Just sharing.

beensetfree · Mar 10, 2025

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Numbers (Economic, not Mosaic)

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Ever-changing economic headlines are keeping consumers on their toes.

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President Trump announced he’s paused some of Monday’s tariffs on Mexico and Canada until April 2nd—exempting goods already covered by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a deal negotiated during Trump’s first term. A day earlier, he issued a one-month exemption for the auto industry.

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Wall Street appears tired of the whiplash; despite a reduction in tariffs (which investors typically like), the S&P 500 fell 1.8% yesterday, and the Dow dropped 1%.

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In the jobs realm, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced plans to cut over 80,000 workers; the IRS is preparing to halve its 90,000-person workforce; and the CDC… un-fired 180 employees. Meanwhile, private-sector hiring slowed to just 77,000 in February. It’s the weakest growth since July, compounding concerns of economic slowdown.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Too often, we let eternally insignificant things like the ups and downs of the market control us. Seeking to steward money well is a good thing, but keep your focus on the Giver rather than the gifts.

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“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”
2 Corinthians 8:9 (CSB) (read full passage)

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beensetfree · Mar 11, 2025

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War in Europe

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Fighting rages on as Ukraine’s allies weigh options for peace.

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Russia has intensified long-range missile attacks on Ukraine since Friday, an uptick that coincides with the U.S.’s pause on sharing military aid and intelligence—including satellite technology used for air defense—with Ukraine until it sees peace progress.

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In response to Russia “absolutely pounding Ukraine,” President Trump announced he’s “strongly considering” piling more sanctions and tariffs on Russia. However, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is skeptical, saying every Russian attack proves sanctions don’t work.

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With Trump weighing economic pressure, Europe’s weighing military might. French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Starmer have floated the possibility of sending European troops to Ukraine to enforce a peace agreement, while Macron says he’s open to using France’s nuclear deterrent to protect the continent—comments Russia called “extremely confrontational.”

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RADIATE HOPE
As we mourn violence and pray for peace around the world, believers are reminded of how good the news is of Jesus’s coming kingdom. His Spirit offers supernatural peace in our hearts today, and his return promises peace in a renewed earth forever.

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“‘For I will create new heavens and a new earth… The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like cattle, but the serpent’s food will be dust! They will not do what is evil or destroy on my entire holy mountain,’ says the Lord.”
Isaiah 65:17, 25 (CSB) (read full passage)

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beensetfree · Mar 12, 2025

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Causes of Death

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Official causes of death have been issued for actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.

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After initial confusion about whether or not their deaths were suspicious, autopsies indicated that 65-year-old Arakawa died on February 11 due to Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome—an infection caused by airborne rodent contamination—and 95-year-old Hackman passed away seven days later from heart disease, “with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributory factor.”

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Authorities say they discovered signs of rodent entry in the couple’s Santa Fe home, but Hackman tested negative for Hantavirus. Given his cognitive state, authorities believe Hackman was unaware of his wife’s death, leading him to stay in their 9,000-square-foot home without seeking assistance.

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Police found the couple’s bodies, along with their deceased dog—which had been left in its cage—in separate rooms of their house on February 26.

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CHRISTIAN 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.

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“‘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, because you know that your labor is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:54-58 (CSB) (read full passage)

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beensetfree · Mar 13, 2025

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Tariffied Markets

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Wall Street has had a rough week.

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In an interview on Sunday, President Trump didn’t rule out a recession; instead, predicting a “period of transition” as his policies take effect. Commerce Secretary Lutnick pushed back, insisting Americans should “absolutely not” brace for a recession and framing tariffs as part of a broader economic strategy that will bring American prosperity.

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Investors were still spooked; Monday was the Nasdaq’s worst day since 2022.

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The stock sell-off continued yesterday amid more trade uncertainty. Ontario’s premier—the leader of Canada’s most populous province—implemented (then paused) a 25% electricity surcharge on 1.5 million U.S. homes and businesses in retaliation for U.S. tariffs. President Trump re-retaliated by threatening (then unthreatening) to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%. The Dow closed down 1.1%.

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Verse to consider whether the broader economy is struggling or thriving… “Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.”
Hebrews 13:16 (CSB) (read full passage)

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beensetfree · Mar 14, 2025

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War and Diplomacy

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Ukraine is ready to accept a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia.

