Redistricting Wars
It may soon be easier to list which states are not in a redistricting debate rather than those that are after a new avenue for re-drawing congressional district maps opened this week. The new branch in this debate stems from a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that immediately enforces a narrower application of the Voting Rights Act and allows Louisiana to redraw its congressional map ahead of the midterm elections. The ruling opens the way for several additional states to attempt to redraw their maps based on the new criteria for the Act.
Strait Clashes
War is ugly. The most obvious impact is on life and limb, but as this story underscores, it also makes its mark on the economy and the everyday life of people all around the world. Because of the global nature of today’s market, especially when it comes to oil and energy, the impact of the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is as close as your nearest gas station.
Blessed by God
God promises blessings on His followers. Much like a loving father would seek to bless his children, so does God seek to bless His. God bestows unbelievable blessings on His children. They just don’t look the same as what is seen in the world. Here is a look at the true blessings of God.
The Declarer
You, my friend, are the Declarer! While it is God’s glory that is to be spread to the nations, and while it is His marvelous deeds that will be told to all people, it is you who will tell of them! It is from your lips that these magnificent Truths are to be made known! It is by way of your declarations that God’s perfect and holy mission and mandate will be realized!
What I Learned This Week: When the Last 5% Costs You the Other 80%
What if the next level of growth in your leadership isn’t found in perfecting the last 5% — but in redirecting your focus to the 80% that actually needs you most?
Drawing Lines
In the latest installment of a redistricting battle between red and blue states, the Virginia Supreme Court will soon decide whether to allow a redrawing of congressional lines recently approved by Virginia voters.
Tens of Thousands
If God is for you, who can be against you (Rom. 8:31)? If you now resonate with the idea that tens of thousands—both literally and figuratively—assail you on every side, but you also believe in the God who hears, defends, and sustains you, then cast aside fear, because in the shadow of the Almighty, the attacks of the enemy have no power!
Are You a Great Leader?
Great leadership takes time. Many leaders get caught assuming they are good, if not great. They stall out because they stop learning. They stop thinking about others. They lose sight of their purpose and drift off track. Be intentional about growing as a leader and even more importantly as a human being created by God. Truly great leaders go about making others better.
The King's Visit
It has been 250 years since America declared its independence from Britain, and while the relationship between the two countries has ebbed and flowed in the time since, King Charles’ visit is intended to bolster the ties and celebrate the significant milestone.
What I Learned This Week: When Systems Can’t Replace Leadership
What if the solution you’re looking for isn’t a better system — but stepping more fully into the leadership your system still requires?
Attempted Assassination
Left to its own accord, the current violence and discord is certain to continue and even to escalate. But if we will be a people drawn to humility and prayer, the everlasting God will hear us from on high and will indeed come to calm the storm.
Shreveport Shooting
As you pray for the hurting in Shreveport, commit anew to the daily renewing of your mind (Rom. 12:2) and make intentional decisions about the portfolio of news you consume. These proactive measures will help you heed both the greatest commandment to love God with everything you have and the second greatest commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:37-39).
Senseless Act
I do not know what tragedies are part of your story. But I do know there are some. It is the reality of our existence in these temporary bodies. But no matter the details, God has a plan that is greater than the circumstances in which you find yourself. The enemy of your soul came to “steal and kill and destroy,” but your God came to give you life “to the full” (Jn. 10:10)!
Your story has tragedy in it. But your story is wrapped up in His story, and the end of it has been written. You will cry no more (Rev. 21:4), and you will reign with Him forever (2 Tim. 2:12)!
Does Evangelicalism Produce Soft Men?
Christian parents ought to be prepared to eviscerate everything that contributes to the production of soft-cubicle men rather than leaders. Instead, Evangelicals should encourage boys to engage in necessary conflict, take risks, flee safety, and learn to fight for something more enduring than another deposit in their 401(k).
Ship Seized
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is incredibly complex with numerous moving parts. This week also produced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and it is highly likely that subsequent weeks will also have multiple occurrences with a mix between those that bring peace closer and those that push it further away.
Through it all, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb. 12:2)! He is preparing you a place where war is no more, and where the wolf and the lamb live together (Is. 11:6; 65:25)!
Are You Holding Yourself Back? Part 4
The truth is that you belong where you are called by God. There is likely a far deeper and broader discussion to that statement. But, regardless, you belong where you are called. Not because of you, but because God has put you there. And God may have put you outside of your comfort and ability in order to teach you to trust His story over your own. Like it is stated above: the real truth is that you don’t belong, but in Christ you can do it.
Awe
Your God specializes in wondrous acts of awe (Ps. 40:5, 72:18, 77:14; Job 5:9)! Tell Him you have heard of them and are in awe. Ask Him to awe you again. Then simply stand in wonder!
What I Learned This Week: When Nothing Is Wrong, But Something Is Missing
What if the next level of growth for your team isn’t about doing more, but about getting everyone moving in the same direction?
Blockade
War is ugly. As we continue to encounter new aspects of this truth, we continue to pray as a community for those in harm’s way and for those shouldering wartime decision making responsibilities. May God grant them wisdom and all of us a lasting peace.
Return Home
Earth is small and your time on it short. Mankind has only just barely explored beyond the moon, leaving our understanding of creation microscopically small. Eternity, on the other hand, is limitless, and creation vast beyond expression. One day you will know it all in full (1 Cor. 13:12), and it is impossible to describe just how much that will entail!