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Christmas Holidays Remind Us Why We Must Keep Fighting for Religious Freedom – First Liberty Institute

by Jorge Gomez • 4 minutes
As a New Year begins, I want to share with you a quick story that brought me a lot of perspective this holiday season. It reminded me why First Liberty’s mission of protecting religious freedom is so important—and why we must keep fighting for religious liberty in our nation.
A couple weeks ago, I was at my home church here in Texas waiting for our Christmas service to start. I’ve been serving on the worship team for many years—and Christmas is perhaps our most anticipated and attended service of the entire year.
I was sitting in the green room with the rest of our team, anxiously awaiting to lead our congregation in worship to celebrate the birth of our Savior. But this year, things were going a little different than in years past.
We were having some sound problems throughout our pre-service rehearsal. Most of us couldn’t hear our instruments or voices very well. With less than 30 minutes left until the service started, we all knew that we weren’t going to have the sound we wanted. We’d have to push through and focus on doing the best we could through the unexpected audio issues.
A few of us felt discouraged. Others were visibly frustrated. Here we’d been waiting, planning and diligently practicing for this big service, expecting that things should go according to our plan. Of course, God has a way of using these types of circumstances to teach us lessons and show us that His strength is made perfect in our weakness, as we read in 2 Corinthians 12:8 – 10.
It was at this point of frustration that one of our leaders stood up and encouraged us to keep our focus on what matters: worshipping. No matter the audio quality, or whether our team played all the right notes, or hit every queue perfectly, he reminded us that our calling is to give God the glory—in all circumstances: good, bad, ugly or imperfect.
To ease the tension, our leader told us this in a very lighthearted way:
“Guys, we are so lucky to be able to worship today! Look at this amazing building we’re in. Look at this awesome audio system we have. It may not be working today, but we still have it! Let’s not forget about being grateful that we even get to be at church today.”
“There are no militia groups outside waiting to arrest us—or worse—just for getting together to have a Christmas church service,” he added. “We’re so blessed that we get to do what we do. Let’s go out there and just play for an audience of One—because at the end of the day that’s all that really matters.”
What he said couldn’t be more true. It was exactly what we needed to hear. And it made me so grateful to be part of First Liberty and everything that God is doing through this incredible organization.
My leader’s words reminded me that at First Liberty, we are truly fighting for what matters most. Because of what First Liberty does, churches like mine remain free to worship in peace. Every case we fight, every house of worship and religious leader we help, every government bully we stand up to, every lawsuit filed, every client we pray for and visit, every phone call we make and every email sent…all of it is about protecting the most sacred liberty of all: religious freedom.
Only a few days after our Christmas service, I read in The Christian Post about a group of Christians in Nigeria who were killed after their Christmas carol service—including a one-year-old baby. Coincidence? I don’t think so. It was God once again nudging me toward gratitude for the impact of First Liberty’s work on our nation.
In 2024, Aid to the Church in Need—an international religious freedom watchdog—noted in its Religious Freedom Report that more than 4 billion people live in a country where they’re persecuted for their religious beliefs. That’s more than 50% of the world’s population. The U.S. State Department also reported increasing religious persecution globally, with alarming “threats to religious freedom in almost 200 countries.”
These reports from across the globe always make me remember that no nation is immune to tyranny.
We often think religious persecution and oppression happen in faraway nations. But religious freedom violations are happening all around us. Some worst offenders are America’s neighbors. Mexico, Cuba, Colombia, and Nicaragua—all here in the Western hemisphere.
Of course, rising attacks on religious freedom aren’t just happening in neighboring countries. This is happening right here on our shores. This should spur us as Americans to continue defending religious liberty as the bedrock on which our nation is built.
From its inception, the U.S. has always striven to be a safe haven to those who experience persecution. When the Puritans set sail for America, they understood what it was like to be a religious minority fleeing an oppressive state. So, they vowed to create a culture where religious expression thrived. The first Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, John Winthrop, envisioned America as a beacon of light for religious freedom. “The eyes of all people are upon us,” he wrote. “We shall be as a city upon a hill.”
Religious freedom is a pillar of our Republic. Being grounded in this founding principle is more crucial now than ever before, especially considering global trends.
The fight for religious freedom is the most important one of our lifetime. The last thing I want to see in America is a day when people like me—like you, your children, or your grandchildren—a are carried off to jail for having a Christmas service or gather at a church to worship. Plus, once religious freedom is gone, history shows that all our other civil, economic and political liberties are quickly taken away. This is not a time for indifference. We must continue to stand up for our First Freedom.
We’re arguing two cases in federal appeals court and one at the district court. Please pray for our clients, attorneys and the judges.
Daytona Beach, Florida agreed to repeal an ordinance that forced a Seventh Day Baptist Church to close its food pantry.
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Bojangles Foundation Awards $47,000 for Literacy and Education Grants | EdTech News – EdTech Innovation Hub

