Joe Burkhardt
@joeburkhardt.bsky.social
UMC pastor. Blessed with a big family. D.Min.-Wesleyan Practices. Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with God. Work for peace and flourishing for all people. ❤️
You don’t stand up to it because it doesn’t bother you much.
December 16, 2025 at 12:57 AM
You don’t stand up to it because it doesn’t bother you much.
Amazing how little effort & sacrifice integrity requires once you decide that all you have to do is be in the right political party or in the right church.
December 5, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Amazing how little effort & sacrifice integrity requires once you decide that all you have to do is be in the right political party or in the right church.
Fellas. I see some weirdo put the “beige test” out there. But here’s one that is MUCH BETTER. And quicker!
It’s simple. Ask yourself: Do I love her with the same total commitment & self-sacrifice as Jesus?
It won’t show whether she’s the one.
It’ll show whether YOU’RE THE ONE.
It’s simple. Ask yourself: Do I love her with the same total commitment & self-sacrifice as Jesus?
It won’t show whether she’s the one.
It’ll show whether YOU’RE THE ONE.
December 2, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Fellas. I see some weirdo put the “beige test” out there. But here’s one that is MUCH BETTER. And quicker!
It’s simple. Ask yourself: Do I love her with the same total commitment & self-sacrifice as Jesus?
It won’t show whether she’s the one.
It’ll show whether YOU’RE THE ONE.
It’s simple. Ask yourself: Do I love her with the same total commitment & self-sacrifice as Jesus?
It won’t show whether she’s the one.
It’ll show whether YOU’RE THE ONE.
Without true humility, people will believe whatever it takes—no matter how ridiculous—to make themselves and their heroes the good guys in every story.
November 26, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Without true humility, people will believe whatever it takes—no matter how ridiculous—to make themselves and their heroes the good guys in every story.
You cannot reason folks out of addiction or idolatry.
The walls of self-justification, gaslighting, scapegoating, and echo chamber talking points, are just too high.
Only One is tall enough to climb over the walls, and He is usually only invited in when they hit rock bottom.
The walls of self-justification, gaslighting, scapegoating, and echo chamber talking points, are just too high.
Only One is tall enough to climb over the walls, and He is usually only invited in when they hit rock bottom.
November 24, 2025 at 1:29 PM
You cannot reason folks out of addiction or idolatry.
The walls of self-justification, gaslighting, scapegoating, and echo chamber talking points, are just too high.
Only One is tall enough to climb over the walls, and He is usually only invited in when they hit rock bottom.
The walls of self-justification, gaslighting, scapegoating, and echo chamber talking points, are just too high.
Only One is tall enough to climb over the walls, and He is usually only invited in when they hit rock bottom.
Gotta hand it to the devil.
Dude’s got folk—devout Christians!—so discipled in darkness they’re DEFENDING heinous systemic sins by complaining that the people calling them out also call them out for other heinous systemic sins.
Evil’s efficient.
Dude’s got folk—devout Christians!—so discipled in darkness they’re DEFENDING heinous systemic sins by complaining that the people calling them out also call them out for other heinous systemic sins.
Evil’s efficient.
November 15, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Gotta hand it to the devil.
Dude’s got folk—devout Christians!—so discipled in darkness they’re DEFENDING heinous systemic sins by complaining that the people calling them out also call them out for other heinous systemic sins.
Evil’s efficient.
Dude’s got folk—devout Christians!—so discipled in darkness they’re DEFENDING heinous systemic sins by complaining that the people calling them out also call them out for other heinous systemic sins.
Evil’s efficient.
POLITICAL IDOLATRY is ruthless.
It steals, kills & destroys.
It is an addiction that takes everything…
-Joy
-Peace
-Energy
-Money
-Ability to think clearly
-Friends & family
-Capacity to love people
-Sense of right & wrong
-Health
-Humanity
-Soul
…and gives nothing in return.
It steals, kills & destroys.
It is an addiction that takes everything…
-Joy
-Peace
-Energy
-Money
-Ability to think clearly
-Friends & family
-Capacity to love people
-Sense of right & wrong
-Health
-Humanity
-Soul
…and gives nothing in return.
