The eyes of the world (an average of about 127.7 million pairs of them) were on Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on Sunday, as the Kansas City Chiefs attempted to win a third straight championship.

You have wounds. I have wounds. Everyone we encounter has wounds. These are hardly trifling affairs, either.

After 27 years of marriage, I’ve learned that we aren’t the same people we were when we first met. Marriage is a journey of growth, intimacy, and mutual love, not about completion, but about becoming better partners as we walk through life together.

As has become customary in American governance, it was a very full first week for the new Trump administration. The number and scope of executive orders and actions was likely even higher and broader than normal due to the fact that Republicans are also in control of both chambers of Congress.

Okay, if your brain did not immediately follow reading the title of this article with, “Baby don’t hurt me” we might not be able to be friends. Extra points if you continued it with, “ don’t hurt me, no more.” 

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has begun, with the release of three Israeli hostages in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners. While the deal offers a temporary reprieve, lasting peace remains uncertain, and believers are called to seek both justice and peace (Ps. 34:14, Is. 1:17).

Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking a historic return to office and the beginning of a wave of executive orders. As political power shifts, believers are reminded that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20) and true freedom is found in Christ (Gal. 5:1).

The Senate recently unanimously passed two resolutions that echo Christian values of justice, compassion, and the importance of remembering God’s work in history.

In a historic use of presidential pardon power, outgoing President Biden issued pardons for political and personal allies, while incoming President Trump granted sweeping clemency to January 6 defendants. As believers, we are reminded that while human leaders act with personal and political bias, God alone grants true justice and mercy (Psalm 103:6-8).

Microsoft is reportedly renewing its interest in acquiring TikTok after President Trump delayed enforcement of the app’s mandated sale, raising ongoing legal, political, and national security debates. As this unfolds, Christians are reminded to prioritize what is true and edifying, aligning their focus with Philippians 4:8.

You want to leave a legacy. You want to lead a life that makes a difference and leaves an impact. You want the world and those you love to be better as a result of your life.

From the lowest position on the org chart to the highest. Every person is leading someone. It is not a question of whether or not you can lead. You are. So, you might as well choose to lead well.

For many churches, budgeting is often treated as a financial exercise—a process of managing income and expenses to keep the lights on and the ministry running. While this is important, it falls short of the higher calling of stewardship.

In the realm of church leadership, success is often defined by spiritual depth, theological knowledge, and administrative competence. While these qualities are undoubtedly important, one often overlooked but equally vital attribute is emotional intelligence.

Do you have faith in the end of your story? It is a critically important question for Jesus followers living in a broken world (that is all of us)! Why?

Those were the central words proclaimed by my brother-in-law this week as he eulogized his mother. He shared how his mom had left him an inheritance far more meaningful than money or possessions, and that when she, along with his dad, had consistently and faithfully prioritized service to those around him, it had left its mark on him.

We live in a world of outsourcing. When we call customer service, check our card balances and even make changes to our deductions for payroll we are likely partaking in outsourcing. Now, there are a lot of reasons that organizations utilize outsourcing for their day to day operation.

Church leaders today must balance the spiritual care of their congregation with the practical demands of ministry, navigating the tension between shepherding and strategy. When integrated thoughtfully, these roles complement each other, creating a ministry that is both relational and purposeful, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Christ.

AI is here, and while it offers helpful tools for organization and summarization, it should never replace the heart and authenticity God has given pastors in their sermon preparation. Use AI wisely to enhance your work, but remember, it cannot love or lead your people the way God designed you to.

The bodies of two Israelis held hostage by Hamas were discovered in tunnels beneath Gaza this week. The remains were identified as a father and son, Yosef Al-Ziyadnah and Hamza Al-Ziyadnah, both of whom were kidnapped alive by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100 (making him the longest living president in U.S. history). Carter served as the Governor of Georgia on his way to winning the White House in 1976.

Hidden seasons may feel quiet and stagnant, but they are often where God does His most transformative work—strengthening our roots and deepening our faith. Just as a vine develops unseen roots before bearing fruit, these times prepare us for the growth and purpose God has planned.

The enemy’s tactics of ego and shame aim to distract you from God’s Truth—tempting you to either elevate yourself above God or be crushed by shame over your sin. But the Truth is this: God, who is greater than all, has crowned you with His glory and honor (Ps. 8:5).

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached following a controversial invocation of martial law, shifting power to the Prime Minister while the Constitutional Court deliberates his fate. This turbulent moment serves as a reminder that earthly governments are temporary, but God’s eternal Kingdom endures forever (Ps. 9:7).

A flurry of legal developments, including the discharge of President-elect Donald Trump’s conviction and the resignation of Special Counsel Jack Smith, sets the stage for Trump’s second inauguration. This moment invites believers to approach world events with discernment, humility, and a commitment to fostering healing and truth in a divided world.

At least 25 people are dead and thousands of homes destroyed as numerous wildfires continue to rage in California. In the Los Angelos area alone, four separate fires have burned more than 60 square miles, and continue to elude containment and threaten life and limb.

Fatherhood is one of the most rewarding yet challenging callings, requiring love, discipline, and the humility to own mistakes. Your kids don’t need perfection; they need your presence, faith, and intentional moments of love and joy. By breaking unhealthy cycles and leaning into the role of dad, you can create a legacy of unconditional love and lasting memories.

Generosity reflects the very heart of God and is central to the Christian faith, shaping not just financial habits but hearts and discipleship. By teaching, modeling, and celebrating generosity, church leaders can inspire a culture that mirrors the selflessness of Christ and transforms lives for God’s glory.

In New Orleans, an attacker identified by officials as Shamsud-din Jabbar drove a truckaround police barricades and down a crowded Bourbon Street shortly after 3:00a.m., killing at least 15 and injuring dozens.