As a child, I would pore over maps, all the while fantasizing about packing a suitcase and exploring the world. In high school, my plan of action was simple: to become...

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as “Faith’s Hall of Fame” because it lists people who fulfilled what God asked them to do. One example is Abraham, who obeyed God's call...

I have been a regular reader of The Upper Room for over eight years. I feel comforted and strengthened in my faith by reserving 30 minutes of my day to pray,...

Recently my wife, Joyce, went through a difficult time 
with serious health issues. We made a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, to deal with one specific health 
concern....

While reading about the prophet Anna in Luke’s Gospel, I felt guilty. A widow, Anna “did not depart from the temple, but served God with 
fastings and prayers night and day.”...

David, the presumed author of Psalm 27, had adversaries intent on taking his life; yet he proclaimed that the Lord was his light, his salvation, and his stronghold. I do not...

Recently I met my son, James, for lunch. To my surprise, he insisted on paying for my meal, saying, “Give the money to someone who really needs it.” After lunch we...

My good friend Glenn had been diagnosed with leukemia and hospitalized for chemotherapy treatments. As I drove to visit him, I wondered how the visit would go. I have made other...

My sister, Bev, is a retired English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, and I am a retired nurse. We have recently 
become involved in meeting the needs of refugees. Trying...

Thirteen years ago, I suffered a severe stroke. I was only 52 and in good health. This brain stem stroke left me totally paralyzed from the neck down, without the ability...