Rees Howells founded a mission in which many were brought to Christ. After three years, Satan tempted his co-worker, "Unless you leave Rees Howells, you'll never be at your best. You need to have a work of your own."

One night during devotions when I was a high school student living in a Bible school dorm, a strong insistent voice began throwing accusations into my mind. I was so troubled that the next morning I told a teacher about the experience. 

A theologian once said that the greatest mystery, second only to the mystery of the Trinity, is the mystery of God's Spirit living within us who have invited Jesus into our hearts. The apostle Paul states the possibility again and again: "Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). "We are the temple of the living God" (2 Corinthians 6:16). "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).

Some years ago, my husband and I had opportunity to see if doing God's will was enough to make us happy. We had lived in the same house for over 26 years. One week we decided that we need more space and perhaps it was time to move. Within five days we had signed a contract for a house. We were so excited to find this home that appeared to match our needs perfectly. 

While reading comments on Psalm 149 in Spurgeon's Treasury of David, I gained a new perspective on why the Lord so frequently calls us to praise Him--or rather an old perspective. Spurgeon had included a sermon preached by Samuel Fairclough in 1650, so the insight was hardly new. The sermon was titled "The Prisoner's Praise:" 

"Always be joyful....No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18). How could Paul make such a sweeping statement? 

Dee and John's son, Don, became suicidal and was hospitalized for psychiatric treatment. His parents noticed he was not the same person after that. One day Dee and John got a call from a hospital in Minneapolis notifying them of terrible news. Don had taken his life.