily Marszalek

Don’t Look Back

A Emily Marszalek graduated with her B.A. in International Studies from Whitworth University in 2013. She enjoys the simple pleasures in life with her best friend, Nick, and their two Goldendoodles, Charlie and Lucy, in the Pacific Northwest.

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

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

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

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ttending college on a full-ride scholarship my playlist. The lyrics quickly got my attention. In through Army ROTC, I envisioned a prom- those powerful words, the songwriter asks Jesus to ising future as a military officer after earn- show Him how far the east is from the west. Heart ing my degree. Ranking No. 1 in my ROTC class, racing, I researched the lyrics and looked up the my plans were on track as my hard work paid off. I Bible verse the song references. “As far as the east is was slotted to attend military intelligence school at from the west, so far has he removed our transgresFort Huachuca, Arizona, immediately after college sions from us” (Psalm 103:12 NIV). graduation. My exciting career was about to take As I read and reread these verses, tears began to off. I only had to finish my final year of school. fall. It was as if God were whispering, Emily, you’re When I began suffering from a deep depres- forgiven. I no longer see the mistakes of your past sion during senior year, however, things began to and have already carried your sin and shame on the crumble. I was too ashamed to reach out for help cross. Why do you keep looking back? He reminded or express my anguish to those closest to me, so I me that although I continued to focus on my past, sunk further and further into a pit of despair. My He didn’t. torment made it difficult to even get out of bed.

I had so long identified with depression, selfSoon enough, I lost the will to live. hatred, and failure that there was no room to emAfter swallowing a bottle of sleeping pills with brace my identity as one redeemed through Christ. the hopes I’d go to sleep and never wake up, I pro- As God reminded me, He already freed me from ceeded to spend two weeks in a behavioral health those false identities and gifted me new ones: forcenter. The Army determined I wasn’t fit to serve, given, freed, loved. Through daily reminders of my so my dreams were shattered. My desire to serve new and true identity, I no longer allow my past in the armed forces would to dictate my future, denever come to fruition. fine who I am, or prevent “As far as the east is from the Shame. That five-letter me from moving forward. word followed me around While I recognize I cannot west, so far has he removed as if written in ink on my erase history and have to our transgressions from us” forehead. I could hardly face face consequences from the myself in the mirror. When past, I believe Romans 8:28 (Psalm 103:12 NIV).

I did, I only saw failure starwhen it says God uses all ing back at me. I felt I had things together for the good lost everything: my health, career, others’ respect, of those who love Him. even God’s love. I don’t even love myself; why would Although the temptation to look back occasionHe? I asked myself. I rejected the faith I had previ- ally creeps up on me, I remind myself that my sin ously clung to. and shame have already been cast as far as the east is While the journey to recovery from depression was from the west. They’re gone. Continuing to live as if long and hard, spanning several difficult years, I did I’m not forgiven, redeemed, and anew is to say that recover. The shame, however, remained. I was con- Christ’s sacrifice was not enough. But it surely was. vinced “failure” was the only word people, including Whatever we’ve done, no matter how shameful, me, would ever associate with my name again. it’s not too big or too bad for God. He loves, forgives, I felt empty. I longed for purpose. From that and welcomes us back with open arms. And when place of emptiness, I committed my life back to we still feel paralyzed by shame, we can visualize the Lord. While I knew I had been forgiven the in- laying it at the foot of the cross, as Jesus already stant I repented, the shame remained. I continued carried our shame so we could live unburdened by to look back, preventing me from moving forward the past. When He looks upon us, He doesn’t see and embracing the life God intended for me. For- our failures. Rather, He sees His beloved children, tunately, God found a way to reach me in the midst redeemed through Him. He has a good plan for us. of my paralysis.

Our job is to continue to walk forward.

One morning as I prepared for work, the song Now when I look at myself in the mirror, I visualize “East to West” by Casting Crowns began to play on a different five-letter word on my forehead. Freed. 

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

MARCH 2022

Easter Resource Guide Special Advertising Section

A

t Easter, we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. It is, after all, the central event of all history. His resurrection proves He is God and, therefore, that what He says is true. But the resurrection also points to the authority of Scripture. If God didn’t provide a written record to guide us, we would have to rely on the equivalent of a modern game of “Telephone” to pass on from generation to generation our best guesses at what we think God said, or worse, what we want to think God said. We all know from personal experience how quickly and completely a message is distorted playing Telephone. God knows that as well, so through inspiration, He has provided an authoritative written account of His words (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21).

The fact that the Son of God willingly sacrificed so much by stepping out of a perfect Heaven to share in our human suffering for 33 years and to be tortured on the cross in order to provide us with truth is evidence of the importance He placed on conveying His words. Given that, it’s inconceivable that God would allow His Son to endure such suffering to deliver truth in person, only to leave us without a reliable written account of that truth.

That would undermine the very purpose and nature of His incarnation. Emmanuel means “God with us.” That goes beyond His physical presence during His life on earth. It includes Scripture, which contains the mind of God to reveal His eternal purposes.

The Gideons’ preface to the Bible sums this up well:

NIV Adventure Bible [Zondervan]

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“The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.

Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.

It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.”

The Gideons International, The New Testament, National Publishing Company, 1985, preface In this resource guide, you’ll find various Bibles and books that point to the truths of the Scripture, which provide light to guide our paths through life.

