Just sharing.

[beensetfree]

[td]

Cracking On​

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[/td]​

[td]

The D.C. crime initiatives are stirring things up on the streets and in the courtroom. ​

[/td]​

[td]

The Justice Department and D.C. officials reached a deal Friday, after D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb sued to stop the federal takeover of local police and a federal judge signaled she was likely to rule in his favor. The DOJ agreed to keep police chief Smith at the helm in exchange for local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal officers and immigration enforcement.​

[/td]​

[td]

Protests have popped up across the nation’s capital in response to the crackdown—which had resulted in 240+ arrests—with demonstrators chanting “Free D.C.” ​

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[td]

Meanwhile, backup is en route. Three Republican-led states (Ohio, West Virginia, and South Carolina) have announced they will collectively deploy ~650 National Guardsmen and military police to D.C. as "a show of commitment to public safety and regional cooperation.” ​

[/td]​

[td]

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[/td]​

[td]

ABOVE ALL, LOVE
In this divisive political climate, Christians have an opportunity to show that our ultimate allegiance is to the God who shows perfect justice and mercy to everyone. Imitate Him, rooting for justice while retaining love for all parties, desiring restoration and not revenge. ​

[/td]​

[td]

“Therefore 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)​

[/td]​

 

[beensetfree]

[td]

Oval Office Arbitration​

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[/td]​

[td]

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy returned to the White House on Monday for more discussions on how to end the Russia-Ukraine war.​

[/td]​

[td]

European leaders joined a suited-up Zelenskyy and President Trump for a more-peaceful-than-last-time discussion. At the table, Trump suggested a temporary ceasefire may not be “necessary” for war-ending negotiations to take place; European leaders pushed back, saying they “can’t imagine” future meetings taking place without one. Trump also hinted that the U.S. may offer Ukraine security guarantees, but ruled out sending American troops to join the fight.​

[/td]​

[td]

After the summit, Trump had a 40-minute call with Russian President Putin to start arranging a Putin-Zelenskyy face-to-face; the Kremlin’s response has been noncommittal so far, and no future talks have been confirmed, but Switzerland has agreed to host if plans make it out of the group chat. ​

[/td]​

[td]

(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]

Verse to consider while we wait for God’s lasting peace to reign over all nations… “I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem. The bow of war will be removed, and he will proclaim peace to the nations. His dominion will extend from sea to sea, from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.”
Zechariah 9:10 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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[beensetfree]

[td]

Churned Up​

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[/td]​

[td]

Hurricane Erin has Outer Banks residents packing their bags.​

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[td]

Despite weakening to a Category 2 on Tuesday, Erin still threatens to churn out 110mph winds, 15-foot waves, and deadly rip currents from Florida to New England. While the storm is expected to curve north and stay offshore, mandatory evacuations were ordered for the Carolinian Barrier Islands, with warnings of swamped roads and dangerous surf.​

[/td]​

[td]

Erin lashed the Caribbean with rain and wind on Monday before setting her sights farther north. As she moved up the coast, officials at North Carolina’s Wrightsville Beach reported rescuing at least 60 swimmers from rip currents. ​

[/td]​

[td]

Tropical storm and surge watches remain in place across much of the Carolinas’ coastline. Forecasters say Erin’s closest pass will be today and tomorrow, with tropical-storm-force winds extending 200 miles from her offshore center.

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[/td]​

[td]

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Massive weather events and natural disasters remind us that all of the world has been broken by sin. But Christians can look forward to an eternity where there’s redemption not just for people but for creation itself. ​

[/td]​

[td]

“For the creation was subjected to futility — not willingly, but because of him who subjected it — in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children.”
Romans 8:20-21 (CSB) (read full passage)​

[/td]​

 

[beensetfree]

[td]

Temporary Truce on the Table​

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[/td]​

[td]

Hamas accepted mediators’ latest ceasefire proposal on Monday.​

[/td]​

[td]

The deal, based on the U.S. framework, would mean:​

[/td]​

[td]

• Hamas frees 10 living hostages and 18 bodies in two batches (which would leave 22 hostages in captivity, 10 believed to be alive)
• Israel releases 150 Palestinian prisoners
• Fighting stops for 60 days, meaning Israel abandons its planned occupation of Gaza City
• Negotiations for a permanent ceasefire restart

​

[/td]​

[td]

The news of Hamas’s approval came hours after President Trump urged Israel to expand attacks, saying Hamas must be “confronted and destroyed” to save hostages. Meanwhile, more than 200,000 Israelis protested the planned military expansion, arguing that it endangers hostages and Palestinian civilians. ​

[/td]​

[td]

Israel hasn’t committed either way, but Prime Minister Netanyahu has said he’s no longer interested in partial, temporary deals and wants hostages released all “in one go.”

