Always Be Preparing For Jesus, Not Just During Lent

February 19, 2024 By Alice H. Murray

February 14th stood out as a big day on the 2024 calendar for more than one reason. Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday both occurred. The latter event served as this year’s start of Lent, the period when Christians prepare for celebrating Easter. But Christians should always be preparing for Jesus not just during Lent. Preparation’s Meaning Regardless of what someone prepares for, the idea remains the same. They put things or themselves in readiness. For example, a parent asks a child... Read more

Vesuvius Challenge – Effort To Understand Ancient Scrolls

February 13, 2024 By Alice H. Murray

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Ancient texts provide the basis for today’s knowledge about Greeks and Romans. Unfortunately, the Middle Ages saw the loss of many of those texts, so the opportunity to read newly found ones excites the academic world. The discovery of ancient papyrus scrolls buried when Mount Vesuvius’ erupted gave birth to the ongoing Vesuvius Challenge to read the ancient scrolls. Where The Scrolls Were Found The ancient city of Herculaneum, with a population of 4,000 – 5,000 residents, lies at the... Read more

Portion Control — God’s Portion Is All-Sufficient

February 5, 2024 By Alice H. Murray

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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

The Blame Game – Danger In Failing to Admit Responsibility

January 30, 2024 By Alice H. Murray

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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

Forbidden/Bidden Fruit – The Fruit in Eden and in Faith Life

January 22, 2024 By Alice H. Murray

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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

Ancient Roman Temple’s Discovery Offers Faith Lesson

January 15, 2024 By Alice H. Murray

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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

Faith That Flourishes Like The Palm Tree

January 8, 2024 By Alice H. Murray

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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

Nothing’s New Under The Sun, Everything’s New Under The Son

January 2, 2024 By Alice H. Murray

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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

Be The X That Marks The Treasure

December 25, 2023 By Alice H. Murray

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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

What The World Needs Now Is The Prince Of Peace

December 20, 2023 By Alice H. Murray

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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