NIV Kids Visual Study Bible [Zondervan]

Are your kids visual learners?

Then this is the Bible for them!

The NIV Kids’ Visual Study Bible brings God’s great story to life with over 700 illustrations, photographs, infographics, and maps. This engaging Bible draws kids into Scripture by visually explaining how the facts and stories all fit together. NIVBiblesforKids.com

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Special Advertising Section

NIV Ultimate Bible for Girls, Faithgirlz Edition [Zondervan]

This beautiful Bible shows every tween girl she’s totally unique and special.

Packed with features that help girls better understand themselves and Scripture, the NIV Ultimate Bible for Girls teaches girls that the Bible is real, relevant, and that the story of God and his people is also their story.

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NIV Boys Bible [Zondervan]

The NIV Boys’ Bible is a fullfeatured Bible designed to help boys ages 8-12 dig deep into God’s Word.

Loved by parents for years, this Bible allows boys to learn new facts, discover inspiring people and stories, and uncover all kinds of stuff they never imagined was in the Bible.

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NIV Study Bible, Fully Revised Edition

NIV Case for Christ New Testament [Zondervan]

An informative outreach tool that motivates seekers and skeptics to investigate the Bible’s most compelling claims about the existence of God and the promise of eternal life through his son, Jesus.

This compact New Testament includes articles from former atheist Lee Strobel, bestselling author of The Case For… series.

BiblesforEaster.com

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[Zondervan]

The NIV Study Bible embodies the mission of the NIV translation to be an accurate, readable, and clear guide into Scripture.

Specifically designed to expand upon the NIV, the NIV Study Bible’s editorial team crafts that same accuracy and clarity into every study note.

BiblesforEaster.com

Special Advertising Section

NIV Halley’s Study Bible

[Zondervan]

[Zondervan]

With content gleaned from the Halley’s Bible Handbook — the bestselling Bible handbook of all time — the NIV Halley’s Study Bible makes the Bible accessible to you through articles, study notes, charts, maps, and photos next to related Scripture.

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NIV The Story [Zondervan]

The story of the Bible is about God’s great love affair with humanity. Condensed into 31 accessible chapters, The Story sweeps you into the unfolding progression of Bible characters and events from Genesis to Revelation.

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NRSV C.S. Lewis Bible

Each reading in this NRSV Bible offers C. S. Lewis as a companion to your daily meditation of Scripture. As you engage in your devotional Bible reading, you will also gain insight from Lewis’s writings and spiritual journey as you invite him into your spiritual discipline.

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NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible [Zondervan]

The NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible equips you to follow the progressive unfolding of God’s story. Helpful introductions to books and sections of the Bible combined with 20,000 verseby-verse study notes will guide you to a clearer understanding of every portion of Scripture.

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TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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Special Advertising Section

NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible

NIV The Jesus Bible, Artist Edition

[Zondervan]

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The NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible paints a stunning canvas of the goodness of God’s redemptive plan revealed in the gospel of Jesus.

Under the project leadership of Dr. R. Albert Mohler, the warmhearted and practical study notes will guide your reading as you dig into Scripture. BiblesforEaster.com

Encounter the living Jesus in all of Scripture.

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NIV Journal the Word™ Bible

NIV Journal the Word™ Bible

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TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

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[Zondervan]

The NIV Journal the Word™ Bible allows you to creatively express yourself every day with plenty of room for notes or verse art next to your favorite verses. With a beautiful navy cover, this single-column journaling Bible features thick paper with lightly ruled lines, perfect to reflect on God’s Word. biblesforeaster.com

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NIV Thinline Bible, Large Print, Premier Collection

NIV Beautiful Word Bible: Updated Edition [Zondervan]

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Premier Collection Bibles combine fine craftsmanship with ultimate readability and portability. They are bound in the softest, finest goatskin available and feature quality finishes such as beautiful art gilding, durable edge lining, and three wide and double-sided ribbon markers. This Bible also features Zondervan’s exclusive NIV Comfort Print® typeface. biblesforeaster.com

NIV Verse Mapping Bible

By Kristy Cambron [Zondervan]

Compare Bible translations, pick out meaningful words, and delve into the true meaning of each verse using starter verse maps and prompts.

This unique study technique includes exploring Hebrew and Greek word studies, finding connections in Scripture, comparing Bible translations, and learning as much as you can from God’s Word. biblesforeaster.com

Featuring 600 illustrated verses, unique peel and stick Bible book tabs, and a highly readable typeface, the NIV Beautiful Word Bible offers a one-ofa-kind visual treatment of Scripture for a more beautiful quiet time. As you reflect, you can also fill the wide margins with your thoughts, journals, and artwork. biblesforeaster.com

NIV Radiant Virtues Bible [Zondervan]

Discover how the themes of faith, hope and love are woven through both the stories of the Bible and your own life.

