Just sharing.

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“O that I knew where I might find him!”

Job 23:3

In Job's uttermost extremity he cried after the Lord. The longing desire of an afflicted child of God is once more to see his Father's face. His first prayer is not “O that I might be healed of the disease which now festers in every part of my body!” nor even “O that I might see my children restored from the jaws of the grave, and my property once more brought from the hand of the spoiler!” but the first and uppermost cry is, “O that I knew where I might find Him , who is my God! that I might come even to his seat!”




God's children run home when the storm comes on. It is the heaven-born instinct of a gracious soul to seek shelter from all ills beneath the wings of Jehovah. “He that hath made his refuge God,” might serve as the title of a true believer. A hypocrite, when afflicted by God, resents the infliction, and, like a slave, would run from the Master who has scourged him; but not so the true heir of heaven, he kisses the hand which smote him, and seeks shelter from the rod in the bosom of the God who frowned upon him. Job's desire to commune with God was intensified by the failure of all other sources of consolation. The patriarch turned away from his sorry friends, and looked up to the celestial throne, just as a traveller turns from his empty skin bottle, and betakes himself with all speed to the well. He bids farewell to earth-born hopes, and cries, “O that I knew where I might find my God!”

Nothing teaches us so much the preciousness of the Creator, as when we learn the emptiness of all besides. Turning away with bitter scorn from earth's hives, where we find no honey, but many sharp stings, we rejoice in him whose faithful word is sweeter than honey or the honeycomb. In every trouble we should first seek to realize God's presence with us. Only let us enjoy his smile, and we can bear our daily cross with a willing heart for his dear sake.

 

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“0 Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul.”

Lamentations 3:58

Observe how positively the prophet speaks. He doth not say, “I hope, I trust, I sometimes think, that God hath pleaded the causes of my soul”; but he speaks of it as a matter of fact not to be disputed. “Thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul.” Let us, by the aid of the gracious Comforter, shake off those doubts and fears which so much mar our peace and comfort. Be this our prayer, that we may have done with the harsh croaking voice of surmise and suspicion, and may be able to speak with the clear, melodious voice of full assurance.




Notice how gratefully the prophet speaks, ascribing all the glory to God alone! You perceive there is not a word concerning himself or his own pleadings. He doth not ascribe his deliverance in any measure to any man, much less to his own merit; but it is “thou” — “O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life.” A grateful spirit should ever be cultivated by the Christian; and especially after deliverances we should prepare a song for our God. Earth should be a temple filled with the songs of grateful saints, and every day should be a censor smoking with the sweet incense of thanksgiving.

How joyful Jeremiah seems to be while he records the Lord's mercy. How triumphantly he lifts up the strain! He has been in the low dungeon, and is even now no other than the weeping prophet; and yet in the very book which is called “Lamentations,” clear as the song of Miriam when she dashed her fingers against the tabor, shrill as the note of Deborah when she met Barak with shouts of victory, we hear the voice of Jeremy going up to heaven — “Thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life.” O children of God, seek after a vital experience of the Lord's lovingkindness, and when you have it, speak positively of it; sing gratefully; shout triumphantly.

 

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Bot Stock Shock​

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DeepSeek—a Chinese AI company—is threatening to upend the technology world order.​

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Released last week, the startup’s model is reportedly as good as ChatGPT but costs ~97% less to build, operates at 3-4% the cost-per-output, and is free to use (vs. $20/month to get all of ChatGPT’s features). Amid the hype, DeepSeek swiftly passed ChatGPT as the top-downloaded free app in Apple’s App Store. ​

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Unlike competitors, DeepSeek left Nvidia chips out of its build, and the stock market definitely noticed. ​

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Tech stocks lost a combined $1 trillion of market value on Monday, led by Nvidia, which posted the largest single-day loss in history ($600 billion, ouch). Microsoft, Meta, and Tesla also posted big drops as investors questioned their plans to spend billions on (apparently unnecessary) AI infrastructure. Yesterday, the panic mellowed, and stocks rebounded.​

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RADIATE HOPE
In a world of rapid AI developments and innovations, God remains God, and our eternal life with Christ remains secure. Be quick to point to God and give him the credit for your hope, strength, and love during times dominated by the unknown. ​

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“The life of every living thing is in his hand, as well as the breath of all humanity.”
Job 12:10 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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Ceasefire Homecomings​

