Random Articles
America’s nervous breakdown: Deviltry gets a smack-down
(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan) “We’re going insane, folks. We’re literally being swept up by the insane and being told we have to join them in their insanity… When there are no objective facts, when everything is up for dispute, when things that are undeniably fact are not permitted to be, we have a problem.” – Rush Limbaugh RUSH IS NOT OUT ON A LIMB ALL ALONE. In the mouth of two or three witnesses, a thing is established: “We are again engaged in a great civil war, a cultural war that’s about to hijack your birthright to think and […]
Awaiting the Awakening (there is a prophecy)!
(Part 1)(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan) Put not your trust in princes.” – God REGARDING THE BIDEN EDICT ON VACCINATIONS: I’m just glad l don’t have a job that’s on the line (one good thing about being 79). The WWW is all abuzz today with the topic du jour. The “puppet’s decrees.” I just put an “l miss King George lll” bumper sticker on my car yesterday. This country is being run by Committee you know. I don’t know if it’s the CPUSA or a Gang of Eight? At any rate, we aren’t just coming to a crossroads; we are in […]
A Rerun: Those 60s Alinskyites Think They are Taking Over America
(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan) “Despite what some in the press may say, we who are proud to call ourselves ‘conservative’ are not a minority of a minority party; we are part of the great majority of Americans of both major parties and of most of the independents as well.” — Ronald Reagan (1977) I SAID I was going to write some more about gasoline prices this week, but I received a free copy of “Barack Obama’s Rules for Revolution” from David Horowitz, so I want to review it — and seriously recommend it! A few excerpts: In 1969, the year […]
A House of Prayer for All Nations
(Copyright) by Jeffrey Caldwell (Arkansas) To those who say the Sabbath was given only for the Jews: Jesus, driving out those selling in the temple area, quotes Isaiah, “My house will be a house of prayer” (Luke 19:46, Isaiah 56:7). In the same place the LORD says, “my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” He also says “foreigners … who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it … I will … give … joy in my house of prayer” (Isaiah 56:6-7). Jesus says, “the Sabbath was made for man” (Mark 2:27) — for humanity. Astronomically, the seven-day week is the […]
Are We a Nation of Nominal (Name Only) Christians?
(Copyright) by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma) I read with interest Dr. Michael Brown’s commentary on Brady ‘Phanatik’ Goodwin’s announcement that he was renouncing his Christian faith. What caught my eye was the informal and sterile nature of the faith he was renouncing. In explaining his decision, Goodwin said, I sent a letter to my church withdrawing my membership and saying that I am denouncing the Christian faith that I have believed, professed, proclaimed, and defended for the last 30 years of my life. My heart goes out to Mr. Goodwin, but it sounds as though his Christianity was rooted in externals such […]
America Is a Stranger Unto Itself
(Copyright) by Richard Markland (London, Ohio) To ask what has happened to America is a question with disturbing answers. Radical changes are overtaking every attempt to stop what can only be described as unadulterated godlessness that is going to result in deadly consequences the country in no way is prepared for. Immoral behavior has become the norm and anyone who takes a moral stand is banned by mainstream media outlets and considered a social pariah. Labels with expired expiration dates are attached to anyone who has views based on moral principles, especially from the bible. A Nation Plagued by IndifferenceFor decades, the […]
