There is something about that tiny window of time between the “Amen” and those first bites of dinner that is sacred, perhaps even sacramental.

In this book excerpt from the recently released The 5 Masculine Instincts, author Chase Replogle reminds us the biblical stories are not there to inspire us but to expose us.

Church, our hands must be the balm for wounds instead of the ones that push the knife in deeper. If we’ve played a part in wounding a brother or sister, it’s time to let Jesus knock down our pride and go repent to that person.

Votes don’t decide presidents. Politicking doesn’t win elections. Coups don’t transfer power. Overthrows don’t topple dictators. God plants rulers on thrones and uproots them at will.

Genuine community, even when it’s hard, is always better than the impostors.

The great cloud of witnesses still speaks. And we should listen.

Nobody—neither the relatively innocent, nor the diabolically evil—will get any worse than he or she deserves.

We listen to Satan’s accusations and let them hinder us from worshipping and serving in complete freedom. We cower down in fear and terror of who we are and what we have done. Christ has removed our chains, but we still walk as if we are bound.

Investments in the kingdom of Heaven are foolproof and resistant to earthly forces. They’re guaranteed for eternity. Store your treasure there.

Each month, Benjamin Vrbicek, the GCD managing editor, offers coaching to writers. This month: “Good writing kicks strong.”

In this excerpt from the recently released book Terms of Service, author Chris Martin reminds us that social media outlets are not neutral tools: they have a cost.

We can radically accept our reality, grieve what it is without making it more than it is, and comfort ourselves with the story of Scripture rather than solely our own.