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Help [COLOR=revert-layer]Wanted​

Hired​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Economic uncertainty and rising energy prices can’t keep the labor market down. [/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]The Labor Department reported Friday that job growth crushed economists’ expectations for the third straight month—employers added 172,000 jobs in May, lapping the expected ~80,000. Unemployment held its ground at 4.3%, and revisions added a combined 93,000 jobs in March and April, with sectors like leisure, hospitality, and local government experiencing outsized gains ahead of the World Cup.[/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Some analysts are concerned about how well-paying these new positions are, as average hourly earnings (+3.4%) are not keeping pace with rising costs (3.8%). [/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]All three stock indexes closed sharply lower on Friday, with tech stocks suffering their largest daily decline since April 2025. The chip-heavy selloff was driven in part by fears that the labor market’s heyday will push the Fed to raise rates.

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[COLOR=revert-layer]CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
[COLOR=revert-layer]Regardless of whether the broader economy is struggling or thriving, Christians should seek to give generously of our time, talents, and resources to those in greater need. Reach out to your local church to see where help is needed. [/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer]“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[COLOR=revert-layer])[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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Truce or Dare​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Iran and Israel have broken their April ceasefire. ​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]A missile exchange started when Hezbollah fired on northern Israel, prompting Israel to strike a Hezbollah command center in Beirut Sunday. Iran retaliated with barrages of missiles—the first since the April ceasefire. Israel struck back, hitting targets near Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan. President Trump said he called PM Netanyahu Sunday, asking him not to retaliate, but the strikes were “already on their way.” [/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Both sides pulled back Monday, but promised fierce responses should the other side show signs of aggression. [/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]After the exchange, Iran’s parliament speaker called U.S. and Israeli bases “legitimate targets”; Washington said it supports Israel’s right to self-defense, and officials confirm American forces are on alert.

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[COLOR=revert-layer]CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
[COLOR=revert-layer]War is a heavy burden that impresses upon us our world’s need for restoration. Jesus came to bear that burden of sin, lighten our load, and restore our world. Pray that the Middle East would experience that restoration and glorify the Messiah Jesus. [/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer]“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28–30 (CSB) (read full passage)[/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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Every Four Years​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]The beautiful game’s biggest tournament kicks off across North America tomorrow.​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]FIFA's 2026 World Cup is its biggest edition ever, with 48 teams spread waaaay out across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico for 104 matches (see schedule) at record-breaking prices.[/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]On the pitch, reigning champ Argentina’s Lionel Messi (38) and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (41) will take their final bows, France's Kylian Mbappé needs five goals to break the all-time scoring record, and Norway’s [COLOR=revert-layer]The Terminator Erling Haaland and tournament-favorite Spain's phenom Lamine Yamal (18) make their Cup debut. Christian Pulisic leads the 16th-ranked United States who open Friday against Paraguay.[/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Beyond the pitch, Iran's team had its homebase moved from Arizona to Tijuana due to the U.S.-Iran war, and Somalia's first-ever World Cup referee was denied entry due to vetting concerns at Miami International Airport.[/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]We’re talking World Cup, allegiance to Christ, sore winning, and vuvuzelas tomorrow in Decaf: The Pour Over for Families. Sign up here to get it in your inbox (always free!).

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Verse to consider as countries compete and the world watches: “After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Revelation 7:9-10 (CSB) (read full passage[COLOR=revert-layer])[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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Goooooal!​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off yesterday.​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Mexico opened the vuvuzela-fest with a 2-0 win over South Africa in Mexico City following a Shakira-led opening ceremony (listen to the Official Song of the Cup). The U.S. starts kickin’ tonight against Paraguay at [COLOR=revert-layer]SoFi Stadium Los Angeles Stadium after a Katy Perry-led ceremony and a welcome from Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis.[/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Meanwhile, Haiti got an early yellow card for violating FIFA’s ban on political imagery with its kits’ depiction of the island nation’s 1803 War of Independence.[/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]On the court, a star-studded Madison Square Garden watched the Knicks complete the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history (29 points). After OG Anunoby’s last-second tip-in (watch it), the blue-and-orange are one win away from their first Larry O’Brien trophy since 1973. Game 5 is tomorrow in San Antonio.