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After 15 months of fighting, thousands of displaced Palestinians are headed home (watch them stream in).​

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Israeli troops withdrew from a coastal road in Gaza on Monday, allowing Palestinians (300,000 by Hamas’s count) to leave southern shelters—schools, refugee camps, and relatives’ homes—for the northern Strip. Many will find only rubble, with satellite images showing 60% of northern buildings damaged or destroyed. Gaza’s health ministry says over 47,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.​

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The migration was delayed 48 hours after Hamas didn’t release an expected civilian hostage on Saturday, then resumed after Hamas agreed to release her and others this week. Hamas also confirmed Israeli intelligence that only 18 of the remaining 26 hostages set to be released in phase one of the deal are alive.​

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Phase two negotiations are set to begin next week.​

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

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Pray for the brokenhearted on both sides of the conflict to experience the comfort of Christ. He volunteered to leave his home to suffer terribly in our place so that we could live with him eternally in a world free of sin and its pains.​

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“Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:3–4 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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Crash Over the Potomac​

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The U.S.’s deadliest air crash in nearly 24 years left no survivors. ​

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Just before 9 p.m. Wednesday outside of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, an American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army helicopter collided midair, plunging both aircraft into the icy Potomac River. Officials say the plane was carrying 64 passengers and crew from Kansas—including U.S. and Russian skaters leaving the U.S. Figure Skating Championships—and the Black Hawk helicopter was carrying three soldiers on a training flight. ​

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The cause remains unknown. Officials say a last-minute runway change forced the plane to adjust course, but flight conditions were clear, and both aircraft were in a “standard pattern.” ​

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In a press conference yesterday, President Trump promised thorough investigations while suggesting DEI policies may be to blame.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Join us in prayer for crash victims and their families, that the “God of all comfort” would move in power in this time of incredible tragedy (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).​

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“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, page 264​

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Be ye thankful​

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6,7 NIV


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And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:14-16 KJV





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Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.

Hebrews 12:28,29 NASB


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

 

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What Does Service To God Look Like​

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6: 33, 34

Suppose someone you love were to say to you, “I don’t trust you. I don’t believe you love me and will care for me.” What an affront that would be to you! Yet that is what we are saying to God by our anxiety. Anxiety is a sin also because it is a lack of acceptance of God’s providence in our lives. God’s providence may be simply defined as God’s orchestrating all circumstances and events in His universe for His glory and the good of His people. Instead we tend to focus on the immediate causes of our anxiety rather than remembering that those immediate causes are under the sovereign control of God.


It doesn’t matter if we are brand new Christ followers or seasoned Christians of many years. From the first day we repent and believe Jesus as Lord and Savior as the one who rescued us from our sins and forgave us, we need his constant and steady supply of grace and strength and wisdom and insight every hour. We always will.

We Serve God With God’s Enabling Grace​

What we sometimes mistakenly believe (or simply forget) is that the bible tells us we are always in need of God’s supernatural grace and strength for every task we undertake. No matter what task we undertake to accomplish our inner spiritual need is the same. Certainly, we will grow, we will gain experience, and we will mature. But our inner spiritual posture should always be one of humility and complete dependence upon God.

Humility And Dependence Are Good Things​

As we take on the correct humble and dependent posture before the Lord, we will watch our worry and our anxiety slip away because we know (in the deepest recesses of our heart and mind) that anything good we do is because God is doing the good work in and through us.

We Are Always Dependent Upon God For Strength​

Yes, we work hard to be a servant in today’s world by properly training and preparing in our area of service. But as diligently as we labor to show ourselves approved onto God as a worthy laborer, we must be as keenly aware of our complete dependence upon God to enable us to do the work set before us. We work as if all depended upon us. We exercise our faith muscles by leaning fully on the grace of God knowing it is he who equips us to complete the work.



Take-away Action Thought

Today, I will begin my day by doing my best to fully prepare for the work and responsibilities before me. Part of that preparation will include spending time in prayer asking the Lord to guide me with his wisdom, his words, and an awareness of my complete dependence upon him to complete the work he has given me.



A Prayer of Confession

Dear God, I’m not sure I’ll ever feel ready to begin serving you. I want to have the confidence and experience I need to move into this new area of ministry but I worry I’ll fail. Please help me to do my part in training and preparation and then leave the rest in your hands. I know that I can do all the right things to get ready to serve but still I will make mistakes. Clothe me with a humble, dependent spirit that is fully aware of how much I must rely on you every day, every hour, no matter what I put my hand to do. I am your child and I long to honor you by trusting you because you are worthy of my trust. Amen.

