Just sharing.

[td]

Turn Tables

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[td]
President Trump is flipping his script on Ukraine.
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[td]
After meeting with President Zelenskyy in NYC, President Trump said Ukraine can get back “the original borders from where this war started” or “maybe even go further” with support from the E.U. and NATO. He promised to continue arming NATO and called Russia a “paper tiger” (something that looks fierce but is actually weak).
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[td]
Trump has previously stressed that Ukraine must concede territory for peace. Zelenskyy called Trump’s policy reversal a “game changer,” while Russia said the “situation on the front line speaks for itself.”
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[td]
Northwest of the battle lines, Denmark is reporting drone incursions by unspecified “state actors” that shut down two airports yesterday. European officials see the incidents—growing in frequency across the region—as Russian tests of NATO airspace. Russia rejected the “absurd” speculation about its involvement.

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[td]
ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Negotiations progress and regress, and leaders succeed and let us down—but our hope is not in presidents, international cooperation, or even achieving earthly peace. Put your trust in the Lord, who alone brings true justice, provision, and deliverance.
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[td]
“Do not trust in nobles, in a son of man, who cannot save. When his breath leaves him, he returns to the ground; on that day his plans die. Happy is the one whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them. He remains faithful forever, executing justice for the exploited and giving food to the hungry.”
Psalm 146:3-7 (CSB) (
read full passage)
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[td]

ICE Attack

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One immigration detainee was killed and two others were critically injured in a sniper-style attack on a Dallas ICE facility on Wednesday morning.
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The shooter, identified as a 29-year-old man, opened fire from a nearby rooftop with a bolt-action rifle around 6:30 am, striking the victims in a van outside the building. The shooter died by suicide before police reached him.
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[td]
No ICE officers were wounded, though officials say handwritten notes found at the shooter’s home indicated he “intended to kill ICE agents” and wanted to “cause terror.”
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[td]
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) blamed left-wing rhetoric for fueling hostility toward immigration enforcement, and called for an end to incitement of political violence. Some Democrats accuse the administration of politicizing a tragedy and ignoring the victims, and argue the shooting underscores the need for stronger gun laws.

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[td]
PRAY WITH US
Violence highlights sin’s grip on our world. Pray with us to push back the darkness in our communities and in our own hearts.
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[td]
God of mercy, we cling to you through grief and contention, through uncertainty and fear. Quiet the suspicions that estrange and divide us from our neighbors. Still our hasty, harsh tongues. Open our ears, soften our hearts, and make ready our feet. Spin our pointing fingers, convicting us of the darkness that runs through each of us. And open our eyes to Your love, which covers a multitude of sins. Amen.
[/td]​
 
[td]

What are the Epstein Files?

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[td]
Just to be clear… y’all asked for this topic.
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[td]
Let’s start with who Epstein was.
Epstein was a “financier” (think: big-time money manager) who gained fame in the 1990s for building a mysterious group of ultra-wealthy clients, and for rubbing shoulders with powerful people—including U.S. presidents and British royalty.
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Then, in 2005, he was accused of assaulting at least 34 minors.
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In 2008, Epstein struck a “sweetheart deal” with prosecutors, where he pleaded guilty to two state charges and received complete immunity from federal charges for himself and any “potential co-conspirators.” He served 13 months in a private wing of a prison but was allowed to leave up to 12 hours/day, 6 days/week, under a generous work-release setup.
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[td]
In 2018, an investigative journalist exposed how lenient Epstein’s 2008 plea deal had been, prompting public outcry. In 2019, Epstein was arrested for sex trafficking, and a trove of evidence was seized. He was denied bond and found dead in his jail cell—officially, Epstein died by suicide, though some suggest he was murdered.
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[td]
So what is an “Epstein File?”
The term “Epstein Files” refers broadly to court records, witness depositions, flight logs, police reports, seized documents, and any other materials from investigations into Epstein.
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Much of it has been made public recently—including 30,000+ documents and Epstein’s 50th “birthday book”—but not everything.
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What hasn’t been made public?
Mostly names. Officials say redactions are meant to protect victims, but gaps and lost-then-found evidence have fed rumors that redactions are also protecting Epstein’s accomplices.
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[td]
Specifically, there are allegations that Epstein kept a “client list” of powerful people who also assaulted girls, that he then blackmailed for favors (like his “sweetheart” 2008 plea deal). Officials say they can’t release the “client list” because it doesn’t exist; skeptics say officials can’t release it because their powerful bosses are named.
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[td]
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[/td]​
[td]
CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
The injustice in our world stirs up longing in us for a better world, where justice always wins and righteousness is never corrupted. As we wait for this perfect future, celebrate the patience of your merciful Father and live holy lives in anticipation of His coming.
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[td]
“The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 (CSB) (
read full passage)
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[td]

