As a new chapter opens for American politics, it is natural to feel a certain uneasiness. What lies ahead? Will Americans continue to enjoy the peace and prosperity with which we have for so long been blessed, or will our way of life be torn asunder, as customs and conventions are reordered by an aggressive state? 　　Naturally, I am thinking...

　　The smartphone has transformed American childhood. Kids today respond above all to social media’s panopticon of perpetual peer judgment and corporate-funded online influencers. As a result, kids have less need for the approval of parents, teachers, coaches, and ministers. As their role in raising kids weakens, screens play an ever more pivotal role in today’s digital childhood. 　　While often viewed...

　　During Robert Bork’s bruising nomination process in 1987, a reporter realized that he and Bork frequented the same video store. This reporter hit on the idea of asking to see Bork’s rental history, and, lo and behold, a clerk coughed it right up. The list was not what sank Bork’s nomination—the good judge was fond of Cary Grant and Alfred...

　　A Prayer for the Parents of a Prodigal Child 　　By Alicia Searl 　　Bible Reading: 　　“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. - Luke 15:20 　　Listen or Read Below: 　　The parable of the prodigal son...

　　Two themes dominated the story of the first American pioneers who ventured into space. The first was the remarkable bravery and heroism that the world’s first generation of space explorers displayed in breaking the bonds of Earth’s gravitational force, both literally and figuratively. The second was the national character of the endeavor. 　　The men who first ventured into space were...

　　Most Americans don’t have to strain too hard to name at least a couple of our Founding Fathers, but what about our Founding Mothers? Some might say Abigail Adams or Dolley Madison, but they’re far less likely to identify the woman who wrote a comprehensive history of the American Revolution: Mercy Otis Warren. 　　Few women in the late 1700s were...

　　When Imperfections Turn into Blessings 　　So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. --Isaiah 41:10 　　Snowflakes are fascinating. They come in all different shapes and sizes. Some appear as delicate lace doilies others as...

　　On April 7, 2024, Mitchell West was arrested for handing out free burritos to the hungry. While West and other members of a local charity distributed food to impoverished community members in the courthouse square in Dayton, Ohio, a police officer approached and told them to stop. West doled out one last burrito. The officer placed him in handcuffs.  　　  　　In Dayton, no one...

　　A Prayer for Unwavering Faith in the Waiting 　　By Kristine Brown 　　Bible Reading: 　　“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” - Hebrews 10:23 NLT 　　Listen or Read Below: 　　A woman named Rahab in the Bible received a promise from God. Rahab lived in Jericho, and one day,...

　　Abundant Peace 　　Your Nightly Prayer for Jan. 6, 2025 　　by Christine F. Perry 　　TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE“Abundant peace belongs to those who love your instruction; nothing makes them stumble.” Psalms 119:165 CSB 　　SOMETHING TO PONDERHave you ever had those days when you’re anxious and can’t seem to shut off your mind? Your mind mercilessly jumps from one problem to the next or...

　　British philosopher Antony Flew once cautioned against turning generalizations into tautologies when faced with new information. If an ostensible Scotsman puts sugar on their porridge, despite your conviction that no Scotsmen take sugar with their porridge, you are faced with a decision: you may admit that some Scotsmen do, in fact, sugar their porridge, or take the act of sugaring...

　　Communion with God 　　Weekly Overview: 　　This week we’ll spend time breaking down the individual components of First15 by sharing God's desire for each of them. The majority of First15 is dedicated to encountering God and learning about his character, but every now and then we will cover some teaching and tools that will help in pursuing God to greater depths....