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the offer for a complete ceasefire—“to stop the shooting and start talking”—is now in Russia’s court. The Trump Administration simultaneously announced it has resumed sharing military aid and intelligence with Ukraine.

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For now, the battle rages on. Before dawn on Tuesday, Ukraine launched its largest long-range drone bombardment of the war, killing three and injuring at least 18 others near Moscow. Meanwhile, Russian forces are retaking ground in Kursk, the region invaded by Ukraine in August.

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Back on the home front, Rubio announced an audit of USAID—the agency responsible for distributing billions in foreign aid—is complete, leaving 83% of programs cut and the rest under State Dept. oversight.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
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 Eastern Europe would experience that restoration and glorify Jesus.

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“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)

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beensetfree · Mar 15, 2025

“Why does it have to be so hard?” Josiah moaned, burying his hand in his head. This particular assignment felt like it was just too much. How was he ever supposed to complete it? He wanted to just give up.

Josiah wished he could find a way to transport himself somewhere else. He wanted to escape this challenge. He saw his brothers outside playing, and wished he could join them. Why was he stuck with this task?

“Do you want to learn?” Josiah’s father’s compassionate voice interrupted his thoughts.

Josiah looked up. “Yes, I do,” he replied. “But why can’t we do the assignments we did last week? They were easy enough.”

“Because if you kept just doing them, you wouldn’t keep learning. I have to make it hard for you to learn.”

“This hard?” asked Josiah.

Josiah’s father looked at him lovingly. “Will you trust me to give you the assignments you need?”

Josiah sighed. He didn’t like this assignment at all, but he knew he could trust his father. It helped knowing that there was a purpose to the hard.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." James 1:2-3 (ESV)

beensetfree · Mar 16, 2025

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Whiskey Business

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While prices and unemployment chill, trade tensions are staying heated.

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February’s inflation eased to 2.8%, down from January’s 3%, beating economists’ expectations. Egg prices continued their rise—up 59% over the past year due to avian flu and supply shortages—and shelter costs rose 4.2%, their slowest pace since 2021. U.S. unemployment claims also dropped last week, indicating Uncle Sam’s labor market is still hangin’ on.

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The S&P 500, still rattled by trade tensions, dipped into correction territory yesterday—down 10% from its peak on February 19th.

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On the trade front, Canada slapped a 25% tariff on U.S. steel, and the E.U. raised tariffs on American agricultural products. President Trump has threatened a 200% tariff on European alcohol unless the E.U. lifts its 50% tariff on whiskey.

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Verse to consider whether eggs cost more than a car or less than a pack of gum…“Anyone trusting in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage.”
Proverbs 11:28 (CSB) (read full passage)

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beensetfree · Mar 17, 2025

Courage & Confidence

Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your
heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Psalm 31:24 KJV

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He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might
He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:29-31 NKJV

__________________

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the
goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall
strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalm 27:13,14 KJV

__________________

Return to your rest, O my soul,
For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

For You have rescued my soul from death,
My eyes from tears,
My feet from stumbling.

I shall walk before the LORD
In the land of the living.

Psalm 116:7-9 NASB

__________________

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.

beensetfree · Mar 18, 2025

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Red (Sea) Lines

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Tensions remain… tense in the Middle East.

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On Wednesday, the Yemen-based, Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced that they would resume attacking Israeli ships in the Red Sea in retaliation for Israel halting the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

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Then, Saturday, to “defend American interests, deter enemies and restore freedom of navigation,” Washington launched “decisive and powerful” airstrikes against the Houthis. The Trump admin reported killing “multiple” Houthi leaders and damaging its radars, air defenses, and missile and drone systems; the Houthis reported 31 deaths and vowed to “respond to the escalation by escalating.”

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The bombardment is reportedly the beginning of a larger campaign and a warning to Iran, an adversary Trump wants to prevent from acquiring nuclear weapons and has threatened military action against if Tehran won’t negotiate.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
When a fragile calm unravels into unnerving conflict, remember the God whose word brings order and goodness out of chaos.

