While increasing numbers of states are opening the door to medical marijuana and many to recreational use, we would be wise to put on the brakes. Once we stop, we should consider examples where decriminalization has been followed by a return to restrictions. The most recent is this Los Angeles Times’ story about Thailand. In…
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By all accounts the fast food business is having a tough year. From inflation-pressed consumers cutting back on dining out (or the size of their orders) to California upping its minimum wage to $20 an hour, the squeeze is on. One recent article about 11 struggling chains included such familiar names as Starbucks, KFC, McDonald’s,…
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“And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’” (Revelation 21:4-5, NASB 1995). That…
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While no longer in a Southern Baptist church, my wife and I spent the better part of 20 years in the denomination. During that time, an historic Baptist principle I developed an appreciation for is separation of church and state. Not because I want to censor Christian principles or prevent them from entering the public…
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Naturally, with Hillbilly Elegy author J.D. Vance’s nomination for vice president, his 2016 bestseller is getting renewed ink. The boost will send sales (1.6 million copies to date) higher, with the paperback hitting #1 on Amazon the day after Vance’s July 15 nomination. Allen Salkin, an author and co-owner of a podcast production company, said…
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About now, after the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, President Joe Biden dropping out of the race, and chaos sure to ensue in coming weeks, the temptation is to throw up our hands, say, “What’s the use?” and mentally check out of November’s election. That would be a mistake. Not because of who’s on…
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Between nationally-known ministry leaders who have dropped like bowling pins of late, diminished societal influence, and falling attendance, one could easily despair about the state of the modern church. Which is why it was so good to be part of the congregation at a recent classical guitar performance at Missio Dei Church in Huntington, West…
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In a world with more scripted series than anyone can fathom and so many streaming options services appear to be cannibalizing each other, there isn’t much common currency in TV viewing. Unless it’s a show like Jeopardy, which the New York Times says is among the most popular on television, outside of sports programming. So,…
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The United States will soon celebrate its 248th birthday. Judging by the feverish war protests, political dissension, and other kerfuffles erupting by the week, it appears not everyone is happy about the occasion. The bitter critics accuse the nation of crimes galore. Yet no better reason to celebrate our freedom exists than this story I…
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It’s that time of year when graduation season is in full bloom, with some ceremonies still to come. Having attended a commencement in late May in New York, I share the optimism that so often bursts forth amid the pomp and circumstance. Not all senior citizens have the same kind of enthusiasm, especially those who…
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