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[/td]​

[td]

CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Join us in prayer for the Middle East, confident that God hears and grants our prayers when we pray “according to his will” (1 John 5:14–15).​

[/td]​

[td]

“O God, the Creator of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you in Jesus Christ; in whose Name we pray. Amen.”
Book of Common Prayer, page 655 ​

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[beensetfree]

[td]

Passing the Cart​

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[/td]​

[td]

Target announced that CEO Brian Cornell is stepping down in February after pushing the cart for 11 years. ​

[/td]​

[td]

Bullseye’s new boss will be current COO Michael Fiddelke, who climbed the ladder after starting as an intern 20 years ago. Fiddelke says he’s committed to getting the retail chain back on target and “building new momentum.” Targét’s sales have been flat or falling since 2022 amid persistent inflation and boycotts from both sides of the political aisle, first for championing DEI and then for retreating from its diversity initiatives.​

[/td]​

[td]

Wall Street seems less than impressed with the inside hire; Target shares dipped 6% following the announcement. ​

[/td]​

[td]

Also on a downward trend? Cracker Barrel, whose shares fell over 12% after the old country store unveiled a new, sleeker logo (see both logos).

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[/td]​

[td]

Verse to consider when you’re feeling pressure to keep up in a fast-paced environment… “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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[td]

Gaza City Operation​

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[td]

Israel’s military is “not waiting” to push into Gaza City.​

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[td]

Days after Hamas got on board with the regional negotiators’ proposed ceasefire deal to release almost half of the remaining hostages, Israel’s PM Netanyahu called for “shortening the timelines” on the planned offensive. The IDF has called up 60,000 reservists to accomplish its goal of deepening “damage to the terror infrastructure” and severing Gaza’s “dependence on Hamas.”​

[/td]​

[td]

Hamas criticized Israel’s “disregard” for the ceasefire proposal (Israel hasn’t responded yet) and its “brutal war against innocent civilians in Gaza City," where an estimated one million people are sheltering. ​

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[td]

The U.N. and Europe criticized the escalation, with France’s President Macron saying it spells “disaster for both peoples and risks plunging the entire region into a cycle of permanent war.”

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[td]

RADIATE HOPE
War puts the brokenness of this world on full display and reminds us of our world’s desperate need for final redemption. Jesus came as light to shine in the darkness. Pray that the Middle East would experience the darkness-penetrating light of Christ.​

[/td]​

[td]

“That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.”
John 1:5 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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[beensetfree]

[td]

Missed Memo​

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[td]

President Putin missed the peace-talk progress memo.​

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[td]

Tuesday night, Russia launched its largest aerial attack in over a month, deploying 574 drones and 40 missiles across Ukraine. Kyiv says it intercepted 62 drones and one missile, but strikes still hit five cities, damaging critical infrastructure, killing one, and injuring 22 others—most at a U.S.-owned electronics factory.​

[/td]​

[td]

The assault rippled beyond Ukraine; under NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing, Romania scrambled two German Eurofighter Typhoon jets to protect the Romania-Ukraine border. No Russian aircraft or projectiles entered Romanian (NATO) airspace, and both jets returned safely.​

[/td]​

[td]

Notably, the attacks come as President Trump, President Zelenskyy, and European leaders have been testing diplomatic waters with the Kremlin; Russian officials have stated attempts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war without Moscow’s participation are a “road to nowhere.”

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[/td]​

[td]

CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Negotiations progress and regress, and leaders succeed and let us down—but our hope is not in presidents, policies, or even achieving earthly peace. Put your trust in the Lord, who alone brings true justice, provision, and deliverance.​

[/td]​

[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)​

[/td]​

 

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[td]

Public Recording​

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[/td]​

[td]

The public is getting new Jeffrey Epstein deets. ​

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[td]

Friday, the Justice Department released the transcript of Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s two-day interview with Ghislaine Maxwell (convicted of aiding Epstein in trafficking minors). ​

[/td]​

[td]

During the interview, Maxwell stated: ​

[/td]​

[td]

• President Trump was “never inappropriate with anybody” during his acquaintance with her and “was a gentleman, in all respects.”
• Former President Bill Clinton never visited Epstein’s private island
• There is no Epstein “black book.”
• She does “not believe he died by suicide,” but she didn’t “know of any reason why” he would have been murdered.