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“The heavens were made by the word of the LORD, and all the stars, by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the water of the sea into a heap; he puts the depths into storehouses. Let the whole earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spoke, and it came into being; he commanded, and it came into existence.”
Psalm 33:6–9 (CSB) (read full passage)

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beensetfree · Mar 19, 2025

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Deadly Storms

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Severe weather wreaked havoc in the U.S. this weekend.

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At least 40 people died from conditions brought on by a sprawling storm system moving across the South and Midwest, spurring violent tornadoes, wildfires, dust storms, hail storms, and blizzard conditions.

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In Oklahoma, fierce winds fanned over 130 wildfires, forcing evacuations. In Texas and Kansas, dust storms caused deadly driving conditions, including one massive 50+ vehicle pileup. More than 40 tornadoes touched down in at least eight states—12 in Missouri alone—leveling schools, toppling semis, and leaving neighborhoods in ruins.

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Yesterday, the line of storms marched on for its third and final day, bringing wind, rain, and power outages to the Northeast and East Coast. Meanwhile, survey and cleanup efforts begin in the storm’s wake.

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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.

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“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)

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beensetfree · Mar 20, 2025

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Ceasefire Negotiations

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Russia and Ukraine are taking baby steps toward peace.

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In Saudi Arabia last week, Ukrainian and American delegates discussed a 30-day peace plan that Ukraine was “ready to accept.” Meetings left the ball in Russia’s court, and President Putin acknowledged that the ceasefire’s “idea is right,” but questions remained about details and enforcement.

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Presidents Trump and Putin had a chance to hammer out some details in a nearly three-hour phone call yesterday. Putin agreed to end strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, and the White House said negotiations for a Black Sea truce and permanent ceasefire will “begin immediately in the Middle East.”

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Negotiators may have a tall task: Ukraine wants “security guarantees” to prevent future invasions, while Russia says its “key condition” is ending all foreign military and intelligence assistance to Kyiv.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Christians should be committed to praying for world leaders to be wise and to work towards peaceful resolutions while simultaneously placing our hope in God, not government.

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“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)

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beensetfree · Mar 21, 2025

[td]
Signed, Sealed, Void?

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President Trump is questioning some John Hancocks Joe Bidens.

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Sunday, President Trump claimed that former President Biden’s last-minute pardons of the Jan. 6 select committee, Dr. Fauci, several Biden family members, and others were “void” and “vacant,” alleging they were signed using an autopen without then-President Biden’s knowledge.

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Autopens––mechanical devices that mimic signatures––have been used by presidents since Truman, typically on documents of lower-level importance (e.g., letters). In 2005, the DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel issued a memo saying autopens could be used to sign bills into law at the president’s direction; President Obama was the first to do so in 2011.

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Legal experts say revoking the pardons would be an uphill legal battle. The White House said President Trump was simply “raising the point” of concern and questions should be directed at former Biden officials.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Being peaceable, gentle, and open to reason in the face of political controversies is a sign of God’s wisdom in us. Believing you’re right is not an excuse to be harsh or condescending.

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“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense.”
James 3:17 (CSB) (read full passage)

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beensetfree · Mar 22, 2025

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Talks and Tensions

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Ceasefires are being negotiated… and ending.

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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy backed a limited ceasefire that would ban attacks on civilian infrastructure after a call with President Trump Wednesday, which both described as “positive.” Russian President Putin agreed to the narrow proposal on Tuesday but rejected Trump’s push for a broader 30-day ceasefire.

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U.S.-led negotiations will continue Sunday in Saudi Arabia, with Secretary of State Rubio and National Security Advisor Waltz representing the U.S.; Russia and Ukraine’s participation remains unclear.

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Meanwhile, the Israel/Hamas ceasefire appears to have fully broken. Israel resumed its ground assault and heavy airstrikes in Gaza this week; Hamas began returning rocket fire yesterday. At least 500 people have been killed since fighting resumed, and there’s not a clear path to resuming peace talks.

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

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“Nations rage, kingdoms topple; the earth melts when he lifts his voice. The Lord of Armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold… Come, see the works of the Lord, who brings devastation on the earth.”
Psalm 46:6–7, 9 (CSB) (read full passage)

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beensetfree · Mar 23, 2025

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Branch Divisions

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The Executive and Judicial branches are at odds.

