December 1, 2023

Congressman Faces Expulsion, Business Mogul Dead at 99

December 01, 2023

December 1, 2023

Together With:

Quote of the day:

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end."

^{- Isaiah 9:6}

Today’s Headlines

Congressman Faces Expulsion

The House of Representatives is expected to vote to remove George Santos (R-NY) from his seat this afternoon. He has survived two other expulsion efforts but is not expected to survive this one after additional reports were circulated on November 16th by the House Ethics Committee.

Santos refuses to resign, warning fellow members of setting a bad precedent, but he faces grim prospects after allegations of conspiracy and various types of fraud. He would be the sixth congressman ever to be expelled from their seat in history. He is currently facing a federal indictment of 23 counts. Santos made waves when he flipped a Democratic seat in 2022 and almost immediately faced scrutiny over the aforementioned allegations.

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The Remnant's Response

Unfortunately, distrust is not uncommon among the populace regarding politics, media, and public leaders, which, biblically speaking, is a sign of judgment on the land (Isaiah 3:4-5).

As we have written here and here, we should be thankful we live in a land where all men are held accountable to justice regardless of their position, and we should all hope that truth and justice are served in this, and in every case leaders are investigated. It is yet another sign of our nation's moral collapse that the number of instances where leaders are being charged is increasing (Proverbs 28:2). We should seek to be, and then elect, the type of men and women that live lives that are above reproach (Titus 2:7-8), leading our families, communities, cities, states, and nations in such a way that trust abounds and the people rejoice (Proverbs 29:2). God has clear requirements for spiritual leadership (1 Timothy 3:2-7) and provided guidelines for nations when they appoint their "kings" (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). We, of course, are free to reject God's instruction, but we are not free to avoid the consequences (Hosea 8:7), as clearly evidenced by America in 2023.

As leaders like Santos and Bob Menander illustrate, "A nation will be strong when it has a fair and just king. A nation will be weak when it has a king who is selfish and demands gifts." (Proverbs 29:4)

While we continue to prayerfully elect and faithfully prosecute as necessary those we didn't so prayerfully elect, let us especially focus on our own leadership and conduct so that we don't manage information, or share half-truths, and sacrifice our good name, which is exceedingly more valuable than great riches (Proverbs 22:1). May our hearts and the hearts of our leaders be biblically informed when it comes to pursuing greatness, (Mark 10:42-45) continually free from the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10), so we all lead with "integrity of heart" and "skillfulness of hand" (Psalm 78:72).

12 Days Of Wonder Advent Calendar

ADVENT means “the coming of Christ into the world!” Jesus, the KING OF KINGS, would become flesh and enter our world as a baby – to rescue and redeem us!

Along with the devotional in this Advent Study, there are pages for you to study the names of Jesus on your own. As you study, you will get a glimpse into who He is – and this will ignite your WONDER at the birth of our Savior this Christmas! May you worship Him during this Advent Season as never before!

Business Mogul Dead at 99

Renowned investor Charlie Munger, who was instrumental in the ascent of Berkshire Hathaway alongside Warren Buffett, has passed away at 99.

Munger, the long-standing vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, was a crucial force behind the conglomerate's success, shaping investment strategies and business decisions alongside Buffett. Despite his influential role, Munger often remained in the background, downplaying his contributions. Buffett, in 2008, credited Munger with expanding his investment horizons beyond traditional value strategies, emphasizing the invaluable lessons on business valuation and human nature. Munger's death marks the end of an era for Berkshire Hathaway and the investment community, losing a visionary leader whose impact transcended decades.

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The Remnant's Response

Jesus was the greatest investment strategist who ever lived (Matthew 6:19-20), reminding all of us that investing in eternity is exponentially wiser than experiencing 99 years of immense prosperity (Luke 9:25). Like all men who have died before him and all who will die after, Mr. Munger will be taking none of his worldly wealth with him (Job 1:21). Mr. Munger was famous for his witticisms; some of the most famous among them are the ones listed below, after which we provide even wiser comments that will be loved by shareholders in the faith.

"Invest in a business any fool can run, because someday a fool will." - Munger

Only a fool invests in things that provide value in this life alone. (Matthew 6:19-20)
One day, even a fool will be proven wise if he invests everything he has in the One to whom everything has been entrusted (Colossians 1:15-18; Revelation 22:12-13).
"The fool has said in his heart, there is no God." (Psalm 14:1)

"Capitalism without failure is like religion without hell." - Munger

Knowledge without repentance is a guarantee of hell to come. (Matthew 3:7-10)
Owning many things does not guarantee you many days. A successful capitalist does not live as long as long as he wants. (Luke 12:16-21)
"A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own imagination. (Proverbs 18:11)

"Worshiping at the altar of diversification…is really crazy." - Munger

Worshiping anything other than the God of creation... is really crazy (Jeremiah 10:6-11).
"No one can serve two masters; for either, he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." (Matthew 6:24).

"We recognized early on that very smart people do very dumb things, and we wanted to know why and who so we could avoid them." - Munger

"The companion of fools will suffer harm." (Proverbs 13:20)
"Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man, Or you will learn his ways, And find a snare for yourself." (Proverbs 22:24-25)

"Acquire worldly wisdom and adjust your behavior accordingly. If your new behavior gives you a little temporary unpopularity with your peer group, then to hell with them." - Munger

Acquire heavenly wisdom and adjust your behavior accordingly. If your new behavior gives you a little temporary unpopularity with your peer group, then pray for them because hell awaits them." (Proverbs 4:4-5, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-19)

"Avoid working directly under somebody you don't admire and don't want to be like." - Munger

"Follow me." Jesus

There is no judgment waiting for us just because we have been successful in this life, but there is no success in this life unless we realize this life isn't where success is ultimately determined. (Hebrews 9:27) We can be impressed with his business prowess and "investing" success, but if Charlie Munger missed the wisdom available in God's word, he invested his 99 years as poorly as any man who ever lived (Mark 8:36-37).