The Woman who is Responsible for Thanksgiving
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The Woman who is Responsible for Thanksgiving

While most Americans probably have no idea who she was, Sarah Josepha Hale (1788-1879) can be seen as the mother of our modern Thanksgiving celebration.  In 1864, the Newport, New Hampshire native had become the “editress” of a respected publication known as Godey’s Lady’s Book.  In her prominent position, the young widow and mother of…

Four seconds? Why calls for Israel to cease fire are tied to the liberal devaluing of human life
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Four seconds? Why calls for Israel to cease fire are tied to the liberal devaluing of human life

The schoolyard bully who bruises the little girl. The thug who pushes an old woman to her death on the subway rails. The gang that robs a jewelry store and stabs the owner. The coward who carjacks and shoots the driver. They’re all guilty of crimes against innocent lives. The abortionist who wields forceps may…

God loves Palestinians just as much as He loves people of every ethnicity and nation
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God loves Palestinians just as much as He loves people of every ethnicity and nation

During these infamous days in Israel, the eagerness to make sense of things by rushing to conclusions and judgements must be tempered with some fundamentals that do not change regardless of events. First, even as the world witnesses the terror and pain in Israel inflicted by Hamas, we must remember God loves the Palestinians. Second,…

Who Can Really Make a Difference in this World?
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Who Can Really Make a Difference in this World?

Not long ago, a discouraged minister recently said to me, “At one time I thought that I was going to help change the world . . . Now that the years have gone by, I realize that it’s just not possible to make much of a difference.  You get by, and maybe leave a mark…

America must repent — before it’s too late
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America must repent — before it’s too late

You know God is powerfully present in a service when people come to the altar, not just to throw themselves before the Divine Lawgiver for mercy but also before local law enforcement. It was a small town in Illinois — a Friday night service as we were nearing the end of our “50 states in…

How do I overcome memories of my sinful past?
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How do I overcome memories of my sinful past?

Even the apostle Paul faced this struggle; he said he was “chief of sinners,” (1 Timothy 1:15-16) in part because he knew he had a terrible past. He had persecuted the first Christians and tried his best to ruin their lives. But God showed him mercy. And this same Paul said he was confident nothing…

Why Profanity Matters
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Why Profanity Matters

Magic Mountain, an amusement park in Southern California, is known for a roller coaster named X2. Coincidentally, I was there to speak at a youth event when I overheard an X-rated conversation—between churched teens no less. It prompted me to address the issue from stage. I asked, “How many of you struggle with using bad…