Verse art, journaling prompts, devotional readings and prayers, coloring pages, reading plans, and more guide you as you explore each virtue and its place in Scripture. biblesforeaster.com

TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

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Special Advertising Section

NIV Quest Study Bible

NIV Artisan Collection Bible [Zondervan]

[Zondervan]

Get answers to the Bible questions you have... and questions you haven’t yet pondered! The NIV Quest Study Bible features over 7,000 notes written in an engaging question and answer format that give insight into the common, uncommon, and sometimes perplexing passages from the Bible. biblesforeaster.com

The Gift of the Cross

Exquisite from the inside out, the NIV Artisan Collection Bible invites you to journal or draw alongside Scripture while delighting in the beauty of the cover, featuring a unique expressionist art piece. The carefully composed interior features a double-column typesetting, allowing you to carry this Bible wherever you go. biblesforeaster.com

3:16: The Numbers of Hope

By Max Lucado [Thomas Nelson]

By Charles F. Stanley [Thomas Nelson]

In The Gift of the Cross, beloved and trusted pastor Dr. Charles Stanley walks us through the Lenten and Easter seasons with biblical teaching on Christ’s journey to the cross, the wonder of His divine resurrection, and what all of this means for believers today. bit.ly/TN-GOTC

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Now revised and expanded, Max Lucado encourages us to study closely the “Hope Diamond of the Bible”: John 3:16. If you know nothing of the Bible or know everything in the Bible, John 3:16 invites you to know God’s love deeply and intimately. 40-day devotional also included. 316hope.com

Special Advertising Section

A Young Woman After God’s Own Heart Bible

A Woman After God’s Own Heart Bible

By Elizabeth George [Kregel Publications]

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Amon’s Adventure: A Family Story for Easter

All Things Bright and Beautiful

By Arnold Ytreeide [Kregel Publications]

Witness the days leading to Jesus’s crucifixion through the eyes of 13-year-old Amon. With short and exciting chapters, reflections for family devotions, and advice for making Lent a meaningful experience, this book will help families discover anew the spiritual power of the resurrection story. bit.ly/KP-Amon

By Jean Claude [Kregel Publications]

In this stunningly beautiful book, birds soar, bugs burrow, elephants dance, plants grow — the whole world singing in praise of their Creator God. With the lyrics to the well-known, classic tune, this book makes it easy for kids and parents to sing along. bit.ly/KP-Bright

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Fruit Full: 100 Family Experiences for Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit

Noah’s Ark Puzzle

By Christie Thomas [Kregel Publications]

Learn about the fruit of the Spirit together!

Each devotion includes a Scripture passage, thoughtprovoking questions, ways to apply each verse, and a prayer to help parents connect their children with the Holy Spirit. And for each fruit, hands-on activities are available for when there’s extra time. bit.ly/KP-Fruit

One at a Time: The Unexpected Way God Wants to Use You to Change the World

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By Sandrine L’Amour [Scandinavia House]

What a fun way to learn Scripture! With high-quality pieces that fit just right, an engaging and colorful picture of Noah’s Ark, and a Bible verse printed right on the puzzle, this 48-piece puzzle is the perfect rainy-day activity for your kids. bit.ly/KP-Puzzle

A Confident Mom: Simple Ways to Give Your Child What They Need Most

By Kyle Idleman [Baker Books]

By Renee Swope [Revell]

Maybe we make changing the world more complex than it really is. Making a difference isn’t dependent on what’s in your bank account or who’s in your contacts. Want to make a difference? Focus on the one.

That’s the secret of the way of Jesus. One at a time. oneatatimebook.com

Discover simple ways to give your child what they need most through the power of heart-centered and characterfocused parenting. This book will transform your perspective of parenting and change the way you see yourself as a mom and as a child of God. reneeswope.com

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MARCH 2022

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The Risen One: Experiencing All of Jesus in Easter

By Scott James [B&H Publishing]

Through this short and sweet devotional (especially helpful if you’re teaching little ones with short attention spans), Scott James brings to light the many things that Christ’s life and resurrection means for us not only through the season of Lent, but all year long. bit.ly/BH-RisenOne

Fighting Words: 100 Days of Speaking Truth Into Darkness

By Ellie Holcomb [B&H Publishing]

Filled with encouraging reflections and beautifully designed Scripture pages, Fighting Words is a devotional where you can take hold of precious truths in God’s Word to help you push back the lies that so often consume, distract, and destroy us, from singersongwriter and best-selling author Ellie Holcomb. fightingwordsdevo.com

Fasting & Feasting: 40 Devotions to Satisfy the Hungry Heart

By Erin Davis [B&H Publishing]

Does your relationship with food come as a constant source of regret, frustration, and shame? Or does it feel like a God-given blessing? In this 40-day devotional you’ll learn just how satisfying it is to join in the biblical rhythms of fasting and feasting. bit.ly/BH-FastFeast

The Lord’s Prayer: The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught

By Adam Hamilton [Abingdon Press]

In The Lord’s Prayer: The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught, pastor and best-selling author Adam Hamilton guides us to really know — and really pray — the Lord’s Prayer, exploring it line-by-line to learn how to use it as a pattern for our own prayer life. AdamHamilton.com/LordsPrayer

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If the Tomb Is Empty: Why the Resurrection Means Anything Is Possible

By Joby Martin [FaithWords]

By Chelsey DeMatteis [Arabelle Publishing]

If the Tomb is Empty is an insightful examination of what the miracle of Christ’s resurrection means for all of us. Joby Martin reveals how God’s plan for Christ’s sacrifice is threaded throughout Scripture and shows why Christ’s resurrection — impossible, unbelievable — means that nothing is too hard for our God. FaithWords.com

More of Him, Less of Me is a refreshing 52week devotional grounded in biblical truths that will challenge, change, and shape the way you think about your relationship with Christ. As you draw closer to God, you’ll encounter a shift in the way you see the world. Great gift idea. amzn.to/3wJbNYC

Free to Thrive: How Your Hurt, Struggles, and Deepest Longings Can Lead to a Fulfilling Life

By Josh McDowell & Ben Bennett [Thomas Nelson]

Your struggles aren’t random. Many people experience devastating levels of loneliness, depression, and porn use. Many struggle and don’t know how to get free or live a flourishing life.

