We hear the phrase “facts over feelings” often, usually in arguments or debates, but Scripture presents that idea in a much deeper and more personal way. Feelings are real. They are not something to ignore or dismiss. But they are not always reliable, and they are never meant to be the foundation of truth. When Jesus was on the cross, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” in Matthew 27:46. In that moment, Jesus was expressing something very real. He felt the weight of separation, the depth of suffering, and the anguish of what He was enduring. But what is often overlooked is that Jesus was not just speaking from emotion—He was quoting Scripture. Those words come directly from Psalm 22:1. Psalm 22 begins with despair, but it does not end there. It moves from anguish to trust, from suffering to victory. Even in the middle of His pain, Jesus anchored Himself in truth. His feelings were real, but they were not the full picture. And that is where we often s...
In March, executive orders from governors across the country forced us to stay home, to close schools and churches and to shut down private businesses. Businesses were classified as either "essential" or "non-essential." All businesses deemed "non-essential" were forced to close. This included markets, clothing stores, boutiques, dine-in restaurants, and beauty salons. State parks, city parks, beaches, walking trails, lakes, and other wide open spaces were closed as well. Many people feel that the "social distancing," as it has come to be known, and stay at home executive orders violate their constitutional rights, such as our First Amendment right to freely exercise our religion, our right to peaceably assemble, and that we shall not be deprived of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Some of the people who feel their rights have been violated have decided to exercise their First Amendment right to protest. Some have even chosen...