I have always cherished the Bible verse found in Psalm 31:14-15. It reads: “I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God. My times are in your hands.’” (Psalm 31:14-15) This verse tells me that the times of our lives are really in God’s hands and our ways are not always God’s […]
Abigail example for women to live up to
There are many notable Bible women characters. Some of those women characters teach us how to be and some teach us how not to be! A woman we could all learn from is the Old Testament character is Abigail. The Bible says that she was married to a “fool,” but she handled it well. In […]
Religion column: Look for encouragement from men of Bible
This week, the focus is on some men of the Bible who no doubt realized that God was the source of their spiritual sustenance. Their lives as well as the women’s lives in last week’s column reveal that even the smallest little happening in a day can be the result of a Holy God meeting […]
Religion digest — Oct. 21
Church hosting new Bible study Clovis’ First Christian Church is hosting a new Bible study program aimed at increasing Bible literacy among people of all ages. The Story Church Campaign offers up to 31 weeks of comprehensive Bible study using The Story, a best-selling book containing 31 chapters of carefully selected Scripture, according to a […]
Don’t be one of Job’s friends!
The Book of Job is the textbook on suffering. Open that Bible book and you’ll see an extraordinarily good man undergoing extraordinarily terrible affliction. He loses his family (except his wife, and keeping her might easily be counted among his afflictions), his wealth, and his health. He’s reduced to sitting on a pile of ashes, […]
Understanding Bible more important than knowing facts
Curtis Shelburne “Wow! That person really knows the Bible!” I hear that comment made fairly often, and I always wonder what the speaker means. Usually they mean that someone is quite familiar with the words of the Bible, its many facts and wonderful stories, etc. On one level, that’s great, since most studies these days […]
Paperbacks offer new take on bible
If Sunday isn’t the best day to discuss my religious library, let she who has the worst arm cast the first stone. Thanks to my cousins, Chef Juandel and The Anglo Mariachi Cowboy, and me repeatedly joining the Quality Paperback Book Club (QPB) — and faithfully completing the introductory requirements before canceling and re-joining — […]
Motherhood source of pride, humility
The ancient Proverbs 31 woman of the Bible amazes me. She was a multifaceted, multitalented superwoman. Everyone praises her and even her children “rise up and call her blessed.” I am far from her on many levels. She had business sense. I don’t. She bought and sold land; I’ve done neither. I don’t sew or […]
Despite turmoil, inheritance secure in Christ
These days we hear about inflation, recession, the price of oil, budget cutbacks, teacher layoffs, state deficits, the government possibly shutting down due to lack of funds and prices of food rising. The issues seem to dominate the newspapers and newscasts. There are even cable channels dedicated to commentary and the discussion of money. During […]
Vacation Bible School activities
The following is a compilation of area Vacation Bible Schools. To add a listing, contact CNJ administrative assistant Caritina Pineda at 763-3431, ext. 311. • First Christian Church: Ages 4 through grade 6, June 21-25, 6-8:30 p.m. • Central Baptist Church: Kindergarten through grade 6, June 21-25, 9 a.m.-noon • High Plains Baptist Church: Aug. […]
Vacation Bible School preparations under way
By Argen Duncan: Cannon Connections From bees to heroes and from Egypt to Saddle Ridge Ranch, Vacation Bible School opportunities with a variety of themes abound in Portales this summer. Churches around town are hosting the free sessions, some of which involve the whole family. Calvary Baptist Church secretary Vicky Wood said her church’s weekday […]
We should come before God with humble spirit
By Judy Brandon: Religion columnist The Bible teaches that we all must come to God with humble attitude. An Old Testament but timely story in the Bible reveals this truth in 2 Kings 5:1-14. There was a little Israelite slave girl, a worshipper of Jehovah, who served in the elegant household of Naaman, Capitan of […]
Religious procession organizer determined soul
By Kevin Wilson: CNJ staff writer When asked his favorite Bible verse, Sean Ferreira says he can’t possibly narrow it down to one, or two, or even eight. But when it comes to the Jump Up religious procession planned for Friday, he finds Matthew 18:20 fits the bill perfectly. The first-time event should work, according […]
Driving, reading Bible not feasible
By Kevin Wilson: CNJ staff writer So, last week, I said I had three ideas that weren’t worth 500 words on their own, but worth 150 each. I was wrong. I actually had four ideas, and the entire reason I wrote last week was for the idea I forgot to type up. So keep in […]
Success rests on giving Jesus your all
By Judy Brandon: CNJ religion columnist Mrs. Kitten Skarda played a significant part in my growing up years in church. She led our sword drill team for years and then taught children using the flannel board. Learning Bible stories with the flannel board was a huge part of my childhood spiritual experience. Flannel boards went […]
Bible provides spiritual nourishment
By Judy Brandon: CNJ religion columnist Sunday School was in progress. The teacher, Mrs. Taylor, had a group of feisty 6 year olds for the Sunday School lesson. Captured by the story of Daniel in the lion’s den, the children sat spellbound as Mrs. Taylor held up an artist’s version of Daniel surrounded by the […]