Just sharing.

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Escalating​

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President Trump spent yesterday in the Situation Room, reportedly considering having the U.S. join Israel’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities.​

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Since Friday, Israel claims it has killed one of Iran’s top military commanders and his replacement, established control of Iran’s airspace, and destroyed multiple nuclear and military sites. Still, experts say it will struggle to destroy Iran’s deep-underground uranium enrichment facilities without Uncle Sam’s “bunker buster bombs.” ​

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So far, the U.S. has only offered defensive support to Israel, but Trump appears to be escalating his rhetoric against Iran.​

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Yesterday, Trump said that the U.S. knows exactly where Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei is but won’t kill him “for now,” then called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.” On Monday, Trump urged the “immediate evacuation” of Tehran (a city of 9.5 million) before leaving the G7 Summit early to meet with his national security advisors.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Our response to things outside our control should reflect our faith in Christ and encourage others. In the face of anxiety-inducing news, seek to reflect the peace of God, which surpasses understanding.​

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“On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.”
Edward Mote, 1863 (Scriptural basis: Hebrews 13:8, Matthew 7:24, Psalm 18:2)​

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Continued Conflict​

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Iran and Israel are continuing to trade blows after Iran rejected President Trump’s calls for an “unconditional” surrender.​

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Israel has targeted several nuclear weapons sites across Iran, including a nuclear reactor in the city of Arak that Iran claims is “inactive.” Iran launched missiles into southern Israel, hitting a hospital and injuring over 30 people. Israel’s defense minister called the strike “criminal” and warned that Iran’s Supreme Leader “cannot continue to exist;” Iran says it was targeting a military base near the hospital.​

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Meanwhile, President Trump is still deciding whether to join Israel’s offensive. ​

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Yesterday, #47 denied reports that he had approved an attack plan. The White House said Trump will make a decision “within two weeks” because he believes there is a “substantial chance of negotiations” with Iran in the near future.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
War is heavy and ugly and reminds us of the need for redemption through Christ. Jesus came to lighten our burdens and bring us unexplainable peace. Pray that the Middle East would experience the peace that comes through Christ alone. ​

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“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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Ban Upheld​

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The Supreme Court issued a landmark decision Wednesday.​

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In a 6-3 decision, split along ideological lines, the Supremes upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-transition treatments for minors, allowing restrictions on puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries for trans-identifying youth to stand.​

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Writing for the majority, Chief Justice Roberts acknowledged the “fierce scientific and policy debates” surrounding such treatments but said Tennessee’s law does not violate the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause. Justice Sotomayor read her dissent aloud (a rare move)—saying the law enables “medical discrimination on the basis of sex” and “abandons transgender children.”​

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Tennessee is one of 27 states with similar bans. The state’s Attorney General called the ruling a victory for “common sense over judicial activism;” critics warn the “discriminatory” ruling could open doors to future restrictions, including on adults.

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
When discussing divisive topics, remember that both your stance and how you take your stance reflect on Christ. Believing you’re right is not an excuse to be harsh, impatient, or unkind.​

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“Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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“Spices for anointing oil.”

Exodus 35:8

Much use was made of this anointing oil under the law, and that which it represents is of primary importance under the gospel. The Holy Spirit, who anoints us for all holy service, is indispensable to us if we would serve the Lord acceptably. Without his aid our religious services are but a vain oblation, and our inward experience is a dead thing. Whenever our ministry is without unction, what miserable stuff it becomes! nor are the prayers, praises, meditations, and efforts of private Christians one jot superior.

A holy anointing is the soul and life of piety, its absence the most grievous of all calamities. To go before the Lord without anointing is as though some common Levite had thrust himself into the priest's office — his ministrations would rather have been sins than services. May we never venture upon hallowed exercises without sacred anointings. They drop upon us from our glorious Head; from his anointing we who are as the skirts of his garments partake of a plenteous unction.




Choice spices were compounded with rarest art of the apothecary to form the anointing oil, to show forth to us how rich are all the influences of the Holy Spirit. All good things are found in the divine Comforter. Matchless consolation, infallible instruction, immortal quickening, spiritual energy, and divine sanctification all lie compounded with other excellencies in that sacred eye-salve, the heavenly anointing oil of the Holy Spirit. It imparts a delightful fragrance to the character and person of the man upon whom it is poured.

Nothing like it can be found in all the treasuries of the rich, or the secrets of the wise. It is not to be imitated. It comes alone from God, and it is freely given, through Jesus Christ, to every waiting soul. Let us seek it, for we may have it, may have it this very evening. O Lord, anoint thy servants.

 

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Operation Midnight Hammer​

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The U.S. bombed Iran’s three main nuclear sites over the weekend.​

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What happened?
On Saturday night, President Trump announced that U.S. B-2 bombers “obliterated” three of Iran’s key nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—calling it a “spectacular military success.” Twelve bunker-buster bombs (each capable of reaching sites buried under 300 feet of rock) were dropped on Fordow, two on Natanz, and 30 Tomahawk missiles were launched from American submarines over 400 miles away.​

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The Pentagon emphasized Sunday that the “intentionally limited” operation directly targeted nuclear infrastructure, not Iranian troops or civilians. ​

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Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization reported no increase in off-site radiation.​

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What led to this?
The strikes came after nine days of Israel’s bombing campaign aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear pursuits. Iran has responded with missile attacks on Israel and has vowed to retaliate against the U.S.​

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POTUS reportedly approved the strike plans Tuesday but held off on entering the chat to see if Tehran would abandon its nuclear program. (It didn’t.)​

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What are people saying?
Responses have been very mixed, both in the U.S. and abroad. ​

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Israel praised the “bold” decision, while others, including China and Russia, condemned the strikes. Many American allies, including the U.K. and Italy, offered support for the strike while focusing on the need for diplomacy moving forward. ​

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Stateside, most Republican lawmakers, including Speaker Johnson (R-LA) and Senator Cruz (R-TX), applauded the strikes as necessary to ensure Iran never acquired a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Jeffries (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Schumer (D-NY), criticized Trump for not seeking Congressional authorization before using military force. Multiple Democrats and one Republican (Rep. Thomas Massie, R-KY) have suggested the strikes were unconstitutional, backing legislation to prohibit further U.S. involvement in the conflict.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
War and the evil it exposes are a terrible reminder that the world is not as it should be. Seek peace where you are and trust that the Lord will end all war in his perfect timing.​

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“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… Come, see the works of the LORD, who brings devastation on the earth.”
Psalm 46:6–7, 9 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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Ctrl+Alt+Leaked​

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Time to start thinkin’ up some new passwords—yours were (almost certainly) leaked.​

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Researchers at Cybernews, a cybersecurity watchdog site, announced they had discovered one of the largest data breaches in history: leaked datasets containing 16 billion login credentials from Google, Facebook, Apple, and “any other service imaginable.” The passwords were likely taken over time, from multiple sources, and by various infostealers before being compiled and briefly exposed.​

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Cybernews says the data breach gives hackers and scammers “unprecedented access” to consumers’ accounts, and that much of the data was likely duplicated, making it “impossible” to determine how many people were affected.​

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Experts are reiterating the importance of practicing good password hygiene, including using a variety of strong passwords, changing them frequently, using two-factor authentication when possible, and flossing passwords every night (not just before a checkup).

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Verse to consider when you’re feelin’ exposed… “Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Matthew 10:29-31 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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