Publisher’s Corner – Focusing on Who and What’s Important

By Sandy Jones 

Phil Connors (Groundhog Day movie): “You want a prediction about the weather? You’re asking the wrong Phil. I’m going to give you a prediction about this winter. It’s going to be cold, it’s going to be dark and it’s going to last you for the rest of your lives!” 

After this past year I can imagine that we all have a bit more empathy for Phil Connors, a character in the movie Groundhog Day. I know I’m not alone when I ask ‘when will all of this “new normal” end, and let us get back to the good old normal?’ 

As I’m out seeing clients; running to the radio station to record an episode of Christian Living Spotlight; going to the grocery store; I’m noticing one thing. People appear to have less patience. I hear more horns honking. I witness more road rage. I see more people cut others off. 

You know what else I’ve noticed? I’ve noticed that while some are being aggressive, and, yes, even selfish behind the wheel, I’ve noticed that many others are still doing the right thing. They are letting that guy out of the parking lot and into traffic. They’re letting that rude guy who just ran past the whole line of cars that waited through 3 lights to get to the freeway on-ramp – they’re waving him in; graciously holding back to give him room to merge in at the last possible second and get on the freeway. 

I see more people on social media pointing out the needs of others. More gofundme assistance fundraisers for all kinds of reasons. I see organizations opening halfway houses to help those less fortunate. I see other groups fulfilling the needs of others who can’t help themselves. I’ve witnessed many acting as the Hands and Feet of Christ.   

I know this season we’re in feels like it’s never ending; trust me, I’m feeling it too. 

I also know that we cannot let the enemy get inside our heads. We cannot listen to his lies. 

To be perfectly cliché – I’ve read the back of The Book, and I know Who Wins! I remind myself to claim that victory; to claim authority over the enemy that is found in that Book, and tell him ‘NOT TODAY!’ Today belongs to God, The Father; Jesus The Son; and The Holy Spirit, Who lives within me. 

I believe we are living in a time of revival. The enemy does not like this. I realize I need to put on the full armor of God (see below), while at the same time asking God for wisdom and clarity on what’s truly important to Him – where to draw the line; what battles does He really have for me to take on? They’re not all mine to fight – sometimes I need to hit my knees and let Him do the fighting for me. Recalling that He sent His one and only Son to live and die for us – please never forget, He loves you that much! 

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be save. – John 3:16-17 KJV 

This issue of Christian Living Magazine welcomes some additional new faces to our team, and as I previewed several of their articles I was once again touched by how we see The Hand of God through this entire project, each and every issue. We never give a theme for an edition, although we do give some guidelines from time to time. This issue is no different. As the articles and stories started coming in to our editor, Gaye, and she shared them with me, a natural theme started to emerge. I want to believe it’s God speaking to us all, reminding all of us of His great love for each of us, and perhaps nudging us to recall just Who sits on The Judgement Seat.  I was greatly encouraged and filled with His Hope and Promise, and hope you will be too. Thank you for sharing this journey with us! 

And as always, I would be remiss if I didn’t graciously thank our advertisers. We couldn’t do what we do without their support, and so often their words of encouragement. Many of them are our biggest cheerleaders. Please support our advertisers, as you can, and thank them for their part in Christian Living Magazine. 

Until next time… 

God Bless!

The Armor of God 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God,so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. – Ephesians 6:10-17 NIV