On this episode of Our American Stories Leslie Leyland Fields flew from her home in Alaska to Indiana to spend two weeks beside her best friend Linda who was dying of stage IV ovarian cancer When it was finally time to leave Leslie believed they still had months together A week later she learned that Linda was nearing the end Then while Leslie was trying to make her way home a mechanical problem grounded her flight The delay gave the two friends something neither expected three final phone calls Leslie a regular contributor to Our American Stories and the author [... more]

Share a commentA single line can expose an entire life Forbidden lust is like someone dying of thirst while begging for salt We start there then zoom out to a headline-worthy cautionary tale Marcus Antony and Cleopatra where desire doesn't stay personal It rewrites priorities fractures trust and leaves empires and families paying the bill long after the thrill is gone Then we turn to the story that still grabs readers thousands of years later King David and Bathsheba in Samuel One reason this passage hits so hard is that the Bible suddenly shifts into slow motion almost forcing us [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories when automobiles first took over American roads drivers had speed but few of the rules we now take for granted Roads often had no marked lanes traffic laws varied from place to place and thousands were dying in crashes each year Then a handful of Americans began experimenting with an extraordinarily simple solution paint a line down the middle of the road The History Guy tells the surprising story of Edward Hines whose inspiration may have come from a leaking milk truck and the decades-long effort to turn a stripe of paint into [... more]

The tragic case of Cambridge professor Jason Arday reveals much that is wrong in today's higher education And how certain are you about your belief in God Segment Jason Arday The Rot in Higher Ed Alex Berenson Substack UM Skipping Letter Grades Segment Shaky Belief in God Ryan Burge on Belief Segment Questions Sidewalks in the Kingdom New Urbanism and the Christian Faith The Christian Practice of Everyday Life by Eric O Jacobsen and Eugene H Peterson Arthru Brooks article on Bumble [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories Richard Muniz never imagined himself as a cop He had a degree in astrophysics and considered himself an intellectual not the kind of guy who wrestled criminals or rushed toward danger But when he needed a job law enforcement unexpectedly became his career Then two days after Christmas Muniz was called to a horrific wreck outside Antonito Colorado A semi had crushed a car carrying four young people and Muniz suddenly found himself covered in blood and desperately performing CPR on a dying man The experience nearly convinced him to leave law enforcement [... more]

The Anglican Church of Canada's authorization of a trial-use liturgy for medically assisted dying has sparked controversy, highlighting a larger crisis in the Western Church where biblical teaching is increasingly treated as a tradition to be revised rather than divine revelation to be received. [... more]

The COVID pandemic highlighted the need for Christians to exercise critical thinking and discernment in the face of deception and lies. Christians must be prepared to question authority and challenge false narratives, even when they come from trusted sources. The Bible teaches that Christians are to be ready to defend their faith and to seek answers, rather than simply asking questions. In the context of the COVID pandemic, Christians were faced with conflicting information and conflicting narratives, and they must be equipped to navigate these complexities and to make informed decisions. The Bible teaches that Christians are to be discerning and to test all things, and that they are to be guided by the truth of Scripture. [... more]

The Canadian healthcare system's MAID program has been criticized for allowing euthanasia against a patient's will, while the US Secret Service has thwarted death threats against the President. Meanwhile, the Democrat primary has been marred by allegations of election cheating, and the abortion debate continues to rage on. [... more]

To walk in victory, one must surrender to God's plan and purpose, tearing down idols that can be possessions, relationships, or priorities. Gideon's story in the Bible illustrates the importance of taking on a victor's identity, teaming up with the right people, and obeying God's will to achieve perpetual victory. [... more]

Gideon's story shows that to enjoy spiritual victory, one must first take on a victor's identity and then tear down personal idols that compete with God's plan and purpose for their life. [... more]

God views us differently than we view ourselves, and He calls us to take on a victor's identity, despite our current circumstances or weaknesses. By being humble and obedient, we can experience God's power and glory, and walk in spiritual victory. [... more]

Living in spiritual victory is a normative aspect of the Christian life, and it's available to all believers through faith in God. However, many people experience defeat and live in survival mode due to disobedience to God's will. God disciplines his children to teach them that it doesn't pay to be outside of his will, and he provides a way out through faith and obedience. [... more]

The Christian life is a fight between the desire to live for Jesus Christ and the tendency to live for oneself. Paul's experience in 2 Corinthians chapter 4 teaches that we are candidates for discouragement, but with the gospel in us, we can overcome and find strength in our weakness. [... more]

Abraham's story serves as a testament to the power of faith and obedience. When faced with seemingly impossible tasks, Abraham trusted in God's plan and passed the test, ultimately receiving greater blessings on the other side. Similarly, God's will is not to entice us to do wrong, but to lead us in the light, and by obeying His commands, we can experience victory and live a life destined for greatness. [... more]

To experience God's plan and purpose for your life, you must die to your own will and self, surrender to God's will, and pass the tests He gives you. Obedience and faith are key to living a victorious life, and God will bring His will to pass in your life if you trust in Him. [... more]

God wants us to surrender so deeply and unconditionally to Him until nothing else matters. Hannah's story teaches us about the importance of extreme surrender, faith, and trust in God's plan. We must learn to let go of our selfish desires and focus on God's will, just like Hannah did when she prayed for a child and dedicated him to the Lord. By surrendering to God's plan, we can experience His goodness and blessings in our lives. [... more]

Hannah's journey in 1 Samuel 1 serves as a case study for understanding the concept of death to self and divine purpose. Pastor Paul Shepard explores how Hannah's experiences with infertility and rivalry can be seen as unsolved mysteries or delayed revelations, and how God is setting her up to experience a higher purpose. The path to fulfillment is not always easy, but it is through the valleys that we build character and are prepared for the seasons of triumph. [... more]

God's plan for reconciliation involves getting right with Him first, then letting Him lead the process. Jacob's 20-year journey at Laban's house was a time of personal growth, where he came to understand his own flaws and dependencies, ultimately leading to a breakthrough in his relationship with God and Esau. [... more]

Jacob's life is a testament to God's love and grace, despite his checkered past and sinful behavior. God's purpose and plan for Jacob's life are not based on his performance, but on His own character. Jacob's story teaches us about the consequences of sin and the importance of faith and trust in God's plan. [... more]

Living a holy life requires cooperation with God, accessing His grace, and making wise, godly choices. The enemy often tempts us with illegitimate solutions and provisions, but God always has a provision to meet our needs, whether immediate or ultimate. We must learn to say no to the enemy and yes to God, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness, even in times of crisis and uncertainty. [... more]