Banning Redistricting Based on Race
Neither Democrats nor Republicans are capable of becoming God’s chosen party. History demonstrates that both political parties are capable of indefensible conduct. Still, contemporary elites' approaches to questions of race evoke Democrat-led measures in the South in the latter part of the 19th century. The behavior of Democrats in the 19th century and the misbehavior of contemporary elites today demonstrate both groups’ triumphant ability to capitalize on and instrumentalize race and then ride the crest of this wave—which they helped foment—to power.
UFOs
While we may not be able to conclusively answer the question about intelligent life on other planets, we can safely say that what we do know about God’s creation is beyond magnificent and breath-taking! Let us praise Him for what He has done (Ps. 150:2)!
The Real Battle
The decision to choose Jesus—and to truly surrender everything to Him—is in fact a dangerous one. Moving forward is the bravest thing you will ever do. It is also the decision that will thrust your life into the greatest story ever told, and which will ensure your place on the victorious side of God’s conquering of evil and death (Is. 25:8, Hos. 13:14, 1 Cor. 15:54-57).
Feeling Entitled?
It is easy to feel like you are not entitled in any way. After all, you have earned your spot through hard work and lots of hours. But, just for fun, here are several signs you are dealing with entitlement.
Superpowers Summit
The world’s leading superpowers are meeting this week in Beijing, China as U.S. President Donald Trump and China President Xi Jinping are set to speak directly on matters ranging from trade to human rights to the war in Iran. The two leaders have divergent views on a number of issues and certainly enter this week’s talks as fierce economic competitors, but both also appear eager to find some public common ground on at least economic issues.
Will the Rise of Identity Groups and the Collapse of Trust Trigger Civil War in the West?
The West has collapsed into an eruption of wokeness, identity politics, and identity-group movements generously mixed with seething anger despite theologian Herman Bavinck's declaration that God “made the whole human race” from one blood.
The SPLC Indictment
In a bombshell development, an Alabama grand jury has indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) on eleven counts. The charges include wire fraud and making false statements to a federally insured bank. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the nonprofit organization sent more than $3 million to informants inside extremist groups without informing donors how their money was used.
Cruise Outbreak
Be of good courage (Josh. 1:9)! It is easy to let the emotional scar tissue of recent years cause us to fear, but our God has called us to lifted minds and spirits! This is not a head-in-the-sand mindset, but rather one specifically informed by the truth that there is nothing in this world that can rob us of eternal life in Him (Matt. 6:19-21).
Mail Order Abortion
Mail order abortions are at the center of a legal spat once again this week after two notable court decisions. First, on Friday, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Louisiana and restricted the dispensing of Mifepristone—the first of a two-part drug regime used for at-home abortions—to patients seen in-person. On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court paused enforcement of that ruling until it could further consider whether to take up the case. This most recent order temporarily restores mail order access to the abortion drug, but the Court is expected to weigh in further after a May 11 deadline.
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.