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[COLOR=revert-layer]CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
[COLOR=revert-layer]Sports can be a field where spiritual fruit grows. Through sports, we experience the thrill of victory, resilience of defeat, the beauty of teamwork, and the delight of play. As you watch, cheer, and discuss sports, keep first-things-first by focusing on growing Christlike character, not just the scoreboard. [/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer]“We also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Romans 5:3-5 (CSB) (read full passage[COLOR=revert-layer])[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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War and Price​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Inflation hit a three-year high in May.​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]The Consumer Price Index reached 4.2%—up from 3.8% in April—as an energy price surge from the Iran war rattled household budgets. A silver lining: month-over-month increases slowed, and gas prices have decreased in early June.[/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Lasting relief likely hinges on a durable peace deal with Tehran and restored oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—a tall order. Even then, Wall Street analysts warn traffic may only recover to 60-70% of prewar volumes if Iran retains control of the waterway.[/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]“I love the inflation,” President Trump told reporters Wednesday—crediting the fall of oil prices to a clandestine operation he said moved 100 million barrels of oil through the Strait under the cover of darkness. Critics point out that the war has cost American households ~$3,100+ each.

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Verse to consider when your bank statement sends you spiraling…
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food… yet I will celebrate in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! The Lord my Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights!”
Habakkuk 3:17-19 (CSB) ([COLOR=revert-layer]read full passage[/COLOR])[/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer][td width="revert-layer"] [COLOR=revert-layer]Immigration—one of the most politically fraught issues of today—reentered the national conversation last week. But believers don’t take our cues from deeply divided political parties… our posture toward immigrants is defined by the story of God.​ [COLOR=revert-layer]

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​ [/COLOR]​ [COLOR=revert-layer][td width="revert-layer"] [COLOR=revert-layer]In part one of that story, God’s people are called to love migrants because they had lived the vulnerability of the immigrant firsthand while in Egypt: “The Lord your God… executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the resident alien, giving him food and clothing. You are also to love the resident alien, since you were resident aliens in the land of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:18–19 CSB).[/COLOR]​

[COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer][td width="revert-layer"] [COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer]Let’s pray for that kingdom to come and for our country to catch glimpses of it even today:[/COLOR][/COLOR]​ [COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer]God of All Nations, the world’s every inhabitant belongs to You. You have created a world bursting with life and beauty and distinction,1 a symphony of cultures that resounds with the glory of its three-person God. Thank You for the gifts of immigration— the new ideas, skills, innovations; the vibrant traditions, foods, perspectives— a mosaic of colors and textures pieced together to make something new, something beautiful. But we mourn the hard things that broke each tile; the struggles and abuses that move migrants from home and heritage. God our Refuge, give immigrants patience and resilience; meet them in their wandering and bring them into broad places of refuge and rest. As migrants search for peace and fruitfulness across foreign borders, may they find shelter from the heat, green pasture, and abundant water. May they encounter the Shepherd and thrive under Your care.2 To those who oversee immigration policy and enforcement, give prudence and compassion. May there be safety and orderliness, efficiency and dignity. Let officials creatively clear obstacles to welcome the vulnerable and the law-abiding; and let them build high, strong walls to keep out those who would do harm. Give them discernment to tell the difference. And may Your church be quick to extend hospitality and friendship to sojourners, knowing what it is to live as exiles longing for our home country. May we model the self-giving humility of Jesus, who crossed the border between heaven and earth, not to flee persecution or find prosperity, but to lay aside His riches and become poor— not to find a better life, but to lay His down.3 He became an outsider, a Man of Sorrows, so that I might be welcomed in. He became an exile and sojourner, so that I could find home. He was persecuted so that I can be at peace. Amen.[/COLOR] [COLOR=revert-layer] [/COLOR] [/COLOR] [COLOR=revert-layer] [/COLOR] [/COLOR][/COLOR] [/COLOR]​ [COLOR=revert-layer] [/COLOR] [/COLOR]

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[COLOR=revert-layer]And in part two, those who are in Christ become “citizens of heaven”; passing through a foreign land as “strangers and exiles” is core to believers’ identity (Philippians 3:20; 1 Peter 2:11–12). Imitating our Savior—who loved outsiders so thoroughly He left His heavenly home and became one Himself—we extend compassion to outsiders, welcoming the strangers among us. [/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]What this looks like in practice is messy, but the vision of what it looks like for God’s kingdom to come is clear: multitudes from every tribe finding a permanent home in the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 7:9), becoming insiders without fear of threat from those outside.[/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer]Burdens . . . Bad? [COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer]

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[/COLOR] [/COLOR][/COLOR] [/COLOR] [/COLOR]​ [COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer][ 1 min read ★ ][/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=revert-layer] [/COLOR] [/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=revert-layer] [/COLOR] [/COLOR]​ [/COLOR]

[COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer]Count it all joy, my brothers—James 1:2-4 This age regards the burdens of struggle/hardship/pain as simply bad, to be avoided at all cost—the loss of a job, loss of a career, loss of financial stability, loss of an image, loss of a marriage. So we medicate, distract, deny—anything to make them go away. And, when we just can’t, we direct our frustration toward God: “Where are you?” “How could you allow this?” [COLOR=revert-layer][/COLOR] But . . . what if . . . these burdens are actually good things? Constructive things? What if they have a purpose? What if they’re not random things, but parts of a program to make us more mature, more focused, more rugged, more fruitful? Jesus taught that God prunes “every branch that does bear fruit,” so that “it may bear more fruit” (John 15:2). And, indeed, most men will concede that—while they’ve certainly not enjoyed the struggle/hardship/pain of the past—they do like the people they’ve become as a result. They prefer their post-burden selves to the men they were before. [COLOR=revert-layer][/COLOR] Maybe we’ve got this upside down. Maybe we need to think differently about struggle/hardship/pain? Maybe the words of James aren’t so crazy? “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).[/COLOR] [COLOR=revert-layer] [/COLOR] [/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=revert-layer] [/COLOR] [/COLOR][/COLOR]

[COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer]Okay, so what do we do? Are you going through something tough, right now? If not, enjoy this time. If you are, recognize the pain. Talk about it with trusted friends. But don’t try to escape it. Let it do its work. And, trust that it will not last forever. Trust that, after a little while, it’ll go away and you’ll emerge a better version of you.[/COLOR] [COLOR=revert-layer] [/COLOR] [/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=revert-layer] [/COLOR] [/COLOR][/COLOR]

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Peace Deal​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]The U.S. and Iran have reached a peace deal.​

[COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer] Lifting the U.S. naval blockade Reopening the Strait of Hormuz Ending sanctions of Iranian oil and energy Iran disposing of all enriched uranium [/COLOR][/COLOR]

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Pakistan’s prime minister was the first to announce a deal, saying “both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon” and that an official signing will take place in Switzerland on Friday. President Trump confirmed the news, saying "congratulations to all” and promising “oil will flow” once the deal is inked.[/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Details of the deal are not confirmed, but reportedly include:[/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]President Trump suggested last week a deal could be signed Sunday, but doubts rose when an Israeli strike on Hezbollah in Beirut, Lebanon, killed three yesterday morning. As of writing, Israel has not commented on the U.S.-Iran deal.

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[COLOR=revert-layer]ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
[COLOR=revert-layer]Let’s celebrate good news without placing our hope in earthly peace or prosperity. Instead, focus on the unchangeable end to this story: our God on the throne in a renewed world, ruling unchallenged forever. Live today in light of that happy ending.[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer]“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed. Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for the day of God and hasten its coming.”
[COLOR=revert-layer]2 Peter 3:10-12 (CSB)[/COLOR] ([COLOR=revert-layer]read full passage[/COLOR])[/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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God Is My Savior!​

The LORD lives!
Praise be to my Rock!
Exalted be God my Savior!

Psalm 18:46 NIV


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But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

1 Corinthians 11:31,32 NIV


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And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Romans 5:3-5 KJV





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For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:15-18 NASB


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We need a Savior because we are sinners,
and the wages of sin is death...

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable 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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B-52 Crash​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]A nuclear-capable bomber crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in California’s Mojave Desert Monday, killing eight crew members.​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]The aircraft went down around 11:20 a.m., shortly after takeoff, sending black smoke over Kern County. All eight aboard (three more than a B-52’s typical crew of five, and a mix of military, government-employed civilians, and contractors) died. The Air Force said the crash was “not survivable.”[/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]The bomber has been in service since 1955 and was recently used in operations against Iran. Edwards has reopened, though officials stood down on operations through Tuesday; the cause is under investigation and could take months to determine. [/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]The incident came a day after two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, killing all six aboard, including American singer and comedian Oliver Tree, who was on a world tour.

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[COLOR=revert-layer]PRAY WITH US
[COLOR=revert-layer]Join us in prayer for the families of all 14 who died in these crashes, that the “God of all comfort” would move in power in this time of incredible tragedy. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). [/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer]“Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved the spirit of faith and courage, that they may have strength to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience; not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with all who love you.”
Book of Common Prayer[COLOR=revert-layer], page 264[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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Crisis Averted​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]FBI and law enforcement officials disrupted an alleged plot targeting the White House’s UFC Freedom 250 event Sunday. ​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]The cage-fighting match held on the South Lawn to celebrate America’s 250th, and President Trump’s 80th birthday, drew an estimated 4,300 attendees. [/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]As of yesterday, investigators had arrested five people following a multi-state operation and had also identified 23 people who allegedly discussed the attack through Signal chats. Sources say the plot involved flying explosive drones into nearby buildings to trigger a mass evacuation, positioning snipers to target the fleeing crowd, then storming the White House gate in a “second wave.” [/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Law enforcement was tipped off to the threat on June 10, four days before the event. FBI Director Kash Patel thanked the FBI, DOJ, and law enforcement partners for stopping the “planned attacks” cold.