November 14, 2025 at 7:42 AM
POLITICAL IDOLATRY is ruthless.
It steals, kills & destroys.
It is an addiction that takes everything…
-Joy
-Peace
-Energy
-Money
-Ability to think clearly
-Friends & family
-Capacity to love people
-Sense of right & wrong
-Health
-Humanity
-Soul
…and gives nothing in return.
It steals, kills & destroys.
It is an addiction that takes everything…
-Joy
-Peace
-Energy
-Money
-Ability to think clearly
-Friends & family
-Capacity to love people
-Sense of right & wrong
-Health
-Humanity
-Soul
…and gives nothing in return.
The will be no end to the swindles
until those being swindled
chose to stop being swindled
and hold accountable the swindlers
for their swindling.
until those being swindled
chose to stop being swindled
and hold accountable the swindlers
for their swindling.
November 10, 2025 at 12:47 PM
The will be no end to the swindles
until those being swindled
chose to stop being swindled
and hold accountable the swindlers
for their swindling.
until those being swindled
chose to stop being swindled
and hold accountable the swindlers
for their swindling.
I love the Bible. But I rarely say “biblical”.
The apostles invariably interpreted the Hebrew scriptures (OT) & their own writings (NT) thru the lens of Jesus’ way of life, Jesus’ death & resurrection.
Now “biblical” refers to random verses a reader can weaponize. As Satan did.
The apostles invariably interpreted the Hebrew scriptures (OT) & their own writings (NT) thru the lens of Jesus’ way of life, Jesus’ death & resurrection.
Now “biblical” refers to random verses a reader can weaponize. As Satan did.
October 30, 2025 at 9:59 AM
I love the Bible. But I rarely say “biblical”.
The apostles invariably interpreted the Hebrew scriptures (OT) & their own writings (NT) thru the lens of Jesus’ way of life, Jesus’ death & resurrection.
Now “biblical” refers to random verses a reader can weaponize. As Satan did.
The apostles invariably interpreted the Hebrew scriptures (OT) & their own writings (NT) thru the lens of Jesus’ way of life, Jesus’ death & resurrection.
Now “biblical” refers to random verses a reader can weaponize. As Satan did.
Some Christians said for decades: “It’s NOT government’s job to take care of poor people. That’s the church’s job!”
Arguable, but fine. Now’s our chance! Let’s do it, church: Feed, clothe, heal & house the millions who are struggling.
And…GO!!!
For real…NOW!!!
Anytime…
…
Arguable, but fine. Now’s our chance! Let’s do it, church: Feed, clothe, heal & house the millions who are struggling.
And…GO!!!
For real…NOW!!!
Anytime…
…
October 29, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Some Christians said for decades: “It’s NOT government’s job to take care of poor people. That’s the church’s job!”
Arguable, but fine. Now’s our chance! Let’s do it, church: Feed, clothe, heal & house the millions who are struggling.
And…GO!!!
For real…NOW!!!
Anytime…
…
Arguable, but fine. Now’s our chance! Let’s do it, church: Feed, clothe, heal & house the millions who are struggling.
And…GO!!!
For real…NOW!!!
Anytime…
…
Woe to those who plan wickedness
… who plot evil on their beds!
At morning’s light they carry it out
because it is in their power to do it.
They covet fields & seize them,
… houses, & take them.
They defraud people of their homes,
they rob them of their inheritance.
Micah 2
… who plot evil on their beds!
At morning’s light they carry it out
because it is in their power to do it.
They covet fields & seize them,
… houses, & take them.
They defraud people of their homes,
they rob them of their inheritance.
Micah 2
October 23, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Woe to those who plan wickedness
… who plot evil on their beds!
At morning’s light they carry it out
because it is in their power to do it.
They covet fields & seize them,
… houses, & take them.
They defraud people of their homes,
they rob them of their inheritance.
Micah 2
… who plot evil on their beds!
At morning’s light they carry it out
because it is in their power to do it.
They covet fields & seize them,
… houses, & take them.
They defraud people of their homes,
they rob them of their inheritance.
Micah 2
Woe to those who plan wickedness
… who plot evil on their beds!
At morning’s light they carry it out
because it is in their power to do it.
They covet fields & seize them,
… houses, & take them.
