“I appeared to them from far away. People of Israel, I have always loved you, so I continue to show you my constant love” (Jeremiah 31:3, NIV).

Author, David Prince, once told of a family who adopted an older child from an unspeakably horrific orphanage in another country. When they brought the little girl home, one of the things they told her was that she was expected to clean her room every day. When she heard about that responsibility, she fixated on it and saw it as a way she would earn her family’s love. Every morning when her parents entered her room, it was immaculate and she would sit on the bed and say, “My room is clean. Can I stay? Do you still love me?” The child’s words broke her new parents’ hearts.

“Whenever I am anxious and worried, you comfort me and make me glad”  (Psalm 94:19, GNT).

     Control is a good thing. Controlling one’s temper is a must for those who follow Jesus. Controlling one’s food intake is critical for maintaining a healthy body. Controlling the expenditure of money is crucial for any family on a tight budget.

“…walk before Me and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1, NKVJ). 

     Genesis can read an E. L. James novel.  The stories of Genesis delve into matters of fratricide, illicit rendezvous, treacherous betrayals, and strange quid pro quos. Humanity comes off looking like a sordid, contemptible lot of characters. Who would want to hang around the likes of people such as us?

“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another…” (James 4:11, NIV).

             What’s in a name? Apparently, a lot. In many cultures, a name describes the characteristics of the person who bears it.

            Enter the Murder Hornet, previously known as the Asian Giant Hornet. The Asian Giant Hornet is renowned as an apex predator within the insect world. It is known to wipe out entire honeybee hives. The Murder Hornet’s name allegedly originated with a Japanese entomologist who said, “You know, the sting is so painful, it’s like murder.”