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In 1 Samuel there are two stories about David being pursued by Saul in which David has an opportunity to kill Saul but spares him. (See 1 Samuel 24 and 26.) Some commentators say it is the same story from different traditions, while others say they really are different...

Mary’s inspiring Magnificat has been set to music many times, but the best may be Bach’s. It is a great way to begin Advent. The opening chorus has the single lyric “Magnificat”! The video link is a favorite, played on period instruments (e.g., valveless trumpets, keyless flutes and oboes)...

Contrary to the commercial world, we should save Advent hymns for Advent! Now is the appropriate time for songs of Thanksgiving. Here is one of mine, based on a wonderful Renaissance melody. What is you favorite? Blessings.

First Thanksgiving at Plymouth, 1914: by Jennie Augusta Brownscombe, 1914. It lives at the Museum De Lakenhal in Netherlands.

On October 3, 1863, President Lincoln issued a proclamation designating “the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving.” Lincoln’s announcement marked the culmination of a multi-decade campaign by Sarah Josepha Hale to make Thanksgiving into a national holiday. Although Lincoln...

Any fans of the former TV show ‘Touched by an Angel’ (1994 - 2003)? It is available now on Amazon Prime. Bit of tongue-in-cheek humor: Monica is relating some of her history to a person— “I started in the choir; everyone starts in the choir. Then for a few centuries my job was to say...

Where did the founders of the United States acquire their ideas on the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution? And Is the United States, at least in principle, a nation whose ultimate source of moral authority must come from God alone? The influence of John Locke, a 17th Century...

The current news is full of cabinet choices and possibilities. If you could be a cabinet member in the new administration, and apply Christian principles throughout, which one would best suit your God-given capabilities (and preferences). [Note: some in this forum say Christians should never...

How often do you pray each day? Do have specific prayers for each part of the day? Do you recite the Lord’s Prayer (or a variation)? Do you have special prayers for special situations? (By the way, here is a pet peeve: a congregation that mindlessly drones the Lord’s Prayer.) Blessings

The famous economist Milton Friedman said there are four ways to spend money: A. Your own money on yourself B. Your own money on someone else C. Someone else’s money on yourself D. Someone else’s money on someone else The graphic below shows how most people spend money in the four cases...

“… and walk humbly with your God.” God accepts us as He made us, and is prepared to use us in accordance with the capabilities given us. Yet, given our fallen nature, there is always the temptation to try to portray ourselves bigger and better than we are. For some politicians, the temptation...

There is a fascinating article on Jeff Bezos as owner of Amazon vs the owner of the Washington Post. The message is that if Amazon were run like the Post, and vice versa, both would be improved...

Scientists continue to be puzzled by our consciousness and the human spirit. Here is another theory, which finds a way to talk about God, without mentioning Him. Two points inferred: (1) God resides outside our universe, but is everywhere in our universe, which could be scientifically viewed...

John 4:10—Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” Still a great song. (For those of you that are familiar with deserts, spiritual and physical, this piece is especially...

What went wrong? https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna6396422

The Apostle Paul observed that even some pagans practice Love Thy Neighbor (e.g., Romans 2: 14-15). Indeed, it can be found in a number of ancient and modern cultures. There is a recent period Chinese drama series where the conflict between Might Makes Right organizations and a Might For...

Greetings to all! See attached link (there are many others available). https://www.deseret.com/faith/2024/07/17/prayer-controversy-republican-national-convention/ Some are saying that a Sikh Prayer at the GOP convention was inappropriate. I thought it was fine, but I also think that the...

https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-courts/douglas-arizona-church-arson-resentment-motive-alleged-vs-gay-pastor-woman-pastor-defendant-eric-ridenour/article_3487327a-3d8c-11ef-bc78-cff9335753ff.html...

Does anyone know the author of this dialog? And the Lord said, “Go!” And I replied, “Who, me?” And He said, “Yes, You!” And I whined, “But surely not now? I’m busy with work, my family needs me, and I have a full schedule.” And He said, “You’re stalling!” And the Lord said, “Go!” And I...

The long downward slide by the United Methodist church continues with their recent sanctioning of LBGT… marriage, including clergy. The Babylon Bee could not resist a poke at them, suggesting it was now up to African Methodists to bring the true gospel to America...