Elusive Peace
There are yet again new rounds of negotiations to end the fighting in two major wars. First, Israel has reportedly signaled agreement with a U.S.-led framework that includes a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, and increased aid into Gaza. Hamas wants changes to the framework but has reportedly indicated an openness to continued negotiations.
"Twas the Night Before the SBC Convention…”
Many of our clients are descending upon Dallas, Texas this week for the Southern Baptist Convention. It’s currently underway at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas where about 20,000 of Chick-fil-A’s most ardent supporters will congregate. This four-day conference is expected to be just as lively as it was in previous years, and though we could not make it this week, one of our Associates had a little fun over the weekend and asked an Ai engine to compose a satirical piece in honor of this annual event.
Antisemitism in Boulder
Eight people are injured after being attacked by a man throwing Molotov cocktails in Boulder, Colorado. Those injured were participating in a demonstration of solidarity for the hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza, and officials say the attacker yelled, “Free Palestine” during the rampage.
Hearing God
Life is an adventure. It is an extremely difficult adventure without a guide. Hearing God in the moments of decision, both large and small, is vital to experiencing the depth of God’s peace in your life.
Habemus Papam
We have a pope! Well, maybe not we. I am admittedly not Catholic. Having spent the majority of my ministry journey in the Southern Baptist realm I did not have the seat of Peter in leadership structure. However, there were plenty of individuals that wanted, and tried, to be a sort of Baptist pope. But I digress. For the first time ever there is United States born pope.
Happy, Happy, Happy
Phil Robertson, best known for his starring role in the long running TV show Duck Dynastythat documented his family’s life, business, and adventures, has died at the age of 79. Robertson had been suffering from a cancer-like blood disorder and is survived by his wife, Kay Robertson, and numerous children and grandchildren.
The Hidden Powder Keg of Insecurity
Simmering under the service of many people is a steadily building pressure of insecurity. Every person deals with a level of uncertainty, or self-doubt. Those are pretty normal parts of life. Will this new recipe taste good? Will my meeting with this potential new client turn into a sale? Insecurity goes well beyond these sorts
Murder in DC
Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC are dead after a gunman targeted them at the conclusion of an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in DC. The victims are Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, a young couple who planned to soon be engaged. Lischinshy was an Israel citizen and Milgrim an American. The gunman was taken into custody while saying, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza.”
A Rare Death
As we honor those who have given their lives in service this Memorial Day week, it is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the magnitude of the sacrifice the Heavenly Father has made for us.
All the Jobs
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is acquiring more responsibility, as U.S. President Donald Trump has named him interim national security advisor in addition to his current role leading the State Department.
Convincing the Skeptical of the Impossible
“I have seen the Lord.”
The powerful exclamation is made even more impactful by its directness and simplicity, and it was uttered by Mary Magdalene in John 20:18 after Jesus rose from the dead.
Victory Celebration Turns Tragic
Nearly 50 people are injured after a minivan plowed through crowded streets in Liverpool, England this week. Hundreds of thousands of revelers were gathered to celebrate the Liverpool Football Club’s Premiere League championship, but the celebration quickly turned to panic as the attack unfolded. Authorities have detained a local man believed to be responsible and are continuing their investigation.
Wrongly Raided
Federal agents obtained a warrant and used it to raid a house in Oklahoma, seizing possessions in an effort to secure evidence for a human smuggling case. Residents of the home claim there was one major problem with the raid—it was carried out on the wrong individuals. The residents of the home claim they had only recently moved in, are U.S. citizens, and are not alleged to be connected in any way to the crime that justified the warrant.
Minerals and Reconstruction
The United States and Ukraine have signed a long-anticipated deal that paves the way for continued U.S. investment in Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion while guaranteeing the United States a share of both Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and the resulting profit from extracting those minerals.
Three Rules for Life
We are limited people. An individual person simply cannot accomplish everything there is to do and certainly is not able to survive where everything is urgent, or important. It is a reality of the world in which we live. We all have limitations.
Ship Crashes into Brooklyn Bridge
Two crew members are dead, and more than 20 injured, after a Mexican Navy ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. The ship, distinguished by its large masts and sails, was on a goodwill tour and had just finished several days of public tours while docked just south of the bridge. Shortly after pushing back from dock, the crew lost control of the ship and it drifted into the bridge, snapping masts and endangering the crew. Officials report no damage to the bridge or those on it at the time of the crash.
Every Believer a Minister: Part 3 - A Church of Active Ministers
In the first two parts of this series, we discussed the biblical reality that all believers are called to ministry, and that church leaders are tasked with equipping the saints for that work. But what does it look like when the church begins to operate as a collective of active ministers? What happens when the priesthood of all believers is fully embraced and lived out?
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.