For most, “portion” is a four-letter word. Why? A “portion” is only a part of a whole, and humans tend to want it all. They don’t want to settle for less when they could have more. But the truth is that, for Christians, a portion is all they need. The Lord is our portion, and He is all-sufficient. Portions and Food Hearing the word “portion” typically calls to mind eating. Merriam Webster defines the term as “enough food especially of... Read more
People today are loathe to take responsibility for their actions. For example, drug addicts may blame their parents for their need to seek solace in drugs. Why shoulder accountability when blaming others is an easy option? But such behavior is nothing new. It occurred way back in the Garden of Eden. Playing the blame game, however, presents danger when there’s a failure to admit responsibility. What Is Blame? Bottom line, blame is assigning responsibility for something that happened. So, if... Read more
Trouble began from the start due to a forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Its consumption led to the fall of man. And what was that forbidden fruit? An apple, of course, right? Probably not. But fruit played a critical role in man’s story in the beginning. It still plays an essential role in the lives of believers today in the form of fruit of the Spirit. Considering forbidden/bidden fruit in the Garden and in faith life provides valuable... Read more
For archaeologists, what’s old is new. Finds from archaeological digs and expeditions turn up centuries-old items and structures which allow a better understanding and new perspective of man’s past. The recent discovery of an ancient Roman temple from the fourth century A.D. offers a glimpse into the early years of Christianity in the Roman empire and a faith lesson for today’s believers. What Was Found This past summer, a team led by Dr. Douglas Boin, a history professor at St.... Read more
What tree do people most easily identify? The distinctive palm tree with its fan-shaped fronds has to be a front-runner. Palms thrive in hot climates, making them a symbol of a tropical paradise. Although believers may not live in a tropical paradise, they can flourish like a palm tree with a firmly-rooted faith life. What’s A Palm Tree? Palm trees are evergreens with thick stems and arching fronds. These trees thrive in sandy soil with a climate characterized by hot... Read more
Happy New Year! The world greets 2024 with hope and expectation. A new calendar offers the opportunity for new adventures, new relationships, and possibly even a new you. But the truth is, there’s nothing new under the sun. The only way to achieve something new has nothing to do with our efforts but those of Jesus Christ. New Year’s Resolutions For A New You A prime example of people embracing the new is the custom of making New Year’s resolutions.... Read more
The Christmas season today doesn’t bring visions of sugar plums to our heads. Instead, “X’s” fill our field of vision with Xmas greetings, Xmas sales, and Xmas parties. But what does “X” mean? The letter “X” can have various meanings depending on the context. No matter what the context, though, believers should strive to be the X that marks the treasure—Jesus Christ. The Uses Of X Although not many words contain the 24th letter of the alphabet in them, an... Read more
The news brings daily reports of conflict and strife all over the world. While everyone longs for peace, the Christmas season, a time meant for joy, multiplies that desire. But peace in the sense of the end of war alone isn’t what the world needs. In fact, what the world really needs is the Prince of Peace—Jesus. The World’s Sad State of Affairs Tension and trouble abound across the globe. Political divisions reach boiling points causing societal distress. In some... Read more
Beautiful things fill the Christmas season—music, lights, greenery, decorations, etc. But a key item in the Christmas story isn’t what anyone would describe as beautiful. The manger where Mary placed Jesus was utilitarian, but more importantly it symbolized humility. Jesus gave up the glory of heaven to come to Earth in human form and lie in a smelly animal feeder because of His great love for us. Jesus’s followers should strive to pursue a manger mentality as well. The Christmas... Read more
With the advent of December, shopping for Christmas presents occupies our time, attention, and available finances. Often the biggest question to answer is what to give a specific person. Why not look to the Magi, famous gift-givers at the first Christmas, for guidance on Christmas gifts? Participants in the Christmas Story While baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, the innkeeper, and angels play major roles on the night of Jesus’ birth in the Christmas story, the Magi showed up later. Because... Read more
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