While on furlough from missionary service in Africa, Robert Moffatt (1795-1883) spoke in England about his work. A young medical student in the audience had hoped to serve on the mission field in China, but that land was closed. He listened as Moffatt described a frequent sight in Africa. “There is a vast plain to…

After a hijacked plane slammed into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, many people inside the building were trapped by a cloud of thick, blinding smoke. Police Officer Isaac Hoopi ran into the blackness, searching for survivors, and heard people calling for help. He began shouting back, over and over: “Head toward my voice! Head…

One of the pitfalls of living in our troublesome world is that we can become problem-centred rather than God-centred. When this happens, we lose the proper perspective. Gradually, all our problems begin to look huge and the strength of almighty God seems small. Instead of moving mountains by faith, we become constant worriers, creating mountains…

When Leo and Amy opened a 300 seat, fine-dining restaurant, Leo admitted he was “scared of everything.” Amy equates their leap of faith in starting their business to holding hands while jumping off a mountain. But if you’re going to do something scary, “you want to do it with someone you know and trust,” Leo…

You never know when you’ll need the Lord’s comfort the most—-when God’s care will be your only hope to face tomorrow. One day in 1932, pianist, singer and songwriter Thomas A. Dorsey discovered his need for God’s comfort. He left his pregnant wife, Nettie, at home in Chicago while he drove his Model A to…

God writes the music for our lives. Our role is to follow His lead—humming, harmonising, blending and singing in tune. Serving the Lord, like singing, can be stirring and rewarding. But when we are set aside by illness, or replacement, or retirement, the interludes can be frustrating and unfilling. When God says to “Come ….rest…

In ‘The Complete Disciple’, Paul W. Powell describes a picture of a rugged wagon train painted by a famous artist of the American West. It is night and the wagons have been drawn into a circle for protection. The men are gathered around the campfire, and the wagon-master has a map spread out before him.…

In an article for Youth Ministries magazine, a 14-year veteran of the Navy SEALs describes the colour-code system they use to indicate levels of combat readiness. Each stage has a parallel in spiritual warfare. Condition White: The soldier is relaxed and day-dreaming, unaware of his surroundings. A Christian in this condition is easy prey for…

William Cowper, though a Christian, had sunk to the depths of despair. One foggy night he called for a horse drawn carriage and asked to be taken to London Bridge. He was so overcome by depression that he intended to commit suicide. After two hours of driving through the fog, Cowper’s coachman reluctantly confessed that…

The 2000 US presidential election was finally decided after weeks of recounts, court battles and controversy about punch-card ballots. Political pundits and comedians had a heyday. Even after the Florida recount wrangling was over, a billboard along the Michigan highway reminded travellers of those post-election days. It carried this clever message: “Count your blessings. Recount…