​

[/td]​

[td]

The DOJ also sent 33,000+ pages of Epstein-related documents to Congress for “thorough review.” The House Oversight committee plans to make the files public after redacting explicit material and victims’ identification, saying ~3% contain new information.


__

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
We may never know the full truth about Jeffrey Epstein, but our ultimate source of security doesn’t come from having all the answers. It comes from Christ, who knows all things, executes perfect justice, and will make all things right in the end. As you wait for that day, celebrate the patience of your merciful Father and live holy lives in anticipation of his coming. ​

[/td]​

[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]

Double Strike​

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[/td]​

[td]

Thousands of protesters gathered across Israel yesterday to demand that their military “bring everyone home” and end the escalation in Gaza.​

[/td]​

[td]

Monday morning, Israel struck southern Gaza’s Nasser Hospital, targeting a suspected Hamas surveillance camera. A second blast hit the same spot ~10 minutes later in a controversial “double tap”—a tactic infamous (and controversial) for killing civilians. The strikes killed at least 20 people, including several medical professionals and journalists who came to the scene after the first strike.​

[/td]​

[td]

The attack—which raises the war’s civilian death toll to include 189 journalists and 1,500+ health workers—sparked widespread outrage. The E.U. called the strikes “completely unacceptable,” and the U.N. demanded “justice.”​

[/td]​

[td]

Monday night, PM Netanyahu said Israel doesn’t target civilians and "deeply regrets the tragic mishap that occurred," adding that the military is conducting a "thorough investigation."

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[/td]​

[td]

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Death is all around us, and the darkness weighs heavily on our hearts and our world. But believers have hope because Emmanuel is present with us in the darkness, and our Living God has removed the sting of death so that it’s powerless against those who love Him. ​

[/td]​

[td]

“‘Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, death, is your victory? Where, death, is your sting? 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.”
1 Corinthians 15:54-58 (CSB) (read full passage)​

[/td]​

 

[beensetfree]

[td]

Pink Slip​

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[/td]​

[td]

President Trump is saying “you’re fired,” to Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over fraud allegations. ​

[/td]​

[td]

While it has never happened, the president is allowed to remove a Fed governor “for cause.” Trump, who has expressed repeated displeasure over unchanged interest rates, says it’s be-cause of mortgage fraud. Her termination letter (read it here) states Cook “may have made false statements on one or more mortgage agreements”—referring to 2021 loan documents that list houses in both Michigan and Georgia as her primary residence. ​

[/td]​

[td]

Cook, appointed by former President Biden in 2022, has lawyered up, arguing that Trump “has no authority” to issue a pink slip and saying she will “continue to carry out” her duties. If her firing stands, Trump can appoint a more dovish (think: willing to cut rates) replacement.

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[/td]​

[td]

Verse to consider whether your job security feels ironclad or a little iffy… “The person who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence indeed is the LORD, is blessed. He will be like a tree planted by water: it sends its roots out toward a stream, it doesn’t fear when heat comes, and its foliage remains green. It will not worry in a year of drought or cease producing fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (CSB) (read full passage)​

[/td]​

 

[beensetfree]

[td]

Minneapolis Shooting​

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[/td]​

[td]

Two children—ages 8 and 10—were killed Wednesday in a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Three adults and 14 children were injured. ​

[/td]​

[td]

The shooter, a 23-year-old former student, barricaded church doors and opened fire through a window during morning mass. Children hid under pews as teachers and older students shielded them. The attacker—armed with a legally purchased rifle, shotgun, and pistol—died by suicide.​

[/td]​

[td]

Federal authorities say the shooter, identified as a transgender woman, is under investigation for a scheduled manifesto video posted after the attack. The video referenced Sandy Hook, other mass shooters, and targeting Catholics and children specifically. It also showed weapons inscribed with dozens of phrases, including “for the children” and threats towards Israel, President Trump, and God. ​

[/td]​

[td]

The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime.