As part of its annual program, the foundation provided $1,000 grants to 47 community organizations and nonprofits across 11 states in the USA to enhance their literacy-focused projects.
Ken Reynolds, executive director of The Bojangles Foundation, said, “Empowering organizations that are making a lasting difference through literacy and education is truly at the heart of what we do.”
The grants will fund a variety of programs aimed at improving access to education and fostering a love of reading. Projects include installing book vending machines, distributing literacy bags filled with educational resources, and creating reading corners in public spaces.
 Specific efforts also cater to underserved groups, such as pediatric cancer patients and children with Down syndrome, while other initiatives include financial education workshops for students and resources for educators.
The foundation’s support extends to organizations in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. These grants aim to equip recipients with the resources to improve literacy programs and create learning opportunities for individuals of all ages.
Bojangles, founded in 1977 in Charlotte, N.C., now operates around 800 company-owned and franchised restaurants. The company established the foundation to align with its focus on food and community impact. 
“At Bojangles, we believe that access to education isn’t just a resource—it’s a pathway to stronger communities and brighter futures. We are proud to support initiatives that foster learning, ignite potential, and create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive,” Reynolds added.
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Spiritual Jewelry Market Report 2024 with Global Long-term Forecasts to 2028 and 2033 – GlobeNewswire

 | Source: Research and Markets Research and Markets
Dublin, Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The “Spiritual Jewelry Market Report 2024” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.

This Spiritual Jewelry market report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market’s historic and forecast market growth by geography.

The spiritual jewelry market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $13.77 billion in 2023 to $14.78 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. The spiritual jewelry market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $19.69 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%.
The growth observed during the historic period can be attributed to several factors, including an increase in people seeking spiritual practices, heightened interest and sales in spiritual jewelry, a rise in fashion pieces and luxury jewelry production, greater awareness about spirituality, and an increase in consumer disposable income.

The projected growth during the forecast period can be attributed to several factors, including a continued increase in people seeking spiritual practices, rising spending on gems and jewelry, growing demand for spiritual jewelry, a greater perception of these items as investments, and an increasing affinity for rings. Key trends expected during this period include technological development, digital transformation and expansion of e-commerce, sustainability and ethical sourcing practices, and a focus on customization and personalized products.

An increase in focus on spirituality is anticipated to drive significant growth in the spiritual jewelry market. Spirituality involves the pursuit of a deeper understanding of existence and a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, often through practices such as meditation, prayer, and contemplation. The rising emphasis on spirituality is driven by the search for deeper meaning, the pursuit of mental well-being, dissatisfaction with organized religion, and broader cultural shifts.
Spiritual jewelry supports this pursuit by serving as a reminder of personal beliefs, setting intentions, promoting balance, expressing faith, offering protection, and encouraging mindfulness. For example, a January 2023 survey conducted by Barna Group, a US-based evangelical Christian polling firm, revealed that 74% of 2,000 U.S. adults surveyed in October 2022 expressed a desire for spiritual growth, while 77% reported belief in a higher power. This increased focus on spirituality is expected to boost the growth of the spiritual jewelry market.