• Overcome struggles.

• Fulfill deepest longings.

• Your whole life awaits you!

Sale! $19.54 josh.org/thrive 38

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More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-Centered Life in a Me-Centered World

MARCH 2022

LAUGH LINES

A

boy asks his father to explain the differences among the words “irritation” “aggravation,” and “frustration.” Dad takes out his cell phone and dials a number at random.

When the phone is answered, he asks, “Can I speak to Roger, please?”

“No! There’s no one called Roger here.”

The person hangs up.

“That’s irritation,” says the dad.

He picks up the phone again, dials the same number and asks for Roger a second time. “No, there’s no one here called Roger. Go away. Don’t call again.”

“That’s aggravation,” says Dad. “Then what’s frustration?” asks his son.

The father picks up his phone and dials a third time: “Hello, this is Roger. Have I received any phone calls?”

—From Mikey’s Funnies (www.mikeysfunnies.com)

O

ne day an employee came into work with both of his ears bandaged. His boss asked him what happened to his ears.

“Yesterday I was ironing a shirt when the phone rang, and I accidentally answered the iron instead of the phone!”

“Well,” the boss said, “that explains one ear, but what about the other?”

“They called back.”

—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.

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QUICK TAKES

Rocking It Grand: 18 Ways to Be a GameChanging Grandma

Demystifying DecisionMaking: A Practical Guide

By Aimee Joseph [Crossway]

By Shellie Rushing Tomlinson and Chrys Howard [Tyndale]

Chrys Howard and Shellie Tomlinson have more than 20 (as of now) grandchildren from newborn to 30 years old.

Together they inspire grandmas with personal stories, learned insight, relevant Scripture, and a few laughs to encourage new and seasoned grandmas to press on.

Rocking It Grand includes four easy-to-remember R’s in each of the 18 devotions: • Remember It is a Scripture passage to absorb.

• Read About It is a personal message from Chrys or Shellie.

• Reflect On It is a quote to highlight their message.

• Rock It provides an action step to reinforce the topic.

Become more intentional with your grandchildren, your adult children, and their spouses; more grounded in your faith; and ready to rock your role as the best grandparent you can be.

Chapters include: • Teach Them to Stand • Make the Best of Bad Situations • Superheroes Don’t Always Wear Capes

Rest and War: Rhythms of a Well-Fought Life

By Ben Stuart [Thomas Nelson]

You don’t have to live in this world long before discovering that the pursuit of intimacy with God occurs within the context of adversity. It’s a fight, but a fight in which our King has won the victory.

You’ve been set free ... into a raging battle!

But there’s good news: your struggles don’t mean you’re doomed. Rather, they’re actually a sure sign that you’re alive. Now you must learn to struggle well, for Jesus didn’t free you from the fight; he freed you for the fight.

Rest & War is a field guide for the spiritual life, a book of ancient methods of transformation transposed into a modern key. Borne out of pastor Ben Stuart’s life experiences and decades in ministry, Rest & War offers biblical and practical guidance to: • trade patterns of thinking that diminish intimacy with God for ones that encourage it • cultivate an environment in which you flourish • design your everyday schedule to bring more meaning into your routines God has called you into the good fight of life. Enter it boldly and strategically. Flee evil and pursue intimacy with your Creator. Make war on what’s destructive, and rest in the God who loves you.

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On an average day, people make countless decisions, such as, What should I have for breakfast? Where should we go for this year’s vacation? While some decisions are easy to make, others can leave individuals paralyzed and full of anxiety.

As Christians living in an increasingly individualistic society, what’s the best strategy for making decisions that honor God while becoming more like Him in the process?

Writing from her own life and pointing to biblical examples, Aimee Joseph offers a theological framework for decisionmaking. She explains God’s design for humans as decisionmakers, the biblical model for making choices, common wrong approaches, practical tips, and what to do when you’ve made a poor decision. With the philosophy that “as we shape our decisions, our decisions shape us,” Aimee teaches readers how to worship Christ through their daily decisions.

Chapters include: • Theological Foundations for Decisions • Practical Preparations for Decisions • Practical Paradigms for Decisions

Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World

By Jennie Allen [WaterBrook]

In a world that’s both more connected and more isolating than ever before, we’re often tempted to do life alone, whether because we’re so busy or because relationships feel risky and hard. But science confirms that consistent, meaningful connection with others has a powerful impact on our well-being. We’re meant to live known and loved. But so many are hiding behind emotional walls that we’re experiencing an epidemic of loneliness.

In Find Your People, Jennie Allen draws on fascinating insights from science and history, timeless biblical truth, and vulnerable stories from her own life to help you: • overcome barriers to making new friends • find simple ways to develop authentic conversations • understand how conflict can strengthen relationships rather than destroy them • identify the type of friend you are and the types of friends you need • learn the five practical ingredients you need to have the type of friends you’ve always longed for You were created to play, engage, adventure, and explore with others. In Find Your People, you’ll discover how to dive into the deep end and experience the full wonder of community.