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[/td]​

[td]

CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
The promise of heaven does not remove the pains of this world. Join us in praying for hope, strength, and peace for the families and first responders in Minneapolis.​

[/td]​

[td]

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (CSB) (read full passage)​

[/td]​

 

[beensetfree]

[td]

Frozen Assets​

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[/td]​

[td]

America’s top diplomat in Copenhagen has been called to the principal’s foreign secretary’s office.​

[/td]​

[td]

Acting ambassador to Denmark, Mark Stroh, was summoned on Wednesday over intelligence reports alleging that at least three U.S. citizens in Greenland have been stirring up opposition to Danish governance and promoting secession. ​

[/td]​

[td]

The U.S. has expressed interest in the Arctic island for its mineral wealth and strategic defense location, and President Trump has proposed annexing it. Spies were reportedly directed to gather intel on the growing independence movement and attitudes toward U.S. involvement—a leak National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard vowed to find and plug.​

[/td]​

[td]

The State Department said Stroh had a “productive conversation” with the foreign secretary, where he reaffirmed Greenland’s right to self-determination and said Uncle Sam can’t control “private citizens.” The White House said, “The Danes need to calm down.”

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[/td]​

[td]

Verse to consider whether you’re negotiating with a top diplomat, an uncooperative coworker, or a cranky teenager… “Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry for help.”
Psalm 34:14–15 (CSB) (read full passage)​

[/td]​

 

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[td]

Epidemiological Exodus​

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[td]

The CDC’s fighting an outbreak of open leadership positions.​

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[td]

On Wednesday, the HHS Department said newly sworn-in CDC Director Susan Monarez was “no longer director,” prompting four other senior health officials to resign in protest.​

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[td]

Monarez’s lawyers said she was targeted for refusing to “rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives,” but that “an email from an HR staffer” was insufficient—President Trump had to personally fire her. Yesterday, the White House said he did, and a new CDC Director would be announced “very soon.”​

[/td]​

[td]

The events come amid the FDA's repeal of pandemic-era emergency use authorizations for COVID vaccines. HHS Secretary RFK Jr. has long petitioned to remove the faster-but-less-thorough approval processes intended to increase vaccine availability during public health emergencies. New guidelines limit vaccine eligibility to patients who are 65+, have certain health conditions, or who must consult a doctor first.

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[/td]​

[td]

CHOOSE HUMILITY
It’s easy to throw stones at messy government dynamics… But how are the dynamics in your own home? Be patient and humble in all your discussions, demonstrating faith and contentment in Christ.​

[/td]​

[td]

“Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another.”
Romans 12:10 (CSB) (read full passage)​

[/td]​

 

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[td]

Red Light​

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[td]

Some of President Trump’s initiatives are hitting legal roadblocks. ​

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[td]

Friday, a federal appeals court ruled 7-4 that most of Trump’s tariffs are illegal. The president has used multiple laws to levy tariffs, but has primarily enacted the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The court determined that while the IEEPA does give the president “significant authority” during a national economic emergency, it does not give the “power to impose tariffs.”​

[/td]​

[td]

Impacted tariffs will remain in effect until October 14, allowing time to appeal to the Supreme Court.​

[/td]​

[td]

Later, a U.S. district judge blocked the Trump admin’s expansion of the “expedited removal” deportation program, saying that “prioritizing speed over all else” will lead to “erroneously removing people” from the country. Homeland Security criticized the ruling, saying it has “a mandate to…deport the worst of the worst.”

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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, desiring restoration rather than 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)​

[/td]​

 

[beensetfree]

Honesty​

The LORD abhors dishonest scales,
but accurate weights are his delight.

Proverbs 11:1 NIV


__________________

Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable? Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.

Micah 6:10-12 KJV


__________________

He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity,
He who rejects unjust gain
And shakes his hands so that they hold no bribe;

He who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed
And shuts his eyes from looking upon evil;

He will dwell on the heights,
His refuge will be the impregnable rock;
His bread will be given him,
His water will be sure.




Isaiah 33:15,16 NASB


__________________

So now, come back to your God! Act on the principles of love and justice, and always live in confident dependence on your God.

But no, the people are like crafty merchants selling from dishonest scales - they love to cheat.

Hosea 12:6,7 NLT


__________________

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.

 

[johndoeneo]

Honesty​

The LORD abhors dishonest scales,
but accurate weights are his delight.

Proverbs 11:1 NIV


__________________

Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable? Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights? For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.

Micah 6:10-12 KJV


__________________

He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity,
He who rejects unjust gain
And shakes his hands so that they hold no bribe;

He who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed
And shuts his eyes from looking upon evil;

He will dwell on the heights,
His refuge will be the impregnable rock;
His bread will be given him,
His water will be sure.




Isaiah 33:15,16 NASB


__________________

So now, come back to your God! Act on the principles of love and justice, and always live in confident dependence on your God.

But no, the people are like crafty merchants selling from dishonest scales - they love to cheat.

Hosea 12:6,7 NLT


__________________

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.

