Oh, day of awful darkness when I cried unending tears, the very thing I dreaded most now haunted all my fears. . Where could my lovely child be, my Savior and my Son? Who sought to wrench His life away; what foul thing had He done? . With Peter, James, and brother John, I hid [...]

When discussing Christmas with family or friends, I get a variety of responses when I say these words: “No cross, no cradle.” Some reply with a puzzled look, others have laughed saying the opposite is true. Every once in a while, someone will nod. They know exactly what I'm talking about. . God became a [...]

The science of astronomy studies the heavens—planets, moons, stars, and more. In 1571 a boy was born in Württemberg, Germany who became one of the most famous and influential scientists and astronomers of all time. His name was Johannes Kepler. Like many of us, Johannes was awed by the beauty and mystery of a clear [...]

I've been to many funerals. I've yet to see the deceased rise up from the coffin and thank me for coming. I suppose there are scenes like this in horror movies, but movie-makers have ways of making you believe things like that can actually happen. Jesus was never in a movie, but He used His [...]

"Praise the Lord!” the man yelled. “Here comes the authoress!” The man was Pastor D. L. Moody, a well-known teacher an evangelist, and he was introducing one of the most prolific hymn writers in the United States of America, Fanny Crosby. Her hymns had touched and inspired millions who attended his church revival meetings. She [...]

Out of all the animals mentioned in the Bible (and there are over one hundred), sheep are the stars. They are found in the book of Genesis on through to Revelation. They are led by shepherds who go ahead of the sheep, calling them to follow. Their babies are lambs. In the Old Testament, God [...]

Clean water is a vital component in keeping our lives functioning and healthy. We use it for so many things: quenching our thirst, cleaning our bodies, washing dirt from surfaces, and nourishing our crops. We travel over the surface of water to explore the earth or search for food. Our fruits and vegetables are mostly [...]

She was meowing somewhere in the house. I kept calling her name, “Belle, where are you?” I heard a weak answering meow. I went upstairs trying to follow the sound. I checked under the beds and in the bathroom shower stall. Then she went quiet. I called again, “Belle!” as I came back downstairs. I [...]

The ring of clashing swords echoed throughout the hall, only to be cut short by the ominous sound of shattering steel. I could see my enemy's mocking sneer from beneath his helmet. I turned away to retrieve a new sword, my cheeks flushed with shame. It wasn't the first time this had happened. Over and [...]

Sometimes it's hard to leave home where everything is familiar and safe. God called Hudson Taylor to do just that—leading him to show God's heart to dwell among His people and to save them from sin, even at great cost to Himself. In 1853, Hudson traveled to the vast country of China to be a [...]