Unleashing Peace: Experiencing God’s Shalom in Your Pursuit of Happiness

By Jeremiah J. Johnston [Bethany House]

God’s peace, His shalom, can penetrate every aspect of your life — spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Although the word shalom appears 550 times in the Scriptures and was a constant theme in Jesus’ teachings, it’s a neglected topic today. As a result, God’s peace has been elusive to so many followers of Jesus. This book charts a course of shalom for you! This uplifting book is also helpful for ministry leaders and everyone else who recognizes the church’s incredible opportunity today to help individuals and families dealing with anxiety, worry, and mental pain.

Chapters include: • The Ministry of Presence • Vulnerability Is the New Superpower • Holistic Happiness: Mind, Body, and Soul: An Interview with Rick Tague, MD, MPH • Mind Wars: Taking Every Thought Captive • Why Don’t I Feel My Faith?: An Interview with Psychologist and Pastor Dr. Ted Witzig, Jr.

It’s Better to Bite Your Tongue Than Eat Your Words: The No-Regrets Guide to Better Conversations

By Dr. Mike Bechtle [Revell]

Ever come away from a conversation wishing you’d said something different?

We’ve all had conversations that took an unproductive turn or avoided conversations that really needed to happen. If you want to become a better communicator, Dr. Mike Bechtle has good news: the art of confident conversation is something you can develop through simple, repeatable habits. In It’s Better to Bite Your Tongue Than Eat Your Words, he shows you how to: • embrace your temperament • overcome feelings of intimidation • choose the right words at the right time • speak up for others and yourself Chapters include: • Confrontation, Not Conflict • Overcoming Intimidation • The Power of Silence • How to Change Someone’s Mind • Being Humble without Being Weak Say goodbye to fear, regret, and “I should (or shouldn’t have said that.” Say hello to intentional, appropriate, timely conversations that build relationships.

Quest 52: A Fifteen-Minute-aDay Yearlong Pursuit of Jesus

By Mark E. Moore [WaterBrook]

You’ve read a lot about Jesus. Now spend an entire year with Him! Let respected Bible professor and teaching pastor Mark Moore be your guide. He developed this process over almost 40 years of helping people make sense of Christianity.

Quest 52 highlights the key moments from Jesus’ life, revealing His identity, expectations, priorities, and ultimate purpose. Each week features a handpicked gospel reading from the life of Jesus, plus an Old Testament passage foreshadowing His coming, a New Testament story revealing His impact, an invitation to discuss insights with fellow travelers, and practical ways to put what you’ve learned into practice.

The topics address relevant issues such as: • Does Jesus really care about your pain?

• How can you know God’s call on your life?

• What does Jesus say about social justice?

• How can you hear God’s voice?

• What are ways to survive these difficult days?

This quest will enhance your understanding of Jesus and will forever change how you make choices, engage with others, interpret today’s big issues, and even view yourself!

Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ Is Essential

By Collin Hansen and Jonathan Leeman [Crossway]

Since a global pandemic abruptly closed places of worship, many Christians have skipped church life, even neglecting virtual services. But this was a trend even before COVID-19. Polarizing issues, including political and racial strife, convinced some people to pull away from the church and one another. Now it’s time to recommit to gathering as brothers and sisters in Christ.

In Rediscover Church, Collin Hansen and Jonathan Leeman discuss why church is essential for believers and God’s mission. Through biblical references and personal stories, they show readers God’s true intention for corporate gathering: to spiritually strengthen members as individuals and the body of Christ.

Chapters include: • What Is a Church?

• Do We Really Need to Gather?

• Why Are Preaching and Teaching Central?

• Is Joining Actually Necessary?

• How Do I Love Members Who Are Different?

In an age of church-shopping and livestreamed services, rediscover why the future of the church relies on believers gathering regularly as the family of God. TODAYSCHRISTIANLIVING.ORG

41

PERSECUTION REPORT

By Jerry Dykstra and Open Doors contributors

By Jeff M. Sellers

Persecution in Sudan Increases After October Coup Jeff M. Sellers is founder and editor of Morning Star News morningstarnews.org, the only independent news service exclusively covering persecution of Christians. Previously he was an associate editor at Christianity Today magazine, where he wrote a regular column on persecuted Christians for five years. He worked seven years as an editor at Open Doors International and three years as a writer at World Vision.

With a journalism degree from Arizona State University and a Master’s in Marketplace Theology from Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, he has also reported on persecution, economy, politics, and cultural issues for USA Today, The Globe and Mail, and other media as a journalist in Mexico City, Mexico, and Madrid, Spain.

F

ollowing two years of advances in religious freedom in Sudan — for decades prior a seemingly hopeless Islamist dictatorship — the nightmare returned with the military coup of Oct. 25, 2021.

When Islamist strongman Omar al-Bashir was ousted from 30 years of power in April 2019, the transitional civilian-military government managed to undo some sharia (Islamic law) provisions.

It outlawed the labeling of any religious group “infidels” and thus effectively rescinded apostasy laws that made leaving Islam punishable by death.

