Higher Prices
Walmart is raising its prices as a result of the ongoing tariff negotiations. The company, which is both the largest retailer in the world and the leading employer in the U.S. with approximately 2.1 million employees, blamed increased cost of goods because of tariffs for the increase.
Not a Dance
“Patience is not naturally present in me, and so when it shows up, I know it is Christ living in me.” What a joy it was to hear from Annie F. Downs at church this week, and when she uttered the phrase above, it both resonated with and convicted me.
Leading Through Uncertainty
The past several years have been anything but stable. The entrance of COVID into our vocabulary, the political swings, financial pressures, and so much more have seemingly redefined life as we know it. Life appears to be marked by a feeling of anxiety, or of a general sense of unsettlement.
When Marriage Isn’t Fun
Happily ever after, right? Marriage was supposed to be all rainbows, puppies, and roses. The two of you are going to wake up every morning at the same time, with great smelling breath and stare googly-eyed at each other. But marriage will go through seasons. Marriage is a man and woman who are broken in sin covenanting together to work through all the seasons together.
Decoding Discipleship Myths: Grow on My Own
Far too many myths exist within the church about what it means to grow spiritually and how a church facilitates that growth. The goal of these articles is to identify those myths and give thought to how to possibly overcome those myths within your organization.
Trade Deals and Ceasefires
Deals are being struck between countries all around the world. The question now is which ones will last.
Freed
The last living American hostage, Edan Alexander, has been released by Hamas. Edan Alexander was just 19 years old when he was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and he spent 583 days as a hostage before being freed in what Hamas described as a “goodwill gesture” in advance of U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the region.
Every Believer a Minister: Part 2 - Equipping the Saints for Ministry
In the first part of this series, we explored the biblical truth that all believers are called to the priesthood of ministry. But knowing that everyone is a minister is only part of the equation. The next crucial step is equipping the saints for the work of ministry.
Dora and all the Moms
As we celebrated Mother’s Day on Sunday, the rabbit Dora’s ever-widening adventures were an appropriate illustration. There were many moms to honor in our world, and as our family took time to remember each one, I couldn’t help but think about the common theme—each of these moms was constantly helping those in her charge navigate new terrain.
A New Pope
A new Pope has been selected, and for the first time in history it is an American. Robert Prevost, originally from Chicago, Illinois, is now Pope Leo XIV, after a conclave of cardinals selected him to succeed Pope Francis as the head of the Catholic Church. Pope Leo’s first address was delivered from historic St. Peter’s Basilica.
Can Churches Discriminate - Beyond the Employment Context?
In church matters, for example, like the matter of church discipline, churches can “discriminate” in how they apply their internal rules to addressing sin, behavioral issues, etc. They can for example determine that certain individuals are not qualified for ministry, or eligible to work with children, or eligible to serve in leadership roles.
Out of the Storm
“Brace yourself like a man.” It is a stern directive that sounds as though it is coming from a commanding officer or an overbearing father. In reality, it is the voice of the loving and compassionate God in Job 40:7.
Every Believer a Minister: Part 1 - Embracing the Priesthood of All Believers
In many churches, the work of ministry is often associated with pastors and professional ministers. The common mindset is that the congregation’s role is to sit, listen, and support the ministry of those called to lead.
Fighting Mission Creep
Left to its own devices, any organization whether for profit or non-profit, will drift off its center line of mission. There are instances where that drift is ultimately positive because of advancements in the industry, or changes in the market.
Coexistence Without Consistency
At Gideon Law Group, we believe in true diversity—the kind that honors thought, not just appearance. It’s not enough to preach coexistence while engaging in destruction when others choose a different path.
Decoding Discipleship Myths: Good Behavior Causes Growth
Far too many myths exist within the church about what it means to grow spiritually and how a church facilitates that growth. The goal of these articles is to identify those myths and give thought to how to possibly overcome those myths within your organization.
Your First Love
What—or who—is your first love? It is a question that was jogged in my mind recently as I joined my friend Carmen LaBerge on her daily radio show. Carmen made reference to the late great Keith Green’s song, Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful, which is now nearly 50 years old (I personally find that almost impossible to believe). There is a lyric in the song that says, “Oh Lord, please light the fire that once burned bright and clear.”
Decoding Discipleship Myths: Sacred versus Secular
We have become a compartmentalized people. We have lost in many the classical educational truth of the interconnectedness of things. We separate the parts of our lives into different areas. Perhaps it is rooted in the Greco-Roman Hellenistic grounding of our society, or the lightning rod belief of separating church and state.
Decoding Discipleship Myths: Knowing Scripture is Enough
Far too many myths exist within the church about what it means to grow spiritually and how a church facilitates that growth. The goal of these articles is to identify those myths and give thought to how to possibly overcome those myths within your organization.
Mostly Done
Elon Musk is stepping back—though apparently not fully away—from his leadership role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk said his job at DOGE is “mostly done” and plans to focus most of his time going forward on his private companies. The White House says DOGE will continue to function without Musk’s round-the-clock guidance.