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This week, President Trump called for the impeachment of the judge who blocked recent deportation efforts, earning a rare statement from Chief Justice Roberts, who said “impeachment is not an appropriate response” to a disliked decision. The Legislative branch entered the chat when a House Republican proposed a resolution to impeach the judge (his removal is highly unlikely, requiring a majority of the House and ⅔ of the Senate).

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Meanwhile, the courts are weighing in on DOGE’s cost-chainsawing efforts. Judges ruled:

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Probationary workers fired in recent mass layoffs must be fully reinstated
DOGE cannot shut down USAID, and Musk’s involvement in the effort was unconstitutional
DOGE can proceed in taking over the U.S. Institute of Peace

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All of these rulings are expected to be appealed.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
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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beensetfree · Mar 24, 2025

Psalms of Praise and Thanksgiving!

Lord, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me.

Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

I cried to the Lord with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah

Psalm 3:1-4 NKJV

________________

Psalm 21

The king shall have joy in Your strength, O Lord; And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

You have given him his heart’s desire, And have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah

For You meet him with the blessings of goodness; You set a crown of pure gold upon his head. He asked life from You, and You gave it to him— Length of days forever and ever.

His glory is great in Your salvation; Honor and majesty You have placed upon him.

For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence.

For the king trusts in the Lord, And through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved.

Be exalted, O Lord, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power.

Psalm 21:1-7; 13 NKJV

________________

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

beensetfree · Tuesday at 3:39 AM

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Airport Closed

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[td]

Please fasten your seatbelts––Heathrow is back.

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[td]

London’s Heathrow Airport, Europe’s busiest, was fully grounded for over 16 hours on Friday after a nearby electrical substation fire sparked a widespread power outage. Locals reported hearing a loud explosion just before midnight Thursday, and the flames (see footage) knocked out electricity to the airport and 16,000 nearby homes.

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The outage impacted 1,300 flights to and from Heathrow, disrupting plans for ~200,000 travelers worldwide. Some flights were diverted to other airports, while others made mid-air U-turns back to where they departed.

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Emergency generators kept critical systems running, but not enough to maintain normal operations—raising questions about how one transformer fire could shut down a major international hub. Authorities say there’s no evidence of terrorism or foul play, but the cause is still under investigation.

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

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beensetfree · Wednesday at 4:25 AM

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Crisis in DRC

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A decades-long conflict in eastern Congo has gone from a simmer to a boil in recent months.

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Last week, Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 ignored calls for a ceasefire, seizing a strategic town in Congo—one of the most poverty-stricken countries in the world. M23 is one of nearly 100 armed groups that have been vying for control of the mineral-rich area, and the resulting conflict has caught civilians (including many Christians) in the middle, creating one of the world’s most significant humanitarian crises.

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Last month, the U.N. Human Rights Council launched an investigation into allegations of atrocities, such as mass killings of civilians, by multiple groups.

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An estimated 7 million people have been displaced, and more than 25 million people—approximately one in four Congolese—face acute food insecurity.

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BE DOERS
We’re asking the TPO Community to join us in partnering with World Concern to help the most vulnerable in the Congo and in countries around the world where World Concern serves by providing life-sustaining nutrition, clean water, medication, and more with the love of Jesus. Every $27 provides someone with these emergency essentials.

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TPO is matching the first $3,000—simply give through this link.

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[td]

“If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, stay warm, and be well fed,’ but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it?”
James 2:15-16 CSB (read full passage)

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beensetfree · Thursday at 5:21 AM

[td]
New Chat, Who Dis?

[/td]

[td]

A group chat of top U.S. national security officials accidentally looped in… the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic.

[/td]

[td]

Jeffrey Goldberg says he was added to a Signal chat titled “Houthi PC small group” where senior Trump officials—including VP Vance and Defense Secretary Hegseth—debated the March 15 strike on Houthi rebels. Assuming it was fake, Goldberg silently watched the convo, which included specific targets, weapons, and timing, until the strike unfolded exactly as described.

[/td]

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He then left the chat and reached out for comment. The National Security Council confirmed the chat’s authenticity but called it “deep and thoughtful policy coordination.”

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Lawmakers from both parties condemned the use of Signal—an encrypted but not-approved-for-classified-info messaging app—for sensitive war planning. President Trump called the incident a “glitch” while his top intelligence officials told Senators that “no classified information” was shared.