The expansion of e-commerce platforms is also set to drive growth in the spiritual jewelry market. E-commerce platforms involve the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet through websites or mobile apps, offering the convenience of shopping from home, a wider product selection, and competitive pricing. These platforms enable spiritual jewelry to reach a global audience, showcase diverse designs, and provide detailed product information, making it easier for consumers to find meaningful pieces. This growth in e-commerce is driving the expansion of the spiritual jewelry market.

Leading companies in the spiritual jewelry market are offering high-end jewelry collections to meet the growing demand for unique and meaningful adornments. These spirit-high jewelry collections feature luxurious, intricately designed pieces that incorporate spiritual motifs and symbols, combining aesthetic appeal with deeper spiritual significance.

Asia-Pacific was the Iargest region in the spiritual jewelry market in 2023, and is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the spiritual jewelry market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the spiritual jewelry market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
Some of the major companies profiled in this Spiritual Jewelry market report include:

Key Attributes:

Key Topics Covered:

1. Executive Summary

2. Spiritual Jewelry Market Characteristics

3. Spiritual Jewelry Market Trends and Strategies

4. Spiritual Jewelry Market – Macro Economic Scenario
4.1. Impact of High Inflation on the Market
4.2. Ukraine-Russia War Impact on the Market
4.3. COVID-19 Impact on the Market

5. Global Spiritual Jewelry Market Size and Growth
5.1. Global Spiritual Jewelry Market Drivers and Restraints
5.1.1. Drivers of the Market
5.1.2. Restraints of the Market
5.2. Global Spiritual Jewelry Historic Market Size and Growth, 2018 – 2023, Value ($ Billion)
5.3. Global Spiritual Jewelry Forecast Market Size and Growth, 2023 – 2028, 2033F, Value ($ Billion)

6. Spiritual Jewelry Market Segmentation
6.1. Global Spiritual Jewelry Market, Segmentation by Product Type, Historic and Forecast, 2018-2023, 2023-2028F, 2033F, $ Billion
6.2. Global Spiritual Jewelry Market, Segmentation by Material, Historic and Forecast, 2018-2023, 2023-2028F, 2033F, $ Billion
6.3. Global Spiritual Jewelry Market, Segmentation by Gemstone, Historic and Forecast, 2018-2023, 2023-2028F, 2033F, $ Billion
6.4. Global Spiritual Jewelry Market, Segmentation by Distribution Channel, Historic and Forecast, 2018-2023, 2023-2028F, 2033F, $ Billion
6.5. Global Spiritual Jewelry Market, Segmentation by End-User, Historic and Forecast, 2018-2023, 2023-2028F, 2033F, $ Billion
7. Spiritual Jewelry Market Regional and Country Analysis
7.1. Global Spiritual Jewelry Market, Split by Region, Historic and Forecast, 2018-2023, 2023-2028F, 2033F, $ Billion
7.2. Global Spiritual Jewelry Market, Split by Country, Historic and Forecast, 2018-2023, 2023-2028F, 2033F, $ Billion

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3u89o4
About ResearchAndMarkets.com
ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world’s leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
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Coin Master free spins and coins for January 1, 2025: Earn millions of coins using today’s link – The Times of India

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Daniel Lichtenberg Lisy's Tao of Mysticism Offers a Profound Exploration of Universal Spirituality – Lokmat Times