Grand Blanc Attack

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At least five people are dead and eight are injured after a shooting and fire at a worship service yesterday.
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[td]
During the gathering of over one hundred people at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan (~60 miles northwest of Detroit), a man drove his truck into the building and opened fire. The 40-year-old suspect allegedly set the building on fire before he was killed in a gunfire exchange with police.
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The blaze caused part of the building to collapse before first responders could contain it. Their search for victims in the rubble was ongoing last night, while officials searched the suspect’s phone and residence for a motive.
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[td]
The FBI is investigating the attack, including whether it’s connected to Saturday’s death of Russell M. Nelson, the 101-year-old president of the LDS Church.

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[td]
PRAY WITH US
Lifter of Our Heads, we grieve the grip of evil on our world. We mourn the loss of innocent life, the scars that Grand Blanc will bear, and the fear that will linger among worshipers. Heal those who are wounded. Comfort those who mourn with the hope of Jesus and His coming justice.
[/td]​
[td]
“You, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain… You strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the LORD; may your blessing be on your people.”
Psalm 3:3-8 (CSB) (
read full passage)
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[td]

Comey Indictment

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James Comey was indicted by the Department of Justice late on Thursday.
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[td]
A grand jury charged the former FBI director with lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding in his 2020 testimony, claiming collusion between Russia and then-candidate Trump’s 2016 campaign. Prosecutors allege that Comey lied when he said he didn’t authorize an FBI leak to the media (read more background).
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The move came days after President Trump urged the DOJ to prosecute Comey and others; the prosecutor who brought Comey’s charges replaced Erik S. Siebert, who recently resigned under pressure to bring mortgage fraud charges against NY AG (and Trump critic) Letitia James.
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[td]
Comey maintains his innocence, saying “there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump” and expressing confidence in the judicial system. He faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

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[/td]​
[td]
ABOVE ALL, LOVE
In this divisive political climate, followers of Christ have an opportunity to show that our ultimate allegiance is to Him. Imitating our just and merciful Father, root for justice while retaining love for all parties—both the accused and the accusers—desiring restoration, not revenge.
[/td]​
[td]
“The LORD is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. All who wait patiently for him are happy.”
Isaiah 30:18 (CSB) (
read full passage)
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[td]

Olive Branch

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[td]
The U.S. and Israel say they’re “setting the stage for dramatically advancing peace in the Middle East,” starting in Gaza.
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[td]
After a meeting with President Trump at the White House on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu accepted Uncle Sam’s 20-point plan that ends fighting between Israel and Hamas, releases hostages and prisoners, increases humanitarian aid, demilitarizes Gaza, and sets up an international “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump (read the full plan here).
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The proposal—approved by European and Middle Eastern leaders as well—now awaits a response from Hamas; the group has promised a “good faith” review.
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[td]
Yesterday, Trump said Hamas has “three or four days” to respond to his take-it-or-leave-it olive branch and that Israel will have the U.S.’s “full backing” to finish the war militarily should Hamas reject the proposal.

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[td]
Verse to consider when you’re afraid to get your hopes up about the end of a long, hard conflict… “Our Lord is great, vast in power; his understanding is infinite… He is not impressed by the strength of a horse; he does not value the power of a warrior. The LORD values those who fear him, those who put their hope in his faithful love.”
Psalm 147:5, 10-11 (CSB) (read full passage)
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[td]

Highly Premeditated Attack

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[td]
Three people were killed and five others injured at a packed North Carolina waterfront bar late Saturday.
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[td]
A 40-year-old gunman was detained by the Coast Guard and charged with three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted murder, and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon. Authorities described it as a “highly premeditated attack” from a boat in the waterway outside the bar; the suspect is a veteran who says he was “wounded in combat” and has PTSD.
[/td]​
[td]
Meanwhile, in Michigan, investigators are probing the motive behind Sunday's shooting and fire at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc; the FBI deemed it a “targeted act of violence.” The attacker was an Iraq War veteran who made disparaging comments about the LDS faith in recent weeks.

(We’re also covering this story tomorrow in Decaf, The Pour Over for Families. Sign up—for free—here.)

