Early civilizations developed methods to transform reeds into paper, papyrus, and also to weave them into baskets, mats, and rope. Reeds were functional and beautiful. In contrast, a bruised reed was...

I remember a time when I was seeking the Lord for guidance regarding a job opportunity. Every aspect of the position seemed right except for 
one: my wife and I would...

Our church has had a long-standing relationship with the elementary school down the hill from us. Church members provide for students’ material needs — from school supplies to underwear. Recently church...

As Americans living in Bangladesh, my husband and I longed to be with other Christians for the Christmas celebration. Since we were too far to travel home, we chose to visit...

I conducted the Christmas morning service at a country church in New South Wales. Following the service, I was greeting the people at the door. A neatly dressed young man with...

Our Bible study leader makes a list of our prayer requests so that we can pray for one another’s specific needs. I recently asked the group to pray that God would...

When my nephew called to tell me that my 27-year-old niece, Jen, had died suddenly and unexpectedly, my whole body began to shake. She had been like a daughter to me....

My daughter and granddaughter met a woman named Sophia who needed somewhere to live that was nearer to her place of employment. After discussing cost, rules, and responsibilities, they reached an...

As I was working in my garden one day, I noticed one winter rose starting to bloom. Since I knew that the cold would kill it anyway, I clipped it off...

When I was pregnant with my first child, someone told me that becoming a parent for the first time would deepen my understanding of God’s love for me. They were right....