Just sharing.

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In El Salvador​

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A district judge is threatening to hold Trump officials in contempt of court, claiming they showed “willful disregard” for a direct judicial order when deporting immigrants to El Salvador last month.​

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It’s just part of the multi-faceted deportation saga.​

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Wednesday, several documents were released about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man deported from Maryland to a high-security Salvadoran prison. Included was a 2019 arrest record—in which he was charged with being in the country illegally and accused of gang affiliation by a confidential informant—and a since-dropped 2021 domestic violence restraining order by his wife. Abrego Garcia’s wife said they worked through the situation privately and that it didn’t justify ICE “abducting him and deporting him.”​

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Yesterday, Maryland Senator Van Hollen (D) met with Abrego Garcia. Van Hollen—who was denied visitation a day before—said he’d provide a “full update” upon his return.​

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
When discussing divisive topics like immigration, 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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“O Lord, let those who claim your name do no harm to it by their abrasiveness and impatience, but rather, speaking your precious truth in love, let them present your story winsomely that it might be well-loved, and that others might be drawn to your goodness, your beauty.”
Every Moment Holy, Volume 3, page 376​

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Concerning Cash...​

But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed.

Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 8:18-20 NIV


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He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread:
but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

A faithful man shall abound with blessings:
but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

Proverbs 28:19,20 KJV


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As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches but on God who richly furnishes us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good deeds, liberal and generous, thus laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life which is life indeed.




1 Timothy 6:17-19 RSV


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"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.

"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'

"In tithes and offerings.

"You are under a curse-the whole nation of you-because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."

Malachi 3:8-10 NIV


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Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith; the only faith
that saves is faith in Him.

 

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Rolling (Grave)stones​

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Early Sunday morning on the outskirts of Jerusalem, three women found a crucified Jewish man’s tomb empty.​

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On Thursday night, Jewish leaders set in motion their plan to execute Jesus—a teacher and miracle worker from Nazareth who had a large following—on blasphemy charges. Unable to execute people without Roman approval, they put Jesus before the Roman authorities, Pilate and Herod. Though the Romans found Jesus “not guilty of any of your charges,” they put him to death by crucifixion on Friday afternoon to avoid Jewish rebellion.​

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On Sunday morning, when the Sabbath was over, some women who had followed Jesus went to his tomb. But the entrance to the tomb was open, with the stone that had been sealing the entrance moved to the side. The tomb’s guards had fallen “like dead men,” and two angels reportedly appeared and told the women that Jesus “is not here, but has risen.” ​

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The Jewish leaders claim that Jesus’s disciples stole his body. But his disciples and others now claim to have seen him alive, proclaiming that he’s the Messiah.

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RADIATE HOPE
The resurrection of Jesus is the greatest headline we’ll ever write—the only one that will still be earth-shaking news 10,000 years from now, the one that is thoroughly good for our broken world and our sin-twisted hearts. Praise God that death can no longer sting those who are in Christ.​

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“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:56-58 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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“I will cut off them that worship and that swear by the Lord, and that swear by Malcham.”

Zephaniah 1:5

Such persons thought themselves safe because they were with both parties: they went with the followers of Jehovah, and bowed at the same time to Malcham. But duplicity is abominable with God, and hypocrisy his soul hateth. The idolater who distinctly gives himself to his false god, has one sin less than he who brings his polluted and detestable sacrifice unto the temple of the Lord, while his heart is with the world and the sins thereof.

To hold with the hare and run with the hounds, is a dastard's policy. In the common matters of daily life, a double- minded man is despised, but in religion he is loathsome to the last degree. The penalty pronounced in the verse before us is terrible, but it is well deserved; for how should divine justice spare the sinner, who knows the right, approves it, and professes to follow it, and all the while loves the evil, and gives it dominion in his heart?




My soul, search thyself this morning, and see whether thou art guilty of double-dealing. Thou professest to be a follower of Jesus — dost thou truly love him? Is thy heart right with God? Art thou of the family of old Father Honest, or art thou a relative of Mr. By-ends? A name to live is of little value if I be indeed dead in trespasses and sins. To have one foot on the land of truth, and another on the sea of falsehood, will involve a terrible fall and a total ruin.

Christ will be all or nothing. God fills the whole universe, and hence there is no room for another god; if, then, he reigns in my heart, there will be no space for another reigning power. Do I rest alone on Jesus crucified, and live alone for him? Is it my desire to do so? Is my heart set upon so doing? If so, blessed be the mighty grace which has led me to salvation; and if not so, O Lord, pardon my sad offence, and unite my heart to fear thy name.

