In 2009, a husband and wife from my church, both full-time teachers, took sabbaticals to spend an entire year as substitute missionaries in Kenya. Because theirs were full-year sabbaticals, they received 50% pay. Another option would be to take six-month sabbaticals at 100% pay, which is standard for teachers. But the school in Kenya, RiftContinue reading “Are sabbaticals an unnecessary indulgence? – The Sabbath Year, Part 1”
Tag Archives: writing
Playing sports on Sundays, and hunting, is now legal in PA – Rest & Sabbath, Part 1
The headline reads, “Bill that would end Sunday ban on football and baseball passes Pa. House.” Take a guess at what year that headline was published. Believe it or not, 2022. The article goes on to report, “The state House passed a bill Monday [September 19, 2022] that would repeal a…law that makes it illegalContinue reading “Playing sports on Sundays, and hunting, is now legal in PA – Rest & Sabbath, Part 1”
My Amish neighbors and their nonstop leaf blowing – Sabbath, Preview
My Amish neighbors are out there with their loud leaf blower at all hours of the day, blowing every speck of rubbish. Nearly every day. And their blower is loud. Why? They absolutely do not need to do that. Yet they do. I love Lancaster County where I’ve lived all my life. But I haveContinue reading “My Amish neighbors and their nonstop leaf blowing – Sabbath, Preview”
Do you view your work as worship? – 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12; 5:14, Part 4
This week on the blog, we’re studying a few verses in 1 Thessalonians chapters 4 and 5 that refer to work. In this post, I want to mention 1 Corinthians 10:31, which is in another letter of Paul. There Paul writes, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to theContinue reading “Do you view your work as worship? – 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12; 5:14, Part 4”
How the quality of your work creates a picture of Jesus – 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12; 5:14, Part 3
This week in our study of 1 Thessalonians, we are learning what the Apostle Paul teaches about work. In the previous post, we studied Paul’s principle of working hard. That principle of hard work, Paul says, is for a very important reason. Notice in verse 12 that working hard and not being dependent onContinue reading “How the quality of your work creates a picture of Jesus – 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12; 5:14, Part 3”
What a Christmas card taught me about ancient communication technology – 1 Thessalonians 1:1–3, Part 3
A few years ago during the Christmas season, I got the mail from our mailbox, and as is so typical at Christmas, the mail that day included numerous Christmas cards. I opened them one by one, glancing at the pictures. As I looked one card’s picture, I thought “I have no idea who this is.” Continue reading “What a Christmas card taught me about ancient communication technology – 1 Thessalonians 1:1–3, Part 3”
Famous last words – 1 Kings 1—2, Preview
We often use the phrase “famous last words” in the wrong context. For example, if your spouse is doing a home improvement project, they might say to you, “I am going to run over to the store, get what I need, and then the project should take a couple hours.” You’ve been down this roadContinue reading “Famous last words – 1 Kings 1—2, Preview”
Introducing ancient superheroes of the Bible – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Preview
This week I’m celebrating the publication of my book. While there is no doubt that the process of writing is often a solo endeavor, the reality is that a book cannot come to fruition without a lot of people supporting, encouraging and advising the writer. That team approach is certainly true of my book, whichContinue reading “Introducing ancient superheroes of the Bible – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Preview”
What is the most important Christmas word? – Advent (word), Preview
Grab a piece of paper and pen, or open the notes app on your phone. Write down the first five words that come to mind when you think of Christmas. Then come back to this post and keep reading. Go for it! Maybe even ask the people around you for their five. Now you’re back…whatContinue reading “What is the most important Christmas word? – Advent (word), Preview”
It may or may not be the end of the world, and I feel…hilarious? – Advent Joy, Preview
Do you know what the title of the book of Revelation refers to? Revelation is not about reveling, but about “that which is revealed.” In the book of Revelation, God reveals to the apostle John a fantastic vision. Biblical scholars have long debated how we should interpret the vision’s imagery. Is it literal or isContinue reading “It may or may not be the end of the world, and I feel…hilarious? – Advent Joy, Preview”
Engaging Scripture 