Lost a Job – God Will Help You
Sent by Glen Walker (Fort Wayne, Indiana) God watches His children Years ago, when Colorado was going through hard economic times, I lost my job, and it took me six months to find another. My unemployment ran out, I had no income coming in, and I was behind on my rent. Eventually I was evicted from my apartment, and my 7-year-old daughter and I were living in the car with everything we could fit in it. We sold everything that wasn’t absolutely essential and used that money to buy food. We washed up in gas station bathrooms, and I tried to find well-lighted […]
A Short Study of Five Common Beliefs About the Scriptural Calendar
(Copyright) by Gary Miller (Pocahontas, Arkansas) The Scriptural calendar has been a matter of differing views since time immemorial. A major cause for this uncertainty is the loss in antiquity of the knowledge of the patriarchal astronomers. Although only sketches remain within the Scriptures, enough details are there to set weekly and annual Sabbaths, New Moons, Land Sabbaths, and Jubilee years. This is not unexpected since Yahweh commands observance of those times in their seasons (Lev. 23:4; Gen. 1:14). How could He command us to keep His Sacred times, which is the sign He sanctifies us (Ex. 31:13; Ezk. 20:12, 20), […]
“They Sang as it were a New Song Before the Throne”
by Author Unknown (Minnesota) In Rev. 14:1-5, God speaks of 144,000 redeemed from among men–first fruits–virgins–who follow the Lamb wherever He goes–not defiled with women {church groups}–having the God-Family Name written on their foreheads. It is these redeemed that begin “singing” {speaking of} the new way (Ps. 138:5) to rightly worship God and follow Christ and make Them your God and put away your idols far from you. ONLY Jesus Christ was anointed to be your Mediator–none else! In Is. 42:8 God says no longer He will give His glory and praise to your carved images {men who lead you to […]
A New Era? Causes of War, Causes of Defeat
(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan) “O that you would have hearkened unto My Commandments! Your peace would have been like a river and your godliness as the waves of the sea.” – the God of Israel FROM WHENCE COME WARS AND FIGHTING AMONG YOU? “From the lusts that war within you… You adulterers and adulteresses, know you not that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” – James Someone said that only a nation on its knees is able to stand up to its enemies. As for defeats, the U.S. has had plenty of them since World War II. This […]
A Day of Lust, Not Love
(Copyright) by Martin G. Collins (Charlotte, North Carolina) Our Savior Jesus Christ tells the woman at the well in Samaria, “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him” (John 4:23). As the first great commandment (Matthew 22:37-38) suggests, true worship of God and agape love are entwined. In flagrant contrast, most people in this world celebrate their holidays, not in spirit, truth, and love, but in fleshly practices, lies, and in the case of Saint Valentine’s Day, lust. Sexual immorality has always been the essential ingredient […]
Are You a Princess?
by Wayne Schatzle (West Chester, Ohio) Some time ago I read a book about the familiar nursery rhymes and childhood stories published by the Grimm brothers in the early 1800s. Apparently these were mostly German folk stories passed down through generations by word of mouth, and we can thank the Grimm brothers for recording them for posterity. More often than not each story has a prince on a journey, a princess in danger, and an evil individual bent on coming between them. The object of the book was to show that the point of these folklore stories was not […]
Human Savagery Reaches a New Level
(Copyright) by David Sielaff (Portland, Oregon)
Did Noah Have a Rain Gauge?
