I visited Mary at the women's shelter several times, but she was still very passive and withdrawn. She rarely looked me in the eye and never appeared happy to see me. Many people had hurt and disappointed her, so it was difficult to convince her that I cared. How was I ever going to touch her heart? Was it worth driving 22 miles to visit her each week? I was discouraged.

Then I recalled the slow reaction of our little dog when we first brought him home. Just a puppy, he was used to living in a cage in a large barn, rarely being handled. I picked him because he was the only dog in the cage that wasn't barking. His siblings were loud and vociferous in their demand for attention, but evidently, Pogo had given up on the world. He figured that no one cared about him, and he had withdrawn emotionally. Even when I picked him up and cuddled him, he didn't respond in any way.

Because the puppy was still wet from a bath at the puppy mill and I didn't have a towel with me, we put him in a small box on the front seat as we drove home. I realized that the ride was probably frightening to this little tyke who had never been anywhere in his life. So as my husband drove, I kept my hand inside the box on the dog's shoulder to reassure him and comfort him. After a couple of hours, he began to respond.

He put his little paw on my hand and then gradually reached upward. Soon his head was out of the box as he tried to get closer to me, so I put him on my lap. Feeling the warmth of my body, he began to crawl up my chest and soon was wrapped around my neck. He didn't understand it, but he had found love.

At home we bathed and brushed him, but soon he retreated to a folded blanket under our bed. He had to be coaxed out several times a day. It took a few weeks before he was convinced that we had accepted him. Love was a new sensation. But eventually he spent the evenings lying at my feet, his head leaning on my ankle. Now, of course, he romps all over the house. He knows we love him, and he loves us back.

Mary had a similar reaction as I persisted in visiting her. Other people (even her parents) had disappointed her and rejected her, but at last, she realized that I really cared about her. She began to smile a bit and listen more carefully to what I said. Finally, she gave her heart to Jesus. When she tasted real love, it began to soften her heart.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to persevere in showing Your love to those who feel rejected. They may appear unlovely and hopeless to us, but Your love can reach anyone. Pour Your love through us until it conquers every hardened heart we meet. We ask this that Jesus our Saviour may be glorified. Amen.

I felt strongly led to visit Kathy on our way to Oregon. She was the youngest daughter of my friend Lillian, who had lived across the street from me. I had watched Lillian's eight other children grow up and had tried to win them to Jesus. Even after the family moved away, after the parents began to walk with Jesus, I longed to be involved in their lives.

Kathy was born much later, and I had met her only once, when she was about sixteen. Later, her mother wrote that she was a true Christian and had married a fine young man who was in the Air Force. Now they lived in Idaho, and we would pass near their home on our vacation trip. I had talked to Kathy on the telephone, and our friendship was growing. But was it really worth stopping to see her on this long trip? What could I say that would help her?

We didn't have time to stay overnight, but she sent directions. We got there early, so she invited us to stay for supper to meet her husband. With their three small children clamouring for attention, it was a noisy, busy afternoon, not what I usually seek on a long trip.

But there was a wonderful spiritual fellowship between Kathy and myself. I sensed her hunger to know more of Christ and her eagerness to have some good Christian literature to read. Even my husband didn't complain, although he likes to get to a motel in the afternoon and to have a nap after a long drive.

It was more than a simple visit. It had eternal consequences. Since then, I have had several deep conversations with Kathy, and we have sometimes prayed for others over the telephone. She has grown spiritually, and I have also. Now she wants to take a Bible correspondence course and learn more about walking with Jesus. She is like the daughter I never had.

I don't know what more God will do in her life or mine, but I'm so glad we stopped to visit Kathy on that hot summer day. It was in the plan of God.

Prayer: Father, help us to listen when You direct us to take time to visit someone. It may not be convenient or easy, but eternal things might be accomplished. Help us to speak Your words with love, that they may strengthen others along their paths. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

One recent Saturday night, a month after my hip replacement, I was filled with praise to God, even after going to bed. For two hours, I couldn't sleep as I thought about all the good things God had done for me. The Holy Spirit showed me things I could write about and share with others. A burden of prayer came upon me, and I interceded for some friends who were in need.

Finally, I fell asleep — and even dreamed. This dream had a message that helped me understand my nature better, so I went over it in my mind several times after I awoke. I wanted to remember it when I got up. Soon it was 2:30 a.m., and I couldn't get back to sleep. I twisted and turned and took a Tylenol, but nothing helped.