In 2020, the transitional government also repealed Islamic-based public flogging as a criminal punishment and Islamic prohibitions against drinking alcohol. Sudan had taken other steps to reform laws that violate religious rights, though most statutes were still based on Islamic law. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) determined after a February 2020 visit that “the transitional government has ended the former regime’s most egregious forms of religious repression and reaffirmed its commitment to substantive change.”

Acknowledging that Christians had suffered persecution, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasreddine Mufreh had vowed to fight terrorism, extremism, and “takfiri” ideology that called for those leaving Islam to be punished. Sudan’s Sovereign Council on Dec. 18, 2019, announced the recognition of Christmas on Dec. 25 and Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 7 as public holidays. Thus, Prime Minister Abadalla Hamdok ordered a ban on holding examinations in academic institutions on Dec. 25 and Jan. 7 and instructed public institutions to allow Christians to leave work at 10 a.m. on Sundays to attend church.

All these measures were unimaginable in Sudan before the ouster of Bashir. Now Christians in Sudan fear that the return of the most repressive and harsh

Prayer Points: • F or peace in Sudan amid tensions over government makeup.

• T hat civilian officials will be restored to power and democracy will take hold.

• T hat Christians will be protected and strengthened amid societal and government opposition.

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MARCH 2022

aspects of Islamic law, with the accompanying intolerance of any other faith expression, is inevitable.

Hamdok, detained under house arrest for nearly a month before he was released and reinstated in a tenuous power-sharing agreement in November, has faced the challenge of rooting out longstanding corruption and an Islamist “deep state” rooted in Bashir’s 30 years of power. That deep state helped root out the transitional government in the Oct. 25 military coup.

While the coup threatens to undo gains in religious freedom, persecution of Christians had not stopped under the two years of the transitional government, as Islamist elements woven into Sudanese society continued to assert their will. On July 2, masked gunmen in an area south of Khartoum, Sudan, attacked a government religious affairs worker at midnight and threatened to kill him for supporting the return of church properties to Christians.

The adviser to the minister of Sudan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments, Botrous Badawi, a Christian, told Morning Star News that four gunmen followed his vehicle before stopping in front of his car and ordering him to get out. Armed with AK-47 assault rifles, they beat Badawi and threatened to kill him if he continued advocating the return of Sudan Presbyterian Coptic cathedral in Evangelical Church Khartoum. (Wikipedia) property to the denomination, he said.

Badawi, who received hospital treatment for his injuries, said he suspected the masked assailants were agents of the former National Intelligence Security Service (NISS), a notorious agency with an Islamist bent that previously had broad powers to arrest Christians and other undesirables. The new transitional government had taken away its powers and replaced it with the more even-handed General Intelligence Service.

Earlier a Christian leader in Sudan was detained and beaten for speaking out against the burning of a church building in Tambul, south of Khartoum.

CHRISTIANS BEATEN AND KILLED IN CALL FOR SHARIA AND HOLY WAR

Police watch as Sudanese Church of Christ building in Omdurman is demolished. (Morning Star News)

Masked men believed to be national security personnel on Feb. 19, 2021, seized Osama Saeed Kodi, chairman of the Christian Youth Union of Al Jazirah state, handcuffed and blindfolded him, Christian leaders in Sudan said.

“They told him, ‘We will kill you if you continue with Christian activities in Tambul,’” a church leader told Morning Star News. They beat him and threatened to kill him if he continued voicing objections to the burning of a Sudanese Church of Christ (SCOC) worship hall in Tambul, and then released him after a few hours.

Suspected Muslim extremists on Jan. 3, 2021, set fire to the church building, the only worship hall in Tambul, which was used by various denominations in the remote area. Set ablaze shortly after SCOC members left their Sunday service, it was the ninth church building in two years to be set ablaze in Sudan.

Hate messages against Christians circulated on social media in the area in the weeks leading up to the arson. Muslim extremists who burned down a church’s worship places in Omdurman five times since January 2019 threatened to kill congregation members if they put up another temporary structure to continue worshipping.

When police refused to file a case, the church hired the attorney whose court actions resulted in police registering the case and arresting the nine suspects. At the same time, several social media posts urged Muslims in Sudan to resist any church officials’ attempts to obtain approval for land for church buildings.

“In every city or village where Muslims live, they should not allow anything that belongs to infidels such as church buildings to be there,” one commentator posted in January 2021.

Such Islamist sentiment swelled into protests when the transitional government did away with some aspects of Islamic law. Now the military government is facing the kind of mass protests that led to the ouster of Bashir, along with international pressure to give civilian leaders a real voice beyond the token place granted them in November’s powersharing agreement.

Long-oppressed Christians are watching to see which way governing authorities will go. 

Smoldering resentment of the transitional government’s annulment of some Islamic laws in Sudan flared at times before the military coup of Oct. 25, and Christians on the street continued to be persecuted.

The apostasy law had been used for more than 30 years to persecute those who leave Islam. After the transitional government made up of civilians and military leaders decriminalized apostasy and repealed other Islamist laws in July 2020, small groups of radical Muslims took to the streets. They also took to social media to criticize the moves, terming them anti-Islamic and calling for “holy war” against the government for scrapping sharia (Islamic law) provisions.

“Sharia, sharia or we die,” protestors shouted in demonstrations in Khartoum and Omdurman. “This is Khartoum, not New York.”