 

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Trading Goods Tariffs​

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Uncle Sam is trading fewer goods and more tariffs with his top three trade partners: Canada, Mexico, and China. Combined, the three countries account for ~40% of U.S. trade. ​

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In an executive order signed Saturday, President Trump said the tariffs—25% on imports from Mexico and Canada (10% on Canadian energy products) and 10% on imports from China—are to hold the countries “accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl” from entering the U.S. ​

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The order includes provisions for hiking the import tax if the countries impose retaliatory tariffs… which happened almost immediately. Canada and Mexico promised their own 25% tariffs within hours, while China promised legal action against the taxes.​

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Supporters say the tariffs will boost American manufacturing industries; critics warn the levies could lead to higher inflation. ​

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

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Tariff Timeout​

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Some phone diplomacy put a North American trade war on hold. ​

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Uncle Sam’s planned tariffs on Mexican and Canadian exports were paused Monday—along with Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports—after the countries each struck border security deals with the White House.​

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Both countries will deploy 10,000 illegal-drug-and-immigration-stopping personnel to their borders, with the U.S. agreeing to work with its southern neighbor to prevent high-powered weapons from entering Mexico. As part of their negotiations, Canada will implement their $1.3B border plan, appoint a “Fentanyl Czar,” and work with the U.S. to create a “Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime.” ​

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Meanwhile, the planned 10% tax on Chinese exports did kick in yesterday. In response, China announced its own measures, including levies of up to 15% on select U.S. exports starting next week.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
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. ​

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“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)​

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“Thou art from everlasting.”

Psalm 93:2

Christ is Everlasting . Of him we may sing with David, “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever.” Rejoice, believer, in Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Jesus always was. The Babe born in Bethlehem was united to the Word, which was in the beginning, by whom all things were made. The title by which Christ revealed himself to John in Patmos was, “Him which is, and which was, and which is to come.” If he were not God from everlasting, we could not so devoutly love him; we could not feel that he had any share in the eternal love which is the fountain of all covenant blessings; but since he was from all eternity with the Father, we trace the stream of divine love to himself equally with his Father and the blessed Spirit.




As our Lord always was, so also he is for evermore. Jesus is not dead; “He ever liveth to make intercession for us.” Resort to him in all your times of need, for he is waiting to bless you still. Moreover, Jesus our Lord ever shall be. If God should spare your life to fulfil your full day of threescore years and ten, you will find that his cleansing fountain is still opened, and his precious blood has not lost its power; you shall find that the Priest who filled the healing fount with his own blood, lives to purge you from all iniquity.

When only your last battle remains to be fought, you shall find that the hand of your conquering Captain has not grown feeble — the living Saviour shall cheer the dying saint. When you enter heaven you shall find him there bearing the dew of his youth; and through eternity the Lord Jesus shall still remain the perennial spring of joy, and life, and glory to his people. Living waters may you draw from this sacred well! Jesus always was, he always is, he always shall be. He is eternal in all his attributes, in all his offices, in all his might, and willingness to bless, comfort, guard, and crown his chosen people.

 

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Overtime​

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Federal workers will have more time to make a major decision.​

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Last week, 2 million government employees—including workers from the CIA and at least four other intelligence agencies—were offered deferred resignations (leave now, receive pay and benefits through September) as part of the White House’s efforts to overhaul the federal workforce. ​

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The Trump admin reportedly expected 5-10% of federal workers to quit, saving Uncle Sam $100 billion annually; an estimated 2%—40,000 people—have accepted the deal so far. Critics have challenged the offer’s legality and the administration’s authority to fulfill it; others worry that agencies’ effectiveness would weaken if experienced staff resign.​

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Yesterday, a federal judge pushed back last night’s deadline for workers to decide if they’ll resign until at least Monday when a hearing will take place to weigh blocking the buyout further.​

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

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Proposal for the Strip​

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President Trump’s ideas for post-war Gaza are making waves. ​

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Earlier this week, Trump announced that he envisioned the U.S. developing Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” casting the effort as offering “enduring peace” and giving “people a chance.” Yesterday, his administration clarified that no U.S. troops would be required and any relocation of the Palestinian population would be temporary, but reiterated that Israel would “turn over” Gaza to the U.S. under his plan.​