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Verse to consider when you’re tempted to live in fear of what might happen… “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”
Psalm 20:7 (ESV) (read full passage[COLOR=revert-layer])[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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Deal Details​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]President Trump and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, and we finally have the details.​

[COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer] “Immediate and permanent” end to military operations, including in Lebanon Strait of Hormuz reopens toll-free for 60 days (future fees still possible) U.S. commits to lifting all sanctions and unlocking ~$300B in frozen assets and reconstruction financing Iran reaffirms no nuclear weapons 60 days to reach a permanent agreement [/COLOR][/COLOR]

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Key terms include: [/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]The details sparked backlash from Israeli leaders and GOP allies for giving Iran large financial benefits while allowing it to keep a civilian nuclear program, uranium enrichment, and some ballistic missiles (a sharp break from years of U.S. red lines). [/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Trump dismissed critics, saying that Iran needed to maintain missiles because “other people have some.”

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[COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer]CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
[COLOR=revert-layer]Governments have different things on their agenda than God’s kingdom does. As global powers maneuver to have their way, God’s agenda is clear and unchanging. [/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer]“What does the LORD your God ask of you except to fear the LORD your God by walking in all his ways, to love him, and to worship the LORD your God with all your heart and all your soul? Keep the LORD’s commands and statutes I am giving you today, for your own good.”
Deuteronomy 10:12–13 (CSB) (read full passage)[/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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So, what is an IPO?​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]IPO stands for initial public offering. ​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]It’s when a company opens itself up to everyday investors, selling shares on the stock market for the first time. (Wanna know more about how the stock market works? (Check out our explainer for that.[COLOR=revert-layer])[/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]A pre-IPO company is considered privately owned, which is why you'll often hear people refer to IPOing as “going public.” [/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer]Why do companies “go public”?
Simple answer? Cash money. [/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Think about it this way: before a company goes public, it’s being funded by private investors (family, friends, founders, venture capitalists, etc.), and it’s a lot easier to sell a piece of your company to a million buyers for a small price than to ask one investor to write a $500M check. [/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]The capital a company gets from going public can pay off debts and fund expansions.[/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]There’s also a street cred aspect: companies that go public have passed Wall Street scrutiny. It’s good for branding and attracting customers and talent. [/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer]How does a company go public?
It’s quite the journey…[/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]The process starts when a company hires an investment bank (think: Goldman Sachs or Morgan Stanley) to be their IPO sherpa. [/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Next comes an S-1 filing with the SEC that forces the company to lay everything bare. Finances, risks, lawsuits, ugly quarters… all of it becomes public record. It's the corporate equivalent of having your diary posted online.[/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]From there, the company hits the road. Executives go on tour, pitching to the big-money players (mutual funds, pension funds, institutional investors) in what's called a “roadshow.” Think of it as a very expensive, very high-stakes sales trip. The bank uses that information to gauge what investor interest would be and set an share initial price. Then, on IPO day, the company gets a ticker symbol, shares hit the market, and anyone with a brokerage account can buy a slice of the company pie.

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[COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer]CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
The Bible warns us over and over about the danger of feeding an insatiable desire for wealth. Fight that greed by exercising your generosity muscles, making a habit of an open-handed approach to all God’s gifts. [/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer]“Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to you… But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your own hand.”
1 Chronicles 29:11, 14 (CSB) (read full passage)[/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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On Again​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]After days of doubt, the U.S. and Iran began direct peace talks in Switzerland yesterday.​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Talks were supposed to begin Friday, but neither side showed up due to continued fighting between Israel and Hezbollah (an Iran-funded militant group) in Lebanon. The deal calls for a ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, but Israel was not included in the peace talks and insists its conflict in Lebanon is separate from the war in Iran.[/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]In response, Iran said it had re-closed the Strait of Hormuz, a statement disputed by Washington, who said “Iran doesn’t control the Strait. Traffic continues to flow.”[/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]But the tides have already turned back. Israel and Hezbollah have re-committed to a ceasefire, and Vice President Vance landed in Switzerland yesterday morning to begin negotiations with an Iranian delegation.[/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer]Verse to consider when maybes are multiplying in your own corner of the world: “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[COLOR=revert-layer])[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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“Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

Psalm 100:4

Our Lord would have all his people rich in high and happy thoughts concerning his blessed person. Jesus is not content that his brethren should think meanly of him; it is his pleasure that his espoused ones should be delighted with his beauty. We are not to regard him as a bare necessary, like to bread and water, but as a luxurious delicacy, as a rare and ravishing delight. To this end he has revealed himself as the “pearl of great price” in its peerless beauty, as the “bundle of myrrh” in its refreshing fragrance, as the “rose of Sharon” in its lasting perfume, as the “lily” in its spotless purity.




