Are We in Desperate Need of More Exorcists?
The world is not what we think it is. It is far more interesting, mysterious, exciting, connected, and adventurous. The world cannot be reduced to ideology, nor should we accept the shrunken world-view fashioned by elites. Instead, Christians should seek to live in a world that has regained its sense of wonder and awaken their sense of God's presence. Such a world offers an antidote to the life many of us are living.
The Supreme Court Resurrects Street Preacher’s Free Speech Lawsuit
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week that a Mississippi street preacher’s lawsuit challenging restrictions on speech near a city amphitheater can proceed. The court held that his prior convictions do not bar claims seeking only prospective (future) relief. This case reflects the increasingly frequent collision between the secular West and churches and ministers.
Mr. Secretary
Regardless of your feelings about the Secretary or Senators from either party, you are now tasked with praying they would govern wisely and with humility (1 Tim. 2:1-2; Rom. 13:1-7; Pr. 8:15-16).
More Than a Name
Your human family name carries great significance. It lends association and belonging. It carries legacy and lineage. But it doesn’t convey salvation. Your relationship with Jesus is not one of generational bequeathing or one imputed by force.
Jesus stands at the door and knocks. He seeks entry. But the door to your heart can only be opened if you incline your ear to His voice (Rev. 3:20).
It is a beautiful thing, really. Your human name does not determine your eternal destiny. But the Name Above All Names has invited you into identity with him (Philip. 2:9), and taking on that Name marks you as royalty for all of eternity!
Tarmac Tragedy
This story reminds us that life is but a vapor, here in one moment and gone in the next (Jam. 4:14). The impact of this reality depends on the posture of your spirit.
Let's Just Skip This One
I do not like to be rebuked. I never have (you can ask my mother) and I probably never will (you can ask my wife). But I desperately need to be rebuked! Why? Because sometimes I am running headlong toward the cliff!
What I Learned This Week: When Leadership Stops at the Front Door
What if you brought the same level of thoughtfulness, care, and intentionality to your family that you bring to your work — and saw what kind of growth and connection might follow?
Teaching
You can be thoroughly equipped for every good work!
That is the ultimate promise of 2 Tim. 3:16-17, the passage around which we gather each week here in the pages of The Equipped. Your world is a perilous place, and you need equipping to interact with it in a way that is redemptive and points toward flourishing. You want to be—and you need to be—thoroughly equipped!
Chain Reactions in Iran
There are no easy answers in war, and the pursuit of peace on Earth has always been extremely perilous and elusive for mankind. Even so, you as a Jesus follower are to grieve with those who grieve (Rom. 12:15), pray for those in authority (1 Tim. 2:1-2), and be persistent in your pursuit of peace (Ps. 34:14).
The Madness Returns
You can’t walk through our house during March without seeing a bracket. But you know what? You can’t ever walk through it without seeing scripture!
Write His promises on your doorposts! Literally, do it! Post His Word and His promises as physical reminders for your day-to-day and moment-to-moment. It is one of the very best ways to stand on peace in a world of madness!
Running to the Next Red Light
Everybody seems to be in an awful hurry to wait some more. Stress, anxiety, and frustration rule the day. They don’t have to rule your day though. Look at these things and see how you can incorporate them into your daily routines. You just might find yourself getting more done than you thought you could.
Singularity
You can be equipped for every good work coming your way. The secret is in the teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training available in singular authority of God’s Word.
Can Veranda Ministries Overcome Statutory Limits and Expand Adult Respite Care in Tennessee?
Providing limited respite care service programs is essential for caregivers and elderly adults alike. Despite their unquestioned value to the community and to the state, highly valuable respite care service programs face several crippling challenges.
What I Learned This Week: When “My Decision” Became “Our Decision”
What if the next decision you’re facing isn’t meant to be made alone — and inviting others into the process is exactly what will create the buy-in you’ve been hoping for?
Razor Thin
This is yet another reason to intentionally decline to place any security in political outcomes. As we often remind ourselves, American citizens are blessed with the freedom to self-govern (Galatians 5 speaks of a Creator-endowed longing for freedom), and we should faithfully exercise that liberty. In doing so, however, we should be mindful to avoid the trap of believing that any government of men or any political power is a gatekeeper for that freedom. True freedom is found only in and through relationship with Jesus Christ, and as you revel in the blessings of engaging in a self-governing republic, you remain most secure when you anticipate the inevitability of an ebb and flow in partisan fortunes.
Through it all, the one true God is on the throne!
Once Again, California Endangers Parental Rights
We live in a divided country. As Mary Eberstadt observes, there are two propositions on which divided Americans can agree: (1) that we are more viciously divided than ever before and (2) that identity politics is among the most potent political forces of our time. She argues that the sexual revolution created identity politics.
A Quiet Exodus
People are leaving the church at an alarming rate. Quietly. Not with grandiose actions. Just the quiet patter of feet heading out the door. They leave because they can’t find the real Jesus in that church, or no one has ever done the work to show them what being “in Christ” really means. Is your church pushing a misplaced emphasis for spiritual growth? The mission is really about people, and not anything else.
Be of Good Courage
Your weariness is real, as are the challenges you will confront today. But the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go, so be of good courage!
What I Learned This Week: When “Trying” Becomes Permission
What if you gave yourself permission to try something — knowing you don’t have to sustain it forever — and discovered something life-giving you never would have found otherwise?
New Leader, Same Name
Iran has a new Supreme Leader, and it is the son of the late Supreme Leader. Fifty-six-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, has never held a government position, but takes over the regime after his father was killed in airstrikes by Israel and the U.S. The younger Khamenei will be the country’s primary decision-maker as the conflict continues and will also decide whether to continue the hostile and antagonistic approach of his father or seek a more conciliatory posture with the world.