Nearly three weeks before Sudan’s Oct. 25 military coup, Islamic extremists were continuing to harass, discriminate against, and attack Christians. A pastor’s son, his cousin, and their 20-year-old aunt were assaulted in a suburb north of Khartoum on Oct. 6, despite religious freedoms favored by the pre-coup transitional government.

Levi Hakim, 17, went into a shop in the Alsamrab neighborhood in Khartoum North to make purchases that morning when a Muslim approached and dragged him behind the Taqwa Mosque, Hakim’s mother said. Two other Muslim men joined the assailant and, saying they were upset with the presence of Christians in the area, beat him in turns, she said. They did not rob him.

When Hakim, a member of Khartoum National Presbyterian Church, failed to return from the shop, his cousin, 16-year-old Jal John Paul, went to search for him. Jal John Paul’s father, John Paul, is pastor of their church.

Upon the 16-year-old’s arrival, the assailants identified him as “another one of them” and beat him, injuring his arm. When the two teenaged Christians failed to return, Pastor John Paul’s sister, 20-year-old Nyawal Paul, went to the shop to see why her nephews were delayed, and the three Muslim men beat her too. She received first aid for minor injuries.

The beaten Christians, all members of the same church, did not know the three Muslim assailants, who appeared to be in their 40s. The family received threats from the assailants for reporting the assaults to police.

The attack followed a June 20 assault in Omdurman, where young Muslim men shouting the jihadist slogan “Allah Akbar [God is greater]” stabbed a Christian to death in a street assault on him and four other South Sudanese in the Shigla area.

At the end of evening prayers at a mosque in the Al-Jerif East area of Khartoum on June 7, imams called for residents to rid Christian South Sudanese from the “Muslim area.” Attacks on Christians in the area followed that evening and the next day.

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KIDS OF THE KINGDOM

A

property manager of single-family residences was showing a unit to prospective tenants and asking the usual questions. “Professionally employed?” he asked.

“We’re a military family,” the wife answered.

“Children?”

“Oh, yes, ages 9 and 12,” she answered proudly.

“Animals?”

“Oh, no,” she said earnestly. “They’re very well behaved.”

—From Mikey’s Funnies (www.mikeysfunnies.com)

M

y 4-year-old son told me that it was his stuffed animal’s birthday today.

Since this was probably the third birthday this animal had in about as many weeks, I commented that she seems to have a lot of birthdays.

He explained, “Well, the older you get, the faster they come!”

—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.

INDEX & WEB LISTING Abingdon Press ......................................www.abingdonpress.com.........................38 ACTS Retirement-Life Communities ......www.actsretirement.org.............................2 Arabelle Publishing.................................www.arabellepublishing.com...................38 B&H Publishing Group............................www.bhpublishinggroup.com .................37 Baker Books............................................www.bakerpublishinggroup.com.............36 Blue Cottage Studio................................facebook.com/bluecottagestudio .............11 Hachette Book Group.............................www.hachettebookgroup.com.................38 HarperCollins Christian Publishing.........www.harpercollinschristian.com.....1, 29-34 Josh McDowell Ministry..........................www.josh.org............................................38 Kregel Publications.................................www.kregel.com.................................. 35-36 Today’s Pastor..........................................www.todayspastor.org..............................11 Total Living Network — TLN.................www.tln.com.............................................48 Please note: The Advertisers’ Index is published as a convenience to our readers. While every effort is made to obtain accuracy and completeness, last minute changes may occasionally result in unavoidable omissions or errors.

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MARCH 2022

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GRACE NOTES

By Dee Brestin

Tearing Down Idols

W

By Dee Brestin

Dee Brestin is the author of many best-selling books and Bible studies, including The Friendships of Women, and The Jesus Who Surprises, which was nominated by christianbookawards. com for the best Bible study of 2020.

She’s a frequent radio/television guest, has a prison ministry, and posts a free interactive Bible study on her website. Mother of five married children, and grandmother of 15, she lives in Door County, Wisconsin. To watch her interview on tearing down idols, visit deebrestin.com/ idollies.

46

hy did one administrative assistant after another keep resigning? In the midst of a heavy retreat schedule, she’d up and quit!

After my fourth assistant resigned in a 10-year period, I lamented to my friend Jan Silvious: “This is so upsetting! What’s the matter with these women?”

“Seems to be a pattern in your life, Dee.” Whaaaat? Jan thinks this is MY fault?

Sometimes God’s grace is painful, like a surgeon who tells you he suspects a malignant tumor. Your immediate response is denial. But God will persist in awakening His children to danger. My first red flag was the pain my sin caused. My second red flag was the comment from a caring friend. The third red flag came from Scripture. After Jan’s comment, I “happened” to listen to a sermon from Gospel in Life on Martha of Bethany called “Models of Manipulation.”

Pastor Jim Om said Martha was a classic manipulator, using guilt, sideways comments, and inappropriate orders to control others. See all three in Luke 10:40. Martha barrels out of the kitchen and says, “Lord, do you not care” (guilt) “that my sister has left me to serve alone?” (sideways comment to Mary). “Tell her to help me” (inappropriate order to Jesus).

This sermon made me uncomfortable. I had considered guilt and sideways comments as helpful tools in confronting people. It seemed easier, even kinder, to come at them sideways instead of directly.

If she was late for work, I might say, “Is everything okay at home?” That was gentle, made me look nice, but hopefully communicated: Stop being late.

