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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?

“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 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.

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?

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?

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 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?

“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).

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? 

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!

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 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? 

“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

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.

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.

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.

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).

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…

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.

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. The current focus will be communication and expectations. These two really do belong together. Maybe even like peas and carrots.

How are you intentionally choosing proximity to the widow and the orphan, and what is one tangible way you can do so this week? Every life is precious to God and is fearfully and wonderfully formed by Him (Ps. 139:14), and you are tasked with being a tangible support to the fatherless (Jam. 1:27).

There are countless ways to begin, the best of which is to look around your community and your church to identify specific needs. If you look, you will find them. Another option to consider is A Fearless Life, which we offer as a way to connect willing adoptive families with funding to adopt from foster care.

“Seek peace and pursue it.” That is your charge and mine out of Psalm 34:14. It encompasses so much, beginning with the internal personal peace offered through Jesus as a result of surrendering our lives and wills to Him. But taken in context with the rest of scripture, including the call in Matthew 5:9 to be peacemakers, we are absolutely meant to be agents of physical peace in our world, as well.

The eternal praise of God is already in progress, and in fact awaits the moment when you and I will join in!

You very likely have a perspective on the politics and the public policy at play in this situation. Those are certain to vary across our community, but we can be united in our intentional focus to search out and stand with those most negatively impacted. Who in your world is missing paychecks or assistance in a way that materially impacts their wellbeing? What practical role can you play to stand in that gap with and for them?

Let’s together meet those needs for each other this week.

Representatives from Israel and Hamas are in Egypt to discuss implementation details of a 20-point peace plan. Both sides have tentatively agreed to large portions of the plan, but implementation may be the most difficult part of securing a firm and lasting peace, and there remains a large number of issues—including the political future of Hamas—yet to be resolved. Negotiators on both sides are aiming to accomplish a ceasefire and a hostage/prisoner swap as the first step while the larger negotiations continue.

Meanwhile, vigils were held around the world to commemorate the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel that began the current war, and to pray for the remaining hostages. There are believed to be 20 living hostages still held in Gaza, and an additional 28 deceased hostages whose remains have not yet been released.

How can you deliberately choose to live in the full expression of color and vibrancy offered to you? It is really quite simple (which is distinct from easy—this is not always or even usually easy). If you want to live in full possession of what Jesus came to give, you must accept the path He gave you to walk. Your life—every facet—must be yielded and even surrendered to Him.

Nobody is above the law and nobody is below the law. It has become a common refrain for The Equipped family, and it is certainly relevant for this story.

Welcoming a new member to the family can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. You were once a new member too. Think about how you can make that transition easier. Be open to new things, ideas, and traditions. Above all, open your heart to the new member of the family. You aren’t losing a child. You’re gaining a family.

Your God knows what it is to sigh. He knows what it means to be troubled beyond words. He hears your groaning and even your sighing, and He understands. He is YHWH.

Pray for and grieve with those who are hurting and grieving. As you do so, resist the urge to be anxious or fearful. The brokenness of our world is in plain view, and we can be assured it will continue to be present. You can be equally assured of a peace that passes all understanding when your mind is stayed on Jesus (Philip. 4:7).