Exceptions Rejected

War for supremacy was a common practice in ancient Biblical times. These would determine the roles of servant and master, as well as the method for allocating resources for survival. This was a seasonal practice, as seen in 2 Samuel 11:1: “It was spring. It was the time when kings go off to war.” Before…

Just a Little Worship Detail

David had dreamed about this many times; he had all his plans well in place—the Israelites were excited with a celebratory spirit, looking forward to this very moment. The musicians were ready, the dancers were prepared, and David was positioned at the front, guiding the parade and leading the celebratory dancing. It was the day…

Built-in Devices

It started at 6:00 in the morning. I was in pain that radiated from my lower back to the front of my abdomen. Initially, it wasn’t that bothersome, but it was enough to make me think, “That is new,” but I ignored it. I was busy getting ready for the day. By 7:30 am, I had…

Justice and The Extra Mile.

It is not fair! “It is not fair!” is a cry usually heard from children when the outcome or circumstances do not seem favorable. As adults, that feeling still exists. However, how we communicate frustration toward unfairness becomes more refined and less confrontational as we mature. Unfair treatment always leads to conflict, regardless of age. Humans usually have a…

The love of obedience, or the love for exceptions?

Adapted form Matthew 22:8-14 King James Version. 8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as…

Teaching Odyssey

Among all the responsibilities in this world, being the one teaching or mentoring someone carries long-lasting consequences. Religious leader David O. McKay famously said, “No greater responsibility can rest upon a man, than to be a teacher of God’s children.” What a heavy weight on the teacher’s shoulders, after a long period of study and…

Unlikely Characters

From Jesus’s many encounters during his ministry on Earth, two individuals emerge with compelling experiences that beg for comparisons. Let’s start with what they shared in common : Now, let’s delve into the differences between these two individuals, which add depth and diversity to Jesus’ encounters. These are indeed similar and antagonistic characters, and from…

The Longing Dream

Have you ever been in a dream that feels so perfect and real? You are in the ideal place, with the right people and the perfect atmosphere, and you are feeling good, but then everything becomes blurred. Then you realize it is a dream and feel sad because you must wake up. And the sadness…

Influence Not Taken

Social groups naturally develop a “ruling class” or the “Elite.” Sometimes, these groups are publicly acknowledged and accepted as the ruling class. In other cases, they exist in the background, influencing the outcomes of what seems to be a “free society.”  Sociologist C. Wright Mills, who explored the American implications of social classes in his…

Did you see the miracle?

John 2:1-10 KJV+ 1. And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there. I. And it came to pass, that important members of the community and special guests were gathered at the wedding, among whom were many Masters of the Law and Pharisees. 2. And…