(Copyright) by Ernest L. Martin (Portland, Oregon) What were the waters in the firmament that finally came down to earth? In what form were they before they came to earth? An interesting question now presents itself for our attention. If 15 cubits of water (276 inches of rainfall) descended upon earth, from where did that water have its origin? That is what we want to determine if possible, and it may be shown in the Bible itself. Since the results of the flood, according to Moses, were worldwide in extent, it can reasonably be believed that there was a uniform (or […]
How a Great Awakening Turned America’s Founders Against Slavery
by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma) America’s Founders are under attack. Their monuments are being toppled and their names removed from schools and other public buildings. Children are being taught that George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were evil, rich slaveowners who formed this nation to protect their wealth and maintain the institution of slavery. This twisted history of America is dividing and destroying her. The truth is that at a time when slavery was being practiced in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and many parts of the world, America’s founders turned against it. Dr. Thomas Sowell, who happens to be black, has written […]
A Little Here and A Little There
by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota) I have no idea how many times I have read my Bible from cover to cover, since I bought my first Bible when I was in third grade. Recently two different people have pointed out scriptures which I clearly don’t think I ever saw before. Yes, I read them many times, but I never saw them before. I am sure that not just me, but others have read right over these same scriptures and probably many others and for some reason they just never registered. Rachel and Deborah (This section written by Dwight Fleming.)When Jacob […]
Some Things to Consider as a Possibility
by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota) Ever wonder how even the very elect could, if possible, be deceived by false Christs (Messiahs) and false prophets which will show great signs and wonders (Matthew 24:24)? Most of the elect base their world and society views on basic conservative teachings from the Scriptures. So, if the elect might if possible be deceived by false Messiahs (or, a false Messiah), does it not make sense that a false messiah (and false prophets) would come across as very conservative sounding also in order to deceive? In the middle of the Scriptures is Psalm 118, preceded by […]
A Warning from the Past
(Copyright) by Richard Markland A war on free speech is being waged. Targeting anyone who speaks out or questions Leaders in power is becoming increasingly dangerous. As sinister actions on the part of elected officials in Washington are becoming more obvious, there is a real danger for anyone who holds leaders accountable for their abuse of power. The key to keeping the American people at bay is to instill fear for what is openly expressed. What people are saying and doing is being used against them. Washington is Big Brother. Out of control government is now dictating what people can and […]
Profile of a Victim
Brenda Branson (Hanson, Kentucky) Copyright © 2004 Although battered women may exhibit some of the characteristics in the list below, the one element that is shared by all victims is FEAR! A woman is more likely to be killed when she tries to leave than at any other time. The abuser may also threaten to hurt or kill family members or friends who try to help the victim. Besides living in fear for her own safety and that of her family, a battered woman fears being homeless and unable to provide for her children, as well as threats by the […]
What Makes a Great Nation?
by Jeffrey Caldwell (Redwood City, California) What makes for a great nation is relevant to God’s holy nation. It seems good to me to share with you a couple of my recent Facebook posts: The day after the election: ————Today we, here in the United States, have a new President-elect — not the one that I, nor many of us, were expecting! Reminded that citizenship confers not only rights, but also responsibilities. Thanks to the wisdom of our founders each of us has a say in the public square and ability to communicate with fellow citizens or our officials. Even, where appropriate, to engage […]
2018 poll: 40 percent of Americans trust science “a great deal”
(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan) “If you cannot question it, it’s not science. It’s propaganda.” – meme ON WISCONSIN magazine, Spring 2020, published an article, “There’s no war on Science among the American Public; an analysis of opinion polls over time shows that Americans across the political spectrum maintain high levels of confidence in scientists.” The real question is, do we have a high level of confidence in polls? And 40 percent trust is nothing to brag about. Excerpt from the article: “In the 2018 General Social Survey, about 40 percent of respondents reported a great deal of confidence in the […]
A Nation That Talks the Talk, but Refuses to Walk the Walk
(Copyright) by Richard Markland (London, Ohio) When it comes to problems, America is a nation that naively believes it has the leisure of looking the other way and turning a blind eye to what is urgent and in need of immediate attention. This in all actuality is a monumental understatement when realizing the cold hard reality of what we’ve become as a nation and people. Even though the very survival of the country is at stake, this is a generation either in complete denial of its true condition or is tragically viewing problems with a wait and see attitude. This non-urgent […]
Strive to Be a Perfect Servant of the Most High
by Alfio La Spina (Sooke British Columbia, Canada) Matthew 20:25-28 (ESV) 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Those of us that have […]
