Terrorists Aren’t Freedom Fighters, Thanksgiving Traffic & Overcoming Fear

Nearly 40 years ago, terrorism expert Brian Michael Jenkins made this claim, “The difficulty of defining terrorism has led to the cliché that one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter, implying that there can be no objective definition of terrorism, no universal standards of conduct in peace. That is not true.”

Freedom fighters and terrorists often do have many similarities. Both groups take part in a violent struggle to achieve a political goal, usually the overthrow or removal of an established government.

However, terrorists don’t abide by the rules of war or abide by the principles of just war. The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission weigh in on this important distinction at Baptist Press.
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AAA projects 55.4 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period*. This year’s Thanksgiving forecast is an increase of 2.3% over last year and marks the third-highest Thanksgiving forecast since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000. 

AAA expects 4.7 million people will fly over Thanksgiving, an increase of 6.6% compared to 2022 and the highest number of Thanksgiving air travelers since 2005. Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are the busiest air travel days ahead of the holiday and the most expensive. While Sunday is typically the busiest day to return home, AAA data shows Monday is also a popular day to fly back after Thanksgiving.
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Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
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An article in the Baptist Press Toolbox offers help to overcome fear. When facing anxiety or despair, William P. Smith encourages believers to:

First, list all the Bible passages you can remember or find that focus on God’s good involvement in this world in general and in your life specifically. Remind yourself that your life will not end one day too early because every day of it was already ordained “before a single one of them began” (Ps 139:16). Remind yourself that the one who keeps an active census of your hair follicles is deeply involved in the more important areas of your life (Lk 12:7).

Second, songs like “This Is My Father’s World” are a great way to restore balance to our lives when fear seems overwhelming. Others may speak to you about God’s extra kindness and goodness when you face dangers, such as “It Is Well” or “Blessed Be Your Name.” Sing them to yourself, and let their truths renew your shaken confidence.

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