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[/td]​
[td]
CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
God doesn’t promise a world without troubles (actually, Jesus said just the opposite), but He does promise peace and victory over sin for all who trust in Jesus. During times dominated by uncertainty and fear, our eternity is secure, and we can cling to His promises.
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[td]
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33 (CSB) (read full passage)
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[td]

Synagogue Attack

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[td]
Two people were killed and four others were seriously injured in an attack outside a synagogue in northwest England on Wednesday, which was Yom Kippur (the holiest day of the year in Judaism).
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[td]
Police fatally shot the suspect outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester after he rammed pedestrians with a car, stabbed a security guard, and was believed to be carrying a bomb. Bomb disposal teams were called after “suspicious items” were found on his body. Video showed officers shouting “he has a bomb, go away!” to bystanders as officials secured the scene.
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[td]
Prime Minister Starmer called the attack “horrific,” and King Charles said he was “deeply shocked and saddened.” Authorities credited quick-thinking bystanders with helping prevent the suspect from entering the synagogue.
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[td]
The suspect is a 35-year-old “British citizen of Syrian descent.” His motive is under investigation.

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[td]
PRAY WITH US
The hope of resurrection doesn’t mean we don’t grieve real tragedies like this attack, but it does mean that death won’t have the final word. Pray for the injured and the families of those lost, that they would turn to Christ, the Messiah, for healing, comfort, and hope.
[/td]​
[td]
“O Lord… be merciful to those now wounded. Be present with those now bereaved… Your heart is always inclined toward those who suffer. Now let your mercies be active through the hands, the words, and the compassionate care of those who willingly enter this sadness to console and to serve.”
Every Moment Holy, page 149 of Volume 2
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[td]

What’s Going on with Israel and Palestine, and How’d We Get Here?

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Nearly two years ago, on October 7, 2023, Hamas militants broke through Israel’s border, killed ~1,200 people, and took 251 hostages back to Gaza. Israel immediately declared war.
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[td]
It is just the latest conflict stemming from a millennia-old land dispute.
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[td]
When did this start?
Back in Genesis, around 1700 BC, God promised Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan (modern Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, and parts of surrounding nations). Over centuries, various empires ruled the land; the Romans displaced the Jews and renamed it “Palestine”; and hundreds of years later (638 AD), Muslim armies conquered Jerusalem and generally controlled it for most of the next 1,400 years, until after WWII.
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[td]
In 1947, the UN proposed a two-state solution: 56.5% of the land for a Jewish state, the rest for an Arab state, with Jerusalem as an international zone. Jews accepted; Arab nations rejected (unhappy that Jews only represented around ⅓ of the population and were getting a majority land allotment).
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[td]
See a more complete timeline we made here.
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[td]
What’s happened since 1947?
Multiple wars followed, and Israel slowly took control of more and more land designated for Palestine (see maps).
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[td]
Today, Palestinians control only Gaza and parts of the West Bank.
[/td]​
[td]
Why is it so contentious?
This land holds deep spiritual significance for both sides, none more so than a specific holy site in Jerusalem.
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[td]
For Muslims, it is the Dome of the Rock, where they believe Muhammad ascended into heaven. For Jews, it is the Temple Mount where Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac, which later became the Holy of Holies where God’s presence dwelled above the Ark of the Covenant.
[/td]​
[td]
Citing its spiritual significance, Hamas has declared “holy war” on Israel, vowing to destroy the country of Israel and reclaim all the land for Palestine. Israel has, in turn, vowed to destroy Hamas.
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[td]
ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
God has a peace plan. It doesn’t need Israel’s or Hamas’s approval. It doesn’t merely cover Gaza or even the Middle East. It can’t be undone by rebels, and it won’t unravel decades later.
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[td]
The Lord’s peace has been a done deal from the beginning of time, sealed with the death and resurrection of Jesus. It’s global, it’s unending, and it’s open to all who would lay down their weapons.
[/td]​
[td]
“God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid… Nations rage, kingdoms topple; the earth melts when he lifts his voice. The LORD of Armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.”
Psalm 46:1-2, 6-7 (CSB) (
read full passage)
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[td]
This eternal perspective is an excerpt from our new Sunday newsletter, Praying the News. For more reflection and a prayer for the Middle East in your inbox tomorrow, subscribe for free here.
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[td]

On Guard

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[td]
The National Guard is blowing into the Windy City.
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[td]
For weeks, tensions have been brewing in Chicago over increased immigration enforcement, including some violent clashes between protestors and ICE agents. On Saturday, President Trump authorized federalizing Illinois’s National Guard to deploy 300 Guardsmen to Chicagoland to deal with the “lawlessness.” Illinois Governor Pritzker (D) criticized the move, saying there is “no need for military troops” in the Prairie State.
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[td]
Meanwhile, a federal district judge blocked Trump from deploying 200 Guardsmen to Portland, Oregon, until at least October 18, saying POTUS’s claim that unrest in Portland was out of control was “untethered to the facts.”
[/td]​
[td]
The White House has appealed and deployed some already-federalized California National Guardsmen to Oregon—a move that California Governor Newsom (D) called a “breathtaking abuse of the law and power.”

