“God does not work through big battalions, He is not interested in numbers; He is interested in purity, in vessels fit and meet for the Master’s use.”

Martin Lloyd-Jones

Table of Contents

1. Microsoft Makes DEI Moves

2. Secret Service Director Subpoenaed

3. RNC 2024 Coverage

4. Other news you should know

5. Share this newsletter

Microsoft Makes DEI Moves

A viral email from a Microsoft team lead criticizes the company for firing some employess included on their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) team, claiming DEI is now seen as "no longer business critical." The email, obtained by Business Insider and shared widely online, suggests that DEI programs are being reevaluated post-2020, with businesses potentially adjusting to avoid risks to federal contracts. Despite this, Microsoft maintains its commitment to diversity, with spokesperson Jeff Jones affirming their focus on diversity and inclusion. The layoffs were due to "changing business needs." While the exact number of affected employees is unclear, this is part of a broader pattern of restructuring at Microsoft, including significant layoffs and the closure of physical stores.

Before one reacts to a headline, a question, a comment, or an announcement, a wise man should always ask questions himself (Proverbs 18:13). Words are just as often used to deceive as they are to explain (Matthew 4:6). While words matter, most often words themselves are not the problem, it is the intent behind them which makes them life-giving or a source of trouble. The enemies of Nehemiah simply asked to “meet with him,” but what they really intended was far more sinister (Nehemiah 6:2).

So while several news sources (like Business Insider) are reporting that Microsoft “laid off its DEI team,” a closer look reveals it actually only changed “two roles on the events team” because their work was “duplicative.”  That is hardly a move away from DEI policies or philosophy. Playing word games is not a sign of repentance either in business or especially in dealings with the Lord. While a wise man will maintain a healthy level of skepticism when they hear a company like Microsoft is making changes, a wiser man still will make sure he means what he says when he professes allegiance to Christ. The Sovereign of the universe is not a fan of word games and is quick to remind us that people who “honor him with their lips while their hearts are far from Him” will have more than a public relations problem when they stand to give an account of their lives before Him (Matthew 15:8).

_{By: Todd Wagner}

Secret Service Director Subpoenaed

The House Oversight and Accountability Committee issued a subpoena to Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle for a hearing on the attempted assassination of former President Trump. This move comes amid increasing calls for Cheatle's resignation from top Republicans, citing her agency's failure to protect Trump. Despite committing to attend, Cheatle requested a postponement due to her responsibilities at the Republican National Convention, which the committee rejected. Cheatle insists on full cooperation with ongoing reviews and investigations. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expressed full confidence in Cheatle while congressional and Homeland Security inquiries continue to scrutinize the Secret Service's security protocols during the incident.

Addressing last weekend's failures openly not only aligns with biblical standards of transparency and accountability but also fosters a culture of integrity and trust that furthers the common good (2 Corinthians 8:21).

Whether in an office job, as Director of the Secret Service, or as a follower of Christ, it's always prudent to take stock (and ownership) when we fall short (Psalm 139:23-24). Forgiveness for our transgressions will always be found in Christ (1 John 1:9), but that doesn't mean there aren't any consequences resulting from our shortcomings (Proverbs 12:1).

Common grace (and common sense) teaches us that building trustworthy institutions and maintaining them will lead to human flourishing (Romans 13:1). May our leaders move towards justice and accountability in ways that honor the Lord more than any other (Proverbs 21:3).

If you are struggling with how to deal with your past sins -- find a "Nathan" kind of friend (2 Samuel 12:1-7), get involved in your local church (Hebrews 10:24-25), and look to the cross (Romans 5:8). After all, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace" (Ephesians 1:7) and "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1).

_{By: Jamie Wilder}

RNC 2024 Coverage

The Republican National Convention began Monday of this week following Former President Trump’s assassination attempt. The week has been highlighted by the VP announcement, a Sikh prayer, and approved Republican platform changes surrounding abortion and marriage. Donald Trump took the stage with a bandage over his ear last night to officially accept the party’s nomination for the 2024 election. He called for unity in America and offered a moment of silence for Cory Comperatore, the father killed at the rally.

The Republican National Convention, and particularly the adopted changes to the Republican platform, are a poignant reminder of what has been true all along: the Republican party is not the perfect solution to our nation’s problems; no political party short of “the Party of the Lamb” will be. When a prayer is offered to the “one true god” by a woman of the Sikh religion (Exodus 20:3-4), the party has made clear what has been clear for some time: they are a political party - intent on winning and ultimately willing to compromise when victory is at stake. What the Republicans seem to be trying to conserve is their appeal to the center-left, not the biblical ideals of marriage and life (2 Chronicles 15:2). 

We can take this opportunity to be reminded that our worship belongs to our unchanging God (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 7:24) and his infallible Word (Proverbs 30:5). As we continue to watch and make our plans to vote in November, we must be careful to pay attention to, and prayerfully evaluate the changes that are sure to come (Hosea 14:9, James 1:5).

_{By: Kirby Mankin}

Other news you should know

🚨Rumors are circulating that Biden is expected to drop out of the race by Sunday?

👎🏻 Gov. Newsom (CA) stripping parents of essential rights again.

🐳 Rare whale washes up on New Zealand shore.

🏋🏻 Hulk Hogan doing Hulk things at RNC Convention.

🪦 Bob Newhart dies at 94.

✈️ Well that escalated quickly, and wrongly?

🙏🏻 Footage shows unreached tribe in Peru, reminder to pray for and contribute to their being reached.

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