September 9, 2026

Viewing all things through the lens of the True and the beautiful!

Note: Today's first news story contains disturbing content. We have intentionally stayed on the surface of the matter, but parental discretion is still warranted to determine whether and how to include children in the discussion.

The True

Compelled to Constraint

“People think removing constraints will make life better. In reality, it usually reveals more of one’s brokenness.” – Admiral William McRaven

The quote above was in response to a question about the benefits of structure, authority, and constraints. It is a response that has stayed with me, in large part because it runs so counter to my default cultural mindset of pursuing freedom, independence, and a desire to forge my own path. To be sure, there is an appropriate tension between these competing ideals, and it is articulated in scripture.

On the one hand, Galatians 5:1 says, “It was for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Clearly, God’s design for you and for me includes significant elements of real and personal freedom. The storyline of scripture repeatedly confirms that a major reason for this is God’s desire to be pursued and chosen by you. He longs for a voluntary and authentic relationship with you, and has designed you to be free to choose—or not choose—Him.

On the other hand, Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9 makes an extensive and compelling case for carefully self-restricting one’s own freedom. I encourage you to read the entire chapter for yourself, but Paul opens with the question, “Am I not free?” before detailing at great lengths all the rights and liberties to which he is entitled. He then closes by explaining why he has denied himself those liberties, choosing instead to be a “slave to everyone” (v. 19) and to “strike a blow to my body and make it a slave” (v. 27). The short version is that Paul desires to obtain the prize reserved for the winner, and if he affords himself all the luxuries and liberties to which he is entitled, it will render him “disqualified for the prize” (v. 27).

My friend, we live in a culture that glories all removal of constraints. You are told to throw off all that holds you back, and to strive to be free of anything that restricts your advancement or your behavior. This, you are told, is the way to win the race of life.

The fatal flaw of this approach is that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. The brokenness of sin runs through every human heart, and the constraints of scripture and your faithful co-laborers in Christ are what keep you operating in the power of God rather than from the brokenness of your own sin. When those restraints are lifted, the brokenness of your sin is revealed and you become vulnerable to its penalty.

Yes, God designed you to be free. But Christ’s love “compels you” to live not constraint-free, but rather “for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Cor. 5:14).

Be bold and throw off the hindrance of sin that ensnares you! (Heb. 12:1) But in doing so, be careful to yield to the God-given constraints that graciously cover your brokenness. In this, you will “run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Cor. 9:24).

U.S.

*Warning: Parents should preview this story before including children in the discussion.*

Mistrial

After six weeks of trial (which were preceded by a week of jury selection) and another week of jury deliberations, the presiding judge has declared a mistrial in the case against Lindsay Clancy, who is charged with murder in the 2023 deaths of her three young children. According to the defense team and jurors who have spoken out after the fact, 11 of the 12 jurors were prepared to acquit Clancy by reason of postpartum psychosis, but the final juror dissented and consensus proved impossible. A second trial with a new jury is likely, though it is also possible the two sides could reach a plea deal, the judge could render a “not guilty” verdict from the bench, or prosecutors could drop the charges.

Analysis and eternal perspective: The substance of this story is as difficult as it gets. Brokenness is on display in every corner of the story, including some details not discussed here. The lengthy trial has captured the attention of many, and there are entrenched and varied views about the proper outcome. As a matter of law, it requires a unanimous jury to return a guilty verdict, and it is notoriously difficult for juries to weigh claims of mental illness.

The legal outcome of the case carries significant weight, but it pales in comparison to the weight now carried by the entire Clancy extended family. We as The Equipped family should begin by praying for all involved. God, extend your loving arms and grant all-surpassing peace to those in the midst of unthinkable circumstances.

On a more personal level, the heavenly jury is not undecided about your guilt nor mine. We are both guilty and have “fallen short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). But what amazing grace that our God has seen fit not only to grant unmerited forgiveness, but that He surrendered His one and only Son to pay the penalty for our guilt. It is the most stunning act of love that will ever be, and it continues to overwhelm me each time you and I discuss it.

This year, I am reading The Bible Recap with Tara-Leigh Cobble. I wholly commend it to you as a resource, and this story recalls for me the way Tara-Leigh closes each day’s devotional by declaring, “He’s where the joy is!” My friend, you were guilty, and so was I. But the God of the universe sent His beloved Son to pay the price in your place, and as a result you are declared not only free, but an heir to the throne of heaven. If that is not cause for unbridled joy, nothing is! Yes, He’s where the joy is, indeed!

U.S.

Amazon Plane Crash

Five people were killed and at least five injured when an Amazon plane careened approximately 1,300 feet past the end of the runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday. The deceased were travelling in a van owned by an airport cleaning company and a separate SUV that was outside airport boundaries. Officials are still investigating the cause of the crash.

Analysis and eternal perspective: The joy of eternal salvation from our first story is readily available. But my friend, don’t tarry if you don’t yet know it, because life on Earth is so very fragile and can be lost in a moment. It has always been a reality, but a story like this one brings it home in convincing fashion.

It is so very easy to trust in health, or wealth, or any number of other temporal things. In the end (which could come at any moment), the only thing that will matter is whether you’ve surrendered to the authority and lordship of Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9 articulates it in such a helpful and concise fashion: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Do you believe? If so, say it out loud. It will save you.

As you pray for the injured and for the families of those who lost loved ones, rejoice that you serve a God who desires that none should perish (2 Pet. 3:9), and make it your life’s mission to share that incredible good news with all who would receive it.

World

Non-Working Royals

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, recently returned to the United Kingdom from the United States, where they had been living for the last six years, but King Charles has made it clear in a letter sent to government officials that they will remain non-working members of the royal family. The couple’s decision to step away from royal duties in 2020 garnered significant attention around the world, and their return to the UK sparked speculation they would resume official duties. With the King’s new declaration, it is clear that Harry and Meghan will remain private citizens, albeit very famous ones living in the shadow of their royal family.

Analysis and eternal perspective: They are known as The Royal Family, and it seems they garner as much interest and attention in the U.S. as they do in the U.K. where they hold formal roles and duties. There is something about the pomp and circumstance that captivates imaginations all around the world. This is a phenomenon thousands of years old.

While The Royal Family likely has very little impact or bearing on your life, God’s Word calls you who believe, “a royal priesthood” (1 Pet. 2:9). When you place your trust in the one true God and yield your life to His service, you are bestowed the honor and the privileges associated with His royal name! You are also a full-fledged working member of God’s royal family! This is a concept first modeled by 12-year-old Jesus, who recognized in Luke 2:49 that he “must be about My Father’s business.”

Your royal duties are an honor and a privilege. They are also the way in which others are introduced to the King! So take seriously your charge as a royal. It is not duty-free. You are meant to be an active and dedicated working member of God’s family!

The Beautiful

Refined

Fall is upon us and, with it, apples! As the seasons past accumulate in your life, so too should the refinement of your being. While physical strength is the glory of the young, there is a refined beauty and wisdom that comes only with age. As the season changes yet again, may you continue to grow in “wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Lk. 2:52).