“Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.”

J. R. R. Tolkien

Table of Contents

1. Israel/Iran Tensions Increase

2. Kamala Picks Running Mate

3. Global Stock Market Fluctuation

4. Other news you should know

5. Share this newsletter

Israel/Iran Tensions Increase

The United States is urging both Iran and Israel to avoid escalating the current conflict, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasizing that the situation must not worsen. Blinken stated that negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire are in the final stages, with the new Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, playing a crucial role in deciding the outcome. The U.S. expressed concern over recent Israeli operations, including the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which angered the Biden administration. Meanwhile, U.S. military forces in the Middle East have been reinforced to deter potential Iranian aggression.

Sin has been "crouching at the door" to destroy God's people individually (Genesis 4:7) and corporately (Psalm 2:2) since the beginning of humankind (John 10:10). God's people have always been (Psalm 88:15) and will always be under attack until "the Lord of Hosts has His day of reckoning against everyone who is proud and lofty" (Isaiah 2:12). Israel as a nation is not new to the persecution (Psalm 132:1) and destruction "game" (Psalm 69:4) and it should expect to continue to be mocked and threatened until the Prince of Peace finally delivers them (Isaiah 34:8). But before this great day (Ezekiel 30:3) comes, Israel will themselves have a terrible day. (Amos 5:18) Until the nation and its leaders "look on the Lord Whom they have pierced and mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son" (Zechariah 12:10), there will be no lasting peace. 

Make no mistake, irrespective of Iran's actions in the coming days, Israel's toughest days are ahead of them (Jeremiah 30:7), and there is nothing the United States or the United Nations can do about it.  We, of course, should be praying for the peace of Israel (Psalm 122:6) even before the days of national repentance, but be assured, Israel will find its peace and salvation only when it finally puts its hope in the Messiah who has come to make provision for their sin (Isaiah 61:1). So, as we watch the coming trouble in the Middle East, let us remember two things. First, the Lord will win, and "all who hate Zion" will be put to shame and turned backward; they will "be like grass upon the housetops, which withers before it grows up" (Psalm 129:5-6). Secondly, and even more urgently, we need to be praying for all men, including and especially all our friends who make up the nation of Israel, to heed the Words of the Lord spoken through His prophet Joel, "Return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping and mourning; and rend your heart and not your garments. Now return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of evil" (Joel 2:12-13). This is the fullest, best, and only way to truly "bless Israel" (Genesis 12:3). Until the "great day," (Joel 2:11) fear not remnant unless you mock the Words of the prophet Joel yourself (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

_{By: Todd Wagner}

Kamala Picks Running Mate

Vice President Kamala Harris has named Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate for the 2024 election, bypassing popular Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania. Walz, a former congressman and National Guard member, is in his second term as Minnesota's governor and known for his progressive policies, including supporting "abortion rights," "gender-affirming care," legalizing recreational marijuana, and stricter gun laws. Just in recent days, Walz said, "One person's socialism is another person's neighborliness." Harris's choice appears to aim to consolidate the progressive base and strengthen her appeal in key Midwestern battlegrounds like Wisconsin and Michigan. However, it may alienate some voters and provides an opening for the Trump campaign to regain momentum.

In a democracy, where power is directly tied to people being motivated enough to take time away from work, kids, and leisure to vote, candidates make calculated decisions; however, that doesn't mean that these decisions are wise, smart, or moral (Proverbs 14:12). 

As noted above, Tim Walz has a record of denying image-bearers the right to life (Exodus 20:13), denying creation order by promoting transgender policies (Genesis 1:27), and allowing cities in his state to burn for days on end during the 2020 riots. Unfortunately, his policies and leadership have not displayed much concern for the welfare of the city (Jeremiah 29:7).

While only God knows the heart and one's true motivations (Jeremiah 17:10), many in our political landscape seem to ignore and belittle MLK's principle of judging by character rather than identity politics labels (Matthew 7:16). For weeks, mainstream media commentators have said the quiet part out loud: while Shapiro is a popular governor in a swing state, choosing him would be "risky" due to his Jewish heritage. Amid escalating Middle East tensions and conflicts during the Biden-Harris administration, appeasing the pro-Hamas side of the voter base offers little comfort to moderates seeking stability and sanity from our leadership class. 

A biblical worldview provides the remnant with clarity (Psalm 119:105). One's qualifications should not be based on race or ethnicity (James 2:9). God looks at the heart, not at the appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). Righteousness comes from God, not based on how progressive or ideologically aligned we are with either party (Romans 3:22).

_{By: Jamie Wilder}

Global Stock Market Fluctuation

On Monday, anxiety over a potential U.S. economic slowdown led to a significant global market sell-off, triggered by a rising yen and exacerbated by concerns about the Federal Reserve's timing in cutting interest rates. The turmoil began with a rapid decline in Asian markets, extending to Europe and the U.S., where the S&P 500 saw its sharpest daily drop since September 2022. Investors were spooked by a weak U.S. jobs report and fears of a recession, but some analysts saw the sell-off as a reaction to overextended bets, particularly in tech stocks. Despite the panic, the S&P 500 remains up nearly 9% for the year, and some economic data still indicate ongoing expansion.

A modern-day Matthew would have maybe included, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy… and stock markets fluctuate” (Matthew 6:19-21). Though we are called to be good stewards and make wise investments (Matthew 25:14-30, Proverbs 21:5), the Bible says that our hope does not lie in money, economies, or markets (Proverbs 23:4-5). As much as we strive to be wise with the resources we have been entrusted with, we should be a people as much known for our reckless generosity as our shrewd financial dealings (Proverbs 11:25, Luke 6:38). 

As surely as the sun will rise, so will the Word of God endure (1 Peter 1:25). Heed it (James 1:22-25). As surely as the sun will set, money will fade (Proverbs 27:24). Do not be loaded by it (Matthew 6:24). 

_{By: Kirby Mankin}

Other news you should know

🚫 New Hamas leader doesn’t instill a vote of confidence.

🧑🏻‍🚀️ Looks like they’ll be spending a couple more days in space.

🥇 Gabby Thomas sprints for gold and wins by huge margin.

🤔 Algerian boxer Imane Khelif stands to win silver or gold amid ongoing controversy.

👏🏻 Love a show of good sportmanship.

🏃🏻 This can’t be a good sign?

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