As a help to high thoughts of Christ, remember the estimation that Christ is had in beyond the skies, where things are measured by the right standard. Think how God esteems the Only Begotten, his unspeakable gift to us. Consider what the angels think of him, as they count it their highest honour to veil their faces at his feet. Consider what the blood-washed think of him, as day without night they sing his well deserved praises. High thoughts of Christ will enable us to act consistently with our relations towards him. The more loftily we see Christ enthroned, and the more lowly we are when bowing before the foot of the throne, the more truly shall we be prepared to act our part towards him.

Our Lord Jesus desires us to think well of him, that we may submit cheerfully to his authority. High thoughts of him increase our love. Love and esteem go together. Therefore, believer, think much of your Master's excellencies. Study him in his primeval glory, before he took upon himself your nature! Think of the mighty love which drew him from his throne to die upon the cross! Admire him as he conquers all the powers of hell! See him risen, crowned, glorified! Bow before him as the Wonderful, the Counsellor, the mighty God, for only thus will your love to him be what it should.

 

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Cheerio, Starmer​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Downing Street’s revolving door is spinning again.​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation as leader of the governing Labour party Monday, clearing the path for the U.K.’s seventh PM in ten years. The move came after Starmer faced a plummeting approval rating and intense pressure from Labour leaders to stand down; he’ll remain as caretaker PM until his party chooses a new leader.[/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Nominations for the next Labour leader open July 9, and some politicians have signaled they may run (which, in Britain, means gaining the support of 81 other Labour lawmakers).[/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer]All eyes are on Andy Burnham, a recently-elected member of parliament and former mayor of Greater Manchester who announced his leadership bid Monday, as Starmer’s likely replacement. If no formal contest arises from nominations, Burnham’s expected to be selected by default.

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[COLOR=revert-layer]Verse to consider whether you’re invested in, detached from, or unaware of foreign elections: “[The son of man] was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, so that those of every people, nation, and language should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will not be destroyed.”
Daniel 7:14 (CSB) (read full passage[COLOR=revert-layer])[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer]Miraculous Change [COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer]

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[/COLOR] [/COLOR][/COLOR] [/COLOR] [/COLOR]​ [COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer][ 1 min read ★ ][/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=revert-layer] [/COLOR] [/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=revert-layer] [/COLOR] [/COLOR]​ [/COLOR]

[COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer]For the grace of God has appeared—Titus 2:11-12 For us men to truly, in our hearts, want to repent of our sins, repent of our screw-ups—for us to truly want to turn our backs on our old selves, on the self-indulgent men we’ve been—we’ve got to first trust that we can change, that we can become new men, if we do. I mean, we’ve been the way we are for a very long time, so it’s understandably hard to trust that there’s new life available, right here, right now—life that’s God-connected, God-filled, and God-honoring. So . . . can we trust it? Well, yes and no. On our own, new life is not available, and it never will be. On our own, we’ll remain our old selves until we die. Though we might want to become better men, we’ll only become worse. That’s what’s behind Paul’s frustration: “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (Romans 7:15). To just “man up” sure sounds good, but it doesn’t work. We’ve all tried it and it’s never enough, not even close. But with God’s help we can become new men. With his help we can become his men. And, he can’t wait to help. He’s wanted to for a very long time. He can’t wait to lend us his superpower called grace: the divine empowerment to do right, to do what we, by ourselves, cannot.[/COLOR] [COLOR=revert-layer] [/COLOR] [/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=revert-layer] [/COLOR] [/COLOR][/COLOR]

[COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer][COLOR=revert-layer] [COLOR=revert-layer]Okay, so what do we do? Jesus’ story is the greatest story the world’s ever known. It’s the story of a father and son, working together, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to do massive, miraculous things. It’s your story too. Trust that he can change you. Allow that trust to fuel your willingness to confess and repent and obey.[/COLOR] [COLOR=revert-layer] [/COLOR] [/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=revert-layer] [/COLOR] [/COLOR][/COLOR]

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