A “Populist Uprising” is Confronting the Darkness in America
by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma) Back in June, I sensed the Holy Spirit saying that “a populist uprising is coming to America.” I had a sense of the meaning of “populist” but decided to look it up since it is not a word I use. I was presently surprised by what I discovered. “Populist” refers to people—to common everyday people. I then knew that “uprising” merely referred to common, everyday people arising, praying, taking a stand, and letting their voices be heard. Since that time, I have seen parents flooding school board meetings to protest the introduction of Critical Race Theory […]
A Scriptural Perspective on Tithing
by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota) Tithing has long been established in the various COG’s and emphasized in many religious denominations and usually by most “ministers” (generically speaking) that have a “work”. It seems most feel the tithe(s) is still COMMANDED by Scripture and especially on money. However, how closely do those who like to be receivers of tithes follow and teach actually what the Bible commands about tithing? Remember, we are not to add to or take away from what is taught in Scripture. For many years I tithed on my wages in a 1st tithe, a 2nd tithe (to […]
A Puzzle Joke
Part 1Sent by Ted & Joanne Saunders (Renton, Washington) A girl calls her boyfriend and says, “please come over here and help me. I have a really hard jigsaw puzzle, and I can’t figure out how to get started. Her boyfriend asks, “What is it supposed to be when it is finished?” The girl says, “According to the picture on the box, it’s a rooster.” Her boyfriend decides to go over and help with the puzzle. She lets him in and shows him where she has the puzzle spread all over the table. He studies the pieces for a moment, then looks at the box, […]
Like a Tree
by Mike Ford (Oxford, Georgia) “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:3) The Eighth Day, often called the Last Great Day, immediately following the Feast of Tabernacles, represents the Great White Throne Judgment period, which will last, we believe, a hundred years. Just as this day follows the Feast of Tabernacles, the hundred years follow the Millennium, continuing all the benefits of that time. Isaiah 65:20-22, a beautiful section of Scripture, speaks of this period: No more […]
Have Faith as a Child
Sent by Rich Daniels (Shawano, Wisconsin) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20 Does this count? It doesn’t matter how many people you send this to, just remember if it made you smile, your friends will smile too.
A Parable
by Author Unknown (Internet) Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah’s Ark…# 1–Don’t miss the boat.# 2–Remember that we are all in the same boat.# 3–Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark.# 4–Stay fit. When you’re 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.# 5–Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.# 6–Build your future on high ground.# 7–For safety’s sake, travel in pairs.# 8–Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.# 9–When you’re stressed, float a […]
A Drop to Drink
by Joseph B. Baity (Charlotte, North Carolina) Water is growing markedly more precious with the extended and expanding droughts of the American West. Some sub-regions count 2021 as the twenty-first consecutive year of too little rain. Currently, 95 percent of the West—the most extensive area ever on record—is officially in drought, with 65 percent rated “extreme” or “exceptional,” the two direst categories. As a result, hydrologists and other water experts are anxiously preparing for an unpleasant announcement, expected later this month, of the first-ever federally declared water shortage on the Colorado River. This declaration includes Lake Mead, the nation’s largest capacity […]
A Basket of Summer Fruit
by Charles Whitaker (Charlotte, North Carolina) “In the Good ‘Ol Summertime,” the local oldie-but-goodie radio station broadcasts Nat King Cole’s song: Give me those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer,Those days of sodas and pretzels and beer.Give me those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer;You’ll wish that summer could always be here. How well these words express the natural man’s response to summer! He feels release, even exuberance, as winter loosens its cold grip, and the land again becomes fruitful. As the days grow longer and warmer, human nature cries, “Let’s make hay while the sun shines” and characteristically turns summer into […]
Junia, a Woman Apostle
(Copyright) by Dianne D. McDonnell (Arlington, Texas) Iron Sharpening IronIn regard to: Junia, a Woman ApostleArticle by Dianne D. McDonnellComments by John Taylor (Lyle, Washington) First, the word episeemoi is only used twice in the NT and both are translated as notable, or note, not outstanding Matthew 27:16: “And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.” Romans 16:7: “fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who” Second, to claim she was an apostle is not quite accurate if one also claims she was outstanding and begs the question, if she was one of the greatest among them where are the […]
How To Spot a Batterer Before the Relationship Begins
by Brenda Branson (Hanson, Kentucky) Copyright © 2004 The following red flags are characteristics of an abuser. This does not mean that everyone who demonstrates one or two of these qualities will end up abusing or battering their partners. However, these red flags should be taken seriously. If someone you know demonstrates one or two of these patterns on a consistent basis, he has the potential to become a batterer. Superior attitude toward women. Does he think men are superior to women? Does he feel he “owns” you and has the right to control your thoughts and actions? Does he talk about women in […]
America – Under a Curse?
