Meeting Jesus
What about when Christmas comes along and you’re sad, grieving, or alone—or when, instead of anticipation and excitement, you feel dread and loss? You know this is suppos... »
Personal Accounts
Between the holidays
When I was a child, I hated the days after Christmas. I’d gotten all my gifts and had nothing to look forward to. Likely, it was a problem with ingratitude. I often thoug... »
A ray of light in the dark
I was on my way to an important appointment, which unfortunately was scheduled during the city’s much-dreaded morning rush hour. If at all possible, I try to plan my day... »
This little light of mine
The other evening, my wife and I watched the sunset from our terrace, and we stayed until stars came out. As usual, the evening star was the first to appear. An hour or s... »
Let there be light
I heard a beautiful testimony recounted by Dutch evangelist Corrie ten Boom. She told about a visit to a prison situated somewhere in the African bush. The atmosphere was... »
The light of love
God’s Word tells us that God is love and that He wants the world to be filled with the same: “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all... »
From darkness to light
Nonon couldn’t keep back the tears as she told me about her sister’s death. Her bicycle had hit a hole in the road, and Rani had flown off and landed on her head. She was... »
Confident children
Parents who are concerned about their children’s progress at each stage of their development, as nearly all parents are, need to realize what an important role a child’s... »
Encouragement
During a recent work evaluation, I was surprised to receive the feedback that my coworkers do not find me especially encouraging. This hit me hard, because I’ve always co... »
The formula
The topic of letting God work through us is very dear to my heart, as I find it encouraging when God chooses unexpected people to do His work, and then helps them to not... »
The way home
I was listening to Frankie Miller singing “A Long Way Home” when the lyrics took on personal meaning. Oh, it’s a long way home In the night alone When your songs are all... »
The good shepherd
I’m privileged to lead a weekly Sunday School group of children between the ages of 9 and 13 in a low-income settlement just outside our city in Cape Town. Teaching them... »
Musical woods
It’s sometimes called the most human of instruments, because it has the noble mission of expressing our deepest emotions. It sings in its deep vibrant voice to touch our... »