A Day To Remember

Today is the 15th anniversary of 911.

It is a day of personal remembrance. Solemn reflection. And national introspection.

We all remember where we were and what we were doing on that day of infamy. Many of us know someone who was directly affected, killed, or either by chance or God’s grace missed being on one of those flights or in the twin towers. And, as Americans we wonder “Are we safer today than we were 15 years ago?” Continue reading →

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Why The United States of America Is Not United

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Today is a significant day in history.

It was on this day 240 years ago that the Continental Congress formally changed the name of the new nation to be the “United States” of America. This resolution by Richard Henry Lee replaced the term “United Colonies,” which had been in general use, and was so declared on September 9, 1776.

The United States of America speaks to many ideas and ideals. States rights. Independence from tyranny. A Democratic Republic. A more perfect union. Domestic tranquility. The blessings of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Continue reading →

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Fighting the Feeling of Futility

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The 17th century author and theologian, Thomas Fuller, lamented, “We are born crying, live complaining and die disappointed.”

“Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, and old age a regret” opined the 19th century British statesman and Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli.

Noted for his wit, word play and short stories, William Syndey Porter, known by his pen name O’Henry quipped, “Life is made up of sobs, sniffles and smiles.” Then he added, “With sniffles predominating.”

Continue reading →

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GREAT VERSES OF THE BIBLE: Matthew 16:24

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It has been observed that the mark of a great leader is the demands that he makes upon his followers.

The 19th century Italian freedom fighter, Garibaldi, offered his men only hunger and death to free Italy. During WWII British Prime Minister Winston Churchill said that he had nothing to offer the English people except “blood, sweat, toil, and tears” in their fight against the enemies of England. Continue reading →

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Don’t Let Doubt Sink Your Faith

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G. Campbell Morgan was a British preacher, scholar and author of the latter 19th and early 20th century. He had already dedicated his life to ministry by age 19. However, he developed some doubts about the Bible.

Morgan relates the writings of various scientists and agnostics disturbed him (e.g., Charles Darwin, John Tyndall, Thomas Huxley, and Herbert Spencer). As he read their books and listened to debates, Morgan became more and more perplexed.

What did he do?  Continue reading →

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Word of the Week: Work

WorkScott Adams is a cartoonist and creator of the Dilbert comic strip.  Dilbert, the title character, is an engineer and known for his satirical office humor.  The San Francisco Examiner dubbed Dilbert “the cartoon hero of the workplace.”

Here are some of Dilbert’s “Rules for the Workplace,”  Continue reading →

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God’s Majesty Manifest in the Mountains

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Beautiful. Gorgeous. Awesome. Amazing. Majestic. These and other descriptive words were exchanged by Norma Jean and me as we enjoyed the incredible scenery on our recent trip to Alaska.

But no doubt the most awe-inspiring, breath-taking, God-affirming sight was on our next to the last day when we saw Denali, formerly known at Mt. McKinley. It is the highest peak in North America, rising 20,310′ above sea level.

On the day of our tour deep into the park, it was cloudy, overcast and drizzling rain off and on all day. “The Great One” was shrouded from view. While we were disappointed, we had an enjoyable day. Continue reading →

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Acceptance Does Not Imply Approval

 Diversity.People

There is a fallacy in the minds of many people that if you accept something or someone, you are tacitly demonstrating your approval.

When the conversation comes to a person’s practice, lifestyle or opinions, the contrarian is often heard to pronounce: “That’s wrong. I just cannot accept that.”

What we need to realize is that there is a vast difference between accepting someone and approving of their choices, behavior or beliefs. Let me illustrate from God’s Word. Continue reading →

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GREAT VERSES OF THE BIBLE: Proverbs 11:3

 Moral COmpass

An investment counselor went out on her own. She was shrewd and diligent, so business kept coming in. Pretty soon she realized she needed an in-house counsel, and so she began interviewing young lawyers.

“As I’m sure you can understand,” she started off with one of the first applicants, “in a business like this, our personal integrity must be beyond question.”

She leaned forward and continued, “Mr. Peterson, are you an honest lawyer?” Continue reading →

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You Can Be New Again

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The centerpiece of our annual anniversary trip was an Alaskan cruise on the Island Princess. Their theme is “Come Back New.” Their advertizing brochure invites you with these enticing words. ” Escape to breathtaking ocean views, fresh, local flavors and the chance to see someone you love in awe of the world again.

It is indeed a relaxing way to vacation and enjoy special time away from your daily routines with your husband or wife. They use words like “refresh,” “renew” and “revitalize” to emphasis the new feeling you will experience. Continue reading →

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