By 4 a.m., I was feeling alarmed. I had planned to go to church that morning — my first time back since my hip surgery. With such little sleep, how could I stay awake during the sermon? I fretted for an hour and then realized that we could come home after Sunday School if I were really too tired. Satan was just trying to make me fearful so I would stay home. I was still awake when the alarm went off at 5:45, but I felt more relaxed. I had resisted the devil, and God had given me peace.

Amazingly, I felt good that Sunday and stayed awake during the sermon. I will never forget that difficult night. At first, I had experienced God's presence in a special way. Then after sleeping a few hours, I had battled the enemy of my soul. Through Christ, I had won the victory in it all. I had put God first and gone to church to worship Him!

God will enable us to obey Him if we truly love Him.

Prayer: Lord, help us to draw near You every day and to lift our praises to You for Your goodness and grace. Although the devil will certainly attack us and tempt us, You can enable us to resist him. Help us always to focus on Jesus and to do Your will. Amen.

We have all had times when we experienced the nearness and greatness of God. He is always near us, drawing us closer to Himself.

I recall the time when I was on board ship, going to Singapore for language study before becoming a missionary to Laos. I was so conscious of God's working in my life and showing me what He wanted me to do. He had helped me overcome many obstacles and had provided for all my needs.

One night, as we were going through the ocean south of India, a group of us young people gathered at the bow of the ship. The stars were bright above us, and the ocean was smooth beneath us. We began singing praises to God.

I especially remember singing with the group, How Great Thou Art. I was so grateful for salvation and for all that God had done for me. He had opened a way to the mission field when there was no way, humanly speaking. I felt His nearness and His love.

Most of the time in Laos, I felt God's presence with me throughout each day. I think it was because I knew I could do nothing in myself, and I depended upon Him for strength and wisdom every day. He gave me grace, courage, and joy in everything I did.

However, in recent years here in America, I have not always felt God's nearness. There have been testings and trials, failures and disappointments. But I realize that God has always been at my side, as well as in my heart.

Why did I not always feel His nearness? Maybe it was because I ceased quoting Scripture to remind myself that I could serve God only in His strength. I became so busy doing things for the Lord that I sometimes forgot to rely wholly upon Him for every word I said.

We need to have God's word hidden in our hearts so that the Holy Spirit can bring it to mind whenever we need it. Memorizing Scripture will make our faith stronger, give us peace in times of trial, and give us courage when we feel overwhelmed.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to hide Your word in our hearts, that we might rely completely upon You in everything we do, and not sin against You. Amen.

One spring morning as the term at Bible College was ending, I was feeling apprehensive about the summer because I didn't know what God wanted me to do. I needed to find a way to earn some money so I could return to school in the fall. My mother had always taught me that God would provide, but with no prospect of a job, I was finding it hard to trust Him.

That morning the closing hymn at chapel was "God Will Take Care of You." Tears came to my eyes as I sang the words. It brought great comfort to my heart and renewed my faith in God's care and provision. God did provide for me that summer, and a few years later I graduated and went on to serve the Lord.

The background of this hymn is interesting. Civilla was the wife of evangelist W. Stillman Martin and often travelled with him. On a trip in 1904, Civilla became very ill and was confined to her bed. She seemed especially weak one evening, and her husband considered cancelling his preaching engagement to remain home with her.

As they discussed the situation, their young son quietly entered the room and stood listening. Suddenly he said, "Father, don't you think that if God wants you to preach today, He will take care of mother while you are away?" The boy's childlike faith gave Dr. Martin the encouragement he needed to keep his preaching commitment.

Several people made professions of faith that night, and Dr. Martin hurried home to share the good news with his wife and son. He found that his wife had improved remarkably and had also had the energy and inspiration to write a hymn text based on the words their son had spoken to them earlier in the day.

She had entitled the text "God Will Take Care of You" and she handed it to her husband with a smile as he asked how she was feeling. Stillman took the sheet with the verses on it and went to the small portable organ in the house where they were staying. Soon he had composed a lovely melody to accompany the poem his wife had written.

In this case, the son caught the attitude of his parents and reflected it back to them. As a result, a wonderful hymn was born. Even if we are not parents, we can influence others to trust God to provide for them.

Prayer: Father, we thank you for your love and your promises to care for us. Take away all worry from our hearts. May we live with such full confidence in You that others will be moved to trust you also. Amen.

"I will go, Father," said the Son.

"The cost will be great," the Father replied. "You must give your life…"

"It will be worth it to redeem those we love who are imprisoned by the enemy. There is no other way."

Angels overheard the conversation of the Father and Son. "Surely He will not go down there… to save those creatures."