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Israeli PM Netanyahu called Trump’s proposal “the first good idea” he’s heard for the enclave, but it’s found few other supporters.​

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China, Russia, the U.K., France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt all quickly voiced their opposition, while the U.N. warned about “ethnic cleansing.” The Palestinian president said Palestine is “not for sale” and “not an investment project.”​

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Join us in prayer for wise leadership and long-term peace, trusting—no matter how complex the conflict—that God is able to spread across the globe the peace that he has given to those who trust him (Isaiah 26:3).​

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“Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Book of Common Prayer, page 654​

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“Avoid foolish questions.”

Titus 3:9

Our days are few, and are far better spent in doing good, than in disputing over matters which are, at best, of minor importance. The old schoolmen did a world of mischief by their incessant discussion of subjects of no practical importance; and our Churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse points and unimportant questions. After everything has been said that can be said, neither party is any the wiser, and therefore the discussion no more promotes knowledge than love, and it is foolish to sow in so barren a field.




Questions upon points wherein Scripture is silent; upon mysteries which belong to God alone; upon prophecies of doubtful interpretation; and upon mere modes of observing human ceremonials, are all foolish, and wise men avoid them. Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions, but to avoid them altogether; and if we observe the apostle's precept (Titus 3:8) to be careful to maintain good works, we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with profitable business to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings.

There are, however, some questions which are the reverse of foolish, which we must not avoid, but fairly and honestly meet, such as these: Do I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? Am I renewed in the spirit of my mind? Am I walking not after the flesh, but after the Spirit? Am I growing in grace? Does my conversation adorn the doctrine of God my Saviour? Am I looking for the coming of the Lord, and watching as a servant should do who expects his master? What more can I do for Jesus? Such enquiries as these urgently demand our attention; and if we have been at all given to cavilling, let us now turn our critical abilities to a service so much more profitable. Let us be peace-makers, and endeavour to lead others both by our precept and example, to “avoid foolish questions.”

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Halted​

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Some Trump administration initiatives have hit judicial roadblocks.​

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On Friday, a federal judge temporarily blocked efforts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), pausing plans to recall nearly all agency workers abroad and put 2,200 employees on paid administrative leave. Another hearing is set for Wednesday. ​

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Early Saturday, a different federal judge blocked the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing Treasury payment systems over security concerns. Officials who gained access since January 20 must delete any downloaded records.​

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While those efforts slowed, others began.​

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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a new policy limiting “indirect” costs on medical grants (which cover things like equipment, personnel, accounting, etc.) to 15%. Universities warn it could upend medical research; the NIH called it “vital” to prioritize funding for “direct scientific research.”

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Verse to consider when it feels like you take one step forward, three steps back… “A person’s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps.”
Proverbs 16:9 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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Lacking Daily Food​

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Somalia is caught in the crosshairs of natural disasters, global conflicts, widespread poverty, and disease outbreaks. ​

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East Africa is coming off its worst drought in 40 years, which has left tens of millions of people without access to clean water, killed millions of livestock, and decimated crops. They became very reliant on imported food, and 90% of Somalia’s wheat came from Russia and Ukraine… which stopped coming.​

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Now, two in five children in Somalia suffer from acute malnutrition, and a cholera outbreak is spreading in some areas. The food shortage, coupled with humanitarian aid being focused on Europe and the Middle East, has been the perfect storm and led to an alarming increase in child malnutrition. ​

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BE DOERS
We’re asking the TPO Community to join us in partnering with World Concern to help get emergency nutrition packs (a peanut paste fortified with nutrients), water, and hygiene products to those with the most need. ​

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Every $12 feeds a child for a month. We’re matching the first $3,000; just give through this link.​

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“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​

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Steel Deals & Sealed Pardons​

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Monday kicked off another busy week in the White House. ​

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First, President Trump restored “a true 25% tariff” on all imported steel—removing the exemptions for Uncle Sam’s biggest steel-trading buddies (Mexico and Canada)—and increased tariffs on aluminum to 25%.​

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International criticism was quick. The E.U. promised “proportionate countermeasures,” criticizing the import tax as “bad for business, worse for consumers.” While U.S. industries––especially construction and auto––anticipate rising costs, Trump said the move will boost domestic production and mark “the beginning of making America rich again.”​

