Celebrating Biblical Judge Deborah For Women’s History Month

Last updated on: March 4, 2024 at 10:54 pm By Alice H. Murray

Along with the beginning of spring, the month of March brings Women’s History Month. Typically, female figures such as suffragette Susan B. Anthony, aviator Amelia Earhart, and astronaut Sally Ride are mentioned and honored. But another book full of history offers additional women on which to focus. Celebrating biblical character Judge Deborah for Women’s History Month allows learning about a woman who achieved much in a time men monopolized leadership roles. Who Was She? Long before Judge Judy became famous... Read more

If You’re Human, You’ll Have Trouble

Last updated on: February 27, 2024 at 10:33 am By Alice H. Murray

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The lyrics to a popular Taylor Swift song, “I Knew You Were Trouble,” aptly sum up what life is like—“Trouble, trouble, trouble.” This characterization fits the lives of both believers and non-believers alike. Are Christians doing something wrong if they have trouble in their life? Not necessarily. Unfortunately, if you are human, you’ll have trouble. What’s Trouble? Cambridge Dictionary defines “trouble” as problems or difficulties. Trouble can cover a wide range of problems, and it may depend on the person.... Read more

Always Be Preparing For Jesus, Not Just During Lent

Last updated on: February 19, 2024 at 2:42 pm By Alice H. Murray

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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

Last updated on: February 13, 2024 at 7:41 pm 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

Last updated on: February 5, 2024 at 1:43 pm 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

Last updated on: January 30, 2024 at 6:05 pm 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

Last updated on: January 22, 2024 at 3:10 pm 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

Last updated on: January 15, 2024 at 11:00 am 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

Last updated on: January 9, 2024 at 11:29 am 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

Last updated on: January 3, 2024 at 1:09 pm 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