 

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Farewell, Pope Francis​

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The 266th pope died early Easter Monday after suffering a stroke and heart failure.​

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The 88-year-old pontiff, who penned a global-peace-focused Easter address that was delivered the day before, had been home about a month after his five-week hospitalization for double pneumonia.​

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Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio to Italian immigrants in Argentina, Pope Francis—who chose his name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi—was the first pope from the Americas. He took over the papacy after Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013. ​

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When is the funeral?
Pope Francis’s body was moved to St. Peter’s Basilica today for public viewing. His days-long funeral will include a public Mass, set to begin on Saturday at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. Eastern). ​

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All of the 252 cardinals from around the world are expected to attend the funeral, along with international leaders including President Trump, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, and France's Emmanuel Macron.​

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The Argentinian pontiff will then be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a fifth-century church in Rome he frequented.​

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What is Pope Francis known for?
Francis was known for his humility, favoring modesty over papal pomp. He championed justice for the poor and marginalized, took action against sexual abuse in the Church, and spoke out on issues like refugee migration, war, and climate change. ​

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Considered one of the Church’s most socially progressive popes, Pope Francis sometimes drew criticism from conservative Catholics.​

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How will a new pope be chosen?
Next month, the ~135 voting-eligible Cardinals (must be under 80 years old) will meet for the papal conclave. The secretive process involves Cardinals being sealed inside the Sistine Chapel to deliberate and vote up to four times a day until ⅔ can agree on who the next pope will be. If no decision is made, they send up black smoke to indicate another day of voting; white smoke indicates a new head of the Catholic Church has been chosen.​

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Technically, any male Catholic is eligible… but current “papabile” front-runners include cardinals from Italy, Hungary, Guinea, and the Philippines.​

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

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
God, our Rock, be a fortress to us in moments of fear and uncertainty. When unwelcome news shifts our footing and reminds us of our frailty, still our spinning souls and be with us. ​

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“For you, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive, abounding in faithful love to all who call on you. LORD, hear my prayer; listen to my cries for mercy. I call on you in the day of my distress, for you will answer me.”
Psalm 86:5-7 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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Signalgate: The Sequel​

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Same day. Same strike plans. Different group chat.​

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under fire (again) for allegedly sharing U.S. strike plans on Yemen (including flight times and attack coordinates) in a private Signal chat with his wife, brother, and personal lawyer. Hegseth already faced criticism for sharing details of the strike in a different Signal chat, which mistakenly included The Atlantic’s editor. ​

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Hegseth denies sharing classified info over Signal and blamed recent reports on “disgruntled” former staffers who were fired amid ongoing leak investigations.​

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On Monday, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) became the first sitting Republican lawmaker to voice support for removing Hegseth. The White House is publicly backing the Defense Secretary, maintaining no classified info was shared via Signal and dismissing reports that President Trump has quietly begun searching to replace Hegseth as “fake news.” ​

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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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“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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Rate Relief​

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Something besides the stock market might be dropping.​

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After weeks of tariff hikes left Wall Street shakin’ in its boots, President Trump said U.S.-China talks are “active” and promised a “fair deal.” China says it’s open to talks—just not under continued threats.​

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The White House suggested current 145% tariffs on Chinese imports could drop to 50–65% and possibly even lower for goods not tied to national security. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says he sees potential for “a big deal,” while maintaining that the U.S. won’t cut tariffs without reciprocity.​

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The softened tones are a welcome sound for the CEOs of Walmart, Target, and Home Depot—who met with Trump Monday to raise concerns over strained global logistics and mounting costs—and for stocks. Markets rallied, with the S&P 500 climbing over 6% this week.

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Verse to consider whether your April budget has you celebrating or getting really creative… “Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.”
Hebrews 13:16 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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Signalgate: The Sequel​

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Same day. Same strike plans. Different group chat.​

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under fire (again) for allegedly sharing U.S. strike plans on Yemen (including flight times and attack coordinates) in a private Signal chat with his wife, brother, and personal lawyer. Hegseth already faced criticism for sharing details of the strike in a different Signal chat, which mistakenly included The Atlantic’s editor. ​

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Hegseth denies sharing classified info over Signal and blamed recent reports on “disgruntled” former staffers who were fired amid ongoing leak investigations.​

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On Monday, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) became the first sitting Republican lawmaker to voice support for removing Hegseth. The White House is publicly backing the Defense Secretary, maintaining no classified info was shared via Signal and dismissing reports that President Trump has quietly begun searching to replace Hegseth as “fake news.” ​

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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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“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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“And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.”

