December 4, 2023

Bombing in the Philippines, Foster Care, Maritime Conflict

December 04, 2023

December 4, 2023

Quote of the day:

"Advent symbolizes the present situation of the church in these last days. We are constantly waiting and longing for the return of Jesus Christ when he will complete his eternal kingdom."

^{- Dietrich Bonhoeffer}

Today’s Headlines

Christian Foster Care Under Fire

A coalition of 19 Republican Attorneys General, led by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, is opposing a new Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rule, labeling it discriminatory against Christians and detrimental to the foster care system. The rule, named Safe and Appropriate Foster Care Placement Requirements, mandates foster parents to adhere to a child's self-identified gender identity.

The AGs argue that this indirectly echoes a 2021 Supreme Court ruling against Philadelphia's refusal to contract with a Catholic social services group over same-sex foster parenting. They contend that the rule would undermine faith-based organizations in the foster care system, limiting available homes and increasing costs. Citing the duty of Christian faith to care for children, the AGs stress the importance of faith-based groups, asserting that the proposed rule would push them away and exacerbate the strain on the foster care system.

AG Marshall accuses President Biden of harassing states like Alabama by tying federal funding to ideological conformity, vowing to defend the faith-based foster care community against such pressures. As of 2022, there were reportedly 391,000 children in foster care, and HHS anticipates an increase to 416,500 by 2027.

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The Remnant's Response

Caring for "orphans and widows in their distress" is at the heart of what James calls "pure and undefiled religion," but so is "keeping oneself unstained by the world" (James 1:27). It is impossible to care for orphans or any child if caring for them is defined by yielding to "their self-professed" understanding. The remnant knows it is the job of the mature adult to train them up in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6), not affirm them in their childish understanding (1 Corinthians 13:11) or foolish rebellion (Proverbs 23:13-15).

As is evidenced by the deceitfully named “Safe and appropriate Foster Care Placement Requirements” rule, we live in a world that “drags iniquity with the cords of falsehood” (Isaiah 5:18) and does so purposefully using words that seek to flatter us as we do it. (Psalm 5:9)

Deceptive tongues cannot seduce the remnant; we must persevere in righteousness (Psalm 5:8) and remain steadfast, knowing that the Lord will hold all men guilty and in contempt in their rebellion against Him (Psalm 5:10). We can be thankful for AG's like Steve Marshall and for any political party that stands up against the destructive lies of secular elites and progressive ideologues.

The Biden-Harris administration's aggressive promotion of transgender ideology, which exists with the full support of their apostate political party, can best be explained by reading Paul's words to the remnant in Rome, "The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so" (Romans 8:7). American and its children are in trouble because America is increasingly being organized around "everyone doing what is right in their own eyes" (Judges 21:25) which always leads to chaos and death (Proverbs 14:12). The war on children is a by-product of the war on truth and the remnant cannot stand idly by while it is being waged. We must speak out, stand firm, and stay ready against every scheme of the devil (1 Corinthians 16:13) to pervert the goodness God intends for His people. The "lines" will not "fall to us" or our children "in pleasant places" (Psalm 16:6) unless we submit to His will and way. Our nation's retreat into chaos will only stop when Godly AGs, and especially God's men and women, stand in the gap and unashamedly declare that obedience to God's will and way is the only 'safe and appropriate' way to care for children and adults everywhere.

Deadly Bombing in the Philippines

Yesterday, a deadly bombing during a Catholic Mass in Marawi, Philippines, claimed by Islamic State (IS) militants, left at least four dead and 50 injured. The attack occurred in a university gymnasium in a city previously besieged by Islamist militants in 2017. Before IS claimed responsibility, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr condemned the act. Security measures were heightened in the country's south and around Manila, with law enforcement vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro hinted at a possible foreign element in the bombing.

The blast followed military operations against local pro-IS groups, including the killing of a Dawlah Islamiya-Maute leader on the same day. The Islamic State-linked Maute had previously seized Marawi in 2017, resulting in a five-month battle with significant casualties. Police offices were placed on high alert, checkpoints tightened, and the Coast Guard intensified pre-departure inspections. Mindanao State University, where the incident occurred, suspended classes, condemning the violence. Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims, urging a turn from violence.

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The Remnant's Response

Wise leaders understand that part of their job is to rise “every morning” to “destroy all the wicked of the land, So as to cut off from the city of the LORD all those who do iniquity.” (Psalm 108:8). Executing judgment on wicked communities is the job of faithful governments everywhere. (Romans 13:3-4, 1 Peter 2:14) This truth also highlights the points made in today’s first remnant response reminding us why it is essential that leaders are elected that understand what must be called good, safe and appropriate and what should be called evil. (Isaiah 5:20)

Maritime Conflict in Red Sea

In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, a significant maritime assault involving drones and missiles targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea. The USS Carney, a U.S. Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, engaged in self-defense during this hours-long attack claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels. This incident marks a notable escalation in maritime conflicts within the Middle East linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The Carney successfully intercepted multiple projectiles and reported no damage or injuries. Concurrently, This escalation reflects the broader regional tensions and the increasing involvement of maritime targets in the conflict.

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The Remnant's Response

When leaders don’t wake up with resolve to destroy evil, evil will soon destroy them and quickly become a source of terror to others (Psalm 101:8).

Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who control the Yemen capital, are not the official or recognized government of the nation but are a radicalized Shia Islamist political/military organization that has been creating trouble in the Middle East for decades. Just weeks after Hamas declared war on Israel, the Houthis joined them. Years ago, they adopted the same slogan as Hezbollah militants, “God is the greatest, Death to America, Death to Israel, Cursed be the Jews, Victory to Islam,” and as a rebel “government committed to war,” they need to be dealt with the same finality which we have made the biblical case for Israel to act against Hamas. Read those here, here, here, here, and here.

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