Operation Auca // January 8, 1956

On a moonlit Civil War night, a Union soldier singing “Savior, Like a Shepherd, Lead Us” was spared by a Confederate soldier who was about to fire on him. Miraculously, the same two men met 14 years later when the famous singer Ira Sankey sang the same hymn aboard a steamboat. The event that nearly brought death to one man resulted in the other finding eternal life in Christ, years later. Be sure to listen to this edition of Travelers Tales. Hymn Lyrics: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us

This episode uses the spring wildflowers of Israel and Isaiah 40:6-8 to illustrate the brevity of our lives and the eternal nature of God’s Word. Spring in the Holy Land is gorgeous, with the rains causing even the deserts to suddenly bloom with flowers. One remarkable flower is the poppy, the national flower of the modern nation of Israel. They carpet the hills with red, but the burst of color is short-lived. They only last for about two or three days. Many ancient writers believed that the prophet Isaiah was inspired to write of the poppy when he penned chapter 40. In the metaphor, this beautiful but fragile flower is us. We bloom for a short time, then we pass away. After the rains, the dry season comes to Israel. The flowers die, and the grass withers. Click HERE to read or cite the full article on Enjoying the Journey by John Buckner. (Click HERE for an overview of Isaiah.) Browse more Traveler’s Tales HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

This episode visits the Sorek Valley to tell Samson’s story—a man chosen by God who repeatedly ‘went down’ toward the Philistine plain, surrendered to temptation, and was ultimately captured after Delilah uncovered the secret of his strength. We find also the great significance in the geography and symbolism of his decline. Join Greg Dowdy for this Bible story Travelers Tales. READ MORE HERE STUDY THE LIFE OF SAMSON HERE.

Amy Carmichael had one childhood wish: blue eyes, instead of brown. Yet, it seemed this simple prayer went unanswered. In the wisdom of God, Amy became a lifelong missionary in India. What seemed like disappointment allowed her to blend into Indian culture and rescue scores of children from horrendous temple exploitation. Her unanswered prayers became an avenue to answer the prayers of hundreds of suffering children. Despite illness, opposition, and physical limitations, she founded the Dohnavur Fellowship, wrote influential devotional works, and demonstrated trust in God’s greater plan. What a life! Be sure to listen to this Traveler’s Tale with Greg Dowdy. Learn more about Amy Carmichael on Enjoying the Journey. Browse more Traveler’s Tales HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

Pastor Edward Hopper ministered to 19th-century New York sailors and anonymously wrote the hymn "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me," using nautical word pictures to illustrate that Christ will be their Guide through life’s uncertain journey. The hymn spread beyond the harbor and became an enduring comfort for believers facing storms and uncertain days. Jesus will pilot His people safely - all the way home. Originally published by Enjoying the Journey HERE. If you are not sure that your salvation is settled, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel Hymn Lyrics: Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me