Blockbuster Trade
“Maybe it’s an April Fools’ Day joke in February.”
That was my first though when I saw the news. But no, it wasn’t April Fools’ Day, and it wasn’t a joke.
Dismantled
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is being dismantled, according to Elon Musk, head of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The announcement comes a week after most U.S. foreign aid was paused, and a day following the dismissal of two USAID officials who reportedly denied DOGE personnel from accessing part of the USAID headquarters in Washington, DC. Employees of USAID, both domestically and around the world, have been put on leave and, in the case of those stationed internationally, instructed to return home.
Eyes of the World
The eyes of the world (an average of about 127.7 million pairs of them) were on Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on Sunday, as the Kansas City Chiefs attempted to win a third straight championship.
Ruminate or Restore
You have wounds. I have wounds. Everyone we encounter has wounds. These are hardly trifling affairs, either.
A Reflection on 27 Years
After 27 years of marriage, I’ve learned that we aren’t the same people we were when we first met. Marriage is a journey of growth, intimacy, and mutual love, not about completion, but about becoming better partners as we walk through life together.
A Full Workweek
As has become customary in American governance, it was a very full first week for the new Trump administration. The number and scope of executive orders and actions was likely even higher and broader than normal due to the fact that Republicans are also in control of both chambers of Congress.
What is Love?
Okay, if your brain did not immediately follow reading the title of this article with, “Baby don’t hurt me” we might not be able to be friends. Extra points if you continued it with, “ don’t hurt me, no more.”
First Steps of Freedom
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has begun, with the release of three Israeli hostages in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners. While the deal offers a temporary reprieve, lasting peace remains uncertain, and believers are called to seek both justice and peace (Ps. 34:14, Is. 1:17).
12:01 p.m.
Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking a historic return to office and the beginning of a wave of executive orders. As political power shifts, believers are reminded that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20) and true freedom is found in Christ (Gal. 5:1).
Senate Actions Reflect Christian Values of Leadership, Justice, and Remembrance
The Senate recently unanimously passed two resolutions that echo Christian values of justice, compassion, and the importance of remembering God’s work in history.
Pardons, Pardons, and More Pardons
In a historic use of presidential pardon power, outgoing President Biden issued pardons for political and personal allies, while incoming President Trump granted sweeping clemency to January 6 defendants. As believers, we are reminded that while human leaders act with personal and political bias, God alone grants true justice and mercy (Psalm 103:6-8).
The Clock is Ti(c)king
Microsoft is reportedly renewing its interest in acquiring TikTok after President Trump delayed enforcement of the app’s mandated sale, raising ongoing legal, political, and national security debates. As this unfolds, Christians are reminded to prioritize what is true and edifying, aligning their focus with Philippians 4:8.
Limits Of Legacy
You want to leave a legacy. You want to lead a life that makes a difference and leaves an impact. You want the world and those you love to be better as a result of your life.
Leading From Who You Are
From the lowest position on the org chart to the highest. Every person is leading someone. It is not a question of whether or not you can lead. You are. So, you might as well choose to lead well.
Why Every Church Needs a Mission-Driven Budget
For many churches, budgeting is often treated as a financial exercise—a process of managing income and expenses to keep the lights on and the ministry running. While this is important, it falls short of the higher calling of stewardship.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Effective Church Leadership
In the realm of church leadership, success is often defined by spiritual depth, theological knowledge, and administrative competence. While these qualities are undoubtedly important, one often overlooked but equally vital attribute is emotional intelligence.
The End of the Story
Do you have faith in the end of your story? It is a critically important question for Jesus followers living in a broken world (that is all of us)! Why?
I Was Watching
Those were the central words proclaimed by my brother-in-law this week as he eulogized his mother. He shared how his mom had left him an inheritance far more meaningful than money or possessions, and that when she, along with his dad, had consistently and faithfully prioritized service to those around him, it had left its mark on him.
Owning Your Own Spirituality
We live in a world of outsourcing. When we call customer service, check our card balances and even make changes to our deductions for payroll we are likely partaking in outsourcing. Now, there are a lot of reasons that organizations utilize outsourcing for their day to day operation.
Balancing Strategy and Shepherding: The Dual Role of Church Leaders
Church leaders today must balance the spiritual care of their congregation with the practical demands of ministry, navigating the tension between shepherding and strategy. When integrated thoughtfully, these roles complement each other, creating a ministry that is both relational and purposeful, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Christ.