Welcome to church! Sit back and take in some words from the Good Book about things that happened or that were said two thousand years or so ago. This scenario greets current churchgoers every Sunday. But what if the sermon also contained pointed and practical words based on the Bible about specific things to do in everyday life today? Let’s consider six things you won’t hear in church but maybe you should. Eat Your Vegetables Surely as a child your... Read more
A line in the famous poem “The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner” reads “water, water, every where.” Although not meant as a scientific statement, the poem’s words accurately convey the makeup of the Earth. Oceans cover 70% of the planet, so why not acknowledge their presence and contribution to humans? In that vein, the UN celebrates World Oceans Day 2024 with the theme Awaken New Depths on June 7th. This upcoming event provides the perfect time for awakening new depths... Read more
While most households in the US own a Bible, many Americans have read little or none of it. Daily reading of the Bible is even rarer. But regular reading offers valuable benefits. Obedience, discipline, preparation, and guidance, provide four reasons to read the Bible daily. Bible Basics People view the Bible as a book, but it is actually a book of books. Written over the span of 1500 years, the Bible collects sixty-six books within one cover. The word “Bible,”... Read more
The Gaza Strip appears front and center in almost every newscast these days. Disturbing images of death and destruction fill the screen. Despite its prominent role in current events, Gaza is not an area about which many are well versed. What does digging into the facts reveal? Gaza past and present – trouble, trouble, trouble. The Basics A narrow strip of land, the Gaza Strip lies between Israel and Egypt along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It shares... Read more
The arrival of May brings thirty-one days of opportunity to be a May Day Christian. The term “May Day” evokes three different meanings, each of which could be applied to a believer’s faith walk. The idea of calling on God only when in distress, the celebration of the new life and beauty the season brings, and the recognition of workers all come to mind. What type of May Day Christian are you? Mayday! Mayday and May Day are not... Read more
Christians often associate the term “stewardship” with church campaigns to raise funds, perhaps for a new building or to support the budget. But stewardship is much broader than a one-time effort to obtain an infusion of money. In fact, the concept touches every aspect of a believer’s life. As a result, knowing the five W’s and one H of stewardship provides a good foundation for the Christian walk. WHAT Is Stewardship? The dictionary says stewardship concerns careful and responsible management... Read more
The 150th Kentucky Derby on Saturday May 4th puts horses in the spotlight. Owners, jockeys, and bettors trust their horse to bring them success at Churchill Downs. While relying on horses for a positive outcome is required in horseracing, humans’ reliance on “horses” in life is a poor choice. The Bible urges trust in God, not horses. Ever-Present Equines Horses, those graceful four-legged animals with hooves, a long nose, a tail, and a mane of hair atop their backs, are... Read more
With a history stretching back to Genesis, the tamarisk tree provides an example of a hardy survivor. Not only can Christians appreciate the tree’s long history and beauty, but they can derive valuable faith lessons from it. Endurance in adversity and helping others are two takeaways from the tamarisk tree. What’s A Tamarisk? The tamarisk is a shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. Over 54 species exist, with uses for it ranging from shade tree... Read more
Tourists may aim for a slice of heaven during their travels. Although often disappointed, that result would not occur with a visit to the stunning Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Nestled in the Ozarks, the attraction offers a thin place with heaven. The Chapel Thorncrown Chapel is a creative masterpiece uniting architecture with environment. Located just outside Eureka Springs in the rolling Ozark hills, the woodlands structure with free admission is a tourist favorite. In fact, over seven million... Read more
Causing a great media stir, the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, known as the Great North American Eclipse, provided a wonderful viewing opportunity for scientists and average citizens alike. Although this eclipse is a big deal today, history contains records of numerous eclipses, with one possibly occurring almost 2,000 years ago upon Jesus’ crucifixion. Was the total darkness covering the land when he died the result of an eclipse, making it an eclipse of the Son? What’s An... Read more
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