They defraud people of their homes,
they rob them of their inheritance.
Micah 2
… who plot evil on their beds!
At morning’s light they carry it out
because it is in their power to do it.
They covet fields & seize them,
… houses, & take them.
They defraud people of their homes,
they rob them of their inheritance.
Micah 2
October 23, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Woe to those who plan wickedness
… who plot evil on their beds!
At morning’s light they carry it out
because it is in their power to do it.
They covet fields & seize them,
… houses, & take them.
They defraud people of their homes,
they rob them of their inheritance.
Micah 2
… who plot evil on their beds!
At morning’s light they carry it out
because it is in their power to do it.
They covet fields & seize them,
… houses, & take them.
They defraud people of their homes,
they rob them of their inheritance.
Micah 2
As wickedness & mockery are increasingly normalized by many Christians, know this:
Choosing to walk in the way of God—to align ourselves with those who are being harmed & ignored—may seem upside-down, but it is blessed.
In us & thru us, God is setting the world right-side-up.
Choosing to walk in the way of God—to align ourselves with those who are being harmed & ignored—may seem upside-down, but it is blessed.
In us & thru us, God is setting the world right-side-up.
October 21, 2025 at 9:59 AM
As wickedness & mockery are increasingly normalized by many Christians, know this:
Choosing to walk in the way of God—to align ourselves with those who are being harmed & ignored—may seem upside-down, but it is blessed.
In us & thru us, God is setting the world right-side-up.
Choosing to walk in the way of God—to align ourselves with those who are being harmed & ignored—may seem upside-down, but it is blessed.
In us & thru us, God is setting the world right-side-up.
How to tell if Christians who claim “Jesus is King” mean it.
Look at their lives: Do they live out Jesus’ words & Jesus’ way of life?
-If they do, they believe Jesus rules the universe.
-If they do not, they don’t really believe. They just need Jesus to be their weapon & mascot.
Look at their lives: Do they live out Jesus’ words & Jesus’ way of life?
-If they do, they believe Jesus rules the universe.
-If they do not, they don’t really believe. They just need Jesus to be their weapon & mascot.
October 20, 2025 at 7:55 PM
How to tell if Christians who claim “Jesus is King” mean it.
Look at their lives: Do they live out Jesus’ words & Jesus’ way of life?
-If they do, they believe Jesus rules the universe.
-If they do not, they don’t really believe. They just need Jesus to be their weapon & mascot.
Look at their lives: Do they live out Jesus’ words & Jesus’ way of life?
-If they do, they believe Jesus rules the universe.
-If they do not, they don’t really believe. They just need Jesus to be their weapon & mascot.
Christian, beware: Partisan politics are dangerously addictive. The steady drip of dopamine changes you, always taking more than it gives.
It’s idolatrous.
You can say Jesus’ name all you want. Loud as you want. But your words, acts & inaction show who your true lord is.
It’s idolatrous.
You can say Jesus’ name all you want. Loud as you want. But your words, acts & inaction show who your true lord is.
September 24, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Christian, beware: Partisan politics are dangerously addictive. The steady drip of dopamine changes you, always taking more than it gives.
It’s idolatrous.
You can say Jesus’ name all you want. Loud as you want. But your words, acts & inaction show who your true lord is.
It’s idolatrous.
You can say Jesus’ name all you want. Loud as you want. But your words, acts & inaction show who your true lord is.
A man who believes he is aligned with God, and that his opponents are God’s enemies, will conquer in God’s name by breaking God’s laws, or looking the other way as his allies do.
And make himself a greater enemy of God than his opponents could ever be.
Ask the Apostle Paul.
And make himself a greater enemy of God than his opponents could ever be.
Ask the Apostle Paul.
September 20, 2025 at 12:36 PM
A man who believes he is aligned with God, and that his opponents are God’s enemies, will conquer in God’s name by breaking God’s laws, or looking the other way as his allies do.
And make himself a greater enemy of God than his opponents could ever be.
Ask the Apostle Paul.
And make himself a greater enemy of God than his opponents could ever be.
Ask the Apostle Paul.
