“Spiritual maturity is about learning to give up our preferences in favor of Christ’s.”

Gary Thomas

Table of Contents

1. Leader of Hezbollah Dead

2. ICE Reveals Shocking Crime Statistics

3. Helene Wreaks Havoc

4. Other news you should know

5. Remnant Resources

Leader of Hezbollah Dead

Israeli airstrikes on Friday in central Beirut killed Hassan Nasrallah, the long-time leader of Hezbollah. Hezbollah confirmed his death and the loss of other leaders in what they called a "treacherous Zionist raid," with further casualties reported as rubble continued to be cleared. Nasrallah’s death is a significant blow to Hezbollah’s command, as Israeli forces have intensified strikes against the group amid escalating conflict across the region. Israel has mobilized reserve troops near the Lebanon border and hinted at a potential ground invasion.

There has been no shortage of celebration around the world and in Lebanon itself as a result of the news of Mr. Nasrallah and numerous other Hezbollah leaders. ‘When the wicked rule people groan’ (Proverbs 29:2), and the hateful reign of Nasrallah and the terrorist group he led had lasted too long. Nasrallah, as all men will (Ecclesiastes 9:2), has gone “the way of all the earth” (2 Kings 2:2, Joshua 22:14), and his day of judgment has arrived (Hebrews 9:27). In a world where wickedness seems to never end and rebellious men appear to continually prosper it is good to be reminded that the laughter of the wicked is short (Psalm 73:19).

It is also good to remind ourselves that we will face our own judgment and we too will be “recompensed for what we have done, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:10). When we stand in judgment, we will stand before a Holy God not next to terrorists. The wise man finds his comfort in Christ alone, not in comparing themselves to others (Galatians 6:4-5).

But while we wait for judgment, we should remember the “little while” (1 Peter 1:6) of the righteous can last our entire tenure on earth, and the reign of the wicked can endure for generations. The only way to not be overwhelmed by the temporary prosperity of the wicked is to be constantly meditating on the Word of God (Proverbs 1:2-6). While we pray for Lebanon and the Middle East, we must make sure we are “opening our mouth wide” (Psalm 81:10) and feasting on the Truth of Scripture (Revelation 3:20).

_{By: Todd Wagner}

ICE Reveals Shocking Crime Statistics

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed that over 647,000 non-detained illegal immigrants with criminal charges or convictions are currently in the U.S. Of these, 425,000 have criminal convictions, while 222,000 have pending charges. Many are awaiting case resolution, including potential deportation or asylum approval. ICE’s non-detained docket has tripled since 2018, now holding 7.4 million individuals. The report highlights serious offenses, including 13,000 murder convictions and 15,000 sexual assault convictions. ICE faces challenges in apprehending released criminals, especially in sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate. Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales criticized the Biden-Harris administration's policies, arguing that they prioritize criminals over public safety. This comes right after Vice President Kamala Harris visited the border last Friday for the first time since 2021. 

The Bible speaks clearly about the necessity for order within borders. In Acts 17:26, God Himself establishes boundaries for nations. Therefore, it is certainly reasonable for a country to prioritize the safety of its own citizens over violent criminals who belong to another nation; this is our government’s responsibility (1 Peter 2:13-14).

Mercy is essential (James 2:13), but mercy without boundaries leads to recklessness. There is a significant difference between showing compassion for an asylum seeker in need and harboring violent criminals fleeing justice (Romans 13:1-4). This is a distinction few on the political extremes are willing to recognize. 

God’s justice never turns a blind eye to wrongdoing (Isaiah 61:8). Governing authorities are ordained as “God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer” (Romans 13:4). This is not about politics. It is fundamentally about protecting the innocent and upholding righteousness. Regrettably, lawlessness in our land has been tolerated in the Biden-Harris administration at an exorbitant and unsustainable rate. 

A nation cannot genuinely claim to be humane if its policies permit harm to its citizens. We are commanded to love our neighbors, and safeguarding their safety and dignity is an essential expression of that love (Leviticus 19:18). This delicate balance between justice and compassion is what we must strive for and rightfully expect from those in positions of authority.

_{By: Jamie Wilder}

Helene Wreaks Havoc

Hurricane Helene, the strongest storm to hit Florida's Big Bend, has caused catastrophic damage across the Southeast, resulting in at least 33 deaths and leaving 4.5 million in the dark. The storm's aftermath includes historic flooding in parts of the Carolinas and Tennessee, where a dam failure prompted evacuations. In Florida, search and rescue operations saved 190 people, while in Tennessee, dramatic rescues included hospital patients. Helene's impact stretched into Georgia, where Atlanta experienced significant disruptions. Record-breaking river flooding continues to challenge recovery efforts, with widespread power infrastructure damage hampering electricity restoration. President Biden has expressed condolences and committed to aiding the recovery as communities begin the long process of rebuilding from Helene's unprecedented destruction.

In the face of tragedies such as hurricanes, we are called to mourn with those who mourn and to pray for those who have suffered profound loss (Romans 12:15). This storm serves as a poignant reminder that there exists a promise of restoration—a promise fulfilled in the return of One who will wipe away every tear and who embodies steadfast love, justice, and righteousness (Revelation 21:4; Jeremiah 9:23–24).

We must resist the deceptive notion that we have infinite time to engage with matters of faith, for the promise of God's return is not delayed (2 Peter 3:9). In moments of tragedy, we are urged to meditate on the assurances of Christ's eventual return, to reflect on the transient nature of earthly existence, and to intercede on behalf of those impacted by calamity (1 Peter 1:7; James 4:14; Psalm 34:18). Let this be a powerful catalyst for your witnessing to those who may be lost, inviting them into a relationship with the Divine before destruction inevitably visits them (Luke 19:10).

_{By: Jack Mueller}

Other news you should know

🚁 Tampa Bay saw over 1,000 rescues alone.

🚰 Judge requires EPA to review risks of water fluoridation.

👋🏻 The Today show is losing a familiar face.

🌏 Hundreds dead in Nepal due to floods and landslides.

🚀 SpaceX launches mission to rescue stranded astronauts.

⚾️ Shohei Ohtani steals 59th base but doesn’t get a triple crown.

🛂 Kamala (finally) visits border.

The D.O.J. sues Alabama over noncitizen voter purge.

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