Been Here Before
As you continue to heed the instruction to reject anxiety about speaking before kings, consider your time in your prayer closet. Consider both the quantity and the quality of your time with the King. If necessary, make the adjustments needed such that, when called into the great assembly, you will be able to say,
“I’ve been here before.”
What I Learned This Week: What If No One’s Actually Thinking About You?
What I Learned This Week: What If No One’s Actually Thinking About You? What if we worked from the approval of God rather than for it—and for the benefit of others rather than their applause?
Talks on Ice
“Avoid foolish and stupid arguments” (2 Timothy 2:23). And, “as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:18). This story is a vivid example of a common current tactic, which aims specifically to divide for the purpose of achieving a certain policy or political end. Decline to take the bait. The substance should be engaged in a thoughtful way, but no matter your policy position, firmly decline the temptation to let this spat rob you of your peace with others.
The Difficult Realities of Marriage – Part 5
The goal here is not to make you think that the fairytale of marriage is a myth, or impossibility. Marriage is the most beautiful thing God has given us. It is just really, really hard work. There are difficult realities that every marriage faces. It is vital that you anticipate things and recognize that you have the tools to walk through these things when they show up.
Basketball and the Mafia
Choose faithfulness. 1 Corinthains 10:13 reminds us that God knows the temptations you face, and that He is faithful to carry you through them by providing a means of escape. Take a moment today to consider where there might be traps laid in your life. What steps do you need to take to guard against them?
Still Shut Down
There will be a resolution that opens the federal government, but it is unclear when that resolution will be achieved. In the meantime, there is a very real and increasing opportunity for you and me as Jesus followers to meet the resulting practical needs around us. Virtually all the coverage of this story will be doom and gloom and focused on which party is responsible for which aspects of the shutdown, but let’s instead dig in and meet real need with real action. How will you help?
But for a Moment
When you face the inescapable truth that sin is once again rising up in your heart, respond with the deep assurance that sin’s jurisdiction in your heart and life is only temporary! Noah may have had to grapple with how his sin would be overcome, but you do not! You know that your sin has already been conquered by the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 12:11)!
What I Learned This Week: The Conflict Beneath the Silence
What if you stopped trying to “keep the peace” this week, and instead, stepped into a moment of (potentially awkward) honesty and humility — at work, in your church, or even around your own dinner table — all with the goal of making peace?
An Indictment and a Pardon
“In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines” (Pr. 18:17).
“Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike” (Deut. 1:17).
Conversion Therapy: The Supreme Court Decides. Part I.
The rights of Christians are under a continuing threat from the spirit of the age. This threat implicates the rights of individuals, parents, churches, and Christian schools.
This threat prompts a question: are parents, churches, counselors, and religious institutions, including schools, prepared to fight back and defend their institutions?
World Series Set
As you enjoy the World Series—or maybe you’ve already turned your recreational attention to football or some other hobby—remember to constantly keep before you the eternal joy that is yours in heaven!
A Title No More
We should be in fervent prayer for those who were harmed in this situation. Pray for their continued healing and restoration, and that they would be drawn into the comfort of a relationship with their Creator. Commit also to holding fast to the truth that all responsible for these evil acts should be held accountable.
What I Learned This Week: Asking the Wrong Questions
What if you slowed down this week and asked “why” one more time before you jumped to solutions — at work, in your church, or in your own home? Could you truly solve a problem rather than just addressing a symptom?
Speaking to Kings
“When you speak to the King of the universe in the morning, it’s easy to speak to a U.S. Senator in the afternoon.” – Dr. Dick Foth
The Difficult Realities of Marriage: Part 3
Marriage is the most beautiful thing God has given us. It is just really really hard work. There are difficult realities that every marriage faces. Yes, EVERY marriage faces. It is vital that you anticipate things and recognize that you have the tools to walk through these things when they show up. And they will show up. This article will look at how a married couple can facilitate communication about expectations together in a healthy way.
Reductions in Force
As the partial shutdown of the U.S. government continues into its third week, several agencies have announced reductions in force (RIFs). The agencies announcing layoffs include the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Treasury Department. So far, more than 4,100 federal employees have been terminated.
Nobel Laureates
The Nobel Prizes have been awarded each year since 1901 and, while not without controversy, remain one of the most prestigious and widely recognized awards one can be granted. As with any subjective award, the announcement of the honorees (most commonly referred to as Nobel Prize laureates) generates a mix of acclaim and critique.
Those Who Dreamed
Pray for every soul in Israel, Gaza, and the surrounding region. Pray that peace would hold, but also that the rebuilding process would include not just the rebuilding of cities but also people and souls. Pray that those still living under Hamas control would find both earthy and eternal freedom (reports suggest that Hamas’s violent methods of control continue even in the wake of the hostage release).
The What If Journal: Reflections from a Leader in Progress
Leadership isn’t a destination. It’s not a point on the map where you finally get to kick back and say, “I’ve made it.” It’s a constant journey of curiosity — of staying open, asking questions, and wondering, “what if?” What if there’s a better way? What if this could be clearer? What if…
The World’s Indifference to the Execution of Nigerian Christians
As a consequence of the instability of the nation of Nigeria and the world’s indifference, Nigeria has become one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian. This situation exists because Islamic militants are attempting to wipe out the Christian population in Africa’s most populous country.