Category Archives: The Joshua Challenge

On Budget Cutting, Excellence, and Leadership: i.e., DOGE

People first, mission always!  Those four value-laden words defined our leadership approach during my last position within NOAA Fisheries. Our leadership team saw the old motto of mission first, people always as insufficient. Too often, it led to leaders treating … Continue reading

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How the Early Church Put Faith Into Action—A Christ Follower’s Response to the USAID Crisis

The Roman world of Christ’s time was harsh, depraved, and unforgiving. Suffering was pervasive, and practices like sexual immorality, rape, slavery, and infanticide were not only common but also normalized. If any society needed transformation, this was the one. Enter … Continue reading

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Nine Theological Errors/Misapplications That Bolstered Slavery

On a crisp autumn morning in 1738, murmurs filled the Quaker meetinghouse in Burlington, New Jersey. Suddenly, Benjamin Lay strode in, small in stature but burning with conviction. He declared, “Oh all you Negro masters who are contently holding your … Continue reading

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Who Am I? How the USAID Debate Serves as a Mirror

What if the entire United States canceled Christianity because of its long list of scandals and abuses? Imagine a centralized authority, able to exert control over the church’s institutions, empowering a small group of inexperienced contractors to remove church officials … Continue reading

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Faith First, Politics Last: Rethinking DEI Through Christ’s Eyes

In our travels across the Pacific Northwest, annually logging over 30,000 miles of highway, back road, and even twisty gravel roads, we often pass through Leavenworth, a Bavarian-themed village known for its charm and outdoor adventures. But recently, the town … Continue reading

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A 2025 Reflection: What if We Took Jesus Seriously?

Imagine living in a house on a bluff overlooking the ocean. Floor-to-ceiling windows connect you to the ever-changing Alaskan scenery. Comfortable furnishings, accompanied by high ceilings and in-floor heat, create an inviting sanctuary away from the pressures of work.  Maybe … Continue reading

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“For They Know Not What They [We] Are Doing”

In the midst of Jesus’ suffering, when others would have cried out in anger, He offered His persecutors a prayer of forgiveness: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” The first part of Jesus’ statement … Continue reading

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A Thanksgiving thanksgiving

Doing “church” in my youth felt like being part of a team sport—an immersive, full-body experience shared in community. It was filled with energy and enthusiasm, radiating from the pulpit and echoed in the pews. We sang and prayed with … Continue reading

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Ten Reasons Why This Long-Time Republican is Voting Democrat This Year

A friend of mine recently wrote and said, “I am saddened you are voting Democrat.” Here’s my response in 10 bulletized statements. Much more could be said and has been said, so I want to keep this brief. 

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The Prophesy

Thus says the Spirit of the Lord: A woman named Harris shall arise in the land, clothed in power and might, sitting in a place of high authority. Her ascent shall be great, but her heart shall turn from truth … Continue reading

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