She might respond in innocence, telling me all was well. Or, if she discerned my real concern, she might sideways me right back with a touch of sarcasm by saying, “Yes, Dee — thanks so much for caring.” Then we’d both be angry — repressed anger swirling, building, heading for demolition.

“Idols of the heart” as Ezekiel calls them, are not visible things, but ways we try to meet our needs contrary to God’s ways. Idolatry is replacing God in our life by turning to something or someone else.

TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING

Idols seem to fix a problem, but then turn around and cut us to pieces. To overcome, we must first identity our sinful way of meeting a need and then, in faith, turn to God’s way and trust Him to work.

In my situation, I had to stop manipulating. Then I had to choose one of God’s ways for dealing with someone who upsets me. Almost always we’re called to give grace, to overlook an offense in love (Prov.

17:9). But if it’s a destructive pattern, and we feel we could be effective, we should go to the person directly and gently speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15; Gal. 6:1). In both cases, we can pray for them.

When I finally saw my tumor, I was cut to the heart. I went to God and to my assistant and asked for forgiveness. I made a U-turn. Not only did I keep my administrative assistant, but my relationships with everyone improved dramatically. My daughter Sally said, “Mom – you are SO MUCH BETTER.” Though blind to me, my hidden sin was as big as the rock of Gibraltar to others.

Idolatry is always the sin beneath the sin.

When my husband died of cancer, I ran to the pantry to try to assuage my pain, stuffing my mouth with whatever, gaining 20 pounds. Food is a good gift, but never meant to be our Savior. Abusing this gift was destroying my health. I needed to turn instead to “the God of all comfort” and trust Him to meet me.

You can’t just say “Stop it,” when you’re sinning.

I had to start speaking to people God’s way, and I had to start eating God’s way. It takes faith, and it’s not a quick fix, but as you keep walking in obedience and faith, He will meet you. He has removed my tumors of manipulation and overeating and brought healing, health, and happiness. Can tumors come back? Yes. John Calvin says our hearts are idol-making factories. But I have insight and power I didn’t have in the past.

When Jonah was coming to his senses in the belly of a great fish, he said, “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love to them” (Jonah 2:8 NIV). 

“Idols of the heart” as Ezekiel calls them, are not visible things, but ways we try to meet our needs contrary to God’s ways.

MARCH 2022

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New New Newto toto weekdays weekdays weekdays @@@ 5:30PM 5:30PM 5:30PM

weekdays weekdays weekdays @@3:00pm @3:00pm 3:00pm CT/1:30p CT/1:30p CT/1:30p PTPTPT

Christian Christian Christian voices voices voices are are are being being being silenced silenced silenced ininthe inthe the media! media! media!

Broadcasters Broadcasters Broadcasters that that that attempt attempt attempt totouse to use use technology technology technology totospread to spread spread the the the Gospel Gospel Gospel are are are being being being censored censored censored and and and blocked blocked blocked bybythe by the the secular secular secular media. media. media.

Christian Christian Christian values values values are are are being being being labeled labeled labeled asas“hate as “hate “hate speech” speech” speech” bybyvoices by voices voices who who who have have have anananti-Christian an anti-Christian anti-Christian bias. bias. bias.

Free Free Free speech speech speech isisais abedrock bedrock a bedrock principle principle principle ofofthe of the the United United United States.

States.

States.

This This This principle principle principle isisatis atrisk at risk risk asaspowerful as powerful powerful media media media companies companies companies attempt attempt attempt totocensor to censor censor our our our right right right totobroadcast to broadcast broadcast the the the Gospel Gospel Gospel via viathe via the the internet. internet. internet.

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We We We will will will send send send a acopy copy a copy ofofthe of the the petition petition petition to:to:to: President President President Joe Joe Joe Biden Biden Biden United United United States States States Congress Congress Congress

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Federal Federal Federal Communications Communications Communications Commission Commission Commission

Go Go Go tototo MyTLN.tv MyTLN.tv MyTLN.tv tototo view view view these these these shows shows shows and and and sign sign sign the the the petition: petition: petition: We, We, We, citizens citizens citizens ofofthe of the the United United United States States States ofofAmerica, of America, America, believe believe believe that that that Freedom Freedom Freedom ofofSpeech of Speech Speech isisais afundamental fundamental a fundamental and and and precious precious precious right. right. right.

We We We urge urge urge the the the U.S. U.S. U.S. government government government to:to:to:

. Secure . Secure . SecureChristian Christian Christian broadcasters’ broadcasters’ broadcasters’ rights rights rights totoshare to share share the the the Gospel Gospel Gospel via viatelevision via television television and and and the the the internet internet internet . Uphold . Uphold . Upholdfreefreefreespeech speech speech asasaas afoundational foundational a foundational principle principle principle forforall for allpeople, all people, people, including including including Christians Christians Christians . Prohibit . Prohibit . Prohibitcensorship censorship censorship ofofChristian of Christian Christian viewpoints viewpoints viewpoints ininbroadcast in broadcast broadcast media media media and and and online online online Total Total Total Living Living Living Network Network Network is is a Lifestyle aisLifestyle a Lifestyle Channel Channel Channel Dedicated Dedicated Dedicated toto Spreading to Spreading Spreading the the Gospel the Gospel Gospel Through Through Through Media.

Media.

Media.