by Royce Mitchell, Jr. (Manvel, Texas) Judging from what can be seen in the United States, some people sense that our nation seems to be under a curse. There’s good reason for that; the nation IS under a curse. How can I say that? Can I prove it? One does not have to be a prophet to see the curse coming. One merely needs to understand a few things. First, God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). Secondly, God does not change (Mal 3:6). What is this curse that God has pronounced on our nation? Here’s the first indication: Lev […]
A Chart Comparing Offices in the Synagogue and the Church
(Copyright) by Craig White (Australia)
A pain in the ‘BUT’: even National Review? Say it ain’t so!
(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan) “The Trump movement often is described as a ‘personality cult,’ which it is, in no small part.” – National Review, 11/02/20, Kevin Williamson (also posted on Facebook) IT DOESN’T DO MUCH GOOD to preach to the choir unless the choir “shares” with their uninformed friends and relatives. So, to Biden voters I say, “You aren’t really thinking things THRU unless you look at both sides of the choice. You may say you’re for ‘choice.’ but do you really look at both sides of the coin?” Thank God for Tucker Carlson because parts of Fox News are going […]
Contending for a More Pure Flow of Prophetic Ministry
by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma) Sue and I once stopped for the night in Pennsylvania coal country. I turned on the water to take a bath and it came out very dark. The water source was pure, but the pipes through which the water flowed were tainted with coal dust. And so, it is with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including prophecy. The Holy Spirit and His gifts are pure, but they flow through frail and fallible human vessels. In over 60 years of observing and participating in prophetic ministry, I have seen individual pride, personal doctrine, feelings, and misconceptions dirty […]
5 Reasons Genesis 3:16 is Not a Model for Christian Marriage
by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma) I was driving along listening to a Christian radio station on the car radio. A well-known pastor came on and announced that he would be speaking about God’s plan for marriage. I was shocked to hear him read Genesis 3:16b as his text. This passage, in our English Bible, reads, Your desire shall be for your husband and he shall rule over you (KJV). I could hardly believe what I was hearing. I found myself exclaiming aloud, “No! No! This passage is not about Christian marriage. This passage is describing the distortion of marriage as a result of […]
A Church Without Women
(Copyright) by Dianne D. McDonnell (Arlington, Texas)
A Man Had a Dream
Sent by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan) A man had a dream. His whole life passed before his eyes. He was on a beach and during the best times of his life, he saw two sets of footprints. The Lord said, “I was walking with you.” During the worst times of his life, the guy saw just one set of footprints. “Is that when you were carrying me?” the man asked. “No,” said the Lord. “That’s when you were sinning, and I couldn’t bear to watch.” And the guy says: “What about that long groove in the sand?” And the Lord says: “That’s when I […]
Are You a Christian Nationalist?
