“Come, see.” These words recorded in John 4:29 were spoken by a Samaritan woman with a sense of wonderment and awe. She had just met a Man at the village well who said He was the Messiah. Something about this Man convinced her that He knew all about her although not many words were spoken. She felt his love and compassion even though she was living in sin. With a sense of urgency she hurried back to her village, her water pot forgotten. “Come,” she said, “come see and hear for yourselves.”

“And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:13-16).

Many years ago the children of Israel were traveling from Egypt to Canaan. They had become a nation of about a million people. God led them out of Egypt in a miraculous way, with Moses as their leader. By night He gave them light from a pillar of fire, and by day He shaded them from the heat with a cloud.

What means this throbbing in my breast? This constant search for peace and rest? This loneliness I feel? Even when I mingle with the crowd This aching void is deep and loud; Its cry is real! So real! Vain World, can you appease this quest? Do your vast stores supply this rest? Then quell this longing cry! Lo! Riches, laughter, pride, and fame, When claimed, are merely but a name! They fail to satisfy! Ah, ‘tis my soul! It is thy cry! Thou seest eternal death is nigh, Unless God gives thee rest? Entombed, thou art a part of Him;

The story of the birth of Christ, of all stories, lies nearest to the heart of Christians. It is one of the greatest miracles of all ages. In it is revealed the love of God to mankind. Man, through sin, separated himself from the fellowship of God. God promised Adam and Eve a Redeemer after their transgression in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15). It was God’s plan to restore or bring back what was lost.

Once there was nothing in this world. No fish. No stars in the sky. No seas and pretty flowers. All was empty and dark. But there was God. God had a wonderful plan. He thought of a lovely world, and while He thought, He made it. He made it all out of nothing. When God made anything, He just said, “Let it be made,” and there it was! He made light. He made the rivers and seas, the grass-covered earth, the animals, birds, and trees.

Some of the greatest battles in life are fought within the heart. Many leaders throughout history have been intent on conquering other nations. Some selfish rulers and leaders have even entertained thoughts of ruling the entire world. Those leaders have forced thousands of soldiers into battle because of their personal desire for power, wealth, and fame.

Do you have feelings of loneliness, or a sense of guilt and fear deep inside your heart? Do you wonder about the purpose of your life? Many people are trying to find the answer to these feelings. You may find entertainments or other activities that may relieve you of these feelings for a short time, but then they return, perhaps stronger than ever before.

Constructing a proper and reliable building is possible using a tool called a plumb line. Without such a tool, the builder, however well-meaning and sincere, is likely to make serious errors. Likewise, our lives and beliefs need to be guided by the plumb line of God’s Word. Read Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Amos 7:8. A popular concept is, “It doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you are sincere.” However, one must be sincere in believing and doing the right thing.

“Peace, where is peace—for our nations, our homes, and most of all for our hearts and minds?” This desperate cry has been heard through the ages. Is it also the cry of your heart? People are weary and worried. Without a doubt there is a need for direction and counsel, security and confidence. We need, and want, peace of mind. Peace of mind—what a treasure! Can this treasure be found in a world of so much conflict and despair, turmoil and trouble?