Just sharing.

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COP30​

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The United Nations’ annual climate summit ended with a compromise in overtime on Saturday.​

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World leaders from nearly 200 countries gathered for COP30 on the outskirts of the Amazon in Brazil to discuss “the efforts needed to limit the global temperature.” No official U.S. delegation was sent—President Trump has called climate change a “hoax,” and the White House warned that “vague climate goals” put America at an economic and security disadvantage.​

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After 13 days of negotiations, delegates’ final agreement tripled funds to help vulnerable countries adapt to climate change, but pressure from oil-rich Arab nations kept out any mention of fossil fuels. ​

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Amid disappointment from some world leaders, Brazil promised to create its own “roadmap” for ditching fossil fuels and reversing deforestation.​

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
Our world is full of panic and anger surrounding climate change. In the midst of the noise, remember your calling: good stewardship of God’s creation and gracious conversation with everyone—even those who passionately disagree with you about the world’s way forward.​

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“My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.”
James 1:19-20 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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Thrown Out​

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The cases against two Trump critics have been dismissed. ​

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A federal judge threw out the criminal indictments of former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James (D), ruling that interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan—who brought both cases—was unlawfully appointed.​

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The judge ruled AG Pam Bondi’s 120-day interim-naming authority had lapsed when she appointed Halligan—President Trump’s former personal attorney. The White House maintains that Halligan “was legally appointed.” The DOJ is expected to appeal. ​

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Because the dismissals were without prejudice, the DOJ could refile—but Comey is largely shielded by a five-year statute of limitations, which expired in September. Comey said he expects Trump to “come after me again,” but that he’s innocent and “not afraid.” ​

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Both Comey and James pleaded not guilty, saying the cases were politically motivated.​

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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. ​

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“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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Worthy Is The Lamb! Praise Him with Thanksgiving!​

Worthy Is The Lamb! Praise Him with Thanksgiving!


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And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying,

"Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen."

Revelation 7:11-13 ESV


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For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

1 Timothy 4:4,5 ESV


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For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.




For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

1 Thessalonians 3:8-10 ESV


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Thou art worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory and honour and power:
for thou hast created all things,
and for thy pleasure they are and were created!

Revelation 4:11 KJV


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God, Whose grace is all sufficient, be glorified!

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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“Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels.”

Revelation 12:7

War always will rage between the two great sovereignties until one or other be crushed. Peace between good and evil is an impossibility; the very pretence of it would, in fact, be the triumph of the powers of darkness. Michael will always fight; his holy soul is vexed with sin, and will not endure it. Jesus will always be the dragon's foe, and that not in a quiet sense, but actively, vigorously, with full determination to exterminate evil. All his servants, whether angels in heaven or messengers on earth, will and must fight; they are born to be warriors — at the cross they enter into covenant never to make truce with evil; they are a warlike company, firm in defence and fierce in attack. The duty of every soldier in the army of the Lord is daily, with all his heart, and soul, and strength, to fight against the dragon.




The dragon and his angels will not decline the affray; they are incessant in their onslaughts, sparing no weapon, fair or foul. We are foolish to expect to serve God without opposition: the more zealous we are, the more sure are we to be assailed by the myrmidons of hell. The church may become slothful, but not so her great antagonist; his restless spirit never suffers the war to pause; he hates the woman's seed, and would fain devour the church if he could. The servants of Satan partake much of the old dragon's energy, and are usually an active race. War rages all around, and to dream of peace is dangerous and futile.

Glory be to God, we know the end of the war. The great dragon shall be cast out and for ever destroyed, while Jesus and they who are with him shall receive the crown. Let us sharpen our swords to-night, and pray the Holy Spirit to nerve our arms for the conflict. Never battle so important, never crown so glorious. Every man to his post, ye warriors of the cross, and may the Lord tread Satan under your feet shortly!

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“Thou hast made summer and winter.”

Psalm 74:17

My soul begin this wintry month with thy God. The cold snows and the piercing winds all remind thee that he keeps his covenant with day and night, and tend to assure thee that he will also keep that glorious covenant which he has made with thee in the person of Christ Jesus. He who is true to his Word in the revolutions of the seasons of this poor sin-polluted world, will not prove unfaithful in his dealings with his own well-beloved Son.




