Okay, definition first: Loophole – “an ambiguity, omission, etc, as in a law, by which one can avoid a penalty or responsibility”1 Probably, most of us don’t think about loopholes very often. If we think of them at all, it’s in the context of rich people trying to get out of paying taxes or a … Continue reading –>
Have you ever been “compelled” to do something? Have you ever “compelled” anybody else do to anything? Does the word “compel” have positive or negative connotations to you? It’s an important question because we are told in the Matthew 14 parable of the wedding feast, “…, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel … Continue reading –>
A while back, my community Bible study group that meets Wednesday mornings at my church decided to have a luncheon and invite some friends and neighbors. As we began to have lunch the next Wednesday, one of our guests asked me why we go to church on Saturday. I explained to her that since we … Continue reading –>
Whenever the subject of the prodigal son comes up, we picture a young person who has lost his way. We use this story, and rightly so, to show the dangers of a life of aimless, godless living. For many mothers and fathers this story gives hope to the day that their own “prodigal” child returns … Continue reading –>
There is a trick question I love to ask people. What was the tallest mountain in the world before Mount Everest was discovered? I get all kinds of answers, like “Mount McKinley “and so forth, but you know what the answer is? Mount Everest! Mount Everest was the tallest mountain in the world (Now I … Continue reading –>
I have found that there are some important topics that nobody wants to talk about. I went to all my regular websites and found an entire category suspiciously missing. It goes by several names – temperance, moderation, abstinence, self-control, balance … Part of my problem, I think, is that a couple of those terms have taken … Continue reading –>
As this week’s lesson talks about acts of inhumanity being sins against God, I would like to write about acts of humanity. Taking a walk in Texas, I came across a beautiful patch of Texas Blue Bonnet flowers and Indian Paint Brushes. Among the flowers I saw some litter. I thought to myself, as ugly … Continue reading –>
This week’s Sabbath School lesson is about Hosea and the relentless love of God. For me, one of the key verses is Hosea 2:14, But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there. I am so thankful for parents who understand this. I wish all parents … Continue reading –>
“The day of resurrection –” John Wesley sang, “Earth, tell it out abroad! The passover of gladness, The passover of God!” But that brings us no closer. What does that mean? The answer lies far, far away. Go back in time. Back a hundred generations, to the margin of the Roman Empire, in a little … Continue reading –>
Test your knowledge. Put your hand over the screen and guess the three most common mental disorders in the US. They are, in order, with lifetime prevalence rates: Anxiety disorders (about 18%), mood disorders (about 10%), and ADHD (about 5%). It might come as a surprise that anxiety rates higher than depression. Actually, anxiety diagnoses … Continue reading –>
