Unfriendly Neighborhood
Canada is the second largest trading partner for the U.S., making up approximately 13% of U.S. trade, and the U.S. is by far the largest trading partner for Canada, accounting for approximately 76% of all Canadian trade. The sheer size of this economic activity is likely to mean consumers feel the price pressure of these tariffs sooner and more significantly than has been the case for recent trade negotiations.
This Day
For the students in The Equipped family, the start of the school year is a fresh opportunity for choosing. Who will you be? Who will your teachers see? Will you set the tone for your peers even when it is undesirable, or will you set the example by demonstrating what it looks like to go first? Will you wait to see what they choose, or will you step forward and demonstrate your choice in order that they might follow?
From Lincoln to Washington
As we pray for the troops and their families, let us live in the light of John 15:12-13: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” A decision to serve and be subject to a deployment like this one is a decision to put another’s life ahead of your own. It is an act of great love, and it is one way to emulate the love of Jesus. As we lift up in prayer those who are serving, let us also look for ways that we too can model the sacrificial love of Jesus!
Entrusted
What what have you been entrusted? Are you concerned about having your name remembered in the pages of history? Or are you properly focused on simply stewarding well that which has been entrusted to you?
Entrusted is better than remembered.
Two Continuing Resolutions
The U.S. Senate approved a continuing resolution (CR) in the early morning hours of Saturday to fund the government through December 11, 2026. The measure, which includes several extraneous items, differs from the CR passed by the U.S. House, which includes funding through December 4, 2026. To avert a government shutdown at the end of September, the two chambers will need to align on a uniform version of the CR to send to the president for his signature.
Two Executive Orders
U.S. President Donald Trump issued two significant executive orders this week: 1) an order narrowing the applicability of birthright citizenship, and 2) an order altering the childhood vaccine recommendations.
Two
The truth is there are always two paths and two choices. But only one leads to life eternal and abundant. My friend, there are always two. But choose the one that leads to life!
Border Stampede
Alongside the often-heated debate about immigration policy is a human dynamic that should be unifying for all Jesus followers. Every person was created and intended to be free (Gal. 5:1a). This is far more than the freedom we often think about from a political or governing perspective, though those elements of physical freedom can be an important part of an overarching freedom. Every person made in the image of the Creator is endowed with an instinct to be free. Every person’s primary purpose is bringing glory to the almighty God (Is. 43:21).
Phase Two
Israel and Hamas are moving haltingly toward Phase Two of the ceasefire first announced last October—a ceasefire that has been as much fire as cease to this point. This week, Hamas again agreed to disarm if several conditions are met. Those conditions include Israel’s full withdraw from Gaza, the reconstruction of Gaza, and the creation of a Palestinian state, which Israel opposes. It is a stalemate similar to previous roadblocks, and regional confidence that Phase Two will hold is low.
Article Five
The misery and grief of war was again on full display in this attack. Ten people, including at least three children, were killed in Ukraine by the bombings, and more than 50 were injured. It is an all-too-common reality of the ongoing war, as civilian casualties and injuries continue to climb.
Flawed Faith
Matthew 5:48 gives what is an impossible command if left to our own devices: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” None of us can meet that standard. It is why, while we should model godliness for our children, it is essential we are crystal clear with them that the way they should go is not simply one of replicating their parent’s flawed faith. The path from which they should not depart is the one that leads them personally to the foot of the cross!
Ebola Has Spread
It has been a relentless decade of disease and violence for the people of Congo. The current outbreak is in the headlines because of its urgency in the moment, but in reality, the people of Congo have had one life-threatening emergency after another. They have been living in a state of emergency for far too long, and our community stands with them in prayer this week.
Wildfires on Both Sides of the Atlantic
This week, let’s lift our eyes off ourselves and set them first and foremost on the “author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2). Let us then focus our prayer and petitions on behalf of those feeling the firsthand impact of fires on both sides of the Atlantic.
Escape from the Sandbox
The rapid acceleration of AI leads to stories like this one that read like science fiction. It also leaves many uncertain about how to prepare for a world infused with AI—a world that is already upon us in many ways.
Rage War
The rage war is everywhere. But it is not yours to wage. It is peace that guards you.
Then There Was Spain
We as The Equipped family have had a regular conversation about how to use the World Cup to reach the nations for Jesus. Now, as teams and fans return to their respective home countries, let us reflect across all our varied nationalities on the ways in which we should carry out our common call to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19).
Smoke and Tariffs
The smoke from raging Canadian wildfires covered large portions of the U.S. this week, with major cities including Chicago, Washington, DC, and New York City significantly impacted. The smoke was at times thick enough to shroud the skyline and dramatically reduce air quality, which led to many cancellations of outdoor events.
More Grace Than Cost
“I look at my life and I see more grace than cost, more gift than sacrifice.”
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham Dies
We reflect on this truth nearly every week: Life on Earth is short, but eternity is forever.
All My People
God is not asking for your assessment nor mine. He’s asking for your trust and acquiescence. He’s called you to be His vessel and to bear His image, not to assume the author’s pen for all of Creation! He alone writes the story, and you and I are invited into it!