Winter in the soul is by no means a comfortable season, and if it be upon thee just now it will be very painful to thee: but there is this comfort, namely, that the Lord makes it. He sends the sharp blasts of adversity to nip the buds of expectation: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes over the once verdant meadows of our joy: he casteth forth his ice like morsels freezing the streams of our delight. He does it all, he is the great Winter King, and rules in the realms of frost, and therefore thou canst not murmur. Losses, crosses, heaviness, sickness, poverty, and a thousand other ills, are of the Lord's sending, and come to us with wise design. Frosts kill noxious insects, and put a bound to raging diseases; they break up the clods, and sweeten the soul. O that such good results would always follow our winters of affliction!

How we prize the fire just now! how pleasant is its cheerful glow! Let us in the same manner prize our Lord, who is the constant source of warmth and comfort in every time of trouble. Let us draw nigh to him, and in him find joy and peace in believing. Let us wrap ourselves in the warm garments of his promises, and go forth to labours which befit the season, for it were ill to be as the sluggard who will not plough by reason of the cold; for he shall beg in summer and have nothing.

 

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National Guard Shooting​

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Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot at close range while on patrol in Washington, D.C. last Wednesday—Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died on Thanksgiving, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in “critical condition.”​

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The suspect, a 29-year-old Afghan national, reportedly “came around the corner” and “immediately started firing.” A motive is not known. He had no criminal history and immigrated to the U.S. in 2021 when American troops withdrew from Afghanistan under a special program for Afghans who helped U.S. forces. He was part of an elite counterterrorism unit operated by the CIA.​

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Following the attack, President Trump pledged to "permanently pause migration from all third-world countries,” and the U.S. halted all asylum decisions. Defense Secretary Hegseth also said that 500 additional National Guard members would be deployed to the nation’s capital. ​

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Curious about how the National Guard works? Recap with this TPO Explains article. And help us decide what to cover in this week’s TPO Explains through this form.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
We live in a world marred by sin. Even as we work to promote accountability and redemption here on earth, we can rest in the knowledge that a day is coming when sin will be impossible and regret a distant memory.​

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“I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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Hong Kong Fire​

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A massive, multi-building fire in Hong Kong has killed at least 146 people, with many still missing and thousands left homeless. It’s Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades.​

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The fire started Wednesday afternoon at a first-floor apartment in the Wang Fuk Court complex—an under-renovation public housing block with ~4,800 mostly low-income residents—when construction netting outside the building caught fire.​

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Other highly flammable construction materials (think: styrofoam, bamboo scaffolding) helped the fire rapidly spread to seven of the complex’s eight towers (see how it spread), taking nearly two days and ~2,000 firefighters to put out.​

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As authorities investigate the fire’s cause, at least eight people—including engineers and contractors overseeing the renovations—have been arrested on corruption and negligence charges related to the fire. Three others have been arrested for manslaughter.​

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PRAY WITH US
Heavenly Father, our hearts are hurting for Hong Kong. Great Comforter, You are well-acquainted with our deepest griefs; be near to those who are mourning. Faithful Rescuer, bring home those who are still missing. God Who Provides, protect and care for those who’ve lost everything. Wise Counselor, give knowledge and discernment to first responders, investigators, leaders, and authorities. Amen.​

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Maritime Crime​

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Congress is investigating reports that the Pentagon committed a war crime in the Caribbean.​

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On Friday, The Washington Post alleged that on September 2, Secretary Hegseth ordered a SEAL team to “kill everybody” on a vessel ferrying drugs from Venezuela, prompting a Navy admiral to order a second strike after the first left two survivors. The alleged double strike—illegal if targeting shipwrecked, defenseless people—was the first attack in the maritime campaign that’s since killed over 80 alleged “narcoterrorists.”​

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The White House confirmed the admiral ordered the second strike but said he was “well within his authority” and denied that Hegseth gave the “kill” order.​

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The report has prompted bipartisan concern from Congress. Members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees have promised a full investigation and are hearing closed-door testimony from the admiral tomorrow.​

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Verse to consider whether a controversial headline leaves you angry, defensive, or confused… “The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:7-8 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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Cyclone Devastation​

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Three powerful cyclones (think: hurricanes of the South Pacific) collided with monsoon rains across South and Southeast Asia this week, killing more than 1,350 people and displacing millions. ​

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Entire Sri Lankan towns were submerged, prompting President Dissanayake to call it the “largest and most challenging natural disaster” in the country’s history. But it was Indonesia that was hit hardest, with tsunami-like flooding killing 700+ people and leaving thousands of people without food, water, and communication, and millions more displaced. ​

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As rescue teams struggle to reach remote areas, critics say the governments were unprepared and have been too slow in distributing food aid.​

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Meteorologists note that while monsoons happen every year, this season was intensified by La Niña (El Niño’s colder temperature cousin) and a rare equatorial cyclone, which warmer oceans can make more severe.