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Whether you’re critical of your government or think it’s unfairly criticized, the command for Christians is to love neighbors and enemies alike. That requires speaking about others with dignity and respect, even when we feel like they haven’t earned it.
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[td]
“With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way… Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom.”
James 3:9–10, 13 (CSB) (
read full passage)
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[td]

Tentative Truce

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[td]
Hamas has accepted President Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza… with an asterisk.
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[td]
Israel approved Trump’s peace plan last Monday, and on Friday, Hamas announced it also agreed “to the plan’s main outlines in principle, but its implementation requires negotiations.” Hamas said it will release remaining hostages, but Arab mediators said the group wants to clarify or modify other deal terms (like Gaza’s future and disarmament requirements).
[/td]​
[td]
President Trump called it a win, urging Israel to stop the bombardment as both sides hash out the details, but warned Hamas to "move quickly, or else all bets will be off.” Israel said it’s moving into a defensive posture, but the Hamas-run health ministry reported more deaths Saturday.
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[td]
Delegations from all sides will meet for indirect talks in Egypt today; tomorrow marks two years of war in Gaza.

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PRAY WITH US
Christians should be committed to praying for world leaders to be wise and to work towards peaceful resolutions, while simultaneously placing our hope in God, not government (Psalms 46 and 146).
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[td]
Gracious Peacemaker, in the hearts and lands of these embattled countries, work peace. Thwart evil plans and bring to fruition those that lead to flourishing. May these delegations be creative in their problem-solving, wise in their choice of counselors, clear-eyed in their negotiating, and compassionate toward the needy, humbly considering the good of others before their own gain and attributing all the glory to You alone.
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[td]

Back in the Chamber

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The Supreme Court kicked off its 2025-26 season by deciding that a few high-profile cases would not be on the docket.
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[td]
On Monday, SCOTUS:
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[td]
Yesterday, the High Court began hearing arguments on whether states can prohibit counseling services designed to change a child’s same-sex attraction (often called “conversion therapy”). Major medical groups say the practice can be harmful; a Christian counselor says her talk therapy is protected free speech.
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Other cases this term include challenges to President Trump’s ability to impose tariffs, limit birthright citizenship, and fire Fed Board member Lisa Cook.

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[td]
Verse to consider if your to-do list is as long as a Supreme Court justice’s robe… “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.”
Colossians 3:23-24 (CSB) (
read full passage)
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[td]

Peace Shuffle

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Promising peace talks continued yesterday on the second anniversary of the Gaza war.
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[td]
“Shuffle meetings”—indirect talks between Israel and Hamas with Egyptian and Qatari officials acting as go-betweens—began Monday in Egypt. The warring parties are hashing out the particulars of President Trump’s proposed peace deal, focusing on phase one: “creating the field conditions” for a hostage-prisoner exchange and detailing Israel’s military withdrawal.
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[td]
The plan calls for Hamas to release all 48 remaining hostages (20 are believed to be alive) in exchange for the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israel.
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[td]
Hamas still hasn’t responded to several other key deal terms, including its disarmament and role in Gaza’s governance, but negotiators are optimistic about Hamas’s willingness. President Trump said on Monday that there’s a “really good chance” of making a “lasting deal.”

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[td]
RADIATE HOPE
Our world is overwhelmed by violence and loss and swirling anxieties. Turn your hearts and eyes to God, in whose presence peace is found. Pray that He would quiet this conflict, win the hearts of Israelis and Palestinians, and help you to rest in Him alone.
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[td]
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. For I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’”
Isaiah 41:10-13 (CSB) (
read full passage)
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[td]

Middle East Milestone

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Negotiators for Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire and hostage deal—phase one of President Trump’s larger peace plan—in Egypt yesterday.
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Israel’s cabinet signed off hours later, starting the 24-hour countdown to a total ceasefire. Under the deal, IDF troops will start withdrawing from Gaza until they hold ~53% of the Strip. Hamas will then release all hostages within 72 hours; Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners; and hundreds of aid trucks will enter Gaza daily.
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Palestinians in Gaza and hostage advocates in Israel are celebrating the milestone (watch here). PM Netanyahu celebrated Israel’s “diplomatic success” and “moral victory,” and Hamas emphasized Palestinians’ “tremendous sacrifices.”
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With a ceasefire in place, Israel and Hamas can begin to negotiate other thorny issues—like Hamas’s disarmament and Gaza’s future—before a peace deal is done.