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By ANI | Published: January 3, 2025 05:26 PM2025-01-03T17:26:32+5:302025-01-03T17:30:03+5:30
PNN
New Delhi [India], January 3: Author Daniel Lichtenberg Lisy announces the release of his transformative book, Tao of Mysticism: The Way of Agnostic Universalism. This groundbreaking work transcends religious and cultural boundaries, offering readers a unique perspective on mysticism that embraces inclusivity and individuality.
In Tao of Mysticism, Lisy explores the rich spiritual traditions of Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam. By delving into the metaphysical mysteries of the human condition, the book bridges the gap between these diverse traditions, highlighting their shared universal truths. Readers are invited to uncover a deeper understanding of transcendent experiences that go beyond ordinary perception, providing a path toward spiritual growth that is both inclusive and personal.
Praised for its thought-provoking narrative, Tao of Mysticism offers practical insights for those seeking to navigate the complexities of modern spirituality while fostering a sense of universal connection.
“This book is not just about mysticism,” says Daniel Lichtenberg Lisy. “It’s about finding unity in diversity and embracing the shared human quest for understanding the transcendent.”
Tao of Mysticism: The Way of Agnostic Universalism is now available at Amazon Kindle.
Who Should Read This Book?
Ideal for spiritual seekers, students of comparative religion, and those on a journey of personal growth, Tao of Mysticism offers something for everyone intrigued by the deeper questions of existence.
About the Author
Daniel Lichtenberg Lisy is a thought leader and author passionate about exploring the intersections of spirituality, philosophy, and human experience. With Tao of Mysticism, Lisy aims to inspire readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and universal understanding.
(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN.will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
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Squid Game X codes January 2025 – Rock Paper Shotgun

All new Squid Game X codes and how to redeem them
Looking for all the newest Squid Game X codes to redeem this January? Squid Game X is really popping off at the moment in Roblox, and there’s never been a better time to dive head-first into its various death-defying challenges with the help of our Squid Game X codes list.
Your main resource in Squid Game X is Coins, which you can use not only to customise your character’s appearance, but also purchase extra lives to increase your chances of being the last playing standing at the end of the game. And each of the Squid Game X codes below will give you free Coins just by redeeming them in-game.
So, without further ado, scroll down to see the full list of all the newly added and currently working Squid Game X codes that you can redeem for free Coins and extra lives! We’ll also go over how to redeem these codes if this is your first time playing.
In this guide:
Here are all the current working codes in Squid Game X:
Make sure you include any symbols in the code when copying it! Everything before the colon (:) is included in the code.
Last updated: 2nd January 2025.
Not sure how to redeem codes in Squid Game X? Don’t worry, it’s very simple. Just launch Squid Game X in Roblox, and then click on the Twitter icon (the blue bird) on the left side of your screen.
This will open up a window in the middle of your screen where you can type (or copy/paste) any of the above working codes into the text box. After you’ve entered the code, hit Enter on your keyboard to redeem the code and claim your free Coins!
That concludes this guide listing all the newest active Squid Game X codes. If you’re looking to redeem more free rewards for other popular Roblox games, check out our guides on all the Blox Fruits codes, Anime Royale codes, Anime Vanguards codes, Shindo Life codes, Dress To Impress codes, and more!
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Internet Archive Is Back Online After DDoS Attacks, But Is Read-Only for Now – PCMag

The Wayback Machine is up and running, but you can only view pages, not add them.
The Internet Archive is back online after being hit by distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks last week. Users can now access the 916 billion web pages already saved by the website, but adding new pages is still unavailable, says founder Brewster Kahle.
“The Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine resumed in a provisional, read-only manner,” he tweeted. “Safe to resume but might need further maintenance, in which case it will be suspended again.”
Last week, a hacking group breached the website, stole its data, and put up a pop-up that said: “Have you ever felt like the Internet Archive runs on sticks and is constantly on the verge of suffering a catastrophic security breach? It just happened. See 31 million of you on HIBP!”
HIBP is a website users visit to check if their data was leaked in a cyberattack. Its creator, Troy Hunt, confirmed the Internet Archive breach and said the hackers had sent him 6.4GB of data stolen from 31 million user accounts, including email addresses, usernames, and hashed passwords. According to Kahle, the web data hosted by the site is “safe.”
The @Sn_darkmeta X account took responsibility for the attack and, in a now-deleted tweet, said they did it in protest of the US government’s support for Israel. “They are under attack because the archive belongs to the USA, and as we all know, this horrendous and hypocritical government supports the genocide that is being carried out by the terrorist state of Israel.”
@Sn_darkmeta also claimed responsibility for a DDoS attack on the Internet Archive in May.
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Jibin is a tech news writer based out of Ahmedabad, India. Previously, he served as the editor of iGeeksBlog and is a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex information for a broader audience.
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