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Before capping his Sharpie, Trump pardoned former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich (D), who was convicted of trying to sell Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat in 2008. Blagojevich served eight years of a 14-year sentence before Trump—who says Blagojevich was “set up”—commuted the sentence during his first term.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Whether your wallet’s having a tough day or you just got some really good news, believers’ hope rests in Christ—not here-and-now outcomes. As citizens of heaven, trust the Lord to secure your future.​

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“Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 3:20 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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Fragile Truce​

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Hamas and Israel’s ceasefire is on thin ice.​

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Monday, Hamas said it would delay Saturday’s planned release of three hostages, claiming Israel is “targeting [displaced Palestinians] with direct shelling and gunfire” and delaying emergency shelter supplies. Israel called Hamas’s plan “a complete violation” of their agreement and moved troops to the Gaza border, saying, “If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon—the ceasefire will be terminated.”​

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Phase-two negotiations involving final hostage releases and a permanent end to the war have been delayed.​

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Other post-war discussions remain underway, with Trump saying he may withhold military aid to Jordan ($1B+ annually) and Egypt (~$1.5B annually) if they don’t take in Palestinians—which both countries oppose, citing security risk. Trump hosted Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House yesterday to discuss the future of Gaza.​

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
War puts the brokenness of this world on full display and reminds us of our desperate need for ultimate redemption. Jesus, the light of the world, came to shine in the darkness. Pray that the Middle East would experience the darkness-penetrating light of Christ. ​

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

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New Negotiations​

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Uncle Sam is prioritizing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.​

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited NATO headquarters Wednesday to talk about the future of the nearly-three-year-old war. He said Ukraine shouldn’t hold its breath for NATO membership, needs to make “realistic” land concessions, and won’t see any U.S. peacekeeping boots on the ground. ​

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Meanwhile, in Washington, President Trump shared a “lengthy and highly productive phone call” with Russian President Putin, agreeing to open talks to end the war “soon.” Trump also called Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, who’s ready to “get it done.” ​

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President Trump says he “backs Ukraine,” but his willingness to cede land and NATO membership before negotiations formally begin has raised alarms internationally. European powers called for “strong security guarantees” for Ukraine, saying any deal must include Ukraine and Europe.​

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
Whatever path you see out of conflict, believing you’re right is not an excuse for believers to be harsh, impatient, or unkind. Being peaceable, gentle, and open to reason in the face of thorny issues is a sign of God’s wisdom in us.​

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“Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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Our Comforter, Keeper, & Refuge​

The LORD is good,
A stronghold in the day of trouble,
And He knows those who take refuge in Him.

Nahum 1:7 NASB


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The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.

And they that know thy name will put
their trust in thee: for thou, LORD,
hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Psalm 9:9,10 KJV


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If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

Psalm 37:23,24 NIV


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He keeps the feet of His godly ones,
But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness;
For not by might shall a man prevail.

1 Samuel 2:9 NASB


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I waited patiently for the LORD to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the m&d and the mire.

He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.

Psalm 40:1,2 NLT


__________________

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

 

[beensetfree]

Parenting Moment: Why Do You Parent the Way You Do?​

We tend to default to what we know. It’s easy to fall into bad habits without realizing it. We tend to act like we saw our parents act–both the good and the bad. And the way we parent will become our children’s default one day.

Even if we were blessed with a godly heritage, our parents were still fallible human beings. They were also different than us, and parenting different children in a different time. We’d be wise to pause and look at our parenting decisions in light of God’s Word.

I was recently listening to a talk on teens and trauma, and the speaker (Tera Melber) pointed out that are brains literally rewire themselves as teenagers, letting go of pathways that aren’t used often. She explained that teens need to practice the things they want to keep, thereby creating firm pathways. She also brought us back to Romans 12:2 and how God wants to renew our minds.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2 (ESV)
God wants us to let go of bad pathways and form new ones. This process continues our whole lives! It made me stop and think about the pathways I’ve formed as a parent, and if they’re really the pathways I want to continue, or if I need some rewiring.

Forging a new pathway takes patience and consistency. It’s easy to just do what we’ve always done. But it’s worth the extra effort to follow Christ and His way more and more in how we parent our children. We can run to the cross, thankful for forgiveness for the past and power to move forward on a different pathway.