"I could go," said Gabriel. "Or I," said Michael the archangel.

"No," said the Father. "It must be one of Us, one of the Godhead. A divine, sinless sacrifice is demanded, and I am willing to give my Son for them. He will bear their sins and pay their penalty for them. He will die for them."

"Surely He will not have to die!" exclaimed Gabriel.

"But I will raise him from the dead, and my Son who existed from eternity will live again forever," God declared. "And those who trust in Him will come to live with us in glory."

"But they are so rebellious and filthy, so stubborn and unworthy," an angel said.

"They always want their own way. Will they listen to the Son?" The angels shook their heads.

"Some will listen and believe," the Son replied. "I will send my Holy Spirit to reveal to them my love. When they see my love, they will come to me."

"So now it is decided," said the Father. "I will send my only Son, and He will become one of them."

"Become one of them?" The angels protested in a chorus of pain.

"It is the only way," the Father declared. "He must live a sinless life in their midst to prove His worthiness and to show them the way of holiness. How else would they know how far they have fallen?"

In silence the angels bowed their heads. What a sacrifice! What love!

"They will call Him Immanuel, Jesus, Saviour," the Father assured the angels. "Many will believe and turn from their sin. Then they can join us here in heaven."

The angels looked at one another in astonishment. Could those creatures — those humans — ever live near God's presence and see His glory? Surely it was impossible!

"I will make it possible," the Father promised. "I will not only redeem them from slavery to sin, but I will also transform them to be like my Son."

A gasp of surprise swept over the angels. Even they were not like the Son! He was perfect, glorious, merciful, gracious, holy, loving, faithful. How could those creatures become like Him?!

"I will make them my children. I will put my Spirit within the ones who believe in me and trust me. They will be my family forever, throughout all eternity."

"They will become my brothers and sisters," said the Son. "I love them even now."

And so it was that the Son came to earth on that first Christmas morning as a little babe. The angels sang, and the shepherds worshipped, and the glory of God filled the air.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to appreciate afresh the wonder of your saving love that sent your Son to die for us to redeem us from our sin. Amen.

Jeremiah 29:11 – "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)

Thanksgiving Day 1961, my fourth year in Laos, drew near. My three partners and I were used to eating rice three times a day at our remote outstation. Usually we had fish or pork with our rice, occasionally chicken. I had much to be thankful for, anyway. The previous week the rebel forces had been advancing toward Attopeu, but they had turned back without attacking. God was taking care of us. I didn't let myself think about having turkey or pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, because it seemed impossible. I could celebrate Thanksgiving Day and be thankful without a turkey.

We knew there were some special forces soldiers camped outside of the town, training the local army. The young men were friendly, and we longed to minister to them in some way. But since people in Laos tended to think we missionaries were really working for the American government, we tried to dissociate ourselves from the soldiers. A war was going on in Laos and Vietnam, and we tried to stay neutral so that people would pay attention to the spiritual message we were giving them. Jesus was the only Saviour who could give them eternal life, and that was what they needed most, no matter which side won the war.

Two American soldiers showed up at our door one morning. "Could you tell us how to cook a turkey for Thanksgiving?" one of them asked. "The army will drop us some frozen turkeys next week, but we don't know how to cook them. We don't even have an oven at our camp."

I told them they could use our Dutch oven, placing it over a charcoal fire. "Great!" they exclaimed. "We will give you one of our turkeys if you will let us borrow your oven." I told them how to prepare the turkeys, and gave them an estimate of how long to cook them.

They also wanted us to bake some pies for them. I felt sorry for the young men, living out in the forest, far from their families and the comforts of home. I knew I could make a pumpkin pie from sweet potatoes since I had the right spices to add, so I said that if they could get several cans of sweet potatoes from their base camp, I would bake pies for them. My co-workers — one girl from Canada, one from England, and one from Switzerland — had no idea how to cook a turkey or bake a pumpkin pie. They weren't sure they would even like pumpkin pie!

On Thanksgiving morning I baked six pies (four for the men) and cooked our turkey. Late in the day, the men came for their pies and borrowed our oven overnight. Actually, this was the first time in my life I had ever cooked a turkey, but my co-workers said it was delicious. And they even enjoyed the pumpkin pies! We had a truly international Thanksgiving Day deep inside Laos in wartime, because our Heavenly Father provided for us.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to remember always that your love and care is the greatest gift we can have, and that you will provide the extra joys if we have thankful hearts. Comfort those in need today, provide food for the hungry, and satisfy our hearts with Jesus, the bread of life. Amen.