Above: Abraham Lincoln in 1860, before the Civil War; and in 1865, near the end of the war (age 56). ——————————————   This week we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our independence as a nation, and although we have much to worry about these days, we do also have much to celebrate. Our Constitution, democracy, […]
3293) The Greatest American Speech Read More »
   What made Abraham Lincoln the extraordinary man that he was? I believe there is an easy answer. He read the Bible. He not only read the Bible, he immersed himself in it, reading it over and over again, until his whole mentality, perspective on life, and language mirrored that of the Bible. His
3292) The Source of Abraham Lincoln’s Greatness Read More »
   Abraham Lincoln’s religious beliefs have been the subject of much discussion and debate. In his early years, he was accused by political opponents of being an “infidel” and a “scoffer at religion,” and not without reason. He made no secret of his skepticism, and he often ridiculed what he saw in the backwoods,
3291) A Terrible Hater Read More »
George Washington (1732-1799) ——————- PRIVATE: Â A prayer at age 20: Â Â O Most Glorious God, in Jesus Christ, my merciful and loving Father; I acknowledge and confess my guilt in the weak and imperfect performance of the duties of this day. Â I have called on Thee for pardon and forgiveness of my sins,
3290) George Washington on Religion Read More »
By Dennis Prager, at http://www.PragerU.com (October 21, 2018). ———————————————–    Race and ethnicity have defined every nation on earth.  Except one: the United States of America.  It is defined by values. So, to understand America, you have to understand American values.    They are: “E Pluribus Unum” “Liberty” “In God We Trust.” Â
3289) The American Trinity Read More »
Above: From King’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. August 28, 1963. ———————-    (…continued) Just outside of St. Peter, Minnesota is the Traverse Des Sioux historical site. Traverse Des Sioux is a shallow spot in the Minnesota River where generations of Sioux Indians crossed. In 1851 that
3288) The Declaration of Dependence (3/3) Read More »
   (…continued) In his Small Catechism explanation to the 4th petition of the Lord’s Prayer, Martin Luther listed many of the things God has given us for which we should give thanks. Included in that list is the gift of “good government.” Despite all the problems with our government, and for all that we
3287) The Declaration of Dependence (2/3) Read More »
      Next week, we will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the birth of our nation. Does this Independence Day celebration have anything to do with religion? No, say many folks in the church. God is God of all people, not just of the
3286) The Declaration of Dependence (1/3) Read More »
   Among the papers of Abraham Lincoln that were found after his death, there were several notes to himself, perhaps jotted down to be used in later speeches. No one knew when or why Lincoln wrote this note (pictured above), but it is characteristic of his profound simplicity. As I would not be a
3285) Democracy Defined and Defended Read More »
   Eighty-two years ago today, on the morning of June 6, 1944, Allied forces led by the Americans, invaded Northern France in the biggest military operation in history.  The goal was to get a foothold on the continent, push back the German forces, and defeat the Nazi war machine that was threatening Western civilization.
3267) FDR’s D-Day Prayer Read More »