[/td]

[td]

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

[/td]

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__

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[td]

ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Whether you’re critical of your government or think it’s unfairly criticized, the command for Christians is to love neighbors and enemies alike. That requires speaking about others with dignity and respect, even when we feel like they haven’t earned it.

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“With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way… Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom.”
James 3:9–10, 13 (CSB) (read full passage)

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beensetfree · Friday at 4:28 AM

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Mail Thepourover News
Who Dis?

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The Pour Over
From:[email protected]
To:[email protected]
Wed, Mar 26 at 5:02 PM

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Read Online

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Read Time: 5 min 59 sec | Listen to Podcast

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U.S. NEWS

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New Chat, Who Dis?

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POLITICS

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Via Venezuela

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─────── March 26, 2025 ───────

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Happy Wednesday!
ISO: College student who wants to bring The Pour Over to their campus.

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Fit the bill? Or… know someone who does? Apply (or pass along the application) to be a TPO College Ambassador!

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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“You were not made to live as brutes, but to follow virtue and knowledge.”
Dante Alighieri

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ESPRESSO SHOTS

[/td]

[/td]

[td]

A group chat of top U.S. national security officials accidentally looped in… the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic.

[/td]

[td]

Jeffrey Goldberg says he was added to a Signal chat titled “Houthi PC small group” where senior Trump officials—including VP Vance and Defense Secretary Hegseth—debated the March 15 strike on Houthi rebels. Assuming it was fake, Goldberg silently watched the convo, which included specific targets, weapons, and timing, until the strike unfolded exactly as described.

[/td]

[td]

He then left the chat and reached out for comment. The National Security Council confirmed the chat’s authenticity but called it “deep and thoughtful policy coordination.”

[/td]

[td]

Lawmakers from both parties condemned the use of Signal—an encrypted but not-approved-for-classified-info messaging app—for sensitive war planning. President Trump called the incident a “glitch” while his top intelligence officials told Senators that “no classified information” was shared.

[/td]

[td]

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

[/td]

[td]

__

[/td]

[td]

ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Whether you’re critical of your government or think it’s unfairly criticized, the command for Christians is to love neighbors and enemies alike. That requires speaking about others with dignity and respect, even when we feel like they haven’t earned it.

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“With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way… Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom.”
James 3:9–10, 13 (CSB) (read full passage)

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Share this story

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The U.S. and Venezuela are in a salsa diplomacy dance.

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Monday, President Trump announced that the U.S. would impose 25% tariffs on countries that buy oil and gas from Venezuela (their largest buyer is China), claiming the “hostile” country has been “intentionally flooding the U.S.” with gang members. The “secondary tariff” adds to other reciprocal tariffs going into effect April 2.

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The announcement comes amid continuing legal battles around the admin’s recent deportations of Venezuelans.

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A U.S. district judge declined to lift a restraining order preventing the Trump administration from using the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans. Meanwhile, a flight carrying 199 deported Venezuelan migrants (alleged members of the gang Tren de Aragua) touched down near Caracas after the Venezuelan government agreed to resume accepting deportees.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
As Christians, we can commit to praying for national and world leaders to be wise, while simultaneously placing our hope in God, not government.

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“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)

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beensetfree · Saturday at 5:09 AM

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Sticker Shock

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President Trump is giving the green light to auto industry tariffs.

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Wednesday, the White House announced a 25% tariff on imported passenger vehicles, light trucks (think: pickups), and some car parts beginning next week. Economists expect the levies will raise car prices by $4,000-$10,000 as many “American made” cars have foreign parts or are partially assembled in Mexico or Canada.

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Trump says the tariffs will make Uncle Sam $100B/year and incentivize companies to do more of the car-building in the U.S., creating jobs. Critics say higher prices will decrease demand, hurting carmakers and forcing layoffs. Auto stocks generally went in reverse (GM -7.8%, Ford -3%, STLA -2.5%, Tesla +2.5%).

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Tariff uncertainty and inflation fears are shaking Consumer Confidence. The measure of consumers’ optimism or pessimism about the economic future hit a 12-year low this week.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
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.

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“Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.”
Hebrews 13:16 (CSB) (read full passage)

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Just sharing.

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