Quote of the day:

“Our motto must continue to be perseverance. And ultimately I trust the Almighty will crown our efforts with success."

^{- William Wilberforce}

Today’s Headlines

Former VP Mike Pence Drops

Former Vice President Mike Pence has officially suspended his 2024 presidential campaign during a speech at the Republican Jewish Coalition Conference in Las Vegas. Pence, who championed conservative policies such as expanding federalism and challenging China in energy production, faced significant hurdles in his campaign. He struggled to gain momentum in a crowded field of candidates, holding just a 3.8% national primary polling average, and encountered financial difficulties.

Pence's decision came roughly two and a half months before the Iowa caucuses. While he did not immediately endorse another candidate, he urged fellow Republicans to resist the lure of populism. This withdrawal underscores the large presence of former President Donald Trump in the 2024 Republican race and follows a series of other candidates suspending their campaigns. 

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The Remnant's Response

The most shocking thing about Pence's withdrawal is that his former boss immediately claimed, “He should endorse me. I chose him, made him vice president.”Adding the observation, "But people in politics can be very disloyal." This is the same former President who said Pence was "too honest" when he refused to comply with his wishes during the electoral confirmation process in 2021. Whatever the problems with Pence's candidacy, it would not be a good thing to discover that honesty was one of them. If our land is ever to be known as "the just city" and "faithful town," it will start with the Lord "reestablishing honest judges, advisors," and leaders as in "earlier days" (Isaiah 1:26).

Trump, of course, has been anything but loyal to Pence, calling him an "automatic conveyor belt to get Biden elected." Trump's claim that people in politics can be disloyal is only wrong because it is too narrow. Solomon himself has said, "Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man?" (Proverbs 20:6). What our Savior knew was "in man" (John 2:24-25) is in all of us: fickleness, frailty, and sin (Romans 3:10-18). Despite this reality, a wise man will not stop pursuing and doing what he can to build relationships with others, but he also must not be surprised when men prove themselves untrustworthy. The most wonderful thing we, as members of the Remnant, have is the blessing of an eternally secure relationship with a perfect, kind, and trustworthy God (Psalm 145:13, Hebrews 13:5).

US Strikes Back In Syria

In response to a series of rocket and drone attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, the United States conducted two airstrikes on facilities used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and its proxies in eastern Syria. The strikes aimed to deter further attacks and signal that Iran needs to rein in its proxies without escalating the conflict.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that these precision self-defense strikes were carried out to protect US interests and personnel, emphasizing that the United States will not tolerate attacks on US forces. The US has deployed additional military assets to the Middle East to deter further attacks and prevent a wider conflict from erupting in the region.

This retaliation follows a recent increase in attacks on US troops, including a drone strike, resulting in traumatic brain injuries among nearly two dozen American service members. The US warned Iran that continued aggression would lead to further responses. President Joe Biden also warned that the US reserves the right to retaliate further if these attacks on American troops continue.

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The Remnant's Response

Tyrants are tempted when their foes are weak. Just as the Lord warns us that His response will be swift and sure if we continue in our hard-heartedness and sin (Proverbs 29:1), foolish leaders need to know there is a consequence to their terrors.

The readiness for war is a necessary reality in a broken world, both spiritually (1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:10-17) and in relation to our fellow nations. God has ordained the concept of "peace through strength," granting rulers the right to do good by "bearing the sword" and being an "avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil" (Romans 13:4). "Don't" means nothing if you don't have the ability to do something when they ignore your "don't."

Israel Update

Here are the latest updates on the war in Israel:

• Israel begins ground invasion of Gaza.

• IDF maintains their goal is to dismantle Hamas and rescue hostages.

• Communications in Gaza were cut off Friday night, but partially restored Sunday morning.

• Israel continues to encourage Gazan’s to move south for their own safety.

• Death toll in Gaza greater than 8,000.

• The Palestinian Ministry of Health estimates that at approximately 73% of casualties are made up of the elderly, women, and children.

While mainstream media continues to contend that land ownership is driving the conflict between Israel and Hamas, it is important to remember that Hamas has been publicly clear multiple times before, hate, terror, and wickedness drive their mission.

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The Remnant's Response 

We have written extensively on the Israel- Hamas war since it began 10/7. You can find our thoughts here: 10/25, 10/23, 10/20, 10/18, 10/16, 10/13, 10/11, 10/9.

There is always great clarity that evil demands action when evil acts upon you. Those who are calling for Israel to de-escalate need to pay attention to how our current President is making it clear we would retaliate if attacks come to us. It is good to see that we are supporting Israel in their appropriate response to the recent attacks by Hamas. The Lord hates "hands that shed innocent blood" (Proverbs 6:17). While we can be glad the nations are responding to terroristic groups and totalitarian states, we should be greatly concerned that both Israel and the United States embrace the horrible "freedom of choice" which allows for the shedding of innocent blood in the wombs of their women every day. God's kindness should lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4) before it is too late to realize that the Lord is not as selective in his distribution of justice as we are.

As we continue to watch the horrors unfold, pray with us.

Father, we thank you that you are not slow as some count slowness, but patient with us, not wanting any of us to perish, but wishing that all would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). We marvel that your mercy is available to all of us. We pray for your mercy to supernaturally meet and transform those who are perpetrating wickedness, or that your justice would be swift and final. Be near to those that are fearful, brokenhearted, devastated, and displaced (Psalm 34:18). Provide in such a way that the recipients would know only a holy, good, and loving God could be responsible.

May the church rise up in Israel, Gaza, America, and around the world to be ministers of reconciliation, healing, and hope (2 Corinthians 5:11-21).

May we be wise servants as we watch what continues to unfold in Israel. May we not waste an opportunity in conversation or consumption of the news to pray, to boldly share, to comfort, and to take heart that you have overcome the world, and will come again soon (1 Thessalonians 5:17, 2 Corinthians 1:4, John 16:33). Come Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20).

 Other news you should know

🔫 Maine shooter found dead over the weekend.

🤖 G7 to agree on AI code of conduct for companies.

🌊 Category 5 Hurricane Otis death toll rises to 43 in Mexico.

💸 Hate to bring it up again, but she’s a billionaire now.

⚽️ Parents of Liverpool striker Diaz kidnapped in Colombia, mother later rescued.

⚾️ The Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks are all square after 2 games.

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