The Gift Of Love
Nathan, age 8, was working hard (with a little help from his grandfather) to build a birdhouse for his mother for Christmas. He referred to it as his "secret project." He gave it careful thought and poured all his energy into it. Most important, he was motivated by love.
The Song Of Mary
Mary was troubled. She had just heard the words, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you" (Lk. 1:28). Comforting words, it would seem, but startling because they were spoken by an angel.
Bad News, Good News
Five days before Christmas, the newspaper headline proclaimed: "Good will? Peace? Not in this church."
They Didn't Let Him In
It's been over 60 years since I read the poem The Death of the Hired Man. I still recall these lines: "Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in."
That's The Spirit
For 37 years, Bob Ufer was the enthusiastic radio voice of University of Michigan football. He delighted listeners with his emotional play-by-play coverage of the Saturday afternoon football games. Anyone who heard him knew at once whose side he was on. The loyal following that Ufer built up through the years indicates how contagious and appealing it is when a person gives himself wholeheartedly to a cause he loves.
Grateful For Stress?
In 1812, the genteel New Englander Ann Judson embarked with her husband Adoniram on a long ministry of danger and hardship. The Judsons were sailing to far-off Burma as pioneer missionaries.
Our Forever Home
Night was falling and the weather deteriorating as I began the long drive home. The snow that had been falling lightly became heavier. Gale-force winds soon whipped it into a blinding curtain in front of my car. Only intense concentration and prayer kept me on the road.
Running From God?
Francis Thompson wrote a gripping poem that he called "The Hound of Heaven." It reflected the torture of his life during the years he was running from God. At one time he had intended to be a priest but was deemed unqualified. Then he turned to his father's medical profession but failed again. Angry and bitter, Thompson gave up on God.
You're Not Alone
If you're in a situation where you feel that you're the only one standing true to God, take heart! There's encouragement in the story of Elijah.