by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma) Charisma News reported on a letter, signed by 500 evangelical leaders, that condemned “Christian nationalism” and tied it to the Capital riots of January 6. I agree with the authors of the letter that all Christians need to speak out against all violence and hate and the detestable acts that took place in Washington D.C. on January 6. However, while every evangelical I know condemns the acts of January 6, the authors of the letter seem to be using January 6 as a broad brush to paint every supporter of Donald Trump as an insurrectionist and […]
George Washington walks into a bar (this ought to go viral)
(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan) AFTER A HARD DAY’S WRITING, I stopped at the C-store for a cup of coffee. “Do you have gas?” the clerk asked. “No, just a little heart burn and writer’s block,” I said, on the way out the door. On the way home, I stopped at the Backwoods pub and grub to grab a bite to eat. A March Madness game was on TV. I’d just taken a seat at the bar when the door opened. Everyone in the place, including the bartender, turned to look. You could have heard a feather drop. I […]
A Short History of the Edomites
by Ray Daly (Lincoln, North Dakota) Gen. 36:1 “The generations of Esau, who is Edom. V.2. Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan. Adah…the Hittite, Aholibamah…the Hivite. V.3. And Bashemath Ishmael’s daughter.” In the above we see that Esau was called Edom. And throughout OT Scriptures, when it reads “Edom”, it is speaking of only the descendants of his Canaanite wives. Continuing to be known of as Esau, as for his Ishmaelite wife. In this Study, I will be dealing with only Esau’s Edomite wives. And as will be shown, said wives had children whose descendants are […]
A Child’s Theory
by Jeffrey Caldwell (Redwood City, California) A child’s theory of everything came to me as I drove to work. What is the primordial order of origin of the Creation (“universe” –if you prefer)? Moses’ account indicates time comes first. Matter and space exist in time–not otherwise! There must be “space” to have a place to “put” matter! To have any “thing” organized matter must occupy at least some of the “space”! So, it occurs to me, the primordial order of Creation is time, space, matter. All must relate to each other as they do for us to have the universe […]
Does Scripture Support a Salaried Ministry?
by Ray E. Daly (Lincoln, North Dakota) Eph. 4:28 “Let him that stole, steal no more. Rather, let him LABOR. Working with his HANDS that which is good. That he may have [extra] to give to the poor.” Most students of Scripture would quickly recognize the meaning and intent of the above words, “to give to him that has need”. There are so many Scriptures that support this command. For example, the night of the last Passover service, Jesus told Judas something, by which he left the gathering. The disciples wondered why he left. And one of their thoughts […]
Is Disfellowshipping a Christian Practice?
by Arlan Weight (Bismarck, North Dakota) Is disfellowshipping and suspension a Christian practice? If so when should it be done? Who should do it? Can we prove it from the Bible? Is the Bible specific enough for us to know? How does it square with the teaching of Jesus? Have many people become confused? From my first encounter with the Worldwide Church of God in the late 60’s and early 70’s disfellowshipping was a common practice. Not being close enough to issues I never really knew the details of why certain people were put out of the church; I […]
SIGNS OF THE TIMES: Is dissent a thing of the past?
by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan) The function of liberal Republicans is to shoot the wounded after battle.” Senator Eugene McCarthy BARRY GOLDWATER RECOMMENDED SAWING OFF THE EASTERN SEABOARD. “When the wind is in the East, ’tis neither good for man nor beast,” and here are some quotations from the Ivy League region of the country: “The chief problem of the lower-income farmers is poverty.” Nelson Rockefeller “The streets are safe in Philadelphia; it’s only the people who make them unsafe.” former mayor Frank Rizzo “Marvin never tells a lie if he can give you a misleading statement instead.” friend of […]
Have a Nice Day!
Sent by Robert Chisolm (Email) To: YOUDate: TODAYFrom: GODSubject: YOURSELFReference: LIFE This is God. “Today” I will be handling All of your problems for you. “I do Not need your help”. So have a nice day. I love you. P.S. “And, remember…. If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! “Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME.” All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not […]
Parable of a Shepherd
Reprinted from Servants’ News Published by Norman S. Edwards (Perry, Michigan) John 21:15-17 & Acts 20:28: These Scriptures contain instructions to Peter to “feed and tend my sheep”, and a group of elders to “shepherd the church of God”. Some will claim that these verses set the leadership in authority over the people as a shepherd is in authority over his animals. They forget that our Savior is the chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4) and that believers are all His sheep (1 Cor. 3:23). We can easily demonstrate the relationship from a brief parable: A prince hired a shepherd to […]