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[td]
PRAY WITH US
Give thanks to God for progress, and trust Him for long-term peace:
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Wonderful Counselor, You are the One who winds down wars and teaches peace (Isaiah 54:13). May Your peace rule in the hearts of Israelis, Palestinians, members of Hamas, diplomats, U.S. officials, and all members of Christ’s body (Colossians 3:15-17). Bring evil plans to nothing and promote the good of the vulnerable, so that people from all nations would see Your goodness and submit to the Prince of Peace.

Burdensome news often leaves us overwhelmed and speechless. Praying the News, TPO’s new Sunday newsletter, offers a Scripture-focused prayer over one headline every week. Join us in prayer.
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[td]

What’s a Nobel Prize?

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Every year, prizes are awarded for contributions in six areas: physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, economics, and peace.
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They’re named after Alfred Nobel—the inventor of dynamite and 354 other things—who decided to award those who had “conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” His last will & testament stipulated that his fortune (worth $232M in today’s dollars) be used to establish and award the prizes.
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[td]
Cool! How Do I Win?
First, a “qualified nominator” must submit your name. These are typically prominent academics in the relevant field and past Nobel laureates.
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Then, committees vote. If you get the majority of votes… You win! Decisions are announced in the first two weeks of October, and prizes are awarded on December 10th—the anniversary of Alfred’s death.
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[td]
What Do the Winners Win Laureates Laur?
Each laureate receives a gold medal, a diploma, and a monetary award; this year, the prize is 11,000,000 Swedish Kronor ($1.15M USD).
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The prizes are presented by the King of Sweden in Stockholm, except for the Peace Prize, which is presented by a committee in Oslo, Norway, in the presence of Norway’s king.
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[td]
Are There Any Rules?
Nobel Prizes…
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[td]
  • Can be split by up to three people
  • Cannot be awarded posthumously
  • Cannot be revoked
  • Can only be given to individuals (except for the Peace Prize, which can go to an organization, e.g., the Red Cross has won three times)
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[td]
Who Are Some Past Laureates?
Since the first ceremony in 1901, 987 individuals and 28 organizations have won Nobel Prizes, including Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
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[td]
The list of laureates isn’t without controversy. Dissenting Committee members resigned after the Peace Prize was awarded to Henry Kissinger (1973) and Yasser Arafat (1994), and the Committee has expressed regret for never awarding Gandhi a Peace Prize.
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Want to hear more about Nobel Prizes? Today’s episode of the TPO Explains podcast is for you!
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[td]
ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Celebrating major contributors to humankind is an opportunity for us to remember that whenever we do anything creative or innovative, we are mirroring the First Creator, the One who made the heavens and the earth.
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[td]
“Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You, LORD, are the only God. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their stars, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them, and all the stars of heaven worship you.”
Nehemiah 9:5-6 (CSB) (read full passage)
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“It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master.”

Matthew 10:25

No one will dispute this statement, for it would be unseemly for the servant to be exalted above his Master. When our Lord was on earth, what was the treatment he received? Were his claims acknowledged, his instructions followed, his perfections worshipped, by those whom he came to bless? No; “He was despised and rejected of men.” Outside the camp was his place: cross-bearing was his occupation. Did the world yield him solace and rest? “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” This inhospitable country afforded him no shelter: it cast him out and crucified him.




Such — if you are a follower of Jesus, and maintain a consistent, Christ-like walk and conversation — you must expect to be the lot of that part of your spiritual life which, in its outward development, comes under the observation of men. They will treat it as they treated the Saviour — they will despise it. Dream not that worldlings will admire you, or that the more holy and the more Christ-like you are, the more peaceably people will act towards you. They prized not the polished gem, how should they value the jewel in the rough? “If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?”

If we were more like Christ, we should be more hated by his enemies. It were a sad dishonour to a child of God to be the world's favourite. It is a very ill omen to hear a wicked world clap its hands and shout “Well done” to the Christian man. He may begin to look to his character, and wonder whether he has not been doing wrong, when the unrighteous give him their approbation. Let us be true to our Master, and have no friendship with a blind and base world which scorns and rejects him. Far be it from us to seek a crown of honour where our Lord found a coronet of thorn.
 
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