Ahab said to Elijah, “Is it you, you troubler of Israel?” Elijah said, “I have not troubled Israel, but you have…because you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord & followed Baals.” (1 Kings 18)
Peacemakers are often accused of causing trouble by the actual Troublemakers.
Peacemakers are often accused of causing trouble by the actual Troublemakers.
September 11, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Ahab said to Elijah, “Is it you, you troubler of Israel?” Elijah said, “I have not troubled Israel, but you have…because you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord & followed Baals.” (1 Kings 18)
Peacemakers are often accused of causing trouble by the actual Troublemakers.
Peacemakers are often accused of causing trouble by the actual Troublemakers.
Lord, have mercy.
September 10, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Lord, have mercy.
The Bible says whatever you want it to say, as long as you ignore the parts that say what you don’t want the Bible to say.
September 8, 2025 at 11:47 AM
The Bible says whatever you want it to say, as long as you ignore the parts that say what you don’t want the Bible to say.
Happy for this renewed interest in prayer!
Just wish those who during evil times speak loudest about the importance of prayer displayed evidence of prayer’s transformative power through their love.
Just wish those who during evil times speak loudest about the importance of prayer displayed evidence of prayer’s transformative power through their love.
August 29, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Happy for this renewed interest in prayer!
Just wish those who during evil times speak loudest about the importance of prayer displayed evidence of prayer’s transformative power through their love.
Just wish those who during evil times speak loudest about the importance of prayer displayed evidence of prayer’s transformative power through their love.
Our prayers are ineffective because we aren’t praying to the real God. We pray to innumerable gods made in our own image, gods we blindly believe to be the real God.
We keep our eyes blissfully closed in prayer because our self-made gods are easier to pray to, easier to follow.
We keep our eyes blissfully closed in prayer because our self-made gods are easier to pray to, easier to follow.
August 29, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Our prayers are ineffective because we aren’t praying to the real God. We pray to innumerable gods made in our own image, gods we blindly believe to be the real God.
We keep our eyes blissfully closed in prayer because our self-made gods are easier to pray to, easier to follow.
We keep our eyes blissfully closed in prayer because our self-made gods are easier to pray to, easier to follow.
Speaking as pastor & pastoral mentor:
1. Matchmaking is NOT part of pastoring.
2. Marriage DOESN’T insulate you from sexual sins.
3. Pastors CAN’T solve other’s problems.
4. Being single is a gift, NOT a curse.
5. NONE of this dude’s plans—NOT ONE—contribute to Christ-likeness.
1. Matchmaking is NOT part of pastoring.
2. Marriage DOESN’T insulate you from sexual sins.
3. Pastors CAN’T solve other’s problems.
4. Being single is a gift, NOT a curse.
5. NONE of this dude’s plans—NOT ONE—contribute to Christ-likeness.
August 21, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Speaking as pastor & pastoral mentor:
1. Matchmaking is NOT part of pastoring.
2. Marriage DOESN’T insulate you from sexual sins.
3. Pastors CAN’T solve other’s problems.
4. Being single is a gift, NOT a curse.
5. NONE of this dude’s plans—NOT ONE—contribute to Christ-likeness.
1. Matchmaking is NOT part of pastoring.
2. Marriage DOESN’T insulate you from sexual sins.
3. Pastors CAN’T solve other’s problems.
4. Being single is a gift, NOT a curse.
5. NONE of this dude’s plans—NOT ONE—contribute to Christ-likeness.
Good for us to remember the US was founded by rich white dudes heavily involved in human/sex trafficking, genocide of Indigenous peoples, who famously enshrined their perceived fractional (3/5) value of Black people.
Those same evils continue to this day in ever-changing guises.
Those same evils continue to this day in ever-changing guises.
August 20, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Good for us to remember the US was founded by rich white dudes heavily involved in human/sex trafficking, genocide of Indigenous peoples, who famously enshrined their perceived fractional (3/5) value of Black people.
Those same evils continue to this day in ever-changing guises.
Those same evils continue to this day in ever-changing guises.
Anyone who says slavery wasn’t that bad either won’t stand against slavery (unless they themselves are the enslaved) or they actively want to enslave people.
August 19, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Anyone who says slavery wasn’t that bad either won’t stand against slavery (unless they themselves are the enslaved) or they actively want to enslave people.