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PRAY WITH US
All-powerful God, we lament the loss of life and unfathomable destruction these storms have caused. King Jesus, bring your Kingdom! Comfort the grieving, give food to the hungry, give rest to the exhausted, bring peace to the horrified, give safety to the vulnerable, and give discernment and wisdom to all leaders and authorities. Amen.​

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Ukraine Update​

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Russia and Ukraine are sitting at separate negotiating tables this week.​

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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s been making his rounds in Europe—France on Monday, Ireland yesterday—to discuss Ukraine’s desire to keep all its land (Uncle Sam’s proposed peace plan includes Ukraine ceding some) and snag security guarantees from its continental allies. Zelenskyy said the deets “still need to be worked out,” but some European leaders have shown support for Ukraine’s war-ending wishlist. ​

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Russian President Putin called the terms “not acceptable” ahead of a peace-negotiating meeting with a U.S. delegation at the Kremlin; Putin also raised some eyebrows by warning Moscow was “ready” to defend itself in the event of war with Europe.​

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Meanwhile, on the frontlines, Russia said it had captured Pokrovsk, a key city in eastern Ukraine; Kyiv denies it, saying fighting is ongoing. ​

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Pray for the peaceful end to all conflicts worldwide, even as we wait for God’s kingdom to come in full—for the day when God’s reign of peace will settle every dispute, and all nations will walk in His paths. ​

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“He will settle disputes among many peoples and provide arbitration for strong nations that are far away. They will beat their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nation will not take up the sword against nation, and they will never again train for war.”
Micah 4:3 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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DHS in NOLA and MLPS​

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ICE is spreading into Louisiana and Minnesota.​

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Hundreds of federal border agents arrived in New Orleans Wednesday, targeting “criminal illegal aliens” arrested for serious crimes then released from the sanctuary city’s jail. ​

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Next, ICE will reportedly head to the Twin Cities to target Somali immigrants in the U.S. illegally. President Trump ended “temporary protected status” for immigrants from the East African nation (and 18 other third-world countries) last week after the shooting of two National Guard service members; #47 said “their country stinks and we don’t want them” here. Governor Tim Walz (D) criticized Trump for “demonizing an entire community” that contributes to Minnesota. ​

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Critics say ICE’s expanding operations scare residents, violate civil rights, and chill tourism. DHS and its supporters say Democrat-run sanctuary cities have “ignored the rule of law” and are endangering Americans. ​

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
While you probably play a small role in affecting U.S. immigration policy, you play a significant role in Christ's mission to demonstrate His love to the world. As you seek justice, remember compassion, knowing what it’s like to live as a sojourner in a land that’s not your home.​

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“Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and exiles to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul. Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that when they slander you as evildoers, they will observe your good works and will glorify God on the day he visits.”
1 Peter 2:11-12 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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“O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men.”

Psalm 107:8

If we complained less, and praised more, we should be happier, and God would be more glorified. Let us daily praise God for common mercies — common as we frequently call them, and yet so priceless, that when deprived of them we are ready to perish. Let us bless God for the eyes with which we behold the sun, for the health and strength to walk abroad, for the bread we eat, for the raiment we wear. Let us praise him that we are not cast out among the hopeless, or confined amongst the guilty; let us thank him for liberty, for friends, for family associations and comforts; let us praise him, in fact, for everything which we receive from his bounteous hand, for we deserve little, and yet are most plenteously endowed.




But, beloved, the sweetest and the loudest note in our songs of praise should be of redeeming love. God's redeeming acts towards his chosen are for ever the favourite themes of their praise. If we know what redemption means, let us not withhold our sonnets of thanksgiving. We have been redeemed from the power of our corruptions, uplifted from the depth of sin in which we were naturally plunged. We have been led to the cross of Christ — our shackles of guilt have been broken off; we are no longer slaves, but children of the living God, and can antedate the period when we shall be presented before the throne without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.

Even now by faith we wave the palm-branch and wrap ourselves about with the fair linen which is to be our everlasting array, and shall we not unceasingly give thanks to the Lord our Redeemer? Child of God, canst thou be silent? Awake, awake, ye inheritors of glory, and lead your captivity captive, as ye cry with David, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Let the new month begin with new songs.