But jesus say Mark 10:18 jesus is not God though

 

[beensetfree]

[td]

Afghanistan Quake​

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[td]

At least 1,400 people were killed and over 3,000 injured after a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan Sunday night.​

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[td]

The quake’s epicenter was about 17 miles from Jalalabad, near the Afghanistan/Pakistan border, and just 5 miles below the surface, reducing vulnerable m&d-brick and wooden homes to rubble. (Shallow quakes lead to more intense shaking on the surface.) Aftershocks followed, including a 5.2 magnitude on Monday and a 5.5 magnitude yesterday. ​

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[td]

Rescue efforts have been hampered by steep terrain, landslides, and severe shortages of supplies; the Taliban has requested international aid.​

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[td]

Meanwhile, Sudan is also asking for help. A landslide in its war-ravaged Darfur region leveled an entire village on Sunday, killing an estimated 1,000 people and leaving just one survivor in a “nightmare” scenario.​

[/td]​

[td]

(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]

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Natural disasters remind us that all of the world has been broken by sin. But Christians can look forward to an eternity where there’s redemption not just for people, but for creation itself. Join us in praying for comfort, rescue, and ultimately, hope only found through Christ, for the Afghan and Sudanese people.

“For the creation was subjected to futility — not willingly, but because of him who subjected it — in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children.”
Romans 8:20-21 (CSB) (read full passage)​

[/td]​

 

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[td]

Solidarity Summit​

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[td]

The Far East didn’t take the weekend off.​

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[td]

President Xi Jinping of China hosted the largest-ever summit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)—a political, economic, and security alliance seen as a counterbalance to Western groups like NATO. More than 20 world leaders attended, including Indian PM Modi, Russian President Putin, and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. ​

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[td]

China presented its vision for a West-challenging “multilateral” global order, with leaders projecting regional solidarity. Xi chatted with his “old friend” Putin and with Modi, who celebrated an “atmosphere of peace and stability” after years of border tension between the neighboring countries.​

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[td]

The summit preceded today’s massive Chinese military parade in Tiananmen Square. Xi’s parade marks the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII and is expected to flex China’s military power for the West to see.

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[td]

CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
The gospel is scandalous because God’s heart is for everyone—East, West, and the ends of the earth—to know Him. His mission is for the life of the world… How are you joining Him?​

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[td]

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.”
John 3:16-18 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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[td]

Back in Session​

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[/td]​

[td]

Congress returned to a mountain Capitol Hill of work after its six-week summer vacay.​

[/td]​

[td]

Topping the pile: avoiding a government shutdown before October 1. President Trump wants to cut $4.9B in previously approved foreign aid as part of another “rescissions” spending package; Democrats want to restore funds previously nixed from Medicaid. Both parties will need to get off their high elephants and donkeys to get the 60 Senate ayes needed to pass a bill. ​

[/td]​

[td]

Meanwhile, representatives are making a rare bipartisan push to release the Epstein files, aiming to end Congress’s pre-break standoff.​

[/td]​

[td]

There’s plenty else on the agenda, including:​

[/td]​

[td]

• The Senate weighing in on Trump federalizing the D.C. police
• GOP senators’ plan to speed up the approval process for Trump’s 100+ federal nominees
• And a potential House vote to ban congressional stock trading

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[/td]​

[td]

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[td]

Verse to consider whether you have a mountain of paperwork, a mountain of laundry, or a literal mountain ahead of you today… “Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. 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 3:22–24 (CSB) (read full passage)​

[/td]​

 

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[td]

Shots Fired​

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[/td]​

[td]

Public health is having a messy family fight.​

[/td]​

[td]

HHS Secretary RFK Jr. spent yesterday in a contentious Senate hearing that included multiple shouting matches over his stance on vaccines and last week’s abrupt ousting of CDC Director Susan Monarez. RFK Jr. promised “new blood” at the CDC, saying the U.S. “did worse than any other country” at handling COVID. ​

[/td]​

[td]

It came a day after nine former CDC directors published a NYT op-ed accusing RFK Jr. of “endangering Americans’ health,” and California, Oregon, and Washington announced the West Coast Health Alliance—an organization that promises to provide science-based vaccine recommendations to “strengthen public confidence in vaccines and in public health” as federal guidance shifts. ​

[/td]​

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Meanwhile, Florida is also weighing in: Gov. DeSantis (R-FL) and Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced plans to eliminate all childhood vaccine mandates, calling them “immoral.”

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
Public health policy can spark heated debate. Remember that both your stance and how you take your stance reflect on Christ (Ephesians 4:15). ​

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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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