Luke 6:12

If ever one of woman born might have lived without prayer, it was our spotless, perfect Lord, and yet none was ever so much in supplication as he! Such was his love to his Father, that he loved much to be in communion with him: such his love for his people, that he desired to be much in intercession for them. The fact of this eminent prayerfulness of Jesus is a lesson for us — he hath given us an example that we may follow in his steps.




The time he chose was admirable, it was the hour of silence, when the crowd would not disturb him; the time of inaction, when all but himself had ceased to labour; and the season when slumber made men forget their woes, and cease their applications to him for relief. While others found rest in sleep, he refreshed himself with prayer. The place was also well selected. He was alone where none would intrude, where none could observe: thus was he free from Pharisaic ostentation and vulgar interruption. Those dark and silent hills were a fit oratory for the Son of God. Heaven and earth in midnight stillness heard the groans and sighs of the mysterious Being in whom both worlds were blended.

The continuance of his pleadings is remarkable; the long watches were not too long; the cold wind did not chill his devotions; the grim darkness did not darken his faith, or loneliness check his importunity. We cannot watch with him one hour, but he watched for us whole nights. The occasion for this prayer is notable; it was after his enemies had been enraged—prayer was his refuge and solace; it was before he sent forth the twelve apostles—prayer was the gate of his enterprise, the herald of his new work. Should we not learn from Jesus to resort to special prayer when we are under peculiar trial, or contemplate fresh endeavours for the Master's glory? Lord Jesus, teach us to pray.

 

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“The branch cannot bear fruit of itself.”

John 15:4

How did you begin to bear fruit? It was when you came to Jesus and cast yourselves on his great atonement, and rested on his finished righteousness. Ah! what fruit you had then! Do you remember those early days? Then indeed the vine flourished, the tender grape appeared, the pomegranates budded forth, and the beds of spices gave forth their smell. Have you declined since then? If you have, we charge you to remember that time of love, and repent, and do thy first works. Be most in those engagements which you have experimentally proved to draw you nearest to Christ, because it is from him that all your fruits proceed. Any holy exercise which will bring you to him will help you to bear fruit.




The sun is, no doubt, a great worker in fruit-creating among the trees of the orchard: and Jesus is still more so among the trees of his garden of grace. When have you been the most fruitless? Has not it been when you have lived farthest from the Lord Jesus Christ, when you have slackened in prayer, when you have departed from the simplicity of your faith, when your graces have engrossed your attention instead of your Lord, when you have said, “My mountain standeth firm, I shall never be moved”; and have forgotten where your strength dwells — has not it been then that your fruit has ceased?

Some of us have been taught that we have nothing out of Christ, by terrible abasements of heart before the Lord; and when we have seen the utter barrenness and death of all creature power, we have cried in anguish, “From him all my fruit must be found, for no fruit can ever come from me.” We are taught, by past experience, that the more simply we depend upon the grace of God in Christ, and wait upon the Holy Spirit, the more we shall bring forth fruit unto God. Oh! to trust Jesus for fruit as well as for life.

 

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He Loves Us!​

"Then it shall come to pass, because you listen to these judgments, and keep and do them, that the LORD your God will keep with you the covenant and the mercy which He swore to your fathers. And He will love you and bless you and multiply you; He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your land, your grain and your new wine and your oil, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flock, in the land of which He swore to your fathers to give you."

Deuteronomy 7:12,13 NKJV


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The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing!

Zephaniah 3:17 RSV


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But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ ( by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:4-7 NASB


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For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 NKJV


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But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 NIV


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Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith; the only faith
that saves is faith in Him.

 

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Pope Francis’s Funeral​

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More than 250,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday to pay their respects to Pope Francis (see photos).​

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The 88-year-old Argentine pontiff was presented in a humble wooden coffin for a funeral ceremony full of tradition (simplified slightly, per his request). Catholics from all walks of life mourned alongside cardinals and world leaders, including President Trump, Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, and Britain's Prince William. ​

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In his homily, the Dean of the College of Cardinals remembered Pope Francis as “a Pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone.”​

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After the service, the popemobile carried Pope Francis on a four-mile procession through Rome’s mourner-packed streets. He was laid to rest at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, becoming the first pope to be buried outside the Vatican in over a century. ​

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Freed from the fear of death by Christ’s own death and resurrection, believers in Jesus mourn differently than the rest of the world. Pray that mourners around the world would experience God’s comfort and the hope of Jesus.​

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“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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