 

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“Thou art all fair, my love.”

Song of Solomon 4:7

The Lord's admiration of his Church is very wonderful, and his description of her beauty is very glowing. She is not merely fair, but “all fair.” He views her in himself, washed in his sin-atoning blood and clothed in his meritorious righteousness, and he considers her to be full of comeliness and beauty. No wonder that such is the case, since it is but his own perfect excellency that he admires; for the holiness, glory, and perfection of his Church are his own glorious garments on the back of his own well-beloved spouse.




She is not simply pure, or well-proportioned; she is positively lovely and fair! She has actual merit! Her deformities of sin are removed; but more, she has through her Lord obtained a meritorious righteousness by which an actual beauty is conferred upon her. Believers have a positive righteousness given to them when they become “accepted in the beloved” (Eph. 1:6). Nor is the Church barely lovely, she is superlatively so. Her Lord styles her “Thou fairest among women.” She has a real worth and excellence which cannot be rivalled by all the nobility and royalty of the world.

If Jesus could exchange his elect bride for all the queens and empresses of earth, or even for the angels in heaven, he would not, for he puts her first and foremost—“fairest among women.” Like the moon she far outshines the stars. Nor is this an opinion which he is ashamed of, for he invites all men to hear it. He sets a “behold” before it, a special note of exclamation, inviting and arresting attention. “Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair” (Song of Sol. 4:1). His opinion he publishes abroad even now, and one day from the throne of his glory he will avow the truth of it before the assembled universe. “Come, ye blessed of my Father” (Matt. 25:34), will be his solemn affirmation of the loveliness of his elect.

 

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[td] As we kick off the second week of Advent—a season of longing and expectation—the Christmas hymns of the Church are playing on loop at low volume (sometimes high) in my mind and home. So as I’m processing the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington last week, these lyrics from “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”1 are echoing:​ ​ [td] “O come, O King of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind. Bid all our sad divisions cease and be yourself our King of Peace."​

[td] Bring your cares to the One who overcomes the darkness:​ ​ [td] [td] [td] God our Healer,2 You are near to the brokenhearted.3 Draw near to Sarah’s family and friends, comforting them in their darkest valley. Bind up and heal Andrew’s wounds; strengthen him for a full recovery. Reveal Yourself, their Strength and Consolation, and encourage them with eternal hope.4 And in obedience to You, we pray for the perpetrator, Rahmanullah.5 You created him, You know him, You love him. Now, transform him and turn him toward repentance and life. Bring healing. Bring reconciliation. Bring justice. Evil plans to do violence are not hidden from You. Derail any terrible plots in progress even now. And put our hearts at rest. Grant peace and courage to all who saw or heard this attack, and to all the National Guard members called to keep serving in its wake. Grant wisdom to politicians and authorities responding to this shooting, so that they steer with clear eyes and righteousness rather than reacting in fear. The wrongness of this world is right in our face— and only You can put it right. So we cry, “Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” “Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight.”1 Amen. ​

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This hymn and other classics are not all Christmas cheer. Most highlight the deep darkness in which we wait for our Savior, so that by the time we get to the refrain, we’re bursting with the sweetness of His light and ready to shout “Rejoice!”​

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His light makes even the deepest shadows—like violence against the young public servants Sarah and Andrew—flee. “That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5 CSB). ​

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Media Megadeal​

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Dun Dun… Netflix just shocked Hollywood.​

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On Friday, the streaming giant announced a deal to buy Warner Bros. film studio and streaming assets (HBO Max), ending a bidding war that included Paramount Skydance and Comcast. The cash-and-stock agreement values the enterprise at $82.7B.​

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Once Warner completes its previously planned split—separating its cable networks (Discovery, CNN, TNT, and others) from its studios—Netflix will assume control of its century-plus old archive, including The Wizard of Oz, the DC Universe, Harry Potter, and Friends.​

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Not everyone is applauding. Paramount Skydance questioned the fairness of the sale and raised antitrust flags. Lawmakers and politicians across party lines echoed the criticism, with the Trump admin reporting “heavy skepticism.” Movie-theater owners also protested, fearing future Warner Bros. films would go straight to streaming (despite Netflix’s promise that it’d continue theatrical releases).​

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
The world has different priorities than God does, and the entertainment industry races to capture our attention. Enjoy stories, films, and creativity as the good gifts they are without letting them become what shapes your affections most.​

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“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Colossians 3:2-4 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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